H.R. 3838 — what changed
Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
From Reported in House to Engrossed in House. 113 sections amended and 294 added between Reported in House and Engrossed in House.
Sec. 2 Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents
changed
Divisions— This Act is organized into four six divisions as follows:
Division A—Department of Defense Authorizations.
Division B—Military Construction Authorizations.
Division C—Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations.
Division D—Funding Tables.
added
Division E—Other Matters.
added
Division F—Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025.
Table of contents— The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 113 Limitation on reductions to Army Prepositioned Stocks—Afloat program sealift capability
Limitation— The Secretary of the Army may not reduce, withdraw, or otherwise degrade the sealift capability of the Army Prepositioned Stocks—Afloat program (referred to in this section as “APS–3”) until the date on which the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes—
a comprehensive plan for the Army Prepositioned Stocks program through fiscal year 2030, addressing modernization, sustainment, and capacity objectives for all subprograms and capabilities, including APS–3;
estimated costs, schedule projections, and risk assessments for executing the plan under paragraph (1);
a detailed description of any alternative solution or capability that the Army envisions would succeed or supplement APS–3, including operational employment concepts, an acquisition strategy, and a strategy for integration with joint and coalition logistics forces;
an assessment of the risks, costs, and benefits associated with a potential deactivation or reduction in APS–3 capabilities; and
any legislative or regulatory authorities required to implement—
the plan under paragraph (1); and
any alternative solution or capability identified under paragraph (3).
changed
Definition— In this section, the term “sealift capability” sealift capability means the vessels, associated equipment, and any port-of-embarkation and port-of-debarkation infrastructure dedicated to APS–3.
Sec. 114 Limitation on availability of funds for the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) of the Army
addedadded Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of the Army for the Army’s Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) strategy, not more than 50 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of the Army submits to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
added
The Army’s detailed funding plans for current and new procurements for its tactical network, and a cost and capability assessment of current and proposed solutions.
added
Testing and fielding plans for any new procurements for such network, including an explanation of—
added
how any new programs meet the resiliency requirements specified in section 168 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1251); and
added
how any new programs will utilize NSA High Assurance certified encryption and decryption.
added
Plans to integrate existing programs of record with new programs of record and plans to ensure systems are interoperable with both fielded systems the systems of foreign partners.
Sec. 115 Report on fielding of Link 16 military tactical data network
addedadded Not later than December 1, 2025, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the plan of the Army to require and accelerate the fielding of Link 16 military tactical data networking capabilities throughout the Army, including on UH–60M and CH–47F aircraft—
added
for command and control and fires;
added
to ensure maximum interoperability, lethality, and survivability of combat and combat support elements supporting the Joint Force within highly contested airborne combat environments in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command; and
added
to meet joint all-domain command and control goals worldwide.
Sec. 123 Authority for advance procurement of certain components to support continuous production of Virginia class submarines
In general— The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, prior to ship authorization, for the advance procurement of covered components for Virginia class submarines, including procurement of such components in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.
Funding and liability— Any 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
the total liability to the Federal Government for termination of the contract shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated for the contract at the time of termination.
Budget requests— 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 fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy shall include a separate budget display identifying the amounts requested pursuant to this section set forth by the specific program, project, or activity under the Virginia class submarine program for which such funds are requested.
changed
Covered components defined— In this section, the term “covered components” covered components means the following components for Virginia class submarines:
Propulsion plant equipment.
Diesel Systems and associated components.
Castings, forgings, and tank structures.
Air flasks.
Payload tubes.
Major Valves And Associated Components.
Hatches.
Steering and drive components.
Major Pumps And Motors.
Snorkel mast and components.
Torpedo tubes.
Atmosphere control equipment.
Sec. 126 Vessel construction manager for follow-on ships of the Landing Ship Medium program
In general— After the construction of the lead ship of the Landing Ship Medium program has commenced, the Secretary of the Navy shall seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate vessel construction manager pursuant to which the vessel construction manager shall seek to enter into one or more contracts for the construction of not more than 8 additional landing ships under the program.
Requirements for additional ships— The additional landing ships authorized to be constructed under subsection (a), shall be nondevelopmental items constructed using a design that is—
the same as the design of the lead ship; or
derived from such design.
changed
Lead ship defined— In this section, the term “lead ship” lead ship means the first landing ship procured as a commercial or nondevelopmental item as authorized under section 128(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159).
Sec. 128 Inclusion of amphibious warfare ship spares and repair parts as a separate line item in Navy budget justification materials
In general— In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of the Defense budget for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code), the Secretary of the Navy shall include one or more dedicated line items for spare parts and repair parts for amphibious warfare ships in the budget display for other procurement, Navy.
changed
Amphibious warfare ship defined— In this section, the term “amphibious amphibious warfare ship” ship has the meaning given that term in section 8062(h) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 130 Modification to requirements for recapitalization of tactical fighter aircraft of the Navy Reserve
Section 127 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
changed
“(c) Covered F–18 aircraft defined—In this section, the term “covered covered F–18 aircraft” aircraft means—
“(1) the eight F/A–18E/F Super Hornet aircraft procured using funds authorized and appropriated for the Navy during fiscal year 2023; or
“(2) in lieu of an aircraft described in paragraph (1), any Block II or newer F/A–18E/F tactical fighter aircraft that—
“(A) has a minimum of 2,000 flight hours of service-life remaining airframe flight time prior to the need for a required high flight-hour inspection and Service Life Modification process; and
“(B) is included in the Naval Aviation Master Aviation Plan and designated for the Navy Reserve.
“(d) Master aviation plan—In conjunction with the activities required under this section, the Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that the Naval Aviation Master Aviation Plan remains up-to-date and relevant with respect to aviation units of the Navy Reserve.”
Sec. 131 Report on procurement strategy for submarine cable laying and repair ships
added
added
In general— 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 strategy of the Navy for procuring at least two cable laying and repair ships to replace the USNS Zeus as it nears the end of its expected service life.
added
Elements— The report under subsection (a) shall include—
added
a description of the full scope of the planned capabilities for the next generation of cable laying and repair ships to meet anticipated Navy requirements, including the feasibility of establishing organic capabilities;
added
a projected timeline for the procurement of such ships, including the expected time until such ships will be operational;
added
an explanation of how the Navy plans to meet Service requirements for submarine cable laying and repair during the period before which the Navy is able to field new capabilities.
added
Form of report— The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Sec. 141 Modification of minimum inventory requirements for air refueling tanker aircraft
Minimum inventory requirement— Section 9062(j) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1), by striking “a total aircraft inventory of air refueling tanker aircraft of not less than 466 aircraft” and inserting
“(A) of not less than 466 aircraft during the period ending on September 30, 2026;
“(B) of not less than 485 aircraft during the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2027; and
“(C) of not less than 504 aircraft beginning on October 1, 2027.”
in paragraph (2), by striking “below 466” and inserting “below the applicable level specified in paragraph (1)”.
Prohibition on reduction of KC–135 aircraft in PMAI of the reserve components—
In general— None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to reduce the number of KC–135 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory within the reserve components of the Air Force.
changed
Primary mission aircraft inventory defined— In this subsection, the term “primary primary mission aircraft inventory” inventory has the meaning given that term in section 9062(i)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 146 Limitation on procurement of KC–46 aircraft pending certification on correction of deficiencies
Limitation— The Secretary of Defense may not accept or take delivery of covered KC–46 aircraft in excess of the maximum quantity specified in subsection (c) until the Secretary—
certifies to the congressional defense committees that the Secretary has developed and is implementing a plan of corrective actions and milestones to resolve all Category 1 deficiencies identified with respect to KC–46 aircraft; and
submits such plan to such committees, which shall include—
an estimate of the total amount of funds required to complete implementation of the plan;
realistic event-driven schedules to achieve the objectives of the plan; and
a schedule risk assessment to a minimum of 80 percent confidence level.
Form— The plan described in subsection (a)(2) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Maximum Quantity— The maximum quantity of covered KC–46 aircraft specified in this subsection is 183 aircraft.
changed
Covered KC–46 Aircraft Defined— In this section, the term “covered covered KC–46 aircraft” aircraft means new production KC–46 aircraft the procurement of which is fully funded by the United States.
Sec. 149 Extension of prohibition on certain reductions to B–1 bomber aircraft squadrons
addedadded Subsection (d)(1) of section 133 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1574), as most recently amended by section 146 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1810), is further amended by striking “September 30, 2026” and inserting “September 30, 2030”.
Sec. 150 Plan for recapitalization and modernization of the fighter fleet of the Air National Guard
added
added
In general— The Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Director of the Air National Guard, shall develop a plan for the recapitalization and modernization of the fighter fleet of the Air National Guard.
added
Element— The plan required under subsection (a) shall include—
added
measures to sustain and recapitalize the fighter fleet of the Air National Guard, including each of the 25 Air National Guard fighter aircraft squadrons;
added
a timeline for the recapitalization of such fighter fleet, disaggregated by fighter aircraft squadron and fiscal year;
added
the estimated costs of the proposed recapitalization plan; and
added
an explanation of the expected impact of the plan on operational and personnel readiness.
added
Report— Not later than July 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the plan developed under subsection (a).
Sec. 153 Sense of Congress on domestic procurement of defense articles for AUKUS partnership
added
added
In general— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
researching, producing, and procuring defense articles for the AUKUS partnership from within the United States boosts local economies and improves national security by enhancing domestic defense article production capabilities; and
added
the Secretary of Defense should promote and prioritize domestic manufacturing, supply chains, and research for defense articles intended for use by members of the AUKUS partnership.
added
AUKUS partnership defined— In this section, the term “AUKUS partnership” means the enhanced trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced in September 2021.
Sec. 154 Prohibition on availability of funds for non-tactical electric vehicles or components produced by child and slave labor
addedadded None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the procurement of non-tactical electric vehicles, advanced-biofuel-powered vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, or any components or spare parts associated with such vehicles that are not in compliance with the prohibition on the acquisition of products produced by forced or indentured child labor under subpart 22.15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (or any successor regulations).
Sec. 155 Report on next generation fuel cells
addedadded Not later than March 15, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the development and integration of next-generation self-sealing fuel cells (referred to in this section as “NexGen fuel cells”) into the rotorcraft fleets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force). The report shall include each of the following:
added
An assessment of any negative effects on readiness associated with using the fuel cells in use as of the date on the enactment of this Act that are based on World War II-era technology and manufacturing processes.
added
An identification of any readiness, fiscal, and other benefits of incorporating NexGen fuel cells into the rotorcraft fleets the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
added
Plans or concepts for developing and incorporating NexGen fuel cells into the H-60 fleets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
added
Such other matters the Secretary determines relevant.
Sec. 202 Funding for virtual engineering for Army readiness and sustainment
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Advanced Technology, line 052, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for Virtual Engineering for Army Readiness and Sustainment, is hereby increased by $7,000,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Maintenance, Army, for Land Forces Systems Readiness, line 080, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $7,000,000.
Sec. 203 Funding for humanitarian airborne mobile infrastructure capability
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army for Ground Advanced Technology, line 043, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for Humanitarian Airborne Mobile Infrastructure Capability, is hereby increased by $4,200,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Maintenance, Army, for Land Forces Systems Readiness, line 080, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $4,200,000.
Sec. 204 Funding for fuel cell multi-modular use utilizing hydrogen
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army for Ground Advanced Technology, line 043, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for Fuel Cell Multi-Modular Use (FC-MMU) Utilizing Hydrogen, is hereby increased by $10,000,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Maintenance, Army, for Land Forces Systems Readiness, line 080, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $10,000,000.
Sec. 205 Funding for advanced group 1 small unmanned aerial systems for special operations forces
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, Special Operations Command, intelligence systems development, line 290 (program element 1160405BB), is hereby increased by $3,000,000 (with the amount of such increase to be made available for ultra-lightweight Group 1 small unmanned aerial systems—advanced Group 1 small unmanned aerial systems).
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, Army, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, for maneuver units, line 010, is hereby reduced by $3,000,000.
Sec. 206 Funding for National Defense Education Program
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for basic research, National Defense Education Program, line 6, is hereby increased by $5,000,000 (with the amount of such increase to be used to strengthen and expand STEM education opportunities and workforce initiatives targeted at military students).
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 4301 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for Washington Headquarters Services, line 530, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
Sec. 207 Funding for the development, test, and integration of adaptable radar capabilities
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Defense-Wide, line 75, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for development, test, and integration of adaptable radar capabilities is hereby increased by $6,000,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Maintenance, Army for Additional Activities, line 140, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301 for program decrease is hereby reduced by $6,000,000.
Sec. 208 Funding for advanced drone development for special operations and low-intensity conflict
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense Wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for SO/LIC ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT for drone development is hereby increased by $7,500,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for SERVICEWIDE TRANSPORTATION, ARMY, line 390 as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, for program decrease is hereby reduced by $7,500,000.
Sec. 209 Funding for quantum communications corridor for Navy research, development, test, and evaluation
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Navy, for Future Naval Capabilities Applied Research, Line 012, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, is hereby increased by $50,000,000 for the development of a quantum communications corridor linking certain Department of Defense installations, national laboratories, and universities conducting Department of Defense research.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Maintenance, Army, for Force Readiness Operations Support, Line 070, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $50,000,000.
Sec. 210 Funding for smart susceptor technology
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Manufacturing Technology Program, line 28, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for Smart Susceptor Technology is hereby increased by $5,000,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to by appropriated in section 301 for Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, for Washington Headquarters Services, line 530, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
Sec. 213 Modification to authority for acquisition, construction, or furnishing of test facilities and equipment
Jointly funded projects— Section 4174 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking “A contract of a military department” and inserting “A covered contract”; and
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
“(d)
“(1) In a case in which research, developmental, or test facilities and equipment described in this section are used to support multiple contracts or programs across different military departments, other Federal agencies outside the Department of Defense, or eligible non-Federal entities, a jointly funded project may be established.
“(2) Under a jointly funded project, the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary’s designee) shall enter into a written agreement with each entity participating in the project. Each such agreement shall, at a minimum, address the following:
“(A) Cost sharing arrangements, including the proportion of total project costs to be borne by each entity.
“(B) Allocation of access to the facilities and equipment, including prioritization procedures in cases of competing demands.
“(C) Management and oversight responsibilities, including the designation of a lead agency.
“(D) Ownership and intellectual property rights related to the facilities, equipment, and any resulting data or inventions.
“(E) Dispute resolution mechanisms.
“(3) A non-Federal entity, including a private company, academic institution, or non-profit organization, may participate in a jointly funded project under this subsection only if the Secretary of Defense determines such participation is in the national security interest and consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
“(4) The Secretary of Defense shall issue regulations to implement this subsection. Such regulations shall include specific criteria for evaluating proposed jointly funded projects, standardized agreement templates, and procedures for ensuring the transparency and accountability of such projects.
changed
“(e) In this section, the term “covered contract” covered contract means—
“(1) a contract of a military department; or
“(2) a contract for a jointly funded project as described subsection (c).”
Regulations required— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue or revise regulations (as necessary) to clarify that the authority for acquisition, construction, or furnishing of test facilities and equipment under section 4174 of title 10, United States Code, applies to contracts funded using funds appropriated or otherwise made available for—
research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology funds designated as budget activity 1 (basic research), budget activity 2 (applied research), and budget activity 3 (advanced technology development) (as those budget activity classifications are set forth in volume 2B, chapter 5 of the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DOD 7000.14–R)); and
operation and maintenance, to the extent that such funds are used to support activities authorized under such section.
Sec. 219 National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute
In general— The Secretary of Defense may establish at least one National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute (referred to in this section as an “Institute”) at an eligible host institution.
Institute described— A National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute referred to in subsection (a) is an artificial intelligence research institute that—
is focused on a cross-cutting challenge or foundational science for artificial intelligence systems in the national security and defense sector;
establishes partnerships among public and private organizations, including, as appropriate, Federal agencies, institutions of higher education, including community colleges, nonprofit research organizations, Federal laboratories, State, local, and Tribal governments, and industry, including the Defense Industrial Base and startup companies;
has the potential to create an innovation ecosystem, or enhance existing ecosystems, to translate Institute research into applications and products used to enhance national security and defense capabilities;
supports interdisciplinary research and development across multiple institutions of higher education and organizations; and
supports workforce development in artificial intelligence related disciplines in the United States.
Financial assistance authorized—
In general— The Secretary of Defense may award financial assistance to an eligible host institution, or consortia thereof, to establish and support one or more Institutes.
Use of funds— Financial assistance awarded under paragraph (1) may be used by an Institute for—
managing and making available to researchers accessible, curated, standardized, secure, and privacy protected data sets from the public and private sectors for the purposes of training and testing artificial intelligence systems and for research using artificial intelligence systems with regard to national security and defense;
developing and managing testbeds for artificial intelligence systems, including sector-specific test beds, designed to enable users to evaluate artificial intelligence systems prior to deployment;
conducting research and education activities involving artificial intelligence systems to solve challenges with national security implications;
providing or brokering access to computing resources, networking, and data facilities for artificial intelligence research and development relevant to the Institute’s research goals;
providing technical assistance to users, including software engineering support, for artificial intelligence research and development relevant to the Institute’s research goals;
engaging in outreach and engagement to broaden participation in artificial intelligence research and the artificial intelligence workforce; and
such other activities as may determined by the Secretary of Defense.
Duration— Financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall be awarded for a five-year period, and may be renewed for not more than one additional five-year period.
Application for financial assistance— A eligible host institution or consortia thereof seeking financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
Competitive, merit review— In awarding financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall use a competitive, merit-based review process.
Collaboration— In awarding financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense may collaborate other departments and agencies of the Federal Government with missions that relate to or have the potential to be affected by the national security implications of artificial intelligence systems.
Limitation— No financial assistance authorized in this section shall be awarded to an entity outside of the United States. All recipients of financial assistance under this section, including subgrantees, shall be based in the United States and shall meet such other eligibility criteria as may be established by the Secretary of Defense.
changed
Definition— In this section, the term “eligible eligible host institution” institution means an institution of higher education in the United States that conducts research sponsored by the Department of Defense.
Sec. 221 Department of Defense biotechnology workforce training
Requirement— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out a training program—
for members of the covered Armed Forces, civilian employees of the Department of Defense, and contractors of such Department whose duties the Secretary determines include—
creating or deploying novel biotechnologies;
analyzing, preparing for, or responding to biological threats; or
planning, research and development, engineering, or testing and evaluation of systems (including quality control and assurance, procurement and contracting, logistics, and cost estimating) regarding biotechnology; and
on biotechnology and other relevant critical and emerging technologies.
Consultation—
In general— The Secretary shall consult with leadership and workforce training managers in the Department to develop and implement such training program and identify the individuals described in subsection (a) based on—
the needs and priorities of the Department; and
the relevance of the training to the individuals’ positions.
Material— The material covered in the training programs shall be customized by Department leadership to align with specific needs and mission requirements.
Skills— The Secretary shall define the essential skills for biotechnology personnel to better understand what Federal personnel should undergo training and how to customize training for groups.
Requirements—
In general— The training program established under this section shall, at a minimum, include information on—
the fundamental science underlying biotechnology, artificial intelligence and other relevant critical and emerging technologies;
concepts relating to the technological features of biotechnology systems;
applications of biotechnology in defense, health, agriculture, energy, environment, and other relevant areas;
the ways in which artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other technologies are leveraged to advance biotechnology;
mechanisms by which the Federal Government supports, funds, purchases, and deploys biotechnology and its applications;
ways in which the Federal Government can benefit from biotechnology;
ethical, social, and legal aspects of biotechnology including ways of incorporating a wide range of stakeholder perspectives throughout research and innovation cycles;
ways to mitigate the risks described in previous subparagraphs, including efforts to create and identify biotechnologies that are reliable, safe, and trustworthy; and
future trends in biotechnology, including intersections with artificial intelligence, quantum computing, autonomous systems, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and other relevant technologies, as well as trends for economic and national security, and innovation.
Participation— Any individual described under subsection (b)(1) shall complete training under this section annually.
Interactive— The Secretary shall ensure interactive learning with scholars and experts from private, public and nonprofit sectors is included under the training programs. The Secretary shall provide access to courses through institutions of professional military education, such as the National Defense University.
Updates— The training programs established under this section shall be updated each year to review and cover advances in biotechnology and its convergence with other critical and emerging technologies.
Continuing education— The Secretary shall update the training programs established under this section to provide continuing technology education for individuals described in subsection (a) and include requirements for refresher training on the latest advances in biotechnology science, laboratory work, equipment and software.
Performance measurements— The Secretary shall establish mechanisms to measure participation in training programs required under this section, and to receive and consider feedback from program participants to improve training.
Report— Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report that includes a plan to establish and implement the training programs required under this section.
Sunset— This section and the training programs required to be carried out by this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after such programs are established under subsection (a).
Definitions— In this section:
The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given that term in section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (division E of Public Law 116–283).
changed
The term “covered covered Armed Force” Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Sec. 223 Review and alignment of standards, guidance, and policies relating to digital engineering
Review required—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department, in coordination with the officials specified in subsection (c), shall complete a comprehensive review of the standards, guidance, and policies relating to digital engineering within the covered Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary.
Elements— Each review under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the covered Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, the following:
A review of the reference architectures, standards, and best practices for the use of digital engineering tools (including digital twins and digital threads) as in effect at the time of the review, including standards for the use of such tools at all stages of program design, development, and testing.
Identification of the current standards guiding the use of such digital engineering tools, at all stages of program design, development, and testing.
Assessment of—
the extent to which the use of such standards and related governance structures is consistent across the covered Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned; and
the level of interoperability of such standards across such Armed Forces.
Identification of best practices for digital engineering within each such Armed Force.
Recommendations for improvements to the use of digital engineering tools in each such Armed Force.
Development of standard reference architecture—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of a military department completes the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop and implement a standard reference architecture to guide the use of, and best practices for, digital engineering for program design, development, and testing within each covered Armed Force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary. Each reference architecture shall include—
a framework and clear requirements for developing and deploying digital engineering tools across program lifecycles; and
defined standards for data management and modeling.
Periodic review— Not less frequently than once every three years following implementation of the standard reference architecture required under paragraph (1), each Secretary of a military department shall—
conduct periodic reviews of the reference architecture to ensure it effectively addresses advancements in technology and evolving operational needs; and
if necessary, modify the reference architecture to address such advancements and needs.
Approval and certification required— Before a reference architecture may be implemented under this subsection, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall—
review and approve the reference architecture; and
submit certification of such approval to the head of the covered Armed Force involved.
Recommendations for further standardization— Based on the reviews conducted under paragraph (3), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall—
identify and develop recommendations regarding areas in which further standardization of reference architectures across the covered Armed Forces may be feasible; and
submit such recommendations to the Secretaries of the military departments.
Officials specified— The officials specified in this subsection are the following—
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
The Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “covered covered Armed Forces” Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
changed
The term “reference architecture” reference architecture means an authoritative source of information about a specific subject area that guides and constrains the instantiations of multiple architectures and solutions, as described in the guidance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense titled “Reference Architecture Description”, dated June 2010, or any successor to such guidance.
Sec. 224 Application of software innovation and data management plans to modernize test and evaluation infrastructure
Establishment of digital test and evaluation environment—
Program— The Director of the Test Resource Management Center, in coordination with the officials specified in paragraph (4), shall establish and maintain a digital test and evaluation environment for developmental and operational testing of warfighting capabilities.
Requirements— The digital test and evaluation environment required under paragraph (1) shall—
incorporate commercially-derived data management, analysis, and operations software tools to enable rapid test and evaluation;
enable real-time and iterative data collection, management, analysis, and feedback loops across the life cycle of tested systems;
provide secure environments for testing systems with operational security sensitivities; and
use a modular open system approach (as defined in section 4401 of title 10, United States Code) to ensure the environment can be accessed by multiple vendors and is interoperable with multiple data sources, data formats, and digital tools.
Use of software acquisition pathway— In procuring software and covered hardware (as defined in section 3603 of title 10, United States Code) for the digital test and evaluation environment required under paragraph (1), the Director of the Test Resource Management center shall use a software acquisition pathway described in section 3603 of title 10, United States Code.
Officials specified— The officials specified in this paragraph are—
the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit;
the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; and
each chief of a covered Armed Force.
Data management plans—
In general— Before a covered Armed Force may conduct a test and evaluation event, an appropriate official from the Armed Force shall submit to the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation and the Director of the Test Resource Management Center a data management plan for the event. Such data management plan may be included as part of the Test and Evaluation Master plan submitted for the event pursuant to Department of Defense Directive 5000.100.
Plan requirements— The Director of Operational Test and Evaluation and the Director of the Test Resource Management Center shall jointly develop standard requirements for the data management plans required under paragraph (1). Each such data management plan shall include, with respect to the test and evaluation event covered by the plan—
identification of relevant data to be collected during the event;
methodologies for analyzing data after testing is complete; and
any other information the Directors determine appropriate.
Pilot program to accelerate test—
In general— The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit and the Director of the Test Resource Management Center, in coordination with the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall jointly carry out a pilot program to determine how commercial software can be used to accelerate and improve testing for priority mission areas—
to accelerate continuous integration and continuous testing of warfighting capabilities by applying industry best practices and tooling for scalability, advanced analysis, and data sharing on identified priority use cases; and
to enable continuous and iterative testing throughout capability design, development, engineering, and fielding.
Reports required— The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit and the Director of the Test Resource Management Center, in coordination with the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall—
not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the congressional defense committees an interim report that includes an implementation plan for the pilot program under paragraph (1); and
following submittal of the report under subparagraph (A), but not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the committees a report on the progress of the pilot program, which shall include a description of—
the metrics used to measure the performance of commercial software under the program;
the initial findings of the program; and
based on such findings, any identified roadblocks or limitations to using commercial software and digital tools for accelerated testing.
Termination— The authority to carry out the pilot program under this subsection shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
changed
Covered Armed Force defined— In this section, the term “covered covered Armed Force” Force means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
Sec. 225 Demonstration of near real-time monitoring capabilities to enhance weapon system platforms
Program establishment— Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the chiefs of the Armed Forces, shall carry out a program to equip selected weapon system platforms with onboard, near real-time, end-to-end serial bus and radio frequency monitoring capabilities to ensure continuous operational oversight and cybersecurity health and resiliency.
Phases— The Secretary of Defense shall implement the program under subsection (a) in phases as follows:
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—
select not fewer than 3 and not more than 5 weapon system platform fleets for initial participation in the program, prioritizing the MH–60R and MQ–9 aircraft fleets; and
complete the initial deployment of monitoring capabilities to such platforms.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall extend monitoring capabilities to the complete fleets of selected platforms and complete initial data collection and analysis from all participating platforms.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations—
select not fewer than 3 and not more than 5 weapon system platform fleets, in addition to those selected under paragraph (1), for participation in the program, prioritizing platforms that demonstrate the highest potential for cybersecurity improvement and operational readiness gains based on program data analysis; and
complete initial deployment of monitoring capabilities to such additional platforms.
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete a comprehensive evaluation of the monitoring capabilities demonstrated under the program, including cybersecurity effectiveness, potential applicability of data to maintenance improvements, and development of scalability recommendations for potential Department-wide implementation.
Data collection and analysis—
Chiefs of the armed forces requirements— Each chief of an Armed Force with a weapon system platform participating in the program under subsection (a) shall collect and provide to the Secretary of Defense data regarding the platform and the monitoring capabilities demonstrated under the program, including data on—
cyber threat detection effectiveness;
maintenance efficiency improvements;
safety incident investigation and predictive maintenance accuracy;
operational readiness and mission capable rates improvements; and
interoperability and data sharing capabilities across platforms and services.
Departmental analysis— The Secretary shall analyze the data provided under paragraph (1) to assess—
integration challenges and suggestions for overcoming such challenges in a future Department-wide program;
scalability requirements for broader Department-wide implementation; and
novel approaches for utilizing existing resources in an austere fiscal environment to expand capabilities across the Department.
added
AI inventory system— In conjunction with the activities required under this section, the Secretary of Defense may develop and implement an artificial intelligence capability to create up-to-date and accurate records of the weapons inventory of the Department of Defense.
renumbered
was (5)
Budget integration— In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of Defense budget for fiscal year 2028 (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary of Defense shall include proposed funding levels for the program expansion authorized under subsection (b)(3).
renumbered
was (6)
Reporting requirements— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for each of the following five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of the program. Each report shall include, with respect to the period covered by the report—
renumbered
was (6)(3)
implementation plans for the program;
renumbered
was (6)(4)
identification of the weapon system platforms selected for participation in the program; and
renumbered
was (6)(5)
analysis of any data collected under the program.
Sec. 228 Prohibition on availability of funds for animal research in collaboration with foreign countries of concern
Prohibition— None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended—
to carry out research, development, test, evaluation, or training activities involving animals—
in collaboration with a foreign country of concern; or
at any facility located in, or owned or controlled (directly or indirectly) by, a foreign country of concern; or
to enter into a contract or other agreement, or make a grant, pursuant to which such activities would be carried out.
changed
Foreign country of concern defined— In this section, the term “foreign foreign country of concern” concern has the meaning given that term in section 9901 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 15 U.S.C. 4651).
Sec. 229 Prohibition on availability of funds for gain of function research
Prohibition— None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended—
to conduct gain-of-function research on any potential pandemic pathogen at any facility operated by or on behalf of the Department; or
to award contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or any other form of financial assistance to any institution of higher education, nonprofit organization, private entity, or other research institute that is conducting gain-of-function research on potential pandemic pathogens.
Waiver—
In general— The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis, with respect to an individual research project, grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the national interests of the United States.
Congressional notice— Not later than 30 days before the date on which an award is made, a project is initiated, or an agreement entered into, with respect to which a waiver is made under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice of such waiver.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “gain-of-function research” gain-of-function research means any research that may be reasonably anticipated to confer an attribute to a pathogen such that the pathogen would have enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility in mammals.
changed
The term “potential potential pandemic pathogen” pathogen means a pathogen that, as a result of any gain-of-function research—
is likely more transmissible or likely capable of wide and uncontrollable spread in human populations;
is likely more virulent or likely to cause modest or greater morbidity or mortality in humans; or
is likely to pose a severe threat to public health, the capacity of the public health systems to function, or national security.
Sec. 231 Prioritization of partnerships with institutions of higher education in certain research areas
added
added
In general— In exercising the authority to enter into partnerships to support the research, development, test, and evaluation activities of the Department of Defense, the Secretary of Defense shall prioritize partnerships with institutions of higher education conducting research on hypersonics, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that identifies any ongoing partnerships with institutions of higher education as described in subsection (a).
Sec. 232 Research, development, and implementation of unattended robotic process automation
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall carry out activities to support the research, development, implementation, and oversight of unattended robotic process automation within the Department of Defense. Such activities shall include—
added
the allocation of funding for research and development initiatives to enhance the capabilities of unattended robotic process automation in combat, intelligence analysis, and defense infrastructure management;
added
the development and implementation of a framework for expanding unattended robotic process automation technologies across mission-critical operations, logistics, and administrative processes of the Department, with priority given to interoperability, cybersecurity protections, and real-time adaptability of automated systems;
added
the implementation of policies and processes to ensure that any deployment of unattended robotic process automation adheres to existing cybersecurity and defense data protection regulations; and
added
the establishment of a task force to oversee the implementation, effectiveness, and long-term integration of unattended robotic process automation within the Department.
added
Reporting— 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 progress of the Secretary in carrying out the activities required under subsection (a). Such report shall include—
added
performance metrics for such activities;
added
an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of such activities; and
added
an assessment of the potential risks associated with the expansion of unattended robotic process automation within the Department of Defense.
Sec. 233 Pilot program on modernized health and usage monitoring systems to address obsolescence in Marine Corps rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft
added
added
Establishment— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall establish and carry out a pilot program to evaluate commercially available, next-generation Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (referred to in this section as “HUMS”) technologies intended to address obsolescence issues affecting legacy HUMS currently installed on Marine Corps rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft.
added
Objectives— In conducting the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall assess whether modernized HUMS technologies—
added
effectively mitigate obsolescence risks associated with legacy HUMS systems;
added
enhance the operational readiness, availability, and sustainment of Marine Corps rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft; and
added
deliver advanced predictive analytics capabilities, reducing maintenance burden and lifecycle costs.
added
Duration— The pilot program shall be carried out for a period not exceeding one year.
added
Report— Not later than 90 days after completion of the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report summarizing—
added
the pilot program results, including effectiveness in addressing obsolescence, improving predictive maintenance, and enhancing readiness and aircraft availability; and
added
recommendations regarding broader adoption of evaluated HUMS technologies across the Marine Corps rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft fleet.
added
Funding—
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Management Support, Aviation Safety, Line 201 (PE 0606301D8Z), as set forth in the funding table in section 4201, is hereby increased by $5,000,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 101 for Procurement for Other Procurement, Army, IAMD Battle Command System, Line 116, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4101, is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
added
Coordination— The pilot program shall be conducted in coordination with appropriate Marine Corps aviation stakeholders, including operational and technical authorities responsible for aviation maintenance and readiness.
Sec. 234 Pilot program on modernized health and usage monitoring systems to address obsolescence in army rotary-wing aircraft
added
added
Establishment— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall establish and carry out a pilot program to evaluate commercially available, next-generation Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (referred to in this section as “HUMS”) technologies to address obsolescence issues affecting legacy monitoring systems installed on Army rotary-wing aircraft.
added
Objectives— In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army shall assess whether modernized HUMS technologies—
added
effectively mitigate obsolescence risks associated with legacy HUMS systems;
added
significantly enhance operational readiness of rotary-wing aircraft;
added
provide effective predictive maintenance capabilities resulting in reduced maintenance costs and increased aircraft availability; and
added
extend operational lifespan of existing rotary-wing platforms.
added
Duration— The pilot program shall be carried out for a period not exceeding one year.
added
Platform selection— In selecting rotary-wing aircraft for participation in the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army is encouraged to prioritize platforms whose evaluation would yield broadly applicable results, including potential relevance to rotary-wing aircraft operated by other branches of the Armed Forces.
added
Report— Not later than 90 days after completion of the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes—
added
an assessment of the tested HUMS technologies’ effectiveness in addressing obsolescence and improving readiness; and
added
recommendations for potential broader adoption across the Army rotary-wing fleet, including consideration of applicability to similar rotary-wing aircraft operated by other branches of the Armed Forces.
added
Funding—
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Management Support, Aviation Safety, Line 201 (PE 0606301D8Z), as set forth in the funding table in section 4201, is hereby increased by $5,000,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 101 for Procurement for Other Procurement, Army, IAMD Battle Command System, Line 116, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4101, is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
added
Coordination— The pilot program shall be conducted in coordination with the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team and the Program Executive Office Aviation.
Sec. 235 Initiative on studying advanced artificial intelligence, national security, and strategic competition
added
added
Initiative required— The Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out an initiative (referred to in this section as the “Initiative”) to prepare the Department of Defense to fully harness the transformative potential of advanced artificial intelligence, assess the national security and defense implications of advanced artificial intelligence, and analyze strategic competition factors relating to the People’s Republic of China’s pursuit of advanced artificial intelligence.
added
Designation of lead office— The Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate agency or office within the Department of Defense to have primary responsibility for carrying out the initiative described in subsection (a). Any such designation shall not prohibit other agencies or offices within the Executive Branch from being consulted or otherwise supporting the efforts of the lead office.
added
Duties— Under the Initiative, the agency or office designated by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (b) shall do the following:
added
Review industry documents and assessments of advanced artificial intelligence, including preparedness frameworks, scaling policies, and risk management frameworks of advanced artificial intelligence developers.
added
Engage with leading artificial intelligence developers and researchers to characterize and anticipate the capabilities of highly advanced artificial intelligence relevant to national security to inform military planning, societal preparedness, and Department of Defense adopt plans, including via interviews, site visits, roundtables, expert discussions, and other forms of engagement with relevant experts.
added
Identify strategies for the Department of Defense to encourage adoption and fully leverage advanced artificial intelligence systems, assess the comparative adoption to other nations, and manage national security threats from advanced artificial intelligence competition. In assessing adoption strategies, the Secretary shall evaluate the implications of advanced artificial intelligence for the national defense and form a plan for addressing implications for the Department of Defense’s processes, systems, functions, capabilities, and adoption pathways. The plan shall include—
added
an assessment of the steps needed to prepare the Department of Defense workforce to leverage the transformative potential of advanced artificial intelligence;
added
an assessment of Department of Defense processes and workflows that are most likely to be substantially impacted by the introduction of advanced artificial intelligence within or outside the structure of each process or workflow, and the offices that will be primarily responsible for managing the evolution of those processes;
added
identifying internal Department of Defense policies that require revision, elimination, or creation to effectively and responsibly harness advanced artificial intelligence;
added
a framework for developing the artificial intelligence infrastructure to scale the use of advanced artificial intelligence, including requirements for—
added
artificial intelligence factories that manage the entire artificial intelligence life cycle;
added
data foundries that effectively and efficiently manage government, commercial, and synthetic data;
added
edge infrastructure for employing advanced artificial intelligence in warfighting use cases at all levels of command; and
added
other critical enabling infrastructure, such as information technology systems and energy sources;
added
recommendations for resourcing the materiel and nonmateriel solutions identified in subparagraphs (A) through (D); and
added
recommendations for resourcing critical artificial intelligence assurance activities, such as test and evaluation, continuous monitoring, governance, and the creation of assurance case artifacts.
added
Examine the potential implications of advanced artificial intelligence on key areas of national defense, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear capabilities, advanced cyber capabilities, model autonomy, strategic deception, advanced research and development capabilities for producing increasingly powerful artificial intelligence, military applications of artificial intelligence for warfighting functions, and other areas in which advanced artificial intelligence may pose a threat to national security or national defense.
added
In consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, monitor and assess the progress of the People’s Republic of China in developing advanced artificial intelligence and assess the implications of such development for strategic competition. In assessing such progress, the Secretary shall examine key factors in areas critical for People’s Republic of China progress toward advanced artificial intelligence, including—
added
an assessment of the People’s Republic of China’s overall efforts toward advanced artificial intelligence, including overall progress, activities to develop or acquire such systems, relative progress compared to United States entities, efforts to prevent loss of control from such systems, and attitudes of the Chinese Communist Party and other influential figures toward advanced artificial intelligence risks and safety approaches;
added
identification of the primary entities in the People’s Republic of China that are leading in the development of advanced artificial intelligence;
added
identification of the top researchers in the People’s Republic of China who are most essential for the development of advanced artificial intelligence;
added
identification of specific data centers, energy infrastructure, and other resources most critical to the People’s Republic of China’s progress toward advanced artificial intelligence (including plans for future data centers);
added
identification and assessment of the top methods to robustly detect advanced artificial intelligence development by the People’s Republic of China, including methods to assess the degree to which the People’s Republic of China is developing advanced artificial intelligence capabilities that pose significant risks to the national security of the United States;
added
identification of the top methods that can be used to disrupt advanced artificial intelligence projects of the People’s Republic of China and an assessment of their efficacy and limitations;
added
an assessment of efforts originating in the People’s Republic of China to acquire technology and information from entities operating within the United States or other nations to advance progress toward advanced artificial intelligence, including advanced semiconductors, research findings, or insights relating to training or inference; and
added
a comparative assessment of efforts in the People’s Republic of China and United States to characterize and mitigate security risks from advanced artificial intelligence systems, including an evaluation of how leading researchers and policymakers in each country conceptualize the national security risks posed by uncontrolled or misaligned advanced artificial intelligence.
added
In consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Homeland Security, assess the security capabilities of leading United States artificial intelligence developers, with a focus on their ability to protect advanced artificial intelligence systems, model weights, and key insights from the People’s Republic of China and other highly resourced adversaries.
added
Assess the national security risks posed by uncontrolled or misaligned advanced artificial intelligence. The assessment, focusing on the People’s Republic of China and the United States, shall include—
added
an examination of emerging capabilities relevant to misaligned or uncontrolled artificial intelligence, including automated artificial intelligence research, recursive self-improvement, ability to deceive humans, agentic capabilities, and other capabilities or processes that could undermine robust or trustworthy human oversight;
added
a review of research on AI misalignment, alignment faking, deception, and other related areas in which artificial intelligence systems appear to act in ways that diverge from the intentions or values of their developers or in ways that diverge from United States values or interests;
added
an assessment of current capabilities within the United States Government to detect and monitor the threats described above, including evaluations of the ability to identify early warning signs or imminent threats relating to recursive self-improvement, offensive cyber use, alignment faking, or other system misbehavior;
added
recommendations for improving the identification, mitigation, and response to risks from uncontrolled or misaligned artificial intelligence systems, with particular attention to interagency coordination and collaboration with the private sector, academic institutions, and allied governments; and
added
implications for the Department of Defense’s approach toward adopting or deploying advanced artificial intelligence.
added
Create materials and prepare plans to address acute national security risks or crises involving advanced artificial intelligence, including risks from uncontrolled or misaligned advanced artificial intelligence systems, which shall include—
added
developing and conducting unclassified and classified scenario exercises, wargames, tabletop exercises, and other similar efforts to understand how advanced artificial intelligence capabilities could present acute national security risks or crises or pose a risk to existing operational plans of the Department of Defense;
added
developing preparedness plans detailing governmental response strategies to scenarios described in subparagraph (A), including detailed information describing how the Department of Defense would coordinate with relevant entities of the United States (such as advanced artificial intelligence developers, compute cluster providers, and government officials) in the event of an acute national security risk or crisis; and
added
identifying potential gaps in the Department of Defense’s authorities, relationships, personnel, or other factors that could affect the Department’s ability to address scenarios described in subparagraph (A) or execute strategies described in subparagraph (B).
added
Develop potential strategies and recommendations to prevent adversaries from acquiring advanced artificial intelligence that would pose a grave national security threat if acquired or stolen. As part of this effort, the Secretary shall assess the potential of a hypothetical centralized, highly secure, Department of Defense-led project to securely develop advanced artificial intelligence. This evaluation shall consider factors including the governance structure, cybersecurity and physical security protocols, counterintelligence and antiespionage measures against the People’s Republic of China and other foreign adversaries, chain-of-command, size and location of the project, resources and personnel required, contingency and emergency response plans, geopolitical considerations, and other elements to ensure that the project supports United States national security objectives. Additional strategies may include export controls, counterespionage measures, and approaches for protecting sensitive information relevant to national security or advanced artificial intelligence development and deployment.
added
Provide policy and resourcing recommendations to the Secretary of Defense, the President, and Congress relating to the topics covered by the Initiative.
added
Reports and briefings—
added
Initial report and briefing— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act—
added
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report detailing the organizational structure, staffing requirements, and initial objectives of the Initiative; and
added
provide to the Committees a briefing on the matters set forth in the report.
added
Annual reports and briefings— Not later than 180 days after the submission of the initial report under paragraph (1), and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall—
added
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the activities carried out under the Initiative since the date of the last report under this subsection, including any findings, assessments, and recommendations with respect to the national security implications of advanced artificial intelligence; and
added
provide to the Committees a briefing on the matters set forth in the report.
added
Sunset— The authority to carry out this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given that term in section 238(g) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061).
added
The term advanced artificial intelligence means artificial general intelligence and other advanced artificial intelligence systems at the frontier of performance, including systems that match or exceed human expert performance in key skills, tasks, or knowledge areas, such as in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear capabilities, cyber offense, model autonomy, persuasion, research and development, self-improvement, or military strategy.
Sec. 236 Joint Reserve Detachment of the Defense Innovation Unit
addedadded Section 1766(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “may establish” and inserting “shall establish and maintain”.
Sec. 237 Development of internet access technologies by the Defense Innovation Unit
added
added
In general— The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (referred to in this section as the “Unit”) shall undertake efforts to support the development of low-cost, easily scalable, and rapidly deployable technologies to counter internet shutdowns or limitations on network access abroad, particularly those imposed by adversary countries, to enable populations to overcome such restrictions.
added
Objectives— In carrying out the responsibilities under subsection (a), the Director of the Unit shall prioritize the following objectives:
added
Identifying and supporting the development of technologies capable of overcoming internet blackouts and network disruptions imposed by an adversary country and facilitating internet and network access, including—
added
low Earth orbit satellite internet infrastructure;
added
mesh networking solutions;
added
portable and deployable communication systems; and
added
virtual private networks.
added
Collaborating with industry, academia, and relevant stakeholders to accelerate the research, development, and deployment of such technologies.
added
Conducting pilot programs and field experiments to test the effectiveness and scalability of developed solutions in real-world settings.
added
Providing technical assistance and resources to partner organizations, governments, and nongovernmental entities engaged in efforts to expand internet access.
added
Identifying and evaluating off-the-shelf technologies that could be rapidly procured and deployed to address internet access challenges in targeted regions.
added
Collaboration with Defense Acquisition University— The Director of the Unit shall collaborate with the head of the Defense Acquisition University to leverage expertise in acquisition processes and practices related to carrying out the objectives under subsection (b) with the aim of—
added
integrating best practices in defense acquisition into the research, development, and deployment processes of technologies developed by the Unit to facilitate internet access;
added
ensuring that technologies developed by the Unit align with acquisition priorities and strategies of the Department of Defense;
added
providing training and educational opportunities for Unit personnel on acquisition principles, regulations, and procedures, with a focus on technology development for countering censorship and related restrictions;
added
fostering dialogue and exchange of knowledge between acquisition professionals and innovation specialists to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of defense technology acquisition related to internet access technologies; and
added
collaborating on the development of acquisition strategies that prioritize the rapid acquisition and deployment of technologies aimed at countering censorship and restrictions on internet access.
added
Reporting— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Director of the Unit shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the congressional defense committees a report detailing the progress, challenges, and outcomes of the efforts undertaken pursuant to this section.
Sec. 238 Limitation on availability of funds for realignment of the research, development, test, and evaluation function for Army ammunition
added
added
Limitation— None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to realign the research, development, test, and evaluation function for Army ammunition away from the current Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition or Joint Capabilities Portfolio Executive Ammunition construct until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the report required under subsection (b) is submitted to the congressional defense committees.
added
Report required— Not later than November 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following with respect to the proposed realignment of functions described in subsection (a):
added
An explanation of whether Army personnel, including contractors, would be required to relocate to a new location and if so an estimate of how many personnel would relocate and to what locations.
added
An explanation of whether the Army expects to build new facilities and infrastructure at new locations to accomplish the research, development, test, and evaluation function for Army ammunition and, if so, identification of—
added
what new facilities and infrastructure would have to be constructed; and
added
where such facilities and infrastructure would be constructed.
added
A detailed estimate of the costs of relocating personnel and equipment and constructing new facilities and infrastructure.
added
A detailed explanation of the efficiencies, if any, that the Army expects to realize by realigning the research, development, test, and evaluation function for Army ammunition to Capabilities Portfolio Executive Fires.
added
In consultation with the with the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force, a determination as to whether realigning the research, development, test, and evaluation function for Army ammunition to Capabilities Portfolio Executive Fires will hinder or impede the joint construct that Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition has traditionally maintained with the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
Sec. 241 Feasibility study on incorporating militarily-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises
In general— The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall conduct a review to determine the feasibility and advisability modifying the design of wargaming exercises to ensure that such exercises incorporate militarily-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology.
Elements— In conducting the review required under subsection (a), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall take into account—
biotechnology-enabled enhancements that improve the cognitive and physical performance of warfighters;
biotechnology-enabled chemicals and materials intended to provide a strategic advantage on the battlefield;
adversaries’ use of biotechnology for military purposes beyond traditional biological weapons; and
any other militarily-relevant applications of biotechnology determined appropriate by the Chairman.
Consultation— In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall consult with—
the commanders of the combatant commands; and
other stakeholders within and outside the Department of Defense, as necessary, to identify recent militarily-relevant advancements in the field of biotechnology that could potentially be incorporated into exercises.
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 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). The report shall include—
a detailed summary of any recommended modifications to wargaming exercises; and
if applicable, a plan for regularly updating the design of such exercises to keep pace with advances in biotechnology.
changed
Wargaming exercise defined— In this section, the term “wargaming exercise” wargaming exercise means a military exercise conducted to test or improve tactical expertise, and includes the Globally Integrated Wargames.
Sec. 242 Feasibility study on use of cloud laboratories
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review to determine the feasibility and advisability of using cloud laboratories at the Department of Defense to provide authorized researchers with access to high-quality experimental instrumentation and data collection for purposes of generating high-quality data.
Elements— In conducting the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall take into account—
best practices for cloud computing methods to safely store sensitive data, such as biological data;
considerations related to cybersecurity, biosecurity, research security, and data privacy;
estimated costs for the construction and sustainment of cloud laboratories;
estimated timelines for establishing cloud laboratories; and
consideration of how cloud laboratories can improve the quality and quantity of data to improve research and development of novel technologies.
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 review conducted under subsection (a).
changed
Cloud laboratory defined— In this section, the term “cloud laboratory” cloud laboratory means a physical laboratory equipped with automation and data storage to conduct experiments.
Sec. 243 Quarterly reports on termination of critical technology research awards
Reports required— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
With respect to the quarter preceding the date of the report, identification of each covered award that was terminated by the Department of defense on the basis that the award no longer effectuates the programs goals or agency priorities as provided under the Department of Defense Research and Development General Terms and Conditions (dated March 2025), or any related or successor guidance.
For each covered award identified under paragraph (1)—
an explanation of whether or not that award was meeting relevant objectives and requirements; and
a justification for the termination of the award.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “covered award” covered award means an award made by the Department of Defense relating to the research or development of any of the 14 critical technology areas.
changed
The term “14 14 critical technology areas” areas means the critical technology areas described in the memorandum of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering issued on February 1, 2022, titled “USD(R&E) Technology Vision for an Era of Competition”, or any successor guidance.
Sec. 245 Report on low-cost undersea effectors
added
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Low Cost Undersea Effectors Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), which seeks to demonstrate affordable, mission-specific small and medium unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) capable of supporting subsea and seabed warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and expeditionary warfare, offers the potential to deliver kinetic effects, ISR, and expeditionary capabilities at low cost, with reduced training and logistics burdens, and in quantities sufficient to enable distributed maritime operations;
added
the Low-Cost Undersea Effectors CSO should be fully funded and executed to its intended scope, with particular emphasis on transitioning viable systems to scaled production rapidly;
added
the Secretary of the Navy should plan for and execute procurement of successful systems emerging from the Low-Cost Undersea Effectors CSO, including by leveraging Other Transaction Authority, rapid acquisition authorities, and appropriate research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) and procurement accounts; and
added
early adoption of commercially derived, low-cost unmanned underwater vehicles will complement, rather than compete with, traditional programs of record, and will enable novel operational concepts ensuring our national security edge in undersea warfare.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with DIU, shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the Low-Cost Undersea Effectors CSO, including—
added
the funding plan and execution status for the Low-Cost Undersea Effectors CSO;
added
Navy plans to begin limited procurement of successful CSO awardees for operational experimentation and fleet integration;
added
pathways for scaling production of low-cost UUVs; and
added
steps to ensure small business and non-traditional defense contractors remain central to future acquisition in this domain.
Sec. 246 Report on electronic warfare capability for unmanned surface vessels
added
added
In general— Not later than 90 days from the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition shall submit to the congressional defense committees an unclassified report on planned development of a configurable, low-cost, expendable electronic warfare capability to support unmanned surface vessel survivability.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An assessment of currently available electronic warfare capabilities for unmanned surface vessels and limitations of current technology.
added
A determination of funding availability for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 by program element to support the rapid development of configurable low-cost electronic warfare capabilities for multi-class unmanned surface vessels.
added
A determination of funding availability from Public Law 119–21.
added
An assessment of current and future satellite radar detection capabilities in finding and tracking ocean-going unmanned surface vessels by any country determined by the Secretary of State to be a foreign adversary with such capabilities.
added
A list of possible technical requirements for a multi-class, affordable, low-power, and expendable electronic warfare system.
added
A rapid acquisition strategy for this capability.
Sec. 247 Department of Defense biotechnology strategy
added
added
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies, including the future role that biotechnology will play in defense, and means to improve industry, interagency, and international relationships in this sector.
added
Elements— The strategy required pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
added
How the Department of Defense will develop and expand a network of commercial facilities for the biomanufacture of products that are critical for defense needs.
added
Review and update of military specifications in order to better incorporate or substitute current products with biotechnology-based products.
added
Updated plans and policies for the Department to enter into advance market commitments and offtake agreements for biotechnology products that have defense applications.
added
A description of how the Department could better incorporate military-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, tabletop exercises, or other net assessment analyses.
added
The benefits and costs of issuing a research grand challenge, or a series of challenges, that focus on making biotechnology predictably engineerable and how the Department would implement such research grand challenge, or challenges.
added
Development of a biotechnology regulation science and technology program within the Department, including development of digital infrastructure to support simplified regulation and the development of biometrology tools.
added
Updated plans and policies for inter-governmental support that the Department could provide in encouraging member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to aggregate demand and pool purchasing power for biotechnology products.
added
Review of plans and guidance on how the Department can work to develop, integrate, and disseminate biotechnology research initiatives across member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and how the Department might coordinate with international stakeholders to utilize the combined research capabilities of such member countries to drive a biotechnology development approach.
Sec. 248 Plan to support advanced manufacturing and materials for hypersonics research and development
added
added
Plan required— The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall develop a plan for allocating up to $20,000,000 to develop a comprehensive set of advanced manufacturing practices and advanced materials for hypersonics research and development.
added
Elements— At a minimum, the plan under subsection (a) shall—
added
address—
added
intelligence-optimized robotic forming;
added
additive and subtractive manufacturing methods;
added
precision joining (laser, e-beam, friction stir) for dissimilar metals and metal/CMC interfaces; and
added
advanced materials and processing; and
added
define qualification artifacts (process allowable, non-destructive inspection procedures, and digital-thread data standards) and pilot lines executed by consortia of primes, startups, and Federal labs, with TRL/MRL, cost, and lead-time objectives.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the plan developed under subsection (a).
Sec. 249 Strategy for the development of friction stir additive manufacturing technologies
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive report outlining the strategy of the Department of Defense for the research, development, and deployment of friction stir additive manufacturing technologies.
added
Elements— The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An assessment of the strategic importance of developing and deploying friction stir additive manufacturing technologies for national defense, including their potential to enhance supply chain resilience, manufacturing agility, and operational readiness.
added
A detailed summary of current and planned Department of Defense programs and initiatives that are supporting the development, testing, or implementation of friction stir additive manufacturing technologies.
added
An analysis of key areas of operational impact of such technologies, including—
added
expeditionary manufacturing and sustainment capabilities;
added
deployable micro-factory systems for forward operating bases or contested environments; and
added
development of ultra-large-scale friction stir additive manufacturing techniques for critical defense infrastructure and platforms.
Sec. 250 Report on research relating to the upper atmosphere and near-space environment
added
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
the upper atmosphere and near-space environment are important to Air Force and Joint operations worldwide and the operational and threat environments that U.S. assets are likely to encounter;
added
research is needed to study atmospheric phenomenology and develop technologies for continuous monitoring and detection of encroachment and adversarial effects in the atmosphere;
added
research on atmospheric signatures and dynamics in the upper atmosphere and the development of predictive techniques to ensure observational and operational superiority would be beneficial for Air Force missions; and
added
the Secretary of the Air Force should conduct additional research in these areas.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following:
added
An assessment of intelligence activities and other competitive activities undertaken by foreign nations with respect to the upper atmosphere and near-space environment.
added
A comprehensive strategy to address the upper atmosphere and near-space environment, which shall include requirements for high-altitude, long-duration, and heavy-lift propulsion systems and platforms.
Sec. 314 Provision of alternative drinking water to certain communities with private drinking water wells contaminated with perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances
Requirement— Beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, for each household that is located in a community with a private drinking water well in which contamination from a perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, or mixture thereof resulting from activities of the Department of Defense exceeds the maximum contaminant level for such substance or mixture, respectively, and that has not received a permanent safe drinking water solution described in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall provide to such household an alternative source of drinking water (which may include the provision of bottled water) until such time as—
the degree of cleanup of such contamination has at least attained such respective maximum contaminant level, consistent with section 121(d) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9621(d)); or
the Secretary provides such household with a permanent safe drinking water solution described in subsection (b).
Permanent safe drinking water solutions described— A permanent safe drinking water solution described in this subsection is the connection of a household to a public water system, installation at a household of an onsite filtration system capable of treating the contamination specified in subsection (a), or provision to a household of another permanent alternative source of drinking water.
Coordination with existing authorities— The Secretary of Defense shall carry out this section in a manner consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and any other authority under environmental law, including by coordinating efforts under subsection (a) with ongoing efforts to address contamination under such authorities.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The terms “maximum maximum contaminant level” level and “public public water system” system have the meanings given those terms in section 1401 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f).
changed
The term “private private drinking water well” well means a drinking water well that is not a public water system and is not connected to a public water system.
Sec. 315 Responsibilities of executive agent for installation and operational nuclear energy
Executive agent— The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and the Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office of the Department of Defense, shall ensure that, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, there is designated an executive agent of the Department of Defense for installation and operational nuclear energy.
Responsibilities— The responsibilities of the executive agent specified in subsection (a) shall include the following:
In coordination with the commanders of the combatant commands and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, assessing installation energy and operational energy needs, and establishing and maintaining requirements for the use of nuclear energy to meet such needs, for the purpose of furthering mission critical activities of the Department of Defense and enhancing national security.
Consulting with project developers and other experts from the commercial nuclear industry, potential private owners and operators of nuclear reactors to be deployed at military installations, and other persons determined appropriate by the executive agent, to assess the technological capabilities, development status, costs, timelines, risks, and potential need for design evolution of nuclear reactors to meet the needs of the Department of Defense referred to paragraph (1).
In coordination with the Secretary of Energy, the Secretaries of the military departments, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, assessing the technology readiness, licensability, deployability, operability, and maintainability of nuclear reactors with respect to potential deployment at military installations.
In coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments, integrating technical and project resources across the Department of Defense for the use of nuclear reactors to meet the needs of the Department of Defense referred to in paragraph (1), including by developing a plan to aggregate the demand for, and the acquisition and deployment of, nuclear reactors across military installations and military departments.
In coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission—
evaluating the regulatory framework and other requirements applicable to the use of nuclear reactors to meet such needs; and
establishing training programs and plans relating to the acquisition and operation of nuclear reactors to meet such needs.
Identifying the timelines and resource requirements necessary for the acquisition and operation of nuclear reactors to meet such needs, including—
any support necessary from the national laboratories of the Department of Energy; and
any funding necessary to carry out interim pilot programs for the limited deployment of nuclear reactors until such timelines and resource requirements are met.
Including resource requirements identified pursuant to paragraph (6), and any other resource requirements necessary to carry out this subsection, in applicable planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes of the Department of Defense, including by preparing, as applicable—
a program objective memorandum for any new resource so required; and
a budget justification for any new resource so required for inclusion in the budget materials submitted by the Secretary of Defense to Congress in support of the President’s annual budget request (submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code).
Providing technical support for programs of the military departments relating to the deployment of nuclear reactors for installation energy resilience.
Annual reports— Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter for a period of five years, the executive agent specified in subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the congressional defense committees a report describing the actions taken to implement this section during the one-year period ending on the date of the submission of such report.
Plan for program of record—
Submission— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the executive agent specified in subsection (a), shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to establish a program of record of the Department of Defense for the use of nuclear energy to meet installation energy and operational energy needs.
Elements— The plan under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An identification of requirements necessary for the establishment of the program of record specified in such paragraph.
A budget estimate for such program of record through 2030 or through the conclusion of the five-year period following the first date on which a nuclear reactor is deployed at a military installation, whichever is later.
A summary of actions taken to implement the responsibilities under subsection (b) and information derived as a result of such actions.
Use cases for nuclear reactors, developed in coordination with the commanders of combatant commands with respect to installation and operational needs (including needs relating to the electrification of operational energy, elimination of fuel supply vulnerabilities, military installation resilience, sustainment of military installations, enablement of multi-domain operations, and advanced weaponry).
An identification of the minimum potential number of military installations at which nuclear reactors would be necessary to deploy in order to establish a cost-effective program, and projected dates by which such nuclear reactors would achieve initial operational capability.
An estimate of fuel requirements necessary to support the deployment of various models of nuclear reactors at military installations, to inform future acquisition planning.
Compliance with applicable directive— The Secretary shall carry out this section in compliance with Directive 5101.1.
Support within Department of Defense— In accordance with Directive 5101.1, the Secretary shall ensure that the military departments, the Defense Agencies, and other elements of the Department of Defense provide the executive agent specified in subsection (a) with the appropriate support and resources needed to perform the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the executive agent.
Definitions— In this section—
changed
The term “Directive 5101.1” Directive 5101.1 means Department of Defense Directive 5101.1, or any successor directive relating to the responsibilities of an executive agent of the Department of Defense.
changed
The terms “energy resilience” energy resilience and “military military installation resilience” resilience have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “executive agent” executive agent has the meaning given the term “DoD DoD Executive Agent” Agent in Directive 5101.1.
changed
The term “operational energy” operational energy has the meaning given that term in section 2924 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 316 Establishment of Advanced Nuclear Technologies Transition Working Group
Establishment— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a working group to be known as the “Advanced Nuclear Technologies Transition Working Group”.
Membership— The working group shall be composed of the following members, or designees thereof:
The Secretary of Defense.
The Secretaries of the military departments.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit.
The Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office.
The head of any other organizational entity of the Department of Defense the Chairperson determines appropriate.
Chairperson— The Secretary of Defense, or a designee thereof, shall serve as the Chairperson of the working group.
Duties— The duties of the working group shall include the following:
Developing and implementing a strategy to accelerate the procurement and fielding of commercially available advanced nuclear technologies using available authorities.
Identifying critical installation energy and operational energy needs of military installations and the combatant commands that may be addressed through the use of advanced nuclear technologies, ensuring such needs are considered in relation to efforts and planned efforts of the Department of Defense, and developing an accelerated pathway to leverage advanced nuclear technologies to address any gap in such needs.
Coordinating efforts among the members of the working group for the demonstration and transition of advanced nuclear technologies, including by increasing opportunities for collaboration between the Department of Defense and potential partners within the commercial nuclear industry with respect to research and development, testing and evaluation, and procurement activities relating to such technologies.
Coordinating with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies regarding the conduct of interagency activities and development of best practices to address obstacles to the rapid fielding of advanced nuclear technologies, including any such obstacle relating to workforce development, regulatory frameworks, licensing requirements, access to fuel sources, safety or security standards, or decommissioning.
Establishing opportunities for engagement with developers of advanced nuclear technologies within the commercial nuclear industry to assess the availability (including, as applicable, the timeline for availability) of micro-reactor and small modular reactor capabilities for potential application to meet the needs of the Department of Defense.
Meetings— The working group shall meet at the call of the Chairperson and not less frequently than quarterly.
Briefings and reports—
Initial briefing— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chairperson shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the organization, plans, milestones, and activities of the working group.
Annual report— Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until the date of termination under subsection (g), the Chairperson shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing, with respect to the year preceding the date of submission of the report, the plans, milestones, and activities of the working group, including a description of the status during such year of any project relating to advanced nuclear technologies, any funding or other requirement associated with such a project, and any plan to transition a capability under such a project.
Termination— The working group shall terminate on September 30, 2029.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “micro-reactor” micro-reactor means an advanced nuclear reactor, as such term is defined in section 951(b)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271(b)(1)), with a rated capacity of less than 50 electrical megawatts.
changed
The term “operational energy” operational energy has the meaning given that term in section 2924 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “small small modular reactor” reactor means an advanced nuclear reactor, as such term is defined in section 951(b)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271(b)(1))—
with a rated capacity of less than 500 electrical megawatts; and
that may be constructed and operated in combination with similar reactors at a single site.
changed
The term “working group” working group means the working group established under subsection (a).
Sec. 318 Pilot program on Navy installation nuclear energy
changed
Pilot program required— Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall carry out a ten-year pilot program at one or more not fewer than two naval installations for the purpose of determining how small modular reactors or mobile reactors could be used—
changed
to meet the coastal installation energy needs of the Navy during the ten-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
to inform the development of concepts for the use of nuclear power facilities to support increased energy security for Navy and Marine Corps installations.
Installation prioritization— In selecting naval installations for the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall prioritize an installation that—
changed
has entered into, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, a memorandum of agreement with a private power provider or reactor technology vendor to explore the use of a small modular reactor or mobile reactor designed for standardized and scaleable production for installation energy requirements; and
changed
contributes support to naval operational forces in the operations at mid-Atlantic region.region installations.
Public-private partnerships—
Available infrastructure— The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment may carry out the pilot program required by subsection (a) by assessing and making recommendations regarding how to make available the facilities of a Navy or Marine Corps program selected for participation in the pilot program.
Data centers— As part of the pilot program, the Assistant Secretary shall evaluate and make recommendations regarding how to make available Navy or Marine Corps facilities to co-locate data centers with the assessed, representative small modular reactors or mobile reactors.
Contracts— The pilot program does not require the Secretary of the Navy to enter into any new contract, such as an energy savings performance contract.
Reporting requirements—
Annual report— In each report submitted under section 2925 of title 10, United States Code, during the period beginning on the date that is one year after the date of enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2032, the Secretary of the Navy shall include, for the year covered by the report, each of the following:
A five-year funding plan for all Navy nuclear shore and installation power programs for the Navy, including nuclear efforts provided for in the context of the Navy Shore Energy Program and any identified funding shortfalls.
An identification of authorities required and remaining barriers to the provision of nuclear power from a military installation to civilian energy grids.
A review of lessons learned from related efforts conducted by the other military departments, the Defense Innovation Unit, and any other entities the Secretary considers relevant.
An analysis of efforts taken by the Navy to use nuclear power on Navy installations to support data center power demands.
Any other details the Secretary of the Navy considers relevant.
Final report— Upon conclusion of the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, or include in the report required under section 2925 of title 10, United States Code, for the fiscal year during which the pilot program concludes, the following:
An identification of the funding that would be required to convert the pilot program to a program of record.
An identification of all available funding provided in the budget of the Navy for the fiscal year during which the report is submitted for nuclear power at Navy and Marine Corps installations.
Early termination— The Secretary of the Navy may terminate the pilot program before the expiration of the five-year period referred to in subsection (a) if the Secretary provides notice of such early termination to the congressional defense committees.
added
Mid-Atlantic region installation defined— The term “mid-Atlantic region installation” means any installation covered under the geographic parameters of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 319 Pilot program to install propane-powered generators at a domestic defense industrial base facility
Program required— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and the Environment shall carry out a pilot program under which the Assistant Secretary shall install propane-powered generators at an organic industrial base facility. Under the pilot program, such generators shall—
be used in tandem with an on-site microgrid in order to improve the resiliency and redundancy of power generation at the facility; and
be powered by conventional or renewable propane.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “microgrid” microgrid has the meaning given such term in section 641(b)(6) of the United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17231(b)(6)).
changed
The term “propane” propane has the meaning given such term in section 3(6) of the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6402(6)).
Termination— The authority to carry out the pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 320 Strategy to accelerate remediation of contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances
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 to accelerate the remediation efforts of the Department of Defense with respect to contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances, which shall include—
criteria of the Department for the prioritization of military installations and National Guard facilities with respect to which such efforts are planned or underway, based on relative risk to human health, demonstrated environmental impact, and proximity to any community affected, or at risk of being affected, by such contamination;
timelines for completing each phase of the cleanup process under CERCLA with respect to such contamination for each such military installation or National Guard facility;
a plan for deploying additional technologies, personnel, or other resources to reduce delays to such remediation efforts, including an identification of—
the number of laboratories accredited by the environmental laboratory accreditation program of the Department to test for the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
the number of laboratories in the process of being so accredited; and
benchmarks for evaluating the performance of each military department or Defense Agency with respect to response efforts to address contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Public dashboard— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish on a publicly accessible website of the Department an online dashboard that provides information on the actions of the Department, including each military department, relating to contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The dashboard shall be updated on a semiannual basis and shall include a summary of—
funding levels and expenditures relating to response efforts to address such contamination, dissagregated by each military installation or National Guard facility with respect to which such efforts are planned or underway;
the status of response efforts to address such contamination under the applicable phase of the cleanup process under CERCLA, including the status of any interim removal actions, at each such site;
projected and actual timelines for the completion of remediation with respect to such contamination at each such site; and
points of contact for community engagement.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The terms “CERCLA”, “National CERCLA, National Guard facility”, “removal”, facility, removal, and “response” response have the meanings given those terms in section 2700 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “Defense Agency” Defense Agency has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 321 Study on small modular nuclear reactors
added
added
Study required— The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility, costs, and benefits of deploying small modular nuclear reactors (in this section referred to as “SMRs”) to provide secure, resilient, and reliable power for Department of Defense installations.
added
Elements— The study shall include the following:
added
An assessment of potential sites for SMR deployment at Department of Defense installations.
added
An evaluation of the benefits of SMR deployment to mission readiness, energy resilience, and cost savings.
added
An analysis of regulatory, safety, and security considerations related to SMR deployment.
added
A review of ongoing pilot projects and partnerships with the Department of Energy and private industry related to SMR deployment.
added
An assessment of how SMR deployment could enhance future military readiness and national security by mitigating emerging threats to energy infrastructure, including cyber, physical, and natural hazards.
added
Report 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 House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the findings of the study, including recommendations for future implementation of such findings.
Sec. 322 Coordinator for engagement with defense communities affected by PFAS
added
added
Establishment— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an official of the Department of Defense as the “Coordinator for Engagement with Defense Communities Affected by PFAS”.
added
Responsibilities— The responsibilities of the Coordinator designated under subsection (a) are—
added
to improve the outreach, education, and communication efforts of the Department with respect to current or former defense communities located in the United States that have been affected by the contamination or leakage of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (referred to in this section as “PFAS”); and
added
to serve as a dedicated liaison between the Department and State and local governments, advocacy organizations, and individual citizens in the current and former defense communities where the Department has ongoing or incomplete PFAS remediation projects.
added
Definition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances— For the purposes of this section, the terms “perfluoroalkyl substance” and “polyfluoroalkyl substance” have the meanings given such terms in section 333(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3531; 10 U.S.C. 3062 note).
Sec. 323 Revising the prohibition on contracts for performance of firefighting or security-guard functions
addedadded Section 2465 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
in subsection (b)—
added
in paragraph (4), by inserting “or security-guard” after “firefighting” each place such term appears; and
added
by adding at the end the following:
added “(5) An installation access control security guard contract to be carried out at an installation with less than 300 permanently assigned enlisted members in grades below E-7 and entitled to basic pay.”
added
by adding at the end the following:
added “(c) Inapplicability during war or national emergency—The provisions of this section shall not apply during war or during a period of war or national emergency declared by the President or an Act of Congress.”
Sec. 324 Elimination of preference for motor vehicles using electric or hybrid propulsion systems and related requirements of the Department of Defense
addedadded Chapter 173 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
in section 2911(e)—
added
by striking paragraph (4);
added
by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively;
added
by striking paragraph (10); and
added
by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (15) as paragraphs (9) through (13), respectively; and
added
by striking section 2922g.
Sec. 337 Pilot program for arsenal workload sustainment
Establishment of pilot program— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to incentivize public-private partnerships at arsenals of the Department of the Army, to be known as the “Arsenal Workload Sustainment Pilot Program” (in this section referred to as the “pilot program”).
Prioritization—
In general— In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall prioritize the award of a contract to a non-public partner that will use a Government owned, Government controlled arsenal of the Department of the Army.
Selection— The Secretary shall select to participate in the pilot program non-public partners that the Secretary determines demonstrate that the performance of any work under the pilot program shall be performed equally by employees of the Department of Defense and the non-public partner.
Regulations— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations to implement subsection (b).
Report—
Submission— 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 activities conducted under the pilot program, including a description of any operational challenges identified in the course of such conduct.
Elements— The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
A breakout, by relevant budget account, of the workload achieved during the prior fiscal year at each Government owned, Government controlled arsenal of the Department of the Army for which a contract was awarded under the pilot program, whether directly or pursuant to such contract.
An assessment of relevant budget accounts where any such arsenal may be used to meet future procurement needs of the Department of Defense, irrespective of cost.
An outlook of expected workload at each such arsenal during the period covered by the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code.
The capital investments required to be made at each such arsenal to ensure compliance and operational capacity.
Termination— The authority to carry out the pilot program shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the establishment of the pilot program.
changed
Non-public partner defined— In this section, the term “non-public partner” non-public partner means an entity, individual, university, or nonprofit organization that is not part of the United States Government.
Sec. 338 Depot-level maintenance coordination in multinational exercises
In general— Each year, the Secretary of the Air Force shall incorporate in at least one multinational exercise conducted in the area of operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command—
depot-level maintenance, repair, and sustainment considerations, including binational or multinational planning sessions with covered nations on—
identifying opportunities to cooperate on depot-level maintenance and repair in ways that minimize transportation requirements in such area of operations and determining the authorities necessary to deliver the necessary joint capabilities;
facilitating real-time coordination between the United States and covered nations to maintain munitions stock levels and resupply routes in the such area of operations;
mutual recognition of airworthiness and maintenance certification between the United States and covered nations; and
emergency tabletop exercises, such as when an aircraft of a covered nation breaks down on United States territory, and vice versa, in a contested logistics environment; and
coordination with the Air Force Sustainment Center, including the participation of representatives of—
the United States Indo-Pacific Command;
United States Air Force Pacific;
the United States Air Mobility Command; and
the Air Force Sustainment Center.
Report— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to Congress a report summarizing the lessons learned from carrying out an exercise in accordance with subsection (a) with respect to the Republic of Korea and the Commonwealth of Australia. Such report shall include each of the following:
A list of candidate systems for co-sustainment with Korea and Australia.
A list of depot-level repair workload opportunities to undertake with Korea and Australia, including testing equipment or line replaceable units.
Opportunities to incorporate Korean and Australian industry partners in depot-level maintenance repair activities, including through public-private partnerships.
An identification of any potential logistical challenges that could arise with the host country, including with respect to workforce, housing, and location of workload.
An identification of any potential impediments involving intellectual property or data rights between original equipment manufacturers and the Department of the Air Force or between the Department of the Air Force and named partner countries.
An identification of any potential impediments related to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and related statutes.
Any additional recommendations to Congress that would ease the facilitation of depot-level maintenance repair partnerships with Korea and Australia, including changes to existing status of forces agreements.
An analysis of current maintenance and repair capabilities and gaps in the organic industrial base of Korea and Australia.
An assessment of the types of maintenance and repair activities (depot-level, preventative, corrective) that may be most appropriate for partnership with Korea and Australia.
An assessment of how partnerships may contribute to allied contingency operations, interoperability, and regional posture resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.
A consideration of planning factors related to the evolving force generation models, future-generation aircraft programs, deployment schedules, statutory maintenance thresholds, and other relevant operational requirements of the Department of the Air Force.
changed
Covered nation defined— In this section, the term “covered nation” covered nation means any of the following:
The Commonwealth of Australia.
Canada.
Japan.
New Zealand.
The Republic of Korea.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Any other nation designated a covered nation for the purposes of this section by the Secretary of the Air Force.
Sec. 339 Maintenance inspection capabilities and requirements
Requirement— Subject to the requirements of subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that when the Department of Defense conducts maintenance of aviation critical safety items and mission critical parts, such maintenance—
includes the use of a technical data requirement or organic or commercially available diagnostic tool, if such a requirement or tool is required and available; and
is not conducted solely through visual inspection unless—
no such requirement or tool is available; or
only a visual inspection is required under a technical data requirement.
Sustainment— The Secretary shall ensure that the acquisition of appropriate technical data requirements and diagnostic tools for the conduct of maintenance of aviation critical safety items and mission critical parts are planned as part of the sustainment of the systems containing such items and parts.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “aviation aviation critical safety item” item means any part, assembly, installation equipment, launch equipment, recovery equipment, or support equipment for an aircraft or aviation weapon system the failure, malfunction, or absence of which could cause—
a catastrophic or critical failure resulting in the loss of or serious damage to the aircraft or weapon system;
an unacceptable risk of personal injury or loss of life; or
an uncommanded engine shutdown that jeopardizes safety.
changed
The term “corrosion” corrosion means the deterioration of a material or its properties, including non-metallic materials, due to a reaction of that material with the chemical environment.
changed
The term “diagnostic tool” diagnostic tool means a non-destructive inspection tool capable of—
detecting corrosion, cracks, component damage, adhesion failure, and standard wear and tear; and
leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to build a predictive maintenance database when necessary to improve maintainability.
Sec. 342 Limitation on use of funds to reduce the number of civilian personnel employed at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky, and Red River Army Depot, Texas
changed None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2026 may be used to reduce the number of civilian personnel employed at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky, Corpus Christi Army Depot, Texas, or Red River Army Depot, Texas, until the date on which the Secretary of the Army—
certifies to the congressional defense committees that such a reduction complies with—
civilian personnel reduction limitations required by section 2687 of title 10, United States Code;
the requirement under section 7532 of title 10, United States Code, to have supplies needed for the Department of the Army made in factories or arsenals owned by the United States; and
overall limitations on depot-level maintenance and repair workload that may be performed by non-Federal Government personnel under a contract pursuant to section 2466 of title 10, United States Code; and
submits to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
a detailed cost analysis associated with each of subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1);
detailed estimates of the costs that will be incurred if the Army moves the white phosphorus ammunition mission away from Pine Bluff Arsenal, including the cost and time associated with acquiring the necessary environmental permits; and
current capability gaps within the Army that could be filled through the Army organic industrial base, including with respect to s-UAS, battery technology, and brushless motors.
Sec. 343 Capital expenditure write-offs for Department of Defense depots and arsenals
addedadded With respect to any depot or arsenal of the Department of Defense, the Secretary of Defense may write off any depreciated cost or debt associated with capital that does not generate revenue due to Government-directed mission changes. The Secretary may delegate the authority under this section to the Secretary of a military department.
Sec. 344 Authority to establish Advanced Technology Centers to enhance workforce training in certain critical skills
added
added
Authority— The Secretary of Defense may establish Advanced Technology Centers at community colleges with workforce programs that include a critical national production facility. An Advanced Technology Center established under this subsection shall provide workforce training in covered critical skills.
added
Covered critical skills— In this section, the term “covered critical skills” means any of the following:
added
Advanced composite material layup.
added
Advanced coatings applications.
added
Computer numerical control manufacturing.
added
Aircraft mechanical assembly and integrated circuit development, including with respect to aircraft such as B-21 and F-35.
added
welding, pipefitting, and metal fabrication related to vessel construction, repair and maintenance.
Sec. 354 Establishment of United States Navy Museum System
Chapter 861 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8617 the following new section:
“8617A. United States Navy Museum System
“(a) In general—The Secretary of the Navy shall support a system of official Navy museums, which shall collectively be known as the “United States Navy Museum System”. Such system shall include the following museums:
“(1) The National Museum of the United States Navy.
“(2) The United States Naval Academy Museum.
“(3) The Naval War College Museum.
“(4) The Submarine Force Museum.
“(5) The National Naval Aviation Museum.
changed
“(6) The USS Constitution Museum.Naval History and Heritage Command, Detachment Boston.
“(7) The United States Navy Seabee Museum.
“(8) The Puget Sound Navy Museum.
“(9) The Naval Undersea Museum.
“(10) The National Museum of the American Sailor.
changed
“(11) Such other museums as may be designated by the Secretary of the Navy that meet criteria established under subsection (b).The Hampton Roads Naval Museum.
changed
“(b) Criteria for designation—The Secretary of the Navy shall establish criteria for designating museums “(12) Such other than museums identified in paragraphs (1) through (10) as may be designated by the Secretary of subsection (a) for inclusion in the United States Navy Museum System. Such that meet criteria shall include—established under subsection (b).
added “(b) Criteria for designation—The Secretary of the Navy shall establish criteria for designating museums other than museums identified in paragraphs (1) through (11) of subsection (a) for inclusion in the United States Navy Museum System. Such criteria shall include—
“(1) historical significance to naval operations, technology, or personnel;
“(2) public accessibility and educational outreach programs; and
“(3) alignment with the mission of the Navy to preserve its heritage.
“(c) Funding and support—Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary may enter into partnerships, including with nonprofit organizations, to enhance the financial sustainability and public engagement of the museums in the United States Museum System.”
Sec. 365 Department of Defense report on creatine supplements in Meals Ready-to-Eat
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report evaluating the feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of including creatine supplements in Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) for members of the Armed Forces.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An assessment of the benefits and risks of creatine supplements, including any impact on the strength, muscle health, physical performance, injury prevention, recovery, and overall readiness of members of the Armed Forces.
added
An evaluation of the logistical considerations for including creatine supplements in MREs, including any implications for storage, distribution, shelf life, and cost.
added
Recommendations regarding the advisability and manner of including creatine supplements in MREs.
Sec. 366 Study and report on effects of Defense Logistics Agency class IX recovery rates on military depots and arsenals
added
added
Study— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency and each Secretary of a military department, shall conduct a study on—
added
the methodology used by Defense Logistics Agency to establish class IX recovery rates; and
added
the effects such rates have on the organic industrial base, with emphasis on military depots and arsenals.
added
Elements— The study required by subsection (a) shall address each of the following:
added
The methodology used by the Defense Logistics Agency to set recovery rates for class IX items for all customers.
added
How class IX recovery rates affect the cost structures, budgeting, and execution of workload at military depots and arsenals.
added
Any differences between the effects of recovery rates on depot-level maintenance compared to other customers of the Defense Logistics Agency.
added
Any unintended consequences resulting from such cost recovery practices, including delays, cost overruns, or degraded readiness in depot and arsenal operations.
added
Recommendations for improving alignment between Defense Logistics Agency pricing policies and the sustainment, affordability, and readiness goals of military depots and arsenals.
added
Report— Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the study required under subsection (a), which shall include the recommendations of the Secretary for any legislative or policy changes to address the matters addressed by the study.
Sec. 367 Briefing on sustainment and funding of Department of the Army directed energy programs of record
addedadded Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Chief of Staff of the Army, in coordination with the head of Army Aviation and Missile Command, shall provide to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a briefing on the sustainment and funding plan for directed energy programs of record of the Department of the Army. Such briefing shall include an assessment of comparative cost efficiencies and operational advantages to—
added
support readiness;
added
reduce dependence on original equipment manufacturers; and
added
develop a workforce trained to address the requirements and safety aspects of directed energy technology.
Sec. 368 Report on reducing frequency of permanent changes of station and naval vessel to onshore rotations
added
added
Report required— Not later than March 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on options to reduce the frequency of permanent changes of station of members of the Armed Forces and the rotations of such members between assignments to naval vessels and onshore assignments (commonly referred to as “sea-shore rotations”).
added
Elements— The report under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An analysis of the costs associated with the permanent changes of station and rotations specified in subsection (a), disaggregated by military department and occupational specialty, over the five fiscal years preceding the date of the report.
added
An assessment of the potential cost savings of the Department of Defense to be realized through a reduction in the frequency of such permanent changes of station and rotations.
added
An evaluation of the effects of a reduction in such frequency on retention of members of the Armed Forces, employment for the spouses of such members, and education of the children of such members.
added
An identification of billets, duty stations, and communities with respect to which extended tour lengths or rotation adjustments would be operationally feasible while sustaining mission readiness and career progression requirements.
added
Recommendations for any legislative or policy changes necessary to conduct a pilot program for, or otherwise implement, extensions to tour lengths or rotation adjustments.
Sec. 369 Report on encroachment management related to the Nevada Test and Training Range
addedadded Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the congressional defense committees—
added
outlining ongoing encroachment management projects, landscape partnerships, and stakeholder engagements to ensure the long term viability of the Nevada Test and Training Range; and
added
that describes—
added
the resources needed for such projects, partnerships, and stakeholder engagements;
added
the specific issues of such encroachment;
added
the coordination process between the Department of Defense, Department of Interior, Department of Energy, local community leaders, and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States regarding foreign land acquisitions; and
added
areas for Congressional engagement.
Sec. 370 Report on local coordination efforts to address contamination caused by activities at former George Air Force Base
addedadded Not later than January 31, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the efforts of the Department of the Air Force to coordinate with local officials to identify potential solutions for addressing the contamination caused by activities in connection with the former George Air Force Base. Such report shall include the following:
added
A description of ongoing and planned efforts to address such contamination.
added
A description of opportunities for partnership with Federal, State, and local entities with respect to such efforts.
added
Plans of the Department to ensure that the responsibilities for the cleanup of such contamination is not shifted to affected communities and that such cleanup does not restrict economic development.
added
An assessment of the estimated costs, timelines, and feasibility of each proposed solution for addressing such contamination.
Sec. 370A Reserve mobilization exercise
added
added
Indo-pacific mobilization and readiness study required— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall conduct a comprehensive joint mobilization and sustainment readiness study (modeled on the 1978 “Nifty Nugget” exercise) to assess the capability of the Armed Forces to respond to a high-intensity contingency in the Indo-Pacific region.
added
Elements of the study— The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An assessment of the ability to rapidly mobilize, deploy, and sustain active and reserve component forces in response to a conflict scenario involving the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, or similar Indo-Pacific flashpoint.
added
An evaluation of strategic lift and sustainment capabilities across military departments, including maritime sealift, airlift, rail, road networks, and prepositioned stocks.
added
Identification of critical logistics vulnerabilities, mobilization bottlenecks, and command and control challenges.
added
Analysis of interagency coordination procedures and integration with civilian emergency support capabilities.
added
An evaluation of joint and allied interoperability, with particular attention to coordination mechanisms with Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
added
Civilian skills inventory of the reserve component— The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall conduct a civilian skills inventory of the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces to identify and assess the non-military qualifications and talents of reservists, including—
added
foreign language proficiency and cultural expertise;
added
advanced academic credentials, including master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and scientific research experience;
added
industrial and technical skills, including cybersecurity, software development, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, and data science;
added
critical infrastructure and emergency response expertise; and
added
private-sector leadership and innovation experience relevant to defense mobilization and sustainment.
added
Reporting requirements— Not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
added
the results, findings, and recommendations of the Indo-Pacific mobilization and readiness study required under subsection (a);
added
a summary of the civilian skills inventory of the Reserve Component, including recommendations for how such skills can be leveraged to support contingency planning, civil-military integration, and surge operations;
added
a comparative analysis of best practices by each Armed Force with respect to—
added
mobilizing Reserve Component forces for wartime or emergency augmentation;
added
identifying, tracking, and utilizing civilian-acquired skills of reservists; and
added
executing logistical lift and sustainment operations, including Navy-led maritime port operations, Army-managed rail and overland transport, Air Force strategic airlift capacity, and Marine Corps expeditionary logistics; and
added
an estimate of—
added
the number of Reserve Component personnel likely to be available and required to reinforce forward-deployed active duty units during the first 30, 60, and 90 days of a major Indo-Pacific contingency; and
added
the number of Reserve Component personnel required to support full-scale mobilization and logistics surge operations within the United States, including domestic transportation nodes, sustainment hubs, ports of embarkation, mobilization training centers, and other homeland support functions necessary to enable and sustain global operations.
Sec. 370B Report on use of ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft for last mile logistics and disaster response operations
addedadded Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, in coordination with the Commander of United States Special Operations Command, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the integration potential and value of ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft. The report required under this section shall include—
added
an assessment of the comparative cost efficiencies and operational advantages provided by ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft in contested logistics and disaster response scenarios;
added
identification of critical capability gaps in last-mile or last-tactical-mile logistics where such aircraft could serve as a force multiplier;
added
an evaluation of specific mission sets and end users across the Indo-Pacific theater that could benefit from the deployment of such aircraft, especially mission sets related to homeland disaster response, humanitarian relief, wildfire suppression, or emergency resupply;
added
options and timelines to accelerate the development, testing, and integration of such aircraft into U.S. Air Force and U.S. Special Operations Command capability portfolios; and
added
an assessment of current testing and development, the development of operational concept development (CONOPS), and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) formulation for ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft.
Sec. 372 Manned rotary wing aircraft safety
Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“2653. Aircraft safety: requirements for highly trafficked domestic airspace
“(a) Limitation on operation—Notwithstanding section 1046 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232, 49 U.S.C. 40101 note), except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of a military department may not authorize any manned rotary wing aircraft of the Department of Defense to operate a training mission in a highly trafficked domestic airspace unless such aircraft, while being operated, is actively providing warning to nearby commercial aircraft, in a manner compatible with the traffic alert and collision avoidance system of such commercial aircraft, of the proximity of the Department of Defense aircraft.
“(b) Waiver authority—The Secretary of a military department, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Transportation, may waive the limitation under subsection (a) with respect to the operation of an aircraft if the Secretary determines that—
“(1) such waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and
“(2) a commercial aviation compatibility risk assessment has been conducted with respect to the operation of the aircraft pursuant to the waiver to mitigate the risk associated with such operation.
“(c) Limitation on delegation—The Secretary of a military department may not delegate the waiver authority under subsection (b) to an official whose rank is below a general or flag officer.
changed
“(d) Definition of highly trafficked domestic airspace—The term “highly highly trafficked domestic airspace” airspace means—
“(1) the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area, as such term is defined in section 93.335 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation; or
“(2) an area surrounding class B, C, or D airspace of a commercial service airport, as such term is defined in section 47102 of title 49.”
Sec. 374 Transportation of domestic animals by foreign air carrier
In general— Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) of section 40118 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to pay for the transportation by a foreign air carrier of Department of Defense personnel and any in-cabin or accompanying checked baggage or cargo if—
no air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 of such title 49 is willing and able to transport up to 3 domestic animals accompanying such Federal personnel; and
the transportation is from a place—
outside the United States to a place in the United States;
in the United States to a place outside the United States; or
outside the United States to another place outside the United States.
Limitation— An amount paid pursuant to subsection (a) for transportation by a foreign carrier may not be greater than the amount that would otherwise have been paid had the transportation been on an air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 had that carrier been willing and able to provide such transportation. If the amount that would otherwise have been paid to such an air carrier is less than the cost of transportation on the applicable foreign carrier, the Department personnel may pay the difference of such amount.
changed
Domestic animal defined— In this section, the term “domestic animal” domestic animal means a dog or a cat.
Sec. 376 Availability of milk at dining facilities on military installations
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that milk is available to members of the Armed Forces at dining facilities on military installations.
Prohibition— The Secretary may not, to carry out this section, purchase milk from an entity owned or controlled by a foreign adversary, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce under section 7.4 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
changed
Definition of milk— In this section, the term “milk” milk has the meaning given such term in section 133.3 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation) and includes fluid or powdered milk.
Sec. 378 Restroom access at military installations for certain transportation service providers
Restroom access— The Secretary of Defense shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that, with respect to each covered location, there is a restroom—
located at or in close proximity to the covered location;
to which any covered driver, while providing a transportation protective service involving the transport of sensitive cargo to or from the covered location on behalf of the Department of Defense, is authorized access;
that to the extent practicable, provides for privacy, hand washing, accessibility, and gender-specific needs; and
in the case of a portable restroom, that is vented and equipped with adequate lighting (which may be achieved through supplementation with a temporary lighting source, as necessary).
Location— The location of a restroom under subsection (a)(1) may not be a location to which access by the covered driver would result in—
a security risk, as determined by the Secretary;
a health or safety risk to the covered driver; or
a violation of any other regulation or policy of the Department.
Notification of noncompliance— In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
establish a process by which a covered driver may provide to the Secretary timely notification of any covered location with respect to which access to a restroom is not provided consistent with such subsection; and
upon receiving such a notification, coordinate with the commander of the military installation concerned or other appropriate officer or employee of the Department to ensure such access is provided.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The terms “arms, arms, ammunition, and explosives”, “safe haven”, “secure explosives, safe haven, secure holding area”, “secure area, secure holding location”, location, and “transportation transportation protective service” service have the meanings given those terms in the publication of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command of the Department of Defense issued October 4, 2024, and titled “Military Freight Traffic Unified Rules Publication-1 (MFTURP-1)”, or any successor thereto.
changed
The term “commercial commercial motor vehicle” vehicle has the meaning given that term in section 31101 of title 49, United States Code.
changed
The term “covered driver” covered driver means an operator of a commercial motor vehicle—
authorized to provide a transportation protective service on behalf of the Department of Defense; and
subject to requirements for qualifications and maximum hours of service under section 31502(b) of title 49, United States Code.
changed
The term “covered location” covered location means a safe haven, secure holding area, or secure holding location at a military installation or other facility of the Department of Defense.
changed
The terms “facility” facility and “military installation” military installation have the meanings given those terms in section 2801(c) of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “sensitive cargo” sensitive cargo means—
arms, ammunition, and explosives;
classified material; or
any other cargo, or category thereof, the Secretary of Defense determines sensitive for purposes of this section.
Sec. 382 Prohibition on Department of Defense ban of clean agent fire suppression products
added
added
Prohibition— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Defense may not prohibit the use of a clean agent fire suppression product on the basis of the presence of a fluorine-carbon bond within such product if there is no covered alternative product and—
added
the use of the clean agent fire suppression product is required by an applicable Federal or State law or regulation; or
added
the Secretary determines failure to use the clean agent fire suppression product may cause—
added
a catastrophic or critical failure resulting in the loss of or serious damage to property; or
added
an unacceptable risk of personal injury or loss of life.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “clean agent fire suppression product” means a fire suppression product that involves an electrically nonconducting, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishing agent that does not leave a residue upon evaporation.
added
The term “covered alternative product” means an alternative product—
added
the use of which is not prohibited by Federal or State law or regulation;
added
that is readily available in sufficient quantity and at a comparable cost to the product it is intended to replace; and
added
that performs as well as or better than such product in a specific application.
Sec. 383 Inapplicability of recommendations, procedures, and plans of commission relating to assigning, modifying, or removing of names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia to assets of the Department of Defense that commemorate the Confederate States of America to civil works projects of Department of Defense
addedadded Notwithstanding subsection (a) of section 370 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note), any recommendation, procedure, or plan of the commission established under subsection (b) of such section shall not apply to a civil works project of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 384 Availability of funds for procurement of certain supplies and materials under Innovative Readiness Training program
addedadded Funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance for the Innovative Readiness Training program established pursuant to section 2012 of title 10, United States Code, may be obligated or expended to procure supplies and materials necessary for the completion of any training project approved under such section, provided that any such procurement—
added
directly relates to the training objectives of the project; and
added
is accounted for in accordance with applicable regulations of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 385 Funding for flight hours for expeditionary combat aviation brigades
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Maintenance, Army Reserve, Aviation Assets Line 050, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, for flight hour funding for Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades, is hereby increased by $35,000,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Maintenance, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301 for Army-Servicewide Transportation, line 390, is hereby reduced by $35,000,000.
Sec. 509 Modification to grade and allowances available to Attending Physician to the Congress
added
added
Grade—
added
Modification— Section 715 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the first two sentences and inserting the following: “An officer serving as Attending Physician to the Congress, while so serving, holds the grade of colonel, or in the case of an officer of the Navy, captain.”.
added
Conforming amendment— Section 525 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
by striking subsection (f); and
added
by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively.
added
Allowances— Section 302(a)(3) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
added
by striking “An officer” and inserting “(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), an officer”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
added “(B) This paragraph shall not apply to an officer serving as the Attending Physician to the Congress.”
Sec. 515 National Guard: Active Guard and Reserve duty in response to a State disaster
In general— Chapter 3 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 328 the following new section:
“328A. Active Guard and Reserve duty: State disaster response duty
“(a) Authority—The chief executive of a State who has declared a emergency in such State due to a disaster, may, with the consent of the Secretary of Defense, order a member of the National Guard of such State, who is performing Active Guard and Reserve duty pursuant to section 328 of this title, to perform duties in response to, or in preparation for, such disaster. Duty performed under this section shall be referred to as “State disaster response duty”.
“(b) Requirements—State disaster response duty performed pursuant to this section—
“(1) shall be on a reimbursable basis, in accordance with subsection (c);
“(2) may be performed to the extent that the performance of such duty does not interfere with the performance of the member’s primary Active Guard and Reserve duties of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, and training the reserve components; and
“(3) shall not exceed a total of 14 days per member per calendar year, except that the Secretary of Defense may, if the chief executive so requests before the end of the 14th such day, authorize an extension of the duration of such duty, not to exceed an additional—
“(A) 7 days, if the Secretary determines that such extension is appropriate; and
“(B) 46 days if the Secretary determines that such duty is in support of the response to a catastrophic incident, as such term is defined in section 501 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 311).
“(c) Reimbursement
“(1) The Secretary of the military department concerned shall charge a State for the fully burdened costs of manpower for each day of State disaster response duty performed pursuant to this section.
“(2) Such charges shall be paid from the funds of the State of the requesting chief executive or from any other non-Federal funds.
“(3) Any amounts received by a Secretary of a military department under this section shall be credited, at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, to—
“(A) the appropriation, fund, or account used to pay such costs; or
“(B) an appropriation, fund, or account available for the purposes for which such costs were incurred.
“(4) If the State of the requesting chief executive is more than 90 days in arrears in reimbursing the Secretary of the military department concerned for State disaster response duty performed pursuant to this section, such duty may not be performed—
“(A) unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense; and
“(B) after the requesting chief executive obligates funds for the amount in arrears.
“(d) Limitation of liability—While performing State disaster response duty under this section, a member of the National Guard is not an instrumentality of the United States with respect to any act or omission in carrying out such duty. The United States shall not be responsible for any claim or judgment arising from the use of a member of the National Guard under this section.
“(e) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) The term “Active Active Guard and Reserve duty” duty has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10.
changed
“(2) The term “State” State has the meaning given such term in section 901 of this title.”
Regulations— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations under section 328A of such title, as added by subsection (a).
Sec. 517 Study and report on National Guard capabilities in cyber incident response
added
added
Study required— The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the heads of other relevant federal agencies, shall conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the capabilities and authorities of the National Guard in responding to cyber incidents affecting national security.
added
Elements of study— The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An assessment of the current roles and responsibilities of the National Guard in cyber incident response, including—
added
engagements under Federal authority, such as those pursuant to title 10, United States Code; and
added
deployments under State authority, initiated by Governors pursuant to title 32, United States Code, or State law.
added
An analysis of existing legal authorities governing the National Guard’s participation in cyber incident response, including any limitations or gaps in such authorities.
added
An evaluation of resource allocation for National Guard cyber response capabilities, including personnel, equipment, and funding.
added
An assessment of training programs and needs for National Guard personnel to effectively respond to cyber incidents, including joint training with Federal agencies and private sector entities.
added
A review of coordination mechanisms between the National Guard, Federal agencies (including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), State governments, and private sector partners involved in cyber incident response.
added
Identification of challenges or barriers to enhancing the National Guard’s role in cyber incident response and recommendations to address such challenges.
added
Report to Congress—
added
In general— 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 the study required under subsection (a).
added
Form— The report shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex if necessary.
Sec. 518 Report on effect of equipment shortfalls on National Guard ability to assist in disaster response
addedadded Chapter 9 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
added “909. Report on effect of equipment availability to assist in disaster response
added “Not later than March 31 of the next fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Administration, shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a report with respect to each fiscal year on—
added “(1) equipment shortfalls in the National Guard of each State;
added “(2) the effect of such shortfalls in the ability of the National Guard of a State to provide assistance or conduct operations related to disaster response, including with respect to hurricanes; and
added “(3) recommendations for addressing the shortfalls, including through modernization and preposition of equipment in disaster-prone States.”
Sec. 519 Assistance for certain youth and charitable organizations
addedadded Section 508(d) of title 32, United States Code, is amended—
added
by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (17); and
added
by inserting after paragraph (13) the following:
added “(14) The Young Marines.
added “(15) The Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
added “(16) The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.”
Sec. 520 Feasibility study regarding funeral honors duty
added
added
Study required— The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall conduct a feasibility study to—
added
determine how the Secretary can provide funeral honors details under section 1491 of title 10, United States Code, without negatively affecting the ability of the National Guard Bureau to fulfil operational and mission requirements;
added
identify policies and practices that could prevent lapses in such provision; and
added
identify ways to fully compensate veterans service organizations for expenses incurred in assisting the Secretary provide funeral honors details.
added
Report— Not later than 90 days after completion, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of the study under this section.
Sec. 522 Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record: codification; expansion
Expansion— Chapter 50 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“996. Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record
“(a) Establishment—The Secretary of Defense shall maintain a database that is a central portal for exposure-related data that compiles, collates, presents, and provides available occupational and environmental exposure information to support the needs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such database shall be referred to as the “Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record”.
“(b) Elements—The Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record includes the following elements:
“(1) Service records of members of the armed forces.
“(2) All non-classified data available to the Secretary regarding how, where, and when members of the armed forces have been exposed to various occupational or environmental hazards.
“(3) Medical records of members relating to exposures described in paragraph (2), including diagnoses, treatment plans, and laboratory data.
“(c) Service records—If a member is a member described in paragraph (2) of subsection (b), the Secretary shall include the data described in such paragraph in the service record of such member.
“(d) Data sharing—The Secretary shall provide access to information in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record to the following:
“(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
“(2) The Director of the Defense Health Agency, for use by health care providers, epidemiologists, and researchers of the Department of Defense.
“(3) The Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs, for use by health care providers, epidemiologists, and researchers of such department.
“(4) The Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department of Veterans Affairs, for use by personnel of such department regarding compensation and benefits for service-connected disabilities or death.
“(e) Annual report
“(1) The Secretary of Defense shall submit, to the committees specified in paragraph (2), an annual report regarding the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record.
“(2) The committees specified in this paragraph are the following:
“(A) The Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.
“(B) The Committee on Armed Services of House of Representatives.
“(C) The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate.
“(D) The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.
“(E) The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
“(F) The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.”
Conforming amendment— Section 1171(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
changed
“(2) The term “Individual Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record” Record means the database maintained under section 996 of title 10.”
Sec. 527 Recommendation with respect to the retired rank of General John D. Lavelle
addedadded Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the President and the Senate a recommendation regarding the restoration of the retired rank of General John D. Lavelle to general. Such recommendation shall be—
added
based on—
added
recently declassified records; and
added
the most recent recommendation and directive of the Secretary of the Air Force that adopted and approved the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records; and
added
supported by the entirety of the record in the matter of General Lavelle.
Sec. 528 Report on missing members found deceased
addedadded Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a comprehensive report outlining how many of the members of the Armed Forces who were found deceased during the 10 years preceding such date of were designated absent without leave or on unauthorized absence instead of duty status whereabouts unknown. Such report shall include the following elements with regards to each such member:
added
Sex.
added
Age.
added
Home station.
added
Whether the member had previously reported sexual assault, sexual abuse, or stalking.
added
Reasons for the applicable such designation.
added
Whether family or friends notified the member’s commanding officer before such designation.
Sec. 529 Report on adequacy of reimbursement for costs of permanent change of station
added
added
Report required— Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the adequacy of reimbursements for expenses incurred by members of the Armed Forces undergoing a permanent change of station.
added
Survey requirements—
added
In general— In preparing the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—
added
conduct a comprehensive survey of not fewer than 10,000 members of the Armed Forces who complete a permanent change of station during fiscal year 2025 or 2026 that—
added
collects detailed information on actual expenses incurred, both reimbursed and unreimbursed;
added
includes options for members to upload receipts and documentation electronically, provided that such uploads are supplemental and optional;
added
is designed to ensure statistical validity;
added
achieves response rates sufficient to ensure representative samples from each military department and pay grade category; and
added
includes questions regarding financial stress, debt incurrence, and impact on military retention decisions;
added
conduct follow-up surveys with a subset of respondents to gather additional detail on specific cost categories;
added
survey military spouses separately regarding employment-related costs and career impacts of permanent changes of station; and
added
consult with military relief societies regarding financial assistance patterns and trends relating to permanent changes of station.
added
Inapplicability of certain Federal information policy requirements— The surveys required under this subsection shall be carried out notwithstanding subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code.
added
Elements—
added
Analysis of reimbursement categories—
added
Analysis— For each of the categories described in subparagraph (B), the report required by subsection (a) shall include—
added
an identification of all expenses intended to be covered;
added
an identification of related expenses that are not covered;
added
the average actual costs incurred by members of the Armed Forces for both covered and uncovered expenses, based on survey data from not fewer than 10,000 permanent changes of station conducted during fiscal years 2025 and 2026, accounting for peak and non-peak cycles;
added
a comparison of actual costs to reimbursement amounts;
added
a justification for the inclusion or exclusion of specific expenses; and
added
recommendations for modifications to coverage or reimbursement rates.
added
Categories— The categories described in this subparagraph are as follows:
added
Dislocation allowance.
added
Temporary lodging expense and temporary lodging allowance.
added
Per diem allowances.
added
Monetary allowance in lieu of transportation.
added
Personally procured move reimbursements.
added
Household goods shipment and storage entitlements.
added
Dependent travel allowances.
added
Pet transportation reimbursement.
added
Any other allowances or reimbursements related to permanent changes of station.
added
Uncovered expense analysis— The report required under subsection (a) shall include an examination of expenses commonly incurred but not reimbursed, including—
added
security deposits and advance rent payments;
added
utility and telecommunication connection and disconnection fees;
added
contract termination penalties;
added
State vehicle registration and driver’s license fees;
added
pet transportation costs;
added
temporary storage beyond authorized limits;
added
childcare registration for dependents; and
added
replacement of household items damaged or unsuitable for new location.
added
Financial impact assessment— The report required under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of the financial impact of permanent changes of station on members of the Armed Forces, including—
added
average out-of-pocket expenses by pay grade;
added
percentage of members incurring debt due to expenses related to a permanent change of station;
added
impact on the emergency savings of members of the Armed Forces; and
added
utilization rates of military relief society assistance for financial hardship relating to permanent changes of station.
added
Methodology for future adjustments— The report required under subsection (a) shall include recommendations for establishing an annual review and adjustment process for reimbursements for costs relating to a permanent change of station that accounts for—
added
inflation and cost-of-living changes;
added
regional variations in moving costs, including those related to status of forces agreements, currency fluctuation, local housing markets, and pet importation or quarantine requirements;
added
changes in typical household composition and needs; and
added
emerging categories of relocation expenses.
added
Disaggregation requirements— The report required by subsection (a) shall include all data disaggregated by—
added
permanent changes of station within the continental United States;
added
permanent changes of station from the continental United States to locations outside the continental United States;
added
permanent changes of station from locations outside the continental United States to the continental United States;
added
permanent changes of station between locations outside the continental United States;
added
pay grade of the members undergoing a permanent change of station;
added
family status of the member;
added
distance between the permanent station from which the member is transferring to the permanent station to which the member is transferring;
added
duty status of the member;
added
whether the member participates in the Exceptional Family Member Program; and
added
origin and destination installation.
added
Data integration— The report shall, to the maximum extent practicable, incorporate and reconcile data from existing systems of the Department of Defense.
added
Data privacy and custody—
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all data collected to carry out this section remains under the custody and control of the Department of Defense.
added
Use of contractors— The Secretary shall prohibit any contractor supporting implementation of this section from use of data collected to carry out this section other than for purposes of this section, including with respect to use in artificial intelligence model training, commercial applications, or other derivative purposes.
added
Interim briefing— Not later than March 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interim briefing on preliminary findings and anticipated recommendations of the report required under subsection (a).
added
Public availability—
added
Publication— Not later than 30 days after submission of the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall make such report publicly available on a website of the Department of Defense.
added
Accessibility— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the report required under subsection (a) is easily accessible to members of the Armed Forces and the families of such members through prominent placement on appropriate Department of Defense and military department websites.
Sec. 535 Waivers for potential enlistees into the Armed Forces to reapply for enlistment following a positive toxicology test for tetrahydrocannabinol
added
added
Sense of Congress on Waiver System to Reapply for Enlistment Following a Positive Tetrahydrocannabinol Toxicology Test— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
the Departments of the Army and the Navy have taken positive steps in their work to design and implement a waiver system that permits potential enlistees into the Armed Forces to reapply for enlistment following a positive toxicology test for tetrahydrocannabinol;
added
given the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges undermining the Armed Forces readiness goals, the Departments of the Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps should develop and implement their own permanent waiver system commensurate with the process employed by the Army and Navy; and
added
the Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps should establish permanent waiver programs.
added
Waiver program on individuals previously turned away for cannabis use— The Secretary of Defense shall—
added
develop a program through which to provide waivers for potential enlistees into the Armed Forces who were not permitted to enlist following a positive toxicology test for tetrahydrocannabinol so that such potential enlistees are permitted to reapply for enlistment;
added
assess the feasibility of contacting any such potential enlistees who were not permitted to enlist following a positive toxicology test for tetrahydrocannabinol in States where marijuna is legal under State laws; and
added
to the extent feasible, develop a plan to contact such potential enlistees.
added
Waivered Recruits Reporting Requirement— No later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes a plan to create, disseminate, and use a clear definition that highlights that all waivered recruits are qualified and eligible to enlist in the Armed Forces, even if they do not meet every enlistment standard, and that existing standards of enlistment allow for waivers.
Sec. 549A Prohibition on use of Federal funds to endorse critical race theory
Prohibition— No funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be used to endorse critical race theory—
at an academic institution operated by the Department of Defense;
in training provided to a member of the Armed Forces; or
in professional military education.
Protection of academic freedom— Nothing in this section 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.
changed
Critical race theory defined— In this section, the term “critical critical race theory” 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. 549C Limitation on authority to reorganize the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army
Limitation— The Secretary of the Army may not reorganize a unit of the program of the Army until 90 days after the Secretary, acting through the Army Cadet Command, submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing. Elements of such a briefing shall specify the following, with regards to such proposed reorganization:
Each position to be eliminated.
A risk analysis regarding Army officer accessions that justifies such reorganization.
Potential cost savings or expenses to the United States.
The number of members of the program affected by the reorganization, including travel required travel.
Any change to a scholarship awarded under section 2107 or 2107a of title 10, United States Code.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The terms “program” program and “member member of the program” program have the meanings given such terms in section 2101 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “reorganize”, reorganize, with respect to a unit of the program, includes closing, restructuring, reclassifying, merging, or realigning.
Sec. 549D Report on interoperability of cyber training of the Armed Forces
addedadded 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 on the interoperability of the cyber training programs of the Armed Forces. Such report shall include—
added
the extent to which each of the Armed Forces use a standardized, common core curriculum for training members of such Armed Force; and
added
the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether establishment of a Department of Defense cyber academy to provide common training to all of the Armed Forces would improve the cyber preparedness of the United States.
Sec. 549E Modification to maximum years of service for eligibility detail as a student at a law school
added
added
Modification— Section 2004(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
in subparagraph (A)—
added
in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “detailed pursuant to subsection (a)(1)” and inserting “with respect to whom the Secretary of a military department is providing funding for educational expenses in accordance with subsection (a)(2)”; and
added
in clause (ii), by striking “eight years” and inserting “10 years”; and
added
in subparagraph (B) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “detailed pursuant to subsection (a)(2)” and inserting “with respect to whom the Secretary of a military department is not providing funding for educational expenses in accordance with subsection (a)(3)”.
added
Technical amendment—
added
Correction to amendment— Section 552(a)(2)(B) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118‑159; 138 Stat. 1894) is amended to read as follows:
added “(B) in paragraph (3)(C), by striking “period of two years for each year or part thereof of his legal training under subsection (a).” and inserting the following:”
added
Effective date— The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118‑159).
Sec. 549F Director of Admissions of the United States Naval Academy
addedadded Chapter 853 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8451a the following new section:
added “8451b. Director of admissions
added “(a) Establishment and Appointment—There is a director of admissions of the Naval Academy. The director of admissions shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall perform such duties as the Superintendent of the Naval Academy may prescribe with the approval of the Secretary of the Navy.
added “(b) Grade
added “(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a person appointed as director of admissions of the Naval Academy has the regular grade of commander in the Navy or lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps.
added “(2) A person serving as director of admissions shall have the regular grade of captain in the Navy or colonel in the Marine Corps upon the earlier of—
added “(A) the date on which such person completes six years of service as the director of admissions; and
added “(B) the date on which such person would have been promoted had the person been selected for promotion from among officers in the promotion zone.
added “(c) Detail—The President may detail any officer of the Navy or the Marine Corps in a grade above lieutenant or captain, respectively, to perform the duties of director of admissions without appointing the officer as director of admissions. Such a detail does not affect the position of the officer on the active-duty list.”
Sec. 549G Report on Air National Guard C-130J Formal Training Unit
addedadded No later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a written report regarding the Air National Guard C-130J Formal Training Unit. Elements of such report shall include the following:
added
The determination and reasoning of the Secretary whether such unit is adequate for the Air National Guard pilot and loadmaster throughputs.
added
The determination of the Secretary whether there is a backlog of C-130J pilots and loadmasters in the Air Force and Air National Guard.
added
How many pilots and loadmasters are trained through such unit each year.
added
The determination of the Secretary whether the plan for training through such unit for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 is adequate for the Air National Guard recapitalization to C-130Js.
Sec. 549H Accreditation of National Guard Marksmanship Training Center
added
added
Accreditation— The Secretary of the Army shall accredit the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center (hereinafter, “NGMTC”), located at Robinson Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas, as a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command institution.
added
Validation— Upon accreditation, the Secretary shall designate the Small Arms Weapons Expert and Squad Designated Marksman programs of instruction taught at NGMTC as Training Operations Management Activity validated, National Guard-centric courses.
added
Additional skill identifier— The Secretary shall award the Master Marksman Training additional skill identifier to members of the Army National Guard who successfully complete both programs specified in subsection (b).
added
Integration with Program Objective Memorandum— The Secretary shall—
added
integrate such programs into the Army Program Objective Memorandum; and
added
consider establishing a Modified Table of Organization and Equipment requirement associated with the additional skill identifier described in subsection (c) to ensure enduring demand and sustainment.
added
Rule of construction— Nothing in this section shall be construed to transfer operational control, administrative authority, or ownership of the facility of the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center from the Arkansas National Guard to the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the National Guard Bureau.
Sec. 549I Requirements with respect to motorcycle safety training
addedadded The Secretaries of the military departments shall ensure that all beginner motorcycle safety training provided to members of the Armed Forces meets the motorcycle safety training requirements for licensing of the State in which the permanent station of the member receiving the training is located.
Sec. 549J Pilot program on psychological performance training at the United States Air Force Academy
added
added
Pilot program required— The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy, shall establish a pilot program to integrate psychological performance training into the curriculum and cadet development model at the United States Air Force Academy.
added
Elements— The pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall include—
added
training for cadets, faculty, Commanders, and Academy Military Trainers in scientifically researched and evidence-based psychological performance skills focused on development of a high-performance mindset to increase readiness, warfighter lethality, and leadership under stress;
added
the use of cognitive training tools and resources, including technologies and structured skill-building workshops, to improve resilience, focus, decision-making, and recovery under pressure;
added
a leadership development component equipping faculty, Commanders, and Academy Military Trainers to mentor cadets in psychological performance skills across the course of the cadet experience; and
added
collection and analysis of data on training effectiveness using established cadet performance and attrition measures.
added
Metrics— The Secretary shall ensure the pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a) includes evaluation of the following metrics:
added
Attrition rates during Basic Cadet Training, the fourth class (freshman) year, and the third class (sophomore) year.
added
Cadet testing and performance indicators, including graded review, grade point average, military performance average, and physical fitness testing.
added
Counseling center utilization rates, self-reported stress and sleep quality metrics, and measures of cadet well-being.
added
Utilization and results of cognitive training tools, including data on attention, relaxation, and workload regulation.
added
Termination— The pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is one year after the date of the establishment of such pilot program.
added
Report— Not later than 60 days after the termination of the pilot program under subsection (d), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes—
added
the evaluation of the metrics described in subsection (c);
added
an assessment of whether the pilot program reduced attrition and improved cadet performance and resilience; and
added
the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether the Department of Defense should establish a Department-wide program for psychological performance training in accession programs.
Sec. 549K Prohibition of participation by men in women’s sports at the Service Academies
added
added
Prohibition— The Superintendent of a Service Academy may not allow a cadet or midshipman who is male to participate in an athletic program or activity at such Service Academy that is designated exclusively for cadets or midshipmen who are female.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “female” refers to an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and uses eggs for fertilization.
added
The term “male” refers to an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and uses sperm for fertilization.
added
The term “Service Academy” has the meaning given such term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 552 Modifications to offense of wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Section 917a of title 10, United States Code (article 117a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended to read as follows:
“917a. Art. 117a. Wrongful broadcast, distribution, or publication of intimate visual images
“(a) Prohibition—Any person subject to this chapter—
“(1) who knowingly broadcasts, distributes, or uses a communication service to publish an authentic intimate visual depiction of an identifiable individual who is not a minor if—
“(A) the intimate visual depiction was obtained or created under circumstances in which the person knew or reasonably should have known the identifiable individual had a reasonable expectation of privacy;
“(B) the authentic intimate visual depiction was broadcast, distributed, or published without the consent of the identifiable individual;
“(B) what is depicted was not voluntarily exposed by the identifiable individual in a public or commercial setting;
“(C) what is depicted is not a matter of public concern; and
“(D) the broadcast, distribution, or publication of the intimate visual depiction—
“(i) is intended to cause harm; or
“(ii) causes harm, including psychological, financial, or reputational harm, to the identifiable individual;
“(2) who knowingly broadcasts, distributes, or uses a communication service to publish an authentic intimate visual depiction of an identifiable individual who is a minor with intent to—
“(A) abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade the minor; or
“(B) arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person;
“(3) who knowingly broadcasts, distributes, or uses a communication service to publish a digital forgery of an identifiable individual who is not a minor if—
“(A) the digital forgery was broadcast, distributed, or published without the consent of the identifiable individual;
“(B) what is depicted was not voluntarily exposed by the identifiable individual in a public or commercial setting;
“(C) what is depicted is not a matter of public concern; and
“(D) the broadcast, distribution, or publication of the digital forgery—
“(i) is intended to cause harm; or
“(ii) causes harm, including psychological, financial, or reputational harm, to the identifiable individual; or
“(4) who knowingly broadcasts, distributes, or uses a communication service to publish a digital forgery of an identifiable individual who is a minor with intent to—
“(A) abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade the minor; or
“(B) arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person,
“(b) Exceptions—Subsection (a) shall not apply to—
“(1) a lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of—
“(A) a law enforcement agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State; or
“(B) an intelligence agency of the United States;
“(2) a disclosure made reasonably and in good faith—
“(A) to a law enforcement officer or agency;
“(B) as part of a document production or filing associated with a legal proceeding;
“(C) as part of medical education, diagnosis, or treatment or for a legitimate medical, scientific, or educational purpose;
“(D) in the reporting of unlawful content or unsolicited or unwelcome conduct or in pursuance of a legal, professional, or other lawful obligation; or
“(E) to seek support or help with respect to the receipt of an unsolicited intimate visual depiction;
“(3) a disclosure reasonably intended to assist the identifiable individual; or
“(4) a person who possesses or publishes an intimate visual depiction of himself or herself engaged in nudity or sexually explicit conduct.
“(c) Consent—For the purposes of subsection (a)—
“(1) the fact that the depicted individual consented to the creation of the intimate visual depiction shall not establish that the person consented to its disclosure; and
“(2) the fact that the depicted individual disclosed the intimate visual depiction to another person shall not establish that the depicted individual consented to the further disclosure of the intimate visual depiction.
“(d) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) Consent—The term “consent” consent means an affirmative, conscious, and voluntary authorization made by an individual free from force, fraud, duress, misrepresentation, or coercion.
changed
“(2) Digital forgery—The term “digital forgery” digital forgery means any intimate visual depiction of an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual depiction, that, when viewed as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual depiction of the individual.
changed
“(3) Identifiable individual—The term “identifiable individual” identifiable individual means an individual—
“(A) who appears in whole or in part in an intimate visual depiction; and
“(B) whose face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature) is displayed in connection with such intimate visual depiction.
changed
“(4) Visual depiction—The term “visual depiction” visual depiction includes undeveloped film and videotape, data stored on computer disk or by electronic means which is capable of conversion into a visual image, and data which is capable of conversion into a visual image that has been transmitted by any means, whether or not stored in a permanent format.
changed
“(5) Intimate visual depiction—The term “intimate intimate visual depiction”—depiction—
“(A) means a visual depiction that depicts—
“(i) the uncovered genitals, pubic area, anus, or female nipple of an identifiable individual; or
“(ii) the display or transfer of bodily sexual fluids—
“(I) on to any part of the body of an identifiable individual;
“(II) from the body of an identifiable individual; or
“(iii) an identifiable individual engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
“(B) includes any visual depictions described in subparagraph (A) produced while the identifiable individual was in a public place only if the individual did not—
“(i) voluntarily display the content depicted; or
“(ii) consent to the sexual conduct depicted.
changed
“(6) Sexually explicit conduct—The term “sexually sexually explicit conduct” conduct means actual or simulated—
“(A) sexual intercourse, including genital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, or oral-anal, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex;
“(B) bestiality;
“(C) masturbation;
“(D) sadistic or masochistic abuse; or
“(E) lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of any person.
changed
“(7) Minor—The term “minor” minor means any individual under the age of 18 years.
changed
“(8) Broadcast—The term “broadcast” broadcast means to electronically transmit a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.
changed
“(9) Distribute—The term “distribute” distribute means to deliver to the actual or constructive possession of another person, including transmission by mail or electronic means.
changed
“(10) Communications service—The term “communications service” communications service means—
“(A) a service provided by a person that is a common carrier;
“(B) an electronic communication service;
“(C) an information service; or
“(D) an interactive computer service.
changed
“(11) Common carrier—The term “common carrier” common carrier means any person engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio or interstate or foreign radio transmission of energy, but a person engaged in radio broadcasting shall not, insofar as such person is so engaged, be deemed a common carrier.
changed
“(12) Electronic communication service—The term “electronic electronic communication service” service means any service which provides to users thereof the ability to send or receive wire or electronic communications.
changed
“(13) Information service—The term “information service” information service means the offering of a capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving, utilizing, or making available information via telecommunications, and includes electronic publishing, but does not include any use of any such capability for the management, control, or operation of a telecommunications system or the management of a telecommunications service.
changed
“(14) Interactive computer service—The term “interactive interactive computer service” service means any information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server, including specifically a service or system that provides access to the Internet and such systems operated or services offered by libraries or educational institutions.”
Sec. 553 Punitive article under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for offenses relating to child pornography
In general— Chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended by inserting after section 917a (article 117a) the following new section (article):
“917b. Art. 117b. Child pornography
“(a) Prohibition—Any person subject to this chapter who knowingly and wrongfully—
“(1) possesses, receives, or views child pornography;
“(2) possesses child pornography with the intent to distribute;
“(3) distributes child pornography; or
“(4) produces child pornography,
“(b) Maximum punishments
“(1) The maximum punishment for the offense of possessing, receiving, or viewing child pornography under subsection (a)(1) shall be dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 10 years.
“(2) The maximum punishment for the offense of possessing child pornography with intent to distribute under subsection (a)(2) shall be dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 15 years.
“(3) The maximum punishment for the offense of distributing child pornography under subsection (a)(3) shall be dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.
“(4) The maximum punishment for the offense of producing child pornography under subsection (a)(4) shall be dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 30 years.
“(c) Treatment of personally identifiable information—On motion of the Government, in any prosecution under this section, except for good cause shown, the name, address, social security number, or other nonphysical identifying information, other than the age or approximate age, of any minor who is depicted in any child pornography or visual depiction or copy thereof shall not be admissible and may be redacted from any otherwise admissible evidence, and the panel shall be instructed, upon request of the Government, that it can draw no inference from the absence of such evidence.
“(d) Determination wrongfulness—Any facts or circumstances that show that a visual depiction of child pornography was unintentionally or inadvertently acquired are relevant to wrongfulness, including, the method by which the visual depiction was acquired, the length of time the visual depiction was maintained, and whether the visual depiction was promptly, and in good faith, destroyed or reported to law enforcement.
“(e) Determination of knowing—An accused may not be convicted of an offense under subsection (a) if the accused was not aware that the visual depiction involved was of a minor or what appeared to be a minor, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Awareness may be inferred from circumstantial evidence such as the name of a computer file or folder, the name of the host website from which a visual depiction was viewed or received, search terms used, and the number of images possessed.
“(f) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) The term “child pornography” child pornography means material that contains either an obscene visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct or a visual depiction of an actual minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
changed
“(2) The term “distribute” distribute means to deliver to the actual or constructive possession of another.
changed
“(3) The term “minor” minor means any person under the age of 18 years.
changed
“(4) The term “possess” possess means to exercise control of something. Possession may be direct physical custody like holding an item in one’s hand, or it may be constructive, as in the case of a person who hides something in a locker or a car to which that person may return to retrieve it. Possession must be knowing and conscious. Possession inherently includes the power or authority to preclude control by others. It is possible for more than one person to possess an item simultaneously, as when several people share control over an item.
changed
“(5) The term “produce”—produce—
“(A) means to create or manufacture child pornography that did not previously exist; and
“(B) does not include reproducing or copying child pornography.
changed
“(6) The term “sexually sexually explicit conduct” conduct means actual or simulated—
“(A) sexual intercourse or sodomy, including genital to genital, oral to genital, anal to genital, or oral to anal, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex;
“(B) bestiality;
“(C) masturbation;
“(D) sadistic or masochistic abuse; or
“(E) lascivious exhibition of the genitals, anus, or pubic area of any person.
changed
“(7) The term “visual depiction” visual depiction includes—
“(A) any developed or undeveloped photograph, picture, film, or video; any digital or computer image, picture, film, or video made by any means, including those transmitted by any means including streaming media, even if not stored in a permanent format; or
“(B) any digital or electronic data capable of conversion into a visual image.”
Conforming amendment to definition of covered offense— Section 801(17)(A) of title 10, United States Code (article 1(17)(A) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended—
by inserting “section 917b (article 117b),” after “section 917a (article 117a),”; and
by striking “the standalone offense of child pornography punishable under section 934 (article 134),”.
Sec. 557 Revision to sexual assault prevention and response training guidance
Revision requirement— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in coordination with the Director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office of the Department of Defense, shall revise sexual assault prevention and response training guidance to require that information on the resources of the Department of Veterans Affairs to address experiences with unwanted sexual behavior be included in the annual or periodic sexual assault prevention and response training that is administered to all members of the Armed Forces.
Implementation oversight— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each Secretary of a military department—
incorporates the revised guidance under subsection (a) into the formal training curricula of the military department concerned;
provides documented confirmation to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness that the revised training has been delivered to all currently serving members of the Armed Forces within one year of the approval of such revised guidance; and
establishes a mechanism to verify continued compliance with the revised guidance.
Reporting— Not later than one year after the date on which the revised guidance is issued under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
an assessment of the extent to which each military department has implemented the guidance; and
statistics on number of members of the Armed Forces trained under the revised guidance.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “unwanted unwanted sexual behavior” behavior means any sexual contact or interaction to which an individual does not or could not freely consent, including harassment, coercion, assault, or abuse.
changed
The term “sexual sexual assault prevention and response training” training means any training, instruction, or education provided pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 6495.02, Volume 2 or any successor guidance.
Sec. 558 Reports and briefings on efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and intimate-partner violence within the Department of Defense
Quarterly reports—
In General— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Executive Director of Force Resiliency, shall submit to the committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the efforts of the Department of Defense to prevent and respond to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and intimate-partner violence.
Elements— Each report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An overview of the efforts of the Department of Defense to prevent and respond to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and intimate partner violence.
With respect to the period covered by the report, the most recently available data on—
reports of sexual assault;
reports of sexual harassment;
reports of intimate partner violence;
staffing of the primary prevention workforce, including filled and unfilled positions disaggregated by the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps;
staffing of the sexual assault and harassment response workforce, including filled and unfilled positions disaggregated by the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps;
staffing of the family advocacy program, including filled and unfilled positions disaggregated by the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps;
staffing of the offices of special trial counsel, including filled and unfilled positions disaggregated by the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps; and
staffing of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service, including filled and unfilled positions dedicated to covered offenses under the jurisdiction of special trial counsels.
Special trial counsel briefings— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the lead special trial counsels of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps shall jointly provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the progress of special trial counsels in prosecuting covered offenses.
changed
Definitions— In this section, the terms “covered offense” covered offense and “special special trial counsel” counsel have the meanings given those terms in section 801 of title 10, United States Code (article 1 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
Sec. 559 Study and recommendations regarding misconduct prevention in Okinawa, Japan
Study— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract or other agreement with a federally funded research and development center pursuant to which the center shall—
conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, policies, and practices of the covered Armed Forces to prevent criminal activity and other misconduct by members stationed in Okinawa, Japan; and
develop evidence-based options and recommendations for changes to programs, policies, and practices to prevent criminal activity and other misconduct by members of the covered Armed Forces stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
Report to Secretaries— The federally funded research and development center that carries out the study and analysis under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments a report on the results of such study.
Report to Congress— Not later than 30 days after receiving the report under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall submit an unaltered copy of the report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Improvement plans for military departments— Not later than 180 days after receiving the report under subsection (b), each Secretary of a military department shall—
review the findings of the report and, based on such findings, develop a plan to improve prevention of criminal activity and other misconduct by members of the covered Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary who are stationed in Okinawa, Japan; and
provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the plan.
changed
Covered Armed Forces defined— In this section, the term “covered covered Armed Forces” Forces means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
Sec. 560 Automatic expungement of certain titling and indexing records
added
added
Automatic expungement— A titling or indexing record pertaining to a covered person in a covered database shall be expunged automatically 10 years after the date on which such person separates from military service, unless—
added
a finding of guilt by court-martial was made in connection with the conduct to which the record pertains; or
added
the service member is reasonably expected to be prosecuted for such conduct by court-martial or in a civilian court within one year following the expiration of such 10-year period.
added
Revision to guidance— The Secretary of Defense shall revise Department of Defense Instruction 5505.07 and any other related or successor guidance, as necessary, to implement the requirements of subsection (a).
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “covered person” means any individual subject to the jurisdiction of chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), who is—
added
a current or former civilian employee of the Department of Defense; or
added
a current or former member of the Armed Forces.
added
The term “covered database” means the Department of Defense Central Index of Investigations (DCII) or any equivalent investigatory system under the control of the Department of Defense.
added
The term “titled” or “titling” means the placement of a person’s name in the subject or title block of a criminal investigative report or indexing system, including the DCII.
added
The term “expungement” means the complete and permanent removal of any identifying and investigative information pertaining to a covered person from all covered investigative databases, including any retained, archived, hidden, derivative, or “shadow” records. Expungement shall be total, irreversible, and render the record indistinguishable from one that never existed.
Sec. 565 Skillbridge: apprenticeship programs
Study— Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy, shall conduct a study to identify the private entities participating in Skillbridge that offer positions in registered apprenticeship programs to covered members.
Recruitment— The Secretary of Defense shall consult with officials and employees of the Department of Labor who have experience with registered apprenticeship programs to facilitate the Secretary entering into agreements with entities that offer positions described in subsection (a) in areas where the Secretary determines few such positions are available to covered members.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “covered member” covered member means a member of the Armed Forces eligible for Skillbridge.
changed
The term “registered registered apprenticeship program” program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the “National Apprenticeship Act”; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
changed
The term “Skillbridge” Skillbridge means an employment skills training program under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 566 Female members of certain Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense in STEM
Study; report— Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the results of a study on how to—
increase participation of covered individuals in positions in the covered Armed Forces or Department of Defense and related to STEM; and
change Skillbridge to help covered individuals eligible for Skillbridge find civilian employment in positions related to STEM.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “covered covered Armed Force” Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
changed
The term “covered individual” covered individual means a female—
member of a covered Armed Force; or
civilian employee of the Department of Defense.
changed
The term “Skillbridge” Skillbridge means an employment skills training program under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “STEM” STEM means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Sec. 567 Transition Assistance Program: amendments; pilot program; reports
added
added
Requirement of preseparation counseling: number of days— Subsection (a) of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (1)—
added
by inserting “(A)” before “Within”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
added “(B) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that a member described in subparagraph (A) receives preseparation counseling in the following amounts:
added “(i) In the case of a member who has accepted an offer of full-time employment, or has enrolled in a program of education or vocational training, that shall commence after the member separates, retires, or is discharged, not fewer than three days.
added “(ii) In the case of a member other than a member described in clause (i), not fewer than five days.”
added
Provision of preseparation counseling: in-person to the extent practicable— Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (2)—
added
by inserting “(A)” before “In carrying”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
added “(B) Preseparation counseling shall be provided in person to the extent practicable. If the Secretary concerned determines that a member cannot attend such counseling in person, such member may receive such counseling remotely, with online access to modules and reading materials.”
added
Tracking of timeliness— Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
added “(C) The Secretary of Defense shall implement a system to track how many, and what percentage of, members begin to receive preseparation counseling within time periods specified in this paragraph.”
added
Waiver for certain members of the reserve components— Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
added “(D) The Secretary concerned may waive the requirement for preseparation counseling under paragraph (1) in the case of a member of the reserve components if—
added “(i) the member requests such a waiver;
added “(ii) the member received preseparation counseling during the period of three years preceding the date of such request; and
added “(iii) matters covered by such counseling, specified in subsection (b), have not changed since the member last received such counseling.”
added
Eligibility of a member who reenlists to receive preseparation counseling— Such subsection is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
added “(5) The commanding officer of a member described in this subsection may, on a space available basis, authorize such member to receive preseparation counseling, regardless of whether such member reenlists or agrees to a new period of obligated service.”
added
Repeat attendance— Such subsection is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
added “(6) A member who received preseparation counseling under this section may, before separation, retirement, or discharge, request to receive, on a space-available basis, such preseparation counseling a second time.”
added
Elective inclusion of the spouse of a member— Such section is further amended, in subsection (b), in paragraph (5), by striking “regarding the matters covered by paragraphs (9), (10), and (16)”.
added
Minimum amount of counseling regarding financial planning— Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (9)—
added
by inserting “(A)” before “Financial”;
added
by striking “loans” and inserting “loans, debt management, investing”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
added “(B) Individualized assistance regarding matters described in subparagraph (A).
added “(C) Counseling under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be provided by an individual who has significant experience in financial planning.”
added
Pathways: standardization; establishment of pathway for members of the reserve components— Such section is further amended, in paragraph (1) of subsection (c), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
added
by striking “Each Secretary concerned” and inserting “The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security”; and
added
by striking “pathways for members of the military department concerned (including one pathway for members of the reserve components)” and inserting “pathways, standardized across the armed forces and including one pathway for members of the reserve components, for members”.
added
Pathways: record of pathway assignment— Such subsection is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
added “(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that the pathway in which a member is placed, and the reasons for such placement, are noted in the service record of such member.”
added
Coordination between Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor— Such section is further amended, in subsection (d)—
added
by striking the heading and inserting “Transmission of certain information to other departments”;
added
by inserting “(1)” before “In the case”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
added “(2) Before a member described in subsection (a) separates, retires, or is discharged, the Secretary concerned shall transmit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the following information:
added “(A) The contact information of such member.
added “(B) The Department of Defense Form DD-2648 regarding such member.
added “(3)
added “(A) In the case of a member described in subsection (a) whom the Secretary concerned determines is at risk for a difficult transition to civilian life, the Secretary concerned shall, before the member separates, retires, or is discharged, provide—
added “(i) such member with the contact information of an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs and an employee of the Department of Labor; and
added “(ii) such employees with the contact information of such member.
added “(B) Each employee described in subparagraph (A) shall contact the member described in such subparagraph not later than 60 days after such member separates, retires, or is discharged.
added “(C) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor shall each submit to the Committees on Armed Services and on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual report that identifies the number of times, and reasons why, an employee of the department under the jurisdiction of such Secretary failed to carry out subparagraph (B) in the year preceding the date of the report.
added “(D) The Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Homeland Security shall prescribe regulations to ensure that, for purposes of this paragraph, each Secretary concerned uses the same definition of the term “at risk for a difficult transition to civilian life”.”
added
Yearly surprise audits— Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
added “(f) Audits
added “(1)
added “(A) Not less than once each year, an employee or contractor of each department specified in subparagraph (B) shall make unannounced visits to preseparation counseling under this section in order to audit such counseling.
added “(B) The departments specified in this subparagraph are the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Labor.
added “(2) Not later than 90 days after such a visit, the employee or contractor shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services and on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding such audit.
added “(3) Such employees or contractors shall have expertise regarding matters described in subsection (b).”
added
Update of TAP curricula— Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
added “(g) Curricula—Not less than once each year, the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor shall review and update curricula for counseling and services under this section and section 1144 of this title.”
added
Website of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding programs for new veterans— Section 523 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
added “(c) The Secretary shall maintain a publicly available website of the Department through which a veteran or dependent of a veteran may search by ZIP code for programs for—
added “(1) veterans who recently separated from active military, naval, air, or space service; or
added “(2) dependents of veterans described in paragraph (1).”
added
Expansion of eligibility for a certain program of job counseling, training, and placement service for veterans—
added
Definition— Section 4101 of title 38, United States Code, is amended in paragraph (5)—
added
in subparagraph (A), by striking the comma at the end and inserting a semicolon;
added
in subparagraph (B), by striking “power, or” and inserting “power;”
added
in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
added “(D) a member of the Armed Forces eligible for the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10.”
added
Outreach— Section 4103A(a)(1) of such title is amended—
added
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting “and certain eligible persons” after “eligible veterans”;
added
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and
added
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph (C):
added “(C) Eligible persons described in paragraph (5)(D) of section 4101 of this title.”
added
Solid Start program: interaction with Transition Assistance Program—
added
Clarification of reference to TAP— Subsection (b) of section 6320 of title 38, United States Code, is amended, in of paragraph (1), by striking “transition classes or separation” and inserting “TAP classes or preseparation counseling”.
added
Assessment of TAP— Such paragraph is further amended, in subparagraph (H), by inserting “and of TAP” before the period.
added
Definitions— Such section is further amended—
added
by striking paragraph (3) of subsection (b); and
added
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
added “(c) Definitions—In this section:
added “(1) The term “TAP” means the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10.
added “(2) The term “Vet Center” has the meaning given such term in section 1712A(h) of this title.
added “(3) The term “veterans service organization” means an organization recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of this title.”
added
Information provided to State veterans agencies regarding members separating from the Armed Forces—
added
Expansion— Section 570F of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 1142 note) is amended, in subsection (a)—
added
by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9); and
added
by inserting, after paragraph (7), the following new paragraph (8):
added “(8) Benefits for low-income households, including the supplemental nutrition assistance program (as such term is defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (Public Law 88–525; 7 U.S.C. 2012)).”
added
Limitation of voluntary participation— Such section is further amended, in subsection (d), by striking “Information” and inserting “Except for information related to whether an individual is eligible for benefits described in paragraph (8) of subsection (a), information”.
added
Pilot program for military spouses—
added
Establishment— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program for spouses of members of the covered Armed Forces who are eligible to receive preseparation counseling under TAP.
added
Voluntary basis— Participation in the pilot program shall be on a voluntary basis.
added
Curriculum— The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor, shall establish a curriculum based on TAP for the pilot program.
added
Counseling— Counseling under the pilot program shall—
added
be tailored to the military spouse and family;
added
be offered at least once per calendar quarter at each location selected under paragraph (5);
added
be offered at times including nights and weekends; and
added
include at least one hour regarding benefits and assistance available to military families and veterans from each department under the jurisdiction of the Secretaries specified in subparagraph (C).
added
Locations— The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the pilot program at not fewer than five military installations of each of the covered Armed Forces. One such location shall be located outside the continental United States.
added
Report— Not later than one year before the pilot program terminates, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report to the regarding the pilot program. Such report shall include elements the Secretary determines appropriate, including whether the pilot program should be made permanent.
added
Termination— The pilot program shall terminate three years after the Secretary of Defense establishes the pilot program.
added
Definitions— In this subsection:
added
The term “covered Armed Force” means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
added
The term “TAP” means the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.
added
Annual report on TAP participation— 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 and on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the Transition Assistance Program at military installations where at least 250 members per year receive preseparation counseling under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code. Such report shall include the following elements with regards to the year preceding the date of such report, disaggregated by military installation:
added
The number of members described in subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) of such section 1142, as added by subsection (a), who received fewer than five days of preseparation counseling under such section.
added
The average period of time between when a member begins to receive preseparation counseling and the day the member separates, retires, or is discharged.
added
The number of members who began to receive preseparation counseling and then re-enlisted or agreed to a new period of obligated service.
added
The number of members who began to receive preseparation counseling and then were deployed.
added
The number of members assigned to each pathway under subsection (c) of such section.
added
The number of members who, in the course of such preseparation counseling, were referred to another Federal agency or department.
added
The Federal agencies or departments to which members were so referred.
added
The number of members who should have been, but were not, so referred, and reasons why such referrals did not occur.
added
The number of members who receive such preseparation counseling and apply for unemployment compensation under subchapter II of chapter 85 of title 5, United States Code.
added
The total amount of such unemployment compensation paid to members separating from the Armed Forces.
Sec. 568 Assistance to members with special operations medical training in obtaining credit towards a degree in a medical field
addedadded Chapter 58 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
added “1156. Assistance to members with special operations medical training in obtaining credit towards a degree in a medical field
added “The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into agreements with institutions of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)) to provide credit towards a degree in a medical field at such institutions for members of the armed forces who have received special operations medical training.”
Sec. 569 Improvement of transition of air traffic controllers in the Armed Forces to the civilian workforce in air traffic control occupations
added
added
Recommendations required— Within 180 days of passage, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with each of the States (through the Defense-State Liaison Office of the Department of Defense), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Labor, shall develop recommendations to improve the transition of military air traffic controllers under the jurisdiction of the Secretary into the civilian workforce in air traffic control occupations.
added
Considerations— In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall identify any barriers—
added
to improving the ability of the Secretary to determine and communicate how the military credentials and experience of a controller separating from the Armed Forces translate to credentialed civilian employment in air traffic control occupations;
added
that exist to the standardization among the Armed Forces of military controller credentials and experience and the alignment of such credentials and experience to credentialed civilian employment in air traffic control occupations; and
added
that exist to ensuring members of the Armed Forces with military controller credentials and experience have earned the equivalent civilian credential prior to separation from the Armed Forces in addition to receiving their military credentials.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report containing—
added
the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and
added
a plan to implement those recommendations.
Sec. 570 Extension of period of availability of Military OneSource program for retired and discharged members of the Armed Forces and their immediate families
addedadded Section 558(a) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 1781 note) is amended by striking “one-year period” and inserting “18-month period”.
Sec. 570A Amendments to pathways for counseling in Transition Assistance Program
addedadded Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
by redesignating subparagraph (M) as subparagraph (R); and
added
by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following:
added “(M) Child care requirements of the member (including whether a dependent of the member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program).
added “(N) The employment status of other adults in the household of the member.
added “(O) The location of the duty station of the member (including whether the member was separated from family while on duty).
added “(P) The effects of operating tempo and personnel tempo on the member and the household of the member.”
Sec. 571 Notification of suspected child abuse at providers of child care services or youth programs
Section 1794 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(g) Notification of suspected child abuse
“(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a policy that requires covered child and youth programs to—
“(A) not later than 24 hours after a program becomes aware of alleged or suspected abuse or neglect of a child occurring in such program, notify the parents and guardians of such child of such alleged or suspected abuse or neglect; and
“(B) not later than 72 hours after a program becomes aware of alleged abuse or neglect of a child occurring in such program, provide notice of such alleged abuse or neglect to—
“(i) the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives;
“(ii) if the alleged abuse or neglect occurs in one of the several States, the Senators that represent the State in which the alleged abuse or neglect occurred; and
“(iii) if the alleged abuse or neglect occurs in a location represented by a Member of, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives, the Member of, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives that represents such location.
changed
“(2) In this subsection, the term “covered covered child and youth program” program means a military child development center, a Department of Defense youth program, a family home day care, or a provider of child care services or youth program services that receives financial assistance under section 1798.”
Sec. 573 Pilot program to increase payments for child care services in high-cost areas
Section 1798 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
“(c) Pilot program for grants to increase infant and toddler capacity in high-cost areas
“(1) The Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot program to provide grants to eligible providers seeking to expand the capacity of such providers to provide care for infants and toddlers.
“(2) A grant awarded under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) shall—
“(A) be in an amount determined by the Secretary, but in no case more than 75 percent of the estimated cost of the expansion for which the grant is provided; and
“(B) require the recipient of a grant to—
“(i) make available not less than half of any additional capacity for infants and toddlers to children of members of the armed forces that results from the expansion for which a grant is awarded for the 10-year period that begins on the date on which such expansion is completed; and
“(ii) certify that the recipient will not displace children enrolled on the date described in clause (i) who are not children of members of the armed forces to meet the requirement of clause (i).
“(3) The Secretary—
“(A) shall award grants under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) to not less than 10 eligible providers located in areas with high child care services costs, as determined by the Secretary; and
“(B) may award grants under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) to eligible providers located in other areas as the Secretary considers appropriate.
“(4) Not later than one year after the establishment of the pilot program under this subsection, and semiannually thereafter until the date of the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program that includes—
“(A) the number of eligible providers participating in the pilot program, disaggregated by location;
“(B) the number of additional infant and toddler enrollments at eligible providers made available under the pilot program, disaggregated by loacation;
“(C) the determination of the Secretary as to whether grants provided under the pilot program—
“(i) helped reduce child care costs for applicable military families;
“(ii) increased child care provider participation in the financial assistance available under this section; and
“(iii) increased access to infant and toddler care for military families;
“(D) the determination of the Secretary with respect to the feasibility of expanding the pilot program to all communities;
“(E) any challenges identified by the Secretary in carrying out the pilot program;
“(F) legislation or administrative action that the Secretary determines necessary to make the pilot program permanent; and
“(G) any other information the Secretary determines appropriate.
“(5) Not later than 90 days after the date of the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes—
“(A) the elements specified in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of paragraph (4); and
“(B) the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether to make the pilot program permanent.
“(6) The pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date on which such program is established.
changed
“(7) In this subsection, the term “appropriate appropriate congressional committees” committees means—
“(A) the congressional defense committees;
“(B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
“(C) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.”
Sec. 577 Report on military child development center staffing and access across the Armed Forces
added
added
Report required— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the staffing of, and access to, military child development centers (as such term is defined in section 1800 of title 10, United States Code) for members of the Armed Forces and their families.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
added
An assessment of staffing levels at child development centers across the Armed Forces, including factors contributing to any staffing shortages.
added
An evaluation of how staffing shortages affect the availability of child care for members and their families.
added
An analysis of how limited access to child care impacts unit readiness and morale.
added
A description of actions the Secretary of Defense is taking, or plans to take, to address such staffing shortages.
Sec. 578 Prohibitions on provision of gender transition services through an Exceptional Family Member Program of the Armed Forces
added
added
In general— No gender transition procedures, including surgery or medication, may be provided to a minor dependent child through an EFMP.
added
Referrals— No referral for procedures described in subsection (a) may be provided to a minor dependent child through an EFMP.
added
Reassignment— No change of duty station may be approved through an EFMP for the purpose of providing a minor dependent child with access to procedures described in subsection (a).
added
EFMP defined— In this section, the term “EFMP” means the program referred to as the Exceptional Family Member Program under section 1781c(d)(4)(I) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 582 Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of military and civilian personnel
Continuation of authority to assist local educational agencies that benefit dependents of members of the armed forces and department of defense civilian employees—
Assistance to schools with significant numbers of military dependent students— Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 by section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $35,000,000 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).
changed
Local educational agency defined— In this subsection, the term “local local educational agency” agency has the meaning given that term in section 7013(9) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of (20 U.S.C. 7713(9)).
Impact aid for children with severe disabilities—
In general— Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $5,000,000 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).
Additional amount— Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $5,000,000 shall be available for use by the Secretary of Defense to make payments to local educational agencies determined by the Secretary to have higher concentrations of military children with severe disabilities.
Briefing— Not later than March 31, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the Department of Defense’s evaluation of each local educational agency with higher concentrations of military children with severe disabilities and subsequent determination of the amounts of impact aid each such agency shall receive.
Sec. 583 Verification of reporting of eligible federally connected children for purposes of Federal impact aid programs
Certification— On an annual basis, each commander of a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department shall submit to such Secretary a written certification verifying whether the commander has confirmed the information contained in all impact aid source check forms received from local educational agencies as of the date of such certification.
Report— Not later than June 30 of each year, each Secretary of a military department shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report, based on the information received under subsection (a), that identifies—
each military installation under the jurisdiction of such Secretary that has confirmed the information contained in all impact aid source check forms received from local educational agencies as of the date of the report; and
each military installation that has not confirmed the information contained in such forms as of such date.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “impact impact aid source check form” form means a form submitted to a military installation by a local educational agency to confirm the number and identity of children eligible to be counted for purposes of the Federal impact aid program under section 7003(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7703(a)).
changed
The term “local local educational agency” agency has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
Sec. 584 Authorization of dual or concurrent enrollment programs for students of Defense Dependent Schools
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, may—
added
enter into arrangements with institutions of higher education to provide students of Defense Dependent Schools with access to postsecondary course credit through dual or concurrent enrollment programs; and
added
provide financial assistance to cover the costs associated with such programs.
added
Credit transferability— The Secretary of Defense shall, to the greatest extent practicable, ensure that the Department of Defense Education Activity, in facilitating dual or concurrent enrollment programs with institutions of higher education under this section—
added
establishes articulation or credit transfer agreements that promote the transferability of academic credits earned by participating students; and
added
prioritizes agreements with institutions that offer broad acceptance of such credits across degree programs.
added
Institutional integrity— In entering into contracts or other agreements with institutions of higher education for purposes of dual or concurrent enrollment programs under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that such institutions—
added
are accredited and in good standing with recognized institutional accrediting agencies;
added
maintain a record of compliance with applicable Federal and State education laws and regulations; and
added
to the greatest extent practicable, have a demonstrable record of reliability and excellence in matters of financial integrity, academic standards, and student protections.
added
Preparation and informing families and educators— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that funds made available to the Department of Defense Education Activity for the purposes of supporting dual or concurrent enrollment programs are used, to the extent practicable, for the following:
added
Course sequence alignment— Designing a sequence of courses for such programs to match the academic content standards and level of rigor of the corresponding postsecondary courses, in consultation and collaboration with—
added
educators from Defense Dependent Schools serving the military-connected community;
added
faculty members from institutions of higher education offering dual or concurrent enrollment programs; and
added
the school advisory committee (or the equivalent advisory body) of each Defense Dependent School.
added
Outreach and information dissemination— Establishing outreach and awareness efforts targeted toward elementary and secondary school students, particularly those in the middle grades and their families, educators, school counselors, and principals, to provide—
added
general information regarding the availability and benefits of dual or concurrent enrollment programs;
added
guidance on eligibility requirements, academic expectations, and necessary preparatory coursework for such programs; and
added
resources to support informed decision-making and successful student participation in such programs.
added
Teacher certification— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all dual or concurrent enrollment courses facilitated by the Department of Defense Education Activity are taught by—
added
a postsecondary faculty member who—
added
is employed by two-year or four-year institution of higher education (which may include a community college); and
added
meets the applicable postsecondary accreditation standards for instructional staff; or
added
a classroom teacher employed by a local educational agency or by the Department of Defense Education Activity, who—
added
has met the certification and content-area qualifications necessary to teach at the secondary level; and
added
has received training or certification to deliver the dual or concurrent enrollment course curriculum in alignment with the standards of the partnering institution of higher education.
added
Protecting State residency— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Department of Defense Education Activity, in administering or facilitating access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs under this section, makes every reasonable effort to ensure that participating students retain their State of legal residence as established prior to enrollment in such programs, for purposes of—
added
eligibility for in-State tuition rates at public institutions of higher education;
added
qualification for State-based financial aid, scholarships, or academic recognition;
added
uninterrupted access to dual or concurrent enrollment opportunities made available through State or institutional partnerships; and
added
other educational benefits connected to State residency.
added
Additional requirements— In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall—
added
consult with the School Advisory Committees (or the equivalent advisory bodies) and Parent Teacher Associations of participating Defense Dependent Schools; and
added
to the maximum extent practicable, use and certify licensed teachers already employed at Defense Dependent Schools to teach courses offering postsecondary credit unless doing so would negatively affect the transferability of such credits.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “Defense Dependent School” means—
added
a school operated under the Defense Dependents’ Education System, as authorized under the Defense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 (20 U.S.C. 921 et seq.); or
added
a Department of Defense domestic dependent elementary and secondary school, as authorized under section 2164 of title 10, United States Code.
added
The term “dual or concurrent enrollment program” means a program offered by an arrangement between the Department of Defense Education Activity and an institution of higher education and through which a student enrolled in a Defense Dependent School who has not graduated from high school with a regular high school diploma is able to enroll in one or more postsecondary courses and earn credit that applies—
added
toward completion of a postsecondary degree or recognized educational credential as described in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.); and
added
toward completion of high school.
added
The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
added
The term “recognized institutional accrediting agency” means an agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education under section 496 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b).
Sec. 593 Authorization of award of medal of honor to Gregory McManus for acts of valor
added
added
Waiver of time limitations— Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 7271 of such title, to Gregory McManus for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
added
Acts of valor described— The acts of valor described in this subsection are the following:
added
Chief Warrant Officer Gregory McManus distinguished himself for his brave acts of valor while serving in the United States Army by risking his life to save the lives of his fellow servicemembers.
added
Chief Warrant Officer McManus deserves recognition for his acts of valor while serving as the commander of a single helicopter gunship on an important mission north of Chai Duc.
added
Discovering an envoy of hundreds of enemy troops along the Cambodian border, Chief Warrant Officer McManus attacked the enemy without hesitation.
added
Chief Warrant Officer McManus disregarded the tracers that rose to meet him, firing rockets the entire length of the convoy, confusing the enemy, and scattering the troop column.
added
Chief Warrant Officer McManus then attacked an armored vehicle with a mounted machine gun, destroying it and a large artillery piece which it was towing.
added
Over and over, Chief Warrant Officer McManus flew through heavy automatic weapons and machine gun fire to attack the enemy, only deciding to return when his ordinance was expended, and his ship had taken so much damage that further flight was inadvisable.
added
With this noble deed, Chief Warrant Officer McManus was able to destroy the enemy unit and scattered the rest in disorder with a single ship.
added
Disregarding the size and scope of the enemy troop’s convoy, Chief Warrant Officer McManus put his own life in danger, all in the service of his country and members of the Armed Forces.
added
Because of the heroic actions of Chief Warrant Officer McManus, countless American soldier’s lives were saved.
added
These actions of heroism by Chief Warrant Officer McManus deserves recognition and demonstrates this hero of the United States more than deserve the medal of honor.
Sec. 594 Briefing on support needed for Joint Task Force-Southern Border
addedadded Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on housing and other quality-of-life needs of members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of Joint Task Force-Southern Border.
Sec. 595 Report on adequacy of commissaries and dining facilities on military installations that support certain missions
added
added
Report required— 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 adequacy of commissaries, dining facilities, and alternatives to dining facilities on military installations that support—
added
missions along the southern border of the United States; or
added
arctic missions.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
added
An assessment of the adequacy of existing commissary and dining facility infrastructure at such military installations, including capacity, hours of operation, and quality of food service.
added
An evaluation of whether current commissary and dining facilities meet the needs of members and their families on such military installations.
added
An analysis of how any inadequacies in such facilities impact readiness, morale, and retention.
Sec. 596 Operation Midnight Hammer Medal
added
added
Medal authorized— The Secretary concerned shall authorize the award of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, to be known as the “Operation Midnight Hammer Medal”, to any person eligible under subsection (c).
added
Design— The medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense and shall include ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances.
added
Eligibility— Subject to subsection (e), a person shall be eligible for the medal if the person—
added
served on active duty, including as a member of a reserve component under orders to active duty, in the Armed Forces in support of a designated operation during the armed conflict between Iran and Israel in 2025 (including Operation Midnight Hammer, conducted on June 22, 2025);
added
was deployed in an area of operations designated by the Secretary concerned as eligible for award of the medal; or
added
performed such other service as the Secretary concerned may prescribe for purposes of this section.
added
One medal authorized— Not more than one medal may be awarded to any person.
added
Issuance to next-of-kin— If a person described in subsection (c) is deceased, the Secretary may provide for the issuance of the medal to the next-of-kin of that person.
added
Regulations— The issuance of a medal under this section shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable.
added
Secretary concerned defined— In this section, the term “Secretary concerned” has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 597 Authorization for award of Medal of Honor to E. Royce Williams for acts of valor during the Korean War
added
added
Waiver of time limitations— Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 8298 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award the Medal of Honor under section 8291 of such title to E. Royce Williams for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
added
Acts of valor described— The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of E. Royce Williams, as a lieutenant in the Navy, on November 18, 1952.
Sec. 598 Extension and modification of program to commemorate 50th anniversary of Vietnam War
added
added
In general— Section 598 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—
added
in subsection (a), by striking “may conduct” and inserting “shall conduct”;
added
in subsection (c), by striking “may” and inserting “shall”;
added
in subsection (e)(1), by striking “If the Secretary establishes” and inserting “For purposes of carrying out”; and
added
in subsection (g)(1)—
added
by striking “if established by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (a),”; and
added
by inserting “of Defense” after “Secretary”.
added
Effective date— The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on November 11, 2025.
Sec. 599 Authorization of award of medal of honor to Thomas Helmut Griffin for acts of valor as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War
added
added
Authorization— Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 7271 of such title, to Thomas Helmut Griffin for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
added
Acts of valor described— The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Thomas H. Griffin during the period of March 1 through March 3, 1969, while serving as a captain in the Army during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Silver Star.
Sec. 599A Prohibitions relating to questions and answers about sex, gender, and gender identity in forms and surveys of the Department of Defense
added
added
Prohibition— With respect to the collection of information conducted by or for the Secretary of Defense through a form or survey, the Secretary—
added
may not—
added
solicit or obtain any information regarding the gender identity of an individual; or
added
provide an option to indicate that the sex or gender of an individual is something other than male or female; and
added
shall reject a response other than male or female to a required question regarding sex or gender.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “female” means an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident, the reproductive system that, at some point, produces, transports, and utilizes eggs for fertilization.
added
The term “gender”—
added
means male or female; and
added
does not mean gender identity, experienced gender, gender expression, or gender roles.
added
The term “gender identity” does not mean sex or gender.
added
The term “male” means an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident, the reproductive system that, at some point, produces, transports, and utilizes sperm for fertilization.
added
The term “sex” means the biological determination as to whether an individual is male or female.
Sec. 601 Codification of applicability to Space Force of certain pay and allowance authorities
Definitions— Section 101 of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (22), by inserting “, or for members of the Space Force in space force active status not on sustained duty,” after “reserve component” in subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
changed
“(27) The term “space space force active status” status has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10.
changed
“(28) The term “sustained duty” sustained duty has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10.”
Basic pay— Chapter 3 of such title is amended as follows:
References to officer grades— Section 201(a) of such title is amended—
by striking “(1) Subject to paragraph (2), for the” and inserting “For the”;
by striking “and Marine Corps” in the heading of the second column of the table and inserting “Marine Corps, and Space Force”; and
by striking paragraph (2).
Applicable pay and allowances for certain space force members who are physically disabled or incur loss of earned income when not on sustained duty— Subsections (g)(1) and (h)(1) of section 204 of such title are amended by inserting “, or a member of the Space Force in space force active status not on sustained duty,” after “of a reserve component of a uniformed service”.
Service creditable for computation— Section 205(a)(2) of such title is amended—
by transferring subparagraph (F) to appear after subparagraph (A) and redesignating that subparagraph as subparagraph (B);
by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively;
by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating the original subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (D); and
by inserting after subparagraph (B), as transferred and redesignated by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the following new subparagraph (C):
“(C) the Space Force;”
Inactive-duty training pay— Section 206 of such title is amended—
in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
by striking “Guard or a” and inserting “Guard, a”; and
by inserting “, or a member of the Space Force” after “uniformed service” the first place it appears;
in subsection (d)—
in paragraph (1), by inserting “, by a member of the Space Force,” after “reserve component”; and
in paragraph (2), by inserting “or the Space Force,” after “Ready Reserve”;
in subsection (e)—
by striking “Guard or of a” and inserting “Guard, a”; and
by inserting “, or the Space Force” after “uniformed services”; and
in the section heading, by inserting “; members of the Space Force” before the colon.
Participation in thrift savings plan— Section 211(a)(2) of such title is amended by inserting “or the Space Force” after “member of the Ready Reserve”.
Special pay, incentive pay, and bonus authorities— Subchapter II of chapter 5 of such title is amended as follows:
General bonus authority for enlisted members— Section 331 of such title is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by striking “or” at the end of paragraph (4);
by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and inserting “; or”; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(6) transfers from a regular component or reserve component of an armed force to the Space Force or from the Space Force to a regular component or reserve component of another armed force, subject to the approval of the Secretary with jurisdiction over the armed force to which the member is transferring.”
in subsection (c)(1)—
in subparagraph (B), by inserting “, or in the Space Force on sustained duty under section 20105 of title 10,” after “in a regular component”;
in subparagraph (C), by inserting “, or in the Space Force in space force active status not on sustained duty under section 20105 of title 10,” after “in a reserve component”; and
in subparagraph (D), by striking “paragraph (4) or (5)” and inserting “paragraph (4), (5), or (6)”.
General bonus authority for officers— Section 332 of such title is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by striking “or” at the end of paragraph (4);
by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and inserting “; or”; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(6) transfers from a regular component or reserve component of a uniformed service to the Space Force or from the Space Force to a regular component or reserve component of another uniformed service, subject to the approval of the Secretary with jurisdiction over the uniformed service to which the member is transferring.”
in subsection (c)(1)—
in subparagraph (C), by inserting “, or in the Space Force on sustained duty under section 20105 of title 10,” after “in a regular component”;
in subparagraph (D), by inserting “, or in the Space Force in space force active status not on sustained duty under section 20105 of title 10,” after “in a reserve component” and
in subparagraph (E), by striking “paragraph (4) or (5)” and inserting “paragraph (4), (5), or (6)”.
Special aviation incentive pay or bonus for officers— Section 334 of such title is amended—
by striking “in a regular or reserve component” in subsections (a)(1), (b), (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3);
in subsection (b)(3), by inserting “, or, in the case of an officer of the Space Force, to remain in space force active status,” after “in a reserve component”; and
in subsection (e)—
in the subsection heading, by striking “reserve component”; and
by striking “A reserve component officer” and inserting “An officer.”.
Special pays— Sections 351(a), 352(a), 353(a), and 353(b) of such title are amended by striking “of a regular or reserve component”.
Retention incentives for members qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high priority units— Section 355 of such title is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
by striking “An officer or enlisted member” and inserting “A member”; and
by inserting “, or a member the Space Force who is serving in space force active status,” after “in a reserve component”; and
in paragraph (1), by inserting “or to remain in space force active status for at least one year” before the semicolon at the end;
in subsection (d)(1), by inserting “or a member of the Space Force not on sustained duty” in the second sentence after “reserve component member”; and
in subsection (e)—
in paragraph (1), by striking “active duty or service in an active status in a reserve component” in subparagraph (A) and the first place it appears in subparagraph (B) and inserting “a specified form of service (or combination thereof)”;
in paragraphs (1)(B), (2), (3), and (4), by striking “active duty or service in an active status in a reserve component for which” and inserting “service for which”; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
changed
“(5) In this subsection, the term “specified specified form of service” service means—
“(A) service on active duty;
“(B) service in an active status in a reserve component; or
“(C) service in the Space Force in space force active status.”
Continuation pay for full TSP members with 7 to 12 years of service— Section 356(b) of such title is amended—
in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
in the second sentence, by striking “or a reserve component” and inserting “, a member of the Space Force on sustained duty, or a member of a reserve component”; and
in the third sentence, by inserting “or a member of the Space Force in space force active status not on sustained duty” after “(as so defined)”;
in paragraph (1), by inserting “or a member of the Space Force on sustained duty” in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) after “of a regular component”; and
in paragraph (2)—
by inserting “or a member of the Space Force in space force active status and not on sustained duty” in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) after “of a reserve component”; and
by inserting “or a member of the Space Force on sustained duty, respectively,” in subparagraph (A) after “of a regular component”.
Administration of special pay, incentive pay, and bonus authorities— Subchapter III of chapter 5 of such title is amended as follows:
Continuation of pay and allowances during certain hospitalization and rehabilitation— Section 372(a) of such title is amended by striking “of a regular or reserve component”.
Repayment of unearned portion of bonus or special or incentive pay— Section 373(d)(2)(A) of such title is amended by striking “in a regular or reserve component who remains on active duty or in an active status” and inserting “who remains on active duty, in an active status in a reserve component, or in space force active status”.
Allowances other than travel and transportation allowances— Section 416 of such title is amended by inserting “an officer of the Space Force not on sustained duty,” after “of component,”.
Leave— Section 501 of such title is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by inserting “, or of the Space Force,” in paragraphs (4) and (5) after “of a reserve component”; and
by inserting “, or from the Space Force,” in paragraph (4) after “from the reserve component”; and
in subsection (b)(5)—
in subparagraphs (A) and (D), by inserting “, or a member of the Space Force in space force active status not on sustained duty,” after “of a reserve component”; and
in subparagraph (C), by striking “Regular” before “Space Force”.
Miscellaneous rights and benefits— Chapter 17 of such title is amended as follows:
Section 908(a)(2) of such title is amended by inserting “and members of the Space Force in space force active status not on sustained duty” after “of the armed forces”.
Section 910 of such title is amended—
by inserting “or of the Space Force” after “of the armed forces” in subsection (a);
by inserting “or the Space Force” after “a reserve component” in subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), and (e)(1); and
in the heading of such section by inserting “and members of the Space Force” after “reserve component members”.
Administration— Section 1002 of such title is amended—
in subsection (a)—
changed
by striking “of the National Guard, or of a reserve component of a uniformed service,” and inserting “of a reserve component of a uniformed service, or of the Space Force”; andForce”;
by striking “his consent” and inserting “the member’s consent”; and
in subsection (c), by inserting “or the Space Force” after “of a reserve component”; and
in the heading, by striking “and members of National Guard” and inserting “; members of the National Guard; members of the Space Force”.
Conforming amendment to reflect change of name of Space and Missile Systems Center to Space Systems Command— Section 2273a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center” and inserting “Space Force Space Systems Command”.
Sec. 612 Incentive pay: explosive ordnance disposal duty
Establishment— Subchapter I of chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 301e the following new section:
“301f. Incentive pay: explosive ordnance disposal duty.
“(a) Eligibility
“(1) Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a regular member of a covered armed force is entitled to continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay in the amount specified in subsection (b)(1) if the member—
“(A) is entitled to basic pay;
“(B) holds (or is in training leading to) an explosive ordnance disposal duty designator; and
“(C) is in and remains in explosive ordnance disposal duty on a career basis.
“(2) Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of a covered armed force who is entitled to basic pay but is not entitled to continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under paragraph (1) is entitled to explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay in the amount prescribed pursuant to subsection (b)(2) for any period during which such member performs explosive ordnance disposal duty under orders.
“(b) Rates
“(1) Continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under subsection (a)(1) shall be in the following amounts:
“(2) Explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under subsection (a)(2)—
“(A) shall be in amounts prescribed by the Secretary of Defense;
“(B) may not, for any month, exceed the maximum amount specified in paragraph (1); and
“(C) may not be less per day than the amount under subsection (d).
“(c) Computation of years—Years of explosive ordnance disposal duty by a member shall be computed beginning with the effective date of the initial order to such member to perform explosive ordnance disposal duty.
“(d) Applicability to certain duty in the reserve components—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense and to the extent provided for by appropriations, for each day that a member of the reserve component of a covered armed force who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of this title performs, under orders, explosive ordnance disposal duty, such member is eligible for an increase in compensation equal to one-thirtieth of the continuous monthly incentive pay under subsection (b)(1) for a member of corresponding years of service entitled to basic pay.
“(e) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) The term “covered covered armed force” force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
changed
“(2) The term “explosive explosive ordnance disposal” disposal has the meaning given such term in section 2284 of title 10.
changed
“(3) The term “explosive explosive ordnance disposal duty” duty means duty performed by a member of a covered armed force, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, in explosive ordnance disposal.”
Effective date— Section 301f of title 37, United States Code, added by this section, shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and apply to explosive ordnance disposal duty performed on or after such date.
Sec. 613 Standardization of cyber assignment incentive pay for members of the Armed Forces
In general— Subchapter III of chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“375. Standardization of cyber assignment incentive pay
“(a) Policy—The Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a standardized policy for cyber assignment incentive pay applicable to all members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force performing qualifying cyber operations roles.
“(b) Elements—The policy under subsection (a) shall—
“(1) define uniform eligibility criteria based on work-role certification, mission assignment, and readiness requirements;
“(2) establish a tiered pay structure based on proficiency levels and operational demands;
“(3) ensure parity in pay rates and qualification standards throughout the armed forces specified in subsection (a);
“(4) provide guidance for continuation of cyber assignment incentive pay during moves relating to changes of permanent station, subject to continued eligibility; and
“(5) include procedures for periodic review and adjustment of cyber assignment incentive pay rates to reflect evolving mission needs and market competitiveness.
changed
“(c) Cyber assignment incentive pay defined—In this section, the term “cyber cyber assignment incentive pay” pay means special pay authorized under this chapter for members of the armed forces assigned to designated cyber operations roles.”
Briefing— Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on the implementation of section 375 of title 37, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, including any anticipated impacts on recruitment, retention, and readiness of cyber personnel.
Sec. 614 Extending certain travel allowance for members of the Armed Forces assigned to Alaska
addedadded Section 603(b) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public law 117–263) is amended—
added
in paragraph (1), by inserting “and the period specified in paragraph (6)” after “paragraph (5)”; and
added
by adding at the end the following:
added “(6) Period specified—The period specified in this paragraph is the period—
added “(A) beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph; and
added “(B) ending on December 31, 2026.”
Sec. 615 Pilot program on improving retention of members with degrees in their fields of specialty
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of paying incentive pay to certain enlisted members of the Armed Forces with degrees in their fields of specialty to improve the retention of such members.
added
Payment of Incentive Pay— Under the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may pay monthly incentive pay to a member of the Armed Forces who—
added
is an enlisted member;
added
has less than 4 years of service in the Armed Forces;
added
has a degree in the member’s field of specialty, as determined by the Secretary concerned; and
added
commits to reenlisting.
added
Termination— The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section.
added
Report Required— After the termination under subsection (c) of the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the effectiveness of the pilot program in retaining highly qualified members that includes an assessment of—
added
the effect of the pilot program on retention rates;
added
satisfaction of members with the pilot program; and
added
the overall cost-effectiveness of the pilot program.
added
Secretary concerned defined— In this section, the term “Secretary concerned” has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 624 Basic allowance for housing: study to evaluate alternative rate calculation
Authority—
In general— Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with a covered entity to conduct a study in which the covered entity shall calculate, using industry-standard machine learning and an artificial intelligence algorithm, proposed monthly rates of BAH described in subsection (b) for MHAs selected under subsection (c).
Rule of construction— During such a study, the Secretary shall pay BAH in MHAs selected under subsection (c) at rates prescribed under section 403 of title 37, United States Code.
Proposed monthly rates— A proposed monthly rate of BAH described in this subsection—
accurately reflects housing prices in the MHA subject to such rate; and
is sufficient for military families who reside in such MHA to procure adequate and affordable housing.
MHAs— The Secretary shall select not fewer than 15 MHAs to participate in such a study. To select an MHA, the Secretary shall consider factors including the following:
Variety of geographic location.
The ranks of members who reside in an MHA.
Whether members who reside in an MHA have dependents.
Economic factors including inflation, cost of living, and the cost of private mortgage insurance.
Termination— A study under this section shall terminate on the day that is three years after the date on which the Secretary enters into an agreement with a covered entity.
Annual briefings— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter through the termination date under subsection (d), the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of a study under this section.
Report— Not later than 120 days after the date of the termination of such a study, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding such study. Such report shall include the following elements:
An evaluation by the Secretary of the proposed monthly rates of BAH calculated by a covered entity pursuant to an agreement under subsection (a).
Any recommendation of the Secretary regarding legislation to improve the calculation of BAH process based on the study.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “BAH” BAH means the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services under section 403 of title 37, United States Code.
changed
The term “covered entity” covered entity means a nationally recognized entity in the field of single-family housing that has data on local rental rates in real estate markets across the United States.
changed
The term “MHA” MHA means military housing area.
Sec. 625 Study on adjustments to basic allowance for housing calculation
added
added
Study— The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall conduct a study to evaluate potential adjustments to the methods for determining the monthly rates for the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code.
added
Elements— The study required by subsection (a) shall include—
added
an estimate of the additional costs or savings to the Department of Defense of establishing monthly rates for basic allowance for housing based on a market analysis from within a commuting area that is defined as a 120-minute or less round-trip driving time from the residence of a member of the Armed Forces to the assigned duty station of such member; and
added
an assessment of the impact on the quality of life, recruitment, and retention of members of the Armed Forces if monthly rates are established as described in paragraph (1), particularly with respect to members assigned to unique geographic areas in which local housing conditions create disproportionate challenges, including—
added
Montauk, New York;
added
Shinnecock, New York; and
added
Nantucket, Massachusetts.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study required by subsection (a).
Sec. 626 Temporary adjustment to a rate of the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services: lower threshold; permanent authority
addedadded Section 403(b)(8) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
added
in subparagraph (A), by striking “20 percent” and inserting “15 percent”; and
added
by striking subparagraph (C).
Sec. 633 Improved parental leave for members of the armed forces
added
added
Findings— Congress finds the following:
added
In December 2022, Congress expanded the paid parental leave for members of the Armed Forces to 12 weeks during the 12 months after the “birth or adoption of a child of the member and in order to care for such child” or the “placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long-term foster care” (10 U.S.C. 701(h)(1)(A)).
added
The expansion of parental leave raises concerns that members who take such leave may receive lower evaluations compared to those who do not.
added
There is currently no provision to exempt members from evaluations due to parental leave, potentially deterring eligible members from taking this leave.
added
Each Secretary of a military department has been given authority to implement the leave policies but have not provided explicit guidance on how to characterize such leave for the purposes of evaluations.
added
All Armed Forces have non-rated codes or not observed evaluations to exempt members from evaluations during periods where their performance is not observed, but these do not align across the Armed Forces and do not specifically apply to parental leave.
added
Members who are parents face unique hardships, and the 12 weeks of paid family leave for both mothers and fathers, for birth and adoption, is designed to balance the care needs of their children with the demands of their unit.
added
Excessive paperwork required to extend the use of the 12 weeks of military family leave beyond one year additionally burdens members and decreases flexibility.
added
Requirements— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall—
added
prescribe regulations—
added
that exempt a member of the Armed Forces who is taking parental leave, under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of section 701(h) of title 10, United States Code, that exceeds 31 consecutive days, from a performance evaluation; and
added
under subparagraph (B) of such paragraph, to authorize a member to take leave under such section during the two-year period beginning on the birth, adoption, or placement described in such paragraph without having to request a waiver from the Secretary concerned; and
added
submit to the Committees on Armed Forces of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the implementation of this section.
Sec. 652 MWR retail facilities: use by civilian employees of the Armed Forces
In general— Chapter 54 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“1067. MWR facilities: civilian employees
“(a) Current employees—Subject to subsection (c) of this section and section 1066 of this title, a civilian employee of the Department of Defense or department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall be permitted to use MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty.
“(b) Retired employees—Subject to subsection (c), a retired civilian employee of the Department of Defense or department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall be permitted to use MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty.
“(c) Limitation—A civilian employee or retired civilian employee may not purchase tobacco or a military uniform at MWR retail facilities.
changed
“(d) MWR retail facilities defined—In this section, the term “MWR MWR retail facilities” facilities has the meaning given such term in section 1063 of this title.”
Regulations— The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations under section 1067 of such title, as added by this section, not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 654 Pilot program on nutrition ratings for food sold in commissaries
added
added
Establishment— Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to provide a nutrition rating system—
added
that indicates the overall nutritional value of foods based on nutrient density and ingredient quality;
added
for food sold in at least 10 commissary stores; and
added
through the Commissary CLICK2GO mobile application and online platform.
added
Third-party system authorized— The Secretary may carry out the pilot program by using a system operated by an entity that—
added
is not owned or operated by food company;
added
uses transparent, evidence-based methodology, grounded in current nutrition science and public health guidelines; and
added
can rate the nutritonal value of—
added
at least 80 percent of foods available at participating commissary stores; and
added
a wide range of food products, including single-ingredient foods, package goods, and mixed meals.
added
Report— Not later than September 30, 2028, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report regarding the pilot program that includes recommendations of the Secretary to improve the nutritional value of foods sold in commissary stores.
added
Termination— The pilot program under this section shall terminate on September 30, 2030.
Sec. 664 Report on military camping and recreational park program
added
added
In general— Not later than March 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing how each military department administers military camping and recreational parks to ensure such parks are equally accessible to all persons authorized to use such parks.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
A list of military camping and recreational vehicle parks that includes the location of each park and an identification of the military department that administers such park.
added
An estimate of the average number of members of the Armed Forces and veterans who use each facility in a year, disaggregated by members of an active component, members of a reserve component, and veterans.
added
A list of such parks that allow users to stay more than 30 days during any 90-day period.
added
A list of such parks that allow users to live at a park full-time.
added
An explanation of the differences between the policies that apply to such parks and the policies that apply to other morale, welfare, and recreation facilities of the Department of Defense that do not allow persons to stay more than 30 days.
added
A description of any additional authorities or resources the Secretary determines are necessary to increase capacity and to ensure such parks are equally accessible to all persons authorized to use such parks.
Sec. 706 Pilot program to make midwife services available through TRICARE to certain individuals
Pilot program— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall begin a five-year pilot program to provide services from covered midwives to covered individuals under the TRICARE program.
Authority to make permanent— If the Secretary determines, after the termination of the pilot program that such pilot program was successful, the Secretary may prescribe such regulations to establish a permanent program to make services from covered midwives available to covered individuals as the Secretary determines appropriate.
Reports—
Implementation report— 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 House of Representatives and the Senate a plan to implement the pilot program under subsection (a).
Annual report— Not later than one year after the date on which the pilot program begins and annually thereafter until the date that is 1 year after the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report including:
The total cost of the pilot program and the cost per covered individual who received care under the pilot program.
The total number of covered individual who received care under the pilot program.
The race, ethnicity, age, sex, relationship status, Armed Force, military occupation, and rank, as applicable, of covered individual who received care under the pilot program.
An assessment of the effects of the pilot program on quality of care, including—
on maternal and fetal outcomes; and
on the number of pre-term births, low-weight births, and rates of caesarean section, and such other data points as the Secretary determines appropriate.
An assessment of patient satisfaction of covered individuals who received care through the pilot program.
An assessment of access to maternity and labor and delivery care for covered individuals, including average wait time for an initial appointment and average travel time to the provider.
An assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program.
Recommendations for adjustments to the pilot program.
The estimated cost savings as a result of improved maternal and fetal health outcomes due to the pilot program.
The Secretary of Defense’s recommendations relating to changes to the pilot program, an extension of the pilot program, and whether the pilot program should be expanded made permanent.
Definitions— In this section:
The terms covered individual means a member serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or a dependent of such a member.
The term covered midwife means a certified professional midwife or certified midwife who meets—
the international definition of a midwife, and global standards for midwifery education, established by the International Confederation of Midwives, and
any professional credentialing requirement required to practice midwifery under applicable State law.
changed
The term “TRICARE program” TRICARE program has the meaning given such term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 708 Pilot program to assist certain members of the Armed Forces and dependents with additional supplemental coverage relating to cancer
changed
Establishment— Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program under which a covered individual may obtain supplemental insurance for noncovered expenses under a fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan described in subsection (b)(1).(b)(1) (in this section referred to as the “pilot program”).
Agreement—
changed
In general— In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), program, the Secretary shall enter into an agreement with not more fewer than two companies to each offer one or more fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plans that—
changed
meet the requirements for a supplemental insurance plan under section 199.2 of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, and the exception in exceptions under section 199.8(b)(4) of such title, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act;
are provided under a separate policy, certificate, or contract;
provide no coordination with any other health benefit plan; and
are designed to help participants pay noncovered expenses.
changed
Duration— An agreement entered into under paragraph (1) shall be for a period of at least not less than three years.
changed
Requirements— In entering into an agreement under paragraph (1) with a company, the Secretary—
changed
may not select the company unless the such company is licensed to provide coverage in each State;a State in which such company—
added
is not licensed; and
added
does not meet solvency requirements applicable to such State;
changed
shall award the contract agreement based on the expertise of the such company;
changed
shall negotiate the terms and conditions of the fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan provided under the contract, agreement, including with respect to the ability of the company to communicate with individuals not enrolled in the plan and whether such communication may include information on other insurance products;
shall negotiate the cost of coverage with the company that will cover the participants who elect to enroll in such plan;
shall provide a method for verification of the eligibility of applicants and procedures for determination of eligibility; and
shall provide a method for payroll deduction of premiums.
changed
Provision of information— The Secretary shall provide information to covered individuals regarding the pilot program under subsection (a) by making available on the online portal of the TRICARE program the following information:
A notice of availability of a fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan provided under the pilot program.
A description of how to enroll in such plan.
A description and explanation of the benefits provided under such plan.
A description of the costs to the individual through premiums and remittances to a company providing such plan.
changed
Election To to enroll— A covered individual may elect to enroll in a fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan provided under the pilot program under subsection (a).program.
changed
Limitations on authorization of appropriations— None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 or any fiscal year thereafter to carry out the pilot program may be used to subsidize the cost of a fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan provided under the pilot program under subsection (a).program.
changed
Treatment of companies—Preemption— For purposes Section 199.17(a)(7)(i) of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the pilot program under subsection (a), companies selected to carry out date of the activities in subsection (b) shall not be considered contractors enactment of this Act, shall apply to the Federal Government.pilot program.
changed
Preemption—Report— The provisions of this section shall supersede Not later than two years after the laws of any State except with respect to State laws relating date on which the pilot program commences, the Secretary shall submit to licensing the Committees on Armed Services of an insurance company or plan solvency the Senate and the House of such Representatives a company.report regarding the pilot program, including the following:
added
A description of the insurance products provided through a fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan provided under the pilot program.
removed
Report— Not later than three years after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) commences, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report regarding such pilot program, including the following:
removed
A description of the insurance products provided through a fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan provided under the pilot program under subsection (a).
renumbered
was (8)(4)
The number of covered individuals who enrolled in such a plan.
renumbered
was (8)(5)
Feedback and examples of use cases by such individuals.
added
A determination by the Secretary with respect to whether the pilot program should be made permanent.
added
Sunset— Unless the Secretary makes a determination under subsection (f)(4) to make the pilot program permanent, the pilot program shall terminate on the day that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
removed
A determination by the Secretary with respect to whether such pilot program should be made permanent.
removed
Sunset— Unless the Secretary makes a determination under subsection (g)(4) to make the pilot program under subsection (a) permanent, the pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the day that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
renumbered
was (10)
Definitions— In this section:
renumbered
was (10)(3)
The term covered individual means the following:
renumbered
was (10)(3)(2)
A member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
renumbered
was (10)(3)(3)
A dependent (as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code) of such a member who is enrolled in the TRICARE program.
added
The term noncovered expense means, with respect to a covered individual, any expenses relating to the screening for and diagnosis and treatment of cancer that are not otherwise covered by the health care benefits the individual receives under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code.
added
The term State has the meaning given that term in section 901 of title 32, United States Code.
removed
The term noncovered expense means, with respect to a covered individual, any expenses relating to the screening for and diagnosis and treatment of cancer that are not otherwise covered by the health care benefits the individuals receives under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code.
removed
The term State has the meaning given such term in section 901 of title 32, United States Code.
renumbered
was (10)(6)
The term TRICARE program has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 710 Continuous glucose monitoring pilot program
added
added
Pilot program— The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under the TRICARE program under which the Secretary provides covered members with continuous glucose monitoring technology to assess the effects of real-time metabolic health tracking and early intervention on improving—
added
the health of the members; and
added
force readiness.
added
Participation— The Secretary shall require a covered member to participate in the pilot program under subsection (a) if the Secretary identifies the member as being in either the Partially Medically Ready category or the Not Medically Ready category of the Individual Medical Readiness program.
added
Data—
added
Exclusive uses— The Secretary may use the health information of a covered member collected under the pilot program under subsection (a) only for the purposes of—
added
carrying out the pilot program, including with respect to furnishing information to the Comptroller General of the United States pursuant to subsection (g)(1);
added
providing health care, including preventative care, to the member pursuant to chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code; and
added
conducting the Individual Medical Readiness program.
added
No use for medical discharges— The Secretary may not use the health information of a covered member collected under the pilot program under subsection (a) in separating or discharging the member from the Armed Forces under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code.
added
Prohibition on nongovernmental use— A nongovernmental entity that provides continuous glucose monitoring technology under the pilot program under subsection (a), or otherwise provides services under the pilot program, may not—
added
retain any rights to health information of a covered member collected under the pilot program;
added
use such information except as authorized by this section; and
added
may not retain such information after such authorized use is completed.
added
Provision of information and services— The Secretary shall provide covered members participating in the pilot program under subsection (a) with—
added
information regarding metabolic health awareness; and
added
education and services to improve force readiness.
added
Training— The Secretary shall—
added
provide medical professionals of the military departments with in-person training on the background, procedures, and reporting requirements of the pilot program under subsection (a); and
added
establish shared educational resources and training materials that may be used by all the military departments.
added
Duration— The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a five-year period.
added
Reports—
added
Comptroller General—
added
Initial— Not later than three years after the date on which the Secretary commences the pilot program under subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program, including—
added
a comparison of the rates of members in the Partially Medically Ready category or the Not Medically Ready category of the Individual Medical Readiness program during 2025 and during the third year in which the pilot program is carried out; and
added
recommendations to improve the pilot program.
added
Final— Not later than five years after the date on which the Secretary commences the pilot program under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program, including—
added
an assessment of the effectiveness of the recommendations under subparagraph (A)(ii); and
added
a determination by the Comptroller General regarding whether the pilot program should be extended.
added
DOD— Not later than five years after the date on which the Secretary commences the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program, including—
added
data regarding the use and efficacy of the pilot program;
added
how the pilot program affected force readiness; and
added
any recommendations by the Secretary to improve the pilot program.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term covered member means a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who meets any of the following criteria:
added
The member has been diagnosed with prediabetes.
added
The member has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and does not take insulin.
added
The member has had gestational diabetes.
added
The member is overweight or obese.
added
The term Individual Medical Readiness program means the program specified in Department of Defense Instruction 6025.19, or successor instruction.
added
The term TRICARE program has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 711 Tricare coverage for anesthesia for in-office dental procedures for pediatric dentistry
addedadded Section 1077(a)(10) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period the following: “, including with respect to anesthesia for in-office dental procedures for children”.
Sec. 712 Notification to TRICARE beneficiaries of coverage transition requirements
addedadded Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1097d the following:
added “1097e. TRICARE program: notice of coverage transition requirements
added “(a) Provision of notice
added “(1) The Secretary shall provide each covered beneficiary with notices of a TRICARE coverage transition requirement that affects the individual.
added “(2) The Secretary shall provide notice under paragraph (1) through electronic means.
added “(b) Timing of notice—The Secretary shall provide notices to a covered beneficiary under subsection (a)(1) as follows:
added “(1) On the date that is one year before the covered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE coverage transition requirement.
added “(2) On the date that is 180 days before the covered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE coverage transition requirement.
added “(3) On the date that is 30 days before the covered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE coverage transition requirement.
added “(c) Outreach—The Secretary shall conduct an outreach and public awareness campaign to inform covered beneficiaries of TRICARE coverage transition requirements, including through the TRICARE internet website, social media, and through family readiness groups.
added “(d) Reports—On an annual basis the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of this section, including metrics relating to the outreach and public awareness campaign under subsection (c) and any recommendations to improve making covered beneficiaries aware of TRICARE coverage transition requirements.
added “(e) TRICARE coverage transition requirement—In this section, the term “TRICARE coverage transition requirement” means a requirement under this chapter for a covered beneficiary to make a different election under the TRICARE program to continue enrollment in the TRICARE program, including by reason of attaining a certain age as described in section 1086(d) or 1110b of this title.”
Sec. 713 Prohibition on coverage of gender-related medical treatment under TRICARE
added
added
TRICARE—
added
In general— Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1076f the following new section:
added “1076g. TRICARE program: prohibition on coverage and furnishment gender-related medical treatment
added “(a) Prohibition—Except as provided by subsection (b), medical care under section 1076 of this title with respect to members of the armed forces and dependents of such members does not include gender-related medical treatment, and the Secretary of Defense may not furnish any such treatment.
added “(b) Exceptions—The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to medical treatment provided for purposes of treating—
added “(1) a disorder of sex development, diagnosed by a physician after such physician has determined through genetic or biochemical testing that such minor does not have normal sex chromosome structure, sex steroid hormone production, or sex steroid hormone action;
added “(2) irresolvably ambiguous biological sex characteristics of such minor, including the presence of—
added “(A) 46 XX chromosomes with virilization;
added “(B) 46 XY chromosomes with undervirilization; or
added “(C) both ovarian and testicular tissue; or
added “(3) an infection, injury, disease, or disorder caused or exacerbated by gender-related medical treatment.
added “(c) Definitions—In this section:
added “(1) The term “female” means an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes eggs for fertilization.
added “(2) The term “gender”—
added “(A) means—
added “(i) males, females, or the natural differences between males and females, unless such term is otherwise specified or used alone (rather than with or as an adjective modifying other words); and
added “(ii) is a synonym for sex; and
added “(B) does not mean gender identity, experienced gender, gender expression, or gender roles.
added “(3) The term “gender-related medical treatment” means—
added “(A) with respect to a female individual, medical treatments provided for purposes of addressing the perception of such individual that the gender or sex of such individual is not female, including—
added “(i) surgical procedures, including—
added “(I) vaginectomy;
added “(II) hysterectomy;
added “(III) oophorectomy;
added “(IV) reconstruction of the urethra;
added “(V) metoidioplasty;
added “(VI) phalloplasty;
added “(VII) salpingo-oophorectomy;
added “(VIII) scrotoplasty;
added “(IX) implantation of erection or testicular protheses;
added “(X) subcutaneous mastectomy;
added “(XI) vocal cord surgery;
added “(XII) pectoral implants; and
added “(XIII) penile transplantation;
added “(ii) exogenous doses of testosterone or other androgens; and
added “(iii) puberty blockers, including—
added “(I) GnRH agonists; and
added “(II) synthetic drugs that suppress the production of estrogen and progesterone or delay or suppress pubertal development in female individuals; and
added “(B) with respect to a male individual, medical treatments provided for purposes of addressing the perception of such individual that the gender or sex of such individual is not male, including—
added “(i) surgical procedures, including—
added “(I) penectomy;
added “(II) orchiectomy;
added “(III) vaginoplasty;
added “(IV) clitoroplasty;
added “(V) vulvoplasty;
added “(VI) augmentation mammoplasty;
added “(VII) facial feminization surgery;
added “(VIII) vocal cord surgery;
added “(IX) chondrolaryngoplasty;
added “(X) gluteal augmentation; and
added “(XI) uterine transplantation;
added “(ii) exogenous doses of estrogen; and
added “(iii) puberty blockers, including—
added “(I) GnRH agonists; and
added “(II) synthetic drugs that suppress the production of testosterone or delay or suppress pubertal development in male individuals.
added “(4) The term “male” means an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes sperm for fertilization.
added “(5) The term “sex” means the biological determination as to whether an individual is male or female.
added “(d) Rule of construction—Nothing in this section may be construed to entitle an individual to medical care under this chapter for which they are not otherwise entitled to under this chapter.”
added
Conforming amendments— Such chapter is further amended as follows:
added
In section 1077(b), by adding at the end the following:
added “(4) Treatment prohibited under section 1076g of this title with respect to members of the armed forces and dependents of such members.”
added
In section 1079(a)(20), by striking “that could result in sterilization”.
Sec. 721 Military-civilian medical surge program
Establishment— Section 1096 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the section heading, by adding at the end the following: “; medical surge program”; and
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(e) Medical surge program
“(1) The Secretary shall carry out a program of record known as the Military-Civilian Medical Surge Program to—
“(A) support locations that the Secretary selects under paragraph (3); and
“(B) enhance the interoperability and medical surge capability and capacity of the National Disaster Medical System in response to a declaration or other action described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (4).
“(2)
“(A) The Secretary, acting through the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (or such successor center), shall oversee the operation, staffing, and deployment of the Program.
“(B) In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall maintain requirements for staffing, specialized training, research, and education, regarding patient regulation, movement, definitive care, and other matters the Secretary determines critical to sustaining the health of members of the armed forces.
“(3)
“(A) In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall establish partnerships at locations selected under subparagraph (B) with public, private, and nonprofit health care organizations, health care institutions, health care entities, academic medical centers of institutions of higher education, and hospitals that the Secretary determines—
“(i) are critical in mobilizing a civilian medical response in support of a wartime contingency or other catastrophic event in the United States; and
“(ii) have demonstrated technical proficiency in critical national security domains, including high-consequence infectious disease and special pathogen preparedness, and matters relating to defense, containment, management, care, and transportation.
“(B) The Secretary shall select not fewer than eight locations that are operationally relevant to the missions of the Department of Defense under the National Disaster Medical System and are aeromedical or other transport hubs or logistics centers in the United States for partnerships under subparagraph (A). The Secretary may select more than eight locations, including locations outside of the continental United States, if the Secretary determines such additional locations cover areas of strategic and operational relevance to the Defense Department.
“(4) The Secretary shall ensure that the partnerships under paragraph (3)(A) allow for civilian medical personnel to quickly and effectively mobilize direct support to military medical treatment facilities and provide support to other requirements of the military health system pursuant to the following:
“(A) A declaration of a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.).
“(B) A public health emergency declared under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d).
“(C) A declaration of war by Congress.
“(D) The President’s exercise of executive powers under the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.).
“(E) Any other emergency or major disaster as declared by the President.
“(5)
“(A) The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the Program in collaboration with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“(B) Each official specified in subparagraph (A) shall prescribe regulations necessary to carry out the Program.
“(C) Not later than December 31, 2026, the officials specified in subparagraph (A) shall jointly issue an interagency operations plan for the Program.
“(D) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the Secretary of Defense to control, direct, limit, or otherwise affect the authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency with respect to medical preparedness and response, staffing levels, or resource allocation.
“(6) Beginning July 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the status, readiness, and operational capabilities of the Program. Each report shall include an assessment of personnel readiness, resource availability, interagency coordination efforts, and recommendations for continued improvements to the Program.
“(7) In this subsection:
changed
“(A) The term “appropriate appropriate congressional committees” committees means the following:
“(i) The Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
“(ii) The Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
changed
“(B) The term “institution institution of higher education” education means a four-year institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))).
changed
“(C) The term “National National Disaster Medical System” System means the system established under section 2812 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–11).
changed
“(D) The term “Program” Program means the Military-Civilian Medical Surge Program established under paragraph (1).”
Authorization of appropriations— Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 1405, as specified in the funding table in section 4501, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Defense $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to carry out subsection (e) of section 1097 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Sec. 731 Uniform protocols on screening for unwanted sexual behavior
Guidance— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall develop comprehensive written guidance establishing uniform protocols for providing a screening for unwanted sexual behavior to patients at military medical treatment facilities.
Report— Not later than one year after the date on which the Director issues the guidance under subsection (a), the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the following:
An assessment of the extent to which each military medical treatment facility has implemented the guidance.
Aggregate, de-identified data on screening rates, positive-screen rates, and referral follow-through.
Any planned revisions to the guidance.
changed
Screening for unwanted sexual behavior defined— In this section, the term “screening screening for unwanted sexual behavior” behavior means the use of standardized, evidence-based questions or instruments to detect whether an individual has been subject to any sexual contact or interaction to which the individual did not or could not freely consent, including harassment, coercion, assault, or abuse.
Sec. 734 Requirements relating to wellness checks for health and welfare of certain members of the Armed Forces
added
added
Wellness checks—
added
Wellness checks required— The Secretary of Defense shall issue such regulations, policies, and procedures as may be necessary to require that, whenever appropriate following a member of the Armed Forces sustaining any significant injury or illness or being on sick call, a wellness check is conducted to account for the health and welfare of such member.
added
Methods of contact— In conducting a wellness check for a member of the Armed Forces pursuant to paragraph (1), if the member does not respond to such check conducted via an electronic or telephone communication method, the individual conducting the check shall progress to an in-person method of contact.
added
Result of failure to locate— If, as a result of a wellness check conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) for a member of the Armed Forces, the individual conducting such check is unable to locate such member, the individual shall refer to the applicable regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department of Defense regarding the determination and reporting of such member as missing, absent unknown, absent without leave, or duty status-whereabouts unknown.
added
Implementation by unit commanders— In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each unit commander coordinates with the judge advocates assigned or attached to, or performing duty with, the unit under the command of such commander for assistance in the implementation of any regulation, policy, or procedure required under subsection (a) with respect to such unit.
added
Additional actions by unit commanders— On a routine basis, each unit commander shall—
added
review the requirements contained in the document titled “Commander's Critical Information Requirements”, dated January 2020, or such successor document, to ensure such requirements—
added
have been issued or updated during the three-year period preceding any such review;
added
reflect such medical issues or safety incidents of members of the Armed Forces that the commander deems sufficiently significant; and
added
have been distributed to the unit under the command of such commander; and
added
host confidential wellness meetings with subordinate commanders at which such commanders may discuss with one or more medical officers assigned to such unit any significant injuries or illnesses affecting members of the Armed Forces serving in or with such unit.
added
Training courses— Each Secretary concerned, and the Secretary of Defense with respect to civilian personnel of the Department of Defense, shall develop and implement training courses to ensure each member of an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary (or each civilian employee of the Department of Defense, respectively) is aware of the importance of accountability with respect to health and welfare and of the significant negative outcomes that may occur when accountability procedures fail. Such courses shall be offered at leadership and supervisor trainings and shall include content relating to the conduct of wellness checks in accordance with subsection (a) and other related actions.
added
Secretary concerned defined— In this section, the term “Secretary concerned” has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 735 Extension of notice and wait period for proposed restructuring, realignment, or modification to military medical treatment facilities
addedadded Section 703(d)(4)(C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2199), as amended by section 718 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3696), is further amended by striking “180-day” and inserting “one-year”.
Sec. 736 Annual publication of information relating to the treatment of civilians in military medical treatment facilities
addedadded Section 1079b of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
added
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:
added “(d) Annual publication of information—On an annual basis, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and make publicly available on the internet website of the Department of Defense, the following information with respect to the year covered by the report:
added “(1) The total amount of fees owed by civilians for medical care described in subsection (a), disaggregated by military medical treatment facility.
added “(2) The number of civilians who received such medical care, disaggregated by military medical treatment facility.
added “(3) The number of civilians who received a waiver under subsection (b), and the average amount of fees waived, disaggregated by military medical treatment facility.
added “(4) The number of civilians who received a reduction of fees under subsection (c), and the average amount of fees remaining after such reductions, disaggregated by military medical treatment facility.”
Sec. 737 Availability of Defense Health Program and other funds for certain medical countermeasures
added
added
Availability— Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1100 the following new section:
added “1100a. Availability of Defense Health Program and other funds for certain medical countermeasures
added “(a) Authority—Subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, amounts available under the Defense Health Program account established under section 1100, and amounts available under the Operation and Maintenance, Army account for medical readiness, may be obligated or expended by the Director of the Defense Health Agency to conduct the activities described in subsection (b) for the protection and sustainment of deployed forces across the roles of medical care.
added “(b) Activities described—The activities described in this subsection are the following:
added “(1) The procurement or pre-positioning of a medical countermeasure for forward deployment.
added “(2) The forward deployment of a medical countermeasure.
added “(3) Any associated logistics, storage, or sustainment activity necessary to ensure the availability or readiness of a forward-deployed medical countermeasure.
added “(c) Coordination—The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall coordinate with the Secretaries of the military departments and the commanders of the combatant commands with respect to any obligation or expenditure of funds under subsection (a).
added “(d) Definitions—In this section:
added “(1) The term “medical countermeasure” includes—
added “(A) a vaccine, therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic; and
added “(B) an advanced wound care product, including antimicrobial and barrier-protective dressings such as silver-plated bandages.
added “(2) The term “roles of medical care” has the meaning given such term in the publication of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff titled “Joint Publication 4-02: Joint Health Service”, dated December 11, 2017, or such successor publication.”
added
Reports— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report describing—
added
the categories of medical countermeasures procured and forward-deployed using funds authorized to be obligated or expended under section 1100 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a);
added
the locations supported by any such use of funds; and
added
any gaps or shortfalls identified in connection with the provision of such medical countermeasures to deployed forces.
Sec. 741 Military medical cooperation arrangements among Five Eyes countries
Subchapter II of chapter 138 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“2350t. Military medical cooperation arrangements among Five Eyes countries
“(a) Authority—The Secretary of Defense may enter into a bilateral or multilateral memorandum of understanding or other formal agreement with one or more governments of the Five Eyes countries to support military medical cooperation or improve operational medical interoperability.
“(b) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) The term “Five Five Eyes countries” countries means the following:
“(A) Australia.
“(B) Canada.
“(C) New Zealand.
“(D) The United Kingdom.
“(2) The term military medical cooperation means any of the following:
“(A) Information exchange.
“(B) Medical interoperability, including credentialing of health care personnel.
“(C) Medical education, training, exercises, and evaluation.
“(D) Medical research, development, trials, and evaluation.
“(E) Biodefense, including with respect to prevention, preparation, response, and investigation.
“(F) Medical logistics, including the recognition of MedCM, drugs and medical equipment.
“(G) Patient movement.
“(H) Any other areas for cooperation designated by the Secretary of Defense.
“(3) The term military medicine means any of the following:
“(A) Combat casualty care including trauma,
“(B) Military infectious disease.
“(C) Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear medical support.
“(D) Deployed health care delivery.
“(E) Public health, health readiness, and force health protection.
“(F) Mental health.
“(G) Humanitarian response.
“(H) Anomalous health incidents.
“(I) Mass casualty management.
“(J) Any other areas of military medicine designated by the Secretary of Defense.”
Sec. 744 Study on prevalence and mortality of cancer among military rotary-wing pilots and aviation support personnel
Study required— The Director of the Defense Health Agency, in coordination with the Directors of the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, shall conduct a study among covered individuals in two phases as provided by this section.
Initial phase of study—
Goal of initial phase— Under the initial phase of the study under subsection (a), the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall determine, for each cancer specified in paragraph (2), whether there is an increased prevalence of, or increased rate of mortality caused by, such cancer for covered individuals as compared to similarly aged individuals in the general population (or, in the case of the cancer specified in paragraph (2)(B), for female covered individuals as compared to similarly aged women in the general population).
Cancers specified— The cancers specified in this paragraph are the following:
Brain cancer.
Breast cancer.
Colon and rectal cancer.
Kidney cancer.
Lung cancer.
Melanoma.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Ovarian cancer.
Pancreatic cancer.
Prostate cancer.
Testicular cancer.
Urinary bladder cancer.
added
Cervical cancer.
Report on initial phase— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the findings of the phase of the study under this subsection.
Second phase of study—
Goal of second phase— If, pursuant to the phase of the study under subsection (b), the Director of the Defense Health Agency determines there is an increased prevalence of, or increased mortality rate caused by, any cancer specified in subsection (b)(2) among covered individuals (or, with respect to the cancer specified in subsection (b)(2)(B), among female covered individuals), the Director shall conduct a second phase of the study to—
identify any carcinogenic toxin or other hazardous material associated with the operation of military rotary-wing aircraft, such as fumes, fuels, or other liquids;
identify any operating environment, including frequencies or electromagnetic fields, in which covered individuals may have received excess exposure to non-ionizing radiation in the course of such operation, including non-ionizing radiation associated with airborne, ground, or shipboard radars; and
identify potential exposures as a result of military service by covered individuals to carcinogenic toxins or other hazardous materials not associated with the operation of military rotary-wing aircraft (such as exposure to burn pits, toxins in contaminated water, or toxins embedded in soils), including by determining—
the locations of such service; and
any duties of covered individuals unrelated to such operation and associated with an increased prevalence of, or increased mortality rate caused by, cancer.
Report on second phase— If the Director of the Defense Health Agency conducts the phase of the study under this subsection, not later than one year after the date on which the Director submits the report under subsection (b)(3), the Director shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the findings of such phase.
Data format— The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall format any data resulting from the phase of the study under this subsection consistent with the formatting of data under the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, including by disaggregating such data by race, gender, and age.
Sources of data— In conducting the study under this section, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall use data from—
the database of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program;
the study conducted under section 750 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3716); and
any other study previously conducted by the Secretary of a military department that the Director determines relevant for purposes of this section.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “appropriate appropriate congressional committees” committees means—
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate.
changed
The term “covered covered Armed Force” Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
changed
The term “covered individual” covered individual means any individual who—
served in a covered Armed Force on or after February 28, 1961, as an aircrew member of a rotary-wing aircraft (including as a pilot or aviation support personnel), without regard to the status, position, rank, or grade of the individual within such crew; and
receives health care benefits under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “Surveillance, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program” program means the program of the National Cancer Institute referred to in section 399B(d)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (40 U.S.C. 280e(d)(1)), or any successor program.
Sec. 748 Pilot program to help certain members of the Armed Forces stop smoking
Authority— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense may carry out a one-year pilot program to furnish, to covered members, the alternatives to smoking specified in subsection (b) in order—
to help such covered members stop smoking; and
to improve the health of such covered members.
Alternatives to smoking— The alternatives to smoking specified in this subsection are:
Counseling.
Nicotine gum.
Nicotine patches.
Electric nicotine delivery systems.
added
Nicotine pouches.
added
Heat-not-burn (HNB) products.
Participation— If the Secretary carries out such a pilot program, the pilot program shall operate—
in not less than one covered Armed Force; and
at not less than one military installation at which covered members serve in numbers that exceed the national average for each of the following:
Smoking cigarettes or other combustible tobacco products.
Population of Black Americans.
Population of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.
Population of Hispanic Americans.
Population of Appalachian Americans.
Report— Not later than one year after the termination of such a pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report regarding the results of the pilot program. Elements of such report shall include the determination of the Secretary regarding—
whether the pilot program helped covered members stop smoking;
the alternatives specified in subsection (b) that are most effective in helping covered members to stop smoking;
gaps in health care services available to covered members who belong to the populations described in subsection (c)(2); and
the recommendation of the Secretary whether to expand, extend, or make permanent the pilot program.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “covered covered Armed Force” Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
changed
The term “covered member” covered member means a member of a covered Armed Force—
serving on active duty; and
who smokes at least one cigarette (or other combustible tobacco product) per week.
Sec. 749 Pilot program on secure, mobile personal health record for members of the Armed Forces participating in the Transition Assistance Program
Pilot program— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence carrying out a pilot program under which members of the Armed Forces who are serving on active duty and receiving benefits or services under the Transition Assistance Program are able to use a covered health record platform to collect their medical records before separating from active duty.
Selection of armed forces— The Secretary shall select not less than one Armed Force in which to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a).
Contract authority—
In general— The Secretary shall seek to enter into a contract using competitive procedures with an appropriate entity, as determined by the Secretary, for the provision of the covered health record platform under the pilot program under subsection (a).
Notice of competition— Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a request for proposals for the contract described in paragraph (1). Such request shall be full and open to any contractor that has an existing covered health record platform.
Selection— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award a contract to an appropriate entity pursuant to the request for proposals under paragraph (2) if at least one acceptable offer from such an entity is submitted.
Duration of pilot program—
In general— The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period of not less than one year.
Termination or extension of program— At the end of the one-year period specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary may—
terminate the pilot program under subsection (a);
continue the pilot program;
expand the pilot program; or
implement the use of a covered health record platform in the Transition Assistance Program throughout the Armed Forces.
Prohibition on new appropriations— No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the requirements of this section. Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “covered covered health record platform” platform means a secure personal health record platform that meets the following requirements:
Has web-based and native mobile phone app capabilities.
Has the capability to store and share records with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other designated care provider.
Has the capability to store records in the cloud.
Does not have a requirement for integration to receive or share records.
Has the capability to instantly share data based on a combination of access key and personal identifier.
Has the capability to provide secure data storage and records transfer upon separation of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty.
Does not require a business associate agreement with any parties.
Has secure data isolation with access controls.
Has, at a minimum, data security that would require separate encryption for each document, relying on AES256 or better algorithm with keys encryption using RSA2048 or better algorithm, or any successor similar algorithm.
changed
The term “Transition Transition Assistance Program” Program means the program of the Department of Defense for preparation counseling, employment assistance, and other transitional services provided under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 750 Report on transitioning of mail-order pharmacy program of TRICARE program to an in-house mail order service
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the feasibility and advisability of transitioning the contractor-operated mail-order pharmacy program of the TRICARE program to a service provided directly by the Department of Defense.
Elements— The report under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of the following with respect to the transition described in such subsection:
Costs, including administrative costs, dispensing fees, and administrative overhead.
Structure and staffing.
The effect on beneficiaries under the TRICARE program, including regarding delivery times and quality.
The feasibility and advisability of combining the mail-order pharmacy functions under the TRICARE program with the mail-order pharmacy functions of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
changed
TRICARE program defined— In this section, the term “TRICARE program” TRICARE program has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 752 Study on implementation of accreditation requirements for military dental treatment facilities
added
added
Study required— The Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall conduct a study on the implementation of section 744(b)(4) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) with respect to military dental treatment facilities. Such study shall include the following:
added
An identification of the number and percentage of military dental treatment facilities that have not achieved accreditation as required under such section 744(b)(4) as of the date of the study.
added
An analysis of any barriers, including administrative or operational barriers, impeding the achievement of such accreditation requirement with respect to military dental treatment facilities.
added
An assessment of the resources, including personnel, training, and infrastructure resources, necessary to achieve full compliance with such accreditation requirement.
added
An estimate of the costs necessary to bring any unaccredited military dental treatment facility into compliance with such accreditation requirement.
added
Recommendations for any administrative, legislative, or other action necessary to ensure the full implementation of such accreditation requirement.
added
Report— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the study under subsection (a). Such report shall include—
added
the findings of the study;
added
a plan to ensure compliance with section 744(b)(4) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note); and
added
any recommendations by the Inspector General for additional resources or legislative authority necessary to achieve full compliance with such section.
Sec. 753 Assessment and program on use of radiation-shielding personal protective equipment to prevent or reduce the severity of acute radiation syndrome and associated mortality
added
added
Assessment— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, acting through the Director of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of whether targeted protection of bone marrow using gamma radiation-shielding personal protective equipment is likely to reduce the risk of acute radiation syndrome by reducing the severity of radiation-induced health effects, improving survivability in high-dose radiation environments, or both.
added
Program— If the assessment under subsection (a) finds that protecting bone marrow using gamma radiation-shielding personal protective equipment is likely to reduce the risk of acute radiation syndrome by reducing the severity of radiation-induced health effects, improving survivability in high-dose radiation environments, or both, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop requirements and an acquisition plan for the procurement, prepositioning, and maintenance of gamma radiation-shielding personal protective equipment for use by covered personnel.
added
Elements— In carrying out the program under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall—
added
develop requirements for the procurement, prepositioning, and maintenance of gamma radiation-shielding personal protective equipment designed to protect bone marrow;
added
an acquisition plan, including estimated costs, for the procurement, prepositioning, and maintenance of gamma radiation-shielding personal protective equipment designed to protect bone marrow; and
added
consider, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of the combatant commands—
added
the number of covered personnel who are deployed in areas in which the use of tactical nuclear weapons is a substantial threat;
added
the number of covered personnel who are deployed in areas in which potential nuclear reactor emergencies may pose a substantial threat;
added
the operational requirements of the Department of Defense;
added
appropriate doctrine, training, and operational plans for effective use of such personal protective equipment;
added
a feasible schedule for implementation of the program; and
added
approaches that could complement carrying out the program on medical countermeasures pursuant to section 734 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note).
added
Covered personnel defined— In this section, the term “covered personnel” means—
added
members of the Armed Forces deployed either inside or outside the United States;
added
civilian employees of the Department of Defense deployed outside the United States; and
added
civilian employees of the Department of Defense and members of the Armed Forces stationed in the National Capital Region (as defined in section 2674 of title 10, United States Code) responsible for the chemical, biological, and nuclear defense mission.
Sec. 754 Prescription drop boxes
addedadded The Secretary of Defense shall maintain at each military installation a prescription drop box to allow for the safe disposal of unused prescription drugs, including opioids.
Sec. 755 Department of Defense medical supply chain risk identification and transparency enhancement
added
added
Assessments and list— Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall—
added
conduct supply chain risk assessments across the Defense Health Agency and relevant acquisition offices of the Department of Defense to determine the origin of covered items; and
added
develop and maintain a prioritized list, which may be classified, of high-risk critical medical products that rely on covered items originating from the People’s Republic of China.
added
Elements— The assessments under subsection (a)(1) shall include—
added
identification and prioritization of critical medical products for review;
added
evaluation of dependencies on inputs originating from China;
added
analysis of vulnerability to supply chain disruption during war, national emergency, or public health crisis;
added
assessment of domestic manufacturing capacity, including gaps, single points of failure, and economic threats to domestic producers;
added
identification of the location of design, manufacturing, and packaging facilities; and
added
evaluation of dependencies in deployable medical units, military medical treatment facilities, and medical logistics systems of the Department.
added
Report—
added
Requirement— Not later than180 days after the date of the initial assessment conducted under paragraph (1) of subsection (a), and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing—
added
findings from the high-risk medical products list developed under paragraph (2) of such subsection;
added
strategies to strengthen stockpiles and readiness contracts; and
added
recommendations to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, including procurement policy revisions, alternative sourcing, expansion of domestic manufacturing, and incentives for United States-based production of covered items.
added
Form— The report under paragraph (1) may be submitted in classified form.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “covered items” means pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, personal protective equipment, medical devices, and medical diagnostic equipment, used by the Department of Defense.
added
The term critical medical product means any covered item identified by the Secretary of Defense as essential to national defense, force health protection, or continuity of operations.
added
The term domestic manufacturing means the conduct in the United States of research and development, engineering, or production activities necessary for manufacturing a critical medical product.
added
The term foreign country of concern has the meaning given the term “covered nations” in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, and any additional countries so designated by the Department of State.
Sec. 756 Assessment and report on health care services available to civilian and military personnel at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
added
added
Assessment— The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Navy, shall develop an assessment of the adequacy of health care services available to the military and civilian personnel workforce at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
added
Report— Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a). Such report shall include the following:
added
A description of challenges to the provision of health care services to the individuals specified in such subsection through the military health system or the private sector, including—
added
a description of any such challenge relating to—
added
insufficient funding or authority to provide adequate services;
added
inaccessibility of health care services available; or
added
a shortage in providers of emergency care or other specialized health care services; and
added
a description of any potential effect of such challenges on the mission of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, including any tenant command present on such military installation.
added
Recommendations of the Secretary with respect to legislative proposals to improve such the adequacy of such health care services available to the individuals specified in subsection (a).
added
The plan of the Secretary to address any challenge, or mitigate any potential effect, under paragraph (1).
Sec. 757 Review and Update of Online Information Relating to Suicide Prevention and Behavioral Health
addedadded Not later than August 1, 2027, each Secretary of a military department (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) shall—
added
review any information relating to suicide prevention or behavioral health that is published on an internet website of the military department at the installation level;
added
update such information, including any contact information for suicide prevention or behavioral health resources, as may be necessary; and
added
submit to the congressional defense committees a certification that such information is accurate as of the date of such certification.
Sec. 758 Study on psychological effects of and mental health impacts of combat remotely piloted aircraft operations
added
added
Study required— The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive study on the psychological effects and mental health impacts of remotely piloted aircraft combat operations on members of the Armed Forces and other personnel engaged in such operations.
added
Elements— The study under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
added
An assessment of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, burnout, moral injury, and other mental health conditions among members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel who—
added
Pilot or operate combat remotely piloted aircraft systems; or
added
analyze combat imagery and conduct targeting assessments for such systems.
added
A comparative analysis of the mental health outcomes of such individuals relative to—
added
aircrew engaged in crewed combat operations; and
added
personnel deployed in non-flying combat roles.
added
An evaluation of operational stressors unique to combat drone operations, including—
added
shift work and sleep disruption;
added
remote witnessing of lethal operations;
added
emotional disengagement and isolation; and
added
exposure to civilian casualties or traumatic visual content.
added
An assessment of existing Department of Defense mental health support services available to remotely piloted aircraft personnel and whether such services are adequate, accessible, and appropriately tailored.
added
Recommendations to improve mental health screening, treatment, and prevention for remotely piloted aircraft operators and support staff.
added
Consultation— In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consult with—
added
the Surgeons General of the Armed Forces;
added
the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness;
added
the Defense Health Agency;
added
behavioral health experts within the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
added
appropriate scientific institutions with expertise in combat psychology and remote warfare.
added
Report to Congress— Not later than 12 months 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 an unclassified report on the results of the study conducted under this section, including the recommendations described in subsection (b)(5).
Sec. 759 Pilot program on pre-programming of suicide prevention resources into smart devices issued to members of the Armed Forces
added
added
In general— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence the conduct of a pilot program under which the Secretary—
added
pre-downloads the Virtual Hope Box application of the Defense Health Agency, or such successor application, on the covered devices of members of the Armed Forces;
added
pre-programs the National Suicide Hotline number and Veterans Crisis Line number into the contacts for such covered devices; and
added
provides training, as part of the training on suicide awareness and prevention conducted throughout the Department of Defense, on the preventative resources described in paragraphs (1) and (2).
added
Duration— The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the pilot program under this section for a two-year period.
added
Scope— The Secretary of Defense shall determine the appropriate scope of individuals participating in the pilot program under this section to best represent each Armed Force and to ensure a relevant sample size.
added
Identification of other resources— In carrying out the pilot program under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Director of the Defense Health Agency and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to identify other useful technology-related resources for use in the pilot program.
added
Report— Not later than 30 days after the date on which the pilot program under this section terminates, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program, including recommendations by the Secretary relating to expanding the scope of future pilot programs to include members of the Armed Forces who do not possess covered devices.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “covered device” means a smart device (including a mobile phone) that is issued to an individual by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of an Armed Force.
added
The term Veterans Crisis Line means the toll-free hotline for veterans established under section 1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 760 Study on opioid prescribing practices
addedadded The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an updated study on opioid prescribing to ensure that the provider practices of medication-prescribing health professionals across the military health system conform with—
added
the clinical practice guidelines of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
added
the prescribing guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.
Sec. 761 Timeliness of electronic medical records during transition from the Armed Forces
added
added
Report—
added
Requirement— 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 timeliness of providing members of the Armed Forces who are separating from active duty with a copy of the electronic health records of the members.
added
Elements— The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following, with respect to the one-year period preceding the date of the report:
added
The average number of days following separation from active duty for a member to receive the electronic health records of the member.
added
The most number of days a member has waited to receive such records.
added
An explanation for delays in providing members such records.
added
Standards— The Secretary shall establish standards to ensure that a member of the Armed Forces who is separating from active duty receives the electronic health records of the member within a reasonable period.
Sec. 762 Study on TRICARE program contract transition
added
added
Requirement— Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a study on the TRICARE contract transition.
added
Elements— The study under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
The effects of the TRICARE contract transition on—
added
members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries who receive health care under the TRICARE program in the West region; and
added
the providers of such health care.
added
The average time for such members and covered beneficiaries to resolve any issues relating to the TRICARE contract transition.
added
A description of how the Department of Defense and the TRICARE program—
added
prepared for the TRICARE contract transition; and
added
communicated information to such members and covered beneficiaries regarding the transition and how to resolve any issues relating to the transition.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The terms covered beneficiary and TRICARE program have the meaning given such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
added
The term TRICARE contract transition means the transition to a new contract under the TRICARE program with respect to the administration of the West region occurring on January 1, 2025.
Sec. 763 Report on use of oculometric brain health assessment systems for Department of Defense
added
added
Assessment required— The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in consultation with the Surgeons General of the Armed Services, or other relevant Department of Defense organizations identified by the Secretary of Defense, shall conduct an assessment on the use of oculometric biomarker monitoring technologies to support mission sets of the Department of Defense.
added
Contents— The assessment conducted under subsection (a) shall contain each of the following elements:
added
The anticipated mid- and long-term utility of oculometric monitoring systems in optimizing human performance and enhancing U.S. military readiness and operational effectiveness.
added
The ability of oculometric biomarker monitoring to detect fatigue, stress, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder in servicemembers, including in deployed environments.
added
The effectiveness of such systems in reducing operational risk and enhancing cognitive resilience in combat and training settings.
added
The role of oculometric biomarker monitoring in early detection of traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder for active-duty personnel and veterans, including the utility of monitoring recovery and tailoring rehabilitation plans to individual servicemembers.
added
Whether use of oculometric monitoring systems enhances mission readiness by providing real-time physiological and cognitive performance feedback.
added
The potential of such systems to reduce costly attrition and improve decision-making under stress.
added
Opportunities for integration with existing or planned medical, training, and readiness systems of the Department.
added
The role of brain health monitoring technologies in protecting against performance degradation that may jeopardize mission success.
added
Potential contributions of oculometric technologies to allied and partner nation capacity building.
added
A review of outcomes from existing trials funded by the Department of oculometric biomarker monitoring technologies with the Air Force, Army, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
added
Identification of any gaps in such trials requiring further research, development, testing, and evaluation.
added
Report required— Not later than March 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing—
added
the assessment required under subsection (a); and
added
recommendations on the optimal use of oculometric biomarker monitoring technologies to support mission sets of the Department of Defense, including on—
added
expansion of device deployment across field units and military medical centers;
added
further operational trials to benchmark injury thresholds and readiness indicators; and
added
integration of cognitive and neurological health metrics into existing health and readiness reporting systems of the Department.
added
Form of report— The report required by subsection (c) shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Sec. 764 Plan and report by Defense Health Agency relating to chiropractic clinics at military installations
added
added
Plan— The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall develop a plan to—
added
reopen any clinic at a military installation if, before the date of the enactment of this Act, such clinic—
added
offered chiropractic services; and
added
was closed; and
added
pay chiropractors stationed at military installations under the General Schedule.
added
Report— Not later than March 31, 2026, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a report on the plan developed under subsection (a).
Sec. 808 Financing for programs with priority ratings under the defense priorities and allocation system
added
added
Financing Costs— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that covered financing costs incurred by a contractor through the performance of a covered contract are allowable and allocable as a direct or an indirect cost for such covered contract if such covered financing costs—
added
are reasonable and consistent with prevailing market rates for similar financing; and
added
are incurred to pay a covered financing entity.
added
Agreements with covered financing entities— Requirements of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation otherwise applicable to a contract or subcontract described in subsection (a) shall not be incorporated into any agreement with a covered financing entity relating to covered financing costs.
added
Availability of funds— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that with respect to a covered contract for which covered financing costs are allowable and allocable pursuant to subsection (a), any obligation of the United States to make a payment under such covered contract is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose, and that total liability to the Government for the termination of such covered contract shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated at the time of termination.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “covered activity” means an activity of a prime contractor or subcontractor that supports a covered program, including an activity—
added
to manage an inventory of completed products or components produced for a covered program;
added
to improve inventory management of products or components necessary for sustainment or maintenance of a covered program;
added
to materially expand the capacity of production or sustainment and maintenance of a covered program through capital expenditures; or
added
for any other purpose identified by the Secretary of Defense.
added
The term “covered contract” means a contract or subcontract entered into by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to a use of the priorities and allocations authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.), including such a contract or subcontract for export, for performance of a covered activity.
added
The term “covered financing costs” means interest on debt, bond discounts, or costs of financing and refinancing capital.
added
The term “covered financing entity” means an entity established pursuant to Federal or State law that—
added
as part of the regular business activities of the entity, extends credit, loans, or other financing to other persons; and
added
is not owned by, controlled by, or under common control with the person receiving such financing.
added
The term “covered program” means any program under title 10, United States Code, for the production and sustainment of naval combatant surface ships and submarines, air defense capabilities, munitions, aircraft, land systems, combat vehicles, or any other capability designated by the Secretary.
Sec. 809 Prioritization of domestic boron
added
added
In general— Not later 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall issue regulations under which the Department of Defense shall prioritize the acquisition of boron for use by the Department, including in goods and services acquired by the Department, from sources in the United States through domestic supply chains.
added
Domestic supply chain development— The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall ensure that the procedures established under subsection (a) support the development of domestic supply chains for boron from sources in the United States to meet the needs of the Department of Defense for boron.
added
Domestic supply chain defined— In this section, the term “domestic supply chain” means a supply chain that—
added
is composed entirely of entities that are organized under the laws of the United States or of any jurisdiction within the United States; and
added
involves only facilities located in the United States.
Sec. 810 Establishment of Schedule V for veteran employment and philanthropy reporting by defense contractors and grantees
added
added
Establishment— The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a standardized disclosure schedule, to be known as Schedule V, to be included in all applicable contracts, subcontracts, and grant awardees as specified in this section. These disclosures by contract, subcontract, and grant awardees will contribute to critical long-term recruitment and retention of the Armed Forces.
added
Applicability— Schedule V shall be required as a condition of award for—
added
any contract or subcontract with an annual value exceeding $5,000,000 with the Department of Defense or any organizations receiving a contract or subcontract with an annual revenue of $1,000,000,000 or more; or
added
any Department of Defense Federal grant to an institution of higher education or research entity in excess of $10,000,000 annually.
added
Disclosure requirements— Entities subject to subsection (b) shall, on an annual basis, publicly disclose the following:
added
Veteran employment and retention date, including—
added
the number of United States military veterans hired annually for the previous 3 years;
added
the number of those veterans retained 12 and 24 months after hire; and
added
a summary of the company’s United States military veteran retention initiatives, if any.
added
Philanthropic and community investment, including—
added
disclosure of a corporate philanthropy program;
added
the total amount of philanthropic giving in the previous fiscal year;
added
the amount and percentage of such giving dedicated to military and veteran-related causes; and
added
any volunteer hours towards veteran or military causes.
added
Executive engagement— A narrative response describing the direct involvement of the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors in reviewing and supporting efforts related to paragraphs (1) and (2).
added
Subcontracting and indirect vendors— The Secretary shall ensure Schedule V requirements apply, to the greatest extent practicable, to indirect suppliers and subcontractors at a value of $5,000,000 or above or annual revenue of $1,000,000,000 or more.
added
Public accessibility— The disclosures required under subsection (c) shall be submitted to the relevant contracting or grant officer and made publicly available through the Federal Procurement Data System or another centralized government database designated by the Administrator of General Services.
added
Implementation— The Secretary shall issue regulations to implement this section not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. These regulations may include exemptions for small businesses and provisions for pilot implementation prior to full enforcement.
Sec. 818 Government Accountability Office bid protest process enhancement
Revise regulations—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to establish procedures for a contracting officer of the Department of Defense to file a claim against a contractor that files a covered bid protest.
Claims procedures— The procedures required by paragraph (1) shall ensure the following:
A claim described in paragraph (1) shall be filed in accordance with chapter 71 of title 41, United States Code.
Any remedy shall be limited to the disgorgement of any profits and fees earned by the incumbent contractor in the performance of a covered contract during the disgorgement period.
Treatment of amounts received— Amounts received as result of a claim described in paragraph (1) shall be credited to the fund or account that was used to cover the costs of the covered contract, or, if the period of availability of obligations for the appropriation from which such costs were paid has expired, to the appropriations of a fund or account that is currently available to the Secretary for the same purpose. Amounts so credited shall be merged with amounts in such fund or account and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such fund or account.
Definitions— In this subsection:
changed
The term “covered covered bid protest” protest means a bid protest—
that was filed with the Comptroller General of the United States by an incumbent contractor;
that was dismissed by the Comptroller General based a lack of any reasonable legal or factual basis; and
for which such dismissal was finally determined.
changed
The term “covered contract” covered contract means a contract with the Department of Defense entered into with the incumbent contractor for the acquisition of goods or services by the Department during the disgorgement period that are the same or substantially similar to goods or services to be acquired by the Department under the contract previously awarded to the incumbent contractor.
changed
The term “disgorgement period” disgorgement period means the period of performance under a contract that was awarded or extended because the Department of Defense received notice of a protest by the incumbent contractor and was prohibited from awarding a new contract during the pendency of such bid protest under section 3553(c) of title 31, United States Code.
changed
The term “finally determined”, finally determined, with respect to the dismissal of a bid protest, means dismissal—
was not appealed and is no longer appealable because the time for taking an appeal has expired; or
was appealed and the appeals process for which is completed.
changed
The term “incumbent contractor” incumbent contractor means a contractor under a contract with the Department of Defense for the acquisition of goods or services by the Department that are the same or substantially similar to goods or services to be acquired by the Department under a new or follow-on contract that is the subject of a covered bid protest.
Continued performance to facilitate national defense— Section 3553 of title 31, United States Code, is amended—
by amending subsection (c)(3) to read as follows:
“(3) For the purposes of the written finding under paragraph (2)(A) with respect to a contract for a procurement by a component of the Department of Defense, the head of the procuring activity may make the finding under such paragraph for such contract if such head of the procuring activity determines that the performance of such contract would facilitate the national defense.”
in subsection (d)(3), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(D) For the purposes of the determination under paragraph (2)(B) with respect to a contract for a procurement by a component of the Department of Defense, a contracting officer may not determine that immediate performance of such contract is not in the best interests of the United States if the contracting officer determines that performance of the contract would facilitate the national defense.”
Sec. 821 Prohibition on acquisition of information or communication technology from Chinese entities
addedadded None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to acquire any information or communication technology, including computers, printers, and video conferencing equipment, from an entity—
added
in which the People’s Republic of China have substantial ownership or controlling interest, directly or indirectly;
added
that is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity in which the People’s Republic of China have substantial ownership or controlling interest, directly or indirectly; or
added
that is organized under the laws of or located in the People’s Republic of China and is to any law enacted by the government of the People’s Republic of China mandating the cooperation of such entity with any national defense or intelligence agency or organization of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Part People's Liberation Army.
Sec. 822 Amendment to definition of conventional ammunition
added
added
In general— Section 806(c) of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (10 U.S.C. 3241 note prec.) is amended by striking “, dated March 8, 1995”.
added
Update to Directive— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise Department of Defense Directive 5160.65 to change the definition of “conventional ammunition management” in such directive to include as conventional ammunition “one way lethal or non-lethal armed/attack unmanned aerial vehicle/system (UAV/UAS)”.
Sec. 823 Prohibitions relating to covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services
added
added
Prohibition on acquisition— The Secretary of Defense may not acquire, or enter into, extend, or renew a contract or other agreement for, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services as—
added
a substantial or essential component of such equipment, system, or service; or
added
critical technology as part of such equipment, system, or service.
added
Prohibition on loan and grant funds—
added
Prohibition— The Secretary of Defense may not obligate or expend loan or grant funds to acquire, or to enter into, extend, or renew a contract or other agreement for, any equipment, system, or service described in subsection (a).
added
Prioritization— In implementing the prohibition under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense, in administering a loan, grant, or subsidy program, shall prioritize available funding and technical support to assist affected entities as is reasonably necessary for those affected entities to cease use of covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services, to acquire replacement equipment and services, and to ensure that communications service to users and customers is sustained.
added
Rule of construction— Nothing in subsection (a) or (b) shall be construed to—
added
prohibit the Secretary of Defense from acquiring from an entity, or entering into, extending, or renewing a contract or other agreement with an entity for, a service that connects to the facilities of a third party, such as blockchain protocols or interconnection arrangements; or
added
apply to wireless telecommunications equipment or third-party validators that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.
added
Effective date— The prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
added
Waiver authority—
added
In general— Except as provided in paragraph (2), beginning on the effective date under subsection (d), the Secretary of Defense may, upon request of an entity, issue a waiver of the requirements under subsection (a) with respect to such entity for a period of not more than two years.
added
Requirements— The Secretary may only provide a waiver under this subsection if the entity seeking the waiver—
added
provides a compelling justification for the additional time to implement the requirements of this section; and
added
submits to the Secretary, who shall not later than 30 days thereafter submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, a full and complete description of the presence of covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services in the entity’s supply chain and a phase-out plan to eliminate such covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services.
added
Elements of the intelligence community— Beginning on the effective date under subsection (d), a head of an element of the intelligence community may waive the requirements under subsection (a) if such head determines the waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.
added
Definitions— In this Act:
added
The term covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services means distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services of or originating from a foreign adversary, including any of the following companies or subsidiaries thereof:
added
The Blockchain-based Services Network.
added
The Spartan Network.
added
The Conflux Network.
added
iFinex, Inc.
added
Red Date Technology Co., Ltd.
added
The term executive agency has the meaning given the term in section 133 of title 41, United States Code.
added
The term foreign adversary has the meaning given such term in section 7.2 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations.
added
The term intelligence community has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
Sec. 824 Amendment to requirement for domestic stainless steel flatware and dinnerware
addedadded Section 842 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 4862 note) is amended by striking subsection (c).
Sec. 833 Development of the advanced manufacturing workforce
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish in the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium established under section 1842 of this Act a working group to identify opportunities to address workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense industrial base.
Membership— The working group shall consist of members of the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium with an interest in addressing workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense industrial base.
Responsibilities— The working group shall—
identify estimated workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense industrial base, including such workforce shortages in the Department of Defense organic industrial base;
identify career fields in advanced manufacturing and the associated skills and abilities that are required for such fields; and
develop recommendations for—
training, education, and career development programs, including mid-career programs, apprenticeships, internships, and summer camps, to prepare individuals for careers in advanced manufacturing;
the establishment of public-private partnerships to provide workforce development activities, including identifying incentives for such partnerships for success in recruiting, training, and retaining individuals in careers in advanced manufacturing; and
any policy changes needed to further the participation of individuals in the advanced manufacturing workforce of the defense industrial base.
Report— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report containing—
any recommendations developed by the working group under subsection (c)(3); and
a recommendation whether to continue or terminate the working group.
changed
Advanced manufacturing defined— In this section, the term “advanced manufacturing” advanced manufacturing means the manufacturing of products or the application and use of advanced technologies (including artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, 3D printing, and cyber-physical systems).
Sec. 834 Competitive acquisition leadership appointments
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the eligibility for an acquisition leadership position associated with a joint research and development activity or a joint acquisition program is not limited by—
the affiliation of an individual with a specific Armed Force; or
whether an individual is a civilian employee of the Department of Defense or a member of the military.
Rule of construction— Nothing in this section shall be construed as impairing or otherwise affecting the authority of any component, element, or activity of the Department of Defense from considering the level of representation of an Armed Force, Federal agency, or organization of the Department in an acquisition program when determining whom to appoint to an acquisition leadership position under such acquisition program.
changed
Acquisition leadership position defined— In this section, the term “acquisition acquisition leadership position” position means an acquisition position within the Department of Defense, as designated pursuant to section 1721(a) of title 10, United States Code, that is under an acquisition program of the Department and classified at or above grade O-5 (or equivalent).
Sec. 836 Reform of contractor performance information requirements
Revision to DFARS— The Secretary of Defense shall revise part 242.15 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to establish an objective, fact-based, and simplified system for reporting contractor performance. The revised system shall—
focus exclusively on negative performance events that are measurable to reduce subjectivity and inconsistency in evaluations;
create a level playing field for commercial entities, subcontractors, and new entrants that do not have extensive past performance records to compete for Department of Defense contracts;
reduce the administrative burden on contracting officers by limiting reporting to significant failures or poor performance;
establish standardized templates for reporting negative performance events and calculating composite scores; and
ensure the Government can identify and avoid contractors with a history of poor performance or bad actions.
Revision of contractor performance information requirements—
Elimination of subjective performance ratings— The Secretary of Defense shall revise part 242.15 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and related guidance, including the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (or a successor system) (in this section referred to as “CPARS”), to eliminate subjective performance ratings for contracts subject to such part.
Scope of reporting— A contracting officer shall only include negative performance events that have a material impact on contract performance or Government interests in CPARS and shall exclude positive or neutral performance assessments, except as necessary to provide context for an included negative performance event. A contracting officer shall report in CPARS negative performance events within 30 days after verifying the event.
Categorization of negative performance events— A contracting officer shall categorize negative performance events reported under paragraph (2) in one of the following areas:
Failures related to innovation, technical development, or prototype delivery.
Failures related to manufacturing, quality control, or delivery of products.
Failures related to maintenance, logistics, or support services.
Failures related to professional, administrative, or operational services.
Failures related to software, hardware, cybersecurity, or information technology systems.
Performance evaluations— A contracting officer is not required to conduct an annual or periodic performance evaluation of a contractor unless the contracting officer has verified a negative performance event of such contractor.
Use in source selection— The Secretary of Defense shall consider a negative performance event and the score associated with such event (as calculated under subsection (f)) in source selection evaluations to assess contractor risk and responsibility.The absence of negative performance events for an offeror, including an offer that is a nontraditional defense contractor or a new entrant, shall not be considered a deficiency in past performance evaluations. Such offerors shall be evaluated based on technical capability, price, and other relevant factors.
Scoring mechanism for negative performance events—
Calculation— The Secretary of Defense shall establish a standardized scoring mechanism to normalize negative performance events of a contractor based on the number of transactions and the dollar value of contracts performed by the contractor.
Application of scores— The Secretary shall ensure that—
a composite score for each contractor is included in CPARS, along with any negative performance events used in source selection to assess past performance risk; and
CPARS is programmed to automatically calculate scores based on data entered by contracting officers, including the number of transactions and the dollar value of contracts performed by the contractor.
Transparency— The Secretary shall ensure that contractors—
have access to composite scores and the underlying data through CPARS; and
may submit comments or rebuttals to reported negative performance events or scores, which shall be maintained in CPARS for consideration in source selection.
Mandatory reporting— A contracting officer shall report the following negative performance events:
Delivery of products failing to meet contract requirements, as verified by Government inspection reports, quality assurance records, or testing results.
Failure to meet contract delivery schedules, as documented in contract milestones, delivery orders, or Government records.
Incorrect or unauthorized markings on technical data or software, or improper assertions of restrictive rights, as verified by Government review or legal findings.
Submission of inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading cost or pricing data, as identified through audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency or other Government authorities.
Failure to include mandatory contract clauses in subcontracts, as verified by contract reviews or audits.
Submission of false claims, fraudulent invoices, or misrepresentations, as substantiated by investigations, legal findings, or Government records.
Failure to comply with safety, environmental, or other regulatory requirements, as documented by Government inspections or citations.
Failure to meet cybersecurity requirements or significant breaches caused by contractor negligence, as verified by Government records.
Any other negative performance event, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, that is based on verifiable data or objective evaluations and for which the Secretary publishes criteria in the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Implementation—
Training and guidance— The Secretary of Defense shall develop and provide training for contracting officers on the following:
Identifying, verifying, and reporting negative performance events.
The use of objective evidence and the exclusion of subjective judgments in reporting negative performance events.
Entering data for creating a score in CPARS.
System modifications— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall modify CPARS to include the following functions:
The categorization of negative performance events.
Elimination of fields for subjective ratings.
Automatically calculate composite scores based on reported data.
A mechanism for contractors to review and respond to reported events and scores.
Transition period— With respect to a contract awarded before the effective date of the revision to the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation required by subsection (a), a contracting officer for such contract may complete CPARS evaluations under the prior system until the contract is closed or terminated.
Report and oversight—
Report— Not later than January 15, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this section.
GAO review— Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the revised CPARS that includes the following:
The effectiveness of CPARS to carry out the requirements of this section.
The accuracy and fairness of the scoring mechanism developed under subsection (d).
The effect of the modifictions made by this section on competition and participation of nontraditional defense contractors in contracts of the Department of Defense.
Effective date— This section and the requirements of this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “negative negative performance event” event means a verifiable instance of contractor failure or poor performance as described in subsection (e).
changed
The term “nontraditional nontraditional defense contractor” contractor has the meaning given in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “verifiable data” verifiable data means objective evidence documented in contract records, inspection reports, audits, correspondence, or other Government records that substantiate a negative performance event.
Sec. 837 Restructuring of performance evaluation metrics for the acquisition workforce
Establishment of acquisition workforce key performance indicators— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall implement mandatory key performance indicators (in this section referred to as “KPIs”) for evaluating members of the acquisition workforce (as defined in 10 USC 101). Such KPIs shall be used to assess the degree of alignment between activities of such members and strategic priorities of the Department of Defense, including—
use of commercial acquisition methods, including the use of fixed-price contracts under terms and conditions similar to those used for commercial contracts;
use of innovative acquisition authorities;
demonstrated preference for commercial solutions;
integration of small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) and nontraditional defense contractors (as defined in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code) into the defense industrial base;
demonstrated cost and schedule efficiencies;
use of milestone-based, modular open system approaches (as defined in section 4401 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 1833 of this Act) and capabilities-based pricing; and
use of the authorities under chapter 253 of title 10, United States Code, and similar tools aimed at streamlining and improving the acquisition process for the Department of Defense.
Integration with personnel systems and promotion boards— The KPIs described in subsection (a) shall be integrated into—
annual performance appraisals for members of the acquisition workforce;
promotion, bonus, and assignment consideration for acquisition positions; and
requirements for certification, training, and continuing education under chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code.
Public reporting and oversight— Beginning not later than 365 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the congressional defense committees a semiannual report on—
progress in implementing KPIs required by this section;
compliance rates by each element of the Department of Defense;
any barriers to implementation; and
recommendations for additional legislative authorities to carry out the requirements of this section.
Definitions— For purposes of this section:
changed
The term “commercial solutions” commercial solutions means any method for procurement of a commercial product or commercial service as described in part 12 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, subparts 212.2 and 212.70 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any product, service, or other solution developed by a private entity and funded by private investment that meets the needs of the Department of Defense.
changed
The term “innovative innovative acquisition authorities” authorities means—
the authority under section 4021 and 4022 of title 10, United States Code;
authority to use commercial solutions opening contracts pursuant to section 3458 of such title 10;
application of policies of a rapid capabilities office of a military department; or
any other streamlined acquisition authority.
Sense of congress— It is the sense of Congress that fostering a risk-tolerant, innovation-forward culture in the defense acquisition workforce is essential to maintaining the United States technological and military advantage. Accordingly, the Department of Defense shall prioritize the cultivation of acquisition professionals who can effectively leverage commercial technology, deliver digital capabilities at speed, and expand the industrial base beyond traditional vendors.
Sec. 853 Modification to enhanced domestic content requirement for major defense acquisition programs
Section 835(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended to read as follows:
changed
“(c) Major defense acquisition program—In this section, the term “major major defense acquisition program” program has the meaning given in section 4201 of title 10, United States Code, except that such term includes any program that meets the meaning given in such section as in effect on January 1, 2025.”
Sec. 856 Acceleration of qualification of compliant sources
Establishment—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish in the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium established under section 1842 a working group for the exchange of information about compliant materials and to accelerate the qualification of such materials for use by the Department of Defense and the integration of such materials into the supply chains of contractors of the Department of Defense.
Membership—
In general— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the working group shall consist of members of the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium with expertise or interest in—
the qualification and acceptance of materials, parts, components and end items by the Department of Defense;
supply chain management; or
supply chain illumination.
Exclusion— The Secretary may exclude from participation in such working group any individual or entity that—
is headquartered within, owned or controlled by, or subject to the influence of a covered nation;
is functioning as the agent of any foreign State; or
is otherwise determined by the Secretary to be a significant threat to the national security interests of the United States.
Responsibilities— The working group shall—
establish processes for exchange of information about compliant materials among consortium members, procurement agents of the Department of Defense, and contractors of the defense industrial base, while maintaining appropriate safeguards of commercially proprietary information;
develop processes and procedures to streamline identification, testing, and qualification of compliant sources and compliant materials;
seek to reduce the unnecessary application of requirements that specific to a single Armed Force for identification, testing, and qualification of compliant sources and compliant material;
provide a forum for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force and other elements of the Department of Defense to share technical and supply chain data related to requirements for covered materials;
identify compliant sources at each step of the supply chain, to the extent that such supply chains are subject to subchapter III of chapter 385 of title 10, United States Code;
at least once a quarter, publish for the members of the consortium and for the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, a list of compliant sources for each critical material, including a general description of what step of the supply chain in which each compliant source is participating, if any;
develop and recommend processes to enable the Department of Defense to rapidly identify, qualify, and integrate compliant materials into programs of the Department at scale;
seek to reduce future requirements for critical materials in defense systems by encouraging contractors of the Department of Defense to design and develop systems that use commercially available critical materials, when such materials are capable of meeting mission needs;
seek input from small and nontraditional contractors and ensure the working group considers the unique attributes of such businesses in carrying out the responsibilities of this subsection;
develop and provide recommendations to reduce impediments or disincentives for a supplier of an end item to the Department of Defense to revise a supply chain agreement or other arrangement, to eliminate the reliance of the supplier on noncompliant sources;
any other matters assigned to the working group by the Secretary; and
provide the Secretary with timely recommendations developed pursuant to this section.
Replacement of existing noncompliant parts—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and implement guidance to ensure that critical materials from noncompliant sources that are present in covered systems of the Department of Defense are identified and replaced as rapidly as practicable with compliant materials.
Requirements— The guidance required by (1) shall—
ensure that a supplier of an end item is actively managing the supply chain, and shall address impediments or disincentives for the supplier to revise a supply chain agreement or other arrangement to eliminate the supplier’s reliance on noncompliant sources;
require the use of compliant sources included on the list required by paragraph (a)(3)(F), where appropriate;
require use of commercial qualification processes to the maximum extent practicable in determining whether a new supplier is capable of meeting defense requirements;
minimize the number of qualification events required, including minimizing the use of real-world testing, when replacing components or raw materials with functionally identical commercial offerings;
provide for waiver of defense-unique qualification requirements, including operational test and evaluation processes, unless compliance with such requirements is determined to be essential by the head of the contracting activity: and
prohibit additional testing of the end item if a component or subcomponent has shown to have substantially similar or identical performance after replacement of a noncompliant critical material with a compliant critical material, except where the service acquisition executive determines otherwise.
Safe harbor— The Secretary of Defense shall deem that any acquisition of a critical material, by the Department, a contractor to the Department, or a subcontractor at any tier, from a supplier of critical materials that is included on the list required by paragraph (a)(3)(F), is in compliance with the requirements of subchapter III of chapter 385 of this title, if—
the supplier of a critical material was on the most recent such list of compliant sources for such critical material at the time the acquisition contract or other agreement was entered into;
the supplier is included on such a list not less frequently than once every two years during the period beginning on the date on which such contract or other agreement is entered into and ending on the date on which such contract or other agreement expires or terminates; and
it would have created an unreasonable hardship, including an interruption of needed supplies or significantly different cost, for the acquiring entity to switch suppliers to a compliant source during the time between the signing of the contract or other agreement and the time of delivery under such contract or other agreement.
Responsible individual— The service acquisition executive for each service or agency shall, for each program under supervision of such service acquisition executive, identify the individual responsible for establishing the statement of work and qualification requirements associated with the replacement of components or raw materials critical materials from noncompliant sources in covered systems as required by this section.
Commercial items— The Secretary shall ensure that the guidance required by this subsection applies to commercial products and commercial off-the-shelf items to the extent that the requirements of chapter 385 of title 10, United States Code, apply to commercial products and commercial off-the-shelf items.
Access to materials— Notwithstanding section 4872(a) of title 10, United States Code, the Department of Defense is authorized to procure a covered material stockpiled in an allied or partner nation if such covered material has been under uninterrupted control by an entity in such allied or partner nation since 2000.
Funding estimates— Not later than five days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to Congress the materials in support of the budget submitted by the President to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for a fiscal year, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in collaboration with the service acquisition executives of the military departments, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive estimate of the funds necessary to provide for the qualification and integration of compliant sources into the covered systems of each military department.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “compliant country” compliant country means a country that is not a covered nation.
changed
The term “compliant source” compliant source means an entity engaged in the production, manufacture, or distribution of a critical material that is compliant with the requirements of subchapter III of chapter 385 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “compliant material” compliant material means critical material that is sourced from a compliant source.
changed
The term “covered nation” covered nation has the meaning given such term in section 4872(h) of title 10, United States Code (as redesignated by this Act).
changed
The term “covered system” covered system means an end item that is currently in production or has been delivered to the Department of Defense.
changed
The term “critical material” critical material means a material subject to sourcing restrictions under subchapter III of chapter 385 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “end item” end item has the meaning given such term in section 4863 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “service service acquisition executive” executive has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “working group” working group means the working group established under subsection (a).
Sec. 857 Enhanced security strategy for private fifth generation information and communications capabilities
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall require a contractor for a procurement related to fifth-generation wireless technology for private networks on military installations to provide the information described in subsection (b) to promote enhanced wireless network security requirements, including supply chain risk management.
Information described— The information described in this subsection is as follows:
A hardware bill of materials for a procurement described in subsection (a).
A description of the implementation and operational use of zero trust principles and capabilities for such procurement.
Prioritization— With respect to a procurement described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall prioritize the use of private networks that employ Open-RAN approaches, including cloud-native capabilities.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “military installation” military installation has the meaning given in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “Open-RAN” Open-RAN means section 9202 of title XCII of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
Sec. 858 Preference for domestic procurement of professional services
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation—
to require, to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with the interests of national security, preference for procurement of professional services from offerors that are United States companies; and
to allow the Secretary discretion to waive the requirements of paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that—
compliance with such requirements would result in the Department of Defense failing to meet an urgent operational requirement; or
no United States company or qualifying joint venture is capable of fulfilling the requirements of the contract in a timely or cost-effective manner.
Waiver requirements— A waiver described in subsection (a)(2) shall be issued in writing, shall include a justification for such issuance, and shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after such issuance.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “United United States company” company means an entity that—
is organized under the laws of a State, territory, or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia;
has its principal place of business in the United States; and
is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a foreign entity
changed
The term “professional services” professional services includes services in the fields of engineering, architecture, design, environmental consulting, financial consulting, program management, legal advisory, and other expert services as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
changed
The term “qualifying qualifying joint venture” venture means a joint venture in which a United States company holds an ownership interest greater than 50 percent.
Sec. 859 Shipping container supply chain
added
added
Findings— The Congress finds the following:
added
House Report 118–301 accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) directed the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Commanding General, Army Materiel Command and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology to provide a briefing on the costs and estimated funding profile as it relates to the organic industrial base modernization strategy, and facility efforts required to support opportunities for organic industrial base augmentation at Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky.
added
The briefing was directed to explore Blue Grass Army Depot as a potential site for the production of metal shipping containers.
added
China produces most shipping containers and the Department of Defense sources nearly all containers from Asia or assembles container kits in the United States from foreign-producers.
added
Establishing a domestic source for metal shipping containers would reduce reliance on foreign sources.
added
The reliance on foreign adversary nations for standard and specialty shipping containers presents a national security risk, particularly in times of crisis.
added
The Department of Defense must have access to domestically produced shipping containers to meet operational readiness and logistical requirements.
added
The defense industrial base must be strengthened to ensure secure supply chains and uninterrupted access to critical shipping components.
added
Establishing domestic production facilities will create jobs, improve economic resilience, and enhance national security.
added
Domestic production of shipping containers is essential to national security and economic resilience.
added
To ensure the integrity of the defense industrial base, shipping containers procured under this Act should be manufacturing in the United States by domestic entities using domestically produced steel and other critical materials and components.
added
National security assessment—
added
Assessment of foreign reliance— Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress an assessment on the national security implications of the reliance of the United States on foreign adversary countries for the production of standard and specialty shipping containers.
added
Assessment contents— The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include—
added
a detailed evaluation of the ability of the Department of Defense to acquire standard and specialty shipping containers from sources other than sources located in covered nations (as defined in section 4872 of title 10, United States Code);
added
an identification of the barriers to the acquisition of standard and specialty shipping contains from domestic sources and recommendations to mitigate such barriers; and
added
a timeline for transitioning the Department to acquiring standard and specialty shipping containers from sources other than sources located in foreign adversary.
added
Establishment of domestic production capability—
added
Primary production facility—
added
In general— Not later than December 31, 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall develop a requirement to establish a facility for the production of standard shipping containers at a depot of the Army that—
added
has a consolidated shipping center;
added
is part of the organic industrial base; and
added
is located in the United States.
added
Coordination— The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a public-private partnership to establish and operate the facility established pursuant to the requirement developed under subparagraph (A).
added
Secondary production facility— Not later than December 31, 2028, the Secretary shall evaluate locations to establish a second facility for the production of standard shipping containers that is located in the United States.
added
Readiness and logistical requirements—
added
Standard shipping contains— The Secretary of Defense shall quantify the yearly demand and usage by the Department of Defense for the eight standard shipping container types, including—
added
bill of materials verification; and
added
model and drawing verification.
added
Specialty shipping contains— The Secretary of Defense shall assess the yearly readiness and logistical requirements of the Department of Defense for specialty shipping containers by weapons system.
added
Integration of sensor and communication systems—
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall assess and submit to Congress a report on the potential benefits of incorporating into the design and production of standard and specialty shipping containers used by the Department of Defense a diverse set of communications equipment and sensors that are capable of providing real-time data on location, contents, usage, and other critical information relevant to national defense purposes.
added
Report contents— The report required by subparagraph (A) shall include—
added
an assessment of the feasibility of embedding in standard and specialty shipping containers used by the Department of Defense the communications equipment and sensors described in such subparagraph, including sensors integrated into container flooring, for satellite-based tracking and monitoring;
added
recommendations for collaboration with private industry partners to develop and implement in such shipping containers such communications equipment and sensors; and
added
an evaluation of how such communications equipment and sensors embedded in such shipping containers could enhance the security and resilience of the supply chain of the Department.
added
Incentivizing commercial industrial base participation—
added
Industry participation— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall develop initiatives to encourage the production of shipping containers for both defense and commercial use by entities other than those located in covered nations (as defined in section 4872 of title 10, United States Code).
added
Common and unique component identification— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall assess and identify common and unique components necessary for standard and specialty shipping containers to streamline the production and enhance the cost efficiency of such shipping containers.
added
Reporting— Not later than 60 days after the end of the first fiscal year ending after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report detailing the progress on the establishment of domestic facilities for the production of shipping containers under subsection (c)(1).
added
Termination— This section shall terminate on the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to Congress a certification that the sufficient standard and specialty shipping contains are available solely from domestic sources to meet the national security needs of the United States.
Sec. 860 Assessment of critical defense mineral supply chain vulnerabilities
added
added
In general— The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the supply chains of critical defense minerals for the defense industrial base to identify vulnerabilities in such supply chains.
added
Report— Not later than 365 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a report on the findings of the assessment conducted under subsection (a), including—
added
an identification of each source of each critical defense mineral described in such subsection;
added
an evaluation of the barriers to expanding the domestic capacity for mining and producing such critical defense minerals; and
added
recommendations for Congress and appropriate Federal agencies to incentivize the domestic production of such critical defense minerals.
added
Critical defense minerals defined— In this section, the term “critical defense mineral” means a mineral that is essential to manufacturing to supply the military, industrial, and essential civilian needs of the United States for national defense, including rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
Sec. 860A Assessment of military medical supply chains
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment of the vulnerabilities to supply chains for the medical supplies and equipment used by the Department of Defense, included a detailed assessment of the reliance of the Department on sources located in China for active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical devices.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the findings of the assessment conducted under subsection (a).
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “active pharmaceutical ingredient” has the meaning given such term section 744A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j–41).
added
The term “medical device” has the meaning given the term “device” in section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(h)).
Sec. 860B Permanent magnet traceability pilot program
added
added
In general— Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program under which the Department of Defense shall validate the sources of rare earth elements and critical materials used in permanent magnets used by the Department, including sources of recycled rare earth elements and critical materials used in such permanent magnets, to ensure the accuracy of the information reported by contractors providing such permanent magnets to the Department and the integrity of the supply chains for such permanent magnets against foreign adversaries.
added
Sunset— The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2029.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after September 30, 2029, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the pilot program required under subsection (a), including the recommendations of the Secretary whether the pilot program should be continued or expanded.
added
Critical material defined— In this section, the term “critical material” means a material, other than a rare earth element, used in permanent magnets used by the Department of Defense that the Secretary of Defense identifies as necessary to meet the requirements of the Department.
Sec. 860C Applicability of Berry Amendment exceptions to certain seafood purchases
addedadded Section 4862 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
added “(l) Certain seafood purchases—The exceptions in subsections (c) through (h) of this section shall not apply with respect to procurement of any fish, shellfish, or seafood product.”
Sec. 860D Assessment of critical infrastructure owned by the Department of Defense dependent on foreign materials or components
added
added
Prioritized list of high-risk systems— Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall—
added
develop and maintain a classified and prioritized list of high-risk critical infrastructure owned by the Department of Defense that rely on materials or components the origin of which is a foreign country of concern; and
added
conduct a risk assessment of the materials or components included in the list under paragraph (1).
added
Critical infrastructure vulnerability analysis and assessment— The risk assessment under subsection (a) shall include—
added
an evaluation of the dependence of high-risk critical infrastructure owned by the Department of Defense that on materials or components the origin of which is a foreign country of concern;
added
an evaluation of vulnerability to supply chain disruption during a national emergency to high-risk critical infrastructure owned by the Department of Defense, including industrial control systems;
added
an assessment of the resilience and capacity of high-risk critical infrastructure owned by the Department of Defense to support mission-critical operations and readiness during a national emergency;
added
an identification of the location of design, manufacturing, and packaging facilities for materials or components described in subsection (a)(1); and
added
an assessment of the manufacturing capacity of the United States to replace materials or components described in subsection (a)(1), including—
added
gaps in domestic manufacturing capabilities, including nonexistent, extinct, threatened, and single point-of-failure capabilities;
added
supply chains with single points of failure and limited resiliency; and
added
economic factors, including global competition, threaten the viability of domestic manufacturers.
added
Briefing required— Not later than 120 days after date of completion of the risk assessment required by subsection (a), and biennially thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a classified briefing that includes—
added
findings on the traceability and provenance of materials or components described in subsection (a)(1);
added
strategies to strengthen the resilience and readiness of critical infrastructure owned by the Department of Defense; and
added
recommendations for critical infrastructure supply chain resilience and manufacturing activities, including—
added
modifications to procurement policies to reduce reliance on high-risk supply chains; and
added
other matters the Secretary deems appropriate.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term critical infrastructure means any system or asset so vital to the United States that the degradation or destruction of such system or asset would have a debilitating impact on national security, including economic security and public health or safety.
added
The term foreign country of concern means the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, or any other country determined to be a country of concern by the Secretary of State.
Sec. 860E Strategy to eliminate sourcing of computer displays from certain nations
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a strategy to eliminate the reliance of the Department of Defense on any covered nation to acquire computer displays by January 1, 7 2030.
added
Strategy requirements— The strategy required by subsection (a) shall—
added
identify the current requirements of the Department of Defense for computer displays and estimate the projected requirements of the Department for computer displays through the year 2040;
added
identify the sources of computer displays used to meet the current requirements of the Department described in paragraph (1), including any sources of computer displays produced in a covered nation; and
added
identify actions to be taken by the Secretary of Defense to ensure the defense industrial base is able to meet the needs of the Department for computer displays without any reliance on a covered nation not later January 1, 2030.
added
Implementation— Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall begin implementing the strategy required by subsection (a).
added
Briefing and report—
added
Briefing— 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 briefing on the strategy required by subsection (a), including an identification of any changes to funding or policy required to eliminate the reliance of the Department of Defense on any covered nation to acquire computer displays by January 1, 2030.
added
Interim report on implementation— Not later than March 15, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the progress of the implementation of the strategy required by subsection (a), including an identification of any risk to the ability of the Secretary to eliminate the reliance of the Department of Defense on any covered nation to acquire computer displays by January 1, 2030.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “covered nation” means—
added
the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea;
added
the People’s Republic of China;
added
the Russian Federation;
added
the Republic of Belarus; and
added
the Islamic Republic of Iran.
added
The term “computer display” means a device that receives a digital output from a computer and visually displays that output as an electronic image.
Sec. 860F Critical and rare earth mineral supply chain study
added
added
In general— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience, in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Energy, and the Director of the United States Geological Survey, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services and Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the feasibility of reshoring domestic critical and rare earth mineral mining and production.
added
Contents— The report required under subsection (a) shall include—
added
an identification of the strategic and critical materials used by the Department of Defense;
added
an assessment of the reliability of the domestic supply chains for critical and rare earth minerals and the reliance for such critical and rare earth minerals on sources that are located in People’s Republic of China or related to or subject to the control of People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party;
added
an identification of the domestic and international sources for the strategic and critical materials identified under paragraph (1);
added
an identification of domestic locations with existing commercial manufacturing interest that are verified as containing large supplies of strategic and critical materials identified under paragraph (1);
added
a strategy to reshore critical and rare earth mineral production to the United States; and
added
a plan to implement the strategy required by paragraph (5), including a timeline for such implementation.
added
Strategic and critical materials defined— In this section, the term “strategic and critical materials” has the meaning given such term in section 12 of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98h-3).
Sec. 863 Requirement for contractors to provide reasonable access to repair materials
In general— Chapter 363 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 862 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“4666. Requirement for contractors to provide reasonable access to repair materials
“(a) Requirement—An agency may not enter into a contract for the procurement of reparable goods or repair services in support of major weapon systems unless the contractor agrees in writing to provide the Department of Defense fair and reasonable access to all the repair materials, including parts, tools, and information, used by the manufacturer or provider or their authorized repair providers to diagnose, analyze, maintain, or repair the good or service.
“(b) Waiver—The Secretary of Defense, or the head of the procuring agency in the case of a delegated authority, may waive the requirements of this section with respect to a particular contract or class of contracts upon a written determination that application of those requirements would have a negative impact on cost, schedule, or technical performance.
“(c) Protection for intellectual property, proprietary, and trade secret information—Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the unauthorized disclosure or release of intellectual property, commercially confidential information, or trade secrets. The Secretary of Defense shall take all necessary steps to protect such information from disclosure to the extent otherwise protected by law.
changed
“(d) Fair and reasonable access defined—In this section, the term “fair fair and reasonable access” access means, as applicable—
“(1) prices, terms, and conditions that allow the Department of Defense the rights to provide the repair materials to an authorized contractor consistent with section 3771 of title 10, United States Code, and the Government’s product support strategy;
“(2) provision at prices, terms, and conditions that are equivalent to the most favorable prices, terms, and conditions under which the manufacturer or an authorized reseller or distributor offers the repair material to an authorized repair provider, accounting for any discount, rebate, convenient and timely means of delivery, means of enabling fully restored and updated functionality, rights of use, or other incentive or preference the manufacturer or an authorized reseller or distributor offers to an authorized repair provider;
“(3) if a manufacturer does not offer, directly or through an authorized reseller or distributor, the repair material to any authorized repair provider, then provision of such repair material at prices, terms, and conditions that are otherwise determined by the United States Government to be fair and reasonable in accordance with this title and subject to the dispute resolution process outlined in chapter 71 of title 41, United States Code; and
“(4) if the United States Government did not previously fund the development of the intellectual property of the manufacturer or an authorized reseller or distributor, the Government would pay a fair and reasonable licensing fee to obtain access.”
Report— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of this section.
Limitations— Nothing in this section shall be construed as altering the requirements in section 2464 and 2466 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 867 Prohibition on Department of Defense contracts with certain foreign-owned online tutoring services
Section 854 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.) is amended—
by striking “The Secretary” and inserting “(a) In general.—The Secretary”;
by striking “the People’s Republic of China” and inserting “a country of concern”; and
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
changed
“(b) Country of concern defined—In this section, the term “country country of concern” concern means any of the following:
“(1) China.
“(2) Russia.
“(3) Iran.
“(4) North Korea.”
Sec. 868 Modifications to certain procurements from certain Chinese entities
Modification of prohibition on Department of Defense procurement related to entities identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States—
Prohibition on use of loan or grant funds—
In general— Subsection (a)(1) of section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.) is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking “; or” and inserting a semicolon;
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(C) obligate or expend loan or grant funds to procure or obtain goods and services produced or developed by an entity described in paragraph (2).”
Applicability— The requirements of subparagraph (C) of section 805(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.), as added by this paragraph, shall apply with respect to loan or grant funds obligated or expended on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Expansion of entities covered— Subsection (a)(2) of such section is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking “; or” and inserting a semicolon;
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(C) any entity for which the Secretary has submitted a certification to the congressional defense committees for inclusion in this paragraph for national security reasons.”
Waiver reporting— Subsection (c) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(4) Reporting—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report on waivers granted under this subsection, including the justifications for such waivers.”
Rulemaking— Not later than one year 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 implement the prohibitions in section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.), as amended by this subsection.
Designation of certain biotechnology entities as Chinese military companies—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall update the list maintained by the Department of Defense in accordance with section 1260H(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) to include biotechnology entities (including any subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or successor of such an entity) engaged in DNA and RNA assembly, synthesis, and manufacturing.
Definitoins— In this subsection:
The term DNA and RNA assembly, synthesis, and manufacturing means the chemical or biological production of RNA and DNA molecules through enzymatic methods or chemical synthesis and involving the construction of longer sequences or entire genomes from smaller DNA or RNA fragments, commonly used in medical research, synthetic biology, gene therapy, and vaccine development.
changed
The term “biotechnology entity” biotechnology entity has the meaning given in section 1312(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31).
Modification of prohibition on availability of funds for procurement of certain batteries— Subsection (b) of section 154 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. note preceding section 44651) is amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (7) as paragraphs (3) through (8), respectively;
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
“(2) Amperex Technology Limited (also known as “ATL”).”
by amending paragraph (8) as redesignated by striking “paragraphs (1) through (6)” and inserting “paragraphs (1) through (7)”.
Sec. 870 Prohibition on computers or printers acquisitions involving entities owned or controlled by China
In general— The Secretary of Defense may not acquire any computer or printer if the manufacturer, bidder, or offeror is a covered Chinese entity.
Applicability— This section shall apply with respect to contracts or other agreements entered into, renewed, or extended after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Definitions— In this section:
The term computer—
means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device; and
does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable handheld calculator, or other similar device.
changed
The term “covered covered Chinese entity” entity means an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, determines to be an entity owned, controlled, directed, or subcontracted by, affiliated with, or otherwise connected to, the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
changed
The term “manufacturer” manufacturer means—
the entity that transforms raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item;
an entity that subcontracts with the entity described in subparagraph (A) for purposes of assisting the entity described in such subparagraph in transforming raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item;
an entity that otherwise directs the entity described in subparagraph (A) to transform raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item; or
any parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate of the entity described in subparagraph (A).
The term printer—
means desktop printers, multifunction printer copiers, and printer and fax combinations taken out of service that may or may not be designed to reside on a work surface;
includes devices that use various print technologies, including laser and LED (electrographic), ink jet, dot matrix, thermal, and digital sublimation;
includes multi-function or “all-in-one” devices that perform different tasks, including copying, scanning, faxing, and printing;
includes floor-standing printers, printers with an optional floor stand, or household printers; and
does not include point-of-sale receipt printers, calculators with printing capabilities, label makers, or non-standalone printers that are embedded into products that are not described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).
Sec. 870A Prohibition on entering into contracts with a person engaged in a boycott of the State of Israel
addedadded The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract with a person if such person is engaged in an activity that is politically motivated and is intended to penalize or otherwise limit significant commercial relations specifically with Israel or persons doing business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories.
Sec. 870B Requirements for prime contractors of certain telecommunications contracts
added
added
In general— With respect to an eligible contract relating to the procurement of telecommunications for the Department of Defense, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the principal office of the prime contractor for such eligible contract is located in the United States.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “eligible contract” means an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity task order contract or delivery order contract that is—
added
in an amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (as defined in section 3015 of title 10, United States Code); and
added
that is a commercial product or a commercial service, as such terms are defined, respectively, in section 3011 of such title.
added
The term “telecommunications” has the meaning given in section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153).
Sec. 870C Report on compliance progress with sensitive material acquisition prohibition
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the progress of the Department of Defense in implementing the amendments to the prohibition on the acquisition of covered materials under section 4872 of title 10, United States Code, made by section 844 of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3766), that are effective on January 1, 2027, including—
added
for each major defense acquisition program (as defined in section 4201 of title 10, United States Code), a detailed explanation of the progress of such major defense acquisition program in meeting such prohibition as so amended; and
added
an explanation of how the Department is using of funds made available under or pursuant to the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.) with respect to each phase of the process for such covered materials, from mining through final production, to ensure the implementation of such amendments.
Sec. 870D Prohibition on procurement of certain organic light emitting diode display technologies
addedadded Chapter 363 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 863 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:
added “4667. Prohibition on procurement of certain organic light emitting diode display technologies
added “(a) In general—Effective June 30, 2027, the Secretary of Defense may not enter into, renew, or extend a contract or other agreement for the procurement of—
added “(1) OLED display technologies that are fabricated in a foreign adversary, by a foreign adversary entity, or by a covered OLED display technologies company; or
added “(2) goods or services that include any OLED display technologies that are fabricated in a foreign adversary, by a foreign adversary entity, or by a covered OLED display technologies company.
added “(b) Waiver
added “(1) The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if Secretary determines that goods or services that include OLED display technology that conforms to the requirements of this section are not available in the quality and quantity required.
added “(2) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report describing waivers granted in accordance with this subsection not later than February 15 of the calendar year following the year the waiver was granted. Such report shall include a description of the product or service subject to the waiver, and a brief summary of the rationale for each wavier.
added “(c) Definitions—In this section:
added “(1) The term “covered OLED display technologies company” means—
added “(A) any entity, or a subsidiary, affiliate, or licensee of such entity that produces, develops, or provides OLED display technologies and that is—
added “(i) included on the Consolidated Screening List maintained by the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce; or
added “(ii) identified in the list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States published in the Federal Register by the Department of Defense pursuant to section 1260H of the William H. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note); or
added “(B) an entity that produces, develops, or provides OLED display technologies and that is subject to unmitigated foreign ownership, control, or influence by a covered foreign country, as determined by the Secretary of Defense in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program (or any successor to such program).
added “(2) The term “fabricate”—
added “(A) means the process of manufacturing display technologies through techniques including material deposition, lithography, etching, and encapsulation, or flexible substrates or silicon wafers to enable image generation; and
added “(B) does not include the final assembly and integration of individual display cells cut from large substrates into complete display modules for integration into set products, where such assembly and integration focuses primarily on tasks such as integrated circuit bondings, flexible printed circuit attachment, touch sensor integration, and cover glass lamination (known as the “module process”).
added “(3) The term “foreign adversary” means a country specified in section 4872(f) of title 10, United States Code.
added “(4) The term “foreign adversary entity” means—
added “(A) a foreign adversary;
added “(B) a person domiciled in, headquartered in, that maintains a principal place of business in, or is organized under the laws of a foreign adversary; and
added “(C) a person owned, directed, or controlled by an entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
added “(5) The term “OLED display technologies” means an electronic visual output device that renders images, text, or video by modulating light emissions through technologies (such as organic light emitting diodes or microdot arrays) and is composed of an active matrix (including thin-film transistors) or passive matrix that controls pixel operation, light emission or modulation layer, driver electronics to convert input signals into pixel control instructions, and interface mechanisms that may include touchscreen layers, refresh rate controllers, or color calibration.”
Sec. 872 Modification to procurement requirements relating to rare earth elements and strategic and critical materials
Modification regarding advanced batteries in disclosures concerning rare earth elements and strategic and critical materials by contractors of department of defense— Section 857 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2727; 10 U.S.C. 4811 note) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (1)(A)—
by striking “permanent magnet” and inserting “permanent magnet, or an advanced battery or advanced battery component (as those terms are defined, respectively, in section 40207(a) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (42 U.S.C. 18741(a))),”; and
by striking “of the magnet” and inserting “of the magnet, the advanced battery, or the advanced battery component (as applicable)”; and
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
“(2) Elements—A disclosure under paragraph (1) with respect to a system described in that paragraph shall include—
“(A) if the system includes a permanent magnet, an identification of the country or countries in which—
“(i) any rare earth elements and strategic and critical materials used in the magnet were mined;
“(ii) such elements and materials were refined into oxides;
“(iii) such elements and materials were made into metals and alloys; and
“(iv) the magnet was sintered or bonded and magnetized; and
“(B) if the system includes an advanced battery or an advanced battery component, an identification of the country or countries in which—
“(i) any strategic and critical materials that are covered minerals used in the battery or component were refined, processed, or reprocessed;
“(ii) any strategic and critical materials that are covered minerals and that were manufactured into the battery or component; and
“(iii) the battery cell, module, and pack of the battery or component were manufactured and assembled.”
by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
“(d) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) The term “strategic strategic and critical materials” 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)).
changed
“(2) The term “covered minerals” covered minerals means lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite.”
Technical amendments— Subsection (a) of such section 857 is further amended—
in paragraph (3), by striking “provides the system” and inserting “provides the system as described in paragraph (1)”; and
in paragraph (4)(C), by striking “a senior acquisition executive” and inserting “a service acquisition executive”.
Sec. 875 Organic small unmanned aircraft system manufacturing capacity
In general— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish in the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium established under section 1842 a working group, to be called the “SkyFoundry Working Group”, to develop recommendations—
for improving the domestic manufacturing capacity for small unmanned aircraft systems; and
to enable rapid development, testing, and scalable manufacturing of small drones.
Membership— The membership of the working group shall include representatives from the Government, including representatives from the Army Materiel Command and the United States Special Operations Command, industry, and academia with expertise in the manufacturing, engineering, or testing and evaluation of small UAS manufacturing, including expertise in modular manufacturing processes for small UAS, or commercial best practices and business models for manufacturing small UAS.
Responsibilities— The working group established under subsection (a) shall—
identify existing infrastructure of the Department of Defense, including depots and military installations, that may be modified to operate as an innovation center and production facility for small UAS manufacturing that is capable of mass producing small UAS;
assess how the infrastructure identified under paragraph (1) could be operated using a hybrid business model, including—
a Government Owned, Contractor Operated model; and
a Government Owned, Government Operated model;
identify additional authorities that could be used to streamline and expedite the establishment of an organic small UAS innovation and production facility, including rapid acquisition authorities that could be used to accelerate contacting, production, testing, and delivery of small UAS to the Department of Defense;
identify any changes to policy and procedures of the Department that are required for the Department to establish the innovation center and production facility for sUAS manufacturing at an existing depot or military installation;
identify any funding required for the sustainment, restoration, and modernization of facilities to establish an innovation center and production facility for small UAS manufacturing; and
develop and submit to the Secretary of Defense recommendations for—
establishing an innovation center and production facility for small UAS manufacturing;
workforce training to enhance the knowledge and experience of the workforce of the Department of Defense in small UAS design, manufacturing, and testing best practices and procedures; and
expanding the concept of a innovation center and production facility to expand the access of the Department of Defense to required products, including energetics and autonomous systems.
Report— Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress—
a summary of the recommendations submitted to the Secretary under subsection (c)(6);
an explanation of the actions taken by the Secretary to better enable the Department of Defense to rapidly develop, test, and manufacture small UAS; and
the recommendations of the Secretary to enable the Department to expand domestic manufacturing capacity for small unmanned aircraft systems and to enable rapid development, testing, and scalable manufacturing of small drones, including any recommendations for any additional relevant statutory authorities.
Sunset—
In general— The requirements under this section shall expire on the date that is one year after the date of this Act.
Rule of construction— Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as terminating the authority of the Secretary to continue the operating the working group established under subsection (a) after the expiration date established under such paragraph.
Preservation of authority— The establishment or findings of the working group established under subsection (a) shall not be construed as restricting, delaying, or otherwise limiting the Secretary of the Army from exercising any of the authorities of the Secretary referred to in this section, including the performance of any action under any authority of the Secretary that may be the subject of a review by or recommendation of such working group.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “small small unmanned aircraft system” system mean a small unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.
changed
The term “small small unmanned aircraft” aircraft means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds, including the weight of anything attached to or carried by the aircraft.
Sec. 876 Protecting AI and cloud competition in defense contracts
Cloud, data infrastructure, and foundation model procurement requirements— The Secretary of Defense shall, when entering into a contract for cloud computing, data infrastructure, and artificial intelligence capabilities—
promote security, resiliency, and competition in the procurement of such capabilities by requiring the use of competitive procedures under section 3012 of title 10, United States Code;
ensure that the Government retains exclusive access to and use of all Government-furnished data;
ensure that such competitive procedures—
prioritize appropriate Government roles in intellectual property, data rights, security, interoperability, and auditability;
incorporate modular open systems approaches (as defined in section 4401 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 1833 of this Act)) and technical boundaries;
use best practices in streamlined procurement as set forth in the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–355) and section 808 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116– 283; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note);
encourages participation by small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) and nontraditional defense contractors (as defined in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code);
uses all appropriate acquisition authorities, including authorities under sections 4021 and 4022 of title 10, United States Code, and commercial solutions opening contracts entered into pursuant to section 3458 of title 10, United States Code.
Data training and use protection— The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office of the Department of Defense, shall revise the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to ensure that—
Government-furnished data provided for the development or operation of AI capabilities may not be used by a covered provider to train or improve commercial products without express written authorization from the Secretary of Defense;
such Government-furnished data, when stored on covered provider systems, is protected and treated in accordance with covered data principles, or, to the maximum extent practicable, under commercial AI terms protective of Government interests;
a service acquisition executive (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) may waive the requirements of this subsection only if—
such waiver is determined to be necessary for national security; and
the Director is notified of the specific waiver, the covered provider and a description and the value of the contract to which the waiver applies, the data subject to the waiver, and the justification for such waiver.
Report—
In general— Not later than January 15, 2027, 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—
competition and innovation among providers of AI technologies or cloud computing capabilities for the Department of Defense;
barriers to the award of a contract with the Department of Defense faced by providers of commercial AI technologies and emerging technology companies; and
legislative and administrative recommendations to enhance innovation, competition, and secure data practices in Department of Defense AI and cloud acquisitions.
Publication— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the report is made available to the public by—
posting a publicly releasable version of the report on a website of the Department of Defense; and
upon request, transmitting the report by other means, as long as such transmission is at no cost to the Department.
Definitions— In this section:
The terms artificial intelligence and AI have the meaning given the term artificial intelligence in section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401).
The term cloud computing has the meaning given the term in Special Publication 800–145 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or any successor document.
The term cloud provider means an entity engaged in the provision, sale, or licensing of cloud computing.
changed
The term “covered covered data principles” principles means—
“DoD data decrees” as described in the memorandum of the Department of Defense titled “Creating Data Advantage” issued May 5, 2021; and
Creating Data Advantage (Open DAGIR) principles, as defined by the Director of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office
The term covered provider means any cloud provider, data infrastructure provider, or artificial provider that has entered into one or more contracts with an aggregate total value of greater than or equal to $50,000,000 during the period of five fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which a contract described in subsection (a) is entered into.
The term data infrastructure means the underlying computer, network, and software systems that enable the collection, storage, processing, and analysis of data, including the ability to record, transmit, transform, categorize, integrate, and otherwise process data generated by digital data systems.
Sec. 877 Bioindustrial commercialization program
In general— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense may establish a program to support the expansion of the domestic capacity for bioindustrial manufacturing of critical biomanufactured products at a commercial level through awards to eligible entities for establishing, upgrading, and retooling of eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facilities.
Awards—
In general— An entity seeking an award under the program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
Competitive awards— The Secretary shall make each award under the program to an eligible entity in a competitive manner.
Award criteria— In selecting eligible entities to receive awards under the program, the Secretary shall consider the following criteria:
The potential of the technology of such eligible entity to improve domestic resilience and protect critical supply chains for critical biomanufactured products.
How the technology of such eligible entity could help meet the demand for the capabilities required by the next generation of warfighters.
The ability of the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such eligible entity is seeking such award to be repurposed and the range of products that such eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facilities is capable of producing.
Whether the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such eligible entity is seeking such award supports the goal of wide geographic distribution of bioindustrial manufacturing facility across the United States.
Whether the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such eligible entity is seeking such award is located in geographic proximity to sources of input materials for the production of critical biomanufactured products or areas with established biomanfuacturing capabilities; and
Such additional considerations that the Secretary deems appropriate.
Use of award funds— A recipient of an award under the program may use funds received under such award for the establishment, upgrading, or retooling of one or more eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facilities to produce critical biomanufactured products, including the development of business or technical plans related to such establishment, upgrading, or retooling.
Oversight— If the Secretary establishes the program, the Secretary shall establish reporting requirements for recipients of awards under the program which shall include requirements for period reports on the following:
The progress of the recipient in establishing, upgrading, or retooling the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such recipient received such award.
The estimated timeline and funding requirements for the recipient to begin biomanufacturing at the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility described in paragraph (1).
The products, including the critical biomanufactured products, that are or will be produced at the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility described in paragraph (1).
The progress of the recipient in entering into an agreement with the Department of Defense or an element thereof to provide critical biomanufactured products, that are or will be produced at the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility described in paragraph (1) once such eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility begins biomanufacturing.
Reports to Congress—
Initial report— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a report on the plan of the Secretary for allocating amounts appropriated to the Department of Defense to fund the program.
Annual reports— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a report on the activities under the program, including—
a list of the awards made under the program as of the date on which the report is submitted, including, for each such award—
the name of the entity that received the award;
the location of the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such entity received the award;
the amount of the award, disaggregated by the initial amount of the award and any additional amounts provided under the award;
an explanation of the criteria supporting making the award to such entity, including a description of any notable technologies of such entity relevant to the award;
if applicable, an explanation of the rational for providing additional amounts under the award; and
to the extent practicable, and explanation of the effects of the award;
an identification of amounts available to the Department of Defense for making awards under the program as of the date on which the report is submitted and an explanation of any plans for the use of such amounts;
an explanation of the communication between the Secretary and eligible entities seeking an award under the program regarding requirements and timelines for such awards; and
an explanation of how the establishment, upgrading, or retooling of the eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility for which awards were made under the program aligns with priorities and needs of the Department of Defense and national security.
Sunset—
In general— Except as provided by paragraph (2), this section shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Extension— The Secretary may change the date on which this section terminates to a date that is later than the date on which this section would terminate under paragraph (1) if the President determines that the continuation of the program is necessary to meet national economic and national security needs.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “biomanufacturing” biomanufacturing means the utilization of biological systems to develop new and advance existing products, tools, and processes at commercial scale.
changed
The term “critical critical biomanufactured product” product means a chemical, material, and other product that is manufactured using biomanufacturing and is relevant to the Department of Defense.
changed
The term “eligible eligible bioindustrial manufacturing facility” facility means a bioindustrial manufacturing facility that—
is or, if not yet established, will be located in the United States; and
is or, pursuant to an award under the program, will produce critical biomanufactured products.
changed
The term “eligible entity” eligible entity means an entity that—
is a private entity;
applied for an award under the program in accordance with subsection (b)(1); and
meets such other criteria for eligibility for an award under the program as determined by the Secretary.
changed
The term “program” program means the program established under subsection (a).
changed
The term “Secretary” Secretary means the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 879 Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network
Working group—
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish in the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium established under section 1842 a working group to support the establishment of the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network to preserve the military advantage and bolster the defense of the United States and broaden the domestic industrial base.
Responsibilities— The working group established under paragraph (1) shall—
identify issues with respect to the CRMN;
develop recommendations for establishment and operation of the CRMN, including recommendations for—
resolving the issues identified under subparagraph (A); and
incentives to encourage participation in the CRMN;
submit to the Secretary the issues identified under subparagraph (A) and the recommendations developed under subparagraph (B).
Collaboration— In carrying out the responsibilities of the working group established under paragraph (1), the working group shall collaborate with relevant entities, including government, industry, and academia.
Initial plan—
In general— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the establishment of the CRMN program that includes—
a plan to develop a CRMN comprised of commercial advanced or adaptive manufacturing capabilities or facilities that can rapidly transition from the production of commercial products for commercial customers to the production of products required by the Department of Defense; and
an identification of any statutory or regulatory constraints on the establishment or effectiveness of the CRMN and recommendations to streamline the establishment of the CRMN, including any changes to existing authorities related to the use of public-private partnerships.
Considerations— In developing the plan required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate the recommendations of the working group established under subsection (a) submitted to the Secretary under paragraph (2) of such subsection.
Interim report— Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on progress of the CRMN, including—
an assessment of the benefits a factory-as-a-service model with respect to accelerating the timelines for the establishment of the CRMN, reducing the costs to the Government of operating the CRMN, minimizing obsolescence of commercial advanced or adaptive manufacturing capabilities or facilities that are part of the CRMN, and enabling the rapid scaling of the CRMN;
an analysis of improvements in efficiency and cost reduction the Department of Defense may achieve without sacrificing performance, reliability, qualify, or safety from the use of advanced or adaptive manufacturing and application value engineering techniques under part 48 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation;
an assessment of potential to improve supply chain resiliency through the acquisition by the Government of advanced or adaptive manufacturing hardware structures for use by system integrators;
an identification of any statutory or regulatory constraints and recommendations to streamline the establishment of the CRMN, including any amendments to exiting authorities for public-private partnerships;
an explanation of the progress on developing an incentive structure that would enable the success of the CRMN by sufficiently addressing the risk to commercial customers of CRMN participants of loss of production if such participants are required to shift production to meet the needs of the Department;
a list of existing programs of the Department that are delayed or have cost overruns resulting from a lack of components due to shortages of required casting and forging capabilities of manufacturers, including—
the name of the program or contract;
the components that are delayed or contributing to such cost overruns; and
whether such components could be produced through alternative means, including advanced or adaptive manufacturing; and
a strategy to transition existing production approaches for the programs identified under paragraph (6) to advanced or adaptive manufacturing.
Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network program—
In general— After the submission of the plan required under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall establish the CRMN program under which—
the Secretary shall establish the CRMN; and
advanced or adaptive manufacturers participate in the CRMN.
Participant requirements— Each participant shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary under which such participant shall, upon such terms and conditions as agreed to by the Secretary and the participant, rapidly transition the production facilities of such participant to begin production of products for the Department of Defense.
Solicitation of program participants— Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into agreements with one or more advanced or adaptive manufacturers to participate in the CRMN under the program.
Participation benefits—
Expedited qualification— The Secretary shall establish expedited procedures for qualifying participants to be eligible to supply products or services to the Department of Defense.
Funding— Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall award funding to participants for—
expedited qualification and testing of products manufactured by the participant for use by the Department of Defense; and
non-recurring engineering costs associated with the conversion of specifications of a traditionally manufactured product into an appropriate format for advanced or adaptive manufacturing.
Briefings— Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the progress of the establishment of the CRMN under the program.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “advanced advanced or adaptive manufacturer” manufacturer means a manufacturer that uses advanced or adaptive manufacturing.
changed
The term “advanced advanced or adaptive manufacturing” manufacturing means manufacturing through the use of interconnected, advanced technologies throughout the design and manufacturing process that enables modular, adaptable, and efficient manufacturing, including software-controlled subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and powder bed fusion manufacturing.
changed
The term “advanced advanced or adaptive manufacturing hardware structure” structure means hardware used in advanced or adaptive manufacturing for the positioning, mounting, or bracing of a product in the manufacturing process.
changed
The term “CRMN” CRMN means a network of manufacturers that have entered into an agreement with the Secretary under which the manufacturer agrees to rapidly transition the manufacturing facilities of such manufacturers that produce commercial products for purchasers other than the Department of Defense to the production of products for the Department of Defense.
changed
The term “factory-as-a-service” factory-as-a-service means a business model and technological framework that provides access to scalable and flexible manufacturing resources as service, enables rapid reconfiguration of production lines, and real-time collaboration across geographically dispersed facilities.
changed
The term “participant” participant means an advanced or adaptive manufacturer that is participating in the CRMN under the program.
changed
The term “program” program means the program established under subsection (d)(1).
changed
The term “Secretary” Secretary means the Secretary of Defense.
Confirming amendment— Section 3243 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as subsections (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:
“(e) Advanced or adaptive manufacturing qualifications—The head of the agency shall establish a process to streamline qualification of sources who use advanced manufacturing techniques, including those using a digital adaptive production system. Once a source is qualified, the head of the agency shall not require additional qualification for sources or products produced unless material changes have been made to the manufacturing process.”
Sec. 880 Review and assessment of non-domestic additive manufacturing equipment and associated software supplying the defense industrial base
added
added
Review and assessment required— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with each Secretary of a military department, shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct an independent review, analysis, and assessment of the use of non-domestic additive manufacturing equipment and associated software programs that supply components or capability to the United States defense industrial base and the effect of such use.
added
Report—
added
In general— The agreement described in subsection (a) shall require that the federally funded research and development center that is party to such agreement submit to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment a report on the findings of the review, assessment, and analysis not later than one year after the date on which the center entered into such agreement.
added
Submission to congress— The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit such report to the congressional defense committees upon receipt of such report.
added
Elements— The report described in paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:
added
An assessment of manufacturers in the United States defense industrial base using non-domestic additive manufacturing equipment.
added
An identification of additive manufacturing equipment, including 3D printers, that are of Chinese or Russian origin, and that are in the supply chain of the United States defense industrial base.
added
A review of non-domestic additive manufacturing equipment suppliers that work with adversarial foreign militaries and have a presence in the United States defense industrial base.
added
A security assessment of intellectual property risks of software programs associated with additive manufacturing equipment that are provided to—
added
the United States defense industrial base; and
added
additive manufacturing equipment suppliers based in adversarial foreign countries.
added
Form; public availability— The report described in paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
added
Interim briefing— 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 each Secretary of a military department, shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the plan to assess the United States defense industrial base for the use and effect of non-domestic additive manufacturing equipment and associated software programs.
Sec. 880A Assessment of industrial base for turbojet pyrotechnic devices
added
added
Findings— Congress finds the following:
added
Turbojet pyrotechnic devices are critical for the operation of aerial targets and unmanned systems used in military training and weapons testing and deployment.
added
Excessive lead times and limited domestic production capacity for such devices pose risks to readiness and operational effectiveness.
added
Report required— Not later than March 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report assessing—
added
projected demand for turbojet pyrotechnic devices through fiscal year 2030;
added
the current United States production capacity, scalability, and lead times for such devices;
added
vulnerabilities in the supply chain for such devices and the potential effects of such vulnerabilities on military readiness;
added
potential commercial or dual-use applications for such devices; and
added
recommendations for reducing lead times, diversifying suppliers, and strengthening the industrial base for such devices.
added
Implementation authority— Following completion of the report under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense may carry out activities to implement the recommendations set forth in the report, which may include activities such as pilot programs, entering into partnerships, and such other activities as the Secretary determines appropriate.
Sec. 880B Modifications to Defense Industrial Base Fund
added
added
In general— Section 4817 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
added “(g) Eligible uses of authorities
added “(1) The Secretary may use the authorities provided by this section with respect to upstream, mid-stream, and downstream supply chains, including material, material production, components, subassemblies, and finished products, testing and qualification, infrastructure, facility construction and improvement, and equipment needed directly for the following:
added “(A) Castings and forgings.
added “(B) Kinetic capabilities, including sensors, targeting systems, and delivery platforms.
added “(C) Microelectronics.
added “(D) Machine tools, including but not limited to subtractive, additive, convergent, stamping, forging, abrasives, metrology, and other production equipment.
added “(E) Critical minerals, materials, and chemicals.
added “(F) Workforce for the defense industrial base.
added “(G) Advanced manufacturing capacity, including echelon manufacturing forward in the Indo-Pacific Command theater.
added “(H) Unmanned vehicles, including subsurface, surface, land, air one-way, attritables, and launch and recovery platforms.
added “(I) Manned aircraft.
added “(J) Ground systems.
added “(K) Power sources.
added “(L) Ship and submarine, including assembly and automation technologies and capabilities, new or modernized infrastructure for new construction or maintenance and sustainment and battle damage repair.
added “(M) Other materiel solutions required to support Indo-Pacific Command operational plans as required.
added “(N) Defense space systems.
added “(2) The Secretary may not use the authorities provided by this section for any activity in a covered country.
added “(3) The Secretary may not use the authorities provided by this section for a purpose not described in paragraph (1) unless, not less than 30 days before doing so, the Secretary—
added “(A) determines that—
added “(i) the use of the authority for that purpose is essential to the national security interests of the United States; and
added “(ii) without the use of the authority for that purpose, United States industry cannot reasonably be expected to provide the capability needed in a timely manner; and
added “(B) submits to the congressional defense committees a report on the determination that includes appropriate explanatory material.
added “(h) Grants and other incentives for domestic industrial base capabilities—To create, maintain, protect, expand, or restore domestic industrial base capabilities essential for the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary may make provision for—
added “(1) use of contracts, grants, or other transaction authorities, including cooperative agreements;
added “(2) incentives for the private sector to develop capabilities in areas of national security interest;
added “(3) during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subsection, making awards to third party entities to support investments in small- and medium-sized entities working in areas of national security interest, including debt and equity investments, that would benefit missions of the Department of Defense; and
added “(4) subsidies to offset market manipulation or ensure allied and domestic viability of grants made from other market uncertainties.
added “(i) Defense industrial base purchase commitment program
added “(1) To create, maintain, protect, expand, or restore industrial base capabilities essential for the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary may make provision for purchase commitments for—
added “(A) Federal Government use or resale of an industrial resource or a critical technology item;
added “(B) the encouragement of exploration, development, and mining of strategic and critical materials;
added “(C) development of other materials and components;
added “(D) the development of production capabilities; and
added “(E) the increased use of emerging technologies in defense program applications and the rapid transition of emerging technologies—
added “(i) from Federal Government-sponsored research and development to commercial applications; and
added “(ii) from commercial research and development to national defense applications.
added “(2)
added “(A) Except as provided by subparagraph (B), purchase commitments under paragraph (1) may be made without regard to the limitations of existing law (other than section 1341 of title 31), for such quantities, and on such terms and conditions, including advance payments, and for such periods, but not extending beyond a date that is not more than 10 years from the date on which such purchase was initially made, as the Secretary deems necessary.
added “(B) Purchases commitments under paragraph (1) involving higher than established ceiling prices (or if no such established ceiling prices exist, currently prevailing market prices) or that result in an anticipated loss on resale shall not be made, unless it is determined that supply of the materials could not be effectively increased or provisioned at lower prices or on terms more favorable to the Federal Government, or that such purchases are necessary to assure the availability to the United States of overseas supplies.
added “(3)
added “(A) The Secretary may take the actions described in subparagraph (B), if the Secretary finds that—
added “(i) under generally fair and equitable ceiling prices, for any raw or nonprocessed material or component, there will result a decrease in supplies from high-cost sources of such material and that the continuation of such supplies is necessary to carry out the objectives of this section; or
added “(ii) an increase in cost of transportation is temporary in character and threatens to impair maximum production or supply in any area at stable prices of any materials.
added “(B) Upon a finding under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may make provision for subsidy payments on any such produced material from other than covered countries, in such amounts and in such manner (including purchase commitments of such material or component and its resale at a loss, and on such terms and conditions, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure that supplies from such high-cost sources are continued, or that maximum production or supply in such area at stable prices of such materials is maintained, as the case may be.
added “(4) If the Secretary determines that such action will aid the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary is authorized—
added “(A) to procure and install additional equipment, facilities, processes or improvements to plants, factories, and other industrial facilities owned by the Federal Government;
added “(B) to procure and install equipment including owned by the Federal Government in plants, factories, and other industrial facilities owned by private persons;
added “(C) to provide for constructing new facilities, the modification, or expansion of privately owned facilities, including the modification or improvement of production processes, when taking actions under this subsection or subsection (h);
added “(D) to sell or otherwise transfer equipment owned by the Federal Government and installed under this subsection to the owners of such plants, factories, or other industrial facilities;
added “(E) to construct facilities for the purposes described in section subsection (g)(1); and
added “(F) to apply contracts, grants, or other transactions authorities.
added “(5)
added “(A) Metals, minerals, materials, and components acquired pursuant to this subsection which, in the judgment of the Secretary, are excess to the needs of programs under this section, shall be transferred to the National Defense Stockpile established by the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98 et seq.), or other national reserves if available, when the Secretary deems such action to be in the public interest.
added “(B) Transfers made pursuant to this paragraph shall be made without charge against or reimbursement from funds appropriated for the purposes of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98 et seq.), or other national reserves if available, except that costs incident to such transfer, other than acquisition costs, shall be paid or reimbursed from such funds.
added “(6) When, in the judgment of the Secretary, it will aid the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary may make provision for the development and qualification a of substitutes for strategic and critical materials, components, critical technology items, and other industrial resources.
added “(j) Strengthening domestic productive capacity
added “(1) The Secretary may provide appropriate incentives to develop, maintain, modernize, restore, and expand the productive capacities of sources for strategic and critical materials, components, critical technology items, and industrial resources essential for the execution of the national security strategy of the United States.
added “(2)
added “(A) The Secretary shall take appropriate actions to ensure that strategic and critical materials, components, critical technology items, and industrial resources are available from reliable sources when needed to meet defense requirements during peacetime, graduated mobilization, and national emergency.
added “(B) For purposes of this paragraph, appropriate action may include—
added “(i) restricting contract solicitations to reliable sources;
added “(ii) stockpiling or placing into reserve strategic and critical materials, components, and critical technology items;
added “(iii) planning for necessary long-lead times for acquiring such materials, components, and items; or
added “(iv) developing and qualifying substitutes for such materials, components, and items.
added “(k) Funding—Subsections (g), (h), (i), and (j) may only be carried out using amounts appropriated on or after the date of the enactment of this subsection.
added “(l) Annual report
added “(1) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committee a report evaluating investments made and any other activities carried out using amounts in the Fund during the year preceding submission of the report.
added “(2) Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include—
added “(A) measures of effectiveness of the investments and activities described in that paragraph in meeting the needs of the Department of Defense and the defense industrial base;
added “(B) an evaluation of the return on investment of all ongoing investments from the Fund; and
added “(C) a description of efforts to coordinate activities carried out using amounts in the Fund with activities to support the defense industrial base carried out under other authorities.
added “(3) In preparing a report required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into account the advice of the defense industry and such other individuals as the Secretary considers relevant.
added “(m) Coordination with other defense industrial base activities—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing how activities carried out under this section will be coordinated with—
added “(1) activities carried out using amounts in the Defense Production Act Fund under section 304 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4534);
added “(2) activities of the Office of Strategic Capital; and
added “(3) any other efforts designed to enhance the defense industrial base.
added “(n) Definitions—In this section:
added “(1) The term chokepoint means a situation in which—
added “(A) components of the munitions supply chains, including all elements of the munitions supply chain such as chemicals, casings, or other materials, are produced by only one reliable source; or
added “(B) the increased production of a component would significantly increase total output of munitions.
added “(2) The term covered country means—
added “(A) the Russian Federation;
added “(B) the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea;
added “(C) the Islamic Republic of Iran; and
added “(D) the People’s Republic of China.
added “(3) The term reliable source means a citizen or business entity organized under the laws of—
added “(A) the United States or any territory or possession of the United States;
added “(B) a country of the national technology and industrial base, as defined in section 4801; or
added “(C) a qualifying country, as defined in section 225.003 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement or any successor document.
added “(5) The term strategic and critical materials has the meaning given that term in section 12(1) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98h–3(1)).”
added
Modifications to the Office of Strategic Capital— Section 149 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
in subsection (e)—
added
in paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(l)(bb), by inserting “or with regard to loans that include an equity feature, the Director reasonably believes the rate of return on the portfolio of such loans will exceed the rate of return on investment of a loan at the yield on marketable securities of a similar maturity to the maturity of the loan on the date of execution of the loan agreement” before the period at the end;
added
in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
added “(D)
added “(i) The Director may support an eligible investment selected pursuant to this subsection with funds, or use other mechanisms for the purpose of purchasing, and may make and fund commitments to purchase, invest in, make pledges in respect of, or otherwise acquire, equity of the eligible entity, receiving support for the eligible investment, or any of its parent or subsidiary companies, including as a limited partner or other investor in investment funds, upon such terms and conditions as the Director may determine.
added “(ii) The Director shall develop criteria, taking into consideration the national security and economic interests of the United States, pursuant to which the Director may hold, sell, or otherwise liquidate support for an investment described under clause (i).
added “(iii) Solely for the purposes of purchasing equity securities under this subparagraph, the Director shall be treated as a qualified purchaser (as defined in section 2(a)(51) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a–2(a)(51))) and as an accredited investor under section 2 of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77d).”
added
in paragraph (8), by striking “after” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: “after the formal approval of the use of any capital assistance under this subsection.”; and
added
by amending subsection (f)(1) to read as follows:
added “(1) The term capital assistance means a loan, loan guarantee, or technical assistance, or the purchase of or investment in equity, (including options, warrants, or other financing in a security with subordination or nonamortization characteristics as the Director determines to be substantially similar to equity financing).”
Sec. 885 Authorization of use of APEX Accelerators
addedadded Notwithstanding any other provision of law, APEX Accelerators may assist small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) in receiving contracts for the production of and research on defense articles (as defined in section 301 of title 10, United States Code) under the partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (commonly known as “AUKUS”).
Sec. 886 CMMC Certification Assessment support
added
added
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, shall submit to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report identifying each Federal resource and each business or personal tax credit or deduction that may be available to a small business concern (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) for the costs of a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification assessment described in part 170 of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations.
added
Publication— Not later than 30 days after the Secretary of Defense submits the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall make publicly available on a website of the Department of Defense a list of the Federal resources and business and personal tax credits and deductions identified in such report, including a description of each such Federal resource and business or personal tax credit or deduction.
added
Federal resource defined— In this section, the term “Federal resource” means a program or activity of the Federal Government under which Federal funds are made available or awarded, including Federal loans, grants, and other Federal awards and assistance.
Sec. 887 Study on certain contracts and awards to small business concerns
added
added
Study required— The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Office of Small Business Programs, shall carry out a study to review contracts awarded with a value at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (as defined in section 3015 of title 10, United States Code) to determine if the Department of Defense is ensuring full consideration and application of requirements relating to small business concerns (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)).
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on the results of the study required by this section. Such report shall include—
added
the total dollar amount of contracts awarded with a value at or below the simplified acquisition threshold during the five-year period preceding the date of the report, including the percentage of such contracts and the aggregate dollar amount of such contracts awarded to small business concerns;
added
an overview of the types of contracts with a value at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, and description of the products or services, that were not awarded to small business concerns;
added
an overview of the reasons why a contract with a value at or below the simplified acquisition threshold may not be set aside for small business concerns;
added
any trends, themes, or patterns of contracts with a value at or below the simplified acquisition threshold that were awarded to entities that are not small business concerns when such a contract should have been subject to a requirement to be set aside for small business concerns; and
added
recommendations for changes to statute, regulation, policy, or guidance that would ensure full consideration and application of requirement to set aside contracts for small business concerns, particularly contracts with a value at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.
Sec. 892 Inventory of technical data rights for weapon system sustainment
Inventory required— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each service acquisition executive shall initiate a process to establish an inventory of the required covered data related to procured covered systems. Such inventory shall be made available for use by employees of the Department of Defense or depot maintenance support contractors.
Review of requirements— In conducting the inventory required by subsection (a), each service acquisition executive shall review requirements for covered data identified during the design, development, and procurement of a covered system including, as applicable—
the planning for sustainment and the development of a life cycle cost estimate for the covered system required by paragraphs (4) and (6) of section 4251(b) of title 10, United States Code;
the life-cycle sustainment planning required by paragraph (10) of section 4252(b) of title 10, United States Code;
the estimate of requirements for core logistics capabilities required by paragraph (11) of such section 4252(b);
the actions planned to acquire technical data required by paragraph (13) of such section 4252(b);
the assessment of the long-term technical data needs required by subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 3774 of title 10, United States Code;
the acquisition strategy to provide for technical data rights required by subsection (a)(1)(B) of such section 3774;
the assessment and strategy related to inclusion of a priced contract option required by subsection (b)(2) of such section 3774;
the assessment and strategy related to the potential for changes in the sustainment plan over the life cycle of the covered system required by subsection (b)(3) of such section 3774;
the product support strategy developed by the product support manager under section 4324(b)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act;
requirements related to rights in technical data as described in section 3772 of title 10, United States Code.
requirements related to acquisition or licensing of intellectual property required by section 3791 of title 10, United States Code, as it pertains to the covered system;
the intellectual property management plan for product support required by section 4324(b)(1)(G) of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act; and
the identification of major maintenance and overhaul requirements that will be required during the life cycle of the covered system required by section 4324(b)(1)(J) of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.
Identification and assessment— After completing the inventory required by subsection (a), the service acquisition executive shall publish an assessment of covered data related to procured covered systems. In conducting this assessment, the service acquisition executive shall, for each requirement identified in subsection (b)—
confirm that the service acquisition executive has, or has access to, the covered data described in the requirement;
describe the physical or electronic storage location of the covered data that is in the possession of the service acquisition executive concerned, or the method of access to the covered data, as applicable; and
describe the category of rights, including customized commercial licenses or specially negotiated licenses, associated with the covered data.
Identification of insufficiency— Based on the review of requirements in subsection (b) and the assessment required by subsection (c), the service acquisition executive shall specifically identify any insufficiency in the possession of, or access to, covered data that negatively affects the ability of a Secretary of a military department to effectively operate the procured covered system and maintain it in a cost-effective manner.
Cost estimate— For each procured covered system, the service acquisition executive shall—
work with any contractor for such procured covered system to—
determine the best approach to remedy an insufficiency identified pursuant to subsection (d) in the most cost-effective manner practicable; and
develop a cost estimate associated such remedy; and
provide to the Secretary of Defense and chiefs of the Armed Forces the cost estimate described in paragraph (1)(B) and a recommended plan of action, including the funding required to provide such remedy.
Quarterly updates to congress— Not later than April 1, 2026, and every 90 days thereafter until the inventory required by subsection (a) is complete, each service acquisition executive shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on—
progress made toward completing the inventory;
a summary of findings from the inventory;
efforts to remedy an insufficiency in covered data, including a summary of actions to fund such remedy;
a description of the method used in negotiating with any relevant contractor to access covered data, including use of customized commercial licenses or specially negotiated licenses, associated with the covered data; and
any lessons learned to plan for and acquire covered data related to procured covered systems.
Advice and assistance— The cadre of intellectual property experts established under section 1707 of title 10, United States Code, shall provide advice, assistance, and resources to a service acquisition executive in conducting an inventory required by this section.
Definitions— In this Act:
changed
The term “service service acquisition executive” executive has the meaning given in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “covered system” covered system means—
a major defense acquisition program as defined in section 4201 of title 10, United States Code; or
an acquisition program or project that is carried out using the rapid prototyping or rapid fielding acquisition pathway under section 3602 of such title that is estimated by the Secretary of Defense to require an eventual total expenditure described in section 4201(a)(2) of such title.
changed
The term “covered data” covered data means technical data and computer software.
changed
The term “depot depot maintenance support contractor” contractor means a contractor performing a contract under the direction and control of the Secretary of Defense in support of depot-level maintenance and repair (as defined in section 2460 of title 10, United States Code).
changed
The term “procured procured covered system” system means a covered system for which the Secretary of Defense has taken delivery of, has access to, or has negotiated terms to enable guaranteed access or delivery at a future date, for use by employees of the Department of Defense or depot maintenance support contractors.
Sec. 895 Report on limitations relating to the production of clothing and textiles for procurement by the Department of Defense
addedadded Not later than June 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report—
added
addressing stockpiling constraints, bottlenecks, and other limitations relating to the production of clothing and textiles for procurement by the Department of Defense; and
added
containing an assessment of the creation of an “Emergency Textiles Stockpile Fund” to support the expansion of production of clothing and textiles to meet the requirements for contingency operations.
Sec. 896 Report by Secretary of Defense on foreign acquisition of dual-use technologies
added
added
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, shall submit to Congress a report that—
added
identifies the types and estimated number of dual-use technologies developed or manufactured in the United States that have been acquired by entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party during the 5-year period preceding the submission of the report;
added
describes the primary methods by which such technologies were acquired by such entities; and
added
provides recommendations to strengthen protections against foreign acquisition of dual-use technologies developed or manufactured in the United States.
added
Dual-use defined— In this section, the term “dual-use” has the meaning given such term in section 4801 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 897 Inspector General of the Department of Defense annual report on oversight of fraud, waste, and abuse
added
added
Report required— The Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall submit to Congress and the Comptroller General of the United States a detailed annual report containing—
added
the total amount and dollar value of oversight investigations into fraud waste and abuse conducted by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, and the total amount and dollar value of oversight investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse conducted by the Offices of Inspector General of each of the military departments;
added
statistical tables showing—
added
the total number and dollar value of oversight investigations completed and pending, set forth separately by type of oversight investigation;
added
the priority given to each type of oversight investigation;
added
the length of time taken for each type of oversight investigation, both from the date of receipt of a qualified incurred cost submission and from the date the oversight investigation begins;
added
the aggregate cost of performing oversight investigations, set forth separately by type of oversight investigation; and
added
the total number and dollar value of oversight investigations that are pending for a period longer than one year as of the end of the fiscal year covered by the report, and the fiscal year in which the qualified submission was received, set forth separately by type of oversight investigation;
added
a summary of any recommendations of actions or resources needed to improve the oversight investigation process; and
added
any other matters the Inspector General considers appropriate.
added
Public availability— Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall be made publicly available.
added
Sunset— This section shall cease to have any force or effect after the end of the 4-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 898 Report on supply of rare earth materials and elements
addedadded Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior, shall submit to Congress a report on the supply of rare earth materials and elements extracted, processed, and refined from secure sources of supply to develop and produce advanced technologies of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 898A Requirements management tools in Department of Defense acquisition programs
added
added
Contracting policy guidance— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, with respect to solicitations, contracts, and task orders for systems and software engineering programs—
added
require—
added
the use of open, modular, and offeror-agnostic requirements management tools; and
added
that such tools be compatible with—
added
modern data interchange standards (including the Requirements Interchange Format)); and
added
publicly available application programming interfaces to facilitate integration with contemporary software development environments and tools;
added
require that all contractor-developed user requirements data (including traceability, version history, acceptance criteria, and verification links) are delivered in non-proprietary, human-readable, and machine-readable formats that are fully portable across platforms;
added
require all program executive officers, program managers, and contracting officers to—
added
ensure that contract requirements are not tied to specific offerors in order to enable full and open competition across software toolsets and platforms;
added
evaluate the interoperability, data portability, and openness of proposed requirements management solutions during source selection and technical reviews; and
added
give priority to tools and platforms that demonstrate alignment with modern software engineering principles, including traceability, automation, real-time collaboration, and extensibility through application programming interfaces and plug-in architectures;
added
prohibit reliance on proprietary or closed-source tools that limit interoperability or constrain access, reuse, or long-term data ownership; and
added
encourage the use of cloud-native, collaborative, and scalable software solutions for managing user requirements that align with best practices for agile and development, security, and operation development environments.
added
Report to Congress— Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing—
added
the actions taken by each Secretary of a military department and Defense Agency to implement subsection (a); and
added
any challenges with respect to such implementation and strategies for resolving such challenges.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “program executive officer” means an individual described in section 1732(a) of title 10, United States Code.
added
The term “requirements management tool” means a software capability used to capture, trace, analyze, and manage user, system, and software requirements across the acquisition lifecycle.
Sec. 898B Report on Defense Department’s lithium supply chain and applications for future advanced military capabilities
added
added
Report required— Not later than March 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the Department of Defense’s current supply and anticipated need for lithium.
added
Elements— The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An assessment of crucial military electronics, communication devices, infrastructure, vehicles, and conventional and nuclear weapons infrastructure that utilize lithium compounds, including lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and lithium metals.
added
An assessment of the Department’s anticipated demand for lithium compounds and lithium-based materials for future advanced weapons systems, including unmanned surface, aerial, and underwater vessels requiring modular battery systems, and for energy storage solutions to enhance power grid resilience and advance artificial intelligence data center systems.
added
An assessment of potential lithium supply-chain risks that pose a threat to military readiness and the feasibility of leveraging and partnering with commercial industry to strengthen the supply of lithium and address identified vulnerabilities.
added
A description of the Department’s current and anticipated use of procurement authorities for obtaining domestically processed critical minerals, including lithium.
Sec. 898C Cybersecurity regulatory plan
added
added
In general— Not later than June 1, 2026, the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Chief Information Officer of each military department, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to reduce the cybersecurity regulatory burden on the Defense Industrial Base.
added
Requirements— The plan required by subsection (a) shall include—
added
a process for assessing future proposed cybersecurity contractual requirements for duplication;
added
a process for coordinating and centralizing approved cybersecurity requirements; and
added
a coordination mechanism with industry to characterize the industry position on any new cybersecurity contractual requirements, to include a cost-estimate, a cost-benefit analysis, and an assessment as to whether the control is considered duplicative to existing security controls.
Sec. 898D Report on waivers of security requirements for certain software contracts
addedadded 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 contracts awarded to offerors of software applications and software services for which a waiver of security requirements relating to such applications and services has been granted. Such report shall include the following:
added
The name of the software application or service.
added
The number and type of waivers that were granted to statutes, regulations, and policies.
added
A comprehensive justification for granting the waiver instead of awarding the contract to a compliant offeror.
Sec. 899 Definitions
addedadded In this subtitle:
added
Covered foreign country— The term covered foreign country means any of the following:
added
The People’s Republic of China.
added
The Russian Federation.
added
The Islamic Republic of Iran.
added
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
added
Covered foreign entity— The term covered foreign entity means an entity that is domiciled in a covered foreign country, or subject to influence or control by the government of a covered foreign country as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of Defense, and any subsidiary or affiliate of such an entity.
added
Covered unmanned ground vehicle system— The term covered unmanned ground vehicle system—
added
means a mechanical device that—
added
is capable of locomotion, navigation, or movement on the ground; and
added
operates at a distance from one or more operators or supervisors based on commands or in response to sensor data, or through any combination thereof; and
added
includes—
added
remote surveillance vehicles, autonomous patrol technologies, mobile robotics, and humanoid robots; and
added
the vehicle, its payload, and any external device used to control the vehicle.
Sec. 899A Prohibition on procurement of covered unmanned ground vehicle systems from covered foreign entities
added
added
In general— Except as provided under subsection (b), the head of an executive agency may not procure any covered unmanned ground vehicle system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity.
added
Exemption— The Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General are exempt from the restriction under subsection (a) if the procurement is required in the national interest of the United States and—
added
is for the sole purposes of research, evaluation, training, testing, or analysis for electronic warfare, information warfare operations, cybersecurity, or development of unmanned ground vehicle system or counter-unmanned ground vehicle system technology;
added
is for the sole purposes of conducting counterterrorism or counterintelligence activities, protective missions, or Federal criminal or national security investigations, including forensic examinations, or for electronic warfare, information warfare operations, cybersecurity, or development of an unmanned ground vehicle system or counter-unmanned ground vehicle technology; or
added
is an unmanned ground vehicle system that, as procured or as modified after procurement but before operational use, can no longer transfer to, or download data from, a covered foreign entity and otherwise poses no national security cybersecurity risks as determined by the exempting official.
Sec. 899B Prohibition on operation of covered unmanned ground vehicle systems from covered foreign entities
added
added
Prohibition—
added
In general— Beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, no Federal department or agency may operate a covered unmanned ground vehicle system manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity.
added
Applicability to contracted services— The prohibition under paragraph (1) applies to any covered unmanned ground vehicle systems that are being used by any executive agency through the method of contracting for the services of covered unmanned ground vehicle systems.
added
Exemption— The Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General are exempt from the restriction under subsection (a) if the operation is required in the national interest of the United States and—
added
is for the sole purposes of research, evaluation, training, testing, or analysis for electronic warfare, information warfare operations, cybersecurity, or development of unmanned ground vehicle system or counter-unmanned ground vehicle system technology;
added
is for the sole purposes of conducting counterterrorism or counterintelligence activities, protective missions, or Federal criminal or national security investigations, including forensic examinations, or for electronic warfare, information warfare operations, cybersecurity, or development of an unmanned ground vehicle system or counter-unmanned ground vehicle system technology; or
added
is an unmanned ground vehicle system that, as procured or as modified after procurement but before operational use, can no longer transfer to, or download data from, a covered foreign entity and otherwise poses no national security cybersecurity risks as determined by the exempting official.
Sec. 899C Prohibition on use of Federal funds for procurement and operation of covered unmanned ground vehicle systems manufactured by certain foreign entities
added
added
In general— Beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, except as provided in subsection (b), no Federal funds awarded through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, or otherwise made available may be used—
added
to procure a covered unmanned ground vehicle system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity; or
added
in connection with the operation of such a robot or unmanned ground vehicle system.
added
Exemption— The Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General are exempt from the restriction under subsection (a) if the procurement or operation is required in the national interest of the United States and—
added
is for the sole purposes of research, evaluation, training, testing, or analysis for electronic warfare, information warfare operations, cybersecurity, or development of unmanned ground vehicle system or counter-unmanned ground vehicle system technology;
added
is for the sole purposes of conducting counterterrorism or counterintelligence activities, protective missions, or Federal criminal or national security investigations, including forensic examinations, or for electronic warfare, information warfare operations, cybersecurity, or development of an unmanned ground vehicle system or counter-unmanned ground vehicle system technology; or
added
is an unmanned ground vehicle system that, as procured or as modified after procurement but before operational use, can no longer transfer to, or download data from, a covered foreign entity and otherwise poses no national security cybersecurity risks as determined by the exempting official.
Sec. 905 Further modifications to capital assistance program of the Office of Strategic Capital
Section 149 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 904, is further amended—
in subsection (d), by inserting “or equity investment” after “direct loan”;
in subsection (e)—
in paragraph (3)—
in subparagraph (A)(ii)(I), by amending item (bb) to read as follows:
“(bb) The Director may waive the requirement under item (aa) with respect to an investment if—
“(AA) the investment is determined by the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director, to be vital to the national security of the United States; or
“(BB) in the case of a convertible debt instrument, the Director believes the total return on investment of such convertible debt instrument will exceed the total return on investment of a loan with an interest rate at the yield on marketable securities of a similar maturity to the maturity of the loan on the date of execution of the loan agreement.”
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(D)
“(i) The Director may, as a minority investor, support an eligible investment selected pursuant to subsection (d) with funds or use other mechanisms for the purpose of purchasing, and may make and fund commitments to purchase, invest in, make pledges in respect of, or otherwise acquire, financial interests (including equity and quasi-equity securities (such as warrants)) of the eligible entity receiving support for the eligible investment, including as a limited partner or other investor in investment funds, upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary may determine.
“(ii) The Director may seek to sell and liquidate any support for an eligible investment provided under subparagraph (A)(i) commensurate with other similar investors in the eligible investment and taking into consideration the national security interests of the United States.”
by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (10) as paragraphs (8) through (11), respectively;
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:
“(7)
“(A) There is established in the Treasury of the United States a Department of Defense Equity Program Account to hold equity instruments obtained under this subsection.
“(B) In addition to equity instruments described in subparagraph (A), the Equity Program Account shall consist of amounts appropriated to carry out this subsection.”
by amending paragraph (10), as so redesignated, to read as follows:
“(10) The Director shall notify the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after any capital assistance is provided under this subsection.”
in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(C) The authority of the Director to make equity investments under this subsection shall expire on October 1, 2028. Any equity investments made under this subsection that are outstanding as of such date shall continue to be subject to the terms, conditions, and other requirements of this subsection.”
in subsection (f), by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
changed
“(1) The term “capital assistance” capital assistance means a loan, loan guarantee, convertible debt instrument, equity security, quasi-equity security (such as a warrant), or technical assistance.”
Sec. 912 Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office
In general— Subchapter I of chapter 8 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“199. Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office
“(a) Establishment—There is established in the Department of Defense a joint activity to be known as the “Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office” (referred to in this section as the “Office”).
“(b) Director
“(1) There is a Director of the Office (referred to in this section as the “Director”) who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense from among personnel of the Department of Defense who are—
“(A) general or flag officers of the covered armed forces; or
“(B) members of the Senior Executive Service.
“(2) The Director shall report directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense and shall serve as the principal advisor to the Deputy Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on counter-small unmanned aircraft system matters.
“(c) Organization—The Office shall—
“(1) be designated as a jointly manned activity; and
“(2) shall consist of such other subordinate organizational elements as the Director determines appropriate, subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense.
“(d) Responsibilities—The Office shall do the following:
“(1) Lead, advocate, coordinate, and focus all Department of Defense actions in support of efforts of the combatant commands and the covered armed forces to defeat small unmanned aircraft systems (referred to in this section as “sUAS”) as weapons of strategic influence.
“(2) Integrate all counter-sUAS solutions throughout the Department of Defense, seeking interagency assistance as necessary.
“(3) Identify innovative near-term (executable within a 5 year timeframe) counter-sUAS solutions.
“(4) Coordinate with other components of the Department of Defense to carry out ongoing mid-term (covering a 5-10 year timeframe) research and development initiatives and long-term (covering a timeframe exceeding 10 years) science and technology efforts that could help address the counter-sUAS threat.
“(5) Coordinate efforts of the Department of Defense to identify, assess, and disrupt adversarial unmanned aircraft system supply chains and financial threat networks that support such supply chains.
“(6) Coordinate with the United States Northern Command, or any successor entity serving as the lead synchronizer for homeland counter small unmanned aircraft systems, to develop and deploy counter-sUAS capabilities for homeland defense.
“(7) Develop and share counter-sUAS training tools, expertise, and tactics, techniques, and procedures for components of the Department of Defense that address needs of the joint force, deploying forces, installation defense within and outside the United States, and other relevant scenarios.
“(8) Coordinate efforts across the Department of Defense to develop, test, evaluate, and procure counter-sUAS kinetic and non-kinetic defeat capabilities, including—
“(A) systems to sense, identify, track, and defeat small unmanned aircraft systems, both kinetically and non-kinetically;
“(B) command and control systems; and
“(C) such other capabilities the Director determines appropriate.
“(9) Carry out the counter-sUAS validation and acquisition responsibilities described in subsections (e) and (f).
“(10) Develop and regularly update a counter-sUAS strategic plan in accordance with subsection (g).
“(11) Carry out such other activities relating to counter-sUAS as the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate.
“(e) Approval and validation of counter-sUAS systems
“(1) The Office shall serve as the entity within the Department of Defense with primary responsibility for the validation and approval of counter-sUAS systems for procurement and use by the Department.
“(2) In coordination with other components of the Department of Defense, the Director shall develop, maintain, and regularly update a list of counter-sUAS systems that are validated and approved for procurement and use by the Department as described in paragraph (1). The Director shall ensure that each counter-sUAS system on the list has been vetted by the Office and has proven to be effective for use by the Department in countering sUAS.
“(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), no component of the Department of Defense may procure a counter-sUAS system unless such system—
“(A) has been validated and approved by the Office under paragraph (1); and
“(B) is included on the list maintained under paragraph (2).
“(4) The service acquisition executive of the military department concerned (in the case of a procurement by a military department) or the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (in the case of a procurement not under the authority of a service acquisition executive) may waive the restriction under paragraph (3), on a case-by-case basis, by submitting to the congressional defense committees—
“(A) notice of the intent to issue such a waiver; and
“(B) an explanation of the reasons for issuing the waiver.
“(f) Acquisition oversight division—The Director shall establish and maintain an acquisition oversight division within the Office. The acquisition oversight division shall—
“(1) include acquisition professionals from relevant Program Executive Offices within each covered armed force;
“(2) support and facilitate efforts of the covered armed forces—
“(A) to budget and plan for the integration and sustainment of counter-sUAS capabilities that are approved and validated by the Office under subsection (e); and
“(B) to efficiently and effectively transition such capabilities into operational use; and
“(3) have such other duties and responsibilities as the Director determines appropriate.
“(g) Counter-sUAS strategic plan
“(1) The Director shall coordinate with relevant components of the Department of Defense, to develop, publish, and regularly update a strategic plan for the counter-sUAS activities of the Department, which shall include—
“(A) measures to coordinate the various counter-sUAS efforts of the Department to ensure cohesion among such efforts;
“(B) guidance for counter-sUAS related investment and manpower decisions across the Department, including necessary science and technology investments; and
“(C) performance measures, goals, and lines of effort required to achieve the strategic objectives of the plan.
“(2) Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Office commences operations, the Director shall complete and submit to the congressional defense committees the initial strategic plan developed under paragraph (1).
“(3) Not less frequently than once every two years after completion of the initial strategic plan under paragraph (2), the Director shall—
“(A) update the plan; and
“(B) submit the updated plan to the congressional defense committees.
“(4) Following completion of each version of the strategic plan under this subsection, each commander of a geographic combatant command shall develop an implementation plan to guide the combatant command overseen by that commander in achieving the vision, mission, goals, and performance measures of the strategic plan.
“(h) Annual reports—On an annual basis, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
“(1) a summary of the activities of the Office over the period covered by the report, including a description of—
“(A) the progress of the Office in carrying out the requirements of this section; and
“(B) the metrics used to measure such progress; and
“(2) a summary of the expenditures made by the Office in the period covered by the report for counter-sUAS related research, development, test, and evaluation, procurement, and sustainment activities.
“(i) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) The term “counter-sUAS system” counter-sUAS system means a system or device capable of lawfully and safely disabling, disrupting, or seizing control of a small unmanned aircraft or small unmanned aircraft system.
changed
“(2) The term “covered covered armed forces” forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
changed
“(3) The terms “small small unmanned aircraft”, “unmanned aircraft”, aircraft, unmanned aircraft, and “unmanned unmanned aircraft system” system have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49.”
Strategy and funding plan— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
a strategy to ensure the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office has the funding and other resources necessary to execute its responsibilities, as required under section 199 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)); and
a plan for funding the Office 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 report).
Sec. 917 Determination of lead organization responsible for approval and validation of certain unmanned aircraft systems and components
Determination required— The Secretary of Defense shall determine—
whether the Defense Innovation Unit should continue to be the organization within the Department of Defense with primary responsibility for the execution of the Blue UAS Cleared List and the Blue UAS Framework (collectively referred to in this section as the “Blue UAS Initiatives”); or
whether another organization within the Department should assume primary responsibility for executing the Blue UAS Initiatives.
Additional requirements— In making the determination required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—
conduct a thorough analysis of the Blue UAS Initiatives as executed by the Defense Innovation Unit at the time of the determination;
assess whether the Unit, as of the time of the determination, has adequate resources and capabilities (including personnel, funding, and authorities) to effectively scale and execute the Initiatives across the Department of Defense; and
identify one or more other organizations within the Department of Defense that could more effectively scale and execute the Initiatives across the Department.
Report— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
the Secretary’s final determination under subsection (a);
in the event the Secretary determines that the Defense Innovation Unit should continue to have primary responsibility for the Blue UAS Initiatives as described in subsection (a)(1), a strategy for providing the Unit with any additional resources (including funding, personnel, and authorities) needed for the Unit to effectively execute and scale the Initiatives across the Department of Defense; or
in the event the Secretary determines that another organization within the Department should assume primary responsibility administering and executing the Initiatives as described in subsection (a)(2), a plan with milestones for transferring the Initiatives (including all associated funding, personnel, and authorities) from the Unit to such other organization; and
a strategy for decreasing unit costs for platforms under the Initiatives, including—
benchmarks to assess progress in reducing the cost of secure unmanned aircraft system end products; and
a timeline for meeting such cost reduction goals.
Implementation— Following the submittal of the report required under subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall commence implementation of the resourcing strategy described in subsection (c)(2)(A) or the transfer plan described in subsection (c)(2)(B) (as the case may be).
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “Blue Blue UAS Cleared List” List means the initiative executed by the Defense Innovation Unit (as of the date of the enactment of this Act) pursuant to which the Unit maintains a list of approved small unmanned aircraft systems that—
are validated as cyber-secure and safe to fly; and
comply with applicable requirements of—
section 848 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 4871 note);
section 817(b) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 4871 note); and
the American Security Drone Act of 2023 (subtitle B of title XVIII of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 41 U.S.C. note prec. 3901)).
changed
The term “Blue Blue UAS Framework” Framework means the initiative executed by the Defense Innovation Unit (as of the date of the enactment of this Act) pursuant to which the Unit validates unmanned aircraft system components, subcomponents, modules, and software for use by the Department of Defense.
Sec. 919 Eligibility of Chief of the National Guard Bureau for appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
addedadded Section 152(b)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 911 of this title, is further amended by striking “or the Commandant of the Coast Guard” and inserting “the Commandant of the Coast Guard, or the Chief of the National Guard Bureau”.
Sec. 1008 Department of Defense spending reductions in absence of submitted financial statements or failure to achieve unqualified or qualified independent audit opinion
added
added
Applicability—
added
In general— Subject to paragraph (2), this section applies to the Department of Defense, including military departments and Defense Agencies thereof.
added
Separate applicability— If a military department or Defense Agency is identified by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget as required to have its own audited financial statement under section 3515 of title 31, United States Code, that military department and Defense Agency shall be treated separately from the Department of Defense for purposes of application of this section.
added
Adjustments for Financial Accountability—
added
In general— On March 2 of each fiscal year, the discretionary budget authority available for the Department of Defense (or a military department or Defense Agency covered by subsection (a)(2)) for such fiscal year shall be adjusted as provided in paragraph (2).
added
Adjustment— If the Department of Defense (or a military department or Defense Agency covered by subsection (a)(2)) has not submitted a financial statement for the previous fiscal year, or if such financial statement has not received either an unqualified or a qualified audit opinion by an independent external auditor, the discretionary budget authority available for the Department of Defense, the military department, or the Defense Agency (as the case may be) shall be reduced by .5 percent, with the reduction applied proportionately to each account (other than an account listed in subsection (d) or an account for which a waiver is made under subsection (d)).
added
Minimizes national security effects— Consistent with applicable laws, the Secretary of Defense may make any reduction under paragraph (2) in a manner that minimizes any effect on national security.
added
Deficit reduction— An amount equal to the total amount of any reduction under paragraph (2) shall be retained in the general fund of the Treasury for the purposes of deficit reduction.
added
Accounts excluded— The following accounts are excluded from any reductions referred to in subsection (b)(2):
added
Military personnel, reserve personnel, and National Guard personnel accounts of the Department of Defense.
added
The Defense Health Program account of the Department of Defense.
added
Waiver— The President may waive subsection (b)(2) with respect to an account if the President certifies that applying the subsection to that account would harm national security or members of the Armed Forces who are deployed in combat zones.
added
Report— Not later than 60 days after the date on which an adjustment is made under subsection (b), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit to Congress a report that includes a description of the amount and account of each adjustment.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The terms “financial statement” and “external independent auditor” have the meanings given those terms in section 3521(e) of title 31, United States Code.
added
The term “unqualified”, with respect to the audit status of a financial statement, includes the characterizations clean and unmodified.
added
The term “qualified”, with respect to the audit status of a financial statement, includes the characterization modified.
Sec. 1009 Clean audit for the Department of Defense
added
added
Requirement— The Secretary of Defense shall establish a timeline to achieve a clean financial audit for the Department of Defense.
added
Report— The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report on progress and barriers to compliance with subsection (a).
Sec. 1010 Use of technology using artificial intelligence to facilitate audit of the financial statements of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2026
added
added
Use of AI technology for audits— The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force shall encourage, to the greatest extent practicable, the use of technology that uses artificial intelligence or machine learning for the purpose of facilitating audits of the financial statements of the Department of Defense.
added
Implementation of AI technology for audits— The Director of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office of the Department, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Inspector General of the Department, shall oversee the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in support of financial management and enterprise business operations.
Sec. 1023 Overhaul, repair, and maintenance of vessels in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
addedadded Subsection (a) of section 8680 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
by striking “the United States or Guam” each place it appears and inserting “the United States, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands”; and
added
in the heading for such subsection, by striking “United States or Guam” and inserting “United States, Guam, or Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands”.
Sec. 1024 Maritime redundant and resilient communications
added
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
the scale and complexity of modern warfare will require each military service to invest in resilient network management to ensure information can be sensed, processed and understood, and acted upon to enable critical operations;
added
edge computing is essential to tenets of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (in this section referred to as the “JADC2”) and the JADC2 cross-service procurement programs, such as Project Overmatch, Advanced Battle Management System, and Project Convergence, to allow for real-time decision-making when immediate action is vital, rather than relying on centralized data centers or the cloud;
added
the Chief of Naval Operations has identified resilient data integrity and distribution as an unfunded priority for fiscal year 2026, with a focus on enabling warfighters to execute fight from the maritime operations center (in this section referred to as the “MOC”) scenarios;
added
experimentation underway by the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic and the United States Fourth Fleet on behalf of United States Naval Forces Southern Command would provide MOCs with machine-assisted dynamic bandwidth allocation and advanced computing power throughout their network architecture to manage vast hybrid sensor constellations conducting activity-based maritime domain awareness;
added
if successful, the project would significantly enhance hybrid fleet operations and network resilience, while significantly increasing the scale and complexity of operations that a MOC can support; and
added
the Secretary of the Navy, in collaboration with the commander of United States Naval Forces Southern Command, and the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, should initiate planning for follow-on phases in which advanced capabilities for agile communications, remote asset management, and disconnected operations support will demonstrate even greater resiliency and decision superiority.
added
Evaluation—
added
In general— The Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit shall evaluate the experimentation described in subsection (a) that is underway in the United States Fourth Fleet.
added
Report to congress—
added
In general— Not later than 30 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 evaluation conducted under paragraph (1).
added
Contents— The report shall—
added
summarize the status of such experimentation, including the relationship and benefit to Project Overmatch;
added
provide a schedule for any further development, testing, and production necessary for fielding and deployment of edge computing and enterprise network management capability to all United States fleets, prioritizing heavily-sensored theaters, such as the Indo-Pacific and United States Central Command, and the funding required for each phase;
added
identify a Department of Defense activity responsible for program management; and
added
recommend an acquisition strategy, including establishment of a program of record, to accelerate fielding to the maximum extent practicable.
Sec. 1025 Report on Navy ship repair capabilities in Guam
addedadded Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on ship repair capabilities in Guam. Such report shall include—
added
an assessment of the feasibility of leasing facilities controlled by the Department of the Navy in Guam for the purpose of mooring a dry dock;
added
an assessment of the feasibility of conducting increased ship repair for Military Sealift Command in Guam;
added
an identification of the authorities or the Department of the Navy to provide technical assistance to maritime services firms based in Guam seeking Navy Sea Systems Command certifications; and
added
such other matters as the Secretary determines relevant.
Sec. 1026 Sense of Congress regarding naming an aircraft carrier after the United States
added
added
Findings— Congress finds the following:
added
The first USS United States was one of the original six frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, launched in 1797. It saw action in the Quasi-War with France and the War of 1812.
added
In addition to the frigate, there was a proposed Civil War ironclad that never got built, and the aircraft carrier USS United States (CVA-58) was canceled in 1949.
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name an aircraft carrier USS United States.
Sec. 1036 Limitation on authority of Armed Forces to detain citizens of the United States
addedadded Section 1021(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 10 U.S.C. 801 note) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting “, other than a citizen of the United States,” after “any person”.
Sec. 1043 Authority of Secretary of Defense to enter into contracts to provide certain assistance to secure the southern land border of the United States
Section 1059(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (10 U.S.C. 284 note; Public Law 114–92) is amended—
in paragraph (1)(A), by striking “United States Customs and Border Protection” and inserting “U.S. Customs and Border Protection”;
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
“(2) Contract authority—In providing assistance to U.S. Customs and Border Protection under paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into a contract for the provision of any of the following services:
“(A) Detection and monitoring.
“(B) Warehousing and logistical supply chain.
“(C) Transportation.
changed
“(C) “(D) Vehicle maintenance.
changed
“(D) “(E) Training other than lead or primary instructor.
changed
“(E) “(F) Intelligence analysis.
changed
“(F) “(G) Linguist.
changed
“(G) “(H) Data entry.
changed
“(H) “(I) Aviation.”
Sec. 1053 Use of nonelectric vehicles by employees at Yuma Proving Ground
addedadded Department of Defense employees at the Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, Arizona, may use nonelectric vehicles in the performance of their duties.
Sec. 1054 Process to furnish certain demographic data regarding members of the Armed Forces to State educational agencies
added
added
Establishment— The Secretaries concerned, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and experts in student data and privacy, shall, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, establish a data sharing process that enables a State educational agency to—
added
access data described in subsection (b) attributable to individuals who graduated high school in the State of such State educational agency; and
added
integrate such data into—
added
such State’s statewide longitudinal data system; or
added
an alternate data system operated by such State.
added
Data described— The data described in this paragraph may include the following information:
added
With respect to an individual who is a member of an Armed Force who graduated from secondary school:
added
The highest level of education attained.
added
The name and location of the educational institution where the member received education described in subparagraph (A).
added
The name and location of the secondary school from which the individual graduated.
added
Score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test.
added
The date the member joined an Armed Force.
added
The Armed Force of the member.
added
Rank.
added
The area of expertise or military occupational specialty.
added
The date of separation, if applicable.
added
Any other information determined appropriate by the Secretary concerned.
added
With respect to an individual who graduated from secondary school and whose application to join an Armed Force was denied:
added
The highest level of education attained.
added
The name and location of the school where the individual received education described in subparagraph (A).
added
The name and location of the secondary school from which the individual graduated.
added
Score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test.
added
Privacy—
added
Confidentiality— Data transmitted through the data sharing process under subsection (a) shall be transmitted confidentially and using the most current standards for data security at the time of transmission.
added
Protection of individual privacy and data security— The Secretaries concerned shall carry out subsection (a) in a manner that protects individual privacy and data security, in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local privacy laws.
added
Data security practices— Each Secretary concerned and each State educational agency that accesses data under subsection (a) shall establish, implement, and maintain reasonable data security practices to protect—
added
the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data; and
added
data against unauthorized access.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “Secretary concerned” means—
added
the Secretary of Defense; or
added
the Secretary of Homeland Security.
added
The terms local educational agency, secondary school, and State educational agency have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
Sec. 1055 Revocation of Security Clearances for Certain Persons
added
added
Prohibition— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Defense shall suspend or revoke a security clearance or eligibility for access to classified information for any retired or separated member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of the Department of Defense who engages in an activity described in subsection (b).
added
Activities described— The activities described in this subsection are lobbying activities or lobbying contacts for or on behalf of any entity that is—
added
identified by the Secretary of Defense in the most recent report submitted under section 1260H 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; or
added
included in the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List published by the Department of the Treasury.
added
Waiver— The Secretary of Defense may, for periods not to exceed 180 days, waive the application of the prohibition in subsection (a) for an individual if the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that doing so is in the national security interest of the United States.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “congressional defense committees” has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
added
The term “lobbying activities” has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602).
added
The term “lobbying contact” has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602), except that clause (iv) of paragraph (8)(B)(iv) of such section shall not apply.
Sec. 1056 Ceremonial horses adoption program of the Army
addedadded Section 2583(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
added
in paragraph (1), by striking “A military animal” and inserting, “Except as provided in paragraph (3), a military animal”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
added “(3) If the Secretary of the Army determines that an adoption or transfer of a horse used in any ceremonial horse program of the Army is justified under subsection (a), the Secretary shall follow the recommended priority order in paragraph (1) except that the Secretary shall give first priority to making the horse available for transfer to a State, local, municipal, or Tribal law enforcement agency capable of humanely caring for the horse (including by demonstrating the capability to adequately care, house, and train the horse).”
Sec. 1057 Elimination of discretion of military chain of command and senior civilian leadership with respect to display of flags
addedadded Section 1052(d)(1)(N) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 2661 note) is amended by striking subparagraph (N).
Sec. 1067 Annual report on military power and illicit activities of certain drug cartels
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the date specified in subsection (f), the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the military power and illicit activities of the cartels specified in subsection (b). Each such report shall include each of the following:
added
A detailed assessment of the organizational structure, leadership hierarchy, and key operational figures of each cartel, including, with respect to any individuals affiliated with the cartel, the roles of such individuals in conducting military and paramilitary activities.
added
An evaluation of the military and paramilitary capabilities of each cartel, including the size, structure, and sophistication of the armed forces or militias of the cartel, including—
added
a description of the types and quantities of weapons, equipment, and technology (including drones, encrypted communications, and advanced surveillance systems) used by the cartel;
added
an assessment of the recruitment, training, and operational tactics of the cartel, including an identification of any cross-border operations and coordination with other criminal or terrorist organizations
added
A description of the geographic areas, both within the United States and internationally, where the cartels operate or exert control of territory or influence, including the control of such cartels over border regions and smuggling routes.
added
An assessment of the direct and indirect threats posed by the cartels to the national security of the United States and its allies.
added
A summary of current efforts by the Armed Forces, law enforcement, and intelligence community of the United States to counter the activities of the cartels, including interagency coordination and cooperation with foreign governments.
added
Recommendations for additional authorities, resources, or strategies to enhance the efforts of the United States to disrupt and dismantle the military capabilities of the cartels.
added
Specified cartels— A cartel specified in this subsection is any organization or entity that is engaged in the production and trafficking of narcotics that—
added
the Secretary of State has designated as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189);
added
is subject to sanctions under Executive Order 13224 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note, relating to blocking property and prohibiting transactions with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism);
added
is subject to sanctions under Executive Order 14059 (relating to imposing sanctions on foreign persons involved in the global illicit drug trade); or
added
is determined to a transnational criminal organization pursuant to the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Act (division E of Public Law 118–50; 21 U.S.C. 2341 note).
added
Form of report— The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
added
Public availability— The unclassified portion of the report required under subsection (a) shall be made publicly available on a website of the Department of Defense.
added
Appropriate congressional committees defined— In this section, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
added
the congressional defense committees;
added
the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
added
the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate.
added
Date specified— The date specified in this subsection is December 31, 2030.
Sec. 1068 Department of Defense briefing on pulsed lasers
addedadded Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on—
added
the efficacy and feasibility of pulsed lasers to defend both tactical and strategic facilities and installations against offensive unmanned aerial systems, especially in swarms, in the near term; and
added
pulsed laser defensive capabilities against intermediate to long-range missile threats in the medium term.
Sec. 1069 Reports on installation of certain collision avoidance systems in military rotary-wing aircraft
added
added
Report on feasibility of installing traffic alert and collision avoidance systems in all military rotary-wing aircraft—
added
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the feasibility of installing a traffic alert and collision avoidance system in each military rotary-wing aircraft. Such report shall include—
added
an analysis of the cost associated with installing a traffic alert and collision avoidance system in each military rotary-wing aircraft;
added
an analysis of the effect of installing such systems in such aircraft on the safety of civilian airspace;
added
an identification of any changes to the configuration of the cockpit of such aircraft that would be necessary in order to install such systems;
added
any implications the installation of such systems would have for combat, training, or domestic security operations; and
added
if the Secretary determines that the installation of such systems in such aircraft is not feasible, recommendations regarding similar systems or capabilities that could be installed instead.
added
Traffic alert and collision avoidance system defined— In this subsection, the term “traffic alert and collision avoidance system” means a collision avoidance system in compliance with section 121.356 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
added
Report on feasibility of installing automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast in capabilities in all military rotary-wing aircraft— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the feasibility of installing automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast IN capability in each military rotary-wing aircraft. Such report shall include—
added
an analysis of the cost associated with installing automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast IN capability in each military rotary-wing aircraft;
added
an analysis of the effect of installing such capabilities in such aircraft on the safety of civilian airspace;
added
an identification of any changes to the configuration of the cockpit of such aircraft that would be necessary in order to install such capabilities;
added
any implications the installation of such capabilities would have for combat, training, or domestic security operations; and
added
if the Secretary determines that the installation of such capabilities in such aircraft is not feasible, recommendations regarding similar systems or capabilities that could be installed instead.
Sec. 1070 Cybersecurity and Resilience Annex in Strategic Rail Corridor Network Assessments
added
added
Findings— Congress finds that—
added
the Strategic Rail Corridor Network (hereinafter referred to as “STRACNET”) is a crucial asset for military mobility and logistics, increasingly targeted by cyber threats;
added
cybersecurity vulnerabilities in rail infrastructure could disrupt defense operations and national security during a crisis;
added
resilience against cyberattacks and physical disruptions is essential to maintain the operational integrity of the Strategic Rail Corridor Network; and
added
regular assessments with a dedicated cybersecurity and resilience annex are necessary to address evolving risks and ensure network reliability.
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that integrating cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience into the Strategic Rail Corridor Network assessments in crucial to protecting this vital defense transportation network.
added
Cybersecurity and Resilience Annex— The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall include in each assessment of the Strategic Rail Corridor Network carried out after the date of the enactment of this section an annex containing an evaluation of the cybersecurity and the resilience of the physical infrastructure of the Strategic Rail Corridor that includes—
added
a description of potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities affecting the Strategic Rail Corridor Network operations;
added
an assessment of the resilience of the Strategic Rail Corridor Network against cyberattacks and other disruptive actions by an adversary of the United States;
added
recommended actions to be taken by Congress and Federal agencies to improve the cybersecurity defenses and the resilience of the physical infrastructure of the Strategic Rail Corridor Network; and
added
a description of the timelines and resource requirements to implement the recommendations under paragraph (3).
Sec. 1070A Report on DOD-funded institutions of higher education hosting Confucius Institutes
addedadded Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report identifying each institution of higher education that has—
added
received funding from the Department of Defense; and
added
hosted a Confucius Institute while in receipt of such funding.
Sec. 1070B Report on aviation fleet maintenance, aircraft availability rates, and plans to reduce downtime
addedadded 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 aviation fleet maintenance backlogs, aircraft availability rates, and plans to reduce downtime, with a focus on bases in Florida.
Sec. 1070C Study on improvement of Army contracted sealift assets
added
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
there is reason for concern with respect to the adequacy, availability, and alignment of lift assets—both strategic and tactical—within the area of operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command; and
added
given ongoing operational requirements, contested logistics challenges, and the need for rapid mobility in support of both deterrence and contingency operations, a comprehensive analysis of current and projected Army sealift capacity is warranted.
added
Study— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on options for expanding a reserve contracted wartime sealift capacity in the Indo-Pacific region. In producing the report, the Assistant Secretary shall take into consideration the effects of contested logistics environments, anti-access/area denial threats, and the necessity of distributed operations under both steady-state and high-end conflict conditions. The report shall include each of the following:
added
An identification of each Army contracted sealift asset available during fiscal year 2025 in the area of operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
added
An evaluation of current and projected mission requirements and operational tempo through fiscal year 2028, including an analysis of whether the existing Army contracted sealift assets are sufficient to meet the needs of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and United States Army Pacific in both peacetime and conflict scenarios.
added
Recommendations for improving the contracted sealift capability, capacity, and responsiveness of the sealift capacity of the Army in the area of operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, including through—
added
budgeting changes to ensure stable and reliable sources of funding;
added
improved coordination with the contracted options of other military departments;
added
on-call contracting during quickly escalating crisis and conflict;
added
posture adjustments;
added
force structure changes; and
added
interoperability improvements with allies and partners.
Sec. 1070D Study on public, private, and allied shipyard capabilities for Indo-Pacific region conflicts
added
added
Study required— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall conduct a study to assess the capacity of each United States public and private shipyard, and each foreign shipyard of an allied or partner country, to support battle damage repair in the event of an armed conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
added
Elements— The study under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An assessment of the major infrastructure, facilities, and equipment of United States public and private shipyards in the Indo-Pacific region capable of use by the United States Armed Forces for battle damage repair during an armed conflict with a near-peer competitor in such region.
added
An evaluation of the workforce of United States public and private shipyards in the Indo-Pacific region, including the availability, training, and projected needs of such workforce to support such battle damage repair.
added
An assessment of the public and private personnel, infrastructure, facilities, and equipment of foreign shipyards of allied or partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region capable of supporting the United States Armed Forces with respect to such battle damage repair.
added
An analysis of supply chain resilience and vulnerabilities relating to such battle damage repair.
added
Recommendations for strategic investments or policy changes necessary to expand or modernize public or private shipyard capacity to support such battle damage repair.
added
Report to Congress— Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary concludes the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of such study and any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate.
Sec. 1070E Utilization of office space by the Department of Defense
added
added
Report to General Services Administration— The Secretary of Defense shall annually submit a written report to the Administrator of the General Services Administration that includes the following:
added
Monthly total occupancy of office space.
added
The actual utilization of office space.
added
Monthly space utilization rates.
added
Any other office space utilization data considered important by the Administrator of the General Services Administration.
added
Finalized procedures for the return of office space to the General Services Administration— The Secretary of Defense shall draft and finalize written procedures that provide for the return of office space to the General Services Administration if the occupancy of the Department of Defense falls below a 60 percent space utilization rate for 6 months within any 1-year period.
added
Exception for intelligence community— This section shall not apply to office space properties used by an element of the intelligence community.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “actual utilization” means the percentage of capacity used based on the space utilization rate.
added
The term “capacity” means a usable office space calculated by the square feet of such space divided by 150.
added
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).
added
The term “occupancy” means the total number of employees performing duties in-person, in office space, at least 5 days per week on a recurring basis.
added
The term “space utilization rate” means total usable square feet divided by occupancy.
Sec. 1070F Biennial assessment of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
added
added
In general— Not later than December 1 of each of 2026, 2028, and 2030, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
added
Content— In each assessment submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include, for the period covered by the assessment, a description of—
added
any challenges with respect to completing the mission of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division; and
added
the plan of the Secretary to address such challenges.
Sec. 1070G Extension of biennial assessments of Air Force Test Center
addedadded Section 1067 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended by striking “and 2026” and inserting “2026, 2028, and 2030”.
Sec. 1070H Report on proposed Western Hemisphere Command
added
added
Report required— 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 proposed establishment of a Western Hemisphere Command through the consolidation of United States Army North and United States Army South.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall include—
added
a detailed description of the proposed mission and command structure of the Western Hemisphere Command;
added
an explanation of how the proposed command would support or enhance homeland defense, civil support, disaster response, and regional security cooperation operations currently conducted by United States Army North and United States Army South;
added
an assessment of the anticipated relationship between the Western Hemisphere Command and the United States Northern Command and the United States Southern Command;
added
an evaluation of how the proposed structure would improve coordination with interagency, international, and State partners; and
added
an assessment of potential headquarters locations for the Western Hemisphere Command, including an analysis of the operational, strategic, and fiscal benefits of retaining the headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, Texas, taking into account—
added
the central location of San Antonio in the Western Hemisphere, including its proximity to the border between the United States and Mexico, which enhances border security operations and regional defense cooperation;
added
the longstanding investments of the city of San Antonio in military infrastructure, including more than $158,000,000 toward Joint Base San Antonio infrastructure priorities;
added
co-located intelligence, communications, logistics, and national security infrastructure, including National Security Administration Texas and one of the largest concentrations of cybersecurity professionals in the United States;
added
the presence of the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) which is the operational headquarters of the Air Force for integrated cyber, electronic warfare, and information operations and is recognized as one of the preeminent cyber defense entities in the United States;
added
premier Department of Defense health infrastructure at Brooke Army Medical Center and a pipeline for future medical professionals at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; and
added
any other matters the Secretary of Defense considers relevant.
Sec. 1070I Report on modernization requirements for the Thunderbirds demonstration team
added
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, based at Nellis Air Force Base, serve a critical role in enhancing military recruitment, national unity, and airpower education;
added
the Thunderbirds represent the highest standards of professionalism, precision, and public engagement; and
added
continued investment in the aircraft, training, and personnel of the Thunderbirds is essential to preserving their global reputation and mission readiness.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report evaluating the current and projected aircraft modernization and sustainment needs of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, including F–16 platform sustainment timelines, readiness rates, and transition considerations for future aircraft platforms.
Sec. 1070J Report on proliferation of Chinese medical device technology in the United States
added
added
Report required— Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the proliferation of Chinese medical device technology in the Department of Defense.
added
Elements— The report under subsection (a) shall including the following:
added
An assessment of the extent to which Chinese medical technology has been and is being used in Department of Defense medical facilities, and, to the extent practicable, an assessment of use by non-Department medical facilities that provide medical care to members of the Armed Forces and their families.
added
An analysis of the national security vulnerabilities associated with using Chinese medical device technology in Department of Defense medical facilities and in non-Department medical facilities that provide medical care to members of the Armed Forces and their families.
added
Any other matters the Secretary determines relevant.
Sec. 1070K Report on establishing communication enclaves between the Department of Defense and Congress
addedadded 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 outlining the cost, schedule, and implementation plan to establish a system of classified and unclassified communication enclaves between the Department of Defense and Congress, as annotated in the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform’s 2024 final report, that—
added
enables more robust communication between the Department of Defense and Congress;
added
includes a common set of reports and budget materials that can be readily searched, sorted, and retrieved for analysis across all security classification levels; and
added
enables efficient and effective communications between the Department of Defense and Congress, increasing trust, transparency, and relevancy.
Sec. 1070L Report on cost of living adjustment
addedadded Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on cost of living adjustment calculations for purposes of pay and benefits for members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense whose permanent duty station is located in the 19th Congressional District of California. Such report shall include—
added
an explanation of the methods used to collect data and the factors used to determine such cost of living adjustment;
added
an assessment of the appropriateness of including in the calculation of such cost of living adjustment the presence of military commissaries or exchanges;
added
the evaluation of the Under Secretary of—
added
whether any locations within the 19th Congressional District of California should be considered a high-cost area for purposes of chapter 67 of volume 7A of the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation;
added
whether the existence of a military commissary in Monterey, California, provides substantial financial support that affects the determination of a cost of living adjustment; and
added
the advisability of providing certain areas within the 19th Congressional District of California with an increased cost of living adjustment; and
added
a comparison of the factors that contribute to a determination of the cost of living adjustments that are applied to Monterey, California, and Santa Clara, California.
Sec. 1070M Responsible use of artificial intelligence for logistics, intelligence, maintenance, cyber defense, and other mission areas
added
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
the adoption of artificial intelligence (“AI”) is critical to United States defense readiness and competitiveness; and
added
the Secretary of Defense should expand pilot programs and fielding of AI-enabled systems that enhance decision-making, reduce costs, and improve warfighter effectiveness.
added
Report—
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall, not later than the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, issue a report to the congressional defense committees on current and planned AI integration efforts, including barriers to implementation and recommendations for accelerating adoption.
added
Sunset— Paragraph (1) shall cease to have any force or effect after the end of the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 1070N GAO review and report on biological weapons experiments on and in relation to ticks, tick-borne disease
added
added
Review— The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of research conducted during the period beginning on January 1, 1945, and ending on December 31, 1972, by the Department of Defense, including by the Department of Defense in consultation with the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Agriculture, or any other Federal agency on—
added
the use of ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents, including experiments involving Spirochaetales and Rickettsiales; and
added
any efforts to improve the effectiveness and viability of Spirochaetales and Rickettsiales as biological weapons through combination with other diseases or viruses.
added
Location of research— In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review research conducted at facilities located inside United States and facilities located outside the United States, including laboratories and field work locations.
added
Information to be reviewed—
added
Classified information— In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review any relevant classified information.
added
Documents for review— In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review, among other sources, the following documents:
added
Technical Reports related to The Summary of Major Events and Problems, US Army Chemical Corps, FY 1951 – FY1969.
added
Site Holding: CB DT DW 48158 Title: Virus and Rickettsia Waste Disposal Study. Technical Report No. 103, January 1969. Corp Author Name: FORT DETRICK FREDERICK MD Report Number: SMUFD-TR-103 Publish Date: 19690101.
added
Site Holding: CB DT DW 60538 Title: A Plaque Assay System for Several Species of Rickettsia. Corp Author Name: FORT DETRICK FREDERICK MD Report Number: SMUFD-TM-538 Publish Date: 19690601.
added
Site Holding: CB DW 531493 Title: Progress Report for Ecology and Epidemiology and Biological Field Test Technology, Third Quarter FY 1967. Corp Author Name: ARMY DUGWAY PROVING GROUND UT Publish Date: 19670508.
added
Report—
added
In general— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report that includes the following:
added
The scope of any research described in subsection (a).
added
Whether any ticks used in such research were released outside of any facility (including any ticks that were released unintentionally).
added
Whether any records related to such research were destroyed, and whether such destruction was intentional or unintentional.
added
Form of report— The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Sec. 1070O Assessment of integration of Joint Combatant Commander Exercise Team into large scale exercises of United States Indo-Pacific Command
addedadded Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Act, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of the ways in which a standing Joint and Combatant Commander Exercise Team supported by experienced former members of the Armed Forces could be integrated into Department of Defense concepts of operations in support of coalition, joint, and combatant commander large scale exercises.
Sec. 1070P Report on development and deployment of the Naval Autonomous Data Collection System
addedadded Not later than April 15, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the development and deployment of the Naval Autonomous Data Collection System. Such report shall include information about the progress of establishing the program, projected benchmarks for fiscal year 2027, and any impediments to meeting these goals.
Sec. 1070Q Report on options for establishing a digital engagement framework for addressing recruitment, retention, and readiness challenges
added
added
Report required— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on options for establishing a digital engagement framework for the purpose of addressing recruitment, retention, and readiness challenges facing the Armed Forces by—
added
leveraging community-driven digital platforms available to members of the Armed Forces and the family members and caregivers of such members;
added
improving the use and awareness of benefits or services available under the Transition Assistance Program and other programs of the Department of Defense; and
added
positioning service in the Armed Forces as a premier pathway for achieving full human potential.
added
Elements— The report under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
With respect to any benefit, service, or program of the Department for members of the Armed Forces (including members of the Armed Forces participating in the Transition Assistance Program), or family members or caregivers of such members, the following:
added
an assessment of digital engagement capabilities, including—
added
survey design, implementation, or analysis capabilities to identify any such benefit, service, or program that is underused by such individuals;
added
internal marketing capabilities to promote such benefits, services, or programs;
added
strategic content development highlighting available opportunities with respect to such benefits, services, or programs;
added
collaborative networks with subject matter experts relating to the subject matter of such benefits, services, or programs; and
added
advanced data management capabilities (including geolocation, demographic, and segment analytics) to ensure targeted outreach connects such individuals with such benefits, services, or programs;
added
an identification of any such capabilities that have a demonstrated history of high user engagement, involve real-time responsiveness features, and provide resource-agnostic connectivity to any such benefit, service, or program; and
added
an evaluation of how comprehensive community management across digital platforms that are geographically diverse but interconnected can improve the use and awareness of such benefits, services, or programs, by such individuals.
added
An assessment of potential partnerships with nonprofit organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that the Secretary determines have a demonstrated history of—
added
managing large-scale digital communities serving the individuals specified in paragraph (1), including across multiple time zones; and
added
funding health and wellness initiatives for such individuals and improving retention in health care services and reduced rates of relapse among such individuals.
added
Recommendations by the Secretary for the potential establishment of one or more pilot programs to test digital engagement solutions for the purpose specified in paragraph (1), measure the effects of such solutions with respect to the challenges specified in such paragraph, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of such solutions, including recommendations on—
added
potential actions under the pilot program to stress-test digital platforms under mobilization surge conditions to simulate the rapid onboarding of large numbers of members of the Armed Forces and family members of such members during contingency operations; and
added
the potential use of funds appropriated to the Department or other funding mechanisms available to the Department to carry out such pilot program.
Sec. 1070R Report on red flags missed in fraud scheme perpetrated by Janet Yamanaka Mello
added
added
Report required— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the fraud scheme perpetrated by Janet Yamanaka Mello, a civilian employee of the Department of the Army, who was indicted and pleaded guilty to stealing over $100,000,000 in 4-H Military Partnership Grant program funds.
added
Contents of report— The report required under subsection (a) shall include each of the following:
added
A description of the breakdown in the supervision of Mello, including any failures of management or oversight that contributed to the ability of Mello to carry out the fraud scheme undetected.
added
A description of the breakdown in accountability with respect to the loss of the stolen funds, including any failures to ensure that such funds were actually being spent for the purposes for which such funds were intended.
added
A description of the failure to ensure that financial program managers, such as Mello, are not able to funnel Government funds to themselves or their own entities.
added
An identification of any other red flags or warning signs that were missed or ignored by employees of the Department of Defense, including any instances of whistleblower retaliation or suppression of concerns.
added
An assessment of the policies and procedures of the Department of Defense and Department of the Army, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, designed to prevent employees from perpetrating similar fraud schemes in the future.
added
Recommendations for improvements to the policies, procedures, and oversight of the Department of Defense and Department of the Army to prevent employees from perpetrating similar fraud schemes in the future.
added
A description of any disciplinary or administrative actions taken against any individuals or entities found to have contributed to the ability of Mello to carry out the fraud scheme.
added
A description of any changes made, or planned to be made, to the financial management and oversight processes of the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army as a result of the fraud scheme perpetrated by Mello.
added
An assessment of the effects of the fraud scheme perpetrated by Mello on the programs and operations of the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army.
added
Any other information the Secretary of Defense determines relevant to understanding the fraud scheme perpetrated by Mello and preventing employees from perpetrating similar fraud schemes in the future.
added
Public availability— The Secretary of Defense shall make the report required under subsection (a) publicly available on an appropriate website of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1088 Construction of 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center
added
added
Authorization— The Secretary of Defense is authorized to construct a visitor education center near the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, in order to better inform and educate the public about the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, the lives lost during the attack, the historic significance of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial site, and how the United States responded and moved forward following the attack. The Secretary is authorized to designate an appropriate non-government organization or non-profit organization to complete the visitors education center on behalf of the Secretary.
added
Grant Authority— The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of Washington Headquarters Services, may make a grant, including a supplemental grant, to, or may enter into a cooperative agreement with, a non-government organization or non-profit organization designated under subsection (a), for the purpose of providing assistance with constructing the visitor education center authorized under such subsection.
Sec. 1089 Prohibition on use of live animals in trauma training
addedadded Beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, live animals, including dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, and marine mammals—
added
may not used in live fire trauma training; and
added
to the extent necessary, shall be replaced with advanced simulators, mannequins, cadavers, or actors.
Sec. 1090 Virtual reality technology pilot program
added
added
Pilot program—
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a pilot program under which the Department of the Air Force (including the Space Force) shall use virtual reality technology and natural language processing for the purposes of data collection and proficiency measurement (in this section referred to as the “pilot program”).
added
Training— Training under the pilot program shall re-enforce existing frameworks of prevention, such as the methodology known as “Ask, Care, Excort” or “ACE”, assisting unit commanders in identifying areas for improvement.
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that the Air Force currently uses virtual reality technology in many training areas which will help control the costs associated with the pilot program.
added
Report— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the data gathered during the pilot program.
added
Funding—
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 4301 for Air Force, Operations and Maintenance, Operating Forces, Medical Readiness, Line 140, is hereby increased by $9,000,000.
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 4301 for Army, Operation and Maintenance, Line 460, is hereby reduced by $9,000,000.
Sec. 1091 Expeditious disclosure of records relating to Tower 22 attack
addedadded The Secretary of Defense shall expeditiously disclose of all records relating to the January 28, 2024, attack on Tower 22 in Jordan.
Sec. 1092 Updates and preservation of memorials to chaplains at Arlington National Cemetery
added
added
Updates and preservation of memorials—
added
Protestant chaplains memorial— The Secretary of the Army shall permit NCMAF—
added
to modify the memorial to Protestant chaplains located on Chaplains Hill to include a granite, marble, or other stone base for the bronze plaque of the memorial;
added
to provide an updated bronze plaque that includes the name of each chaplain, verified as described in subsection (b), who died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces after the date on which the original memorial was placed; and
added
to make such other updates and corrections to the memorial that the Secretary determines necessary.
added
Catholic and Jewish chaplain memorials— The Secretary of the Army shall permit NCMAF to update and make corrections to the Catholic and Jewish chaplain memorials located on Chaplains Hill that the Secretary determines necessary.
added
No cost to federal government— The activities of NCMAF authorized by this subsection shall be carried out at no cost to the Federal Government.
added
Verification of names— NCMAF may not include the name of a chaplain on a memorial on Chaplains Hill under subsection (a) unless that name has been verified by the Chief of Chaplains of the Army, Navy, or Air Force or the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, depending on the branch of the Armed Forces in which the chaplain served.
added
Prohibition on expansion of memorials— Except as provided in subsection (a)(1)(A), this section may not be construed as authorizing the expansion of any memorial that is located on Chaplains Hill as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “Chaplains Hill” means the area in Arlington National Cemetery that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, is generally identified and recognized as Chaplains Hill.
added
The term “NCMAF” means the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces or any successor organization recognized in law for purposes of the operation of this section.
Sec. 1093 Critical infrastructure compatibility tabletop exercise
added
added
Requirements— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation shall conduct a tabletop exercise designed to assess the resiliency of United States military installations and their surrounding communal capabilities to collaboratively confront weather disasters or adversarial threats made against the United States homeland. Tabletop exercises under this section shall be designed to—
added
be planned and executed in a fully distributed, virtual format to ensure participation across geographically-dispersed organizations;
added
involve trusted agents from installations and other stakeholders in a deliberate and methodical exercise planning process to address the critical tasks necessary to maintain military mission assurance;
added
integrate policies, procedures, capabilities, and appropriate authorities to ensure mission assurance during and after cybersecurity events involving intelligent energy control systems, traffic control systems, and incident response systems;
added
provide immediate access to exercise data for after action analysis and reporting; and
added
include as participating organizations appropriate municipal, county, State, and national government entities, and public and private critical infrastructure service providers such as energy, water, wastewater, transportation, and communications, and others as appropriate.
added
Elements— A tabletop exercise required under subsection (a) shall be designed to evaluate, at a minimum, the following elements:
added
The resilience of community critical infrastructure to enhance, advance, and supplant that of surrounding military installations in the event of attacks upon military critical infrastructure.
added
The ability of a military installation, in cooperation with community leadership, to coordinate efforts and operationalize available infrastructure and resources presented by defense communities in the area surrounding the military installation.
added
State and Federal Government response options to ensure the viability of domestic critical infrastructure in the event of a long duration, widespread event.
added
An assessment of the mobility of the United States Armed Forces from their installations in the event of an attack upon critical infrastructure and logistical chokepoints.
added
The resiliency of United States military joint-all domain command and control to withstand attacks and—
added
the ability of community assets to supplant partial or complete loss of command and control; and
added
local, State, and Federal Government responses to partial or complete loss of such infrastructure.
added
The importance of nonmilitary actions, including economic and financial measures, by the United States to prepare for, deter and, if necessary, respond to a contingency.
added
Consultation requirement— In carrying out this section, the Director shall consult with the Secretaries of each of the military departments and the heads of appropriate Federal departments and agencies, as the Director determines appropriate.
added
Location— A tabletop exercise required under subsection (a) shall be conducted at a location selected by the Director that is advantageous to studying cooperative efforts between military installations and the local communities.
added
Planning and preparation— A tabletop exercise required under this section shall be prepared by appropriate personnel from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, in cooperation with the Armed Forces.
added
Participants— The participants in a tabletop exercise required under this section may include appropriate personnel of—
added
the Department of the Defense;
added
the military departments;
added
the United States Northern Command;
added
appropriate State agencies;
added
relevant community installations;
added
relevant think-tanks of the United States; and
added
such other entities as the Director determines appropriate.
added
Report—
added
In general— Following the conclusion of the tabletop exercise required under subsection (a), the Director shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report, an provide to such committees a briefing, on the exercise.
added
Contents— The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—
added
an assessment of the decision-making, capability, and response gaps observed in the tabletop exercise;
added
recommendations to improve the resiliency of, and reduce vulnerabilities in, the domestic critical infrastructure of the United States in the event of a military contingency;
added
means to encourage collaboration and coordination between military installations and defense communities, including—
added
resource planning;
added
operational effects on land and airspace;
added
legislative initiatives;
added
housing availability;
added
frequency spectrum capacity;
added
the use and preservation of scarce natural resources;
added
water quality and quantity;
added
anti-terrorism and force protection;
added
reducing dust, smoke, and steam elements;
added
energy development projects;
added
frequency spectrum enablers and enhancers;
added
shared roadway capacity; and
added
protecting the health and safety of nearby residents and workers;
added
recommendations to enhance cooperation between military installations and local communities that promotes comprehensive community planning with attention to operational resiliency; and
added
means to integrate the development policies, plans, and regulations of local jurisdictions and land management agencies with the plans of military installations.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
added
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives; and
added
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs of the Senate.
added
The term tabletop exercise means an activity—
added
in which key personnel assigned high level roles and responsibilities are gathered to deliberate various simulated emergency or rapid response situations; and
added
that is designed to be used to assess the adequacy of plans, policies, procedures, training, resources, and relationships or agreements that guide prevention of, response to, and recovery from a defined event.
Sec. 1094 Defense critical infrastructure protection interagency review
added
added
Findings— Congress finds the following:
added
Defense critical infrastructure, encompassing cyber and physical assets, is essential to national security and military readiness but faces growing threats from adversaries.
added
Effective interagency coordination is vital to protect this infrastructure.
added
The Department of Defense plays a key role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, but its efforts must align with broader Federal and private sector initiatives.
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that strengthening interagency coordination, and coordination between the administration and the private sector is critical to securing defense-related infrastructure against emerging threats.
added
Interagency Review—
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and heads of other relevant departments or agencies of the Federal Government, shall conduct a comprehensive review of interagency coordination mechanisms for the protection of defense critical infrastructure.
added
Review components— The review under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum—
added
assess the effectiveness of existing frameworks for information sharing, threat response, and risk mitigation among departments or agencies of the Federal Government, State and local governments, and private sector partners;
added
identify gaps and inefficiencies in interagency efforts to safeguard cyber and physical infrastructure critical to national security;
added
evaluate the integration of the Defense Information Assurance Program established by section 2224 of title 10, United States Code, with broader critical infrastructure protection initiatives;
added
evaluate mission assurance cybersecurity priorities and determine whether the existing list of critical cyber missions, capabilities, functions, systems, and supporting assets is comprehensive;
added
include any updates to guidance on replacing the Defense Infrastructure Sector Lead Agent and reevaluate the sectors it includes as part of defense critical infrastructure; and
added
provide recommendations for improving collaboration, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and enhancing the resilience of defense-related infrastructure.
added
Review of Department of Defense responsibilities— The Secretary of Defense shall concurrently assess the implementation by the Department of the following responsibilities:
added
Ensuring proper classification and safeguarding of critical infrastructure security information from public disclosure pursuant to section 130e of title 10, United States Code.
added
Assessing the role of the Department in ensuring the reliability and security of infrastructure vital to defense and national security pursuant to section 1016 of the USA PATRIOT Act (42 U.S.C. 5195c).
added
Ensuring Department of Defense compliance with information protection standards under the Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 671 et seq.) and part 29 of title 6, Code of Federal Regulations.
added
Assessing Department of Defense oversight of cybersecurity requirements for contractors handling covered defense information pursuant to sections 252.204–7012 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.
added
Recommendations—
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the congressional defense committees, detailing—
added
findings of the interagency coordination review;
added
recommendations to enhance Department of Defense-led critical infrastructure protection efforts;
added
proposed policy or regulatory changes to improve national defense infrastructure security and cyber resilience; and
added
recommendations for legislative or regulatory action, if necessary, to strengthen interagency cooperation and Department of Defense implementation of critical infrastructure protection mandates.
added
Form— The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in an unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.
added
Report by the Comptroller General—
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary submits the report under subsection (e), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the Department of Defense’s implementation of the review under subsection (c) and an assessment of the recommendations under subsection (e).
added
Form— The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in an unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.
Sec. 1101 Living quarter allowance for Department of Defense civilian employees with permanent duty station in Guam
Section 1102 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended—
in the section heading, by striking “Department of the Navy civilian employees assigned to permanent duty in Guam for performing work, or supporting work being performed, aboard or dockside, of U.S. naval vessels” and inserting “civilian employees of the Department of Defense stationed in Guam”;
in subsection (a), by striking “Secretary of the Navy” and inserting “Secretary of Defense”; and
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
changed
“(b) Covered employee defined—In this section, the term “covered employee” covered employee means any civilian employee of the Department of Defense whose permanent duty station is located in Guam.”
Sec. 1112 Study on locality pay Department of Defense employees
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall conduct a study on locality pay Department of Defense employees, including locality pay under subchapter I of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code. Such study shall include the following:
added
A review of current methodologies used to determine locality pay adjustments and their alignment with actual cost of living and labor market data.
added
An evaluation of regional disparities that impact recruitment and retention of Federal employees in defense-related roles.
added
Consideration of alternative models, including adjustments based on broader economic indicators, private-sector wage comparisons, and regional housing market trends.
added
Recommendations for legislative or administrative changes necessary to improve the accuracy, fairness, and effectiveness of locality pay adjustments.
added
Report— Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).
Sec. 1113 Feasibility study on Department of Defense civilians forward deployed into combat zones and toxic exposure
added
added
Study required— The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a feasibility study regarding the number of Department of Defense civilian employees who are forward deployed into designated combat zones and who may have been exposed to toxic substances as a result of their service.
added
Matters to be included— The study shall include, at a minimum, the following:
added
The number of Department of Defense civilian employees currently forward deployed into combat zones, disaggregated by region and occupational specialty.
added
Historical data, to the extent practicable, on the number of such civilians deployed over the past 20 years.
added
The extent and nature of potential toxic exposures to Department of Defense civilians deployed into combat zones, including exposure to—
added
open-air burn pits;
added
contaminated water supplies;
added
airborne particulates; or
added
industrial or chemical hazards associated with local environments; and
added
other environmental or occupational toxins.
added
The current benefits, entitlements, and protections available to such civilians in cases of toxic exposure, including—
added
health care benefits and eligibility;
added
hazard pay and deployment allowances;
added
workers’ compensation and other occupational insurance coverages;
added
eligibility for Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs; and
added
eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs programs (if any).
added
A comparison of benefits and entitlements provided to forward-deployed Department of Defense civilians with those provided to members of the Armed Forces for toxic exposure and related health conditions.
added
Identification of any gaps, limitations, or inconsistencies in coverage or protections between military personnel and civilian personnel.
added
The process by which Department of Defense civilians are informed of potential toxic exposure risks prior to deployment, and any post-deployment medical monitoring or surveillance programs available.
added
Data on claims submitted by Department of Defense civilians for toxic exposure-related illnesses, including approval and denial rates, and average time to adjudicate such claims.
added
The extent to which contractors performing Department of Defense missions are covered by similar or different protections compared to direct-hire civilians.
added
Recommendations for potential legislative or regulatory actions to better protect Department of Defense civilians from toxic exposures while forward deployed, and to ensure adequate long-term health care and compensation for those affected.
added
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 required under subsection (a).
Sec. 1114 Definition of defense industrial base facility for purposes of direct hire authority
addedadded Section 1125(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 1580 note prec.; Public Law 114–328) is amended by inserting “and includes supporting units of a facility at an installation or base” after “United States”.
Sec. 1115 Payment of retention bonuses to DOD civilian employees in Guam
addedadded Chapter 81 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1599d the following (and conforming the table of contents for such chapter accordingly):
added “1599e. Payment of retention bonuses to DOD civilian employees in Guam.
added “Notwithstanding subsection (f) of section 5754 of title 5, the Secretary of Defense or Secretary of a military department may waive the limit established under subsection (e)(1) of such section and pay an otherwise eligible employee or category of employees in the territory of Guam retention bonuses of up to 50 percent of basic pay, based on a critical agency need.”
Sec. 1116 DOD prevailing rate employee pay increase
added
added
In general— Beginning on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, the rate of pay for any employee of the Department of Defense who is a prevailing rate employee (as that term is defined in section 5342(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code) shall be increased by the percentage allowed by operation of section 737 of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, as extended by division A of the American Relief Act, 2025.
added
Report— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the congressional defense committees on actions taken to resolve delays in increasing the rates of pay for such employees, the status of the Department of Defense Wage Committee, and any recommendations for preventing future interruptions to wage increases for such employees.
Sec. 1207 Modification of Department of Defense State Partnership Program
addedadded Section 341(e)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end before the semicolon the following: ‘‘, including costs incurred with respect to activities beginning in one fiscal year and ending not later than the end of the first fiscal year thereafter”.
Sec. 1214 Sense of congress on international defense exhibitions
addedadded It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense and its agencies should not participate in international defense exhibitions in any way until the Secretary of Defense certifies that such exhibitions and the jurisdictions in which they are located allow Israeli companies to fully participate in the exhibition and are not using restrictions or the threat of restrictions on any party’s participation in the exposition as a means of deterring Israel from defending itself.
Sec. 1215 Study and report on international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall conduct a study on steps that Israel, Egypt, and the United States can take to enhance international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt to ensure Hamas and other actors do not use tunnels or methods via the Mediterranean Sea to smuggle weapons and illicit goods.
added
Report—
added
In general— The Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the results of the study.
added
Matters to be included— The report required by this subsection shall include a description and map indicating existing tunnels on the border between Gaza and Egypt.
added
Definition— In this subsection, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
added
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
added
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Sec. 1216 Establishment of defense innovation unit office in Israel
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Government of Israel, shall seek to establish an office of the Defense Innovation Unit at a location within the territory of Israel.
added
Functions— The functions of the office established under subsection (a) shall be—
added
to engage appropriate counterparts of the Ministry of Defense of Israel and representatives of the private sector in collaborative efforts to counter developments by Iran, China, and other adversaries of dual-use defense technologies;
added
to leverage resources and innovation activities of the United States and Israel for the benefit of the national security of the United States and Israel;
added
to identify Israeli innovations and technological competitive advantages that can be incorporated and integrated into the United States defense industrial base; and
added
to carry out such other functions of the Defense Innovation Unit in Israel as the Director of the Unit considers appropriate.
Sec. 1217 U.S.-Israel defense industrial base harmonization
added
added
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall convene the U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group to study the potential for defense industrial base integration between the United States and Israel, including the possibility of inclusion into the national technology and industrial base (as defined in section 4801 of title 10, United States Code).
added
Protection of sensitive information— Any activity carried out pursuant to the authority provided by subsection (a) shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information and the national security interests of the United States and Israel.
Sec. 1218 Report on U.S.-Israel military exercises
added
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
conducting regular military exercises of increasing complexity with the State of Israel that involve air, sea, ground, space, and cyberspace forces supports the national security interests of the United States;
added
these military exercises should include other regional partners as well when feasible; and
added
these military exercises strengthen the readiness of U.S. forces and those of our partners, bolster their ability to operate together, reinforce deterrence, and support regional security.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a period not to exceed 3 years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
added
A list of Department of Defense exercises that included Israel over the previous 12 months.
added
A detailed description of—
added
the capabilities and missions rehearsed in each exercise;
added
how each exercise rehearsed new or more challenging combat capabilities and scenarios;
added
how each exercise improved the readiness and capabilities of participating militaries and strengthened their ability to operate together; and
added
the resources that would be needed to conduct more frequent and beneficial U.S.-Israel military exercises.
added
A plan to increase the complexity of exercises and invite other regional partners to participate.
added
Form— The report required by subsection (b) shall be in written form and transmitted in an unclassified manner and may contain a classified annex.
Sec. 1237 Intelligence sharing with resistance units in Afghanistan
addedadded The Secretary of Defense shall provide such intelligence sharing as the Secretary determines appropriate with units of the former Afghan Army and police forces, as well as other units the Secretary determines are resistance units, for purposes of countering the Taliban.
Sec. 1238 Extension and modification of annual report on military power of Iran
added
added
Matters to be included— Subsection (b) of section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—
added
in paragraph (1)—
added
by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (D), (E), (F) and (G), respectively;
added
by adding after subparagraph (A) the following subparagraphs:
added “(B) the evolving use of terrorism in Iran’s security strategy, be it direct or indirect via proxy;
added “(C) evolving thresholds for the use of direct and attributable force by Iran;”
added
in subparagraph (F), by striking “and” at the end;
added
in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
added
by adding after subparagraph (G) the following subparagraph:
added “(H) how Iran believes an integrated American, Arab, and Israeli regional security architecture focused on intelligence sharing, air and missile defense, and maritime security would create challenges for Iranian grand strategy, security strategy, and military strategy.”
added
in paragraph (2)—
added
by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively;
added
in subparagraph (D), by striking “; and” at the end; and
added
by adding after subparagraph (B) the following subparagraph:
added “(C) a summary of Iran’s procurement of advanced conventional capabilities from Russia and the impact of these procurements on Iran’s military capabilities, Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge, and Iran’s conventional forces as assessed under subparagraph (B);”
added
in paragraph (3)—
added
in subparagraph (C), by inserting “any Iraqi Shia-militia operating under the auspices of the “Islamic Resistance,”” after “the Badr Organization,”;
added
in subparagraph (E), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting “, including United States forces in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and the Red Sea;”
added
in subparagraph (I)(ii), by striking “and activities; and” and inserting “, assets, and critical infrastructure; and”;
added
in subparagraph (J), by striking “ability to manipulate the information environment both domestically and against the interests of the United States and its allies; and” and inserting “information warfare efforts designed to oppress the Iranian people and undermine the United States, its allies, and its interests;”
added
in subparagraph (K), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
added
by adding at the end the following subparagraph:
added “(L) an assessment of the military power of Iranian proxies and partners, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Ansar Allah, and Iraqi and Syrian proxies.”
added
in paragraph (4)—
added
in subparagraph (A), by striking “nuclear weapons capabilities and developments” and inserting “nuclear weapons-related advances, including growth of atomic infrastructure, fissile material inventories and purity, and weaponization-related activities”;
added
by redesignating subparagraphs (G) as subparagraph (I);
added
in subparagraph (F), by striking “to the Middle East and Europe; and” and inserting “globally;”; and
added
by adding after subparagraph (F) the following subparagraphs:
added “(G) a detailed analysis of the domestic and foreign supply chains supporting Iran’s drone program;
added “(H) a detailed assessment of the domestic production capacity by Iran’s proxies in the Middle East of long-range strike capabilities, to include mortars, IRAMs, rockets, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles; and”
added
in paragraph (5), by striking “nuclear development, ballistic missiles, and chemical, biological, and advanced conventional weapons, weapon systems, and delivery vehicles” and inserting “nuclear weapons, missiles and drones, and chemical, biological, and advanced conventional weapons and their delivery vehicles”; and
added
in paragraph (8)—
added
by striking “or any foreign terrorist organization.” and inserting “the Badr Organization, any other foreign terrorist organization, or any special designated global terrorist.”;
added
by striking “the Bashar al-Assad regime,” and inserting “the Russian Federation, elements of the former Bashar al-Assad regime,”; and
added
by inserting “Ansarallah,” after “Hamas,”.
added
Definitions— Subsection (c) of such section is amended—
added
in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting “regardless of whether they are surface-to-surface or anti-ship missiles.”; and
added
in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting “regardless of whether they are surface-to-surface or anti-ship missiles.”.
added
Termination— Subsection (d) of such section is amended by striking “December 31, 2026” and inserting “December 31, 2030”.
Sec. 1241 Modification and extension of annual report on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation
Section 1234 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3936) is amended—
in subsection (b) to read as follows:
“(b) Matters to be included—The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
“(1) The goals, factors, and trends shaping Russia’s security strategy and military strategy, including military spending and investment priorities.
“(2) Developments in the military doctrine, operational concepts, joint command and organizational structures, and significant military operations and deployments of the Russian Armed Forces.
“(3) An assessment of the force structure, readiness, and capabilities of the Russian Armed Forces.
“(4) An assessment of the military strategy, objectives, and force posture of the Russian Armed Forces deployed in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region.
“(5) An assessment of the military strategy, objectives, and force posture of the Russian Armed Forces as they relate to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), including the force posture of Russian Armed Forces deployed adjacent to NATO’s borders, including in Kaliningrad.
“(6) An assessment of the military strategy, objectives, and force posture of the Russian Armed Forces deployed in Ukraine or adjacent to Ukraine’s borders.
“(7) An assessment of the military strategy, objectives, and force posture of the Russian Armed Forces in the Baltic and Black Seas.
“(8) An assessment of the reconstitution efforts of the Russian Armed Forces, including its ability to restore losses from the war in Ukraine and to expand its force beyond 2022 levels.
“(9) An assessment of the impact of United States and international sanctions on the Russian military’s reconstitution efforts, including an assessment of the impact of removing sanctions on the Russian military’s reconstitution efforts.
“(10) An assessment of what the Russian Armed Forces has learned from the war in Ukraine and how it has applied those lessons.
“(11) An assessment of the military strategy, objectives, and force posture of Russia that affect countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“(12) An assessment of the military strategy, objectives, and force posture of Russia that affect countries in the Indo-Pacific, with a specific emphasis on how such strategy, objectives, and force posture affect the People’s Republic of China.
“(13) An assessment of the military strategy, objectives, and force posture of Russia that affect countries in the Middle East.
“(14) An assessment of the military strategy, objectives, and force posture of Russia that affect countries in Africa.
changed
“(15) A description An assessment of Russia’s overseas military basing, human rights violations committeed by Russian private military logistics capabilities, corporations in African countries, including human rights violations committed against Christians and infrastructure other religious groups, during the preceding 10-year period (with respect to project power.the first report submitted after the date of the enactment of this subsection) or since the most recent prior report submitted under this subsection (with respect to each subsequent report).
changed
“(16) A summary An assessment of all significant the extent to which the Russian cooperation with foreign forces, including major training and exercises, foreign deployments, military and basing agreements—specifying for each Russian foreign deployment the number of force deployed, private military corporations are collaborating with the types People’s Republic of capabilities deployed, China to secure mining assets linked to the length People’s Republic of the deployment, and China in Africa, including any agreement enabling entity, engaged in prospecting, mining, refining, or governing smelting materials extracted from the deployment.earth, that—
changed
“(17) An assessment of relations between the Russian Federation and Iran, “(A) is majority owned by the People’s Republic of China, and North Korea, with respect to security and military matters.PRC;
changed
“(18) An assessment of the proliferation activities of Russia and Russian entities, including activities relating to the supply of materials, technologies, or expertise relating to nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction or missile systems to other states “(B) is legally registered or non-state actors.internationally headquartered in the PRC;
changed
“(19) An assessment “(C) is directly operating on behalf of Russia’s nuclear program and capabilities, includingthe PRC;
added “(D) is directly or indirectly controlled or directed by the PRC;
added “(E) is formed from a spin-off, merger or acquisition, or sale of a business unit involving an entity described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (D) or is otherwise a successor to such an entity; or
added “(F) provides financial services for an entity described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (E).
added “(17) A description of Russia’s overseas military basing, military logistics capabilities, and infrastructure to project power.
added “(18) A summary of all significant Russian cooperation with foreign forces, including major training and exercises, foreign deployments, and basing agreements—specifying for each Russian foreign deployment the number of force deployed, the types of capabilities deployed, the length of the deployment, and any agreement enabling or governing the deployment.
added “(19) An assessment of relations between the Russian Federation and Iran, the People’s Republic of China, and North Korea, with respect to security and military matters.
added “(20) An assessment of the proliferation activities of Russia and Russian entities, including activities relating to the supply of materials, technologies, or expertise relating to nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction or missile systems to other states or non-state actors.
added “(21) An assessment of Russia’s nuclear program and capabilities, including
“(A) its nuclear strategy and associated doctrines;
“(B) the size and state of its stockpile and projections of its future arsenals;
“(C) its civil and military production capacities; and
“(D) the modernization and force structure of its strategic forces.
added “(22) A description of Russia’s current missile defense strategy and capabilities, including efforts to develop missile defense capabilities.
added “(23) A description of Russia’s anti-access and area denial capabilities.
added “(24) A description of Russia’s command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance modernization program and capabilities and the applications for such program and capabilities for precision-guided weapons.
added “(25) An assessment of Russia’s space and counterspace programs and capabilities.
added “(26) An assessment of Russia’s cyberwarfare and electronic warfare capabilities (including details on the number of malicious cyber incidents originating from Russia against Department of Defense infrastructure).
added “(27) An assessment of any influence operations or campaigns by the Russian Federation targeting the United States, any military alliances and partnerships of which the United States is a member, or treaty allies of the United States, including:
removed
“(20) A description of Russia’s current missile defense strategy and capabilities, including efforts to develop missile defense capabilities.
removed
“(21) A description of Russia’s anti-access and area denial capabilities.
removed
“(22) A description of Russia’s command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance modernization program and capabilities and the applications for such program and capabilities for precision-guided weapons.
removed
“(23) An assessment of Russia’s space and counterspace programs and capabilities.
removed
“(24) An assessment of Russia’s cyberwarfare and electronic warfare capabilities (including details on the number of malicious cyber incidents originating from Russia against Department of Defense infrastructure).
removed
“(25) An assessment of any influence operations or campaigns by the Russian Federation targeting the United States, any military alliances and partnerships of which the United States is a member, or treaty allies of the United States, including:
“(A) the objectives of such operations;
“(B) the tactics, techniques, and procedures used; and
“(C) the impact of such operations on the United States, military alliances or partnerships of which the United States is a member, or treaty allies of the United States;
“(D) detail regarding any campaign that specifically targeted U.S. Department of Defense personnel; and
“(E) the metrics used to judge the impact of such operations.
added “(28) An assessment of how Russian private military companies are being utilized to advance the security interests of the Russian Federation;
added “(29) An assessment of the threat perception of the Russian Federation by U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
added “(30) Other military and security developments involving Russia that the Secretary of Defense considers relevant to United States national security.”
removed
“(26) An assessment of how Russian private military companies are being utilized to advance the security interests of the Russian Federation;
removed
“(27) An assessment of the threat perception of the Russian Federation by U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
removed
“(28) Other military and security developments involving Russia that the Secretary of Defense considers relevant to United States national security.”
in subsection (g), by striking “January 31, 2026” and inserting “January 31, 2030”.
Sec. 1243 Extension and modification of annual report on military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China
added
added
Matters to be included— Subsection (b) of section 1202(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—
added
in paragraph (3)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting “, including nuclear and drone development cooperation.”;
added
in paragraph (7)(A), by inserting “, including foreign farmland acquisitions,” after “Chinese overseas investments or projects”;
added
in paragraph (8)(A)—
added
by striking “infrastructure) and” and inserting “infrastructure),”; and
added
by striking the period at the end and inserting “, and the likely role of Chinese cyber capabilities in a conflict with the United States.”;
added
in paragraph (9)(B), by striking “and other advanced technologies” and inserting “biotechnology, and other advanced and emerging technologies”; and
added
in paragraph (10)—
added
in subparagraph (A), by striking “and” at the end;
added
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
added
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
added “(B) the likely strategic intent of the People’s Liberation Army in a conflict over Taiwan, and how the People’s Republic of China will conduct a cyber enabled economic warfare campaign, a cross straight invasion campaign, or a blockade campaign; and”
added
Termination— Subsection (a) of such section is amended by striking “January 31, 2027” and inserting “January 31, 2030”.
Sec. 1244 Report relating to AUKUS Pillar 1
added
added
Report required— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the impact and potential of Pillar 1 of the Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States partnership (in this section referred to as the “AUKUS partnership”) including—
added
a detailed description of how Pillar 1 of the AUKUS partnership encourages the economic coordination between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including through domestic businesses, the defense industries, and direct investments;
added
a detailed description of how Pillar 1 of the AUKUS partnership encourages the defense coordination between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to protect United States national security and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region;
added
a detailed description of how Pillar 1 of the AUKUS partnership encourages the diplomatic coordination between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to increase the ties among such countries; and
added
a detailed description and analysis of how terminating the AUKUS partnership would harm the economic, defense, and diplomatic coordination between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
added
Form— The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex if submitted separately from the unclassified portion.
Sec. 1245 Report on strategy for increasing membership in the comprehensive security integration and prosperity agreement
added
added
In General— Not later than July 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing the strategic importance of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement and the benefits of its potential expansion.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall also include the following:
added
An assessment of the strategic benefits of CSIPA to regional and global security.
added
An assessment of CSIPA’s operational value to the Department of Defense and partners in the region following the Red Sea attacks.
added
An assessment of how CSIPA leverages United States military assets such as the Fifth Fleet to address regional threats.
added
Identification of potential modifications to the CSIPA framework that would support broader regional participation.
added
An evaluation of the resource and capability requirements necessary to expand CSIPA membership.
added
Recommendations for further collaboration between the United States Armed Forces and CSIPA members.
added
Definition of comprehensive security integration and prosperity agreement— In this section, the terms “Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement” and “CSIPA” refers to the cooperative agreement signed by the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain on September 13, 2023.
Sec. 1246 Inclusion of special operations forces in planning and strategy relating to the Arctic region
added
added
Strategy—
added
Requirement— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Commander of the United States Northern Command, shall develop and submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a Special Operations Forces Arctic Security Strategy, applicable across each component of the special operations forces and within each Armed Force (in this section referred to as the “strategy”).
added
Requirements— The strategy shall—
added
build upon the findings of the report under section 1090(a)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) and the 2022 National Defense Strategy;
added
facilitate a consistent understanding of Arctic security priorities across the Department of Defense and a common understanding of the use and purpose of special operations forces for Arctic activities across the Armed Forces, combatant commands, and other relevant elements of the Department of Defense; and
added
promote greater use and prioritization of special operations forces capabilities, particularly with respect to the special operations force of the Army, in Arctic security planning and coordination with Indigenous populations and High North allies and partners.
added
Elements— The strategy shall include the following:
added
A plan for the leveraging of North American Indigenous Arctic populations, and the establishment of working definitions and parameters for cooperation with such populations in the following areas:
added
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance gathering.
added
Improved Arctic training and operation tactics, techniques, and procedures.
added
Empowering local populations to create solutions to regional issues.
added
Building resilience against invasion and occupation and enhancing deterrence capabilities.
added
Improving the capacity of allies and partners to build capabilities in the region that produce advantages against adversaries.
added
Building United States credibility for combat operations in the region.
added
Demonstrating United States commitment to improving living standards in the region.
added
Any other area the of the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command determines appropriate.
added
A requirement that special operations forces achieve readiness with respect to not more than two Arctic environments.
added
With respect to terminology and working definitions of the Department—
added
a requirement that—
added
the use of the terms “Arctic-capable” and “Arctic-ready” may no longer be used in any document or other material produced by the Department of Defense that outlines Arctic strategies;
added
the replacement terms “Arctic-trained” and “Arctic-proficient” shall be used in lieu of “Arctic-capable” and “Arctic-ready”, respectively; and
added
the Department shall provide clear definitions and readiness requirements for each replacement term under clause (ii).
added
a review of terminology, and the use of such terminology, relating to military doctrinal readiness (such as the terms “trained” and “proficient”) in the Arctic context, to ensure that the Armed Forces meet operational expectations and may fully partake in joint-training exercises with allies and partners of the United States.
added
A description of the conditions necessary to establish a standardized pathway for self-validation for each Armed Force that requires units to be Arctic capable, with such standardized pathway being tailored to each Armed Force but consistent with respect to shared terminology, an agreed upon list of Arctic environments, and agreed upon standards to become Arctic capable in each such environment.
added
A requirement that the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Commander of the United States Northern Command, include in any future years plan for the Arctic Security Initiative required under section 1090(b)(2)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) the following:
added
Updates on ongoing priorities for Arctic objectives of the special operations forces.
added
Assessments of the integration of Arctic operations of the special operations forces, including the use of Indigenous approaches to domain awareness.
added
A description of the activities and resources needed for the special operations forces to obtain readiness in the Arctic region, including manning, training, equipping, and funding requirements.
added
Any other matter the Commander of the United States Northern Command and the Secretary of Defense jointly determine appropriate.
added
A requirement that, on an annual basis, the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a progress report (in unclassified form, but with the option of including a classified annex) on the implementation and use of the strategy, including—
added
an assessment of the ability of the strategy to address new and ongoing concerns;
added
areas relating to the strategy in need of improvement, including any new funding necessary;
added
use of the strategy across each Armed Force; and
added
an updated threat assessment with respect to the Arctic region.
added
Definitions— In this section, the term “special operations forces” means forces described under section 167(j) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 1247 Strategy
addedadded Not later than 300 days after the enactment of this Act the Department of Defense shall submit a strategy to the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee relating to raising the issue of political prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in all military-to-military engagements with the military of Pakistan.
Sec. 1305 Sense of Congress on NATO military readiness
addedadded It is the sense of Congress that each member country of NATO should annually commit to providing, at a minimum, 3.5 percent of GDP to core defense spending and an additional 1.5 percent of GDP to defense-related infrastructure spending, to ensure NATO military readiness.
Sec. 1306 Baltic Security Initiative
added
added
Establishment— Pursuant to the authority provided in chapter 16 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out an initiative, to be known as the “Baltic Security Initiative” (in this section referred to as the “Initiative”), for the purpose of deepening security cooperation with the military forces of the Baltic countries.
added
Relationship to existing authorities— The Initiative required by subsection (a) shall be carried out pursuant to the authorities provided in title 10, United States Code.
added
Objectives— The objectives of the Initiative shall be—
added
to achieve United States national security objectives by—
added
deterring aggression by the Russian Federation; and
added
implementing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's new Strategic Concept, which seeks to strengthen the alliance's deterrence and defense posture by denying potential adversaries any possible opportunities for aggression;
added
to enhance regional planning and cooperation among the military forces of the Baltic countries, particularly with respect to long-term regional capability projects, including—
added
long-range precision fire systems and capabilities;
added
integrated air and missile defense;
added
maritime domain awareness;
added
land forces development, including stockpiling large caliber ammunition;
added
command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;
added
special operations forces development;
added
coordination with and security enhancements for Poland, which is a neighboring North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally; and
added
other military capabilities, as determined by the Secretary of Defense; and
added
with respect to the military forces of the Baltic countries, to improve cyber defenses and resilience to hybrid threats.
added
Strategy—
added
In general— 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 setting forth a strategy for the Department of Defense to achieve the objectives described in subsection (b).
added
Considerations— The strategy required by this subsection shall include a consideration of—
added
security assistance programs for the Baltic countries authorized as of the date on which the strategy is submitted;
added
the ongoing security threats to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's eastern flank posed by Russian aggression, including as a result of the Russian Federation’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine with support from Belarus; and
added
the ongoing security threats to the Baltic countries posed by the presence, coercive economic policies, and other malign activities of the People’s Republic of China.
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should seek to require matching funds from each of the Baltic countries that participate in the Initiative in amounts commensurate with amounts provided by the Department of Defense for the Initiative.
added
Baltic countries defined— In this section, the term Baltic countries means—
added
Estonia;
added
Latvia; and
added
Lithuania.
Sec. 1315 Strategy to strengthen multilateral deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall implement a strategy to strengthen multilateral deterrence against regional aggression in the Indo-Pacific region by expanding multilateral coordination with United States allies and partners in the region, with particular emphasis on Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, including through enhancing multilateral access and basing agreements, command and control structures, intelligence-sharing, and exercises and operations.
Strategy requirements— The strategy required by subsection (a) shall describe current activities and identify future actions to be taken over the next 5 years by the Department of Defense to—
leverage reciprocal access agreements between the United States and its Indo-Pacific allies and partners, particularly Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, to expand regional access for these and other allied and partner militaries, including for purposes of enhancing interoperability at locations across the Indo-Pacific region, prepositioning munitions stockpiles, and jointly supporting and leveraging shared facilities, operational access, and infrastructure;
improve command and control structures enabling enhanced multilateral coordination with Indo-Pacific allies and partners, including through the Combined Coordination Center in the Philippines, the joint force headquarters of the United States in Japan, and a potential combined coordination structure in Australia;
expand intelligence-sharing and maritime domain awareness among the United States and Indo-Pacific allies and partners, including through the Bilateral Intelligence Analysis Cell in Japan and the Combined Coordination Center in the Philippines; and
expand the scope and scale of multilateral military exercises and operations in the region, particularly among the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, including more frequent combined maritime operations through the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea.
Submission; interim report—
renumbered
was (4)(2)
Submission of 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 the strategy required by subsection (a), including an identification of any changes to funding or policy required to strengthen multilateral deterrence among the United States and allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific against regional aggression.
renumbered
was (4)(3)
Interim report on implementation— Not later than March 15, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the progress of the implementation of the strategy required by subsection (a), including any resource or authority gaps identified in the Department’s ability to execute the strategy.
Sec. 1317 Report on civilian-military relations in the Freely Associated States
added
added
In general— The Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, acting through Joint Task Force-Micronesia, shall be responsible for assessing and coordinating military efforts to strengthen community relationships between the United States Armed Forces and individuals living in the Freely Associated States (FAS) and impacted by military installations, installations, and operating locations in the FAS. including through consultation with each of the Armed Forces, other elements of United States Indo-Pacific Command, and the Secretary of State.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, acting through Joint Task Force-Micronesia, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
added
the results of a study on the relationships between civilians living in the FAS and Armed Forces presence in the FAS;
added
an assessment of such relationships;
added
a summary of efforts by the Armed Forces to improve such relationships to the extent affected by United States military activities in the FAS;
added
an identification of legally available, civilian-military community engagement programs, activities, and authorities with respect to the FAS;
added
an identification of any new authorities needed to implement existing DoD civilian-military community engagement programs, activities, and authorities in the FAS;
added
an identification of any other components of Federal departments or agencies required to implement any whole-of-government, civilian-military community engagement programs, activities, and authorities in the FAS; and
added
a plan and estimated cost for improving such community engagement with respect to the impact of United States military activities in the FAS.
Sec. 1318 Annual report on presence and activities of European Union and NATO militaries in the Indo-Pacific Region
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, in coordination with the Commander of United States European Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive report on the military presence and activities of European Union and NATO member countries in the Indo-Pacific region, that also includes—
added
the best available estimate, over the course of the preceding year, of the sum of—
added
the number of land, maritime, and air personnel of the United States Armed Forces, who are working jointly with
added
the reported number of personnel from European Union and NATO-member militaries operating in or deployed to the Indo-Pacific region; and
added
an analysis of how the presence of the militaries of such countries in the Indo-Pacific region contributes to deterrence against Chinese aggression, including a discussion of posture, capability, multilateral operations, and strategic signaling effects.
added
Criteria— Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to each military of a member country of the European Union or NATO with a presence in the Indo-Pacific region, the following:
added
An estimate of the percentage of each military’s total forces, disaggregated by service branch (land, maritime, air), that are typically deployed, stationed, or otherwise present in the Indo-Pacific region on an annual basis.
added
Types and frequency of military activities, such as maritime patrols, joint training exercises, port visits, freedom of navigation operations, and other relevant operations conducted in the Indo-Pacific region.
added
Identification and assessment of the specific offensive, defensive, and logistics capabilities deployed or maintained by each military in the region, including platforms, systems, and infrastructure.
added
An analysis of how the military presence and capabilities of each military complement enhances or increases United States military readiness and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sec. 1319 Strategy to enhance Indo-Pacific defense industrial cooperation
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a strategy to enhance defense industrial cooperation between the United States and allies and partners of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.
added
Strategy requirements— The strategy required by subsection (a) shall—
added
describe current activities and identify future actions to be taken over the next 5 years by the Department of Defense to enhance defense industrial cooperation (as such term is defined in the Security Assistance Management Manual of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency) between the United States and allies and partners of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, including efforts under the existing Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience;
added
identify lessons the Department has learned from defense industrial cooperation initiatives with European allies, including through meetings among National Armament Directors of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the European Union, and NATO, for efforts to enhance defense industrial cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region;
added
identify priority armaments for joint development, production, or sustainment with Indo-Pacific allies and partners, including priority weapons systems for joint acquisition and sustainment with Taiwan; and
added
describe plans for cooperating with the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, and other relevant Federal departments or agencies to resolve bureaucratic hurdles, such as export controls, that could impede deeper defense industrial collaboration with Indo-Pacific allies and partners of the United States.
added
Briefing and report—
added
Briefing— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on the strategy required by subsection (a), including an identification of any changes to funding or policy required to enhance defense industrial collaboration with Indo-Pacific allies and partners of the United States.
added
Interim report on implementation— Not later than March 15, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the progress of the implementation of the strategy required by subsection (a), including any resource or authority gaps identified in the Department’s ability to execute the strategy.
Sec. 1320 Annual report on Taiwan capabilities and intelligence support
addedadded Section 1248 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended—
added
in subsection (a)—
added
by striking “fiscal year 2027, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall jointly” and inserting “fiscal year 2031, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall”;
added
in paragraph (2), by striking “ability of Taiwan” and inserting “readiness of the Taiwan military”;
added
by redesignating paragraph (16) as paragraph (19); and
added
by adding after paragraph (15) the following:
added “(16) An assessment regarding how Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia would likely respond to contingencies, including—
added “(A) a military strike or invasion of Taiwan or an offshore island of Taiwan, including Kinmen, Matsu, Wuciou, Taiping Island, and Penghu;
added “(B) a commercial blockade of Taiwan in which international vessels are subjected to search or seizure by the People’s Liberation Army;
added “(C) a major cyberattack against the critical infrastructure of Taiwan; and
added “(D) a seizure of one or more of Taiwan’s offshore islands or territorial claims.
added “(17) Guidance for representatives from the military of Taiwan to attend, as observers and as appropriate, joint military exercises led by the United States, such as the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise.
added “(18) An assessment of the feasibility of using economic tools, including export controls, sanctions, and tariffs, to deter China from carrying out the actions described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (16).”
added
in subsection (b)—
added
in paragraph (2), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;
added
in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
added
by adding at the end the following:
added “(4) an assessment of how the United States Armed Forces could marshal resources to respond to the actions described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (a)(16), based on the force posture and stockpiles of the Armed Forces.”
Sec. 1321 Strategic partnership on defense industrial priorities between the United States and Taiwan
addedadded The Secretary of Defense shall seek to establish a partnership between the Department of Defense and appropriate counterparts of Taiwan in order to—
added
enhance market opportunities for United States-based and Taiwan-based defense technology companies;
added
bolster Taiwan’s defense industrial base;
added
harmonize global security posture through emerging technology;
added
counter the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese Communist Party-aligned adversarial proxy group development of dual-use defense technologies; and
added
in coordination with appropriate counterpart offices of the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense—
added
enable coordination on defense industrial priorities;
added
streamline emerging defense technology research and development;
added
create more pathways to market for defense technology startups; and
added
collaborate on the coordinated development of dual-use defense capabilities, such as—
added
drones;
added
microchips.
added
directed energy weapons.
added
artificial intelligence.
added
missile technology.
added
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technology.
Sec. 1322 Reporting Requirement on Obstacles to Taiwanese Procurement
added
added
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report identifying obstacles to United States assistance in strengthening Taiwan's self-defense capabilities as well as any policy recommendations to address those obstacles.
added
Form— The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
added
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. 1323 Invitation to Taiwan to the rim of the Pacific exercise
addedadded The Secretary of Defense is directed to invite the naval forces of Taiwan to any Rim of the Pacific Exercise that is to take place following the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 1324 Support for Taiwan to improve the resilience and security of its energy infrastructure
addedadded The President should take such actions as may be necessary to—
added
consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), support efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s ability to withstand any potential blockade or embargo, in whole or in part, including by exploring opportunities for training and support to the Taiwan Navy with respect to convoy operations involving liquefied natural gas; and
added
ensure Taiwan is eligible for energy security and diversification efforts undertaken by the United States pursuant to section 2004 of the European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019, including by providing Taiwan with access to same liquified natural gas programs as European countries.
Sec. 1415 Report on prioritization of recovery of rare earth elements from end-of-life equipment
added
added
Report required— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the efforts of the Department of Defense to prioritize the recovery of rare earth elements from end-of-life equipment of the Department through the Strategic Materials Recovery and Reuse Program.
added
Elements— The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
A description of current activities of the Strategic Materials Recovery and Reuse Program to recover rare earth elements from end-of-life equipment of the Department of Defense.
added
An assessment of planned expansions of the Strategic Materials Recovery and Reuse Program to increase the recovery and recycling of rare earth elements within the United States.
added
A description of the management practices, partnerships, and resource requirements necessary to scale the operations of the Strategic Materials Recovery and Reuse Program to increase the recovery and recycling of rare earth elements within the United States.
added
Recommendations for enhancing the recovery and recycling of rare earth elements domestically under the Strategic Materials Recovery and Reuse Program to support the defense industrial base and reduce the reliance of the Department of Defense on foreign sources for rare earth elements.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “strategic and critical materials” means materials determined by the President to be strategic and critical materials under section 3(a) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98b(a)).
added
The term “Strategic Materials Recovery and Reuse Program” means the program of the Defense Logistics Agency established pursuant to section 6(a)(5) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98e(a)(5)) for the recovery of strategic and critical materials available from Federal agencies.
Sec. 1502 Codification of the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
Management of the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber—
In general— The Director of Cyber Academic Engagement Office shall manage the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber program.
Responsibilities— In managing the Program, the Director shall—
consult with the Director of the National Security Agency, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Director of the National Science Foundation, to ensure that the cyber education programs and educational resource development efforts and programs of the Federal Government do not compete or conflict with each other;
consult with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies and representatives of appropriate private sector entities, academic institutions, and other organizations as determined necessary by the Director to make the designations under subsection (b); and
manage instructional and participatory opportunities available through the efforts, programs, initiatives, and investments from primary through postsecondary levels accounted for in the report required under section 1649 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1758).
Designations—
In general— In addition the responsibilities under subsection (a)(2), in carrying out the Program, the Director shall designate academic institutions as National Centers of Academic Excellence in one or more of cyber defense, cyber operations, and cyber research.
Criteria— The Director shall make the designations under paragraph (1) based on the following:
Academic requirements and best practices identified by the Director in consultation with Departments and Agencies enabling the development of educational programs reflecting the full range of cyber work roles specified in the Defense Cyber Workforce Framework, the National Initiative on Cyber Education Workforce Framework for Cyber published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in NIST Special Publication 800–181, Revision 5, or any successor framework.
Institutional criteria and requirements emphasizing the following:
Outreach to the surrounding community of an eligible academic institution.
Leadership in contributing to the development of a national cyber workforce, including cultivating educational institution faculty and research leaders.
Leadership in the development of educational and performance expectations for cyber professionals, including through curriculum and degree offerings to prepare future cyber professionals of all knowledge and skill levels.
Demonstrated commitment to implementing cyber best practices within the eligible academic institution across academic disciplines.
Demonstrated commitment to seek solutions to challenges in addressing Federal, State, local, territorial, and Tribal level Cyber education needs.
Regional accreditation from one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the Federal Department of Education providing external review to assure quality and ongoing improvement.
Increasing collaboration within the cyber education community to support development and sharing of educational materials and curriculum.
Increasing collaboration with private sector entities and government employers at the Federal, State, local, territorial, and Tribal levels to further define workforce requirements and assist in defining academic requirements to prepare students for the field of cyber.
Metrics and reporting—
Metrics— The Director shall—
collaborate with the individuals described in subsection (a)(2)(A) to identify metrics and annual data reporting requirements necessary to assess the degree to which the Program is meeting the objectives of the Program; and
ensure adequate data and best practices are made available to the individuals described in subsection (a)(2)(A) to measure the efficacy of the Program and the benefits provided to individuals participating in the Program and to the Department compared to costs of the Program paid by academic institutions participating in the Program and sponsors of the Program.
Annual report— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director shall submit to Congress a report on the benefits provided to individuals participating in the Program and to the Department compared to costs of the Program paid by academic institutions participating in the program and sponsors of the Program.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “academic institution” academic institution means an eligible and current United States community college, college, academy, institute, or university in the United States for designation under the Program.
changed
The term “Cyber Cyber Academic Engagement Office” Office means the office established under section 2192c(a) of title 10, United States Code.
changed
The term “Director” Director means the Director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office.
changed
The term “Program” Program means the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber program.
Sec. 1505 Incentivization plan for critical skills for members of the Armed Forces to carry out Department of Defense cyber operations
Plan required— The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Cyber Command, shall develop and implement a plan to incentivize critical skills and proficiencies for covered members of the Armed Forces required to carry out Department of Defense cyber operations.
Elements— The plan required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
An identification of critical skills and proficiencies required by covered members of the Armed Forces to carry out Department of Defense cyber operations.
A process for reassessment of critical skills and identification of lessons learned with respect to such operations.
An identification of skill sets related to such operations that should require periodic recertification.
Estimated personnel levels required for each skill set and proficiency related to such operations.
A process for identifying personnel levels and skills of covered members of the Armed Forces that may be useful for such operations.
A process for providing continuation or certification pay for each skill set needed for such operations.
An anticipated budget for incentives to be used with—
the level of cyber operations personnel as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and
a level of cyber operations personnel that the Secretary considers to be full capacity.
Report— Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the plan required under subsection (a).
changed
Covered members of the Armed Forces defined— In this section, the term “covered covered members of the Armed Forces” Forces means members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
Sec. 1513 Update to cyber security requirements for telecommunications contracts
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall implement regulations requiring that each covered telecommunications contract includes updated cyber security requirements for Department wireless telecommunication devices to protect against domestic and international cybersecurity attacks, including SS7 signaling attacks, diameter signaling attacks, SIM hacking, and simulated cellular sites.
Elements— The cyber security requirements required to be included in covered telecommunication contracts under subsection (a) shall include the following:
Disabling the use of 2G and 3G telecommunication networks by Department wireless telecommunication devices, and security vulnerabilities in inbound and outbound Signaling System 7 traffic from foreign countries and operators of foreign telecommunications networks.
Providing protection against all categories of Diameter protocol exploitation, including Category 0 non-application information, Category 1 application ID and command codes, Category 2 application-specific values, and Category 3 location and time.
Enabling and facilitating rotation of traditionally persistent alphanumeric identifiers used to authentic users, including the international mobile subscriber identity for users, including the international mobile subscriber identity.
Real-time monitoring and blocking of suspicious connections and requests that pose a high risk to cybersecurity, including any connection or request that would force a Department wireless telecommunication device to use a 3G telecommunication network, improperly filtered signaling traffic, and connections or requests that do not match the location of the subscriber, as well as real-time alerting when a user of Department wireless telecommunication device is targeted by a high-risk connection or request.
Encrypting data and call sessions, encrypting call data records in storage, and storing call data records not longer than 60 days.
Apply modern cryptographic protections to prevent the ability to transfer phone numbers between devices and disabling user requests to transfer phone numbers between devices.
Hosting the software infrastructure for the mobile network in a commercial cloud computing environment and making publicly available quarterly cybersecurity audits conducted by independent auditors on behalf of the Department of Defense.
Certification— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall certify to the congressional defense committees that the Secretary of the Navy has implemented the regulations required by subsection (a).
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “covered covered telecommunications contract” contract means a contract—
that is entered into under the multiple award contract (as defined in section 3302(a) of title 41, United States Code) described in the memorandum of the Department of Defense entitled “DoD UNCLASSIFIED Wireless Mobile Services and Devices Spiral 4” and dated May 23, 2024; or
under which the Navy acquires wireless telecommunication services or devices.
changed
The term “Department Department wireless telecommunication device” device means a wireless telecommunication device—
acquired under a covered telecommunications contract; or
that is using wireless telecommunication services under a covered telecommunications contract.
Sec. 1515 Strategy to defend against risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence
added
added
Strategy to defend against risks posed by automated and enhanced adversarial cyber operations conducted with artificial intelligence—
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the officials described in paragraph (3), shall submit to Congress a report that includes the following:
added
A description of interagency policies and procedures to defend the defense industrial base, cybersecurity capabilities, supply chains, and physical and operational security of the United States from the national and economic security risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence in the commission of information espionage and cyber attacks.
added
An itemized list of readily available resources, hardware, software, and technologies that can be immediately used to combat the use of artificial intelligence in the commission of information espionage and cyber attacks.
added
An itemized list of resources, hardware, software, technologies, people, and budgetary estimates needed to help Federal agencies combat the use of artificial intelligence in the commission of information espionage and cyber attacks.
added
Considerations— Each report required by paragraph (1) shall take the following risks into consideration the following:
added
Deepfakes.
added
Voice cloning.
added
Non-kinetic autonomous weapons systems.
added
Synthetic Identities.
added
Enhanced cyber capabilities and automated cyber attacks.
added
Overall digital flashpoint scenarios and escalation through speed.
added
Officials described— The officials described in this paragraph are the heads of the following:
added
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
added
The Defense Innovation Unit.
added
The United States Cyber Command.
added
The Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President.
added
The Office of Strategic Capital.
added
The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office.
added
Recommendations— Not later than 90 days after the submission of a report under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a set of recommendations relating to such report that contains the following:
added
Recommendations for legislation to address the risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence in the commission of information espionage and cyber attacks.
added
Best practices to assist United State businesses and government entities with risk mitigation and incident response to address the risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence in the commission of information espionage and cyber attacks.
Sec. 1534 Reports on AI use for business processes
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter as determined necessary, the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Chief Information Officers of each military department (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code), shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report analyzing the use of artificial intelligence tools and capabilities across the business process of the Department of Defense for the purposes of establishing guidelines for the appropriate use of artificial intelligence across the Department.
added
Use of market research— The Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense shall use market research in conducting the analysis required for the report under subsection (a).
added
Contents— The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An overview of the use by the Department of Defense of artificial intelligence tools and capabilities, including commercial technologies, in business processes of the Department.
added
An overview of how the Department of Defense will carry out ongoing market research of emerging and commercial artificial intelligence tools and capabilities for the modernization of defense business systems (as defined in section 2222(i) of title 10, United States Code) to ensure the Department may leverage advancements by domestic industry.
added
An analysis of the current and future costs to the Department of Defense from the use of artificial intelligence tools and capabilities for the modernization of defense business systems (as defined in section 2222(i) of title 10, United States Code), including the cost of infrastructure required to support such tools and capabilities and cloud computing.
added
Such other information that the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense determines appropriate.
Sec. 1541 Modification to certification requirement regarding contracting for military recruiting
changed
Section 1555 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 581; 10 U.S.C. 503 note) is amended by striking subsection (c).amended—
added
in subsection (a), by striking “does not” and all that follows through the end and inserting the following:
added “(1) rate or rank news or information sources for the factual accuracy of their content;
added “(2) provide ratings or opinions on news or in formation sources regarding misinformation, bias, adherence to journalistic standards, or ethics; or
added “(3) acquire or use any service that provides any ratings, rankings, or opinions described in paragraph (1) or (2) from any other person.”
added
by striking subsection (c).
Sec. 1543 Assessment of cyber-phyiscal ranges as potential National Cyber Range complexes
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report assessing the benefits and costs of designating the cyber-physical ranges of the Department of Defense as National Cyber Range complexes or providing the treatment of such cyber-physical ranges in a manner that is similar to the treatment of a National Cyber Range complex, including—
an assessment of whether to so designate one or more such cyber-physical ranges or to so treat such cyber-physical ranges; and
a plan for making such designations and a plan for so treating such cyber-physical ranges, each of which shall include—
the designation of an entity within the Office of the Under Secretary that is best placed to assume responsibility for the oversight, operation, and sustainment of such cyber-physical ranges;
the annual funding requirements for entity designated under subparagraph (A) to operate, sustain, and, if necessary, modernize such cyber-physical ranges; and
an estimated timeline for transitioning the management of such cyber-physical ranges to the entity designated under subparagraph (A).
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “cyber-physical range” cyber-physical range means a range that simulates a real-world environment across physical, logical and cyber-persona layers that can be used for research, development, testing, training and evaluation through the competition continuum.
changed
The term “National National Cyber Range complex” complex means an integrated cyber range capability operated by the Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center.
Sec. 1607 Auxiliary payload for Next Generation Polar Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites
added
added
Revised acquisition strategy— The Secretary of the Defense shall direct the milestone decision authority for the Next Generation Polar Overhead Persistent Infrared satellite program to revise the acquisition strategy for such program to include the auxiliary payload (commoly referred to “APS-A”) in the program of record.
added
Definitions— In this section, the terms “acquisition strategy” and “milestone decision authority” have the meanings given those terms in section 4211 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 1608 Assistance by United States Space Command to track fentanyl trafficking
added
added
Authority— Chapter 135 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
added “2279e. Provision of assistance to track fentanyl trafficking
added “(a) Authority—The Secretary of Defense and the Commander of the United States Space Command shall use the technology and resources of the United States Space Command to provide assistance to covered departments and agencies with respect to tracking fentanyl trafficking, including precursor chemicals and supplies and the entities carrying out such trafficking.
added “(b) Covered departments and agencies—In this section, the term covered departments and agencies means the following:
added “(1) The Department of Justice.
added “(2) The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
added “(3) The Drug Enforcement Administration.
added “(4) The Office of Homeland Security Investigations of the Department of Homeland Security.
added “(5) Any other department or agency of the Federal Government, including elements of the intelligence community, the Secretary determines appropriate.”
added
Report— Not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on assistance provided under section 2279e of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), including an assessment of—
added
the effectiveness of the technology used to provide such assistance; and
added
how such assistance has affected fentanyl trafficking investigations.
Sec. 1614 Facility clearance acceleration for members of defense industrial consortiums
changed
Acceleration of facility clearance— The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each entity that is a member of the consortium established by section 1842 of this Act or a member of the Defense Industrial Base Consortium with which the Department of Defense has entered an other transaction authority agreement —agreement—
is sponsored for a facility clearance;
is provided access to classified work areas and networks where the member can perform classified work; and
not less than quarterly, is invited in person to meetings with relevant Department of Defense personnel to discuss classified information.
Plan— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the congressional defense committees detailing a plan to increase the number of facility clearances provided to members described in subsection (a). Such plan shall include—
an assessment of any existing related efforts to increase facility clearance access and how such efforts might be accelerated and elevated in priority;
target metrics for increased facility clearances in association with membership in a consortium described in subsection (a);
an identification of any additional funding or authorities required to support increased facility clearance processing; and
any other matters the Secretary of Defense considers relevant.
Sec. 1615 Requirement to authorize additional security clearances for certain contractors
Designation of additional personnel— Any entity that enters into a covered contract or agreement with a component of the Department of Defense may designate additional covered persons who may submit an application for a security clearance in accordance with this section.
Investigation and adjudication— The appropriate authorized investigative agency and authorized adjudicative agency shall, upon receiving an application by an additional covered person designated under paragraph (1)—
conduct an investigation of the background of an additional covered person for purposes of determining the eligibility of such additional covered person for access to classified information; and
make a determination as to whether such additional covered person is eligible for access to classified information.
Final determination— If an entity that enters into a covered contract or agreement determines an initial covered person is unable to perform the work intended to be performed by that person under such covered contract or agreement person, an additional covered person may perform such work in lieu of the initial covered person if—
the person received a favorable determination under subsection (b) with respect to eligibility for access to classified information;
the person has a demonstrated need-to-know under Executive Order 12968, provided that demonstrating such need-to-know shall not require an investigation or adjudication with respect to eligibility for access to classified information in addition to the investigation and adjudication required under subsection (b); and
the person signs appropriate agreements with respect to non-disclosure of classified information.
Limitation on number of personnel—
Maximum per contract— The number of additional covered persons designated by an entity under subsection (a) for each covered contract or agreement may not exceed the greater of—
during the 5-year period that begins on the date of the enactment of this Act, 5 percent of the number of security clearances required to be held by covered persons to perform work under the covered contract or agreement; and
after the 5-year period that begins on the date of the enactment of this Act, 10 percent of the number of security clearances required to be held by covered persons to perform work under the covered contract or agreement; and
1 person.
Maximum per entity— The number of additional covered persons designated by an entity under subsection (a) may not exceed the greater of—
10 percent of the total number of security clearances required to be held by covered persons to perform work under all covered contracts or agreements of the entity; and
1 person.
Costs—
Authority to charge and collect— The Secretary of Defense may charge fees or collect amounts to cover the costs associated with investigating, adjudicating, and maintaining a security clearance for which an application is submitted under subsection (a).
Retention of amounts— Notwithstanding section 3302(b) of title 31, United States Code—
the Secretary of Defense may retain amounts received under paragraph (1); and
any amount so retained shall be deposited into an account to be determined by the Secretary of Defense and shall be made available without further appropriation until expended for the purpose of investigating, adjudicating, or maintaining security clearances.
Prohibition on bearing costs— The Secretary of Defense may not bear any cost associated with investigating, adjudicating, or maintaining a security clearance the application for which is submitted pursuant to subsection (a).
Unallowable cost— Any fees charged or amounts collected under this subsection to cover the costs associated with investigating, adjudicating, and maintaining a security clearance for which an application is submitted under subsection (a) may not be considered an allowable cost under a covered contract or agreement.
Applicability— This section shall apply with respect to contracts and other agreements entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Rule of construction— Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Secretary of Defense to grant any person access to classified information unless a favorable determination of eligibility to access such classified information is made with respect to such person.
Relationship to other laws— This section shall apply subject to Executive Order 12968, Executive Order 10865, and any successor executive orders, but notwithstanding any other provision of law.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
Additional covered person— The term “additional additional covered person” person means a covered person designated by a private-sector entity as an alternative covered person who is intended to be available to conduct work under a covered contract or agreement that requires a security clearance if an initial covered person becomes unavailable to complete such work.
changed
Authorized adjudicative agency; authorized investigative agency— The terms “authorized authorized adjudicative agency” agency and “authorized authorized investigative agency” agency have the meaning given the terms in section 3001(a) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (50 U.S.C. 3341(a)).
changed
Covered contract or agreement— The term “covered covered contract or agreement” agreement means a contract or other agreement between a private-sector entity and a component of the Department of Defense the performance of which requires a specified number of covered persons to hold a security clearance.
changed
Covered person— The term “covered person” covered person means a contractor to or employee of a private-sector entity.
changed
Initial covered person— The term “initial initial covered person” person means a covered person designated by a private-sector entity as responsible for conducting work under a covered contract or agreement that requires a security clearance.
Sec. 1616 Prohibition on access to Department of Defense cloud-based resources by individuals who are not citizens of the United States or allied countries
added
added
Maintenance, administration, operation, and access—
added
Prohibition— No individual who is a citizen of a foreign country of concern may maintain, administer, operate, use, receive information about, or directly access or indirectly access, regardless of whether the individual is supervised by a citizen of the United States, any Department of Defense cloud computing system.
added
Safeguards— The Secretary of Defense shall establish regulations to carry out this subsection, including safeguards to ensure that only individuals the Secretary determines appropriate may maintain, administer, operate, access, and use the systems, software, and data described in paragraph (1).
added
Department of Defense guidance, directives, procedures, requirements, and regulations— The Secretary shall—
added
review all relevant guidance, directives, procedures, requirements, and regulations of the Department of Defense, including the Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide, the Security Technical Implementation Guides, and related Department instructions; and
added
make such revisions as may be necessary to ensure conformity and compliance with subsection (a).
added
Review and report— The Secretary shall—
added
conduct a review of all cloud computing contracts in effect for the Department—
added
for any violations of section 252.225–7058 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and recommended penalties; and
added
to determine—
added
which contracts have allowed unauthorized individuals to maintain, administer, operate, or directly access or indirectly access, whether supervised or unsupervised by a United States citizen, any Government cloud computing system; and
added
how many of the individuals described in clause (i) are citizens of foreign countries of concern; and
added
submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the review conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).
added
Definitions— ln this section:
added
The term cloud computing has the meaning given such term in section 239.7601 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, or successor regulation.
added
The term directly access, with respect to a system, software, or data, means—
added
to physically access the system, software, or data; or
added
to logically access the system, software, or data, through proxy, virtual, administrative, or programmatic means such that an individual can modify, alter, control, administer, configure, or deploy the system, software, or data.
added
The term foreign country of concern has the meaning given that term in section 9901 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651).
added
The term indirectly access, with respect to a system, software, or data, means to obtain, receive, collect, or derive information from the system, software, or data regarding technical details, operational characteristics, or security-related attributes, including—
added
system configurations;
added
network architecture;
added
security controls;
added
data schemas;
added
performance metrics; and
added
access logs or other information that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the system, software, or data.
Sec. 1617 National Security Agency support for defense industrial base and critical infrastructure cybersecurity operations
addedadded Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 1611 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:
added “430f. National Security Agency support for defense industrial base and critical infrastructure cybersecurity operations
added “The Director of the National Security Agency may carry out activities to support the cybersecurity of the defense industrial base, the telecommunications sector, and cybersecurity service providers, including—
added “(1) programs to facilitate the bidirectional sharing of cyber threat intelligence to—
added “(A) share classified and unclassified cyber threat intelligence, security guidance, and technical resources to support threat detection and mitigation; and
added “(B) receive voluntarily provided information to support the activities of the National Security Agency and other departments and agencies of the Federal Government, including to—
added “(i) conduct offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations; and
added “(ii) develop jointly produced cybersecurity products in coordination with the private sector; and
added “(2) providing direct cybersecurity support, upon request, to entities within the defense industrial base, the telecommunications sector, and cybersecurity service providers to—
added “(A) enhance the capability of such entities to defend such entities and customers of such entities;
added “(B) respond swiftly to cyber incidents; and
added “(C) implement effective mitigation measures.”
Sec. 1618 Report on Russian active measures in NATO territory
added
added
In general— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes—
added
an assessment of the extent of Russia’s active measures against NATO allies and partners, specifically with regard to industrial, commercial, and military sabotage;
added
a detailed description of Russia’s recruitment methods of agents in NATO countries, such as blackmail, bribery, and threats of harm;
added
a threat assessment of these actions toward U.S. and NATO bases and infrastructure; and
added
an assessment of the extent of direct involvement by the Russian intelligence services in these operations.
added
Form— The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but portions of the report may contain a classified annex, so long as such annex is provided separately from the unclassified report.
added
Appropriate congressional committees defined— In this section, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
added
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Select Committee On Intelligence, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; and
added
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
Sec. 1619 Report on delays in accreditation of sensitive compartmented information facilities
added
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on delays in the accreditation of sensitive compartmented information facilities.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall include—
added
the average amount of time it takes to accredit a sensitive compartmented information facility;
added
an identification of each request for accreditation of such a facility that has been pending for more than 30 days, including the amount of time each request has been pending;
added
an assessment of the primary causes of delays in accreditation of sensitive compartmented information facilities; and
added
recommendations to ensure timely accreditation of such facilities.
Sec. 1628 Report on dismantlement of legacy nuclear weapons
added
added
In general— Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security shall jointly submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the dismantlement of legacy nuclear weapons.
added
Elements— The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
A description of current plans with respect to dismantlement rates and nuclear weapon types scheduled for dismantlement.
added
An identification of materials planned to be recovered through dismantlement of legacy nuclear weapons.
added
A summary of the reuse potential of such materials.
added
An assessment of defense needs with respect to recovered materials, including nuclear materials.
added
A description of any recoverable materials excess to defense needs.
added
A plan for the disposition intended for any plutonium previously declared excess to defense needs, including an assessment of whether any such plutonium should be retained for future defense needs.
added
Form— The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
Sec. 1643 Prohibition privatized or subscription-based missile defense intercept capabilities
Subchapter II of chapter 551 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“5516. Prohibition on privatized or subscription-based missile defense intercept capabilities
“(a) Prohibition—The Secretary of Defense may only develop, deploy, test, or operate a missile defense system with kinetic missile defense capabilities if—
“(1) the missile defense system is owned and operated by the armed forces; and
“(2) such capabilities do not use a subscription-based service, a pay-for-service model, or a recurring-fee model to engage or intercept a target.
“(b) Inherently governmental function—The decision to engage in kinetic missile defense activities, including targeting, launch authorization, and engagement of airborne or spaceborne threats, is an inherently governmental function that only officers or employees of the Federal Government or members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may perform.
“(c) Rule of construction—Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from—
“(1) entering into contracts with private entities for the research, development, manufacture, maintenance, or testing of missile defense systems;
“(2) entering into or carrying out co-production or co-development arrangements, or other cooperative agreements, with allies and partners of the United States with respect to missile defense capabilities; or
“(3) procuring commercial services for remote sensing, telemetry, threat tracking, data analysis, data transport, or early warning, if such services do not directly involve the execution or command of kinetic missile defense activities.
“(d) Definitions—For the purposes of this section:
changed
“(1) The term “kinetic kinetic missile defense activities” activities means any action intended to physically intercept, neutralize, or destroy a missile, projectile, aircraft, or other airborne threat, including those using kinetic interceptors or directed energy.
changed
“(2) The term “kinetic kinetic missile defense capabilities” capabilities means any system or platform that is designed to be able to carry out kinetic missile defense activities.
changed
“(3) The term “subscription-based service” subscription-based service means any arrangement in which a private entity provides ongoing or recurring operational access to missile defense capabilities in exchange for periodic payment.”
Sec. 1644 Funding for sea-based launch for missile defense targets
added
added
Increase— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes, line 098, Ballistic Missile Defense Targets, is hereby increased by $10,000,000 (with the amount of such increase to be made available for sea-based launch for missile defense targets).
added
Offset— Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operations and Maintenance, Army, Other Service Support, line 470, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $10,000,000.
Sec. 1645 Submission of summary of certain Guam missile defense report
addedadded Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an unclassified summary of the report required by section 1660 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263).
Sec. 1646 Middle East integrated air and missile defense
addedadded Section 1658 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2951) is amended—
added
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
added
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
added “(c) Report
added “(1) Requirement—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing an update on progress made toward implementing an integrated air and missile defense architecture described in subsection (a).
added “(2) Matters included—The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
added “(A) An assessment of the threat of ballistic and cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aerial systems, and rocket attacks from Iran and groups linked to Iran to allies and partners within the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command.
added “(B) A description of the missile defense priorities and capability needs of the United States Central Command to defend against the threats described in subparagraph (A), and the planned regional missile defense architectures derived from such priorities and capability needs.
added “(C) An analysis of current integrated air and missile defense systems in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command to defend against threats described in subparagraph (A) and meet the missile defense priorities described in subparagraph (B).
added “(D) An assessment of progress made towards addressing challenges identified and meeting benchmarks established in the strategy required by subsection (b), including—
added “(i) an identification of elements of the multinational integrated air and missile defense architecture that have been acquired by specified foreign partners since October 7, 2023; and
added “(ii) an identification of elements of the multinational integrated air and missile defense architecture that—
added “(I) can be acquired and operated by specified foreign partners; and
added “(II) can only be provided and operated by members of the Armed Forces.
added “(E) Lessons learned in combat operations against aerial threats since the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, including—
added “(i) countering the April 13, 2024, and October 1, 2024, ballistic missile and drone attacks by Iran against Israel, including—
added “(I) the adequacy of pre-existing data sharing agreements in facilitating effective joint responses with recommendations for further improvements;
added “(II) the extent to which defensive operations were accomplished with personnel and equipment on regularly planned deployments versus personnel and equipment surged to the region on an ad hoc basis;
added “(III) a comparative analysis of the performances of systems operated by the United States and operated by Israel in intercepting Iranian fires missiles and drones during the attacks;
added “(IV) an estimate of the extent to which a similarly effective defense could be provided to allies and partners in the Middle East if attacked by Iran, and if currently insufficient, what changes to force structure or pre-staged equipment would be required to effectively do so; and
added “(V) the extent to which the strategy under subsection (b) contributed to such defensive operations; and
added “(ii) countering the more than 900 projectiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen against maritime targets in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command.
added “(F) Such other matters as the Secretary considers relevant.
added “(3) Protection of sensitive information—Any activity carried out under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in a manner that is consistent with protection of intelligence sources and methods and appropriately protects sensitive information and the national security interests of the United States.
added “(4) Format—The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.”
Sec. 1652 Limitation on authority to reduce sustainment for or halt operation of the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar
added
added
Limitation— Until the date on which the certification described in subsection (b) is submitted to the congressional defense committees, the Secretary of Defense—
added
may not reduce sustainment efforts for, halt operation of, or prepare to reduce sustainment efforts for or halt operation of, the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar located at Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island, Alaska;
added
shall sustain the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar in a manner that preserves, at a minimum, the operational availability of the system as of the date of the enactment of this section; and
added
shall ensure that the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar continues to meet the operational requirements of the combatant commands that are met by such system as of the date of the enactment of this section.
added
Certification described— The certification described in this subsection is a written certification from the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chief of Space Operations and the Director of the Missile Defense Agency, indicating that the replacement capability for the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar—
added
will reach initial operational capability at the same time or before the termination of operations for the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar; and
added
at the time such replacement capability achieves initial operational capability, will have the ability to meet the operational requirements of the combatant commands that have been, or that are expected to be, assigned to such replacement capability.
added
Exception— The limitation described in subsection (a) shall not apply to temporary interruptions of operational availability for the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar provided such activities are necessary to support maintenance or modernization activities of the system.
Sec. 1653 Sense of Congress with respect to arrow interceptor production capacity and inventory
added
added
Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that—
added
it is in the national security interest of the United States to help allies and partners of the United States, including Israel, strengthen—
added
the air and missile defense capability of such allies and partners; and
added
the capacity of such allies and partners against common threats;
added
such efforts help deter and defeat aggression that threatens—
added
allies;
added
forward-positioned members of the Armed Forces; and
added
Americans residing in allied countries; and
added
increased partner air and missile defense capacity also reduces demand on the Armed Forces.
added
Report— Not later than the first March 1 following the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on cooperation between the United States and Israel with respect to increased production capacity and inventory of the Arrow interceptor. Such report shall include:
added
An assessment of Israel’s Arrow missile defense system capacity as of the date of the enactment of this section, including launchers and interceptors.
added
An assessment of the current supply base for such system and how such supply base can be strengthened.
added
A detailed summary of the steps the Department of Defense is taking in cooperation with industry and the State of Israel to increase Arrow missile defense production capacity and inventory.
added
An identification of any challenges or obstacles encountered and current plans to address such challenges or obstacles.
added
Specific authorities or appropriations that Congress could provide to expedite and expand efforts to increase Arrow missile defense system production capacity and the number of deployed systems and interceptors.
added
An assessment of what additional steps would be required to establish a fully redundant Arrow production capacity in the United States.
added
Form— The report described in this section shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.
Sec. 1703 Made-in-America defense articles and services expedited through direct commercial sales
added
added
Sense of Congress— Congress—
added
believes the expeditious delivery of defense articles and services to allies and partners strengthens American national security;
added
notes that the Department of Defense contracting process often adds significant amounts of time to the delivery of defense articles and services to allies and partners, and in some cases these articles and services could be appropriately transferred more quickly using direct commercial sales; and
added
supports the ongoing and periodic review of the FMS-Only List to ensure that defense articles and services that can be appropriately transferred using direct commercial sales are not included on the FMS-Only list.
added
Review and report—
added
Review—
added
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall carry out a review of defense articles and defense services that are eligible to be provided under the foreign military sales program under chapter 2 of the Arms Export Control Act, but not eligible to be provided under direct commercial sales under section 38 of such Act, in order to identify those articles and services that should also be eligible to be provided under direct commercial sales.
added
Matters to be addressed— The review required by this subsection shall address the following with respect to each defense article and defense services identified under this subsection:
added
The average length of time to complete a transfer of the article or service under the foreign military sales program compared to such a transfer under a direct commercial sale, measured from the initial submission of the letter of request to the delivery of the article or service.
added
The impact on the workload for the Department of State and Department of Defense by reason of a transfer of the article or service under a direct commercial sale.
added
The benefits to United States national security and United States competitiveness by reason of a transfer of the article or service under a direct commercial sale.
added
Report—
added
In general— Not later than 30 days after the completion of each review required by subsection (a), the Secretary of State, in coordination of the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the results of the review, including—
added
the average time to transfer the reviewed defense articles or services during the previous reporting period through the foreign military sales program and through direct commercial sales and how those averages compare to the averages reported in the previous reporting period;
added
the leading causes of delays;
added
any steps taken to reduce those delays; and
added
any defense articles and services added to or removed from the FMS-Only list during the preceding reporting period, as well as the justification for such decisions.
added
Form— The report required by this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
added
Definitions— In this subsection—
added
the term appropriate congressional committees means—
added
the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
added
the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and
added
the term “FMS-only list” means the list maintained by the Secretary of State of defense articles and defense services that are eligible to be provided under the foreign military sales program under chapter 2 of the Arms Export Control Act, but not eligible to be provided under direct commercial sales under section 38 of such Act.
Sec. 1704 Modifications to authority for transfer and sale of certain surplus firearms, ammunition, and parts
added
added
Modifications to transfer authority— Section 40728 of title 36, United States Code, is amended—
added
in subsection (h)—
added
in paragraph (1), by inserting “surplus caliber .45 M45/M45A1 pistols and spare parts and related accessories and ammunition for those pistols, that on the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, are under the control of the Secretary and are surplus to the requirements of the Department of the Army, ” after “surplus to the requirements of the Department of the Army,”;
added
in paragraph (2), by inserting “, and may not transfer more than 10,000 surplus caliber .45 M45/M45A1 pistols,” after “may not transfer more than 10,000 surplus caliber .45 M1911/M1911A1 pistols”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
added “(3) The Secretary may further transfer to the corporation, in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this subchapter, surplus shotguns, including any shotguns that are surplus to the requirements of the Center of Military History and the Army Museum Enterprise, except for any shotgun that is a modular ancillary addition to a service rifle.”
added
in subsection (i)—
added
in paragraph (1), by striking “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018” and inserting “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
added “(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary of the Navy may further transfer to the corporation, in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this subchapter, surplus caliber .45 M45/M45A1 pistols and spare parts and related accessories and ammunition for those pistols, and surplus shotguns (except for any shotgun that is a modular ancillary addition to a service rifle), that on the date of the enactment of this paragraph are under the control of the Secretary and are surplus to the requirements of the Department of the Navy.
added “(4) The Secretary of the Navy may not transfer more than 10,000 surplus caliber .45 M45/M45A1 pistols to the corporation during any year and may only transfer such pistols as long as pistols described in paragraph (3) remain available for transfer.”
added
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
added “(j) Authorized Air Force transfers
added “(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Air Force may transfer to the corporation, in accordance with the procedures prescribed in this subchapter, surplus caliber .45 M45/M45A1 pistols and spare parts and related accessories and ammunition for those pistols, and surplus shotguns (except for any shotgun that is a modular ancillary addition to a service rifle), that on the date of the enactment of this paragraph are under the control of the Secretary and are surplus to the requirements of the Department of the Air Force.
added “(2) The Secretary of the Air Force may not transfer more than 10,000 surplus caliber .45 M45/M45A1 pistols to the corporation during any year and may only transfer such pistols as long as pistols described in paragraph (1) remain available for transfer.
added “(k) Authorized transfers by other Federal Departments and agencies
added “(1) The head of any Federal department or agency may transfer to the corporation, in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this subchapter, the firearms and ammunition specified in paragraph (2) that, on the date of the enactment of this subsection, are under the control of that department or agency and are surplus to the requirements of that department or agency.
added “(2) The firearms and ammunition specified in this paragraph are the following:
added “(A) Any surplus caliber .45 M1911/M1911A1 pistols.
added “(B) Any surplus caliber .45 M45/M45A1 pistol.
added “(C) Any surplus shotgun except for any shotgun that is modular ancillary addition to a service rifle.
added “(D) Any surplus caliber .22 or .30 caliber rifle.
added “(E) Any ammunition associated with a firearm described in subparagraph (A) through (D).”
added
Modifications to sale authority— Section 40732 of title 36, United States Code, is amended—
added
by striking “, and caliber .45 M1911/M1911A1 surplus pistols,” each place it appears and inserting “, caliber .45 M1911/M1911A1 surplus pistols, caliber .45 M45/M45A1 surplus pistols, and surplus shotguns (except for any shotgun that is a modular ancillary addition to a service rifle)”; and
added
in subsection (d)—
added
by striking “A person” and inserting “(1) A person”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
added “(2) A person who receives a caliber .45 M1911/M1911A1 surplus pistol, a caliber .45 M45/M45A1 surplus pistol, shotgun, or any ammunition, repair parts, or supplies, under section 40728 of this title may sell, at fair market value, such pistol, shotgun, ammunition, repair parts, or supplies.”
Sec. 1705 Mapping and report on strategic ports
added
added
Mapping and strategy required—
added
Mapping of global ports— The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall—
added
develop an updated, global mapping of foreign and domestic ports identified to be of importance to the United States, because of a capability to provide military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploration superiority; and
added
identify any efforts by the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or other PRC entities to build, buy, or otherwise control, directly or indirectly, such ports.
added
Submission of map— The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit the mapping developed pursuant to subsection (a) to the appropriate congressional committees. Such submission shall be in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
added
Study and report on strategic ports—
added
Study required— The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall conduct a study of—
added
strategic ports;
added
the reasons such ports are of interest to the United States;
added
the activities and plans of the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to expand its control over strategic ports outside of the People’s Republic of China;
added
the public and private actors, such as China Ocean Shipping Company, that are executing and supporting the activities and plans of the Government of the PRC to expand its control over strategic ports outside of the PRC;
added
the activities and plans of the Government of the PRC to expand its control over maritime logistics by promoting products, such as LOGINK, and setting industry standards outside the PRC;
added
how the control by the Government of the PRC over strategic ports outside of the PRC could harm the national security or economic interests of the United States and allies and partners of the United States; and
added
measures the United States Government could take to ensure open access and security for strategic ports and offer alternatives to PRC investments or stakes in strategic ports.
added
Conduct of study— The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense may enter into an arrangement with a federally funded research and development center under which the center shall conduct the study required under subsection (a).
added
Report—
added
In general— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).
added
Elements— The report required by paragraph (1) shall include—
added
a detailed list of all known strategic ports operated, controlled, or owned, directly or indirectly, by the PRC or by a foreign person of the PRC, and an assessment of the national security and economic interests relevant to each such port;
added
a detailed list of all known strategic ports operated, controlled, or owned, directly or indirectly, by the United States or United States persons and an assessment of the national security and economic interests relevant to each such port;
added
an assessment of vulnerabilities of—
added
ports operated, controlled, or owned, directly or indirectly, by the United States; and
added
strategic ports;
added
an analysis of the activities and actions of the Government of the PRC to gain control or ownership over strategic ports, including promoting products, such as LOGINK, and setting industry standards;
added
an assessment of how the Government of the PRC plans to expand its control over strategic ports outside of the PRC;
added
a suggested strategy, developed in consultation with the heads of the relevant United States Government offices, that suggests courses of action to secure trusted investment and ownership of strategic ports and maritime infrastructure, protect such ports and infrastructure from PRC control, and ensure open access and security for such ports, that includes—
added
a list of relevant existing authorities that can be used to carry out the strategy;
added
a list of any additional authorities necessary to carry out the strategy;
added
an assessment of products owned by the Government of the PRC or by an entity headquartered in the PRC that are used in connection with strategic ports or maritime infrastructure;
added
an assessment of the costs to—
added
secure such trusted investment and ownership;
added
replace products owned by the Government of the PRC or an entity headquartered in the PRC that are used in connection with such ports; and
added
enhance transparency around the negative impacts of PRC control over strategic ports; and
added
a list of funding sources to secure trusted investment and ownership of strategic ports, which shall include—
added
an identification of private funding sources; and
added
an identification of public funding sources, including loans, loan guarantees, and tax incentives; and
added
a suggested strategy for Federal agencies to maintain an up-to-date list of strategic ports.
added
an assessment of any national security threat posed by such investments or activities to United States diplomatic and defense personnel and facilities in the vicinity of such ports, including through cyber threats, electronically enabled espionage, or other means.
added
Form of report— The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
added
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
added
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.
added
The term “relevant United States Government offices” means—
added
the Unified Combatant Commands;
added
the Office of the Secretary of Defense;
added
the Office of the Secretary of State;
added
the United States International Development Finance Corporation;
added
the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and
added
the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation.
added
The term “strategic port” means an international port or waterway that the heads of the relevant United States Government offices determine is critical to the national security or economic prosperity of the United States.
Sec. 1706 Continuous assessment of impact of international state arms embargoes on Israel and actions to address defense capability gaps
added
added
Requirement for continuous assessment—
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall conduct a continual assessment of—
added
the scope, nature, and impact of current and emerging arms embargoes, sanctions, restrictions, or limitations imposed by foreign states or international organizations on Israel’s defense capabilities; and
added
the resulting gaps or vulnerabilities in Israel’s security posture, including its ability to maintain its qualitative military edge.
added
Frequency— The assessment required under paragraph (1) shall—
added
be updated not less than once every 180 days; and
added
be submitted to the congressional defense committees in both unclassified form and, as necessary, a classified annex.
added
Mitigation and support measures—
added
Identification of needs— Each assessment shall include a determination of specific defense capabilities, systems, or technologies that Israel is unable to procure, sustain, or modernize due to arms embargoes or restrictions.
added
United states actions— The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall identify and recommend actions the United States may take to mitigate such gaps, including—
added
expediting delivery of defense articles or services under the Foreign Military Sales program;
added
leveraging U.S. industrial base capacity to provide substitute capabilities;
added
expanding joint research, development, and production of defense technologies; and
added
enhancing cooperative training, prepositioning, and logistics support.
added
Reports to congress— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, and semiannually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the most recent assessment conducted under subsection (a).
added
Sunset— The requirement under this section shall terminate 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, unless reauthorized by Congress.
Sec. 1723 Evaluation of risks posed by communications equipment and services produced by foreign adversary entities
Section 1709 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 47 U.S.C. 1601 note) is amended—
in subsection (a), in the subsection heading, by striking “to covered list” and inserting “produced by DJI Technologies or Autel Robotics”;
by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively;
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:
“(b) Evaluation of unmanned aircraft systems communications equipment and services produced by foreign adversary entities
“(1) In general—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, an appropriate national security agency shall determine if any of the following communications equipment or services, including software, pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons:
changed “(A) Unmanned aircraft systems or cameras that are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by any person owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary.
changed “(B) Unmanned aircraft systems or cameras with integrated software provided by any person owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary.
changed “(C) Equipment that uses spectrum in the 5030–5091 MHz band, governed by part 88 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), or in the 5150–5850 MHz band, governed by part 15 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), that is designed, developed, manufactured, licensed, or supplied by any person owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary.
“(2) Addition to the covered list—If the appropriate national security agency does not make a determination as required by paragraph (1) by the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, the Commission shall add all equipment and services listed in paragraph (1) to the covered list.”
in subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by inserting “or (b)(1)” after “subsection (a)(1)” each place it appears;
in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by adding at the end the following:
“(6) The term unmanned aircraft system has the meaning given that term in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.
“(7) The term foreign adversary—
“(A) means a foreign adversary (as such term is defined in section 8(c) of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 1607(c))); and
“(B) includes any person owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary.
“(8) The term person owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary has the meaning given such term in section 791.301 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, or any such successor regulation.”
in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by striking “subsection (b)(1)(A)” and inserting “subsection (c)(1)(A)”.
Sec. 1724 Sense of Congress with respect to execution of warrants of the International Criminal Court
addedadded It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State must use every opportunity at forums involving NATO or major non-NATO allies to ensure that such allied countries do not enforce warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against members of the armed forces of the United States or of its other allies.
Sec. 1725 Briefing on expediting arms transfers to Israel
added
added
In General— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter for a period not to exceed 3 years, the Secretary of State, in coordination with Secretary of Defense, shall brief the appropriate congressional committees on the status of deliveries to the Government of Israel of any military aircraft or air-launched munitions approved for transfer that are undelivered or partially delivered.
added
Contents of Briefing— The briefing described in subsection (a) shall include—
added
the estimated delivery timetable and any ongoing or potential measures associated with the items, including advance training and integration challenges;
added
specific reasons for any delay related to the United States Government, defense suppliers, or a foreign government;
added
the feasibility and advisability of providing the State of Israel an interim capability;
added
what measures are being taken or could be taken to expedite delivery to Israel; and
added
authorities or appropriations that Congress could provide to expedite the delivery.
added
Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined— In this section, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations in the Senate.
added
Military Aircraft Defined— In this section, the term “military aircraft” means aircraft and related articles in 22 CFR 121.10, Category VIII—Aircraft and Related Articles, subsection (a).
Sec. 1726 Feasibility study on extending critical minerals procurement authorities to other Federal agencies
added
added
Findings on critical mineral acquisition— The Congress finds the following:
added
Critical minerals are essential to national security, economic stability, and technological innovation across multiple U.S. government sectors.
added
The Department of Defense’s experience with critical minerals procurement highlights the potential for broader federal application to enhance resource security.
added
Federal agencies, such as the Departments of Energy and Homeland Security, rely on critical minerals but lack independent procurement and resale authorities.
added
Extending such authorities could strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign sources vulnerable to disruption.
added
Legal and regulatory barriers may limit agencies’ ability to procure and manage critical minerals effectively, requiring thorough evaluation.
added
Allowing resale of excess critical minerals could generate revenue and support strategic goals, provided safeguards prevent market instability.
added
Sense of Congress on critical mineral acquisition— It is the sense of the Congress that a whole-of-government approach to critical minerals procurement could bolster national resilience and economic competitiveness.
added
Study required—
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of General Services Administration, and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall conduct a study on the feasibility of providing to other Federal agencies authorities similar to Department of Defense critical mineral procurement authorities.
added
Contents— The study required by paragraph (1) shall include—
added
an assessment of the need of other Federal agencies for critical minerals;
added
an evaluation of the legal, regulatory, and logistical barriers to granting other Federal agencies authorities similar to Department of Defense critical mineral procurement authorities;
added
an analysis of the economic and strategic effects of allowing other Federal agencies to resell critical minerals in excess of those required to meet the needs of the Federal agency on the open market, including potential effects on domestic supply chains and international trade; and
added
recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes necessary to grant other Federal agencies authorities similar to Department of Defense critical mineral procurement authorities, including safeguards to prevent market disruption or misuse of resale proceeds resulting from the use of such similar authorities by other Federal agencies.
added
Report—
added
In general— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report described in paragraph (2).
added
Report described— The report described in this subsection is a report by the Secretary of Defense containing—
added
the detailed findings of the study required by subsection (c)(1);
added
recommendations for granting other Federal agencies authorities similar to Department of Defense critical mineral procurement authorities; and
added
such other additional information as the Secretary determines appropriate for ensuring a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to the management of critical minerals.
added
Form— The report required under paragraph (1) shall by submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term critical mineral has the meaning given such term in section 7002(a) of the Energy Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C. 1606(a)), except that such term includes any mineral, element, substance, or material designated by the Secretary of Defense as a critical mineral.
added
The term Department of Defense critical mineral procurement authorities means the authorities available to the Department of Defense for the Department to independently acquire and dispose of critical minerals.
added
The term other Federal agency means a Federal agency other than the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1727 Report on plan to increase exportation of defense-related components and materials
addedadded Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to Congress a strategy to increase the exportation of domestically manufactured, defense-related components and materials.
Sec. 1728 GAO study on Department of Defense reliance on Chinese-sourced materials
addedadded Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a component-level assessment on the reliance of the Department of Defense on Chinese-sourced materials in munitions, microelectronics, and energy storage systems, including recommendations for alternative sourcing strategies.
Sec. 1729 Report on interagency coordination targeting fentanyl and precursor chemicals
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense shall expand interagency coordination with respect to the targeting of fentanyl and precursor chemicals, including by establishing joint operations with the Secretary of Human Services and the Attorney General.
added
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the coordination required under subsection (a) that identifies, with respect to fentanyl and precursor chemicals, any gaps between agencies in detection, monitoring, and interdiction activities.
Sec. 1730 Government Accountability Office audit of national security foreign exchange programs
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall provide a briefing, and submit a report to the congressional defense committees containing the results of an audit with respect to the international defense personnel exchange programs of the Department of Defense, to assess the extent to which such programs are coordinated across the Armed Forces, combatant commands, and defense agencies.
added
Programs included— The report and briefing required by subsection (a) shall include the following programs:
added
Military Reserve Exchange Program.
added
Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program.
added
Foreign Academy Exchange Program.
added
Personnel Exchange Program.
added
All other Department of Defense funded exchange programs that enhance international cooperation and military interoperability.
added
Additional matters— The report required by subsection (a) shall also include the following:
added
An assessment of whether a centralized entity within the Department of Defense oversees or coordinates international defense personnel exchange programs.
added
An assessment of whether any policies, regulations, or directives mandate administration of such programs across military services and defense agencies.
added
An assessment of whether the lack of coordination has resulted in gaps in strategy, inefficiencies, or duplicative efforts.
added
An assessment of any key factors that limit the ability of the Department to host foreign personnel in an exchange program.
Sec. 1731 Authorizing United States Coast Guard rotary aircraft work at Department of Defense depots
addedadded The Secretary of Defense is authorized to conduct rotary aircraft work for the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Coast Guard at any depot of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1732 Briefing on supply chain exposure
addedadded Not later than August 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on NATO Procurement and Supply Agency procurement exposure and supply chain risks with respect to China, including dependency risk, security risk, and resilience risk.
Sec. 1733 Recognition and honoring of service of individuals who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II
addedadded Section 106 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
added “(g)
added “(1)
added “(A) Service as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during the period beginning on July 1, 1943, and ending on December 31, 1948, of any individual who was honorably discharged therefrom pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be considered active duty for purposes of eligibility and entitlement to headstones, markers, and other benefits under chapters 23 and 24 of this title, other than such benefits relating to the interment or inurnment of the individual in Arlington National Cemetery solely by reason of such service.
added “(B)
added “(i) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall issue to each individual who served as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during the period beginning on July 1, 1943, and ending on December 31, 1948, a discharge from such service under honorable conditions if the Secretary determines that the nature and duration of the service of the individual so warrants.
added “(ii) A discharge under clause (i) shall designate the date of discharge. The date of discharge shall be the date, as determined by the Secretary, of the termination of service of the individual concerned as described in that clause.
added “(2) An individual who receives a discharge under paragraph (1)(B) for service as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled by reason of such service to any benefit under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, except as provided in paragraph (1)(A).
added “(3) The Secretary of Defense may design and produce a service medal, memorial plaque or gravemarker, or other commendation to honor individuals who receive a discharge under paragraph (1)(B).”
Sec. 1733A Interest on funds provided to Federal Communications Commission
added
added
In general— The Secretary of the Treasury may not charge interest on funds borrowed by the Federal Communications Commission under section 5404(c) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 2451).
added
Return of interest— Any interest described in subsection (a) collected by the Secretary of the Treasury before the date of the enactment of this Act shall be returned to the Federal Communications Commission for use by the Commission for the purpose described in, and consistent with, section 5404(c) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 2451) as though such interest had not been paid to the Secretary.
added
Unpaid interest— The obligation of the Federal Communications Commission to pay any unpaid interest that has accrued on the funds described in subsection (a) is terminated.
Sec. 1733B Report on Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix
added
added
Report— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall study and submit a report to Congress on the readiness of Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix for use by the United States Air Force.
added
Contents— The report required under subsection (a) shall contain recommendations to improve the infrastructure and facilities at, and in the immediate vicinity of, Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in order to support use of the airport for regional security missions, emergency actions, and U.S. Southern Command Area regional priorities.
Sec. 1733C Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
addedadded The Act of June 7, 1956 (70 Stat. 254, chapter 375), is amended—
added
by striking section 2;
added
in the first sentence of the first section, by striking “That the Indians” and inserting the following:
added “3. Designation of Lumbee Indians
added “The Indians—”
added
in the preamble—
added
by inserting before the first undesignated clause the following:
added “1. Findings
added “Congress finds that—”
added
by designating the undesignated clauses as paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
added
by striking “Whereas” each place it appears;
added
by striking “and” after the semicolon at the end of each of paragraphs (1) and (2) (as so designated); and
added
in paragraph (4) (as so designated), by striking “: Now, therefore,” and inserting a period;
added
by moving the enacting clause so as to appear before section 1 (as so designated);
added
by striking the last sentence of section 3 (as designated by paragraph (2));
added
by inserting before section 3 (as designated by paragraph (2)) the following:
added “2. Definitions
added “In this Act, the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.”
added
by adding at the end the following:
added “4. Federal recognition
added “(a) In general—Federal recognition is extended to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina (as designated as petitioner number 65 by the Office of Federal Acknowledgment).
added “(b) Applicability of laws—All laws and regulations of the United States of general application to Indians and Indian tribes shall apply to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and its members.
added “5. Eligibility for Federal services
added “(a) In general—The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and its members shall be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to federally recognized Indian tribes.
added “(b) Service area—For the purpose of the delivery of Federal services and benefits described in subsection (a), those members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties in North Carolina shall be deemed to be residing on or near an Indian reservation.
added “(c) Determination of needs—On verification by the Secretary of a tribal roll under subsection (d), the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall—
added “(1) develop, in consultation with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a determination of needs to provide the services for which members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are eligible; and
added “(2) after the tribal roll is verified, each submit to Congress a written statement of those needs.
added “(d) Tribal roll
added “(1) In general—For purpose of the delivery of Federal services and benefits described in subsection (a), the tribal roll in effect on the date of enactment of this section shall, subject to verification by the Secretary, define the service population of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
added “(2) Verification limitation and deadline—The verification by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall—
added “(A) be limited to confirming documentary proof of compliance with the membership criteria set out in the constitution of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina adopted on November 16, 2001; and
added “(B) be completed not later than 2 years after the submission of a digitized roll by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to the Secretary.
added “6. Authorization to take land into trust
added “(a) In general—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary is hereby authorized to take land into trust for the benefit of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
added “(b) Treatment of certain land—An application to take into trust land located within Robeson County, North Carolina, under this section shall be treated by the Secretary as an on reservation trust acquisition under part 151 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
added “7. Jurisdiction of State of North Carolina
added “(a) In general—With respect to land located within the State of North Carolina that is owned by, or held in trust by the United States for the benefit of, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, or any dependent Indian community of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the State of North Carolina shall exercise jurisdiction over—
added “(1) all criminal offenses that are committed; and
added “(2) all civil actions that arise.
added “(b) Transfer of jurisdiction
added “(1) In general—Pursuant to section 403 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (25 U.S.C. 1323), and subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may accept on behalf of the United States, after consulting with the Attorney General of the United States, any transfer by the State of North Carolina to the United States of any portion of the jurisdiction of the State of North Carolina described in subsection (a) over Indian country occupied by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina pursuant to an agreement between the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and the State of North Carolina.
added “(2) Restriction—A transfer of jurisdiction described in paragraph (1) may not take effect until 2 years after the effective date of the agreement described in that paragraph.
added “(c) Effect—Nothing in this section affects the application of section 109 of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1919).”
Sec. 1733D Strategy to counter Iranian and Hezbollah influence operations in Latin America
added
added
Strategy required— Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran’s and Hezbollah’s propaganda, religious networks, and influence operations in Latin America.
added
Contents of the Strategy— The strategy required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
Measures to address the proliferation of Iranian cultural centers in Latin America that promote Iranian ideology, including diplomatic efforts to limit their operations, sanctions on affiliated entities, and public diplomacy to expose their activities.
added
Actions to restrict the travel and activities of Iranian emissaries, including diplomats, cultural attaches, and other agents who facilitate propaganda, radicalization, and terror-supporting networks in Latin America, through visa denials, sanctions, or other travel restrictions.
added
Initiatives to strengthen the capacity of U.S. intelligence agencies to identify, monitor, and disrupt Iran’s and Hezbollah’s networks, including their cooperation academic institutions and non-governmental organizations in Latin America.
added
A framework for taking actions, similar to those implemented against Al-Manar and Press TV, to disrupt Iran’s HispanTV and Hezbollah’s Al Mayadeen Espanol platforms, including sanctions, designations, and cooperation with regional partners to limit their broadcasting reach and digital presence.
added
A plan to address Iran’s Al Mustafa International University network and its affiliated entities, including their designations as foreign terrorist organizations or specially designated global terrorists, as appropriate, due to their role in radicalization and recruitment for Iran’s ideological and terrorist objectives.
added
Form— The strategy required in subsection (a) shall be transmitted in unclassified form and may include a classified annex.
added
Appropriate congressional committees defined— In this section, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
added
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives;
added
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives;
added
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
added
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and
added
the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
Sec. 1733E Strategy to encourage defections from the Government of Iran
added
added
In general— 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 develop and submit to Congress a strategy aimed at encouraging defections by senior Iranian security officials and members of the armed forces.
added
Strategy described— The strategy required under subsection (a) shall include—
added
identification of mechanisms to securely communicate with potential defectors;
added
measures providing assurances of safety and security to defectors and their families;
added
establishment of a dedicated interagency working group tasked with managing defections, ensuring defector safety, verifying information provided by defectors, and mitigating potential intelligence risks;
added
incentives for defectors who can provide actionable intelligence about regime operations, including potential financial assistance, employment support, and housing assistance in coordination with relevant domestic agencies;
added
measures for publicizing successful defections, when appropriate and consistent with security protocols, to encourage additional defections within the regime; and
added
coordination with international partners to share best practices, jointly facilitate defections, and ensure defectors receive international protection, as needed.
added
Form— The strategy required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex if necessary.
Sec. 1733F Repeal of Authorizations for Use of Military Force relating to Iraq
addedadded The following are hereby repealed:
added
Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law 102–1; 105 Stat. 3; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) is hereby repealed.
added
The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107–243; 116 Stat. 1498; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) is hereby repealed.
Sec. 1733G Penalties for unlawful entry and violation of security regulations
added
added
Revision to penalty for entering military, naval, or coast guard property unlawfully— Section 1382 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
added
by striking “or installation,” both places it appears and inserting “installation, or property,”;
added
by striking “six months” and inserting “two years”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new sentence: “This is a general intent crime.”.
added
Penalty for violation of security regulations and orders relating to designated national defense areas— Section 21 of the Internal Security Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 797) is amended—
added
in subsection (a)—
added
by redesignating subsection (b) as paragraph (5) (and indenting that paragraph accordingly); and
added
in such paragraph, as so redesignated, by striking “subsection (a)” and inserting “this subsection”; and
added
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
added “(b) Felony violation of national defense area security regulations
added “(1) Felony—Whoever violates any national defense area security regulation shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. This is a general intent crime.
added “(2) National defense area security regulation described—For purposes of paragraph (1), a national defense area security regulation is a property security regulation that, pursuant to lawful authority, has been promulgated or approved by the Secretary of Defense (or by a military commander designated by the Secretary of Defense or by a military officer, or a civilian officer or employee of the Department of Defense, holding a senior Department of Defense director position designated by the Secretary of Defense) for the protection, security, or administration of Department of Defense real property that has been designated by the Secretary of Defense as a national defense area.
added “(3) Property security regulation described—For purposes of paragraph (2), a property security regulation, with respect to any designated national defense area, is a regulation—
added “(A) relating to unauthorized entry to or trespass on such property;
added “(B) relating to fire hazards, fire protection, lighting, machinery, guard service, disrepair, disuse, or other unsatisfactory conditions on such property;
added “(C) relating to the ingress to, or egress or removal of persons from, such property; or
added “(D) otherwise providing for safeguarding such property against destruction, loss, or injury by accident or by enemy or unauthorized action, sabotage, or other subversive actions.
added “(4) Definitions—In this subsection:
added “(A) Department of Defense real property—The term Department of Defense real property means real property subject to the jurisdiction, administration, or in the custody of the Department of Defense, any Department or agency of which that Department consists, or any officer or employee of that Department or agency.
added “(B) Regulation as including order—The term regulation includes an order.”
Sec. 1734 Report on arms sales of the People’s Republic of China
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on arms sales facilitated by entities in the People’s Republic of China.
added
Contents— The report required by subsection (a) shall include an analysis of—
added
the weapons systems and defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China available for purchase;
added
the technical aspects and capabilities of such weapons systems and defense equipment;
added
how such weapons systems and defense equipment may impact the balance of power in the area of responsibility of each United States Combatant Command, when applicable;
added
the weapons systems and defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China that are considered direct alternatives to weapons systems and defense equipment originating from the United States;
added
the weapons systems and defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China that present the greatest security risks regarding the potential to collect intelligence on or compromise assets, weapons, or platforms of the United States;
added
the countries mostly likely to procure weapons systems and defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China, including the specific type, quantity, and estimated value in United States dollars of weapons, during the 1-year period following the date of the submission of the report;
added
the weapons systems and defense equipment in development as of the date of the submission of the report by entities in the People’s Republic of China that could be available on the global market not later than 5 years after such date;
added
the factors that incentivize countries to procure such weapons systems and defense equipment, including costs, flexible payment conditions and financing, a lack of end-user agreements, and speed of sale and delivery; and
added
the strategy of the People’s Republic of China regarding arms sales and variables that could influence such strategy.
added
Form—
added
In general— The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but shall include a classified annex.
added
Classified annex— The classified annex required by paragraph (1) shall contain—
added
an assessment by the National Intelligence Council of the contents required by subsection (b); and
added
an assessment by the Director of National Intelligence of the counterintelligence risks and risks of onward proliferation of technology and defense systems originating in the United States and created through the purchase, deployment, and use of weapons systems and defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China by United States allies and partners.
added
Appropriate congressional committees defined— In this section, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
added
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
added
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.
Sec. 1735 Strategy to combat arms sales of the People’s Republic of China
added
added
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall develop a strategy to dissuade purchases of new weapons systems and defense equipment, excluding spare parts or parts for maintenance of previously procured weapons, originating from the People’s Republic of China.
added
Elements— The strategy shall include the following elements:
added
An information campaign targeting countries interested in procuring weapons systems and defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China to warn such countries about—
added
potential risks, including the lack of a proven track record in combat, insufficient training on the operation of the weapon or weapons system, reliability issues, and the lack of maintenance and spare parts available;
added
the inability to integrate such weapons systems and defense equipment with weapons systems and defense equipment from the United States; and
added
the potential limitation of future security cooperation with the United States that could arise if such weapons are acquired.
added
A description of actions the United States can take, including reforms to the foreign military sales, direct commercial sales, and foreign military financing processes, to make weapons systems and defense equipment from the United States more attractive to prospective buyers of weapons systems or defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China.
added
A description of actions defense firms of the United States can take to provide competitive alternatives to prospective buyers of weapons systems and defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China.
added
An analysis of whether the use of sanctions, export controls, or other economic restrictions targeting buyers of new weapons systems or defense equipment originating from the People’s Republic of China could serve as an effective deterrent.
added
A plan to ensure sufficient representation of defense firms of the United States, or trusted allies, at defense expositions where defense firms of the People’s Republic of China are also attending.
added
A plan to combat Chinese disinformation campaigns targeting the performance of weapons or platforms produced by the United States or trusted allies.
added
A plan to ensure close coordination with Congress to prevent disjointed engagement with countries.
added
Report and implementation plan— Not later than the date on which the strategy required by subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the strategy and a plan for implementation.
added
Form— The report required by subsection (c) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
added
Appropriate congressional committees defined— In this section, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
added
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
added
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Sec. 1736 Short title
addedadded This subtitle may be cited as the “Securing American Funding and Expertise from Adversarial Research Exploitation Act of 2025” or the “SAFE Research Act”.
Sec. 1737 Prohibition on certain federal awards
added
added
Government-wide prohibition— Except as provided in subsection (c), no research agency may provide a covered award to support research and development activities by a covered individual if the covered individual or the covered individual’s research collaborator(s) is affiliated with a hostile foreign entity—
added
as of the date of application for the award; or
added
at any time in the period of five years preceding the date of application for the award unless such affiliation was terminated on or before the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
added
DOD-specific prohibition— Except as provided in subsection (c), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any fiscal year for the Department of Defense may be provided to an institution of higher education that maintains a covered partnership with a hostile foreign entity.
added
National security waiver—
added
In general— The head of a research agency, or an official designated by such agency head at or above the level of an Assistant Secretary (or the equivalent), may waive the prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) on a case-by-case basis if the head of the agency or the designated official concerned determines that such waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.
added
Congressional notice— Not later than 30 days after the date on which an award is made by a research agency with respect to which a waiver is made under paragraph (1), the head of the agency or the designated official concerned shall submit to Congress notice of such waiver and a written justification for such waiver.
Sec. 1738 Disclosures
added
added
In general— In any application for a covered award from a research agency, a covered individual shall disclose, with respect to the period of five years preceding the date of such application, the following with respect to the covered individual:
added
All covered research collaborators who are located in or have an affiliation with an institution located in a foreign adversary country.
added
Any funding, gift, property (including intellectual property), resources, or award received from an individual or entity located in a foreign adversary country.
added
Any conference participation, professorship, talent program participation, or other academic, research, or corporate affiliation with an entity located in a foreign adversary country.
added
Any travel to a foreign adversary country.
added
For each item disclosed under paragraphs (1) through (4)—
added
the foreign adversary country associated with that item, and any affiliated individuals or entities;
added
the total value of any benefits received by the covered individual from such country, individuals, or entities whether monetary or non-monetary; and
added
details pertaining to the item disclosed, including—
added
the nature of the actions performed or association entered into by the covered individual;
added
any terms, conditions, and benefits associated with such item; and
added
such other relevant information as the head of the research agency determines appropriate.
added
An explanation of any instance in which the covered individual requested permission to share information with a hostile foreign entity or research collaborator affiliated with such an entity pursuant to section 1734(b), including a description of any information proposed to be shared and the results of such request.
added
Use of disclosed information— The research agency that receives disclosures under subsection (a)—
added
shall use the information disclosed to ensure compliance with the prohibitions under sections 1732 and 1734; and
added
may use such information to analyze potential research security, national security, or economic security risks and the assessment of such risks may be used as factor in determining the allocation of relevant grants, contracts, and other awards.
added
Relationship to other law— The disclosures required under subsection (a) are in addition to any disclosures that may otherwise be required under section 223 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (42 U.S.C. 6605).
Sec. 1739 Concurrent and post-award restrictions
added
added
Concurrent award restrictions— As a condition of receiving a covered award, a covered individual may not maintain an affiliation with a hostile foreign entity or a covered research collaborator affiliated with such an entity for the duration of the award period.
added
Post-award restrictions— As a condition of receiving a covered award, during the five year period following the conclusion of the award period—
added
a covered individual may not share with a hostile foreign entity or a covered research collaborator affiliated with such an entity any nonpublished results, expertise, or intellectual property arising from or related to the covered award unless—
added
the covered individual submits to the research agency that made the award a request for permission to share such information with such an entity or collaborator; and
added
such request is approved, in writing, by the head of the research agency or an official designated by such agency head at or above the level of an Assistant Secretary (or the equivalent); and
added
on an annual basis during such five year period, the institution to which the covered award was made shall submit to the research agency that made the award an annual certification, signed by an authorized official of the institution, attesting that neither the institution nor any covered individual has shared with a hostile foreign entity or a covered research collaborator affiliated with such an entity any nonpublished results, expertise, or intellectual property arising from or related to the award, except as expressly approved under paragraph (1)(B).
Sec. 1740 Definitions
addedadded In this subtitle:
added
The term affiliation means any affiliation, partnership, agreement, other research or teaching relationship (including guest or visiting professorships), or similar transaction.
added
The term covered award means support provided to a covered individual affiliated with an institution of higher education by a research agency to carry out research and development activities within any science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field, which may include support in the form of a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other such transaction. The term does not include—
added
a grant, contract, agreement or other transaction for the procurement of goods or services to meet the administrative needs of a research agency; or
added
an award made under the Small Business Innovation Research Program or the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (as those terms are defined in section 9(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(e))).
added
The term covered individual has the meaning given that term in section 223(d) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (42 U.S.C. 6605), as interpreted in accordance with the guidance of the National Science and Technology Council titled “Guidance for Implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM–33) on National Security Strategy for United States Government-Supported Research and Development”, dated January 2022, or any successor guidance.
added
The term covered partnership means an agreement between an institution of higher education and a hostile foreign entity that involves—
added
the provision of educational services;
added
collaboration related to scientific or technical research;
added
any agreement related to the research, development, sale, licensing, or other arrangement involving university-developed, owned, or controlled research, venture, intellectual property (including any assignment or license of a granted patent, trademark, or copyright not listed in the Commerce Control List under Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations), or other asset;
added
access to university assets, such as research, data, models, software, or facilities; or
added
direct support or coordination by foreign adversary country-linked entities of student groups, language or cultural centers, or other on-campus entities (including Confucius Institutes and Chinese Student and Scholars Associations).
added
The term covered research collaborator means a person located in or affiliated with an entity located in or organized under the laws of a foreign adversary country with whom the covered individual has, in the five years preceding the date of application for a covered award—
added
conducted joint research;
added
co-authored publications;
added
collaborated on grants or other awards; or
added
formally advised as a graduate student or post-doctoral fellow.
added
The term foreign adversary country means a covered nation as defined in section 4872(f) of title 10, United States Code, and includes any special administrative region or territory under the control of such a nation.
added
The term hostile foreign entity means an entity, or any subsidiary or affiliate of an entity that is located in or organized under the laws of a foreign adversary country, and that—
added
is included on—
added
the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury;
added
the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury (commonly known as the “SDN list”);
added
the annual list published 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);
added
the most recently updated list developed pursuant to 1286(c)(9) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–32; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note);
added
the UFLPA Entity List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security pursuant to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (Public Law 117–78);
added
the Military End-User List maintained by the Department of Commerce and set forth in Supplement No. 7 to part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations;
added
the Entity List maintained by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce and set forth in Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations;
added
the Denied Persons List maintained by the Department of Commerce and described in section 764.3(a)(2) of the Export Administration Regulations;
added
the Debarred Parties List maintained by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the Department of State;
added
the list of telecommunications companies of the People’s Republic of China designated under section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115– 232; 41 U.S.C. note prec. 3901) as posing national security risks to the United States;
added
the list of semiconductor companies of the People’s Republic of China and affiliates designated under section 5949 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 41 USC 4713 note) as posing national security risks to the United States; or
added
the list maintained by the Federal Communications Commission of equipment and services covered by section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (commonly referred to as the FCC Covered List);
added
is an entity that—
added
is owned, controlled, directed by, or subject to the jurisdiction or influence of a government of a foreign adversary country; and
added
performs or supports functions involving—
added
national defense or military modernization, including the development, application, or integration of civilian capabilities for military, paramilitary, or security purposes;
added
intelligence, surveillance, or cyber operations, including activities intended to collect, exploit, disrupt, or influence information systems or communications infrastructure;
added
the development, production, testing, or proliferation of weapons systems, critical technologies, or dual-use items, as defined under applicable United States law or regulation;
added
foreign malign influence or interference, involving subversive, undeclared, coercive, or criminal activities, which may include propaganda, censorship, information manipulation, or efforts to influence academic, political, or civic institutions, whether conducted directly by foreign governments, state-linked entities, or through affiliated non-state actors, or their proxies;
added
human rights abuses or similarly unethical practices, such as the use of forced labor, repression of ethnic or religious groups, or violations of international human rights standards;
added
illicit technology transfer efforts that threaten United States research integrity or economic competitiveness; or
added
academic, scientific, or technical collaboration that materially contributes to or supports any of the functions described in subclauses (I) through (VI); or
added
participates in a foreign talent recruitment program as that term is defined by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy pursuant to section 10631(c) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (division B of Public Law 117–167; 42 U.S.C. 19231))) from a foreign adversary country or has participated in such a program at any time in the period of 10 years preceding the date of application for a covered award.
added
The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
added
The term research agency means any Federal agency with an annual extramural research expenditure.
Sec. 1807 Project Spectrum
addedadded Chapter 19 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting before section 399 the following new section:
added “398b. Project Spectrum
added “(a) Project Spectrum; purpose—There is within the Office of Small Business Programs of the Department of Defense a program, to be known as “Project Spectrum”, the purpose of which is to provide to covered entities, through an online platform, digital resources and services that increase awareness about cybersecurity risks and help such covered entities to comply with the cybersecurity requirements of the defense acquisition system.
added “(b) Eligibility—The Director of the Office of Small Business Programs may establish eligibility requirements for the receipt by a covered entity of a particular resource or service made available through Project Spectrum.
added “(c) Application—To receive through Project Spectrum a resource or service for which the Director has established an eligibility requirement under subsection (b), a covered entity shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Director determines appropriate.
added “(d) Functions—In carrying out Project Spectrum, the Director shall maintain an online platform through which the Director shall make available to each covered entity that the Director determines to be eligible under subsection (b) with respect to a given resource or service, the following:
added “(1) Educational materials regarding cybersecurity, including cybersecurity training courses and workforce development training.
added “(2) Guidance regarding best practices for cybersecurity matters, including guidance for developing internal cybersecurity policies and suggestions for procedures for reviewing any violation of such policies.
added “(3) Assessments of the cybersecurity practices and cybersecurity systems used by a covered entity.
added “(4) A review and feasibility assessment of products, software, and data security tools available in the commercial marketplace.
added “(5) Cybersecurity services, including dashboard monitoring services, continuous threat monitoring services, software patching services, and patch testing services.
added “(6) Cybersecurity readiness checks.
added “(7) A platform for secure data collaboration between two or more employees of a covered entity and between multiple covered entities.
added “(8) Any additional resources or services, as determined by the Director.
added “(e) Definitions—In this section:
added “(1) The term covered entity means a supplier of the Department of Defense that is a small or medium business and registers to access the online platform of Project Spectrum.
added “(2) The term “defense acquisition system” has the meaning given to such term in section 3001 of this title.”
Sec. 1824 Matters related to cost accounting standards
Reduction of CAS compliance—
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with Cost Accounting Standards Board established under section 1501 of title 41, United States Code, shall—
identify actions necessary to streamline requirements for compliance with the cost accounting standards established under section 1502 of title 41, United States Code (in this section referred to as “CAS”), in the performance of a contract with the Department of Defense; and
reduce or eliminate such requirements under the circumstances described in paragraph (2) for contracts entered into after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Circumstances described— The circumstances described in this paragraph are as follows:
With respect to an action to eliminate compliance with CAS, if reliance on a similar requirement under generally accepted accounting principles (in this section referred to as “GAAP”) would achieve, to the maximum extent possible, the use of commercial accounting standards and systems with respect to such elimination without bias or prejudice to parties to a contract.
If other existing requirements in guidance or regulation will sufficiently protect the interests of the Secretary of Defense in the oversight of cost contracts.
If such requirement is no longer necessary or appropriate.
Changes to applicability of full CAS coverage—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy shall revise the rules and procedures prescribed pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 1502 of title 41, United States Code, to the extent necessary to increase the thresholds established in section 9903.201-2 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulation, from $50,000,000 to $100,000,000.
Department of Defense— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall update the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require full compliance with CAS only for an entity or subsidiary of an entity that—
received a single contract award under CAS with a value equal to or greater than $100,000,000; or
received contracts during the cost accounting period that ended preceding the date of the report with an aggregate value equal to or greater than $100,000,000.
Amendments to Cost Accounting Standards Board—
Organization— Subsection (a) of section 1501 of title 41, United States Code, is amended by striking “Office of Federal Procurement Policy” and inserting “Office of Management and Budget”.
Membership— Subsection (b) of such section 1501 is amended—
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
“(1) Members, chairman, and appointment—The Board shall consist of 5 voting members and 2 nonvoting members.
“(A) Voting members—One voting member is the Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy, who serves as Chairman. The other 4 members, all of whom shall have experience in Federal Government contract cost accounting, are as follows:
“(i) 2 representatives of the Federal Government, each of whom has substantial experience in administering and managing covered contracts—
“(I) one of whom is a representative of the Department of Defense appointed by the Secretary of Defense; and
“(II) one of whom is an officer or employee of the General Services Administration appointed by the Administrator of General Services.
“(ii) 2 individuals from the private sector, each of whom is appointed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget—
“(I) one of whom is a senior employee or retired senior employee of a Government contractor with substantial experience in the private sector involving administration and management of covered contracts; and
“(II) one member of the accounting profession, with substantial experience as an accountant.
“(B) Nonvoting members—The 2 nonvoting members of the Board shall be appointed as follows:
“(i) 1 individual who is a senior employee of the Government Accountability Office with substantial experience in contracting and national security acquisitions, appointed by the Comptroller General of the United States.
“(ii) 1 individual from academia, a nonprofit organization, or a private entity with substantial experience in establishing financial accounting and reporting standards in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, appointed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.”
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by inserting “, which may be extended for an additional 4-year period by the individual who appointed such member under paragraph (1)” after “4 years”; and
in subparagraph (B), by striking “paragraph (1)(A)” and inserting “paragraph (1)(A)(i)”; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(4) Ineligibility—Beginning on January 1, 2028, an individual who is a member of an audit entity of an executive agency (excluding an audit entity of the Government Accountability Office) is not eligible to serve as a member of the Board.”
Duties— Subsection (c) of such section 1501 is amended—
in paragraph (2)—
by striking “within one year” and all that follows through “conform such standards” and inserting the following: “not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and biennially thereafter, review any cost accounting standards established under section 1502 of this title and eliminate or conform such standards”; and
by striking “and” at the end;
in paragraph (3), by striking “disputes.” and inserting the following: “disputes, and take necessary action to clarify or improve such standards if misinterpretation or lack of clarity in a standard was a primary component of such dispute; and”; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(4) ensure that any action taken pursuant to paragraph (3) is not taken solely for the purpose of tailoring such standard to favor a party in the dispute.”
Report— Subsection (e) of such section 1501 is amended—
in paragraph (1), by striking “and” at the end;
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(3) a summary of rulemaking activities related to any changes to such standards and any associated timelines for such activities.”
Senior staff— Subsection (f)(1)(B) of such section 1501 is amended—
by striking “may appoint” and inserting “shall appoint”; and
by striking “two” and inserting “not less than four”.
Covered contract defined— Such section 1501 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
changed
“(j) Covered contract defined—In this section, the term “covered contract” covered contract means a contract that is subject to the cost accounting standards issued pursuant to section 1502 of title 41, United States Code,”
Deadline— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, and the Comptroller General of the United States shall implement the amendments made by this subsection, including making the appointments under section 1501(b) of title 41, United States Code, as amended by this subsection.
Amendment to mandatory use of cost accounting standards—
In general— Section 1502(b)(1) of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (B), by striking “amount set forth in section 3702(a)(1)(A) of title 10 as the amount is” and inserting “$10,000,000, as”; and
in subparagraph (C)—
in clause (ii), by inserting “or” at the end;
in clause (iii), by striking “; or” and inserting a period; and
by striking clause (iv).
Regulations— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy shall issue such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this subsection.
Sec. 1835 Transition to advanced manufacturing for certain critical items
Plan required— Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Program Executive Officer for each major weapon system shall, in coordination with each covered contractor and such contractor’s first-tier subcontractors—
conduct an assessment of critical items that could be produced via advanced manufacturing processes within the period of 24 months following the date of the enactment of this Act for the purposes of—
reducing fabrication time and costs; and
increasing the ability to scale production rapidly;
identify any development, engineering or testing (whether conducted by the original equipment manufacturer, contractor, or Federal Government) required to transition production of critical items to advanced manufacturing;
estimate any non-recurring costs to complete such transition and recommend whether such costs are properly borne by the contractor involved or the Federal Government; and
submit a plan to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to transition production of such critical items to advanced manufacturing to the maximum extent practicable.
Use of existing authorities— The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall use every available authority to waive or accelerate the development, engineering, or testing requirements identified in subsection (a)(2).
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit the plans required by subsection (a) to—
the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium established under section 1842 of this Act; and
the congressional defense committees.
Implementation— Following receipt of the plans under subsection (c)(1), the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium shall commence implementation and competitive solicitation of advanced manufacturing solutions of the critical items identified under subsection (a)(1), with the goal of maximizing the transition of such items to production via advanced manufacturing by not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “covered contractor” covered contractor means a contractor manufacturing or integrating hardware for a major weapon system.
changed
The term “critical items” critical items means components, subassemblies, and assemblies that are among the top 10 drivers of current or future degraded mission capability for a major weapon system, as determined by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
changed
The term “advanced manufacturing” advanced manufacturing shall have the meaning given that term by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment for purposes of this section. Such definition shall, at a minium—
encompass manufacturing technologies that integrate interconnected digital technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, across the entire value stream to create highly efficient, flexible, and data-driven production systems, leading to improved quality, lower costs, and faster innovation; and
include software-controlled subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing, powder bed fusion manufacturing, and other similar manufacturing technologies.
Sec. 2805 Pilot program on use of additive construction technologies at Army installations
In general— Beginning not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army, acting through a designee thereof, shall carry out a pilot program on the use of additive construction technologies for military construction projects on covered installations.
Selection of installations— The Secretary shall—
select one or more covered installations at which to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a); and
take such steps as may be necessary to minimize any disruption from such pilot program on the operations of any covered installation so selected.
Elements— In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
generate a standardized design of one or more military housing products compatible with additive construction methods;
using such additive construction methods, build the military housing product or products, as the case may be, pursuant to the respective design generated under paragraph (1)—
at each covered installation selected under subsection (b); and
in sufficient quantities, as determined by the Secretary, to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of additive construction if adopted across all military installations; and
prescribe data collection requirements for the activities under paragraphs (1) and (2), including with respect to design and building schedule, cost information, and effect on quality of life, and collect data pursuant to such requirements.
Reports—
Interim report— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of the pilot program under subsection (a), including—
a summary of any impediments to such implementation identified by the Secretary, including any statutory or resource limitations;
a summary of the recommendations of the Secretary to address any impediment so identified; and
any other recommendation of the Secretary for improving the pilot program, including whether to extend or make the pilot program permanent, and a strategic sequencing plan for any extension or permanent adoption so recommended.
Final report— Not later than 180 days after the termination of the pilot program under subsection (e), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the pilot program, taking into account data collected pursuant to subsection (c)(3).
Termination— The authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
changed
Covered installation defined— In this section, the term “covered installation” covered installation means any installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army, without regard to whether the covered installation is located in or outside of the continental United States.
Sec. 2806 Consideration of modular construction methods for military construction projects with protective design elements
In general— In determining the requirements for a proposed military construction project with protective design elements, the Secretary of Defense shall consider the use of modular construction methods along with other construction methods to determine the most effective method for such military construction project to meet mission needs.
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a report on the use of modular construction methods as described in subsection (a). Such report shall include the following:
A summary of current Department of Defense policy and guidance governing the use of modular construction for military construction projects with protective design elements.
An assessment of the cost effectiveness, construction timelines, performance characteristics, and life-cycle costs of modular construction methods compared to other construction methods for military construction projects.
Identification of the types of military construction projects for which modular construction methods are the most appropriate or advantageous, and any limitations or constraints on the use of such methods.
Any recommendations to promote appropriate consideration of modular construction methods for military construction projects where such methods offer cost, schedule, or operational benefits.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “modular construction” modular construction means a construction process in which components of a military construction project are prefabricated off-site under controlled conditions and then transported to the site of such project for assembly.
changed
The term “protective protective design elements” elements means, with respect to a military construction project, that such project requires use of materials that have been blast hardened or ballistic hardened.
Sec. 2809 Authorize cost-plus incentive fee contracting for SIOP infrastructure
addedadded Notwithstanding section 3323 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense may authorize the use of contracts using cost-plus incentive-fee contracting for military construction projects associated with the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Department of Defense at each of the following locations:
added
Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia.
added
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Hawaii.
added
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Maine.
added
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Washington.
Sec. 2812 Use of imitative substitute building materials for preservation of certain units of military housing under jurisdiction of the Department of Defense
Subchapter II of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“2840. Use of imitative substitute building materials for covered housing units
“(a) Authority—Notwithstanding any provision of division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code, that requires review from or consultation with the head of any other Federal agency, the Secretary concerned may—
“(1) authorize the use of imitative substitute building materials to maintain, repair, renovate, rehabilitate, or otherwise alter covered housing units located on a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary; and
“(2) defer the application of historic preservation requirements under chapter 3061 of such title on a covered housing unit until such covered housing unit is 100 years old, regardless of whether such covered housing unit is included on, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register.
“(b) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) The term “covered covered housing unit” unit means a Government-owned or privatized unit of family housing or military unaccompanied housing that—
“(A) was constructed after 1962; and
“(B) is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense
changed
“(2) The term “imitative imitative substitute building materials” materials means modern, industry-standard, natural, composite, and synthetic materials that—
“(A) simulate the appearance of building materials original to a covered housing unit; and
“(B) are more cost effective than such building materials.
changed
“(3) The term “National Register” National Register means the National Register of Historic Places maintained under chapter 3021 of title 54, United States Code.”
Sec. 2816 Pilot program for emerging mold remediation technologies
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to assess and implement emerging mold monitoring and remediation technologies in military family housing.
Selection of locations— The Secretary shall select not fewer than three and not more than five military installations at which to carry out the pilot program established under subsection (a). The Secretary shall prioritize selection of military installations in regions with elevated climate-related risk factors for mold growth, such as persistent humidity, frequent rainfall, or outdated HVAC infrastructure.
Elements— In carrying out the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
install moisture detection systems with advanced capabilities, including sensor-based humidity or spore monitoring technologies capable of generating early warnings for environmental risk conditions;
implement noninvasive or technology-enabled mold remediation tools, such as antimicrobial coatings, dry fogging systems, or UV-based sterilization units;
define infrastructure requirements, including upgrades to HVAC systems or building materials, necessary to support sustained mold prevention using the selected mold detection systems;
train relevant personnel on the deployment, maintenance, and data interpretation of selected mold detection systems;
designate an individual at each military installation selected under subsection (b) to oversee the implementation of the pilot program; and
develop a strategic implementation and evaluation plan to assess performance of the selected mold detection systems and inform future decisions relating to such systems.
Report and briefings—
Report— Not later than 180 days after the termination date in subsection (e), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the pilot program, including recommendations for broader implementation and an assessment of costs and benefits.
Briefings— Upon completion of the implementation plan required under subsection (c)(6), the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plan and any preliminary findings.
Termination— The authority to carry out the pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
changed
Military family housing defined— In this section, the term “military military family housing” housing means housing provided under subchapter II of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 2818 Inspections by qualified home inspector of privatized military housing
Establishment of independent inspection protocol— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a standardized inspection and audit program for privatized military housing that provides for such inspections and audits to be conducted by an independent qualified home inspector.
Inspection requirements— Under the program established by subsection (a), a qualified home inspector shall annually inspect a statistically representative sample of privatized military housing units at each military installation with privatized military housing. Such inspection shall include, at a minimum—
an evaluation of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity of the privatized military housing units; and
an inspection for signs of water intrusion, visible and nonvisible mold, microbial contamination, and other indoor air quality concerns.
Inspection implementation plan— Not later than February 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to implement the program established under subsection (a), including—
contracting procedures for qualified home inspectors;
inspection methodologies;
protocols for reporting, remediation, and follow-up actions; and
integration with existing oversight and compliance frameworks for privatized military housing.
Reporting requirements— Not later than March 1, 2026, and annually thereafter until March 1, 2031, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of inspections conducted under this section during the preceding calendar year. The report shall include—
findings and deficiencies identified;
remediation timelines and actions taken; and
recommendations for improving housing conditions and oversight.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “privatized privatized military housing” housing has the meaning given in section 3001(a)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 2821 note).
changed
The term “qualified qualified home inspector” inspector means an individual who—
possesses housing inspection credentials required by the State in which the inspection is performed; and
is not an employee of, or in a fiduciary relationship with—
the Federal Government; or
any entity that owns or manages privatized military housing.
Sec. 2820 Radon testing of military housing owned or controlled by the Federal Government
added
added
Report— 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 identifying military housing owned or operated by the Federal Government that should be monitored for levels of radon at or above the action level established by the Environmental Protection Agency, including military housing located on military installations evaluated in the report dated April 30, 2020, titled “Evaluation of the DoD’s Management of Health and Safety Hazards in Government-Owned and Government-Controlled Military Family Housing” (DODIG–2020–082).
added
Testing procedures and standards— Each Secretary of a military department shall establish procedures at military installations identified under subsection (a) under the jurisdiction of such Secretary for testing for radon in such housing that are consistent with current national consensus standards and are in compliance with applicable Federal regulations in order to ensure radon levels at such housing are below recommended levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency—
added
by testing—
added
at least one time every five years for military housing; or
added
at least one time every two years for housing that is above recommended radon levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency until radon levels are reduced to at or below such levels; or
added
through the installation of monitoring equipment in such housing.
added
Notification regarding need for mitigation— If, as a result of testing described in subsection (b), a unit of military housing owned or controlled by the Federal Government requires radon mitigation to ensure radon levels are below recommended levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency, the head of the military installation on which such military housing is located shall submit to the Secretary of the military department concerned, not later than seven days after the determination of the need for radon mitigation, a mitigation plan for the housing unit.
Sec. 2820A Annual report on military families on housing waitlists
addedadded Subchapter II of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
added “2840. Annual report on military family housing waitlists
added “Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
added “(1) installation-specific data on the number of members of the Armed Forces and their dependents on military housing waitlists;
added “(2) an identification of the time spent by each such member and their dependents awaiting appropriate housing accommodations;
added “(3) the types of military families comprising such waitlists;
added “(4) the types of military housing such families are requesting;
added “(5) an analysis how such waitlists vary across military installation
added “(6) an analysis of the factors that are creating the need for such waitlists; and
added “(7) an assessment of the causes of waitlist durations that exceed ten days;
added “(8) any other matters the Secretary determines appropriate to convey the status of military housing as of the date of the submission of the report.”
Sec. 2820B Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations relating to critical military housing supply and affordability
added
added
In general— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall implement each recommendation of the Comptroller General of the United States contained in the report dated October 30, 2024, and entitled, “Military Housing: DOD Should Address Critical Supply and Affordability Challenges for Service Members” (GAO–25–106208), as those recommendations are modified under subsection (b).
added
Recommendations to be implemented— In carrying out the requirements under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall implement the recommendations specified under such subsection as follows:
added
The Secretary shall—
added
perform a structured analysis to develop a comprehensive list of housing areas in which members of the Armed Forces and their families may face the most critical challenges in finding and affording private sector housing in the community;
added
in conducting the analysis under subparagraph (A), consider the unique characteristics of a location, such as vacation rental areas; and
added
regularly update the list required under subparagraph (A) not less frequently than once every two years.
added
The Secretary shall obtain and use feedback on the financial and quality-of-life effects of limited supply or unaffordable housing on members of the Armed Forces, through the status of forces survey and other service or installation-specific feedback mechanisms.
added
The Secretary shall, in coordination with the Secretary of each military department—
added
develop a plan for how the Department of Defense can respond to and address the financial and quality-of-life effects in housing areas identified under paragraph (1); and
added
in developing the plan under subparagraph (A), examine strategies for increasing housing supply or providing alternative compensation to offset the effects of limited supply or unaffordable housing in housing areas identified under paragraph (1).
added
The Secretary shall clarify, through the issuance of guidance to the military departments, the role of the Office of the Secretary of Defense in oversight of the Housing Requirements and Market Analysis process of the military departments to ensure that—
added
the military departments conduct such process in a timely manner; and
added
the Secretary submits to Congress any plans or other matters relating to such process for each fiscal year as required by existing law.
added
The Secretary shall ensure that the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment provides updated guidance to the military departments on how installations of the Department of Defense should coordinate with local communities, including by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of commanders and military housing offices of such installations in addressing housing needs.
added
Non-implementation reporting requirement— If the Secretary of Defense elects not to implement a recommendation specified under subsection (a), as modified under subsection (b), the Secretary shall, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes a justification for such election.
Sec. 2822 Modification of requirement with respect to minimum capital investment for facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization for military departments
Section 2680 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b)—
in the heading, by inserting “; treatment of certain amounts” after “Exclusion”;
by inserting “(1)” before “In making”; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(2) During the period the requirement under subsection (a) is effective, each Secretary of a military department may treat amounts appropriated for military construction used for the recapitalization of existing facilities under the jurisdiction of the Secretary during a given fiscal year as part of the total amount required to be invested under subsection (a)(2) in the budget of the military department for facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization, except that such military construction funds may not comprise more than 20 percent of such total amount for such fiscal year.”
by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
“(e) Definitions—In this section:
changed
“(1) The term “covered facility” covered facility means a facility (as defined in section 2801 of this title), except that such term does not include—
“(A) a facility identified as closed, disposed of, or scheduled for divestment from the inventory of the Department of Defense;
“(B) a facility in which the Department does not have a total ownership interest, including—
“(i) a facility leased by the Department;
“(ii) a facility in which the Department has a lesser property interest under a governing legal instrument; and
“(iii) housing constructed or acquired under subchapter IV of chapter 169 of this title; or
“(C) a facility for which the Department uses—
“(i) nonappropriated funds; or
“(ii) amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for military family housing.
changed
“(2) The term “plant plant replacement value” value means, with respect to a covered facility, the cost to replace the covered facility using amounts appropriated for facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization from the following accounts:
“(A) Operation and maintenance.
“(B) Military construction.
“(C) Research, development, test, and evaluation.
“(D) Working capital funds.”
Sec. 2829 Master plans for Service Academies
Plans required— Each Secretary of a military department shall develop a master plan for each Service Academy under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to comprehensively address infrastructure requirements of such Service Academy. Each master plan shall include the following:
Consideration of the requirements of subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 2864(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code.
For the Service Academy that is the subject of a master plan—
a list of infrastructure located at the Service Academy that is in poor or failing condition on or before the date described in subsection (c);
a plan for replacing, recapitalizing, or renovating such infrastructure not later than five years after such date; and
a list of infrastructure located at the Service Academy that—
is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (maintained under chapter 3021 of title 54, United States Code) on or before the date described in subsection (b); or
will be eligible inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
An assessment of risks posed by disruptions in energy availability, risks posed by extreme weather (as defined in section 101 of title 10 United States Code), cybersecurity risks, and risks related to availability of clean water applicable to the Service Academy that is the subject of a master plan.
Additional requirement— Each master plan required under subsection (a) shall propose a method to address the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (3) of such subsection not later than five years after the date described in subsection (c).
Deadline— Each master plan required under subsection (a) shall be completed no later than September 30, 2027.
Briefing— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the timeline for the completion of the master plans required under subsection (a).
Submission of plan— Not later than 30 days after the date on which a Secretary of a military department completes a master plan required under subsection (a) or December 1, 2027, whichever is earlier, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a copy of the master plan.
changed
Service Academy defined— In this section, the term “Service Academy” Service Academy has the meaning given in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 2830 Review of Unified Facilities Criteria applicable to military construction projects; report
Review required—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, shall conduct a comprehensive review of all Unified Facilities Criteria applicable to military construction projects that the Secretary determines—
contribute to the extent to which military construction projects incur greater costs than substantially similar commercial construction projects;
are outdated, redundant, or unnecessarily burdensome; or
could be consolidated or eliminated to improve the efficiency of military construction projects.
Considerations— In conducting such review, the Secretary of Defense shall—
consider the unique operational requirements and security considerations of the Department of Defense; and
ensure any revisions to the Unified Facilities Criteria the Secretary recommends pursuant to such review would maintain the mission readiness and force protection standards of the Department.
Elements— Pursuant to such review, the Secretary shall—
identify criteria in the Unified Facilities Criteria that the Secretary determines—
contribute disproportionately to cost premiums for military construction projects, particularly such standards that are not commonly required in substantially similar commercial construction projects; or
neither reflect relevant industry standards as of the date of the enactment of this Act nor Department of Defense-specific needs that are not addressed in relevant State codes;
analyze whether such criteria are mandated by law, regulation, or internal policy, and the origin of such criteria;
evaluate whether—
such criteria could be modified or eliminated without compromising safety and mission readiness; and
standards for substantially similar commercial construction projects could be substituted for such criteria to improve cost-effectiveness and efficiency of military construction projects.
Report— Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the review required under subsection (a) that includes the following:
A list of criteria in the Unified Facilities Criteria the Secretary—
determines contributes to the extent to which military construction projects incur greater costs than substantially similar commercial construction projects; and
recommends for revision, replacement, or recision pursuant to such review.
For each such criteria, an explanation of the reasons for the recommendation of the Secretary.
An explanation of the anticipated cost savings and performance implications the Secretary estimates would result from each recommended revision, replacement, or recision.
A plan and timeline for implementation of each recommended revision, replacement, or recision.
Policy or legislative recommendations the Secretary determines are necessary to support such implementations.
An explanation of how the Secretary will ensure that critical defense-specific standards will be preserved during any revisions, replacements, or recisions implemented pursuant to the review.
changed
Military construction project defined— In this section, the term “military military construction project” project has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 2832 Historical marker commemorating effects of radiation exposure at Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range
Historical markers Required—
Holloman Air Force Base— The Secretary of the Air Force shall place a historical marker as described in subsection (b) in a publicly accessible location at the Holloman Air Force Base.
White Sands Missile Range— The Secretary of the Army shall place a historical marker as described in subsection (b) in a publicly accessible location at the White Sands Missile Range.
Required information— A historical marker described in subsection (a) shall commemorate the effects of radiation exposure on communities in New Mexico as a result of the Manhattan Project and the nuclear test conducted at the Trinity Site. Such historical marker shall include, at a minimum, the following:
An unclassified description of the history of the Manhattan Project and its purpose, including a description of the nuclear test conducted at the Trinity Site.
A description of how the classified nature of the Manhattan Project and the nuclear test conducted at the Trinity Site led to the unknowing exposure of individuals in communities located downwind from such testing to radiological byproducts and associated consequences of such byproducts.
Briefing required— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force and Secretary of the Army shall jointly provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a briefing on the implementation of the requirements of this section.
Definitions— In this section:
changed
The term “Manhattan Project” Manhattan Project means the Federal military program to develop an atomic bomb ending on December 31, 1946.
changed
The term “Trinity Site” Trinity Site means the location in the Jornada del Muerto desert near Alamogordo, New Mexico, where a nuclear weapon was detonated on July 16, 1945.
Sec. 2835 Access to Military Installations for Certain Surviving Gold Star Family Members of the Armed Forces
added
added
Procedures for access of surviving gold star family members required— The Secretary of Defense, acting jointly with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a Service in the Navy, shall establish procedures by which any eligible Surviving Gold Star Family Member of a covered member of the Armed Forces may obtain unescorted access, as appropriate, to military installations, including commissary and exchange stores, notwithstanding the purpose of such access.
added
Considerations— Any procedures established under this section shall—
added
be applied consistently across the Department of Defense and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a Service in the Navy, including all components of the Departments;
added
minimize any administrative burden on a Surviving Gold Star Family Member;
added
take into account measures required to ensure the security of military installations, including eligibility for access, renewal periodicity, and installation commander discretion to temporarily limit access only as necessary; and
added
take into account such other factors as the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a Service in the Navy considers appropriate.
added
Deadline— The procedures required by subsection (a) shall be established by the date that is not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term eligible Surviving Gold Star Family Member means an individual who is a widow or widower, unmarried partner, parent, grandparent, child, stepchild, child through adoption, brother, half-brother, sister, half-sister, or stepsibling of a covered member of the Armed Forces, or other family member as the Secretary considers appropriate.
added
The term covered member of the Armed Forces means a member of the Armed Forces who dies while serving—
added
on active duty; or
added
on such reserve or National Guard duty as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a Service in the Navy may jointly specify for purposes of this section.
Sec. 2836 Department of Defense report on housing policy in Guam
added
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall, not later than March 1, 2026, submit to Congress a report that identifies the long term economic impacts of Department of Defense housing policy in Guam.
added
Elements— Such report may include—
added
an identification of the impact of Department of Defense policies on the cost of new home construction in Guam;
added
the cost to purchase or rent a home in Guam;
added
the possibility of excess Department of Defense housing affecting housing markets in Guam;
added
the relative purchasing power within housing markets of Department of Defense personnel as compared to other Guam residents; and
added
such other matters as determined relevant by the Secretary.
Sec. 2837 Clarification of land conveyance, Fort Hood, Texas
addedadded Section 2848(a) of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108–375; 118 Stat. 2140) is amended—
added
by striking “the sole purpose” and inserting “the purpose”; and
added
by striking “an upper level (junior, senior, and graduate) university” and inserting “a university, which may include other activities that benefit the community,”.
Sec. 2838 Report on improving Tribal access to defense infrastructure programs
addedadded Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, shall submit a report to the congressional defense committees that—
added
assesses barriers to Tribal participation in the Defense Community Infrastructure Program and related initiatives;
added
provides an overview of infrastructure needs in defense-adjacent Tribal communities;
added
analyzes statutory and regulatory limitations to Tribal eligibility under section 2391 of title 10, United States Code; and
added
recommends legislative or programmatic changes to improve Tribal access, including possible amendments to existing law or the establishment of complementary programs.
Sec. 2839 Prohibition on the use of single-sex facilities on military installations that do not correspond to the sex of an individual
added
added
In general— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person may, except as provided in subsection (b) or subsection (c), access or use a single-sex facility on a military installation that does not correspond to the sex of such person.
added
Exception— The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to—
added
emergency medical personnel responding to a medical emergency; or
added
law enforcement officers in active pursuit of a suspect, or as part of an active investigation.
added
National security waiver— The Secretary of Defense may, on a case-by-case basis, waive the prohibition in subsection (a) if the Secretary determines the waiver is necessary to advance the national security interests of the United States.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “female” means an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes eggs for fertilization.
added
The term “male” means an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes sperm for fertilization.
added
The term “military installation” has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
added
The term “single-sex facility” means a space intended for the use of one biological sex (male or female), including a—
added
restroom;
added
locker room; or
added
changing room.
added
The term “sex” means the biological determination as to whether an individual is male or female.
Sec. 2843 Land conveyance, Sigsbee Park Annex, Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida
added
added
Conveyance authorized— The Secretary of the Navy (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) may convey some or all right, title and interest of the United States in and to the parcels of real property via sale or lease, consisting of approximately 19 acres and improvements thereon, located at Naval Air Station Key West Sigsbee Park area, that are former sites of military family housing supporting military personnel assigned to the Naval Air Station Key West.
added
Competitive requirement— The Secretary shall use competitive procedures for any land conveyance authorized by subsection (a).
added
Consideration— The Secretary shall require as consideration for any conveyance under subsection (a), tendered by cash payment or in-kind consideration, an amount equal to no less than the fair market value, as determined by the Secretary, of the real property and any improvements thereon.
added
Description of parcels— The exact acreage and legal description of the parcel(s) to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey that is satisfactory to the Secretary. The cost of the survey shall be borne by the recipient of the parcels.
added
Additional terms and conditions— The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
added
Inapplicability of certain provisions of law— Any conveyance of property under this section shall not be subject to sections 2696 of title 10 and 11411 of title 42, United States Code. The acquisition of a facility, construction of a facility, or improvements to an existing facility using the authority provided by subparagraph (c)(2)(A) or (c)(3) shall not be treated as a military construction project for which an authorization is required by section 2802 of title 10, United States Code.
added
Definitions—
added
The term “ancillary supporting facilities”, “housing unit”, and “military unaccompanied housing” have the meanings given such terms in section 2871 of title 10, United States Code.
added
The term “military housing area” means a “military housing area”, as such term is used in section 403 of title 37, United States Code.
Sec. 2857 Department of Defense pilot program for additive manufacturing technologies in military construction projects
added
added
In general— Subchapter I of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2805 the following new section (and conforming the table of contents at the beginning of such chapter accordingly):
added “2805a. Pilot program for use of additive manufacturing technologies in unspecified minor construction projects
added “(a) Establishment—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Secretaries of the military departments, may establish a pilot program to, in accordance with section 2805 of this title, carry out unspecified minor military construction projects using additive manufacturing technology.
added “(b) Designation of official
added “(1) The Secretary of Defense shall designate an individual to be responsible for administering the pilot program under this section. Such individual shall establish guidelines and procedures with respect to carrying out unspecified minor military construction projects using additive manufacturing technology pursuant to the pilot program.
added “(2) In developing such guidance and procedures, such individual shall consult with—
added “(A) the Commander of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, with respect to matters concerning the Department of the Navy; and
added “(B) the Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers, with respect to matters concerning the Department of the Army.
added “(c) After-action reviews
added “(1) With respect to military construction projects under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy carried out pursuant to the pilot program under this section, the Commander of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command shall develop and issue guidance for documenting after-action reviews and validating lessons learned from such military construction projects.
added “(2) With respect to military construction projects under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army carried out pursuant to the pilot program under this section, the Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers shall develop and issue guidance for documenting after-action reviews and validating lessons learned from such military construction projects.
added “(d) Termination date—The authority of the Secretary of Defense to carry out the pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that this ten years after the date of the enactment of this section.”
added
Revision to Unified Facilities Criteria—
added
In general— The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall revise provisions of the Unified Facilities Criteria applicable to the planning and design of military construction projects to ensure that building practices and standards of the Department of Defense incorporate up-to-date additive manufacturing technologies.
added
Report required— Not later than February 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes a description of revisions made to the Unified Facilities Criteria pursuant to paragraph (1).
added
Appropriate congressional committees defined— In this subsection, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
added
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate; and
added
the Subcommittees on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Sec. 2858 Establishment of strategic spaceport program
added
added
Report on expanding launch capacity— 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 that includes—
added
an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of incorporating additional Federal, commercial, or State-operated spaceports into the national security launch infrastructure of the Deparmtent of Defense;
added
a review of the infrastructure, range support, airspace access, and ability of each site to meet national security launch requirements;
added
identification of other coastal locations throughout the continental United States that would be suitable for development to expand national security launch infrastructure;
added
a review of Federal authorities, policies, and statutes that inhibit expansion of launch infrastructure at existing launch sites of the Department; and
added
a framework to assess and prioritize surge launch infrastructure expansion options.
added
Recommendations for a strategic spaceport program— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees recommendations for the creation of a strategic spaceport program that includes—
added
investments required to create or expand the necessary vertical launch infrastructure to support national security and combatant command requirements;
added
innovative means to expand partnerships with State or local authorities to accelerate launch capacity expansion;
added
changes to authorities, policy or statute required to foster the expansion of vertical launch infrastructure within the United States and improve efficiency of all existing spaceport operations, including deconfliction of spectrum and airspace use; and
added
a framework to designate strategic spaceports and integrate such spaceports into Department of Defense operational, mobility, and joint force deployment planning.
added
Avoidance of duplication— The Secretary shall ensure that the strategic spaceport program—
added
builds upon but does not duplicate ongoing efforts under the Spaceport of the Future initiative; and
added
leverages existing infrastructure.
Sec. 2862 Requirements relating to funds for construction and improvement of commissary store facilities
Section 2685 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(f) Rule of construction—Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from using proceeds from commissary store sales or appropriated funds to acquire, lease, construct, convert, expand, improve, repair, maintain, or equip the physical infrastructure of commissary stores and central product processing facilities of the defense commissary system.
“(g) Annual report on unfunded commissary priorities
“(1) Annually and not later than ten 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, United States Code, the Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall submit to the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on unfunded priorities of the Department of Defense related to commissary facilities.
“(2) Each report under paragraph (1) shall include, 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 were to be funded in whole or in part.
“(B) The additional amount of funds recommended in connection with the objectives identified under subparagraph (A).
“(C) Account information with respect to such priority.
“(3) The Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall ensure that the unfunded priorities covered by a report under paragraph (1) are listed in the order of urgency, as determined by the Director.
changed
“(4) In this subsection, the term “unfunded priority”, unfunded priority, with respect to a fiscal year, means an activity related to commissary facilities that—
“(A) is not funded in the budget of the President for that fiscal year;
“(B) is necessary to address commissary facilities safety, capacity, usability, and reliability needs; and
“(C) would have been recommended for funding through such budget if additional resources had been available.”
Sec. 2869 Designation of official responsible for coordination of defense sites within area of responsibility of Joint Region Marianas
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of Joint Region Marianas shall designate an official to be responsible for, in coordination with appropriate officials of the military departments (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command—
coordinating Department of Defense-wide efforts with respect to the management of defense sites within the Joint Region Marianas area of responsibility;
ensuring the continuity of such efforts at such defense sites, including necessary infrastructure investments; and
ensuring clear and consistent communication to such Federal, State, and local officials with respect to the needs and priorities of the Department of Defense for such defense sites.
Selection— In making the designation under subsection (a), the Commander of Joint Region Marianas may appoint an individual with a significant background and expertise in—
relevant legal and technical aspects related to land use or real estate issues; and
working with officials at all levels of government.
Notification— Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Commander of Joint Region Marianas designates an individual pursuant to subsection (a), the Commander shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate and appropriate officials of the defense sites within the Joint Region Marianas area of responsibility a notification that includes the name and contact information of such individual.
changed
Defense site defined— In this section, the term “defense site” defense site has the meaning given such term in section 2710 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 2870 Report on threat of fiber optic-controlled drones
addedadded The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report containing an evaluation of—
added
the threat of fiber optic-controlled unmanned aircraft systems to U.S. military installations, operations, and personnel; and
added
the use of such systems by foreign adversaries for surveillance and targeting.
Sec. 2871 Prohibition of use on military installations of social media controlled by foreign adversaries
added
added
Prohibition— No person may use a Government-owned device to access or use social media controlled by a foreign adversary while present on a military installation.
added
Definitions— In this section:
added
The term “controlled by a foreign adversary” has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (division H of Public Law 118–50; 15 U.S.C. 9901).
added
The term “military installation” has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 2872 Study and report on certain investments in critical infrastructure in Hawaii
addedadded Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment and the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command shall carry out a joint study to assess the critical infrastructure investments in Hawaii across each military department and submit to Congress a report with respect to such study that includes—
added
an identification of existing infrastructure as of the date of the enactment of this section deemed as critical for potential conflict-related needs for military operations in the Indo-Pacific region, disaggregated by—
added
military infrastructure; and
added
civilian infrastructure;
added
estimated future requirements for military infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region based on mission growth and evolving threats; and
added
a prioritized list of military construction projects planned to be carried out during the five-year period beginning on the date of the submission of the report that the Assistant Secretary and the Commander determine are critical to potential conflict-related needs that includes, for each such military construction project, an identification of—
added
the estimated total cost;
added
the location; and
added
the military department concerned.
Sec. 2873 Survey of certain counties for placement of facilities
added
added
Survey required— Not later than one year afer the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress the results of a survey of the counties described in subsection (b) to assess potential placement of operational, training, or other facilities for use by the military departments in such counties.
added
Counties described— The counties described in this subsection are located in the State of North Carolina and are as follows:
added
Buncombe County.
added
Cherokee County.
added
Clay County.
added
Graham County.
added
Haywood County.
added
Henderson County.
added
Jackson County.
added
Macon County.
added
Madison County.
added
McDowell County.
added
Polk County.
added
Rutherford County.
added
Swain County.
added
Transylvania County.
added
Yancey County.
added
Survey requirements— The survey required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
An assessment of the mountainous and varied terrains in the areas described in subsection (b) and the feasibility of programs that use this geography, including programs for basic survival skills, dam and reservoir exercises, whitewater rafting exercises, thick vegetation exercises, air drop exercises, and mountainous warfare exercises.
added
An evaluation of defense assets located in the State of North Carolina and the lack of defense assets in the area described in subsection (b).
added
Survey considerations— The survey shall assesses the feasibility of the placement of operational, training, and other facilities as follows:
added
Consideration of relevant civilian assets in the area described in subsection (b).
added
Consideration of assets of Department of Defense contractors in such area.
added
Proximity of such to current defense assets, including Fort Liberty.
added
Consideration of the geographic similarities of such area to geographic regions critical to United States defense policy, including the Indo-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Sec. 2874 Study and report on defense access roads program of the Department of Defense in the Indo-Pacific region
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall carry out a study on the defense access roads program in the Indo-Pacific region and submit to Congress a report that includes the findings of such study.
added
Elements— The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
A list of the roads in the Indo-Pacific built by the defense access roads program during the 40-year period that precedes the date of the enactment of this section approved for inclusion in the program but have not been constructed due to funding limitations.
added
A summary of the current condition of roads funded or approved for funding through the defense access roads program, including an estimate of deferred maintenance costs and the implications for mission accomplishment.
added
An analysis of the extent to which existing statutory and regulatory authorities constrain the ability of the Department of Defense to support transportation infrastructure maintenance investments that directly enable military readiness, including access routes to military installations, ranges, and other critical defense facilities.
added
An assessment of the potential benefits and cost savings of amending the defense access roads program to allow for routine road maintenance and repair in addition to the currently authorized improvements, reconstructions, and capacity enhancements.
added
As assessment of the advisability and suitability of enacting legislative and administrative changes to the defense access roads program to include support for road maintenance and repair activities.
Sec. 2875 Designation of Creech Air Force Base as a remote or isolated installation
addedadded The Secretary of Defense shall designate Creech Air Force Base, Indian Springs, Nevada, as a remote or isolated installation.
Sec. 2876 Sense of Congress relating the defense community infrastructure program
addedadded It is the sense of Congress that:
added
Defense community infrastructure program (“DCIP”) funding should better align with the scale of community requests, which have consistently exceeded available resources.
added
Increased investment in DCIP would support projects essential to readiness and resilience, including transportation, utilities, schools, medical facilities, and workforce housing in defense communities.
added
Congress supports strengthening DCIP to meet infrastructure needs in defense communities and ensure continued mission readiness.
Sec. 2877 Report on Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience pilot project
added
added
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of the implementation of the Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience pilot project established under section 2872 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (10 U.S.C. 2864 note).
added
Content— The report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following:
added
For each established Interagency Regional Coordinator—
added
which community that supports a military installation was selected for a Coordinator and the reasoning for selecting such community; and
added
a description of the ongoing work of the Coordinator.
added
For any Interagency Regional Coordinator position required under the pilot program but not yet established, a plan to establish such position.
Sec. 2878 Establishment of Air Force and Space Force Museum System
addedadded Chapter 979 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
added “9784. Establishment of Air Force and Space Force Museum System
added “(a) In general—The Secretary of the Air Force shall support a system of official Air Force and Space Force museums within the Department of the Air Force. Such system shall include the National Museum of the United States Air Force and may contain other museums honoring individual installations, units, and branches, as designated by the Secretary of the Air Force, that meet criteria established under subsection (b).
added “(b) Criteria for designation—The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish criteria for designating museums of subsection (a) for inclusion in the Air Force and Space Force museum system. Such criteria shall include—
added “(1) historical significance to Air Force and Space Force operations, technology, or personnel;
added “(2) public accessibility and educational outreach programs; and
added “(3) alignment with the mission of the Air Force and Space Force to preserve the heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.
added “(c) Criteria for closure—The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish criteria for closing museums within the Air Force and Space Force museum system. If the Secretary decides to close a museum in such system, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, not later than 90 days before the date on which the museum closes, notice that includes—
added “(1) a plan for the preservation, storage, or alternate display of historical collections contained in the museum;
added “(2) how any issues relating to museum personnel will be resolved;
added “(3) an identification of any efforts to maintain museum operations through public-private partnerships; and
added “(4) an analysis of the cost to transport, consolidate, and preserve the historical collections contained in the museum.
added “(d) Funding and support—Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary may enter into partnerships, including with nonprofit organizations, to enhance the financial sustainability and public engagement of the museums in the Air Force and Space Force museum system.”
Sec. 2879 Extension of Department of the Army Pilot Program for Development and Use of Online Real Estate Inventory Tool
addedadded Section 2866(h) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (division B of Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 7771 note prec.) is amended by striking “September 30, 2026” and inserting “September 30, 2030”.
Sec. 3123 Limitation relating to reclassification of high-level waste
Limitation— Except as provided by subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Energy may be obligated or expended by the Secretary of Energy to apply the interpretation of high-level radioactive waste described in the notice published by the Secretary titled “Supplemental Notice Concerning U.S. Department of Energy Interpretation of High-Level Radioactive Waste” (84 Fed. Reg. 26835), or successor notice, with respect to such waste located in the State of Washington.
Waiver— The Secretary may waive the limitation under subsection (a) relating to the reclassification of high-level radioactive waste if—
the Secretary submits to the appropriate congressional committees a notice of the waiver that includes—
a justification for such reclassification;
documentation from both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Ecology of the State of Washington that indicates that such Agency and Department, respectively, concur with such reclassification, as required by the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order, signed on January 10, 2025; and
a period of 60 days has elapsed following the submission of such notice.
changed
Appropriate congressional committees defined— In this section, the term “appropriate appropriate congressional committees” committees means the following:
The Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The Subcommittees on Energy and Water Development of the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Sec. 3124 Notification requirement with respect to nuclear power in Guam
Notification— Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than 180 days before any date on which the Secretary carries out the placement of a nuclear reactor in Guam, submit to Congress and the Governor of Guam a notification of such placement.
Exception— Subsection (a) shall not apply to a nuclear reactor aboard a naval vessel.
changed
Nuclear reactor defined— In this section, the term “nuclear reactor” nuclear reactor has the meaning given the term “advanced advanced nuclear reactor” reactor in section 951 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271).
Sec. 3125 Plan to modernize nuclear security enterprise
added
added
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Administrator for Nuclear Security shall develop a plan—
added
to accelerate and modernize material staging capabilities to replace aged, over-subscribed facilities within the nuclear security enterprise, which shall include a description of all phases and an estimate of the costs required to carry out such plan; and
added
to accelerate near-term critical decisions milestones in fiscal year 2026.
added
Execution— The Administrator for Nuclear Security shall carry out the plan required by subsection (a) concurrently with an infrastructure modernization program for high explosives capabilities, including continued construction of the High Explosives Synthesis Formulation and Production facility (21-D-510).
added
Briefing required— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Administrator for Nuclear Security shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing with respect to the plan for material staging capabilities required by subsection (a).
added
Appropriate congressional committees defined— In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
added
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate; and
added
the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Sec. 3126 Expansion of other transaction authority for National Nuclear Safety Administration
added
added
In general— Section 4832 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2812) is amended—
added
in subsection (b)—
added
in paragraph (2) by striking “; and”;
added
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
added
by inserting after paragraph (2), the following new paragraph (3):
added “(3) demonstration of novel construction techniques, materials, processes and systems to replace obsolete or aging manufacturing facilities and site infrastructure; and”
added
by adding at the end the following new subsection—
added “(c) Authority of the Administrator to carry out certain prototype projects
added “(1) In carrying out this section, the Administrator may exercise the same authority to enter into transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants), subject to the same terms and conditions as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments under section 4022 of title 10 (other than subsection (i) of that section), as amended from time to time.
added “(2) In applying section 4022 of title 10 to the Administrator under paragraph (1)—
added “(A) the terms “Department of Defense” and “Department” shall be replaced by the term “National Nuclear Security Administration”;
added “(B) the phrase “to improvement of platforms, systems, components, or materials in use by the armed forces” shall be replaced by “are directly relevant to improvement of manufacturing technologies, production facilities and related site infrastructure at nuclear weapons production facilities”;
added “(C) the term “follow-on production” shall be replaced by the term “follow-on activity”;
added “(D) the phrase “a covered official” shall be replaced by the phrase “the senior procurement executive for the Administration”;
added “(E) the term “Secretary of Defense” shall be replaced by the term “Administrator”;
added “(F) the phrase “chapter 221 of this title” shall be replaced by the phrase “chapter 33 of title 41”;
added “(G) the phrase “chapter 137 of this title” shall be replaced by the phrase “Division C of Subtitle I of title 41”; and
added “(H) subsection (d)(6) is amended to read as follows:
added “(3) The authority of the Administrator under paragraph (1) shall not be subject to section 16352 of title 42.”
Sec. 5101 Short title
addedadded This title may be cited as the “Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act”.
Sec. 5102 Prohibition on Federal reserve banks relating to certain products or services for individuals and prohibition on directly issuing a central bank digital currency
addedadded Section 16 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 411 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
added “(18)
added “(A) A Federal reserve bank may not—
added “(i) offer financial products or services directly to an individual;
added “(ii) maintain an account on behalf of an individual; or
added “(iii) issue a central bank digital currency, or any digital asset that is substantially similar under any other name or label.
added “(B) In this paragraph, the term central bank digital currency has the meaning given that term under section 10(11)(D).”
Sec. 5103 Prohibition on Federal reserve banks indirectly issuing a central bank digital currency
addedadded Section 16 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 411 et seq.), as amended by section 5102, is further amended by adding at the end the following paragraph:
added “(19)
added “(A) A Federal reserve bank may not offer a central bank digital currency, or any digital asset that is substantially similar under any other name or label, indirectly to an individual through a financial institution or other intermediary.
added “(B) In this paragraph, the term central bank digital currency has the meaning given that term under section 10(11)(D).”
Sec. 5104 Prohibition with respect to central bank digital currency
addedadded Section 10 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 241 et seq.) is amended by inserting before paragraph (12) the following:
added “(11) Prohibition with respect to central bank digital currency
added “(A) In general—The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may not test, study, develop, create, or implement a central bank digital currency, or any digital asset that is substantially similar under any other name or label.
added “(B) Monetary policy—The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee may not use a central bank digital currency to implement monetary policy, or any digital asset that is substantially similar under any other name or label.
added “(C) Exception—Subparagraph (A) and sections 16(18)(A)(iii) and 16(19)(A) may not be construed to prohibit any dollar-denominated currency that is open, permissionless, and private, and fully preserves the privacy protections of United States coins and physical currency.
added “(D) Central bank digital currency defined—In this paragraph, the term central bank digital currency means a form of digital money or monetary value that is—
added “(i) denominated in the national unit of account;
added “(ii) a direct liability of the Federal Reserve System; and
added “(iii) widely available to the general public.”
Sec. 5105 Sense of Congress
addedadded It is the sense of Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System currently does not have the authority to issue a central bank digital currency, or any digital asset that is substantially similar under any other name or label, and will not have such authority unless Congress grants it under Congress’s Article 1 Section 8 powers.
Sec. 6101 Short title
addedadded This division may be cited as the “Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025”.
Sec. 6102 Authorization of appropriations
addedadded Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended—
added
in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking “fiscal years 2022 and 2023” and inserting “fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029”;
added
in paragraph (1)—
added
in subparagraph (A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following:
added “(i) $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025;
added “(ii) $11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026;
added “(iii) $13,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
added “(iv) $14,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
added “(v) $15,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.”
added
in subparagraph (B) by striking “$23,456,000” and inserting “$25,570,000”; and
added
in subparagraph (C) by striking “subparagraph (A)(ii), $24,353,000” and inserting “clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) of subparagraph (A), respectively, $26,848,500”;
added
in paragraph (2)(A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following:
added “(i) $3,627,600,000 for fiscal year 2025;
added “(ii) $3,651,480,000 for fiscal year 2026;
added “(iii) $3,700,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
added “(iv) $3,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
added “(v) $3,800,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.”
added
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
added “(4) For retired pay, including the payment of obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for purposes of retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection and Survivor Benefits Plans, payment for career status bonuses, payment of continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title 10—
added “(A) $1,147,244,000 for fiscal year 2025;
added “(B) $1,057,929,000 for fiscal year 2026;
added “(C) $1,215,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
added “(D) $1,380,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
added “(E) $1,650,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.”