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AN ACT

To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026”.

SEC. 2. ORGANIZATION OF ACT INTO DIVISIONS; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Divisions.—This Act is organized into ten divisions as follows:

(1) Division A—Department of Defense Authorizations.

(2) Division B—Military Construction Authorizations.

(3) Division C—Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations.

(4) Division D—Funding Tables.

(5) Division E—Additional Provisions.

(6) Division F—Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

(7) Division G—Department of State Matters.

(8) Division H—Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025.

(9) Division I—ROAD to Housing Act.

(10) Division J—Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

(b) Table of Contents.—The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents. Sec. 3. Congressional defense committees. Sec. 4. Budgetary effects of this Act. DIVISION A—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS

TITLE I—PROCUREMENT

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. Subtitle B—Army Programs

Sec. 111. Strategy for Army tactical wheeled vehicle program. Subtitle C—Navy Programs

Sec. 121. Procurement authority for Columbia-class submarine program. Sec. 122. Procurement authorities for Medium Landing Ships. Sec. 123. Recapitalization of Navy waterborne security barriers; modification of prohibition on availability of funds for legacy waterborne security barriers. Sec. 124. Modification to limitations on Navy medium and large unmanned surface vessels. Sec. 125. Limitation on availability of funds for TAGOS ship program. Sec. 126. Limitation on availability of funds relating to amphibious warfare ship requirement. Sec. 127. Temporary unavailability of amphibious warfare ships. Subtitle D—Air Force Programs

Sec. 131. B-21 bomber aircraft program accountability matrices. Sec. 132. Bomber aircraft force structure and transition roadmap. Sec. 133. Requirement for an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap for the Air Force. Sec. 134. Annual report on Department of Defense unified datalink strategy. Sec. 135. Plan for open mission systems of F-35 aircraft. Sec. 136. Modification of prohibition on retirement of F-15E aircraft. Sec. 137. Prohibition on retirement of A-10 aircraft. Sec. 138. Extension of limitations and minimum inventory requirement relating to RQ-4 aircraft. Sec. 139. Expansion of air refueler fleet. Sec. 140. Requirements relating to C-130 aircraft. Sec. 141. Information on future large and oversized air cargo transportation services. Sec. 142. Extension of prohibition on certain reductions to B-1 bomber aircraft squadrons. Sec. 143. Prohibition on certain reductions to inventory of E-3 airborne warning and control system aircraft.

TITLE II—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations. Subtitle B—Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations

Sec. 211. Modifications to defense research capacity building program. Sec. 212. Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense. Sec. 213. Extension of authority for assignment to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of private sector personnel with critical research and development expertise. Sec. 214. Limitation on use of funds for certain Navy software. Sec. 215. Limitation on availability of funds for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Sec. 216. Prohibition on contracts between certain foreign entities and institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research. Sec. 217. Western regional range complex demonstration. Sec. 218. Modification of requirement for Department of Defense policies for management and certification of Link 16 military tactical data link network. Sec. 219. Advanced robotic automation for munitions manufacturing. Sec. 220. Dual-use and defense advanced manufacturing innovation hubs. Sec. 220A. Advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing programs. Sec. 220B. Improvements relating to advanced manufacturing. Sec. 220C. Limitation on availability of funds for fundamental research collaboration with certain academic institutions. Subtitle C—Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 221. Catalyst Pathfinder Program. Sec. 222. Extension of period for annual reports on critical technology areas supportive of the National Defense Strategy. Sec. 223. Evaluation of additional test corridors for hypersonic and long-range weapons. Sec. 224. Technical correction. Sec. 225. Congressionally directed programs for test and evaluation oversight. Sec. 226. Prohibition on modification of indirect cost rates for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations. Sec. 227. Enhance international coordination for advanced manufacturing techniques, technologies, and adoption. Subtitle D—Biotechnology

Sec. 231. Biotechnology Management Office. Sec. 232. Department of Defense biotechnology strategy. Sec. 233. Defining guidelines and policies on the use of biotechnology for the Armed Forces. Sec. 234. Enhancement of international biodefense capacity.

TITLE III—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations. Subtitle B—Energy and Environment

Sec. 311. Department of Defense guidelines regarding implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sec. 312. Requirement to support training on wildfire prevention and response. Sec. 313. Use of solid waste disposal systems by Department of Defense. Sec. 314. Modification of availability and use of energy cost savings. Sec. 315. Authority of Department of Defense to destroy or dispose of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances. Sec. 316. Modification to restriction on procurement or purchasing of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances. Sec. 317. Provision of bottled water to communities with private drinking water contaminated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances from activities of Department of Defense. Sec. 318. Repeal of prohibition on procurement by Department of Defense of certain items containing perfluorooctane sulfonate or perfluorooctanoic acid. Sec. 319. Repeal of temporary moratorium on incineration by Department of Defense of perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, and aqueous film forming foam. Sec. 320. Interim responses to address releases or threatened releases of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Subtitle C—Logistics and Sustainment

Sec. 321. Surface ship sustainment and readiness. Sec. 322. Technology enhancement for surface ship maintenance. Sec. 323. Delegation to United States Transportation Command of mitigating vulnerabilities and risks associated with contested logistics for Department of Defense. Sec. 324. Requirements for Department of Defense aircraft operations near commercial airports. Sec. 325. Extension and modification of semiannual briefings on operational status of amphibious warship fleet. Sec. 326. Prohibition on closure of Army organic industrial base sites. Sec. 327. Establishment of Defense Personal Property Management Office under Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Sec. 328. Integration of commercially available artificial intelligence capabilities into logistics operations. Sec. 329. Pilot program on arsenal workload sustainment. Subtitle D—Reports

Sec. 331. Modification of report on improved oversight for implementation of Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Navy. Sec. 332. Modification of readiness report to include summary count of certain mishaps. Sec. 333. Annual report on funding and status of interim remedial actions of Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 341. Provision of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements to members of the United States Special Operations Command. Sec. 342. Limitation on use of funds to establish or expand Space Force Special Operations Component Command. Sec. 343. Requirements for contracts relating to permanent change of station moving process. Sec. 344. Limitation on transformation by the Army of primary helicopter training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Sec. 345. Conveyance of certain aircraft from Air Force to Arizona Aviation Historical Group, Phoenix, Arizona. Sec. 346. Limitation on use of funds by the Army until submittal of plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command. Sec. 347. Limitation on use of certain funds of the Air Force until acquisition strategy submitted to maintain Airborne Command Post capability. Sec. 348. Pilot program for contracted amphibious air resources for the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Sec. 349. Naming of certain assets of the Department of Defense in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sec. 350. Modification of protection of certain facilities and assets from incursions.

TITLE IV—MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS

Subtitle A—Active Forces

Sec. 401. End strengths for active forces. Subtitle B—Reserve Forces

Sec. 411. End strengths for selected reserve. Sec. 412. End strengths for reserves on active duty in support of the reserves. Sec. 413. End strengths for military technicians (dual status). Sec. 414. Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty for operational support. Subtitle C—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 421. Military personnel.

TITLE V—MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY

Subtitle A—Officer Personnel Policy

Sec. 501. Statutory adjustment to reflect transfer of certain general officer billets from the Air Force to the Space Force. Sec. 502. Notice of removal of Judge Advocates General. Sec. 503. Qualifications for judge advocates. Sec. 504. Modification of waiver authority related to joint qualified officer requirement prior to promotion to general or flag grade. Sec. 505. Notification of removal of officers from selection board reports and promotion lists. Sec. 506. Space Force general officer management. Sec. 507. Temporary increase in fiscal year percentage limitation for reduction or waiver of service-in-grade requirement for general and flag officers to be retired in pay grades O-7 and O-8. Subtitle B—Reserve Component Management

Sec. 511. Expansion of authority to waive limitations on release of reserves from active duty within two years of retirement eligibility. Sec. 512. Disestablishment of Navy Reserve Center system. Sec. 513. National Guard personnel authorities. Sec. 514. National Guard personnel disaster response duty. Sec. 515. Treatment of funds received by National Guard Bureau as reimbursement from States. Sec. 516. Limitations applicable to the authority to transfer space functions of the Air National Guard to the Space Force. Subtitle C—General Service Authorities and Military Records

Sec. 521. Chief of Naval Personnel. Sec. 522. Enhanced efficiency and service discretion for Disability Evaluation System reviews. Sec. 523. Technical correction related to convalescent leave for academy cadets and midshipmen. Sec. 524. Recognition of remotely piloted aircraft crew. Subtitle D—Military Justice and Other Legal Matters

Sec. 531. Notification of military sex offenders at military installations. Sec. 532. Quarterly reports on sexual assault prevention and response efforts. Subtitle E—Member Education, Training, and Transition

Sec. 541. Military service academy nominations. Sec. 542. Asynchronous instruction in distance education option for professional military education. Sec. 543. Army University. Sec. 544. Integration of the Secretary of Defense Strategic Thinkers Program. Sec. 545. Improvements to information-sharing to support individuals retiring or separating from the Armed Forces. Sec. 546. Mandatory training on government ethics and national security law. Sec. 547. Prohibition on consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in service academy admissions decisions. Sec. 548. Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs or activities at the military service academies that are designated for women or girls. Sec. 549. Pathway for cadets and midshipmen to play professional sports. Sec. 550. Factors for counseling pathways under Transition Assistance Program. Subtitle F—Military Family Readiness and Dependents’ Education

PART I—Dependents’ Education

Sec. 551. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of military and civilian personnel. Sec. 552. Management of special education in schools operated by Department of Defense Education Activity. Sec. 553. Enrollment of children of certain American Red Cross employees in defense dependents’ education system. Sec. 554. Regulations on the use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity schools. Sec. 555. Administration of college admissions tests by the Department of Defense Education Activity. Sec. 556. Support for expanding early child care options for members of the Armed Forces and their families. Sec. 557. Improved counseling and access to information relating to foster care for military families. Sec. 558. Pilot program on recruitment and retention of employees for child development programs. Sec. 559. Report on unmet need for child care in areas with significant populations of members of the Armed Forces.

PART II—Other Matters

Sec. 561. Legal assistance for guardianship transfers. Subtitle G—Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

Sec. 571. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor qualifications. Sec. 572. Temporary authority to provide bonuses to Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructors. Sec. 573. Number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units. Subtitle H—Decorations and Other Awards, Miscellaneous Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 581. Honorary promotions on the initiative of the Department of Defense. Sec. 582. National Week of Military Recruitment. Sec. 583. Clarifying the calculation of enlistments for persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level for the future servicemember preparatory course. Sec. 584. Recruiter access to secondary schools. Sec. 585. Compliance with travel charge card deactivation requirements.

TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS

Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances

Sec. 601. Modifications to calculation of basic allowance for subsistence for enlisted members. Sec. 602. Inclusion of descriptions of types of pay on pay statements. Sec. 603. Increased awareness and improved calculation of rates for basic allowance for housing. Sec. 604. Military compensation educational campaign. Subtitle B—Special and Incentive Pay

Sec. 611. Reviews of designations of imminent danger pay areas. Sec. 612. Implementation of aviation incentive pay for members of reserve components. Sec. 613. Pilot program on improving retention of members with degrees in their fields of specialty. Subtitle C—Other Matters

Sec. 621. Extension of enhanced authority for selective early retirement and early discharges. Sec. 622. Extension of temporary early retirement authority. Sec. 623. Extension of authority to provide voluntary separation pay and benefits. Sec. 624. Designation of United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll as remote and isolated military installation. Sec. 625. Designation of Creech Air Force Base as a remote or isolated installation. Sec. 626. Provision of counseling on housing for members of the Armed Forces. Sec. 627. Program to provide Government-funded transportation for certain members of the Armed Forces stationed overseas. Sec. 628. Prohibition on procurement and commissary sales of seafood originating or processed in the People’s Republic of China. Sec. 629. Government Accountability Office study on casualty assistance and long-term care programs.

TITLE VII—HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS

Subtitle A—TRICARE, Brain Health, and Other Health Care Benefits

Sec. 701. Inclusion of additional requirements in notifications to modify scope of services provided at military medical treatment facilities. Sec. 702. Expansion of eligibility for hearing aids to include children of retired members of the Uniformed Services enrolled in family coverage under TRICARE Select. Sec. 703. Assessment of behavioral health and social health conditions of military personnel and their families assigned to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. Sec. 704. Authority to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations on a nonreimbursable basis to certain otherwise ineligible individuals. Sec. 705. Fertility treatment for certain members of the uniformed services and dependents. Sec. 706. Restriction on performance of sex change surgeries. Subtitle B—Health Care Administration

Sec. 711. Codification of position of Director of the Defense Health Agency. Sec. 712. Establishment of policies for priority assignment of medical personnel of Department of Defense. Sec. 713. Graduate medical education partnership demonstration program. Sec. 714. Modification of administration of medical malpractice claims by members of the uniformed services. Sec. 715. Improvement of transition of medics in the Armed Forces to the civilian workforce in health care occupations. Sec. 716. Improvement of provider directory accuracy for specialty care providers under the TRICARE program. Sec. 717. Review of disclosure requirements under processes and forms relating to health care provider credentialing and privileging of Department of Defense. Sec. 718. Provision of health care services at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Subtitle C—Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 721. Strategic infectious disease medical research plan. Sec. 722. Extension of authority for Joint Department of Defense- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund. Sec. 723. Pilot program on wastewater surveillance system of Department of Defense. Sec. 724. Improvement of availability of care for veterans from facilities and providers of the Department of Defense. Sec. 725. Military-civilian medical surge program.

TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and Management

Sec. 801. Transition of program executive officer role to portfolio acquisition executive. Sec. 802. Capstone requirements. Sec. 803. Modification to acquisition strategy. Sec. 804. Modifications to modular open systems approach. Sec. 805. Alternative test and evaluation pathway for designated defense acquisition programs. Sec. 806. Department of Defense member of Cost Accounting Standards Board. Sec. 807. Combatant command experimentation authority. Subtitle B—Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations

Sec. 821. Modification to nontraditional defense contractor definitions. Sec. 822. Financing for covered activities. Sec. 823. Exemptions for nontraditional defense contractors. Sec. 824. Modifications to treatment of certain products and services as commercial products and commercial services. Sec. 825. Modifications to commercial products and commercial services. Sec. 826. Modifications to commercial solutions openings. Sec. 827. Modifications to other transactions. Sec. 828. Modifications to procurement for experimental purposes. Sec. 829. Consumption-based solutions. Sec. 830. Modifications to prohibition on contracting with persons that have fossil fuel operations with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy sector. Sec. 831. Modifications to relationship of other provisions of law to procurement of commercial products and commercial services. Sec. 832. Limitation on required flowdown of contract clauses to subcontractors providing commercial products or commercial services. Sec. 833. References in contracts to Department of Defense policy documents, instructions, and manuals. Sec. 834. Uninsurable risk on certain contracts. Sec. 835. Reporting of price increases. Sec. 836. Instructions for continued operational readiness. Sec. 837. Indemnification of contractors against nuclear and unusually hazardous risks. Sec. 838. Late submission of cost and pricing data as invalid defense to contract price reductions for defective cost or pricing data. Sec. 839. Modifications to submissions of cost or pricing data. Subtitle C—Industrial Base Matters

Sec. 841. Repeal of limitations on certain Department of Defense Executive Agent authority. Sec. 842. Small unmanned aircraft system industrial base remediation plan. Sec. 843. Application of national security waiver for strategic materials sourcing requirement to sensitive materials. Sec. 844. Prohibition on acquisition of clothing and fabric from countries of concern under domestic- sourcing waivers. Sec. 845. Mitigation of risks related to foreign ownership, control, or influence of Department of Defense contractors or subcontractors. Sec. 846. Prohibition of procurement of molybdenum, gallium, or germanium from non-allied foreign nations and authorization for production from recovered material. Sec. 847. Sourcing options for certain critical products. Sec. 848. Prohibiting the purchase of photovoltaic modules or inverters from Foreign Entities of Concern. Sec. 849. Modernization of Army arsenals. Sec. 849A. Modifications to Defense Industrial Base Fund. Sec. 849B. Report on United States boot industrial base and Berry Amendment compliance. Subtitle D—Small Business Matters

Sec. 851. APEX Accelerators. Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 861. Clarification of procurement prohibition related to acquisition of materials mined, refined, and separated in certain countries. Sec. 862. Independent study on the acquisition workforce of the Department of Defense. Sec. 863. Expedited acceptance program for supply chain illumination. Sec. 864. Simultaneous conflicts critical munitions report. Sec. 865. Permanent extension and modification of demonstration and prototyping program to advance international product support capabilities in a contested logistics environment. Sec. 866. Estimate of ally and partner demand for United States- produced munitions and specified expendables. Sec. 867. Reform of contractor performance information requirements. Sec. 868. Repeals of existing law to streamline the defense acquisition process. Sec. 869. Enhancement of defense supply chain resilience and secondary source qualification. Sec. 870. Enhanced product support management for integrated sustainment of weapon systems. Sec. 871. Modifications to current defense acquisition requirements. Sec. 872. Minimum production levels for munitions. Sec. 873. Processes for incentivizing contractor expansion of sources of supply. Sec. 874. Duty-free entry of supplies procured by Department of Defense. Sec. 875. Other transaction authority reporting. Sec. 876. Assessment of competitive effects of defense contractor transactions. Sec. 877. Evaluation of TP-Link telecommunications equipment for designation as covered telecommunications equipment or services. Sec. 878. Country-of-origin disclosure requirements for generic drugs purchased by the Department of Defense. Sec. 879. Phase-out of computer and printer acquisitions involving entities owned or controlled by China. Sec. 880. Prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made additive manufacturing machines. Sec. 881. Prohibition on contracting with certain biotechnology providers. Sec. 882. SkyFoundry Program.

TITLE IX—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related Matters

Sec. 901. Economic Defense Unit. Sec. 902. Additional authorities for Office of Strategic Capital. Sec. 903. Modifications to responsibilities of Director for Operational Test and Evaluation. Sec. 904. Directive authority for matters for which Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering has responsibility. Sec. 905. Modification of energetic materials strategic plan and investment strategy of Joint Energetics Transition Office. Sec. 906. Limitation on availability of funds pending establishment of Joint Energetics Transition Office. Sec. 907. Modification of covered technology categories for Office of Strategic Capital. Sec. 908. Modification of organization and authorities of Assistant Secretaries of Defense with duties relating to industrial base policy and readiness. Subtitle B—Other Department of Defense Organization and Management Matters

Sec. 911. Modifications to Joint Requirements Oversight Council. Sec. 912. Transfer of responsibility for countering small unmanned aircraft systems. Sec. 913. Study on feasibility and advisability of establishing a Joint Capabilities and Programming Board. Sec. 914. Briefing on restructuring of Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command. Sec. 915. Designation of senior official for military-to-civilian transition. Sec. 916. Removal of members of Joint Chiefs of Staff. Sec. 917. Longer term and eligibility for appointment to rank of Admiral of Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command. Sec. 918. Delay of disestablishment of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific. Sec. 919. Limitation on use of funds for consolidation, disestablishment, or elimination of geographic combatant commands. Sec. 920. Elimination of statutory provisions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Department of Defense. Sec. 921. Defense Science Board study on optimal organizational structure for digital engineering solutions. Sec. 922. Establishment of Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group.

TITLE X—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subtitle A—Financial Matters

Sec. 1001. General transfer authority. Sec. 1002. Amendments and repeals to budgetary requirements for defense acquisition. Sec. 1003. Briefing on beginning balance issues for audit purposes. Sec. 1004. Defense Business Audit Remediation Plan reporting. Subtitle B—Naval Vessels

Sec. 1011. Requirements related to Medium Landing Ships and Light Replenishment Oilers. Sec. 1012. Modification of authority to purchase used vessels under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Sec. 1013. Exemption of unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles from certain technical authority requirements. Sec. 1014. Prohibition on retiring and decommissioning oceanographic research vessels of the Navy. Sec. 1015. Report accompanying requests for new flights or blocks of major shipbuilding programs. Sec. 1016. Report on auxiliary vessel co-production. Sec. 1017. Report on vessel leasing program. Sec. 1018. Pilot program on use of automated shipbuilding technologies and capabilities. Subtitle C—Counterterrorism

Sec. 1021. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States. Sec. 1022. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to construct or modify facilities in the United States to house detainees transferred from United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Sec. 1023. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to certain countries. Sec. 1024. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or relinquish control of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Sec. 1025. Clarification regarding definition of individual detained at Guantanamo. Subtitle D—Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

Sec. 1031. Prohibition on use of funds to support entertainment projects with ties to the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Sec. 1032. Prohibition on destruction or scrapping of World War II-era aircraft. Sec. 1033. Support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime. Sec. 1034. Senior leaders of the Department of Defense and other specified persons: authority to provide protection. Sec. 1035. Notification of the use of military aircraft for immigration enforcement operations. Sec. 1036. Modification of requirements relating to support of civil authorities by Armed Forces. Sec. 1037. Prohibition on operation of connected vehicles designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign entity of concern on Department of Defense property. Sec. 1038. Continued implementation of anti-trafficking programs for children. Subtitle E—Studies and Reports

Sec. 1041. Annual report on contract cancellations. Sec. 1042. Streamlining of total force reporting requirements. Sec. 1043. Report on National Guard sexual assault prevention and response training. Sec. 1044. Reports to Congress on Department of Defense support for immigration enforcement operations. Sec. 1045. Military Sealift Command. Sec. 1046. Report on aliens held at installations of Department of Defense. Sec. 1047. Briefing on expenditures or planned expenditures of funds allocated for exploration and development of existing Arctic infrastructure. Subtitle F—Other Matters

Sec. 1051. Modification of limitation on assistance in support of Department of Defense accounting for missing United States Government personnel. Sec. 1052. Extension of admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain H-2B nonimmigrants. Sec. 1053. Prohibiting Secretary of Defense from developing voting technology or methodology. Sec. 1054. Assessment of the feasibility and advisability of using personnel of the Department of Defense to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Sec. 1055. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Sec. 1056. Department of Defense sensitive activities. Sec. 1057. Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory. Sec. 1058. Semiannual report on Department of Defense operations at the southern land border. Sec. 1059. University-based secure innovation incubator program of Department of Defense. Sec. 1060. Priority consideration of energy projects that are likely to experience significant temporal impact due to seasonal Arctic climate conditions. Sec. 1061. Non-Reimbursable Support for Afghanistan War Commission. Sec. 1062. Contracting authority for Afghanistan War Commission. Sec. 1063. Commission on the National Defense Strategy. Sec. 1064. Provision by Air Force of meteorological and environmental services for intelligence community. Sec. 1065. Expansion of Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record. Sec. 1066. Classification of Nevada Test and Training Range as location where contamination occurred and members of the Armed Forces were exposed to toxic substances. Sec. 1067. Review of and reporting on national security sensitive sites for purposes of reviews of real estate transactions by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Sec. 1068. Eligibility of spouses for services under the disabled veterans’ outreach program. Sec. 1069. Authority of Marshal of the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Police. Sec. 1070. Second Chance Act Reauthorization. Sec. 1071. Application of leave provisions for members of the Armed Forces to members of the Public Health Service. Sec. 1072. Study of national security risks posed by certain routers and modems. Sec. 1073. Fairness in issuance of tactical equipment to Diplomatic Security Service personnel. Sec. 1074. Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee. Sec. 1075. Review and prohibitions by Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States of certain transactions relating to agriculture. Sec. 1076. Finding opportunities for resource exploration. Sec. 1077. Requirement to provide certain services to veterans in the Freely Associated States. Sec. 1078. Protecting covered information in public records. Sec. 1079. Improving coordination between Federal and State agencies and the Do Not Pay working system. Sec. 1080. Agent membership. Sec. 1081. Exemption from immigrant visa limit. Sec. 1082. Feasibility study on removal of oil from sunken World War II vessels in waters near the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. Sec. 1083. Mapping America’s Pharmaceutical Supply. Subtitle G—Defense Workforce Integration

Sec. 1081. Integration of military and civilian hiring processes. Sec. 1082. Provision of information on career opportunities in the defense industrial base to persons ineligible for military service. Sec. 1083. Provision to Navy personnel of information on career opportunities at Military Sealift Command. Sec. 1084. Report on defense workforce integration. Subtitle H—Law Enforcement and Crime Victims Support Package

Sec. 1091. Preventing first responder secondary exposure to fentanyl. Sec. 1092. Reauthorizing support and treatment for officers in crisis. Sec. 1093. PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 Reauthorization. Sec. 1094. Inclusion of certain retired public safety officers in the public safety officers’ death benefits program. Sec. 1095. Strong Communities Program. Sec. 1096. Retired law enforcement officers continuing service. Sec. 1097. Trauma kit standards. Sec. 1098. Honoring our fallen heroes. Subtitle I—FISH Act of 2025

Sec. 1091. Short title. Sec. 1092. Definitions. Sec. 1093. Statement of policy. Sec. 1094. Establishment of an IUU vessel list. Sec. 1095. Visa sanctions for foreign persons. Sec. 1096. Agreements. Sec. 1097. Enforcement provisions. Sec. 1098. Improved management at the regional fisheries management organizations. Sec. 1099. Strategies to optimize data collection, sharing, and analysis. Sec. 1099A. Investment and technical assistance in the fisheries sector. Sec. 1099B. Strategy to identify seafood and seafood products from foreign vessels using forced labor. Sec. 1099C. Reports. Sec. 1099D. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program. Sec. 1099E. Exception related to the importation of goods. Sec. 1099F. Rule of construction.

TITLE XI—CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MATTERS

Sec. 1101. Educational travel authority for dependents of certain employees. Sec. 1102. One-year extension of authority to waive annual limitation on premium pay and aggregate limitation on pay for Federal civilian employees working overseas. Sec. 1103. One-year extension of temporary authority to grant allowances, benefits, and gratuities to civilian personnel on official duty in a combat zone. Sec. 1104. Modifications to Defense Civilian Training Corps. Sec. 1105. Modifications to requirements for the President of the Defense Acquisition University. Sec. 1106. Modification of direct hire authority for domestic defense industrial base facilities. Sec. 1107. Cyber workforce recruitment and retention. Sec. 1108. Prohibition on use of funds to reduce the workforce at public shipyards.

TITLE XII—MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS

Subtitle A—Assistance and Training

Sec. 1201. Modification of authorities. Sec. 1202. Modification of payment of costs for Regional Centers for Security Studies. Sec. 1203. Modification of authority for Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School. Sec. 1204. Permanent extension of acceptance and expenditure of contributions for multilateral security cooperation programs and activities. Sec. 1205. Building capacity of the armed forces of Mexico to counter transnational criminal organizations. Sec. 1206. Cybersecurity cooperation with the Government of Panama and the Panama Canal Authority. Sec. 1207. State Partnership Program selection analysis. Sec. 1208. Modification of authority to build capacity of foreign security forces. Sec. 1209. Extension and modification of pilot program to improve cyber cooperation with foreign military partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Syria, Iraq, and Iran

Sec. 1211. Extension of authority for reimbursement of certain coalition nations for support provided to United States military operations. Sec. 1212. Extension and modification of authority to support operations and activities of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq. Sec. 1213. Extension of authority to provide assistance to vetted Syrian groups and individuals. Sec. 1214. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Sec. 1215. Extension and modification of authority to provide certain support. Sec. 1216. Security and oversight of al-Hol and Roj camps. Sec. 1217. Limitation on use of funds for reduction or consolidation of United States Armed Forces bases in Syria. Sec. 1218. Limitation on availability of funds for the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq. Sec. 1219. Repeal of authorizations for use of military force against Iraq. Subtitle C—Matters Relating to Europe and the Russian Federation

Sec. 1221. Extension of prohibition on availability of funds relating to sovereignty of the Russian Federation over internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. Sec. 1222. Extension of annual report on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation. Sec. 1223. Extension and modification of Ukraine security assistance initiative. Sec. 1224. Weapons depot maintenance strategic plan for Ukraine. Sec. 1225. Oversight of United States military posture in Europe. Sec. 1226. Acceptance back into stock of equipment procured under Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Sec. 1227. Statement of policy relating to Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Sec. 1228. Intelligence support for Ukraine. Sec. 1229. International Security Cooperation Program funding for United States European Command. Sec. 1230. Promotion of the Joint Ukrainian Multinational Program— Services, Training and Articles Rapid Timeline (JUMPSTART). Sec. 1230A. Modification of United States basing and training, and exercises in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries. Sec. 1230B. Modification of requirements for transfers of United States defense articles and defense services among Baltic states. Sec. 1230C. Baltic Security Initiative. Subtitle D—Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific Region

Sec. 1231. Extension of Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Sec. 1232. Extension of authority to transfer funds for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup. Sec. 1233. Oversight of United States military posture on the Korean Peninsula. Sec. 1234. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Sec. 1235. Bolstering industrial resilience with allies in Indo-Pacific region. Sec. 1236. Modification of Taiwan security cooperation initiative. Sec. 1237. Joint program with Taiwan to enable fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities. Sec. 1238. Report on critical digital infrastructure of Taiwan. Sec. 1239. Report on Japanese counterstrike capabilities. Sec. 1240. Report on enhanced security cooperation with the Philippines. Sec. 1241. Modification to annual report on military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China. Sec. 1242. Strategic partnership on defense industrial priorities between the United States and Taiwan. Sec. 1243. Invitation to Taiwan to Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Sec. 1244. Extension of Indo-Pacific extended deterrence education pilot program. Sec. 1245. Inclusion on list of Chinese military companies of entities added to certain other lists. Sec. 1246. Preventing circumvention by Chinese military companies in third-party countries. Sec. 1247. Sense of Congress on defense alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 1251. Middle East integrated air and missile defense architecture. Sec. 1252. Modification of program and processes relating to foreign acquisition. Sec. 1253. Enhancing security partnership with Jordan and Lebanon. Sec. 1254. Joint Program Office for Non-Programs of Record to support foreign acquisition. Sec. 1255. Extension and modification of United States-Israel anti- tunnel cooperation. Sec. 1256. Extension and modification of United States-Israel cooperation to counter unmanned aerial systems. Sec. 1257. Guidance for coordination of international arms transfers. Sec. 1258. Requirement to update the National Disclosure Policy. Sec. 1259. Improvements to security cooperation workforce and defense acquisition workforce. Sec. 1260. Expansion of country prioritization. Sec. 1261. Streamlining and expediting sales of defense articles and services. Sec. 1262. Redesignation of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies as the James M. Inhofe Center for Africa Security Studies. Sec. 1263. Establishment of program to promote participation of foreign students in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Sec. 1264. Modification of authority for assistance in support of Department of Defense accounting for missing United States Government personnel. Sec. 1265. Strategy for United States security assistance to Mexico. Sec. 1266. Supporting the identification and recovery of abducted Ukrainian children. Subtitle F—Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity

Sec. 1271. Short title. Sec. 1272. Findings. Sec. 1273. Sense of Congress. Sec. 1274. Definitions. Sec. 1275. Codification of sanctions relating to the Western Balkans. Sec. 1276. Democratic and economic development and prosperity initiatives. Sec. 1277. Promoting cross-cultural and educational engagement. Sec. 1278. Young Balkan Leaders Initiative. Sec. 1279. Supporting cybersecurity and cyber resilience in the Western Balkans. Sec. 1280. Relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Sec. 1280A. Reports on Russian and Chinese malign influence operations and campaigns in the Western Balkans. Subtitle G—DFC Modernization and Reauthorization Act of 2025

Sec. 1270. Short title.

PART I—Definitions and Less Developed Country Focus

Sec. 1271. Definitions. Sec. 1272. Less developed country focus.

PART II—Management of Corporation

Sec. 1273. Structure of Corporation. Sec. 1274. Board of Directors. Sec. 1275. Chief Executive Officer. Sec. 1276. Chief Risk Officer. Sec. 1277. Chief Development Officer. Sec. 1278. Chief Strategic Investment Officer. Sec. 1279. Officers and employees. Sec. 1280. Development Advisory Finance Council. Sec. 1281. Strategic Advisory Group. Sec. 1282. Five-year Strategic Priorities Plan. Sec. 1283. Development finance education. Sec. 1284. Internships. Sec. 1285. Independent accountability mechanism.

PART III—Authorities Relating to Provision of Support

Sec. 1286. Equity investment. Sec. 1287. Special projects. Sec. 1288. Terms and conditions. Sec. 1289. Termination.

PART IV—Other Matters

Sec. 1290. Operations. Sec. 1291. Corporate powers. Sec. 1292. Maximum contingent liability. Sec. 1293. Performance measures, evaluation, and learning. Sec. 1294. Annual report. Sec. 1295. Publicly available project information. Sec. 1296. Notifications to be provided by the Corporation. Sec. 1297. Limitations and preferences. Sec. 1298. Repeal of European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019. Subtitle H—Defending International Security by Restricting Unacceptable Partnerships and Tactics

Sec. 1271. Short title. Sec. 1272. Findings. Sec. 1273. Statement of policy. Sec. 1274. Task forces and reports.

TITLE XIII—COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION

Sec. 1301. Cooperative Threat Reduction funds.

TITLE XIV—OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS

Subtitle A—Military Programs

Sec. 1401. Working capital funds. Sec. 1402. Chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Sec. 1403. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense-wide. Sec. 1404. Defense Inspector General. Sec. 1405. Defense Health Program. Subtitle B—National Defense Stockpile

Sec. 1411. Modifications to Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act. Subtitle C—Other Matters

Sec. 1421. Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces Retirement Home.

TITLE XV—SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND INTELLIGENCE MATTERS

Subtitle A—Space Activities

Sec. 1501. Delay in implementation of environmental assessment for rocket cargo test and demonstration at Johnston Atoll. Sec. 1502. Study on future space launch capacity. Sec. 1503. Acquisition and operation of space systems for space warfighting and control. Sec. 1504. Blast damage assessment guide for space vehicles at Air Force launch complexes. Sec. 1505. Acquisition of space-based tactical data capability. Sec. 1506. Use of middle tier acquisition program for proliferated warfighter space architecture of the Space Development Agency. Sec. 1507. Continuation of operation of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. Subtitle B—Nuclear Forces

Sec. 1511. Matters relating to intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States. Sec. 1512. Matters relating to Air Force Global Strike Command. Sec. 1513. Adjustment to bomber aircraft nuclear certification requirement. Sec. 1514. Limitation on availability of funds pending establishment of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs. Sec. 1515. Adjustment to responsibilities of Nuclear Weapons Council. Sec. 1516. Limitation on availability of funds pending notification of tasking authority delegation. Sec. 1517. Modification of requirement for nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missile initial operational capability. Sec. 1518. Pilot program for unmanned aerial vehicle resupply to launch control facilities. Sec. 1519. Limitation on availability of funds pending commencement of annual briefings on implementation of recommendations by the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States. Sec. 1520. Deep cleaning of launch control centers of the Air Force Global Strike Command. Sec. 1521. Limitation on compensation caps. Subtitle C—Missile Defense

Sec. 1531. Matters relating to the Golden Dome missile defense system. Sec. 1532. Inclusion of Hawaii and Alaska in plans for Iron Dome for America. Sec. 1533. Inclusion of air and missile defense in unconstrained total munitions requirements. Sec. 1534. Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system and Israeli cooperative missile defense program co- development and co-production. Sec. 1535. Requirement for Aegis Combat Systems operationally deployed under United States Indo-Pacific Command. Sec. 1536. Amendments to technical authority of Director of Missile Defense Agency regarding integrated air and missile defense activities and programs. Sec. 1537. Assessment of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. Sec. 1538. Biennial assessments of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. Sec. 1539. Limitation on availability of funds for Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment pending commencement of annual briefings on missile defense of Guam. Sec. 1540. Limitation on availability of funds for Missile Defense Agency pending arrangement for independent analysis of space-based missile defense capability. Sec. 1541. Limitation on authority to reduce sustainment for or halt operation of the AN/FPS-108 COBRA DANE radar. Sec. 1542. Accelerating development of autonomous agents to defend against cruise missiles and unmanned systems. Sec. 1543. Missile defense testing requirements. Sec. 1544. Improving United States missile defense capabilities. Subtitle D—Other Matters

Sec. 1551. Independent assessment of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program. Sec. 1552. Reforms relating to inactive security clearances. Sec. 1553. Annual review of the Joint Electromagnetic Battle Management Software Program. Sec. 1554. Integration of electronic warfare into Tier 1 and Tier 2 joint training exercises. Sec. 1555. Briefings on intercepts of unidentified anomalous phenomena by North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command. Sec. 1556. Consolidated security classification guidance matrix for programs relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena. Sec. 1557. Plan for increasing utility of user activity monitoring capabilities. Sec. 1558. Support by the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing to EA-37B Compass Call Aircraft. Sec. 1559. Report on the technical collection capabilities of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cuba. Sec. 1560. Extension of protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft. Sec. 1561. Consolidation of reporting requirements applicable to All- domain Anomaly Resolution Office. Sec. 1562. Limitation on the divestment, consolidation, and curtailment of certain electronic warfare test and evaluation activities. Sec. 1563. Modification of functions of Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operational Lead for Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations to include dynamic spectrum sharing technologies. Sec. 1564. Limitation on modification of certain electromagnetic spectrum relied on by Department of Defense.

TITLE XVI—CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A—Matters Relating to Cyber Operations and Cyber Forces

Sec. 1601. Comprehensive cyber workforce strategy. Sec. 1602. United States Cyber Command artificial intelligence industry collaboration roadmap. Sec. 1603. Strategy for deterrence against cyberattacks against defense critical infrastructure of the United States. Sec. 1604. Amendment to annual assessments and reports on assignment of certain budget control responsibility to Commander of the United States Cyber Command. Sec. 1605. Report on reserve component integration into cyber mission force and cyberspace operations. Sec. 1606. Evaluation of cyber range management and funding. Sec. 1607. Modification to reporting requirements for Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy. Sec. 1608. Planning, programming, and budget coordination for operations of cyber mission force. Sec. 1609. Expansion of scope of affirmation of authority for cyber operations to include defense of critical infrastructure of the Department of Defense. Sec. 1610. Review of future force employment concepts and associated personnel policy needs for evolving cyber forces. Sec. 1610A. Evaluation of Joint Task Force-Cyber in support of geographic combatant commands. Sec. 1610B. Prohibition on availability of funds to modify authorities of the Commander of United States Cyber Command. Sec. 1610C. Program for talent management of cyber personnel through active and reserve transitioning. Sec. 1610D. Designation of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy as principal staff assistant. Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Department of Defense Cybersecurity and Information Technology

Sec. 1611. Modernization program for full content inspection. Sec. 1612. Assessment regarding real-time monitoring of defense weapons platforms for cyber threats. Sec. 1613. Assessment of feasibility and advisability of establishing an operational technology cybersecurity training center of excellence. Sec. 1614. Framework for integration of information technology technical debt assessment into annual budget process. Sec. 1615. Mission Infrastructure Resilience Task Force. Sec. 1616. Plan for deploying private fifth generation Open Radio Access Networks on Department of Defense bases. Sec. 1617. Limitation on funds for travel pending briefing on process for best-in-class cyber data products and services. Sec. 1618. Limitation of funds for travel expenses for the Office of the Chief Information Officer. Sec. 1619. Limitation on availability of funds for the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative. Sec. 1620. Review of Joint Fires Network program transition. Sec. 1620A. Prohibition on the elimination of certain cyber assessment capabilities for test and evaluation. Sec. 1620B. Modification to certification requirement regarding contracting for military recruiting. Sec. 1620C. Department of Defense working group, strategy, and report on ensuring the security, resiliency, and integrity of undersea cables. Sec. 1620D. Audit and updated guidance to reduce, mitigate, or eliminate risk from cloud computing contracts with foreign exposure. Subtitle C—Data and Artificial Intelligence

Sec. 1621. Public-private cybersecurity partnership for highly capable artificial intelligence systems. Sec. 1622. Digital sandbox environments for artificial intelligence. Sec. 1623. Artificial intelligence model assessment and oversight. Sec. 1624. Department of Defense Ontology Governance Working Group. Sec. 1625. Modification of high-performance computing roadmap. Sec. 1626. Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee. Sec. 1627. Physical and cybersecurity procurement requirements for artificial intelligence systems. Sec. 1628. Guidance and prohibition on use of certain artificial intelligence. Sec. 1629. Roadmap for advancing digital content provenance standards. Sec. 1630. Enhanced protection of data affecting operational security of Department of Defense personnel.

TITLE XVII—FIGHT CHINA ACT OF 2025

Sec. 1701. Short title. Sec. 1702. Secretary defined. Sec. 1703. Severability. Sec. 1704. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 1705. Termination. Subtitle A—Imposition of Sanctions

Sec. 1711. Imposition of sanctions. Sec. 1712. Definitions. Subtitle B—Prohibition and Notification on Investments Relating to Covered National Security Transactions

Sec. 1721. Prohibition and notification on investments relating to covered national security transactions. Subtitle C—Securities and Related Matters

Sec. 1731. Requirements relating to the Non-SDN Chinese Military- Industrial Complex Companies List. Subtitle D—General Provisions

Sec. 1741. Exception relating to importation of goods. DIVISION B—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS

Sec. 2001. Short title. Sec. 2002. Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by law. Sec. 2003. Effective date.

TITLE XXI—ARMY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 2101. Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2102. Family housing. Sec. 2103. Authorization of appropriations, Army. Sec. 2104. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2021 project at Fort Gillem, Georgia. Sec. 2105. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects. Sec. 2106. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. Sec. 2107. Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2025 projects.

TITLE XXII—NAVY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 2201. Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2202. Family housing. Sec. 2203. Authorization of appropriations, Navy. Sec. 2204. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects. Sec. 2205. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.

TITLE XXIII—AIR FORCE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 2301. Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2302. Family housing. Sec. 2303. Authorization of appropriations, Air Force. Sec. 2304. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2017 project at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Sec. 2305. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 projects. Sec. 2306. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2020 projects. Sec. 2307. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects. Sec. 2308. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. Sec. 2309. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.

TITLE XXIV—DEFENSE AGENCIES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 2401. Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2402. Authorized Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program projects. Sec. 2403. Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies. Sec. 2404. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2019 project at Iwakuni, Japan. Sec. 2405. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects. Sec. 2406. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. Sec. 2407. Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2024 projects. Sec. 2408. Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2025 projects.

TITLE XXV—INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Subtitle A—North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program

Sec. 2501. Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2502. Authorization of appropriations, NATO. Subtitle B—Host Country In-kind Contributions

Sec. 2511. Republic of Korea funded construction projects. Sec. 2512. Republic of Poland funded construction projects.

TITLE XXVI—GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES

Sec. 2601. Authorized Army National Guard construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2602. Authorized Army Reserve construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2603. Authorized Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2604. Authorized Air National Guard construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2605. Authorized Air Force Reserve construction and land acquisition projects. Sec. 2606. Authorization of appropriations, National Guard and Reserve. Sec. 2607. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. Sec. 2608. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2023 project at Tucson International Airport, Arizona.

TITLE XXVII—BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES

Sec. 2701. Authorization of appropriations for base realignment and closure activities funded through Department of Defense Base Closure Account.

TITLE XXVIII—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subtitle A—Military Construction Program

Sec. 2801. Requirement for the military departments to develop and annually update a 20-year infrastructure improvement plan. Sec. 2802. Increase of maximum amount for restoration or replacement of damaged or destroyed facilities. Sec. 2803. Reauthorization and modification of special design-build authority for military construction projects. Sec. 2804. Modification of pilot program on increased use of sustainable building materials in military construction to include sustainable building technologies identified by the Comptroller General of the United States. Sec. 2805. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations relating to information sharing to improve oversight of military construction. Sec. 2806. Extension of requirement for contract for obligation and execution of design funds for military construction projects. Sec. 2807. Extension of authorization of depot working capital funds for unspecified minor military construction. Sec. 2808. Extension of authority for temporary expanded land acquisition for equine welfare. Sec. 2809. Prohibition on designation of military construction projects as part of military intelligence program. Sec. 2810. Expansion of Defense Community Infrastructure Program to include installations of the Coast Guard. Subtitle B—Military Housing

Sec. 2821. Improvements to annual reports of Department of Defense on waivers of privacy and configuration standards for covered military unaccompanied housing. Sec. 2822. Modification of Housing Requirements and Market Analysis to account for impact of civilians and contractors. Sec. 2823. Authority for unaccompanied housing project under pilot authority for use of other transactions for installation or facility prototyping. Sec. 2824. Elimination of indoor residential mold in housing of Department of Defense. Sec. 2825. Requirement for disclosure of information relating to liability insurance and dispute resolutions relating to privatized military housing. Sec. 2826. Treatment of nondisclosure agreements with respect to privatized military housing. Sec. 2827. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations relating to critical military housing supply and affordability. Subtitle C—Land Conveyances

Sec. 2831. Authorization to acquire through exchange or lease certain land used by the Armed Forces in Hawaii. Sec. 2832. Report on land withdrawals. Subtitle D—Other Matters

Sec. 2841. Modifications to Defense Community Infrastructure Program. Sec. 2842. Designation of Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test Range at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Sec. 2843. Joint base facility management of Department of Defense. Sec. 2844. Limitation on use of amounts for travel based on compliance with requirements related to minimum capital investment. Sec. 2845. Extension of prohibition on joint use of Homestead Air Reserve Base with civil aviation. Sec. 2846. Pilot program on procurement of utility services for installations of the Department of Defense through areawide contracts. Sec. 2847. Authorization for monetary contributions to the conveyees of utility systems for infrastructure improvements. Sec. 2848. Prohibition on use of funds for development of Greenbury Point Conservation Area at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Maryland. Sec. 2849. Application of certain authorities and standards to historic military housing and associated historic properties of the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Air Force. DIVISION C—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS

TITLE XXXI—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS

Subtitle A—National Security Programs and Authorizations

Sec. 3101. National Nuclear Security Administration. Sec. 3102. Defense environmental cleanup. Sec. 3103. Other defense activities. Sec. 3104. Nuclear energy. Subtitle B—Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations

Sec. 3111. Organization and codification of provisions of law relating to atomic energy defense activities. Sec. 3112. Adjustment to plutonium pit production capacity. Sec. 3113. National Nuclear Security Administration Rapid Capabilities Development Office. Sec. 3114. Review and assessment of the National Nuclear Security Administration Enterprise Blueprint. Sec. 3115. Notification of cost overruns for certain Department of Energy projects. Sec. 3116. Protection of certain nuclear facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft. Sec. 3117. Extension of authority for appointment of certain scientific, engineering, and technical personnel. Sec. 3118. Appropriate scoping of artificial intelligence research within the National Nuclear Security Administration. Subtitle C—Other Matters

Sec. 3121. National security positions within the Department of Energy. Sec. 3122. Office of Environmental Management program-wide performance metrics for reducing risk. Sec. 3123. Office of Environmental Management integrated radioactive waste disposal planning and optimization. Sec. 3124. Report on future activities and resources for the delivery of specialized infrastructure. Sec. 3125. Plan to modernize nuclear security enterprise.

TITLE XXXII—DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD

Sec. 3201. Authorization. DIVISION D—FUNDING TABLES

Sec. 4001. Authorization of amounts in funding tables.

TITLE XLI—PROCUREMENT

Sec. 4101. Procurement.

TITLE XLII—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION

Sec. 4201. Research, development, test, and evaluation.

TITLE XLIII—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Sec. 4301. Operation and maintenance.

TITLE XLIV—MILITARY PERSONNEL

Sec. 4401. Military personnel.

TITLE XLV—OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS

Sec. 4501. Other Authorizations.

TITLE XLVI—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 4601. Military Construction.

TITLE XLVII—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS

Sec. 4701. Department of Energy National Security Programs. DIVISION E—ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

TITLE LII—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION

Subtitle B—Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations

Sec. 5211. Avoiding duplication of hypersonic testing efforts. Subtitle C—Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 5221. Evaluation of additional test corridors for hypersonic and long-range weapons.

TITLE LIII—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Subtitle D—Reports

Sec. 5331. Report on adoption of graphite oxide-based firefighting foams.

TITLE LVI—COMPENSATION AND OTHER MATTERS

Subtitle B—Special and Incentive Pay

Sec. 5611. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay authorities. Subtitle C—Other Matters

Sec. 5621. Pilot program to provide coupons to junior enlisted members to purchase food at commissaries.

TITLE LVII—HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS

Subtitle C—Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 5721. Briefing on use of other transaction agreements for development of medical prototypes. Sec. 5722. Report on integration of lifestyle and performance medicine and behaviors to support health and military readiness. Sec. 5723. Evaluation of certain research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health.

TITLE LVIII—ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 5861. Repeals of existing laws to streamline the defense acquisition process. Sec. 5862. Duty-free entry of supplies procured by Department of Defense.

TITLE LX—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subtitle D—Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

Sec. 6011. Support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime. Subtitle F—Other Matters

Sec. 6021. Taking or transmitting video of defense information prohibited. Sec. 6022. Study and report. Sec. 6023. International nuclear energy. Sec. 6024. National registry of Korean American divided families. Sec. 6025. Reports on food insecurity in Armed Forces. Sec. 6026. Alignment of updates of strategic plan for the Manufacturing USA Program with updates to National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing. Sec. 6027. Extension of Defense Production Act of 1950. Sec. 6028. Informational materials under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Sec. 6029. Credit monitoring. Sec. 6030. Treatment of exemptions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938. Sec. 6031. Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, Virginia. Sec. 6032. Report on implementation of artificial intelligence into certain anti-money laundering investigations. Sec. 6033. Keeping drugs out of schools. Sec. 6034. Disclosures by directors, officers, and principal stockholders. Sec. 6035. Requirement to testify. Sec. 6036. CDFI bond guarantee program improvement. Sec. 6037. Capitalization assistance to enhance liquidity. Sec. 6038. Native CDFI relending program. Subtitle G—Sentencing Enhancements for Certain Criminal Offenses Directed by or Coordinated With Foreign Governments

Sec. 6071. Short title. Sec. 6072. Kidnapping. Sec. 6073. Use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Sec. 6074. Influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening or injuring a family member. Sec. 6075. Stalking. Sec. 6076. Protection of officers and employees of the United States. Sec. 6077. Presidential and Presidential staff assassination, kidnapping, and assault. Subtitle H—Export Controls for Advanced Artificial Intelligence Chips

Sec. 6081. Short title. Sec. 6082. Sense of Congress. Sec. 6083. Prohibition on prioritizing countries of concern over United States persons for exports of advanced integrated circuits.

TITLE LXI—CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MATTERS

Sec. 6101. Definition of defense industrial base facility for purposes of direct hire authority. Sec. 6102. Public shipyard apprentice program.

TITLE LXII—MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS

Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Syria, Iraq, and Iran

Sec. 6211. Repeal of Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. Sec. 6212. Countering Captagon production and distribution. Subtitle C—Matters Relating to Europe and the Russian Federation

Sec. 6221. Sense of Congress on Russia’s illegal abduction of Ukrainian children. Sec. 6222. Modification of annual report on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation to include an assessment on use of chemical weapons. Subtitle D—Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific Region

Sec. 6231. Modernizing the defense capabilities of the Philippines. Sec. 6232. Strategy to respond to the PRC’s global basing intentions. Sec. 6233. Strategy to strengthen multilateral deterrence in the Indo- Pacific region. Subtitle E—AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025

Sec. 6240A Short title. Sec. 6240B Flexibility with respect to certain Arms Export control Act and other arms transfer requirements. Sec. 6240C Elimination of certification requirement for commercial technical assistance or manufacturing license agreements involving Australia and the United Kingdom. Subtitle F—Other Matters

Sec. 6241. Modification of certain temporary authorizations related to munitions replacement. Sec. 6242. Disposition of weapons and materiel in transit from Iran to Houthis in Yemen. Subtitle G—Treatment of Taiwan at International Financial Institutions

Sec. 6251. Short title. Sec. 6252. Findings. Sec. 6253. Sense of the Congress. Sec. 6254. Support for Taiwan admission to the IMF. Sec. 6255. Testimony requirement.

TITLE LXV—SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND INTELLIGENCE MATTERS

Subtitle A—Space Activities

Sec. 6501. Enhancement of space domain awareness through ground-based sensor development. Sec. 6502. Continuation of operation of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. Subtitle B—Other Matters

Sec. 6551. Transfer of Foreign Languages Program to Department of Defense.

TITLE LXVI—CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Department of Defense Cybersecurity and Information Technology

Sec. 6611. Strategy on quantum readiness. Sec. 6612. Secure and interoperable defense collaboration technology. Sec. 6613. Prohibition on access to Department of Defense cloud-based resources by individuals who are not citizens of the United States or allied countries. Subtitle C—Data and Artificial Intelligence

Sec. 6621. Comptroller General of the United States review of Department of Defense governance processes for adoption of artificial intelligence tools.

TITLE LXXVIII—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subtitle A—Military Construction Program

Sec. 7801. Inclusion of demolition projects in Defense Community Infrastructure Program. Subtitle B—Military Housing

Sec. 7811. Report on indoor mold, pathogens, and airborne toxins within housing units at installations of the Air Force. Sec. 7813. Modification of semi-annual report on privatized military housing. Sec. 7814. Improvement of administration of military unaccompanied housing.

TITLE LXXXI—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS

Subtitle B—Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations

Sec. 8111. Sense of Congress on ground-based leg of nuclear triad. DIVISION F—INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions.

TITLE I—INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 102. Classified Schedule of Authorizations. Sec. 103. Increase in employee compensation and benefits authorized by law.

TITLE II—CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM

Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations.

TITLE III—INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MATTERS

Sec. 301. Unauthorized access to intelligence community property. Sec. 302. Annual survey of analytic objectivity among officers and employees of elements of the intelligence community. Sec. 303. Annual training requirement and report regarding analytic standards. Sec. 304. Estimate of cost to ensure compliance with Intelligence Community Directive 705. Sec. 305. Amendments regarding Presidential appointments for intelligence community positions. Sec. 306. Counterintelligence support for Department of the Treasury networks and systems. Sec. 307. Report on Director’s Initiatives Group personnel matters. Sec. 308. Higher Education Act of 1965 special rule. Sec. 309. Annual Central Intelligence Agency workplace climate assessment. Sec. 310. Report on secure mobile communications systems available to employees and of the intelligence community. Sec. 311. Plan for implementing an integrated system spanning the intelligence community for accreditation of sensitive compartmented information facilities. Sec. 312. Counterintelligence threats to United States space interests. Sec. 313. Chaplain Corps and Chief of Chaplains of the Central Intelligence Agency. Sec. 314. Prohibition on contractors collecting or selling location data of individuals at intelligence community locations. Sec. 315. Technical amendment to procurement authorities of Central Intelligence Agency. Sec. 316. Threat briefing to protect Federal Reserve information. Sec. 317. Plan to establish commercial geospatial intelligence data and services program management office. Sec. 318. Inspector General review of adequacy of policies and procedures governing use of commercial messaging applications by intelligence community. Sec. 319. Authority for National Security Agency to produce and disseminate intelligence products. Sec. 320. Prohibiting discrimination in the intelligence community. Sec. 321. Annual report on Federal Bureau of Investigation case data.

TITLE IV—INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS

Sec. 401. Short title. Sec. 402. Modification of responsibilities and authorities of the Director of National Intelligence. Sec. 403. Reforms relating to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Sec. 404. Appointment of Deputy Director of National Intelligence and Assistant Directors of National Intelligence. Sec. 405. Reform of the National Intelligence Council and National Intelligence Officers. Sec. 406. Transfer of National Counterintelligence and Security Center to Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sec. 407. Redesignation and reform of National Counterterrorism Center. Sec. 408. Transfer of National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center. Sec. 409. National Intelligence Task Forces. Sec. 410. Repeal of various positions, units, centers, councils, and offices.

TITLE V—MATTERS CONCERNING FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Subtitle A—Foreign Countries Generally

Sec. 501. Declassification of information relating to actions by foreign governments to assist persons evading justice. Sec. 502. Enhanced intelligence sharing relating to foreign adversary biotechnological threats. Sec. 503. Threat assessment regarding unmanned aircraft systems at or near the international borders of the United States. Sec. 504. Assessment of the potential effect of expanded partnerships among western hemisphere countries. Subtitle B—People’s Republic of China

Sec. 511. Countering Chinese Communist Party efforts that threaten Europe. Sec. 512. Prohibition on intelligence community contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing. Sec. 513. Report on the wealth of the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. Sec. 514. Assessment and report on investments by the People’s Republic of China in the agriculture sector of Brazil. Sec. 515. Identification of entities that provide support to the People’s Liberation Army. Sec. 516. Establishing a China Economics and Intelligence cell to publish China Economic Power Report. Sec. 517. Modification of annual reports on influence operations and campaigns in the United States by the Chinese Communist Party. Subtitle C—The Russian Federation

Sec. 521. Assessment of Russian destabilization efforts. Subtitle D—Other Foreign Countries

Sec. 531. Plan to enhance counternarcotics collaboration, coordination, and cooperation with the Government of Mexico. Sec. 532. Enhancing intelligence support to counter foreign adversary influence in Sudan. Sec. 533. Ukraine lessons learned working group. Sec. 534. Improvements to requirement for monitoring of Iranian enrichment of uranium-235. Sec. 535. Duty to warn United States persons threatened by Iranian lethal plotting.

TITLE VI—EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Sec. 601. Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Program. Sec. 602. Enhancing biotechnology talent within the intelligence community. Sec. 603. Enhanced intelligence community support to secure United States genomic data. Sec. 604. Ensuring intelligence community procurement of domestic United States production of synthetic DNA and RNA. Sec. 605. Report on identification of intelligence community sites for advanced nuclear technologies. Sec. 606. Addressing intelligence gaps relating to China’s investment in United States-origin biotechnology. Sec. 607. Additional functions and requirements of Artificial Intelligence Security Center. Sec. 608. Artificial intelligence development and usage by intelligence community. Sec. 609. High-impact artificial intelligence systems. Sec. 610. Application of artificial intelligence policies of the intelligence community to publicly available models used for intelligence purposes. Sec. 611. Revision of interim guidance regarding acquisition and use of foundation models. Sec. 612. Strategy on intelligence coordination and sharing relating to critical and emerging technologies.

TITLE VII—CLASSIFICATION REFORM, SECURITY CLEARANCES, AND WHISTLEBLOWERS

Sec. 701. Notification of certain declassifications. Sec. 702. Elimination of cap on compensatory damages for retaliatory revocation of security clearances and access determinations. Sec. 703. Reforms relating to inactive security clearances. Sec. 704. Study on protection of classified information relating to budget functions. Sec. 705. Report on executive branch approval of access to classified intelligence information outside of established review processes. Sec. 706. Whistleblower protections relating to psychiatric testing or examination.

TITLE VIII—ANOMALOUS HEALTH INCIDENTS

Sec. 801. Standard guidelines for intelligence community to report and document anomalous health incidents. Sec. 802. Review and declassification of intelligence relating to anomalous health incidents.

TITLE IX—OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 901. Declassification of intelligence and additional transparency measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sec. 902. Counterintelligence briefings for members of the Armed Forces. Sec. 903. Policy toward certain agents of foreign governments. Sec. 904. Tour limits of accredited diplomatic and consular personnel of certain nations in the United States. Sec. 905. Strict enforcement of travel protocols and procedures of accredited diplomatic and consular personnel of certain nations in the United States. Sec. 906. Repeal of certain report requirements. Sec. 907. Requiring penetration testing as part of the testing and certification of voting systems. Sec. 908. Independent security testing and coordinated cybersecurity vulnerability disclosure program for election systems. Sec. 909. Foreign material acquisitions. DIVISION G—DEPARTMENT OF STATE MATTERS

Sec. 6001. Table of contents.

TITLE LXI—BUST FENTANYL ACT

Sec. 6101. Short titles. Sec. 6102. International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. Sec. 6103. Study and report on efforts to address fentanyl trafficking from the People’s Republic of China and other relevant countries. Sec. 6104. Prioritization of identification of persons from the People’s Republic of China. Sec. 6105. Expansion of sanctions under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act. Sec. 6106. Imposition of sanctions with respect to agencies or instrumentalities of foreign states. Sec. 6107. Annual report on efforts to prevent the smuggling of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico.

TITLE LXII—COUNTERING WRONGFUL DETENTION ACT OF 2025

Sec. 6201. Short title. Sec. 6202. Designation of a foreign country as a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention. Sec. 6203. Notification of international travel advisories. Sec. 6204. Congressional Report on components related to hostage affairs and recovery. Sec. 6205. Rule of construction.

TITLE LXIII—INTERNATIONAL TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025

Sec. 6301. Short title. Subtitle A—Combating Human Trafficking Abroad

Sec. 6311. United states support for integration of anti-trafficking in persons interventions in multilateral development banks. Sec. 6312. Counter-trafficking in persons efforts in development cooperation and assistance policy. Sec. 6313. Technical amendments to tier rankings. Sec. 6314. Modifications to the Program to End Modern Slavery. Sec. 6315. Clarification of nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related foreign assistance. Sec. 6316. Expanding protections for domestic workers of official and diplomatic persons. Sec. 6317. Effective dates. Subtitle B—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 6321. Extension of authorizations under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Sec. 6322. Extension of authorizations under the International Megan’s Law. Subtitle C—Briefings

Sec. 6331. Briefing on annual trafficking in person’s report. Sec. 6332. Briefing on use and justification of waivers. DIVISION H—COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025

Sec. 5001. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 5002. Commandant defined.

TITLE LI—COAST GUARD

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 5101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 5102. Authorized levels of military strength and training. Subtitle B—Acquisition

Sec. 5111. Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators. Sec. 5112. Service life extension programs. Sec. 5113. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement. Sec. 5114. Great Lakes icebreaking. Sec. 5115. Regular Polar Security Cutter updates. Sec. 5116. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard. Subtitle C—Organization and Authorities

Sec. 5131. Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management. Sec. 5132. Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones. Sec. 5133. Public availability of information. Sec. 5134. Delegation of ports and waterways safety authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway. Sec. 5135. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions. Sec. 5136. Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses. Sec. 5137. Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River cooperative vessel traffic service. Sec. 5138. Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking. Sec. 5139. Procurement of tactical maritime surveillance systems. Sec. 5140. Plan for joint and integrated maritime operational and leadership training for United States Coast Guard and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration. Sec. 5141. Modification of authority for special purpose facilities. Sec. 5142. Timely reimbursement of damage claims for Coast Guard property. Sec. 5143. Enhanced use property pilot program. Sec. 5144. Coast Guard property provision. Subtitle D—Personnel

Sec. 5151. Direct hire authority for certain personnel. Sec. 5152. Temporary exemption from authorized end strength for enlisted members on active duty in Coast Guard in pay grades E-8 and E-9. Sec. 5153. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards. Sec. 5154. Family leave policies for the Coast Guard. Sec. 5155. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers. Sec. 5156. Housing. Sec. 5157. Uniform funding and management system for morale, well- being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange. Sec. 5158. Coast Guard embedded behavioral health technician program. Sec. 5159. Expansion of access to counseling. Sec. 5160. Command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska. Sec. 5161. Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska. Sec. 5162. Consolidation of authorities for college student precommissioning initiative. Sec. 5163. Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program. Sec. 5164. Modifications to career flexibility program. Sec. 5165. Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard in remote locations. Sec. 5166. Reinstatement of training course on workings of Congress; Coast Guard Museum. Sec. 5167. Modification of designation of Vice Admirals. Sec. 5168. Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate. Sec. 5169. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian affairs. Sec. 5170. Notification. Subtitle E—Coast Guard Academy

Sec. 5171. Modification of Board of Visitors. Sec. 5172. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight. Sec. 5173. Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security. Sec. 5174. Coast Guard Academy student advisory board and access to timely and independent wellness support services for cadets and candidates. Sec. 5175. Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 5176. Required posting of information. Sec. 5177. Installation of behavioral health and wellness rooms. Sec. 5178. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment. Sec. 5179. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations. Sec. 5180. Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy. Subtitle F—Reports

Sec. 5181. Maritime domain awareness in Coast Guard sector for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Sec. 5182. Report on condition of Missouri River dayboards. Sec. 5183. Study on Coast Guard missions. Sec. 5184. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects. Sec. 5185. Report on Bay class icebreaking tug fleet replacement. Sec. 5186. Feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific. Sec. 5187. Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hangar. Sec. 5188. Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems. Sec. 5189. Report on Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. Sec. 5190. Report on and expansion of Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program.

TITLE LII—SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

Subtitle A—Merchant Mariner Credentials

Sec. 5201. Merchant mariner credentialing. Sec. 5202. Nonoperating individual. Sec. 5203. Merchant mariner licensing and documentation system requirements. Subtitle B—Vessel Safety

Sec. 5211. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel. Sec. 5212. Administrative procedure for security risks. Sec. 5213. Study of amphibious vessels. Sec. 5214. Performance driven examination schedule. Sec. 5215. Ports and waterways safety. Sec. 5216. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States. Sec. 5217. Underwater inspections brief. Sec. 5218. St. Lucie River railroad bridge. Sec. 5219. Authority to establish safety zones for special activities in exclusive economic zone. Sec. 5220. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring. Sec. 5221. Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac. Sec. 5222. Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services. Sec. 5223. Requirements for certain fishing vessels and fish tender vessels. Subtitle C—Matters Involving Uncrewed Systems

Sec. 5231. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. Sec. 5232. Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems. Sec. 5233. Coast Guard training course. Sec. 5234. NOAA membership on Autonomous Vessel Policy Council. Sec. 5235. Technology pilot program. Sec. 5236. Uncrewed systems capabilities report and briefing. Sec. 5237. Definitions. Subtitle D—Other Matters

Sec. 5241. Controlled substance onboard vessels. Sec. 5242. Information on type approval certificates. Sec. 5243. Clarification of authorities. Sec. 5244. Anchorages. Sec. 5245. Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements. Sec. 5246. Cyber-incident training. Sec. 5247. Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region. Sec. 5248. Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of marking fishing gear. Sec. 5249. Classification societies. Sec. 5250. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals.

TITLE LIII—OIL POLLUTION RESPONSE

Sec. 5301. Salvage and marine firefighting response capability. Sec. 5302. Use of marine casualty investigations. Sec. 5303. Timing of review. Sec. 5304. Online incident reporting system. Sec. 5305. Investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery in high yield investments and marine research.

TITLE LIV—SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT RESPONSE

Sec. 5401. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms. Sec. 5402. Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct. Sec. 5403. Consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense. Sec. 5404. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. Sec. 5405. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard. Sec. 5406. Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard. Sec. 5407. Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process. Sec. 5408. Review of discharge characterization. Sec. 5409. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial. Sec. 5410. Definition of covered misconduct. Sec. 5411. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct. Sec. 5412. Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons. Sec. 5413. Development of policies on military protective orders. Sec. 5414. Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military. Sec. 5415. Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct. Sec. 5416. Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses. Sec. 5417. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury. Sec. 5418. Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program. Sec. 5419. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders. Sec. 5420. Confidential reporting of sexual harassment. Sec. 5421. Report on policy on whistleblower protections. Sec. 5422. Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence. Sec. 5423. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database. Sec. 5424. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service. Sec. 5425. Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations. Sec. 5426. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records. Sec. 5427. Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported sexual misconduct. Sec. 5428. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence. Sec. 5429. Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses. Sec. 5430. Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct. Sec. 5431. Continuous vetting of security clearances. Sec. 5432. Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response.

TITLE LV—COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORTS

Sec. 5501. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program. Sec. 5502. Comptroller General study on vessel traffic service center employment, compensation, and retention. Sec. 5503. Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness. Sec. 5504. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities. Sec. 5505. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure. Sec. 5506. Comptroller General study on facility and infrastructure needs of Coast Guard stations conducting border security operations. Sec. 5507. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing. Sec. 5508. Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 5509. Comptroller General study on athletic coaching at Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 5510. Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process.

TITLE LVI—AMENDMENTS

Sec. 5601. Amendments.

TITLE LVII—NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

Subtitle A—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps

Sec. 5701. Title and qualifications of head of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; promotions of flag officers. Sec. 5702. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel fleet. Sec. 5703. Cooperative Aviation Centers. Sec. 5704. Eligibility of former officers to compete for certain positions. Sec. 5705. Alignment of physical disqualification standard for obligated service agreements with standard for veterans’ benefits. Sec. 5706. Streamlining separation and retirement process. Sec. 5707. Separation of ensigns found not fully qualified. Sec. 5708. Repeal of limitation on educational assistance. Sec. 5709. Disposal of survey and research vessels and equipment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Subtitle B—South Pacific Tuna Treaty Matters

Sec. 5721. References to South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988. Sec. 5722. Definitions. Sec. 5723. Prohibited acts. Sec. 5724. Exceptions. Sec. 5725. Criminal offenses. Sec. 5726. Civil penalties. Sec. 5727. Licenses. Sec. 5728. Enforcement. Sec. 5729. Findings by Secretary of Commerce. Sec. 5730. Disclosure of information. Sec. 5731. Closed area stowage requirements. Sec. 5732. Observers. Sec. 5733. Fisheries-related assistance. Sec. 5734. Arbitration. Sec. 5735. Disposition of fees, penalties, forfeitures, and other moneys. Sec. 5736. Additional agreements. Subtitle C—Other Matters

Sec. 5741. North Pacific Research Board enhancement. DIVISION I—ROAD TO HOUSING ACT

Sec. 5001. Short title. Sec. 5002. Table of contents.

TITLE I—IMPROVING FINANCIAL LITERACY

Sec. 5101. Reforms to housing counseling and financial literacy programs.

TITLE II—BUILDING MORE IN AMERICA

Sec. 5201. Rental assistance demonstration program. Sec. 5202. Increasing housing in opportunity zones. Sec. 5203. Housing Supply Frameworks Act. Sec. 5204. Whole-Home Repairs Act. Sec. 5205. Community Investment and Prosperity Act. Sec. 5206. Build Now Act. Sec. 5207. Better Use of Intergovernmental and Local Development (BUILD) Housing Act. Sec. 5208. Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act. Sec. 5209. Innovation Fund. Sec. 5210. Accelerating Home Building Act. Sec. 5211. Build More Housing Near Transit Act. Sec. 5212. Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act. Sec. 5213. Housing Affordability Act.

TITLE III—MANUFACTURED HOUSING FOR AMERICA

Sec. 5301. Housing Supply Expansion Act. Sec. 5302. Modular Housing Production Act. Sec. 5303. Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act. Sec. 5304. Price Act.

TITLE IV—ACCESSING THE AMERICAN DREAM

Sec. 5401. Creating incentives for small dollar loan originators. Sec. 5402. Small dollar mortgage points and fees. Sec. 5403. Appraisal Industry Improvement Act. Sec. 5404. Helping More Families Save Act. Sec. 5405. Choice in Affordable Housing Act.

TITLE V—PROGRAM REFORM

Sec. 5501. Reforming Disaster Recovery Act. Sec. 5502. HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act. Sec. 5503. Rural Housing Service Reform Act. Sec. 5504. New Moving to Work cohort. Sec. 5505. Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act. Sec. 5506. Incentivizing local solutions to homelessness.

TITLE VI—VETERANS AND HOUSING

Sec. 5601. VA Home Loan Awareness Act. Sec. 5602. Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act. Sec. 5603. Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act.

TITLE VII—OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Sec. 5701. Requiring annual testimony and oversight from housing regulators. Sec. 5702. FHA reporting requirements on safety and soundness. Sec. 5703. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness oversight. Sec. 5704. NeighborWorks Accountability Act. Sec. 5705. Appraisal Modernization Act.

TITLE VIII—COORDINATION, STUDIES, AND REPORTING

Sec. 5801. HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act. Sec. 5802. Streamlining Rural Housing Act. Sec. 5803. Improving self-sufficiency of families in HUD-subsidized housing. DIVISION J—DEPARTMENT OF STATE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026

Sec. 5001. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 5002. Definitions.

TITLE LXI—WORKFORCE MATTERS

Sec. 5101. Report on vetting of Foreign Service Institute language instructors. Sec. 5102. Training limitations. Sec. 5103. Language incentive pay for civil service employees. Sec. 5104. Options for comprehensive evaluations. Sec. 5105. Job share and part-time employment opportunities. Sec. 5106. Promoting reutilization of language skills in the Foreign Service.

TITLE LXII—ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

Sec. 5201. Periodic briefings from Bureau of Intelligence and Research. Sec. 5202. Support for congressional delegations. Sec. 5203. Notification requirements for authorized and ordered departures. Sec. 5204. Strengthening enterprise governance. Sec. 5205. Establishing and expanding the Regional China Officer program. Sec. 5206. Report on China’s diplomatic posts. Sec. 5207. Notification of intent to reduce personnel at covered diplomatic posts. Sec. 5208. Foreign affairs manual changes.

TITLE LXIII—INFORMATION SECURITY AND CYBER DIPLOMACY

Sec. 5301. Supporting Department of State data analytics. Sec. 5302. Post Data Pilot Program. Sec. 5303. Authorization to use commercial cloud enclaves overseas. Sec. 5304. Reports on technology transformation projects at the Department of State. Sec. 5305. Commercial spyware. Sec. 5306. Review of science and technology agreement with the People’s Republic of China.

TITLE LXIV—PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Sec. 5401. Foreign information manipulation and interference strategy. Sec. 5402. Lifting the prohibition on use of Federal funds for World’s Fair pavilions and exhibits.

TITLE LXV—DIPLOMATIC SECURITY AND CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Sec. 5501. Report concerning Department of State consular officers joining Coast Guard and Navy missions to Pacific island countries. Sec. 5502. Report on security conditions in Damascus, Syria, required for the reopening of the United States diplomatic mission. Sec. 5503. Embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic installations return to standards report. Sec. 5504. Visa operations report. Sec. 5505. Reauthorization of overtime pay for protective services.

TITLE LXVI—MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 5551. Submission of federally funded research and development center reports to Congress. Sec. 5552. Quarterly report on diplomatic pouch access. Sec. 5553. Report on utility of instituting a processing fee for ITAR license applications. Sec. 5554. HAVANA Act payment fix. Sec. 5555. Establishing an inner Mongolia section within the United States embassy in Beijing. Sec. 5556. Report on United States Mission Australia staffing. Sec. 5557. Facilitating regulatory exchanges with allies and partners. Sec. 5558. Pilot program to audit barriers to commerce in developing partner countries. Sec. 5559. Strategy for promoting supply chain diversification. Sec. 5560. Extensions. Sec. 5561. Permitting for international bridges and land ports of entry. Sec. 5562. Updating counterterrorism reports.

SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL DEFENSE COMMITTEES.

In this Act, the term “congressional defense committees” has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 4. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF THIS ACT.

The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purposes of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled “Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation” for this Act, jointly submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairmen of the House and Senate Budget Committees, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage in the House acting first on the conference report or amendment between the Houses.

DIVISION A—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS

TITLE I—PROCUREMENT

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 for procurement for the Army, the Navy and the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the Space Force, and Defense-wide activities, as specified in the funding table in section 4101.

Subtitle B—Army Programs

SEC. 111. STRATEGY FOR ARMY TACTICAL WHEELED VEHICLE PROGRAM.

Section 112(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 7013 note; Public Law 118-31) is amended by inserting “2027,” after “fiscal years 2025,”.

Subtitle C—Navy Programs

SEC. 121. PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR COLUMBIA-CLASS SUBMARINE PROGRAM.

(a) Procurement Authority.—Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than five Columbia-class submarines.

(b) Condition for Out-year Contract Payments.—A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2026 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.

(c) Limitation on Termination Liability.—A contract for the construction of Columbia-class submarines entered into under subsection

(a) shall include a clause that limits the liability of the United States to the contractor for any termination of the contract. The maximum liability of the United States under the clause shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated to the contract at the time of termination.

SEC. 122. PROCUREMENT AUTHORITIES FOR MEDIUM LANDING SHIPS.

(a) Contract Authority.—

(1) In general.—During fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than 15 Medium Landing Ships.

(2) Procurement in conjunction with existing contracts.— The ships authorized to be procured under paragraph (1) may be procured as additions to existing contracts covering the Medium Landing Ship program.

(b) Certification Required.—A contract may not be entered into under subsection (a) unless the Secretary of the Navy certifies to the congressional defense committees, in writing, not later than 30 days before entry into the contract, each of the following, which shall be prepared by the milestone decision authority (as defined in section 4251(e) of title 10, United States Code) for the Medium Landing Ship program:

(1) The use of such a contract is consistent with the Department of the Navy’s projected force structure requirements for such ships.

(2) The use of such a contract will result in significant savings compared to the total anticipated costs of carrying out the program through annual contracts.

(3) There is a reasonable expectation that throughout the contemplated contract period the Secretary of the Navy will request funding for the contract at the level required to avoid contract cancellation.

(4) There is a stable design for the property to be acquired and the technical risks associated with such property are not excessive.

(5) The estimates of the cost of the contract and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of the contract are realistic.

(6) During the fiscal year in which the contract is to be awarded—

(A) sufficient funds will be available to perform the contract in such fiscal year; and

(B) the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, for such fiscal year will include the funding required to execute the program without cancellation.

(c) Authority for Advance Procurement.—The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for advance procurement associated with the ships for which authorization to enter into a contract is provided under subsection (a), and for systems and subsystems associated with such ships in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.

(d) Condition for Out-year Contract Payments.—A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose for such fiscal year.

SEC. 123. RECAPITALIZATION OF NAVY WATERBORNE SECURITY BARRIERS; MODIFICATION OF PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR LEGACY WATERBORNE SECURITY BARRIERS.

(a) In General.—Section 130 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 132 Stat. 1665), as most recently amended by section 123 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), is further amended—

(1) in the section heading, by inserting “; recapitalization” after “barriers”;

(2) in subsection (a)—

(A) by striking “subsections (b) and (c)” and inserting “subsection (b)”; and

(B) by striking “through 2025” and inserting “through 2026”;

(3) by striking subsection (b);

(4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections

(b) and (c), respectively;

(5) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by striking “subsection (c)(2)” and inserting “subsection (b)(2)”; and

(6) by adding at the end the following new subsection (d):

“(d) Recapitalization.—

“(1) Plan submission.—

“(A) In general.—Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a recapitalization plan to replace legacy waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.

“(B) Elements.—The plan required by subparagraph

(A) shall include the following:

“(i) A Navy requirements document that specifies key performance parameters and key system attributes for new waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.

“(ii) A certification that the level of capability specified under clause (i) will exceed that of legacy waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.

“(iii) The acquisition strategy for the recapitalization of waterborne security barriers for Navy ports, which shall meet or exceed the requirements specified under clause

(i).

“(iv) A certification that any contract for new waterborne security barriers for a Navy port will be awarded in accordance with the requirements for full and open competition set forth in sections 3201 through 3205 of title 10, United States Code.

“(2) Implementation.—The Secretary of the Navy shall implement the plan required by paragraph (1) by not later than September 30, 2027.”.

(b) Clerical Amendments.—The table of contents in section 2(b) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, and at the beginning of title I of division A of such Act, are each amended by striking the item relating to section 130 and inserting the following new item:

“Sec. 130. Prohibition on availability of funds for Navy port waterborne security barriers; recapitalization.”.

SEC. 124. MODIFICATION TO LIMITATIONS ON NAVY MEDIUM AND LARGE UNMANNED SURFACE VESSELS.

(a) Repeal.—Section 122 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3425) is repealed.

(b) Requirement.—The Secretary of the Navy may not award a detail design or construction contract or other agreement, or obligate funds from a procurement account, for a covered program unless such contract or other agreement includes a requirement for an operational demonstration of not less than 720 continuous hours without preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, emergent repair, or any other form of repair or maintenance, on any of the following:

(1) The main propulsion system, including the fuel and lube oil systems.

(2) The electrical generation and distribution system.

(c) Certification.—The Secretary of the Navy may not accept delivery of articles constructed under a contract or other agreement for a covered program until the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that the operational demonstration described in subsection (b) has been successfully completed.

(d) Limitation.—The Secretary of the Navy may not make contract financing payments for a contract or other agreement entered into for a covered program greater than 90 percent for small businesses and 80 percent for all other businesses until the certification described in subsection (c) is submitted.

(e) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Covered program.—The term “covered program” means a program for—

(A) medium unmanned surface vessels; or

(B) large unmanned surface vessels.

(2) Operational demonstration.—The term “operational demonstration” means a land-based or sea-based test of the systems concerned in vessel-representative form, fit, and function.

SEC. 125. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TAGOS SHIP PROGRAM.

(a) Limitation.—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Navy may be obligated or expended for the scope of work, including priced or unpriced options, for the construction, advance procurement, or long- lead material of any ships in the TAGOS surveillance towed-array sensor system ship program unless the Secretary of the Navy submits the report described in subsection (b) to the Committee on Armed Service of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(b) Report.—The Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committee on Armed Service of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the following:

(1) Progress made on basic and functional design completion for TAGOS surveillance towed-array sensor system ships and how compliance with section 8669c of title 10, United States Code, will be maintained.

(2) The accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the Navy’s provisioning of contract baseline design, general arrangement drawings, and other government-furnished information to the prime contractor for such ships.

(3) The ability of the functional design of such ships to meet program requirements, including speed requirements.

(4) The adherence of the Navy to performance-based requirements and the ability of the prime contractor for such ships to make design choices to meet those requirements, commensurate with its responsibility for cost and schedule in the contract structure.

(5) Alternative solutions to meeting the general set of Navy requirements for anti-submarine warfare covered by such ships, including unmanned solutions.

SEC. 126. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS RELATING TO AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE SHIP REQUIREMENT.

(a) Plan Required.—The Secretary of the Navy shall submit with the defense budget materials for fiscal year 2027 (as submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a 30-year shipbuilding plan that meets the requirement under section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, to maintain 31 amphibious warfare ships.

(b) Certification Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit with the defense budget materials for fiscal year 2027 (as submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a certification as to whether such materials support the requirement under section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, to maintain 31 amphibious warfare ships.

(c) Limitation.—

(1) Plan.—If the Secretary of the Navy does not submit the 30-year shipbuilding plan described in subsection (a) as required by such subsection, not more than 75 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Administration and Service-Wide Activities, Operation and Maintenance, Navy, may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees such plan.

(2) Certification.—If the Secretary of Defense does not submit the certification described in subsection (a) as required by such subsection, or certifies that the materials described in such subsection do not support the requirement described in such subsection, not more than 75 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Office of the Secretary of Defense, Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees defense budget materials that support the requirement under section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, to maintain 31 amphibious warfare ships.

(d) Amphibious Warfare Ship Defined.—In this section, the term “amphibious warfare ship” has the meaning given that term in section 8062(h) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 127. TEMPORARY UNAVAILABILITY OF AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE SHIPS.

Section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by inserting “(1)” before “The naval”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘temporarily unavailable’ with respect to an amphibious warfare ship means that the ship has not surpassed its planned availability by a margin of—

“(A) greater than 100 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2026 or 2027;

“(B) greater than 75 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2028 or 2029;

“(C) greater than 50 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2030 or 2031; and

“(D) greater than 25 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2032 or any year thereafter.”.

Subtitle D—Air Force Programs

SEC. 131. B-21 BOMBER AIRCRAFT PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY MATRICES.

(a) Submittal of Matrices.—Concurrent with the President’s annual budget request submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the Comptroller General of the United States—

(1) the matrices described in subsection (b) relating to the B-21 bomber aircraft program; and

(2) the estimate, as of the date of such submission, for the program’s average procurement unit cost, acquisition unit cost, and life-cycle costs.

(b) Matrices Described.—The matrices described in this subsection are the following:

(1) Program goals and execution.—A matrix that identifies, in six-month increments, plans for and progress in achieving key milestones and events, and specific performance metric goals and actuals for the development, production, and sustainment of the B-21 bomber aircraft program, which shall be subdivided, at a minimum, according to the following:

(A) Technology readiness levels of major components, and associated risks and key demonstration events through maturity (technology readiness level 7) for baseline and modernization efforts.

(B) Engine design maturity, and plans and progress of engine test events.

(C) Software development progress and related metrics, including—

(i) percent of capabilities complete and system features complete; and

(ii) software quality metrics.

(D) Manufacturing progress and related metrics for the prime contractor and key suppliers, including—

(i) manufacturing readiness levels through level 8;

(ii) touch labor hours; and

(iii) scrap, rework, and repair.

(E) System verification and key ground and flight test events for developmental and operational testing, including—

(i) percent complete;

(ii) time on condition;

(iii) sorties; and

(iv) test points.

(F) Aircraft reliability, availability, and maintainability metrics, including—

(i) mean time to repair;

(ii) operational availability;

(iii) mission capable; and

(iv) cost per flying hour.

(G) Operations and sustainment plans and progress, including—

(i) main operating base setup;

(ii) training system deliveries;

(iii) depot maintenance; and

(iv) technology data packages.

(2) Cost.—A matrix expressing, in six-month increments, the total cost for the Air Force service cost position for the engineering and manufacturing development phase and production lots of the B-21 bomber aircraft, and a matrix expressing the total cost for the prime contractor’s estimate for such phase and production lots, each of which shall be phased over the entire engineering and manufacturing development period and subdivided according to the costs of the following:

(A) Air vehicle.

(B) Propulsion.

(C) Mission systems.

(D) Vehicle subsystems.

(E) Air vehicle software.

(F) Systems engineering.

(G) Program management.

(H) System test and evaluation.

(I) Support and training systems.

(J) Contract fee.

(K) Engineering changes.

(L) Direct mission support, including congressional general reductions.

(M) Government testing.

(c) Semiannual Update of Matrices.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force submits the matrices required by subsection (a), concurrent with the submittal of each annual budget request to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, thereafter, and not later than 180 days after each such submittal, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the Comptroller General updates to the matrices described in subsection (b).

(2) Elements.—Each update submitted under paragraph (1) shall detail progress made toward the goals identified in the matrix described in subsection (b)(1) and provide updated cost estimates.

(d) Assessment by Comptroller General of the United States.—Not less frequently than annually, the Comptroller General shall—

(1) review the sufficiency of each matrix received under this section; and

(2) submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of such matrix, including by identifying cost, schedule, or performance trends.

(e) Repeal.—Section 238 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 130 Stat. 2067) is repealed.

SEC. 132. BOMBER AIRCRAFT FORCE STRUCTURE AND TRANSITION ROADMAP.

(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive roadmap detailing the planned force structure, basing, modernization, and transition strategy for the bomber aircraft fleet of the Air Force through fiscal year 2040.

(b) Elements.—The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) A detailed schedule and rationale for the planned divestment of B-1 bomber aircraft, including location-specific retirements, infrastructure disposition, and mitigation of any resulting capability gaps.

(2) A transition plan for the operational fielding of B-21 bomber aircraft, including basing decisions, training and sustainment plans, operational concepts, and anticipated initial operational capability and full operational capability timelines.

(3) A strategy for integrating units of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve into B-21 bomber aircraft operations, including planned force structure, association, training, and mobilization models.

(4) An update on—

(A) modernization efforts for B-52 bomber aircraft, including engine replacement, radar upgrades, and digital integration efforts; and

(B) the expected service life and mission profile of B-52 bomber aircraft through the 2050s.

(5) A detailed timeline with key milestones for each of the elements described in paragraphs (1) through (4), including programmatic decision points, resourcing requirements, risk assessments, and coordination with other components of the Air Force Global Strike Command and the Air Combat Command.

(c) Objective.—The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall support a deliberate and balanced transition to a modernized, dual- capable bomber aircraft force that ensures long-range strike capacity, survivability, and deterrence in both nuclear and conventional mission sets, with a minimum of 100 B-21 bomber aircraft as directed by prior Acts of Congress.

(d) Form.—The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

SEC. 133. REQUIREMENT FOR AN INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE ROADMAP FOR THE AIR FORCE.

(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive roadmap detailing the strategic plan for the development, acquisition, modernization, and integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the Air Force.

(b) Elements.—The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) A strategic assessment of current (as of the date on which the roadmap is submitted) and projected intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance requirements for the Air Force across all domains, including air, space, and cyberspace.

(2) An inventory of current (as of the date on which the roadmap is submitted) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, sensors, and associated data- processing systems, including the mission capabilities, operational status, and expected service life for each.

(3) A plan for the modernization or divestment of legacy airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, with justification for each decision.

(4) A detailed outline of planned investments and capabilities in emerging intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies, including—

(A) artificial intelligence;

(B) machine learning;

(C) space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and

(D) autonomous or remotely piloted platforms.

(5) An assessment of the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data into command and control networks, including interoperability with joint, interagency, and allied partners.

(6) A risk assessment identifying potential capability gaps, threats, and mitigation strategies.

(7) A description of the roles and responsibilities of the components of the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance effort of the Air Force in implementing the roadmap.

(8) A proposed timeline and milestones for the implementation of the roadmap over the next ten fiscal years.

(c) Form.—The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but shall include a classified annex.

SEC. 134. ANNUAL REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNIFIED DATALINK STRATEGY.

Section 1527 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 2223 note) is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and

(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c):

“(c) Annual Reports.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and not less frequently than once each year thereafter through December 31, 2032, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an annual report on the implementation of the strategy.”.

SEC. 135. PLAN FOR OPEN MISSION SYSTEMS OF F-35 AIRCRAFT.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop a plan to establish an open mission systems computing environment that is controlled by the Federal Government on the F-35 aircraft of the Department of Defense.

(b) Elements.—The plan required under subsection (a) shall do the following:

(1) Enable the portability of software applications between the F-35 aircraft, the F-22 aircraft, and the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative of the Air Force.

(2) Enable the integration of new open mission system software, or changes to existing open mission system software, with minimal integration work required by the prime contractor of the air vehicle.

(3) Eliminate or minimize aircraft airworthiness impacts due to software changes within the open mission systems computing environment.

(4) Enable the rapid upgrade of onboard processors.

(5) Leverage a Federal Government reference architecture.

(6) Ensure control by the Federal Government over the airworthiness and security processes, as well as ownership by the Federal Government of the open mission system technical documentation and data rights.

(7) Be capable of connection to all relevant aircraft apertures sufficient to meet current and future combat requirements, including cockpit connectivity via ethernet.

(8) Leverage modern commercial software languages and techniques necessary to support reliable, high-throughput, and low-latency use-cases.

(9) Be applicable across all blocks and variants of the F- 35 aircraft.

(c) Report.—

(1) In general.—Not later than July 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the plan required under subsection (a).

(2) Form.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.

SEC. 136. MODIFICATION OF PROHIBITION ON RETIREMENT OF F-15E AIRCRAFT.

(a) In General.—Section 9062(l)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “September 30, 2029” and inserting “September 30, 2027”; and

(2) in subparagraph (A), by striking “68 F-15E aircraft” and inserting “34 F-15E aircraft”.

(b) Repeal.—Section 150 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 1812) is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (a);

(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections

(a) and (b), respectively; and

(3) in the section heading, by striking “prohibition on retirement of f-15e aircraft and”.

SEC. 137. PROHIBITION ON RETIREMENT OF A-10 AIRCRAFT.

(a) 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 retire, prepare to retire, or otherwise divest A-10 aircraft to an inventory level below 103.

(b) Waiver Authority.—The Secretary of the Air Force may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) with respect to a specific unit if—

(1) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a written certification that a detailed recapitalization plan has been developed for the affected unit, including follow on mission assignments, aircraft reallocation, personnel adjustments, and community impact mitigation; and

(2) a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date of such submission.

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) A-10 aircraft.—The term “A-10 aircraft” means any aircraft of the Air Force designated A-10 Thunderbolt II.

(2) Retire.—The term “retire” includes the permanent removal of an aircraft from the operational inventory, reassignment to storage, or placement into backup aircraft inventory or excess status.

SEC. 138. EXTENSION OF LIMITATIONS AND MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENT RELATING TO RQ-4 AIRCRAFT.

Section 9062(m)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “September 30, 2029” and inserting “September 30, 2030”.

SEC. 139. EXPANSION OF AIR REFUELER FLEET.

(a) Primary Mission Aircraft Inventory.—Notwithstanding any limit on primary mission aircraft inventory established before the date of the enactment of this Act, Secretary of the Air Force shall retain operational KC-135 Stratotankers as primary mission aircraft inventory as such aircraft are replaced by KC-46 aircraft in order to meet air refueling requirements of the Air Force and the United States Transportation Command.

(b) Reassignment.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall reassign KC-135 Stratotankers that are retained as primary mission aircraft inventory and replaced by KC-46 aircraft to Air Refueling Wings that have the capacity to expand their primary mission aircraft inventory fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers.

(2) Criteria.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall reassign KC-135 Stratotankers under paragraph (1) based on the ability of an Air Refueling Wing to—

(A) man the additional aircraft; and

(B) support pilot training requirements.

SEC. 140. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO C-130 AIRCRAFT.

(a) Extension of Minimum Inventory Requirement.—Section 146(a)(3)(B) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 136 Stat. 2455), as most recently amended by section 145(a) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 1810 ), is further amended by striking “2025” and inserting “2028”.

(b) Extension of Prohibition on Reduction of C-130 Aircraft Assigned to National Guard.—Section 146(b)(1) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 136 Stat. 2455), as most recently amended by section 145(b) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 1810), is further amended by striking “2025” and inserting “2028”.

(c) Report Requirement.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the following:

(1) The total number and variant types of C-130 aircraft in the inventory of the Air Force.

(2) Any planned retirements, divestments, or reductions to the fleet of such aircraft.

(3) Modernization and recapitalization efforts, including block upgrades and procurement schedules.

(4) Planned basing actions for fielding C-130J aircraft to recapitalize C-130H aircraft.

SEC. 141. INFORMATION ON FUTURE LARGE AND OVERSIZED AIR CARGO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall solicit from industry information on acquiring services of an airplane that—

(1) is, as of June 2025, under development as a civilian aircraft;

(2) would be capable of carrying space launch vehicles and other Department of Defense articles not more than 300 feet long that cannot be or, as of June 2025, are not readily transported in an airplane due to cargo dimensions;

(3) could enter service not later than December 31, 2035;

(4) could provide and supplement large and oversized fixed wing air cargo transportation services to support the readiness and logistical needs of the Department by December 31, 2035, and thereafter; and

(5) could provide to the Department at least 2,000 hours and not more than 7,500 hours of airplane time for at least two and not more than five years beginning when such airplane could enter service.

(b) Report.—Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the solicitation required by subsection (a).

SEC. 142. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN REDUCTIONS TO B-1 BOMBER AIRCRAFT SQUADRONS.

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 Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and 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. 143. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN REDUCTIONS TO INVENTORY OF E-3 AIRBORNE WARNING AND CONTROL SYSTEM AIRCRAFT.

(a) Prohibition.—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 retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage or in backup aircraft inventory any E-3 aircraft if such actions would reduce the total aircraft inventory for such aircraft below 16.

(b) Exception for Plan.—If the Secretary of the Air Force submits to the congressional defense committees a plan for maintaining readiness and ensuring there is no lapse in mission capabilities, the prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply to actions taken to reduce the total aircraft inventory for E-3 aircraft to below 16, beginning 30 days after the date on which the plan is so submitted.

(c) Exception for E-7 Aircraft Procurement.—If the Secretary of the Air Force procures enough E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to accomplish the required mission load, the prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply to actions taken to reduce the total aircraft inventory for E-3 aircraft to below 16 after the date on which such E-7 Wedgetail aircraft are delivered.

TITLE II—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 for the use of the Department of Defense for research, development, test, and evaluation, as specified in the funding table in section 4201.

Subtitle B—Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations

SEC. 211. MODIFICATIONS TO DEFENSE RESEARCH CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM.

(a) In General.—For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all funding opportunities executed in Program Element 0601228D8Z, or successor program element, shall include separate funding solicitations each focused toward—

(1) Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges and Universities; and

(2) Minority-Serving Institutions that are not described in paragraph (1).

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term “Historically Black College or University” has the meaning given the term “part B institution” in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).

(2) The term “Minority-Serving Institution” means an eligible institution described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).

(3) The term “Tribal College or University” has the meaning given the term in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)).

SEC. 212. PROGRAM FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION CENTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Making Permanent and Improving Pilot Program for the Enhancement of the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Centers of the Department of Defense.—Chapter 305 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 4145. Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments shall jointly carry out a program to demonstrate methods for the more effective development of technology and management of functions at eligible centers.

“(b) Eligible Centers.—For purposes of the program, the eligible centers are—

“(1) the science and technology reinvention laboratories, as designated by section 4121(b) of this title;

“(2) the test and evaluation centers which are activities specified as part of the Major Range and Test Facility Base in Department of Defense Directive 3200.11;

“(3) the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency;

“(4) the Defense Innovation Unit;

“(5) the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO); and

“(6) the Office of Strategic Capital.

“(c) Participation in Program.—

“(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), the head of each eligible center shall submit to the Assistant Secretary concerned a proposal on, and implement, alternative and innovative methods of effective management and operations of eligible centers, rapid project delivery, support, experimentation, prototyping, and partnership with universities and private sector entities—

“(A) to generate greater value and efficiencies in research and development activities;

“(B) to enable more efficient and effective operations of supporting activities, such as—

“(i) facility management, construction, and repair;

“(ii) business operations;

“(iii) personnel management policies and practices; and

“(iv) intramural and public outreach; and

“(C) to enable more rapid deployment of warfighter capabilities.

“(2) Implementation.—(A) The head of an eligible center described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) shall implement each method proposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection unless such method is disapproved in writing by the Assistant Secretary concerned within 60 days of receiving a proposal from an eligible center.

“(B) The Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Defense Innovation Unit, the Strategic Capabilities Office and the Office of Strategic Capital shall implement each method proposed under paragraph (1) unless such method is disapproved in writing by the Deputy Secretary of Defense within 60 days of receiving a proposal from the Director.

“(C) In this paragraph, the term ‘Assistant Secretary concerned’ means—

“(i) the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, with respect to matters concerning the Air Force;

“(ii) the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, with respect to matters concerning the Army; and

“(iii) the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, with respect to matters concerning the Navy.

“(d) Waiver Authority for Demonstration and Implementation.—The head of an eligible center may waive any regulation, restriction, requirement, guidance, policy, procedure, or departmental instruction that would affect the implementation of a method proposed under subsection (c)(1), unless such implementation would be prohibited by a provision of a Federal statute or common law.”.

(b) Conforming Repeal.—Section 233 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 10 U.S.C. 4141 note prec.) is repealed.

SEC. 213. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY OF PRIVATE SECTOR PERSONNEL WITH CRITICAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE.

Section 232(e) of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 10 U.S.C. 4091 note prec.) is amended by striking “September 30, 2025” and inserting “September 30, 2030”.

SEC. 214. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CERTAIN NAVY SOFTWARE.

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be obligated or expended for the autonomy baseline manager or the common control system of the Navy unless—

(1) the Secretary of the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees—

(A) the original baseline schedule of key capability deliverables and the current schedule as of the date of submission;

(B) the original cost estimate and the current cost estimate as of the date of submission, including the total funding received for the program;

(C) all reports of test and experimentation events, including a comparison of performance to alternative industry capabilities;

(D) the unaltered assessment of the Defense Innovation Unit on a market assessment of industry capabilities compared to the capabilities of the autonomy baseline manager and the common control system of the Navy; and

(E) an assessment that the program is delivering new capabilities at a pace and quality that meets or exceeds industry capabilities; and

(2) the Chief of Naval Operations validates to the congressional defense committees that the program meets operational user needs of the Navy.

SEC. 215. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and available to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for travel purposes, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Under Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the report required by section 245(d) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159).

SEC. 216. PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTS BETWEEN CERTAIN FOREIGN ENTITIES AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CONDUCTING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-FUNDED RESEARCH.

(a) Prohibition.—Beginning on January 1, 2027, a covered institution may not enter into a contract with a covered nation or a foreign entity of concern.

(b) Waivers.—

(1) Authority.—Subject to the provisions of this subsection and subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may, or their designee, pursuant to a request submitted under paragraph

(2) of this subsection, issue a waiver of the prohibition set forth in subsection (a).

(2) Submission.—

(A) First waiver requests.—

(i) In general.—A covered institution that desires to enter into a contract with a foreign entity of concern or a covered nation may submit to the Secretary of Defense, not later than 120 days before the institution enters into such a contract, a request to waive the prohibition set forth in subsection (a) with respect to such contract.

(ii) Contents of waiver request.—A waiver request submitted by a covered institution under clause (i) shall include—

(I) the complete and unredacted text of the proposed contract for which the waiver is being requested, and if such original contract is not in English, a translated copy of the text into English (in a manner that complies with subsection (e)); and

(II) a statement that— (aa) is signed by the President or compliance officer of the institution designated in accordance with subsection

(f); and (bb) includes information that demonstrates that such contract is for the benefit of the institution’s mission and students and will promote the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States.

(B) Renewal waiver requests.—

(i) In general.—A covered institution that has entered into a contract pursuant to a waiver issued under this section, the term of which is longer than the 1-year waiver period and the terms and conditions of which remain the same as the proposed contract submitted as part of the request for such waiver, may submit, not later than 120 days before the expiration of such waiver period, a request for a renewal of such waiver for the remainder of the contract term, but not to exceed a 4-year period (which shall include any information requested by the Secretary).

(ii) Termination.—If a covered institution fails to submit a request under clause (i) or is not granted a renewal under such clause, such institution shall terminate such contract on the last day of the original 1-year waiver period.

(3) Waiver issuance.—The Secretary of Defense—

(A) not later than 60 days before a covered institution enters into a contract pursuant to a waiver request under paragraph (2)(A), or before a contract described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) is renewed pursuant to a renewal request under such paragraph, shall notify the covered institution—

(i) if the waiver or renewal will be issued by the Secretary; and

(ii) in a case in which the waiver or renewal will be issued, the date on which the 1-year waiver period starts;

(B) may only issue a waiver under this subsection to a covered institution if the Secretary of Defense determines that the contract for which the waiver is being requested will both—

(i) benefit the institution’s mission and students; and

(ii) promote the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States; and

(C) shall, when making the determination described in subparagraph (B)(ii), base such determination on the following factors:

(i) The reasons for which the foreign entity of concern or covered nation has been so designated, and why those reasons do not apply to the contract for which waiver is being sought.

(ii) The foreign entity of concern or covered nation’s history of involvement with covered institutions.

(iii) The degree to which such a contract could provide access to information or technology which could materially benefit the national security of a covered nation or harm the national security of the United States.

(4) Notification to congress.—Not later than 15 calendar days prior to issuing a waiver under this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives written notice of the intent of the Secretary to issue such waiver together with a justification for such waiver.

(5) Application of waivers.—A waiver issued under this subsection to a covered institution with respect to a contract shall only—

(A) waive the prohibition under subsection (a) for a 1-year period, or for the remainder of the term of the contract, but not to exceed 4 years; and

(B) apply to the terms and conditions of the proposed contract submitted as part of the request for such waiver.

(c) Contracts Prior to Date of Enactment.—

(1) In general.—In the case of a covered institution that entered into contract with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern prior to January 1, 2027, and which contract remains in effect on such date, the Secretary shall notify the congressional defense committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act.

(2) Renewal.—A covered institution that has entered into a contract described in paragraph (1), the term of which is longer than the waiver period described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph and the terms and conditions of which remain the same as the contract submitted as part of the request required under subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, may submit a request for renewal of the waiver issued under such paragraph in accordance with subsection (c)(2)(B).

(d) Designation During Contract Term.—In the case of a covered institution that enters into a contract with a foreign source that is not a covered nation or a foreign entity of concern but which, during the term of such contract, is redesignated as a covered nation or foreign entity of concern, such institution shall terminate such contract not later than 120 days after the Secretary notifies the covered institution of such designation or immediately requests a waiver.

(e) Translation Requirement.—Any information required to be disclosed under this section with respect to a contract that is not in English shall be translated, for purposes of such disclosure, by a person that is not an affiliated entity or agent of the covered nation or foreign entity of concern involved with such contract.

(f) Compliance Officer.—Each covered institution applying for a waiver under subsection (c), shall identify a compliance officer, who shall—

(1) be a current employee or legally authorized agent of such institution; and

(2) be responsible, on behalf of such institution, for personally certifying—

(A) compliance with the prohibition under this section; and

(B) the truth and accuracy of any information contained in such a waiver request.

(g) Annual Reports.—Section 1286(f) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232;10 U.S.C. 4001 note) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking “and on the periodic reviews conducted pursuant to subsection (e)” and inserting “, on the periodic reviews conducted pursuant to subsection

(e), and the waivers issued under section 216 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026”; and

(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(C) With respect to waivers described in paragraph (1), the following:

“(i) The terms and contents of any waivers issued under section 216 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 in the period covered by the report;

“(ii) any trends in—

“(I) the number of waivers issued under such section over time; and

“(II) the types of contracts to which such waivers pertain; and

“(iii) the processes used by the Secretary to verify that covered institutions (as defined in such section) are in compliance with the requirements of such section.”.

(h) Definitions.—In this section:

(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term “contract” means—

(i) any agreement or memorandum of understanding for the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services by or from a covered nation or foreign entity of concern; or

(ii) any affiliation, agreement, or similar transaction with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern that involves the use or exchange of the name, likeness, time, services, or resources of a covered institution.

(B) The term “contract” does not include—

(i) an agreement solely or primarily for the purposes of conducting a study-abroad program wherein students at covered institutions in the United States travel to a covered nation to study;

(ii) an arms-length agreement for the acquisition by purchase, lease, or barter of property or services for the covered institution from a foreign entity of concern; or

(iii) an agreement pertaining to a pre-existing campus or other satellite facility of a covered institution located in a covered nation or a joint facility of a covered institution and another entity located in a covered nation, unless that facility could provide access to information or technology which could materially benefit the national security of a covered nation or harm the national security of the United States.

(2) The term “covered institution” means an institution of higher education that conducts research funded by the Department of Defense.

(3) The term “covered nation” has the meaning given that term in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code.

(4) The term “foreign entity of concern” means any person or entity—

(A) listed on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List (Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations), or successor list;

(B) included in the list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States most recently submitted under section 1260H(b)(1) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 115-283;10 U.S.C. 113 note); or

(C) identified on the list published under section 1286(c)(9)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115- 232;10 U.S.C. 4001 note).

(5) 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).

SEC. 217. WESTERN REGIONAL RANGE COMPLEX DEMONSTRATION.

(a) Demonstration Required.—The Secretary shall carry out a demonstration of a joint multi-domain kinetic and non-kinetic testing and training environment across military departments by interconnecting existing ranges and training sites in the western States to improve joint multi-domain training and further testing, research, and development.

(b) Use of Existing Ranges and Capabilities.—The demonstration carried out pursuant to subsection (a) shall use existing ranges and range capability, unless capability gaps are identified in the process of planning specific demonstration activities.

(c) Activities.—The demonstration carried out pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) Electromagnetic spectrum operations.

(2) Electromagnetic warfare.

(3) Operations that blend kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

(4) Operations in the information environment.

(5) Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

(6) Information warfare, including the following:

(A) Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

(B) Offensive and defense cyber operations.

(C) Electromagnetic warfare.

(D) Space operations.

(E) Psychological operations.

(F) Public affairs.

(G) Weather operations.

(d) Timeline for Completion of Initial Demonstration.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall seek to complete an initial demonstration, interconnecting two or more ranges or testing sites of two or more military departments in the western States, subject to availability of appropriations, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(e) Briefing.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide the congressional defense committees a briefing on—

(1) a phased implementation plan and design to connect ranges and testing sites in the western States, including the initial demonstration required by subsection (d);

(2) how the design architecture of the plan is in alignment with recommendations of the 2020 Department of Defense Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy; and

(3) how the design architecture will support high- periodicity training, testing, research, and development.

(f) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Information environment.—The term “information environment” means the aggregate of individuals, organizations, and systems that collect, process, and disseminate, or act on information.

(2) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Defense.

(g) Termination.—This section shall terminate on September 30, 2028.

SEC. 218. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POLICIES FOR MANAGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF LINK 16 MILITARY TACTICAL DATA LINK NETWORK.

Section 228(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking “the Nevada Test and Training Range, Restricted Area 2508, Warning Area 151/470, Warning Area 386, and the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex” and inserting “military special use airspace including all prohibited areas, restricted areas, warning areas, and military operational areas”;

(2) in paragraph (2), in the matter before subparagraph

(A), by striking “training, and large-scale exercises.” and inserting “regular training, and large-scale exercises. Under such processes, approval of Link 16 operations shall be presumed and denial of Link 16 operations shall be accompanied with substantiated evidence demonstrating compromise of safety due to electromagnetic interference.”; and

(3) in paragraph (5), by inserting “regular” before “training”.

SEC. 219. ADVANCED ROBOTIC AUTOMATION FOR MUNITIONS MANUFACTURING.

(a) Program Required.—The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a program to support the maturation and expansion of robotic automation capabilities for munitions manufacturing at government-owned, contractor-operated production facilities.

(b) Objectives.—The objectives of the program under subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) The design and integration of inherently safe, scalable robotic load, assemble, and pack (LAP) systems for munitions production.

(2) The demonstration of increased throughput and production capacity, while reducing manual handling of energetic materials.

(3) The development of cyber-hardened data infrastructure for secure integration of factory-floor operations with enterprise systems.

(4) Support for workforce upskilling and training in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

(5) The evaluation of applicability across multiple munition types and organic industrial base sites.

(c) Coordination.—In carrying out the program under subsection

(a), the Secretary of the Army shall coordinate with the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition and other relevant components of the Department of the Army.

(d) Briefing.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the congressional defense committees a briefing on the program carried out under subsection (a). Such briefing shall cover—

(1) the progress made under the program;

(2) lessons learned; and

(3) recommendations for the wider adoption of robotic automation technologies within the defense industrial base.

SEC. 220. DUAL-USE AND DEFENSE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INNOVATION HUBS.

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish one or more dual-use advanced manufacturing hubs that co-locate and share resources among public and private stakeholders from industry, academia, government, nongovernment agencies, and workforce and economic development resources. The hub or hubs should span the full spectrum of advanced manufacturing capabilities and cover the full development timeline between prototyping and fielding.

(b) Requirements.—A hub established under subsection (a) shall—

(1) utilize, to the maximum extent possible, the Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MII) and encourage the MIIs to coordinate efforts in a joint manner;

(2) provide shared advanced manufacturing infrastructure and equipment, such as high-speed metal printers and material testing laboratories;

(3) establish a process to provide advanced manufacturing capability, including on shared classified space as needed;

(4) utilize, to the maximum extent possible, the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX) as a central data repository for technical data packages for advanced manufacturing;

(5) build on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue Manufacturing Initiative and Blue Manufacturing Marketplace to match hardware and software manufacturers in defense technology with advanced manufacturing providers; and

(6) meet annual production benchmarks for defense applications.

(c) Recommendation.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a recommendation for the appropriate number of regional hubs to be established under subsection (a) for the Department of Defense to meet its sustainment needs and such requirements, specifications, and capabilities as the regional hubs may require.

SEC. 220A. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROGRAMS.

(a) Department of Defense Advanced Manufacturing Program.—Not later than December 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall aim to qualify and approve for manufacturing and delivery not fewer than 1,000,000 parts or components of the Department of Defense that use advanced manufacturing techniques, with funding subject to the availability of appropriations or other funds. In doing so, the Secretary shall ensure that expedited processes for adoption of advanced manufacturing products are utilized across the components of the Department of Defense and lifecycle phases for new and existing systems.

(b) Program to Additively Manufacture Certain Types of Unmanned Aerial Systems.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program to certify new materials and processes to manufacture 25 to100 percent of the parts of one of each type of the following unmanned aerial system (UAS) categories using advanced or additive manufacturing techniques:

(1) Small unmanned aerial systems used as tactical loitering munitions.

(2) Small unmanned aerial systems used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

(3) Small unmanned aerial systems used for logistics missions.

(c) Program to Certify Additively Manufactured Parts for Military Systems With Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages.—

(1) Program required.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Secretaries of the military departments, carry out a program to produce replacement parts for military systems with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages using advanced or additive manufacturing techniques.

(2) Tested parts.—In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall select not less than five parts for test, evaluation, and certification under the program.

(3) Test and evaluation.—

(A) In general.—In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall use additive manufacturing techniques to manufacture the parts selected pursuant to paragraph (2) and then test and evaluate the manufactured parts.

(B) Evaluation.—Evaluation under subparagraph (A) shall be based on performance rather than specifications.

(4) Sharing of results and data.—In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall share test data across all military departments and establish mechanisms for data reciprocity for test and evaluation results for additively manufactured parts across all military departments.

(5) List of obsolete parts.—The Under Secretary shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, make a list of all parts for military systems with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages.

(6) New licensing agreements.—The Under Secretary shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, create new licensing agreements with owners of intellectual property for the platforms with parts included in the list required by paragraph (5) that allow additive manufacture of the parts.

(d) Program to Additively Manufacture Metal Parts.—

(1) Program required.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall carry out a program across all military departments to additively manufacture three commonly used metal parts of each military department, such as titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.

(2) Assessment required.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary shall—

(A) complete an assessment to determine how to additively manufacture 10 metal parts of each military department, with a preference for parts that require long lead times to manufacture or have sole-source suppliers; and

(B) submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the Under Secretary with respect to the assessment completed under subparagraph

(A).

(e) Program to Additively Manufacture Parts for Ground Combat Systems.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army and the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency—

(1) identify sustainment vulnerabilities in the ground equipment supply chain of the Army, including at the manufacturing arsenals and maintenance depots of the Army that comprise the Organic Industrial Base, where additive manufacturing could be used to repair, upgrade, or modernize ground combat systems;

(2) choose not less than five parts that have long lead times for fabricating the greatest degree of customized specifications or have the most limited quantity in inventory and additively manufacture replacement parts for them;

(3) create a critical parts list identifying parts and components across ground combat systems with long lead times eligible to be additively manufactured; and

(4) develop plans, in coordination with Army Development Command, to integrate additive manufacturing techniques and technologies in the design, production, and sustainment of next-generation combat vehicles and their technologies. The developed technologies should prioritize interoperability across military platforms and integration with other military services.

SEC. 220B. IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO ADVANCED MANUFACTURING.

(a) Leadership Changes.—

(1) Joint defense manufacturing technology panel.—Section 4842(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “The Chair of” and all that follows through “programs.” and inserting the following: “The Panel shall be co-chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.”.

(2) Joint additive manufacturing working group.—The Joint Additive Manufacturing Working Group shall be co-chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

(3) Consortium on additive manufacturing for defense capability development.—Section 223 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 4841 note) is amended—

(A) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection

(d); and

(B) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c):

“(c) Co-chairs.—The Consortium shall be co-chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.”.

(b) Advanced Manufacturing Guidance and Manual.—

(1) Guidance, dod i update, and manual required.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall—

(A) develop guidance to incorporate innovations in advanced manufacturing in such a way that the Department of Defense can better and faster deliver capabilities, sustain operations, and protect the warfighter with the latest technology while still ensuring quality, reliability, and compatibility;

(B) update Department of Defense Instruction 5000.93 (relating to use of additive manufacturing in the Department of Defense) dated June 10, 2021, to waive the requirement to maintain records of all additively produced end-items put into operational use where the additively produced part meets or exceeds performance of the traditionally manufactured end-item;

(C) create a manual in accordance with such instruction that gets at the technical standards required to qualify parts, components, or products that use advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques; and

(D) not later than March 1, 2026, provide the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on plans to update the guidance developed under subparagraph (A) and the updates made under subparagraph (B).

(2) Considerations.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall consider the 2016 Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Roadmap, the 2021 Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Strategy, the 2022 National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, and Department of Defense Instruction 5000.93.

(3) Alignment.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall ensure that the guidance on the use of advanced manufacturing required by paragraph

(1)(A)—

(A) aligns with Department of Defense acquisition to prioritize flexibility, interoperability, and domestic sourcing; and

(B) requires the Department to prefer United States manufacturers and equipment and document a justification whenever the Department uses a foreign source; and

(C) requires the Department to partner with and direct funds to the Department’s Manufacturing Innovation Institutes whenever feasible.

(4) Elements.—

(A) Guidance.—The guidance required by paragraph

(1)(A) shall include guidance for all types of advanced manufacturing, including the following:

(i) Additive manufacturing.

(ii) Advanced materials.

(iii) Advanced composite materials.

(iv) Robotics and automation.

(v) Laser, machining, and welding.

(vi) Nanotechnology.

(vii) Network and information technology integration.

(B) Manual.—(i) The guidance required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) shall utilize expedited qualification and testing procedures established in section 865 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 and result in a manual under subparagraph (C) of such paragraph to establish standardized processes to qualify parts and components produced by advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies based on performance, rather than specifications for testing and evaluation.

(ii) The process described in clause (i) shall include a methodology for standardizing technical production specifications, testing processes, and data reciprocity to share and accept test results of the same additively manufactured parts across all military departments.

(iii) The process described in clause (i) shall include test and evaluation results that facilitate data reciprocity across military departments, removing the need for each military department to independently validate the same parts another military department has already validated.

(iv) The manual shall include steps to allow for streamlined incremental qualification, rather than complete requalification, when the design and manufacturing process incorporates changes.

(v) The process described in clause (i) shall explore the option for third-party, external certification for companies that cannot afford or do not have the in-house expertise to do this on their own but have the technology that the Department needs.

(C) Advanced materials and advanced composite materials research.—The guidance required by paragraph

(1)(A) and the manual required by paragraph (1)(C)—

(i) shall cover requirements for development, test, and evaluation of the material properties of advanced materials and advanced composite materials used in advanced manufacturing, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and hybrid metals;

(ii) should include how to incorporate integrated computational materials engineering to predict the material properties and the distribution of those properties in additively manufactured parts and scale-up additive manufacturing; and

(iii) shall include a list of recommendations for the types of amounts of critical metals to stockpile for the Department’s use in additive manufacturing, which should be accessible to users of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX).

(D) Cybersecurity.—(i) The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) and the manual required by paragraph

(1)(C) shall include cybersecurity standards and guidelines for advanced manufacturing developed in consultation with the Chief Information Officer.

(ii) The guidance and manual should address the unique challenges that advanced manufacturing poses to Department information networks.

(iii) The guidance and manual shall include matters relating to cybersecurity compliance.

(iv) The guidance and manual shall call for periodic security and compliance reviews.

(E) Modeling and simulation.—The guidance and manual required by paragraph (1)—

(i) shall include software-driven, artificial intelligence-enabled modeling and simulation techniques for design, development, test, and evaluation to the maximum extent possible; and

(ii) should include integrating modeling and simulation at every level, from enterprise to individual operation, including utilizing digital engineering.

(F) Intellectual property.—(i) The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) and the manual required by paragraph (1)(C) shall include processes and contracting mechanisms to protect and manage intellectual property.

(ii) The processes and contracting mechanisms described in clause (i) shall be designed to incentivize innovation while allowing the Department to additively manufacture parts and products for military systems at scale and on demand in case of contingency or crisis. This can include new licensing agreements with terms and conditions that allow for innovative intellectual property strategies.

(iii) The guidance and manual shall include considerations to incorporate the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX).

(G) Quality assurance.—(i) The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) and the manual required by paragraph (1)(C) shall include processes, materials, and technologies to ensure continuous quality control throughout the entire manufacturing process and post- production.

(ii) The guidance and manual shall incorporate the process window qualification methodology, which is designed to be machine-agnostic, or independent of specific machine brands or software providers, as well as the following:

(I) Real-time process monitoring leveraging machine sensors and software analytics to detect and instantly mitigate deviations prevents defects and unauthorized parameter changes.

(II) Integration of machine learning algorithms that analyze production data in real-time allows the identification of anomalies indicative of potential quality or security threats, enabling proactive mitigation.

(III) Software-defined quality assurance protocols enforce standardized, repeatable verification processes, greatly improving reliability and simplifying security audits.

(H) Proliferation of additive manufacturing capabilities.—The guidance required by paragraph (1) shall include a plan that includes phasing and funding requirements to proliferate advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques across the entire Department, at the enterprise level to tactical operational units. This guidance shall—

(i) identify end-user access and operational needs for advanced manufacturing and associated resourcing, infrastructure, and basing requirements;

(ii) establish logistics models for production of additively manufactured parts in the continental United States and at forward operating locations;

(iii) improve supply chain risk management; and

(iv) stimulate supply chain agility within the Department.

(I) Training.—The guidance required by paragraph

(1)(A) shall include training program requirements, phasing, and sequencing to ensure each warfighter is equipped with the knowledge and skills to use advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies efficiently and safely. The guidance shall—

(i) outline which military occupational specialty career fields to train in advanced manufacturing equipment, techniques, and procedures with each military service and the degree of proficiency and training time required;

(ii) explore partnerships to establish apprenticeships and skilled technician training pipelines to support Department of Defense research and development programs and programs of record; and

(iii) consider creating new initiatives within existing transition assistance programs to create pathways for members of the Armed Forces to receive the training necessary to adapt their military skills to civilian jobs in advanced manufacturing.

(5) Manual required.—The manual created under paragraph

(1)(C) shall be a service-agnostic, vendor-agnostic manual on advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies for the Department of Defense—

(A) to standardize across the military departments the technical parameters for manufacturing parts and products using advanced manufacturing techniques;

(B) to outline the categories and levels of risk associated with such parts and products, including distinguishing between safety-critical and non-safety- critical parts and providing expedited approvals for low-risk parts through standardized material datasets and pre-qualified manufacturing protocols;

(C) to lay out the processes for qualification and certification across categories of such parts and products;

(D) to establish data reciprocity for test and evaluation data across all military departments with respect to qualifying such parts and products;

(E) to utilize the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX) as the central data repository for technical data packages for advanced manufacturing; and

(F) to incorporate new proposed qualification approaches proposed by industry consortiums, Manufacturing Innovation Institutes, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

(6) Timeline.—

(A) Initial.—The Secretary shall ensure that the guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) goes into effect in fiscal year 2026 by providing guidance with respect to the top three essential metals each military department needs to maintain its operational platforms.

(B) Subsequent.—The Secretary shall ensure that the guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) goes into effect not later than January 1, 2027, for all essential metals not covered by subparagraph (A).

(7) Advanced manufacturing defined.—In this subsection, the term “advanced manufacturing” means a manufacturing process using the following:

(A) Additive manufacturing.

(B) Wire-arc additive manufacturing.

(C) Powder bed fusion manufacturing.

(D) Other manufacturing capabilities similar to those listed in subparagraphs (A) through (C).

SEC. 220C. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH COLLABORATION WITH CERTAIN ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS.

(a) Limitation.—Except as provided in subsection (b), 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 obligated or expended to award a grant or contract to an institution of higher education for the specific purposes of conducting fundamental research in collaboration with a covered entity.

(b) Waiver.—

(1) In general.—The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology may waive the limitation under subsection (a), on a case-by-case basis, with respect to an individual grant or contract for an institution of higher education if the Assistant Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.

(2) Congressional notice.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which an award is made by the Department of Defense involving an institution of higher education with respect to which a waiver is made under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice of such waiver.

(c) Report Annex.—

(1) In general.—On an annual basis, as a classified or controlled unclassified information annex to the annual report required by section 1286(f) of the John S McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115- 232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report annex on the compliance of the Department of Defense and institutions of higher education with the requirements of this section.

(2) Contents.—Each report annex submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include, for each waiver issued under subsection (b) during the period covered by the report—

(A) a justification for the waiver; and

(B) a detailed description of the type and extent of any collaboration between an institution of higher education and a covered entity allowed pursuant to the waiver, including identification of the institution of higher education and the covered entities involved, the type of technology involved, the duration of the collaboration, and terms and conditions on intellectual property assignment, as applicable, under the collaboration agreement.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term “collaboration” means coordinated activity between an institution of higher education and a covered entity and includes—

(A) sharing of research facilities, resources, or data;

(B) sharing of technical know-how;

(C) any financial or in-kind contribution intended to produce a research product;

(D) sponsorship or facilitation of research fellowships, visas, or residence permits;

(E) joint ventures, partnerships, or other formalized agreements for the purpose of conducting research or sharing resources, data, or technology;

(F) inclusion of researchers as consultants, advisors, or members of advisory or review boards; and

(G) such other activities as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense.

(2) The term “covered entity”—

(A) means an academic institution that is included in 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- 232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note); and

(B) includes any individual employed by such an academic institution.

(3) The term “fundamental research” has the meaning given that term in National Security Decision Directive-189 (NSSD-

189), National Policy on the Transfer of Scientific, Technical and Engineering Information, dated September 21, 1985, or any successor document.

(4) The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002) and includes—

(A) any department, program, project, faculty, researcher, or other individual, entity, or activity of such institution; and

(B) any branch of such institution within or outside the United States.

Subtitle C—Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

SEC. 221. CATALYST PATHFINDER PROGRAM.

(a) Establishment.—Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Army shall establish a soldier-inspired innovation program—

(1) that creates partnerships between operational units of the Army and leading national research universities to provide a unique platform for university-based researchers and small businesses to collaborate directly with soldiers on cutting- edge applied research and development; and

(2) to integrate soldiers into the early-stage problem identification process and include them in the solution development process to ensure technical solutions are meeting soldier needs and enhancing lethality.

(b) Designation.—The program established pursuant to subsection

(a) shall be known as the “Catalyst Pathfinder Program” (in this section the “Program”).

(c) Activities.—In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall—

(1) establish activities at all active-duty divisions of the Army to accelerate the incorporation of soldier insights into capability development;

(2) establish policies that streamline collaboration between soldiers, Army Futures Command, and academic institutions;

(3) establish a governance board that includes representatives from the research, development, test, and evaluation, acquisition, requirements, industry, and academic communities;

(4) promote transition of successful Program projects to Army programs; and

(5) implement an adaptive experimentation force capability to support technology experimentation activities throughout the solution development cycle

(d) Treatment of Program.—The Program shall be treated as a research, development, test, and evaluation activity in the Army’s input to the Future Year Defense Program.

SEC. 222. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR ANNUAL REPORTS ON CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREAS SUPPORTIVE OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY.

Section 217(c)(1) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note) is amended, in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking “December 1, 2025” and inserting “December 1, 2030”.

SEC. 223. EVALUATION OF ADDITIONAL TEST CORRIDORS FOR HYPERSONIC AND LONG-RANGE WEAPONS.

(a) Evaluation Required.—To assess impact effectiveness and increase the cadence of testing and training for long-range and hypersonic systems, the Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Director of the Test Resource Management Center and in consultation with requirements owners of long-range and hypersonic systems of the Armed Forces, evaluate—

(1) the comparative advantages of episodic and permanent special activity airspace designated by the Federal Aviation Administration for use by the Department of Defense suitable for the test and training of long-range and hypersonic systems; and

(2) requirements for continental test ranges, including—

(A) attributes, including live, virtual, and constructive capabilities;

(B) scheduling and availability;

(C) safety;

(D) end strength;

(E) facilities, infrastructure, radar, and related systems;

(F) launch locations including—

(i) Bearpaw Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace, Montana;

(ii) Mountain Home Range Complex, Idaho;

(iii) Fallon Range Training Complex, Nevada;

(iv) Utah Test and Training Range, Utah;

(v) Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada;

(vi) Green River Test Complex, Utah; and

(vii) White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico;

(G) impact areas within the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; and

(H) such other characteristics as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(b) Briefing.—Not later than December 1, 2026, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a briefing on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the evaluation conducted pursuant to subsection (a), including an assessment of the completion date.

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term “impact area” means the point at which a test terminates.

(2) The term “launch location” means the point from which a test is initiated.

SEC. 224. TECHNICAL CORRECTION.

Chapter 9 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by redesignating the section 222e that was added by section 211 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31) as section 222f.

SEC. 225. CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED PROGRAMS FOR TEST AND EVALUATION OVERSIGHT.

(a) Requirement.—The Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall include in the annual report required by section 139(h) of title 10, United States Code, an assessment of the operational and live fire test and evaluation activities for—

(1) Golden Dome software development;

(2) the Joint Fires Network; and

(3) the Cryptographic Modernization Program.

(b) Alternate Pathway.—For any effort under subsection (a) assigned to the software acquisition pathway pursuant to section 3603 of title 10, United States Code, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall assess the effort in accordance with the alternative test and evaluation pathway established in this Act.

SEC. 226. PROHIBITION ON MODIFICATION OF INDIRECT COST RATES FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

(a) Prohibition.—The Secretary of Defense may not change or modify indirect cost rates (otherwise known as facilities and administration cost rates) for Department of Defense grants and contracts awarded to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations (as those terms are defined in part 200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations) until the Secretary makes the certification described under subsection

(b).

(b) Certification.—A certification under this subsection is a certification to the congressional defense committees that the Department of Defense—

(1) working with the extramural research community, including representatives from universities, university associations, independent research institutes, and private foundations, has developed an alternative indirect cost model that has—

(A) reduced the indirect cost rate for all applicable institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations (compared to indirect rates for fiscal year 2025); and

(B) optimized payment of legitimate and essential indirect costs involved in conducting Department of Defense research to ensure transparency and efficiency for Department of Defense-funded grants and contracts; and

(2) established an implementation plan with adequate transition time to change budgeting and accounting processes for affected institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations.

SEC. 227. ENHANCE INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES, TECHNOLOGIES, AND ADOPTION.

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall establish a working group to coordinate and support international activities that facilitate information-sharing, enhance interoperability, explore joint research and development opportunities, identify technology licensing requirements, incorporate advanced manufacturing capabilities into combined trainings and exercises, and set technical expertise and training standards for advanced manufacturing techniques, technologies, and adoption. The countries involved should be those with which the United States has reciprocal defense procurement agreements or security of supply arrangements.

Subtitle D—Biotechnology

SEC. 231. BIOTECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT OFFICE.

(a) Designation of Senior Official.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate a senior official, with relevant biotechnology experience, from a position within the Department of Defense that was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act—

(1) to be the senior official for biotechnology issues;

(2) to be the head the Biotechnology Management Office established under subsection (b); and

(3) to carry out the responsibilities for the office in subsection (c).

(b) Establishment of Biotechnology Management Office.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, with input from the senior official designated under subsection (a), charter and establish, under the authority, direction, and control of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, a Biotechnology Management Office to foster the development, acquisition and sustainment of broad-based biotechnology capabilities for the Department.

(c) Responsibilities.—The office established under subsection (b) shall be responsible for the following:

(1) Maintaining and executing the Defense Biotechnology Strategy required by section [BAG25949], including development and execution of a long-term research, development, acquisition, and sustainment roadmap.

(2) Updating policies and guidance within the Department relating to the acquisition, adoption, and transition of biotechnology-based products into Department use.

(3) Coordinating with activities across the Department, the Federal Government, industry, academia, and international partners relating to biotechnology.

(4) Proposing options for streamlining the regulatory or acquisition process of the Department.

(5) Conducting, as may be needed, global competition analyses, net assessment or forecasting to support decisionmakers on biotechnology advances.

(6) Supporting the development of public-private partnerships with academia, industry, and other State and local government partners, including through the development or fostering of regionally focused innovation ecosystems.

(7) Identifying biotechnology workforce and training gaps across the workforce of the Department.

(8) Such other responsibilities as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(d) Sunset.—The office established pursuant to subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2035.

(e) Briefing.—Not later than 30 days after the designation of the senior official pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the proposed scope of the charter for the office to be established pursuant to subsection (b), as well as implementation plans for preliminary activities the office will pursue during the proceeding one-year period.

SEC. 232. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOTECHNOLOGY STRATEGY.

(a) In General.—Not later than June 1, 2026, 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.

(b) Elements.—The strategy required pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) 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.

(2) Review and update of military specifications in order to better incorporate or substitute current products with biotechnology-based products.

(3) Updated plans and policies for the Department to enter into advance market commitments and offtake agreements for biotechnology products that have defense applications.

(4) 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.

(5) 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.

(6) 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.

(7) 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.

(8) 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. 233. DEFINING GUIDELINES AND POLICIES ON THE USE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Guidelines and Policies Required.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, after coordinating with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and external stakeholders, including representation from industry and academia, develop guidelines and policies on the ethical and responsible development and deployment of biotechnology within the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces.

(b) Elements.—The guidelines and policies developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) Definitions of ethical and responsible development and use of biotechnology.

(2) Guidelines relating to ethical and responsible development and use of biotechnology.

(3) Policies relating to informed consent of members of the Armed Forces participating in biotechnology development.

(4) Policies relating to reversibility and heritable treatment of potential biotechnology applications.

(5) Policies relating to biotechnologies and their potential effects on the environment.

(6) Policies relating to human performance enhancement.

(7) Policies relating to the compliance and obligations of the Department to the United Nations Biological Weapons Convention, and other international agreements pertaining to the laws of armed conflict.

(8) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(c) Report.—

(1) In general.—No later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report outlining the guidelines and policies developed pursuant to subsection (a), including the methodologies through which the guidelines and policies were developed.

(2) Form.—The report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(d) Biennial Briefings.—

(1) In general.—Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every two years thereafter until November 1, 2031, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of the guidelines and policies developed pursuant to subsection (a), including a discussion of any adjustments made to the policies and such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary may have to ensure their successful implementation.

(2) Final briefing.—The final briefing provided pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be provided during the 60-day period ending on November 1, 2031.

SEC. 234. ENHANCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL BIODEFENSE CAPACITY.

(a) Clarification of Roles and Responsibilities.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, in consultation with the Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, to enter into memoranda of understanding with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government to clarify the roles and responsibilities of those departments and agencies for building biodefense capabilities internationally in execution of national security and other policies of the Federal Government, with the Secretary focused on working with defense counterparts in countries that are allies of the United States.

(2) Elements of memoranda of understanding.—The memoranda of understanding entered into under paragraph (1) shall address how each relevant department or agency selects partner countries and the feasibility of coordinating efforts with each such country.

(b) Development of Biodefense Capabilities.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense programs, shall provide to the Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency global authority to support development of biodefense capabilities and capacities in countries that are allies of the United States, subject to review and input on an as-needed basis by leadership of the Department of Defense and the relevant combatant commands.

TITLE III—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for operation and maintenance, as specified in the funding table in section 4301.

Subtitle B—Energy and Environment

SEC. 311. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GUIDELINES REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT OF 1969.

(a) In General.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall rescind all existing Department of Defense directives regarding the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) (in this section referred to as “NEPA”) and replace those directives with a new directive with uniform guidance that the military departments and other agencies of the Department of Defense must implement.

(b) Elements of New NEPA Directive.—The new directive required under subsection (a) shall ensure that all components of the Department of Defense comply with the requirements under NEPA, including the updated guidelines established under title III of division C of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-5; 137 Stat. 38).

(c) Designation Required.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate official of the Department of Defense responsible for implementing the NEPA directive established under subsection (a) and ensuring the timely execution of all reviews required under NEPA without unnecessary regulatory delays.

(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to amend or override any provision of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

SEC. 312. REQUIREMENT TO SUPPORT TRAINING ON WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE.

Section 351 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 32 U.S.C. 501 note) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “may” and inserting “shall”.

SEC. 313. USE OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal Systems.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense may use expeditionary solid waste disposal systems for the destruction of illicit contraband, including seized counterfeit materials, unauthorized military gear, and classified materials.

(2) Availability of systems.—The expeditionary solid waste disposal systems units deployed under subsection (a) shall be—

(A) equipped to support operations related to border security and the elimination of contraband; and

(B) made available to military installations, forward operating bases, and partner security forces as needed to assist in countering infiltration and unauthorized use of military assets of the United States.

(b) Prohibition on Use of Open-air Burn Pits to Dispose of Certain Material.—The Secretary of Defense may not use open-air burn pits for the disposal of illicit contraband, classified military equipment, or hazardous waste materials.

SEC. 314. MODIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY AND USE OF ENERGY COST SAVINGS.

Section 2912 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by striking “The amount” and inserting “(1) The amount”;

(B) by striking “additional operational energy” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “operational energy initiatives.”; and

(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(2) The Secretary of Defense shall design operational energy initiatives under paragraph (1) to advance the objectives of the Department in the areas of energy resilience and fuel efficiency.

“(3) Operational energy initiatives carried out under paragraph

(1) may directly contribute to enhanced mission and combat capabilities, fund operational environment training activities, or establish programs to incentivize demonstrable reductions in energy expenditures within the department, agency, or instrumentality credited with achieving the energy cost savings under subsection (a).”;

(2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking “The Secretary of Defense may transfer amounts described in subsection (a) that remain available for obligation” and inserting “Not later than 60 days after being notified of amounts described in subsection (a) that remain available for obligation, the Secretary of Defense shall transfer such amounts”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(f) Operational Energy Cost Savings Defined.—In this section, the term ‘operational energy cost savings’ means the monetary savings achieved through measures to reduce energy expenditures relative to the amount that would have been necessary to sustain an equivalent level of capability in the absence of such measures.”.

SEC. 315. AUTHORITY OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO DESTROY OR DISPOSE OF PERFLUOROALKYL OR POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may destroy or dispose of a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance using innovative technologies that—

(1) are cost effective; and

(2) are permitted or approved by a Federal or State agency that regulates the destruction or disposal of such a substance.

(b) Update of Guidance.—The Secretary shall update the PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidance of the Department of Defense, or any successor similar guidance, to reflect the requirements under subsection (a).

SEC. 316. MODIFICATION TO RESTRICTION ON PROCUREMENT OR PURCHASING OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR FIREFIGHTERS CONTAINING PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES OR POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.

Section 345 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 10 U.S.C. 3201 note prec.) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “if such equipment contains an intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substance or polyfluoroalkyl substance” and inserting “unless such equipment meets the specifications set forth in Standard 1970 of the National Fire Protection Association”; and

(2) in subsection (d)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking “does not contain intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances” and inserting “meets the specifications set forth in Standard 1970 of the National Fire Protection Association”; and

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking “does not contain intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances” and inserting “meets the specifications set forth in Standard 1970 of the National Fire Protection Association”.

SEC. 317. PROVISION OF BOTTLED WATER TO COMMUNITIES WITH PRIVATE DRINKING WATER CONTAMINATED WITH PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES FROM ACTIVITIES OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) In General.—Subject to subsection (b), on and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide bottled water to communities with private drinking water wells where contamination from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances resulting from activities of the Department of Defense has, at one point in time, exceeded the maximum contaminant level for such substances established by the Environmental Protection Agency if the Secretary, as of the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, provided bottled water to the community because of such contamination.

(b) Termination of Requirement.—The Secretary is not required to provide bottled water to a community under subsection (a) if all impacted households in the community are connected to a municipal drinking water distribution system or the Secretary has successfully remediated the contamination from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to meet or exceed both Federal and state drinking water standards for such substances.

SEC. 318. REPEAL OF PROHIBITION ON PROCUREMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OF CERTAIN ITEMS CONTAINING PERFLUOROOCTANE SULFONATE OR PERFLUOROOCTANOIC ACID.

Section 333 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 3062 note) is repealed.

SEC. 319. REPEAL OF TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON INCINERATION BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OF PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES, POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES, AND AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM.

Section 343 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 2701 note) is repealed.

SEC. 320. INTERIM RESPONSES TO ADDRESS RELEASES OR THREATENED RELEASES OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), shall take actions specified in subsection (b) to address any release or threatened release of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances at a covered facility.

(b) Actions to Be Taken.—

(1) Conduct of preliminary assessment and site inspection.—

(A) In general.—If a preliminary assessment or site investigation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances has not been conducted at a covered facility, the Secretary shall conduct expeditiously such assessment or investigation, as the case may be, to determine whether there has been a release or there is a threatened release of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances at the facility.

(B) Presumed release.—Each covered facility that has or has had a fire training pit or similar facility shall be presumed, for purposes of subparagraph (A), to have had a release of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.

(2) Consideration of interim response actions.—

(A) Determination of potential interim response actions.—A preliminary assessment or site investigation under paragraph (1)(A) shall include, along with any other matters required pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), a description and analysis of potential interim response actions that can be taken to reduce immediate public exposure to the release of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, including preventing an imminent and substantial endangerment.

(B) Actions included.—Interim response actions to be considered under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:

(i) Provision of bottled water.

(ii) Connection to public water systems for members of the public using private wells.

(iii) Provision of filtration systems for public water systems.

(iv) Provision of filtration systems for private residences.

(3) Review.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary shall make the preliminary assessment or site investigation conducted under paragraph (1)(A) with respect to a covered facility available for review to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the relevant State environmental regulatory agencies, any Indian tribal government whose tribal lands may be affected by the release or threatened release of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, and members of the public.

(B) Review period.—The period for review under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than 60 days and shall be extended if the Administrator requests additional review time.

(4) Expedited implementation.—The Secretary of Defense shall expedite the implementation of any interim response actions selected by the Secretary for implementation pursuant to the consideration conducted under paragraph (2) and the review under paragraph (3), with special priority provided to covered facilities located within a sole or principal drinking water source as designated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300h-3(e)).

(c) Reports to Congress.—

(1) Initial report.—Not later than 270 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 an identification of the following:

(A) Which covered facilities have had a preliminary assessment or site investigation completed pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A).

(B) Which covered facilities have had a preliminary assessment or site investigation initiated pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A) but not completed by the time the report is due to be submitted, and when such assessment or investigation is projected to be completed.

(C) Which covered facilities have not had a preliminary assessment or site investigation initiated pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A) but are required to have one pursuant to such subsection.

(D) Which covered facilities are not required to have a preliminary assessment or site investigation conducted pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A).

(2) Final 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—

(A) which covered facilities have had interim response actions selected for implementation under subsection (b);

(B) what those interim response actions are;

(C) the projected initiation dates for those interim response actions;

(D) the projected completion dates for those interim response actions; and

(E) an explanation as to why any interim response action considered in the preliminary assessment or site investigation conducted pursuant to subsection

(b)(1)(A) was not adopted.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Covered facility.—The term “covered facility” means a facility subject to section 2701(c) of title 10, United States Code.

(2) Release; response.—The terms “release” and “response” have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.).

Subtitle C—Logistics and Sustainment

SEC. 321. SURFACE SHIP SUSTAINMENT AND READINESS.

(a) In General.—In accordance with this section, the Secretary of the Navy shall implement processes to improve the materiel condition and combat readiness of Navy surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards by ensuring a stable and responsive industrial base capable of meeting operational and combat surge demands.

(b) Requirements and Authorities.—

(1) Type commander leadership.—

(A) Designation.—The Secretary of the Navy shall designate type commanders as the primary authorities for surface ship maintenance.

(B) Responsibilities.—Type commanders designated under subparagraph (A) shall—

(i) lead the sustainment of surface ships;

(ii) oversee all maintenance and repair activities at private shipyards; and

(iii) be responsible for setting priorities, approving contracts, and ensuring fleet readiness.

(C) Regional maintenance centers.—The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that regional maintenance centers act in a supporting role under the direction of type commanders.

(2) Decision-making by key personnel.—

(A) In general.—For each ship undergoing maintenance at a private shipyard, the project manager, the port engineer, and the ship commanding officer—

(i) may jointly decide what work is done during the maintenance period, including the ability to adjust priorities within agreed budgets and schedules; and

(ii) shall report directly to the type commander concerned.

(B) Contracting officers.—Contracting officers shall support the decisions described in subparagraph

(A)(i) by managing funds and contracts.

(3) Stable workforce and infrastructure.—The Secretary of the Navy shall provide a stable, predictable workload to private shipyards and other critical suppliers through a multi- year, multi-ship contract by ship class—

(A) to allow the shipyard and other critical suppliers to maintain a stable workforce;

(B) to promote investment in the necessary facilities; and

(C) to prevent layoffs and rehiring cycles that reduce efficiency.

(4) Ship-specific assignments.—The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that specific shipyards shall have multi-year contracts for specified ships for repeated maintenance work to improve knowledge of ship condition and accelerate repairs, with excusable deviations such as homeport changes.

(5) Collaborative planning.—The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that shipyards, alterations installation teams (when assigned), and Navy teams, including project managers and port engineers, work together in continuous maintenance activities to plan maintenance and ensure realistic schedules and priorities.

(6) Roles for large and small shipyards.—The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that—

(A) criteria for multi-year awards place heavy emphasis on strong teaming between large and small shipyard businesses;

(B) large and small shipyards establish multi-year teaming relationships and work in both the planning and execution phases of scheduled availabilities and emergency repairs; and

(C) small shipyards have guaranteed work percentages and planning responsibilities.

(7) Parts availability.—The Secretary of the Navy shall establish rotatable pools and procure spare parts ahead of time to create a pool of parts that can be quickly used for repairs.

(8) Training.—The Secretary of the Navy shall train program managers and port engineers for specific ship classes prior to assigning such individuals to complex maintenance availabilities.

(9) Funding for workforce and facilities.—The Secretary of the Navy may allocate funds annually to private shipyards to sustain a minimum workforce and maintain repair facilities, in such amounts and under such conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(10) Small business requirements.—The Secretary of the Navy shall issue guidance to address set-aside requirements for small businesses that enables the roles for large and small shipyards described in paragraph (6).

(c) Implementation Flexibility.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary of the Navy may—

(1) determine specific methods, contract types, funding levels, and operational details consistent with the requirements and authorities under this section; and

(2) adapt existing processes or develop new approaches to carry out such requirements and authorities.

(d) Report Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the following:

(1) How the Navy will implement the requirements of this section, including with respect to the roles of type commanders, regional maintenance centers, project managers, port engineers, ship commanding officers, and contracting officers.

(2) The planned funding approach for workforce stability, shipyard assignments, and spare parts procurement.

(3) A timeline for initial implementation, including any pilot programs, and full deployment across all regional maintenance centers.

(4) Metrics to measure success, such as on-time completion of maintenance, cost control, and readiness improvements.

(e) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Port engineer.—The term “port engineer” means the technical expert on a ship’s condition who advises on repairs and standards.

(2) Project manager.—The term “project manager” means the individual responsible for overseeing a ship’s maintenance period.

(3) Regional maintenance center.—The term “regional maintenance center” means an organization of the Navy that supports ship maintenance in a specific region, such as in Norfolk, Virginia, San Diego, California, Mayport, Florida, Everett, Washington, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

(4) Ship commanding officer.—The term “ship commanding officer” means the commanding officer of a Navy surface ship undergoing maintenance.

(5) Type commander.—The term “type commander” means the flag officer in charge of a surface force, such as Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, and Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet.

(f) Sunset.—This section shall terminate on January 1, 2031.

SEC. 322. TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT FOR SURFACE SHIP MAINTENANCE.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of the Navy shall investigate, and, as feasible, qualify, approve, integrate, and fully adopt into contract requirements advanced technologies and processes for Navy surface ship maintenance on an expedited timeline to enhance readiness, reduce costs, and address delays in maintenance and repair activities.

(b) Specified Advanced Technologies and Processes.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall prioritize qualification of the following:

(1) Automated weld inspection for robotic weld defect detection.

(2) Real-time sustainment monitoring for sensor-based health tracking.

(3) Advanced blast and painting for automated hull coating systems.

(4) Press connect fittings for no-hot-work pipe repairs.

(5) Robotic tank inspection for confined space condition assessments.

(6) Additive manufacturing for on-demand 3D-printed parts.

(7) Augmented reality support for augmented reality-guided repairs.

(8) Cold spray repair for metal surface restoration.

(9) Predictive maintenance algorithms for artificial intelligence-driven failure prediction.

(10) Automated nondestructive testing for robotic material evaluation.

(11) Autonomous underwater vehicles for hull inspection submersibles.

(12) Digital twin technology for virtual ship modeling.

(13) High-pressure waterjet cleaning for rust and paint removal.

(14) Modular maintenance platforms for standardized repair setups.

(15) Smart coatings for self-healing, anti-fouling surfaces.

(16) Laser ablation for laser-based surface preparation.

(17) Drone-based inspection for uncrewed structural surveys.

(18) Electrochemical corrosion mitigation for corrosion prevention systems.

(19) Smart pigging for internal pipe diagnostics.

(20) Modular overhaul kits for pre-packaged repair solutions.

(21) Plasma coating for durable surface protection.

(22) High-velocity oxygen fuel coating for high-velocity wear protection.

(23) Portable diagnostics for handheld troubleshooting tools.

(c) Open Qualification Process.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of the Navy shall establish a process for private entities to submit proposals for advanced technologies or processes not specified in subsection (b).

(2) Evaluation.—The Secretary of the Navy shall evaluate any proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after the date of such submission.

(3) Proposal requirements.—A proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) shall demonstrate potential to improve maintenance efficiency, safety, or cost-effectiveness.

(4) Qualification decision.—The Secretary of the Navy shall make a qualification decision with respect to a proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph

(1) based on technical merit and the need of the Navy.

(d) Third-party Review.—

(1) In general.—For any advanced technology or process included in a proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under subsection (c) and not selected for qualification or approval, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall enter into a contract with an independent third-party reviewer to assess the decision.

(2) Report to congress.—A contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall require the independent third-party reviewer to, not later than 90 days after the date of the decision concerned, submit to Congress an unaltered report that—

(A) evaluates the rationale of the Secretary;

(B) states agreement or disagreement with the decision and rationale; and

(C) includes recommendations if applicable.

(e) Priority.—The Secretary of the Navy may prioritize advanced technologies and processes under this section based on operational needs, budget constraints, and compatibility with existing systems, if the Secretary includes justifications for such prioritization in the report required by subsection (g).

(f) Updates.—The Secretary of the Navy shall update policies, specifications, guidance, and contracts to integrate and fully adopt advanced technologies and processes as required by subsection (a).

(g) Report Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to Congress a report detailing timelines to qualify and approve each advanced technology or process specified in subsection (b) and any additional advanced technologies or processes identified pursuant to the process established under subsection (c), including estimated implementation dates or justifications for non-pursuit.

SEC. 323. DELEGATION TO UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND OF MITIGATING VULNERABILITIES AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTESTED LOGISTICS FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) In General.—On and after the date recommended under subsection

(c)(2)(B)(v), the United States Transportation Command shall be responsible for—

(1) mitigating vulnerabilities and risks associated with contested logistics for the Department of Defense on a global basis; and

(2) planning and operations of the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise (in this section referred to as the “JDDE”) relating to contested logistics across all domains, including the movement of forces and material from the source of supply to the designated point of need of the commander of the combatant command receiving support.

(b) Required Coordination.—In carrying out the responsibilities under subsection (a), the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the secretaries of the military departments, the commanders of the combatant commands, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Transportation.

(c) Reporting Requirement.—

(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of each military department, the commanders of the combatant commands, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that provides an in-depth gap assessment on the ability of the JDDE to project, maneuver, and sustain the joint force in contested environments and provide recommendations to resolve or mitigate those gaps.

(2) Elements of report.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) be oriented on—

(i) mitigating risks;

(ii) improving the ability of the JDDE to operate in contested environments; and

(iii) establishing the Commander of United States Transportation Command to be the element responsible for global contested logistics; and

(B) include—

(i) a description of the organizational responsibilities of elements of the JDDE as of the date of the report and the ability of the JDDE to project, maneuver, and sustain the joint force;

(ii) a description of the intent and capability of adversaries to the United States to disrupt the ability of the JDDE to project, maneuver, and sustain the joint force;

(iii) a description of the responsibilities to protect the operations of the JDDE, to include physical protection and protection of command and control systems of the JDDE from cyber threats;

(iv) recommendations for changes in statutes, authorities, resources, responsibilities, and processes within the JDDE to establish the Commander of United States Transportation Command to be the element responsible for global contested logistics; and

(v) a recommended date, not later than one year after the date on which the report is submitted to the congressional defense committees, for the United States Transportation Command to assume responsibility for contested logistics from the source of supply to the designated point of need of the commander of the combatant command receiving support.

(3) Form.—The report required under paragraph (1) may be submitted in classified form, but if so, shall include an unclassified executive summary.

(d) Briefings.—

(1) Interim briefing.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall provide to the congressional defense committees an interim briefing on the development of the report required under subsection (c).

(2) Final briefing.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall provide to the congressional defense committees a final briefing on the report required under subsection (c).

(e) Rule of Construction.—Except to the extent that, before January 1, 2026, a responsibility specified in subsection (a) was a specific function of one of agencies or components specified in subsection (b), nothing under this section shall be construed as—

(1) limiting any other function of those agencies or components; or

(2) requiring the transfer of any function, personnel, or asset from those agencies or components to the United States Transportation Command.

(f) Contested Logistics Defined.—In this section, the term “contested logistics” means logistics that occur under conditions in which an adversary or competitor deliberately seeks or has sought to deny, disrupt, destroy, or defeat friendly force logistics operations, facilities, and activities across any of the multiple domains.

SEC. 324. REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS NEAR COMMERCIAL AIRPORTS.

(a) Risk Mitigation.—The Secretary of Defense shall require all aircraft of the Department of Defense that operate near commercial airports to be equipped with position broadcast technology and shall direct the development of standard operating procedures that maximize the use of such technology.

(b) Coordination With Federal Aviation Administration.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop a program for sharing aviation safety data for aircraft of the Department of Defense, to include near misses and mishaps, with the Federal Aviation Administration.

(c) Reports on Near Misses.—

(1) Initial 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 Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the number of near misses that aircraft of the Department have had with commercial aircraft during the 10-year period preceding such date of enactment.

(2) Annual report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the number of near misses that aircraft of the Department have had with commercial aircraft during the previous fiscal year.

(3) Elements.—Each report under this subsection shall include, with respect to each near miss covered under the report, the following:

(A) The date, time, and location of the near miss.

(B) A description of all aircraft involved in the near miss.

(C) Any changes to protocols, standard operating procedures, or policy, as appropriate, that were made based on the near miss.

(4) Form of report.—Each report under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

SEC. 325. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF SEMIANNUAL BRIEFINGS ON OPERATIONAL STATUS OF AMPHIBIOUS WARSHIP FLEET.

Section 352 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 229) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “September 30, 2026” and inserting “September 30, 2028”; and

(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(6) Details regarding the maintenance and service life extension plan for the amphibious warship that retains an operationally available amphibious warship until the end of the Obligation and Work Limiting Date for the construction contract for a replacement amphibious warship, as necessary to meet the requirements under section 8062 of title 10, United States Code.”.

SEC. 326. PROHIBITION ON CLOSURE OF ARMY ORGANIC INDUSTRIAL BASE SITES.

(a) Prohibition.—The Secretary of Defense shall not take any action to close, mothball, divest, deactivate, or otherwise render inoperable any facility that is part of the organic industrial base of the Army, including any depot, arsenal, ammunition plant, manufacturing center, or facility of a center of industrial and technical excellence, unless—

(1) a similar or replacement facility has already been created; and

(2) the action is authorized—

(A) in accordance with the provisions of this section; or

(B) pursuant to an Act of Congress.

(b) Scope.—The prohibition in subsection (a) applies to all facilities operated or maintained as part of the organic industrial base of the Army, whether Government-owned and Government-operated or Government-owned and contractor-operated.

(c) Exception for Safety.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense may suspend operations or limit access to a facility covered by this section if such action is necessary to address an imminent threat to the health and safety of personnel or to mitigate substantial environmental hazards.

(2) Report required.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that describes any action taken under paragraph (1) not later than 15 days after the date on which such suspension of operations or limitation of access is initiated.

(d) National Security Waiver.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is necessary to address a critical national security interest of the United States.

(2) Notification required.—Not later than 30 days prior to exercising the waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees—

(A) a written notification of the intent to waive the prohibition;

(B) a detailed justification for the waiver, including an assessment of the national security interest at stake;

(C) an evaluation of potential impacts to the readiness, industrial base capacity, and surge requirements of the Army; and

(D) a description of any mitigation measures to be implemented.

(e) Reports Required.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of all facilities in the organic industrial base of the Army.

(2) Elements.—Each report required by paragraph (a) shall include—

(A) a list of all facilities in the organic industrial base of the Army and the operational status of each facility;

(B) any planned changes in mission, workload, or operating status of each facility;

(C) any planned investments or divestments that may affect the capability or capacity of any such facility; and

(D) a description of any action by the Secretary of Defense taken pursuant to subsection (c) or (d) during the one-year period preceding submission of the report.

(f) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Mothball.—The term “mothball” means placing a facility in inactive status while maintaining it in a condition such that it could be reactivated at some future time.

(2) Organic industrial base of the army.— The term “organic industrial base of the Army” means the network of Government-owned facilities that provide manufacturing, maintenance, storage, and readiness support for Army materiel and munitions, including the facilities listed in the Army Organic Industrial Base Modernization Implementation Plan, dated April 12, 2022.

SEC. 327. ESTABLISHMENT OF DEFENSE PERSONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICE UNDER OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PERSONNEL AND READINESS.

(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act—

(1) the Defense Personal Property Management Office of the Department of Defense shall be established within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; and

(2) the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall assume responsibility for all functions, personnel, and other matters of the Defense Personal Property Management Office.

(b) Regulations.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to implement subsection (a).

(c) Briefing.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the plan and timeline for the implementation of subsection (a).

SEC. 328. INTEGRATION OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAPABILITIES INTO LOGISTICS OPERATIONS.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall facilitate the integration of currently available and suitable commercial artificial intelligence capabilities specifically designed to assist with logistics tracking, planning, operations, and analytics into two relevant and suitable exercises of the Department of Defense to be conducted during fiscal year 2026.

(b) Commercial Product.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the commander of the combatant command or commands overseeing the exercise selected under subsection (a), shall identify for such exercise a commercially available artificial intelligence product that is specifically designed to address logistics needs of the Department of Defense and meets the critical data security protocols outlined in subsection (c).

(2) Capability of partner.—In selecting a commercial product under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense and the commander of the combatant command or commands concerned shall—

(A) ensure that the commercial product acquired for such demonstration includes provision of capability to respond to potential software changes in an agile and rapid manner to ensure seamless integration and adaptability during the exercise; and

(B) prioritize the consideration of a product provided by a small or nontraditional software focused firm.

(c) Data Security.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all necessary approvals are expedited to facilitate the secure use of data of the Department of Defense by commercial artificial intelligence providers during the exercises selected under subsection (a), including—

(1) compliance with applicable cybersecurity policies and regulations of the Department; and

(2) verification of measures to protect classified and sensitive information.

(d) Interim Briefing.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall provide an interim briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that includes—

(1) identification of the specific exercises selected for demonstration, including the combatant commanders participating in this demonstration and identification of a point of contact within the combatant command responsible;

(2) identification of the specific commercial artificial intelligence tool or tools to be demonstrated, including the contractual mean or other agreement used to facilitate the use of the commercial artificial intelligence tool;

(3) notional timelines and resource needs for each demonstration; and

(4) metrics to be used to assess the efficacy of such tools used in each demonstration.

(e) Briefing.—Not later than 30 days after the conclusion of the exercises selected under subsection (a), the commander of the combatant command overseeing the exercise shall provide the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes the following:

(1) An overview of the integration and use of commercial artificial intelligence capabilities during the exercise.

(2) An assessment of the impact of such technologies on unit readiness and operational success.

(3) Recommendations for further integration or development of artificial intelligence capabilities in future exercises and operations of the Department of Defense.

SEC. 329. PILOT PROGRAM ON ARSENAL WORKLOAD SUSTAINMENT.

(a) 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 be known as the “Arsenal Workload Sustainment Pilot Program” (in this section referred to as the “pilot program”).

(b) Duration.—The pilot program shall be conducted for a period of five years.

(c) Preferences for Procurement Actions or Solicitations.—

(1) In general.—In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall give a preference to any procurement action or solicitation by a non-public partner who will enter into a public-private partnership with the Secretary in the source selection process if such non-public partner will use an arsenal of the Department of the Army that is owned and operated by the United States Government as a partner in any type of contractual agreement with the United States Government.

(2) Further preference.—In selecting non-public partners under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall give a preference to non-public partners that ensure an equitable workshare is performed under the partnership by employees of the Department of Defense to protect critical skills in the organic industrial base.

(d) Regulations.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations governing how a non-public partner shall be given a preference required under subsection (c).

(e) Report Required.—

(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the activities carried out under the pilot program, including a description of any operational challenges identified.

(2) Elements.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) A breakout, by relevant budget accounts, of workload at an arsenal of the Department of the Army that is owned and operated by the United States Government that was achieved in the prior fiscal year, whether directly or through public-private partnerships under the pilot program.

(B) An assessment of relevant budget accounts where such an arsenal can be utilized to meet future procurement needs of the Department of Defense, irrespective of cost.

(C) 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.

(D) The capital investments required to be made at each such arsenal to ensure compliance and operational capacity.

(f) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Appropriate congressional committees.—The term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

(2) Non-public partner.—The term “non-public partner” means a corporation, individual, university, or nonprofit organization that is not part of the United States Government.

Subtitle D—Reports

SEC. 331. MODIFICATION OF REPORT ON IMPROVED OVERSIGHT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SHIPYARD INFRASTRUCTURE OPTIMIZATION PROGRAM OF THE NAVY.

Section 355(c)(2)(A) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 8013 note) is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: “, and the incorporation of digital infrastructure (including hardware, software, and cloud storage) and platforms into such program”.

SEC. 332. MODIFICATION OF READINESS REPORT TO INCLUDE SUMMARY COUNT OF CERTAIN MISHAPS.

Section 482(b)(8) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “Class A, Class B, and Class C mishaps” and inserting “Class A and Class B mishaps, and a summary count of all Class C mishaps,”.

SEC. 333. ANNUAL REPORT ON FUNDING AND STATUS OF INTERIM REMEDIAL ACTIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RELATING TO PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.

(a) Annual Report.—

(1) In general.—Chapter 160 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 2717. Annual report on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances

“(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the funding and status of interim remedial actions of the Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (in this section referred to as ‘PFAS’).

“(b) Elements.—Each report required by subsection (a) shall include information regarding the following:

“(1) The total amounts budgeted and obligated, for the current fiscal year and for any prior fiscal year, per site at each installation of the Department of Defense, for interim remedial actions of the Department relating to PFAS.

“(2) In the case of each report after the initial report, the total amounts budgeted, obligated, and expended, per site at each installation, on such actions since the previous report.

“(3) The general and operating status of interim remedial actions related to PFAS per site at each installation, including—

“(A) a list of all announced or selected interim remedial actions, and for each such action, the function and role of the action with respect to addressing PFAS at the installation;

“(B) for each action listed, a phase-specific status update, including whether—

“(i) the design is pending, in progress, or completed;

“(ii) contracting is pending, in solicitation, awarded, or delayed;

“(iii) construction or execution has begun, is in progress, is completed, or is delayed;

“(iv) the action is currently operating, including an assessment of the duration of such action and any performance metrics available;

“(C) identification of actions that are one-time in nature (such as soil removal and disposal), and the status of each action;

“(D) timelines for completion of each phase, including original projected timelines and any updates;

“(E) for any phase delayed by more than one year beyond the original projection, a site-specific explanation for the delay; and

“(F) identification of any administrative, regulatory, funding, or other barriers contributing to delays or budgetary effects, along with the plan of the Secretary to address each such barrier.”.

(2) Clerical amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2716 the following:

“2717. Annual report on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.”.

(b) Required Remediation Acceleration 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 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances remediation acceleration strategy, which shall include—

(1) criteria for prioritizing military installations based on risk to human health, environmental impact, and proximity to affected communities;

(2) timelines for completing each phase of the cleanup process under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.);

(3) a plan for deploying additional resources, technologies, or personnel to reduce delays, including an identification of—

(A) the number of laboratories that are accredited by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program of the Department of Defense to test for PFAS; and

(B) the number of laboratories that are in the process of being so accredited; and

(4) benchmarks for evaluating performance of each military department or defense agency on response efforts relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

(c) Public Transparency.—

(1) Dashboard.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall make publicly available an accessible online dashboard that includes the actions of the Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

(2) Elements.—The dashboard required under paragraph (1) shall include a summary of—

(A) site-by-site funding levels and expenditures at each installation of the Department;

(B) the status of remediation and investigation efforts;

(C) projected and actual completion timelines; and

(D) points of contact for community engagement.

(3) Update.—The Secretary shall update the dashboard required under paragraph (1) not less frequently than semiannually.

Subtitle E—Other Matters

SEC. 341. PROVISION OF SPORTS FOODS AND THIRD-PARTY CERTIFIED DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS TO MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND.

(a) Use of Amounts.—The Secretary of Defense may use amounts appropriated to the Department of Defense for Major Force Program 11 for the procurement of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements and the distribution of such foods and supplements to members of the United States Special Operations Command (in this section referred to as the “USSOCOM”).

(b) Acquisition and Distribution.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary shall authorize the USSOCOM to acquire sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements and to distribute such foods and supplements to members of the USSOCOM, subject to the requirements under subsection (c).

(2) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to—

(A) augment morale, welfare, and recreation funds or activities; or

(B) augment or replace the budget or services of dining facilities of the Department.

(c) Criteria.—The Secretary shall ensure the Commander of the USSOCOM establishes requirements for the procurement and distribution of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements under this section and shall require compliance with Department of Defense Instruction 6130.06 (relating to the use of use of dietary supplements in the Department of Defense) and the Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List of the Department of Defense, or successor similar instruction or list, to ensure that—

(1) dietary supplements procured under this section are certified by a non-Department third-party certifying organization that has been vetted by the Operation Supplement Safety program of the Department for end-product quality assurance, confirming no contaminants, ingredients, substances, or their synonyms prohibited by the Department;

(2) sports foods procured under this section are free of ingredients, substances, and their synonyms prohibited by the Department; and

(3) under the program guidance and oversight of a primary care sports medicine physician, sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements are acquired by units of the USSOCOM and distributed by credentialed and privileged registered (performance) dietitians or medical clinicians with prescribing authority (such as a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner) assigned to or supporting the USSOCOM at the operational unit level.

(d) Report.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that assesses the feasibility and advisability of expanding the authority under this section for the procurement and distribution of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements to include the military departments.

(e) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Dietary supplement.—The term “dietary supplement” has the meaning given that term in section 201(ff) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(ff)) and requires nutrition labeling in the form of a “Supplement Facts Panel”.

(2) Sports foods.—The term “sports foods” means food products—

(A) intended to deliver essential energy (calories) and nutrients at the right time to members of the USSOCOM to ensure critical combat and medical readiness; and

(B) containing nutrition labeling in the form of a “Nutrition Facts Panel”.

SEC. 342. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS TO ESTABLISH OR EXPAND SPACE FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT COMMAND.

(a) In General.—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for Major Force Program 11 for the United States Special Operations Command shall be obligated or expended to establish or expand a Space Force Special Operations Component Command until the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict and the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, in consultation with the Chief of Space Operations, jointly submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the report required by subsection (b).

(b) Report.—The report required under this subsection shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1) An articulation of the requirement for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.

(2) A funding profile, across the future-years defense program submitted under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, for the establishment of a Space Force Special Operations Component Command, including a delineation of funds required under Major Force Program 2 and Major Force Program 11.

(3) A timeline and conditions for achieving initial and full operational capability for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.

(4) An identification of the military, civilian, and contractor personnel required for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command at initial and full operational capability.

(5) An identification of the facilities requirements for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command at initial and full operational capability.

(6) An explanation of how and when the Secretary of Defense and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict have documented approval for the establishment of a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.

(7) An explanation of the administrative and command relationships between a Space Force Special Operations Component Command and the United States Special Operations Command, United States Space Command, and the Space Force.

(8) Any other matters determined relevant by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict and the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command.

SEC. 343. REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTS RELATING TO PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION MOVING PROCESS.

(a) In General.—For any renegotiation of the contract under the Global Household Goods Contract in place as of the date of the enactment of this Act, or negotiation of a new contract under the Global Household Goods Contract or any successor program or contract, the Secretary of Defense shall require that the following oversight mechanisms are included in the final contract agreement:

(1) The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary a summary document outlining the key terms and conditions of each subcontract agreement related to capacity, performance, and compliance with the contract requirements, which shall include the following:

(A) The guaranteed capacity of each subcontractor (including location, volume, and peak season commitment).

(B) Performance metrics and service level agreements applicable to each subcontractor.

(C) Provisions for monitoring and enforcing subcontractor performance.

(D) Termination clauses and penalties for noncompliance.

(E) Data sharing and security requirements.

(2) Each subcontractor shall provide to the prime contractor, upon request, certifications and copies of training completion relating to compliance with requirements under the contract.

(3) The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary regular performance reports on its subcontractors, including metrics related to on-time pickup, on-time delivery, damage claim rates, customer satisfaction, and compliance with contract requirements.

(4) The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary a subcontractor management plan outlining its processes for selecting, monitoring, and managing subcontractors, including a description of how the prime contractor ensures subcontractor compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and contract requirements.

(5) The prime contractor shall maintain a robust risk management plan that addresses potential disruptions to the subcontractor network, such as financial instability, natural disasters, or labor disputes.

(6) Not less frequently than monthly, the prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary the subcontractor rating system used by the prime contractor, with current scoring results under such system.

(7) The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary the subcontractor rates for each move under the contract.

(8) The prime contractor shall establish clear escalation procedures for addressing subcontractor performance issues, including steps for resolving disputes, implementing corrective actions, and terminating non-performing subcontractors.

(9) The Federal Government shall be permitted to audit subcontractor records with reasonable notice to the prime contractor.

(10) The contract shall incorporate a fixed-price contract line item number for monthly overhead, separating it from the rates associated with the costs of moves.

(11) The prime contractor shall establish a database that the Secretary can access on a real-time basis to ensure compliance with this section.

(b) Considerations for Successor Contracts.—For any successor contract to the Global Household Goods Contract entered into after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall consider, during development of an acquisition strategy and execution strategy, in addition to the requirements under subsection (a), the following:

(1) The incorporation of a fixed-price contract line item number for monthly overhead, separating it from the rates associated with the costs of moves.

(2) Contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation for lanes that account for more than one percent of total permanent change of station move volume and tender of service contracts for the remaining lanes.

(3) Tiered incentive awards for higher levels of capacity.

(4) The establishment of a database that the Secretary can access on a real-time basis to ensure compliance with this section.

(c) Incorporation of Proposals.—The Secretary may incorporate any proposal of the prime contractor into a final contract negotiated or renegotiated under this section that ensures advertised performance capabilities are met.

SEC. 344. LIMITATION ON TRANSFORMATION BY THE ARMY OF PRIMARY HELICOPTER TRAINING PROGRAM AT FORT RUCKER, ALABAMA.

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2026 to the Army may be obligated or expended for the solicitation for proposals or to award a contract for the implementation of any transformation of the Initial Entry Rotary Wing training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama, until—

(1) the completion of the Part 141 Helicopter Flight School Training Pilot proof of concept plan conducted by the Department of the Army and the Federal Aviation Administration, including—

(A) all three phases of Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training Phases 1 & 2 and Phase 3 Warfighter Tactical Training Phase; and

(B) the evaluation of the effectiveness of the training pilot, which shall include the results of six classes of eight students each (48 students total) and is scheduled to be completed in May 2026;

(2) the Secretary of the Army (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) has fully assessed and validated the outcomes of such training pilot, including cost, operational effectiveness, safety, and training efficacy;

(3) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the results of such training pilot and the rationale for any proposed changes to training systems or platforms resulting from such training pilot;

(4) an independent assessment of the business case analysis and implementation plan for such transformation has been conducted by the Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, which shall include—

(A) an analysis of the cost to produce an aviator qualified under Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training Phases 1 & 2 utilizing the current training model and aircraft as well as the cost to produce such an aviator utilizing the helicopter flight school training proof of concept model and aircraft;

(B) an assessment of the risks and benefits of outsourcing Initial Entry Rotary Wing training requirements;

(C) total costs for the existing training ecosystem for Initial Entry Rotary Wing; and

(D) an identification of measures taken to mitigate costs and enhance training within the existing training ecosystem;

(5) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of such assessment and a detailed justification of how the findings from such assessment support proceeding with any such transformation; and

(6) the Secretary briefs the congressional defense committees on—

(A) the outcomes and findings of the training pilot specified in paragraph (1);

(B) an assessment of the cost-effectiveness and operational and training readiness resulting from the training pilot;

(C) any recommendations for future procurement or contracting activity related to training initiatives similar to the training pilot; and

(D) the course of action proposed by the Secretary relating to any such transformation.

SEC. 345. CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN AIRCRAFT FROM AIR FORCE TO ARIZONA AVIATION HISTORICAL GROUP, PHOENIX, ARIZONA.

(a) Authority.—The Secretary of the Air Force (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) may convey to the Arizona Aviation Historical Group, Phoenix, Arizona (in this section referred to as the “Group”), all right, title, and interest of the United States in five T-37B trainer aircraft and any available spare parts for such aircraft that the Secretary has determined are surplus to need.

(b) Conveyance at No Cost to the United States.—The conveyance of an aircraft under subsection (a) shall be made at no cost to the United States. Any costs associated with such conveyance, costs of determining compliance with terms of the conveyance, and costs of operation and maintenance of the aircraft conveyed shall be borne by the Group.

SEC. 346. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS BY THE ARMY UNTIL SUBMITTAL OF PLAN TO INTEGRATE JOINT MUNITIONS COMMAND AND ARMY SUSTAINMENT COMMAND.

(a) In General.—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated to the Army for fiscal year 2026 may be used to restructure the commands of the Army until the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report regarding the proposed plan of the Secretary to integrate the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command.

(b) Elements.—The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) A detailed comparison of the old organizational structures of the commands of the Army compared with the proposed new integration construct for such organizational structures, including any changes to reporting chains, leadership roles, and workforce.

(2) The planned timeline for implementation of such integration.

(3) Any plans for changing the numbers, duty locations, or responsibilities of personnel under the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command.

(4) A mission justification for the proposed integration.

(5) An assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of the proposed integration on the readiness of the Army and the Department of Defense to conduct the missions of the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command and the plan of the Army for mitigating those impacts.

SEC. 347. LIMITATION ON USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE AIR FORCE UNTIL ACQUISITION STRATEGY SUBMITTED TO MAINTAIN AIRBORNE COMMAND POST CAPABILITY.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance, Air Force, and available to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for travel purposes, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, submits to the congressional defense committees a report on the acquisition strategy of the Air Force to maintain the Airborne Command Post capability, including—

(1) options to expand production of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules to provide additional airframes to preserve the Airborne Command Post capability; and

(2) an outline of the future relationship of the Airborne Command Post capability with the Secondary Launch Platform- Airborne effort.

SEC. 348. PILOT PROGRAM FOR CONTRACTED AMPHIBIOUS AIR RESOURCES FOR THE AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNITED STATES INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Navy and the Commander of the United States Indo- Pacific Command, may establish and maintain a pilot program for the contracted operation of a fleet of commercial amphibious aviation resources to be made available to the commanders of the combatant commands and the commanders of other components of the Department of Defense for mission tasking within the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

(b) Fielding and Adjudicating Mission Requests.—The Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command shall establish a process to field and adjudicate mission requests pursuant to the pilot program under subsection (a) in a timely manner.

(c) Sunset.—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.

SEC. 349. NAMING OF CERTAIN ASSETS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA.

(a) In General.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall implement the naming recommendations for assets of the Department of Defense in the Commonwealth of Virginia that were adopted by the Commission.

(b) Prohibition Relating to Overriding Recommendations.—The Secretary of Defense may not change the name of an asset of the Department of Defense in the Commonwealth of Virginia that was adopted by the Commission to any name other than the name that was adopted.

(c) Commission Defined.—In this section, the term “Commission” means the commission established under section 370(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).

SEC. 350. MODIFICATION OF PROTECTION OF CERTAIN FACILITIES AND ASSETS FROM INCURSIONS.

Section 130i of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) by striking “any provision of title 18” and inserting “sections 32, 1030, and 1367 and chapters 119 and 206 of title 18”; and

(B) by striking “officers and civilian employees” and inserting “officers, civilian employees, and contractors”;

(2) in subsection (b)(1)—

(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking “Detect” and inserting “During the operation of the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft, detect”; and

(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the period at the end the following: “, including through the use of remote identification broadcast or other means”;

(3) in subsection (c)—

(A) by striking “Any unmanned” and inserting

“(1) Any unmanned”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(2) Any forfeiture conducted under paragraph (1) shall be made subject to the requirements for civil, criminal, or administrative forfeiture, as the case may be, under applicable law or regulation.”;

(4) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following:

“(3)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the regulations prescribed or guidance issued under paragraph (1) require that, when taking an action described in subsection (a)(1), all due consideration is given to—

“(i) mitigating impacts on privacy and civil liberties under the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States;

“(ii) mitigating damage to, or loss of, real and personal property;

“(iii) mitigating any risk of personal injury or death; and

“(iv) when practicable, obtaining the identification of or issuing a warning to the operator of an unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft prior to taking action under subparagraphs (C) through (F) of subsection (b)(1), unless doing so would—

“(I) endanger the safety of members of the armed forces or civilians;

“(II) create a flight risk or result in the destruction of evidence; or

“(III) seriously jeopardize an investigation, criminal proceeding, or legal proceeding pursuant to subsection (c).

“(B) Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit the inherent right to self defense of a member of the armed forces.”;

(5) in subsection (e)—

(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

“(1) the interception, acquisition, maintenance, or use of, or access to, communications to or from an unmanned aircraft system under this section is conducted in a manner consistent with the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States and applicable provisions of Federal law;”;

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking “a function of the Department of Defense” and inserting “an action described in subsection (b)(1)”;

(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:

“(3) records of such communications are maintained only for as long as necessary, and in no event for more than 180 days unless the Secretary of Defense determines that maintenance of such records—

“(A) is necessary to investigate or prosecute a violation of law or to directly support an ongoing security operation; or

“(B) is required under Federal law or for the purpose of any litigation;”; and

(D) in paragraph (4)—

(i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:

“(A) is necessary to support an ongoing action described in subsection (b)(1);”;

(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking “; or” and inserting a semicolon;

(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);

(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:

“(C) is necessary to support the counter unmanned aircraft systems activities of another Federal agency with authority to mitigate the threat of unmanned aircraft systems or unmanned aircraft in mitigating such threats; or”; and

(v) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated by clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”;

(6) by redesignating subsections (f), (g), (h), (i), and

(j) as subsections (g), (h), (j), (k), (l), respectively;

(7) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:

“(f) Claims.—Claims for loss of property, injury, or death pursuant to actions under subsection (b) may be made consistent with chapter 171 of title 28, and chapter 163 of this title, as applicable.”;

(8) in subsection (h), as redesignated by paragraph (6), by striking “March 1, 2018” and inserting “March 1, 2026”;

(9) by inserting after subsection (h), as so redesignated, the following:

“(i) Annual Report.—(1) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and publish on a publicly available website a report summarizing all detection and mitigation activities conducted under this section during the previous year to counter unmanned aircraft systems.

“(2) Each report under paragraph (1) shall include—

“(A) information on any violation of, or failure to comply with, this section by personnel authorized to conduct detection and mitigation activities, including a description of any such violation or failure;

“(B) data on the number of detection activities conducted, the number of mitigation activities conducted, and the number of instances of communications interception from an unmanned aircraft system;

“(C) whether any unmanned aircraft that experienced mitigation was engaged in or attempting to engage in activities protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States;

“(D) whether any unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system was properly or improperly seized, disabled, damaged, or destroyed and an identification of any methods used to seize, disable, damage, or destroy such aircraft or system; and

“(E) a description of the efforts of the Federal Government to protect privacy and civil liberties when carrying out detection and mitigation activities under this section to counter unmanned aircraft systems.

“(3) Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted and published in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.”.

(10) by striking subsection (k), as so redesignated, and inserting the following:

“(k) Sunset.—This section shall terminate on December 31, 2030.”; and

(11) in subsection (l), as so redesignated—

(A) in paragraph (1)—

(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting “the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs,” after “the Committee on the Judiciary,”; and

(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting “the Committee on Homeland Security,” after “the Committee on the Judiciary,”; and

(B) in paragraph (3)—

(i) in subparagraph (C), by redesignating clauses (i) through (ix) as subclauses (I) through (IX), respectively, and moving those subclauses, as so redesignated, two ems to the right;

(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, and moving those clauses, as so redesignated, two ems to the right; and

(iii) in the matter preceding clause (i), as redesignated by clause (ii), by striking “means any facility or asset that—” and inserting “means—

“(A) any facility or asset that—”;

(iv) in clause (iii), as redesignated by clause (ii)—

(I) in subclause (VIII), as redesignated by clause (i), by striking “; or” and inserting a semicolon;

(II) in subclause (IX), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(III) by adding at the end the following new subclauses:

“(X) protection of the buildings, grounds, and property to which the public are not permitted regular, unrestricted access and that are under the jurisdiction, custody, or control of the Department of Defense and the persons on that property pursuant to section 2672 of this title;

“(XI) assistance to Federal, State, or local officials in responding to incidents involving nuclear, radiological, biological, or chemical weapons, high-yield explosives, or related materials or technologies, as well as support pursuant to section 282 of this title or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq); or

“(XII) activities listed in section 2692(b) of this title; or”; and

(v) by adding at the end the following:

“(B) any personnel associated with a facility or asset specified under subparagraph (A) while engaged in direct support of a mission of the Department of Defense specified in clause (iii) of such subparagraph.”.

TITLE IV—MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS

Subtitle A—Active Forces

SEC. 401. END STRENGTHS FOR ACTIVE FORCES.

The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for active duty personnel as of September 30, 2026, as follows:

(1) The Army, 454,000.

(2) The Navy, 344,600.

(3) The Marine Corps, 172,300.

(4) The Air Force, 321,500.

(5) The Space Force, 10,400.

Subtitle B—Reserve Forces

SEC. 411. END STRENGTHS FOR SELECTED RESERVE.

(a) In General.—The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for Selected Reserve personnel of the reserve components as of September 30, 2026, as follows:

(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 328,000.

(2) The Army Reserve, 172,000.

(3) The Navy Reserve, 57,500.

(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 33,600.

(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 106,300.

(6) The Air Force Reserve, 67,500.

(7) The Coast Guard Reserve, 7,000.

(b) End Strength Reductions.—The end strengths prescribed by subsection (a) for the Selected Reserve of any reserve component shall be proportionately reduced by—

(1) the total authorized strength of units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component which are on active duty (other than for training) at the end of the fiscal year; and

(2) the total number of individual members not in units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component who are on active duty (other than for training or for unsatisfactory participation in training) without their consent at the end of the fiscal year.

(c) End Strength Increases.—Whenever units or individual members of the Selected Reserve for any reserve component are released from active duty during any fiscal year, the end strength prescribed for such fiscal year for the Selected Reserve of such reserve component shall be increased proportionately by the total authorized strengths of such units and by the total number of such individual members.

SEC. 412. END STRENGTHS FOR RESERVES ON ACTIVE DUTY IN SUPPORT OF THE RESERVES.

Within the end strengths prescribed in section 411(a), the reserve components of the Armed Forces are authorized, as of September 30, 2026, the following number of Reserves to be serving on full-time active duty or full-time duty, in the case of members of the National Guard, for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components:

(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 30,845.

(2) The Army Reserve, 16,511.

(3) The Navy Reserve, 10,132.

(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 2,400.

(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 25,982.

(6) The Air Force Reserve, 6,311.

SEC. 413. END STRENGTHS FOR MILITARY TECHNICIANS (DUAL STATUS).

(a) In General.—The minimum number of military technicians (dual status) as of the last day of fiscal year 2026 for the reserve components of the Army and the Air Force (notwithstanding section 129 of title 10, United States Code) shall be the following:

(1) For the Army National Guard of the United States, 22,294.

(2) For the Army Reserve, 6,492.

(3) For the Air National Guard of the United States, 10,744.

(4) For the Air Force Reserve, 6,697.

(b) Limitation on Number of Temporary Military Technicians (dual Status).—The number of temporary military technicians (dual status) employed under the authority of subsection (a) may not exceed 25 percent of the total authorized number specified in such subsection.

(c) Limitation.—Under no circumstances may a military technician (dual status) employed under the authority of this section be coerced by a State into accepting an offer of realignment or conversion to any other military status, including as a member of the Active, Guard, and Reserve component. If a military technician (dual status) declines to participate in such realignment or conversion, no further action will be taken against the individual or the individual’s position.

SEC. 414. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF RESERVE PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED TO BE ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT.

During fiscal year 2026, the maximum number of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who may be serving at any time on full-time operational support duty under section 115(b) of title 10, United States Code, is the following:

(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 17,000.

(2) The Army Reserve, 13,000.

(3) The Navy Reserve, 6,200.

(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 3,000.

(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 16,000.

(6) The Air Force Reserve, 14,000.

Subtitle C—Authorization of Appropriations

SEC. 421. MILITARY PERSONNEL.

(a) Authorization of Appropriations.—Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for military personnel, as specified in the funding table in section 4401.

(b) Construction of Authorization.—The authorization of appropriations in the subsection (a) supersedes any other authorization of appropriations (definite or indefinite) for such purpose for fiscal year 2026.

TITLE V—MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY

Subtitle A—Officer Personnel Policy

SEC. 501. STATUTORY ADJUSTMENT TO REFLECT TRANSFER OF CERTAIN GENERAL OFFICER BILLETS FROM THE AIR FORCE TO THE SPACE FORCE.

Section 526(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (3), by striking “171” and inserting “168”; and

(2) in paragraph (5), by striking “21” and inserting “24”.

SEC. 502. NOTICE OF REMOVAL OF JUDGE ADVOCATES GENERAL.

(a) Army.—Section 7037 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(f) If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days before the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.”.

(b) Navy.—Section 8088 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(f) If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days before the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.”.

(c) Air Force.—Section 9037 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(g) If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days before the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.”.

SEC. 503. QUALIFICATIONS FOR JUDGE ADVOCATES.

(a) In General.—Section 806 of title 10, United States Code (article 6 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (d) as subsections (b) through (e), respectively;

(2) by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following new subsection:

“(a)(1) Judge advocates subject to this chapter must be—

“(A) admitted to the practice of law before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, and maintain an active license to practice before such court;

“(B) subject to the jurisdiction’s disciplinary review process; and

“(C) in compliance with such other requirements as the cognizant authority has set to remain eligible to practice law.

“(2) The Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps may suspend the authority of judge advocates in their respective services to perform legal duties if such officers become noncompliant with the requirements in paragraph (1). Judge advocates and legal officers suspended or disbarred from the practice of law within a jurisdiction shall not perform legal duties.”.

(3) Conforming amendments.—

(A) Trial counsel and defense counsel.—Section 827(b) of title 10, United States Code (article 27(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

“(1) must be a judge advocate who is qualified under section 806(a)(1) of this title (article 6(a)(1)); and”.

(B) Special trial counsel.—Section 824a(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 24a(b)(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:

“(A) is a judge advocate who is qualified under section 806(a)(1) of this title (article 6(a)(1)); and”.

SEC. 504. MODIFICATION OF WAIVER AUTHORITY RELATED TO JOINT QUALIFIED OFFICER REQUIREMENT PRIOR TO PROMOTION TO GENERAL OR FLAG GRADE.

Section 619a(b)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking subparagraph (A); and

(2) redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively.

SEC. 505. NOTIFICATION OF REMOVAL OF OFFICERS FROM SELECTION BOARD REPORTS AND PROMOTION LISTS.

(a) Regular Components.—

(1) Selection board reports.—Section 618(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the removal of the name of an officer from the report of a selection board by the President or the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), respectively, for any reason other than misconduct—

“(A) not later than 30 days after the name of an officer is removed; and

“(B) prior to submission to the Senate of a promotion list with respect to such report pursuant to section 624(c) of this title.”.

(2) Promotion lists.—Section 629(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: “The President shall notify the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after removing the name of an officer from such list for any reason other than misconduct.”.

(b) Reserve Components.—Section 14111(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the removal of the name of an officer from the report of a selection board by the President or the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), respectively, for any reason other than misconduct—

“(A) not later than 30 days after the name of an officer is removed; and

“(B) prior to submission to the Senate of a promotion list with respect to such report pursuant to section 12203 of this title.”.

SEC. 506. SPACE FORCE GENERAL OFFICER MANAGEMENT.

(a) Distribution of Commissioned Officers on Active Service in General Officer Grades.—Section 525 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting “or the Space Force officer list” after “officer on the active duty list”; and

(B) in paragraph (5)—

(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking “officers in the grade of general” and inserting “officers on sustained duty orders in the grade of general”;

(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking “officers in a grade above” and inserting “officers on sustained duty orders in a grade above”; and

(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking “officers in the grade” and inserting “officers on sustained duty orders in the grade”; and

(2) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) The limitations of this section do not apply to a Space Force general officer serving in a Space Force active status but not on sustained duty orders, and who is on active service for a period in excess of 365 days but not to exceed three years. Unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense, the number of Space Force general officers covered by this subsection and not serving in a joint duty assignment for purposes of chapter 38 of this title may not exceed two. Not later than 30 days after authorizing more than two Space Force general officers covered by this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the notification required in accordance with paragraph (2).”.

(b) Authorized Strength of Space Force General Officers on Active Service.—Section 526 of such title is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting “and of the Space Force” after “Components”;

(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting “or of the Space Force” after “a reserve component”;

(C) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(D) The Secretary of the Air Force may authorize not more than two of the general officers authorized to serve in the Space Force under section 20110 of this title to serve on active service for a period of at least 180 days and not longer than 365 days.”; and

(D) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting “, or a Space Force general officer in a Space Force active status not on sustained duty,” after “a reserve component”; and

(2) in subsection (d)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking “officer; or” and inserting “officer;”;

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and

(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) a Space Force officer in the grade of brigadier general or above who is pending transition off of sustained duty orders, but only during the 60-day period preceding the end date of such orders.”.

(c) Strength in Grade: Space Force General Officers in a Space Force Active Status Not on Sustained Duty.—Chapter 2003 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 20110. Strength in grade: Space Force general officers in a Space Force active status, not on sustained duty

“(a) Authorized Strength.—The authorized strength of general officers in the Space Force serving in a Space Force active status but not on sustained duty is five.

“(b) Exclusions.—The following Space Force general officers shall not be counted for purposes of this section:

“(1) Those counted under section 526 of this title.

“(2) Those serving in a joint duty assignment for purposes of chapter 38 of this title, except that the number of officers who may be excluded under this paragraph may not exceed two.

“(c) Permanent Grade.—A Space Force general officer may not be reduced in permanent grade because of a reduction in the number authorized under subsection (a).

“(d) Temporary Exclusion.—The limitations of subsection (a) do not apply to an officer released from a joint duty assignment or other non-joint active service assignment, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date the officer departs the joint duty or other active service assignment. The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of the Air Force to extend the 60-day period by an additional 120 days, except that not more than three Space Force officers may be covered by an extension under this subsection at the same time.”.

SEC. 507. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN FISCAL YEAR PERCENTAGE LIMITATION FOR REDUCTION OR WAIVER OF SERVICE-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL AND FLAG OFFICERS TO BE RETIRED IN PAY GRADES O-7 AND O-8.

During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2027, the percentage limitation in section 1370(b)(5)(C) of title 10, United States Code, shall be equal to 15 percent of the authorized active-duty strength for that fiscal year for officers of that Armed Force in the applicable grade.

Subtitle B—Reserve Component Management

SEC. 511. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO WAIVE LIMITATIONS ON RELEASE OF RESERVES FROM ACTIVE DUTY WITHIN TWO YEARS OF RETIREMENT ELIGIBILITY.

Section 12686(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “an order to active duty that specifies a period of less than 180 days” and inserting “an order to active duty that specifies a period of less than 365 days”.

SEC. 512. DISESTABLISHMENT OF NAVY RESERVE CENTER SYSTEM.

The Secretary of the Navy (or a designee of the Secretary) shall—

(1) direct the disestablishment of the Navy Reserve Center system;

(2) transfer all Navy reserve administrative readiness functions to the responsibility and cognizance of Navy reserve unit commanding officers or Navy reserve community directors, as appropriate; and

(3) reassign each member of an active or reserve component of the Navy assigned to the Navy Reserve Center system as of the date of the enactment of this Act within the active or reserve component of the member or transfer the member to the inactive reserve, as applicable.

SEC. 513. NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL AUTHORITIES.

(a) Army National Guard.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army—

(1) an officer of the Army National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Army National Guard may be transferred from the active Army National Guard to the inactive Army National Guard;

(2) an officer of the Army National Guard transferred to the inactive Army National Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive Army National Guard to the active Army National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit;

(3) a warrant officer of the Army National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Army National Guard may be transferred from the active Army National Guard to the inactive Army National Guard; and

(4) a warrant officer of the Army National Guard transferred to the inactive Army National Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive Army National Guard to the active Army National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.

(b) Air National Guard.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force—

(1) an officer of the Air National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Air National Guard may be transferred from the active Air National Guard to the inactive Air National Guard; and

(2) an officer of the Air National Guard transferred to the inactive Air National Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive Air National Guard to the active Air National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.

SEC. 514. NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL DISASTER RESPONSE DUTY.

Chapter 3 of title 32, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating section 329 as section 330; and

(2) by inserting after section 328 the following new section: “Sec. 329. Active Guard and Reserve duty: disaster response duty

“(a) Disaster Response Authority.—When a Governor has declared an emergency due to a disaster, the Secretary of Defense may authorize the Governor to direct National Guard personnel serving under section 328 of this title to perform duties in response to, or in preparation for, such disaster.

“(b) Requirements.—The disaster response duty described in subsection (a)—

“(1) may be performed to the extent that the performance of the 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

“(2) shall not exceed 14 days per person per calendar year unless the President has declared a disaster under title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.).

“(c) Liability.—A member described in subsection (a) is not an instrumentality of the United States with respect to any act or omission in carrying out a disaster response duty pursuant to this section. The United States shall not be responsible for any claim or judgment arising from the use of National Guard personnel under this section.

“(d) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘disaster response duty’ means duty performed by a member of the National Guard at the direction of the Governor of the State and pursuant to an emergency declaration by such Governor in response to a disaster or in preparation for an imminent disaster.

“(2) The term ‘State’ means each of the several States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands.”.

SEC. 515. TREATMENT OF FUNDS RECEIVED BY NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU AS REIMBURSEMENT FROM STATES.

Section 710 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(g) Treatment of Reimbursed Funds.—Any funds received by the National Guard Bureau from a State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, or the Virgin Islands as reimbursement under this section for the use of military property—

“(1) shall be credited to—

“(A) the appropriation, fund, or account used in incurring the obligation; or

“(B) an appropriate appropriation, fund, or account currently available for the purposes for which the expenditures were made; and

“(2) may only be used by the Department of Defense for the repair, maintenance, or other similar functions related directly to assets used by National Guard units while operating under State active duty status.”.

SEC. 516. LIMITATIONS APPLICABLE TO THE AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER SPACE FUNCTIONS OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO THE SPACE FORCE.

Section 514 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 20001 note) is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and

(2) by inserting after subsection (j) the following new subsection:

“(k) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as—

“(1) authorizing the transfer of a member of the Air National Guard of the United States other than on a one-time basis as specified in subsection (c); or

“(2) setting future precedent with respect to waiving the applicability of any provision of title 32.”.

Subtitle C—General Service Authorities and Military Records

SEC. 521. CHIEF OF NAVAL PERSONNEL.

Section 8081 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(c) The Chief of Naval Personnel shall be responsible for overall management, oversight, and administration of Navy military and civilian employees.”.

SEC. 522. ENHANCED EFFICIENCY AND SERVICE DISCRETION FOR DISABILITY EVALUATION SYSTEM REVIEWS.

(a) Secretarial Discretion and Statements of Contention for Appeals to Physical Evaluation Board Determinations of Fitness for Duty.— Section 524 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended—

(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary” and inserting “The Secretary”;

(2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: “The Secretary concerned may require submission of a statement of contention as part of the appeal submission.”; and

(3) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:

“(2) If the member submits a formal appeal, the Secretary concerned shall conduct a fitness for duty determination consisting of either a records review or an impartial appellate hearing, as determined by the Secretary.”.

(b) Statements of Contention for Physical Evaluation Boards.— Section 1214 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “if he demands it.” and inserting “if the member demands it. The Secretary concerned may require submission of a statement of contention as part of the demand.”.

SEC. 523. TECHNICAL CORRECTION RELATED TO CONVALESCENT LEAVE FOR ACADEMY CADETS AND MIDSHIPMEN.

Section 702 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively;

(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:

“(c) Convalescent Leave.—An academy cadet or midshipman diagnosed with a medical condition is allowed convalescent leave under section 701(m) of this title.”; and

(3) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking “Sections 701” and inserting “Except as provided under subsection (c), sections 701”.

SEC. 524. RECOGNITION OF REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT CREW.

(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries of the military departments, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a status identifier or equivalent recognition to denote the combat participation of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) crew members who conduct operations in direct support of combat missions. The identifier shall be designed to enable appropriate consideration by the Department of Veterans Affairs in the administration of benefits and services that account for combat-related service, consistent with how traditional combat designators are treated.

(b) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Department of Defense to categorize service described in subsection (a) as equivalent to service involving physical presence in a combat zone.

Subtitle D—Military Justice and Other Legal Matters

SEC. 531. NOTIFICATION OF MILITARY SEX OFFENDERS AT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.

(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a policy to ensure that registered sex offenders that reside or work on military installations are identified to the respective military community, including, as necessary, through agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies.

(b) Report on Designation of Department of Defense as Jurisdiction Under SORNA.—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 assessing the advisability and desirability of designating the Department of Defense as a jurisdiction for purposes of notification requirements under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (title I of Public Law 109-248; 42 U.S.C. 16901 et seq.).

SEC. 532. QUARTERLY REPORTS ON SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE EFFORTS.

(a) Quarterly Reports Required.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the activities, progress, and performance metrics of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) for the preceding quarter.

(b) Elements.—Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) Updates on the implementation status of ongoing and new SAPRO initiatives, including any reforms mandated by statute, executive order, or internal Department of Defense directive.

(2) Metrics on reported sexual assault cases, broken down by military service and component, including status of case processing and outcomes.

(3) Updates on the staffing, resourcing, and activities of the Office of Special Trial Counsel.

(4) Performance metrics and outcome-based evaluations of prevention programs and training effectiveness.

(5) Progress towards meeting the Department’s goals related to survivor care, victim advocacy, and commander accountability.

(6) Interagency coordination and alignment with civilian best practices or recommendations from external advisory bodies.

(7) Any challenges, shortfalls, or recommendations for legislative or policy changes to improve effectiveness.

(c) Form.—Each report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex if necessary.

Subtitle E—Member Education, Training, and Transition

SEC. 541. MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS.

(a) United States Military Academy.—Section 7442(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “9 ranked or unranked alternates” and inserting “up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates”.

(b) United States Naval Academy.—Section 8454 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the section heading, by striking “number” and inserting “appointment; numbers, territorial distribution”; and

(2) in subsection (a), by striking “9 ranked or unranked alternates” and inserting “up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates”.

(c) United States Air Force Academy.—Section 9442(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “9 ranked or unranked alternates” and inserting “up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates”.

SEC. 542. ASYNCHRONOUS INSTRUCTION IN DISTANCE EDUCATION OPTION FOR PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION.

Subsection (c)(1) of section 2154 of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 555 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 1896), is amended by inserting “asynchronously and” after “course of instruction”.

SEC. 543. ARMY UNIVERSITY.

Chapter 751 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7406 the following new section: “Sec. 7407. Army University

“(a) In General.—There is an Army University. The Army University shall integrate all of the professional military education institutions within the Army into a single educational structure to provide economic policy, governance, and innovation to such institutions.

“(b) Component Centers and Schools.—Component centers and schools of the Army University include the following:

“(1) The Army War College.

“(2) The United States Army Command and General Staff College.

“(3) The Army Warrant Officer Career College.

“(4) The Army Management Staff College.

“(5) The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.

“(6) Any additional colleges, centers of excellence, and schools that the Secretary of the Army determines appropriate.”.

SEC. 544. INTEGRATION OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE STRATEGIC THINKERS PROGRAM.

(a) Integration With Professional Military Education.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the Department of Defense’s plan to obtain Military Education Level One (MEL-1) credit for the Strategic Thinkers Program (STP).

(2) Elements.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) a detailed assessment of how the STP enhances strategic thought and decision-making among military and civilian leaders;

(B) a history of the utilization of past graduates of the STP;

(C) a plan to identify specific positions in the Department that will best utilize the skills and abilities of future program graduates;

(D) a description of the measures to obtain MEL-1 credit for completing STP, including recommendations on current authorities that could be utilized to grant MEL-1 credit to program graduates;

(E) recommendations for expanding participation among military officers and civilian officials; and

(F) an implementation timeline and associated resourcing requirements.

(b) Implementation and Oversight.—The Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate office within the Department to manage the STP and implement MEL-1 credit for STP completion. The designated office shall provide an annual briefing to the congressional defense committees on the status of awarding MEL-1 credit, program effectiveness, and any legislative or funding adjustments necessary to support continued program success.

SEC. 545. IMPROVEMENTS TO INFORMATION-SHARING TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS RETIRING OR SEPARATING FROM THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Opt-out Sharing.—Section 570F of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 1142 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by striking “out the form to indicate an email address” and inserting the following: “out the form to indicate—

“(1) an email address”;

(B) in paragraph (1), as designated by subparagraph

(A), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”;

(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(2) if the individual would like to opt-out of the transmittal of the individual’s information to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a).”; and

(2) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

“(d) Opt-out of Information Sharing.—Information on an individual shall be transmitted to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a) unless the individual indicates pursuant to subsection (c)(2) that the individual would like to opt out of such transmittal.”.

(b) Storage and Transfer of Information.—Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(e) Storage and Transfer of Information.—

“(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into memoranda of understanding or other agreements with the State veterans agencies described in subsection (a) to create or modify a Department system to store and transfer information under this section to information systems of such State veterans agencies.

“(2) Compliance.—The Secretary shall ensure that any agreement entered into under paragraph (1) is in compliance with—

“(A) applicable provisions of law relating to privacy and personally identifiable information; and

“(B) applicable policies relating to cybersecurity of Department information systems and State information systems.”.

(c) Limitation on Use of Information.—Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(f) Limitation on Use of Information.—Information transferred under this section may only be used by a State for the purpose of providing or connecting veterans to benefits or services as described in subsection (a).”.

SEC. 546. MANDATORY TRAINING ON GOVERNMENT ETHICS AND NATIONAL SECURITY LAW.

(a) Annual Training on Government Ethics and Standards of Conduct.—The Secretaries of the military departments shall ensure that all members of the Armed Forces in their respective departments are trained annually in government ethics and standards of conduct.

(b) Training on the Law of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement.—The Secretaries of the military departments shall ensure that all members of the Armed Forces in their respective departments are trained on the following topics, including within 90 days of a mobilization or deployment, as applicable:

(1) The law of armed conflict.

(2) Rules of engagement.

(3) Defense support for civil authorities.

(4) Standing rules for the use of force.

(5) The Code of Conduct.

SEC. 547. PROHIBITION ON CONSIDERATION OF RACE, SEX, COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR RELIGION IN SERVICE ACADEMY ADMISSIONS DECISIONS.

(a) In General.—The Service Academies may not consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in admissions decisions.

(b) Service Academy Defined.—In this section, the term “Service Academy” has the meaning given the term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 548. PROHIBITION ON PARTICIPATION OF MALES IN ATHLETIC PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES AT THE MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES THAT ARE DESIGNATED FOR WOMEN OR GIRLS.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy do not permit a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls.

(b) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a recipient from permitting males to train or practice with an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls so long as no female is deprived of a roster spot on a team or sport, opportunity to participate in a practice or competition, scholarship, admission to an educational institution, or any other benefit that accompanies participating in the athletic program or activity.

(c) Definitions.—In this section—

(1) the term “athletic programs and activities” includes all programs or activities that are provided conditional upon participation with any athletic team; and

(2) the term “sex” means a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

SEC. 549. PATHWAY FOR CADETS AND MIDSHIPMEN TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL SPORTS.

(a) Repeal of Certain Restrictions.—Section 553 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 136 Stat. 2592), and the amendments made by such section, are repealed.

(b) Authority.—

(1) United states military academy.—Section 7448(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(A) in paragraph (2), by inserting “, except as provided under paragraph (5),” after “That”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(5) That, upon graduation, a cadet may seek employment as a professional athlete or Olympic athlete if the cadet is drafted or signs a free agent contract with a professional sports entity, in which case the cadet will incur a five-year service obligation upon employment as a professional or Olympic athlete and will, if no longer employed as a professional or Olympic athlete, return as a regular officer in the active component for a five-year service obligation. If the cadet is ineligible to return to active service, the cadet shall repay the government for the cost of his or her education.”.

(2) United states naval academy.—Section 8459(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(A) in paragraph (2), by inserting “, except as provided under paragraph (5),” after “That”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(5) That, upon graduation, a midshipman may seek employment as a professional athlete or Olympic athlete if the midshipman is drafted or signs a free agent contract with a professional sports entity, in which case the midshipman will incur a five-year service obligation upon employment as a professional or Olympic athlete and will, if no longer employed as a professional or Olympic athlete, return as a regular officer in the active component for a five-year service obligation. If the midshipman is ineligible to return to active service, the midshipman shall repay the government for the cost of his or her education.”.

(3) United states air force academy.—Section 9448(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(A) in paragraph (2), by inserting “, except as provided under paragraph (5),” after “That”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(5) That, upon graduation, a cadet may seek employment as a professional athlete or Olympic athlete if the cadet is drafted or signs a free agent contract with a professional sports entity, in which case the cadet will incur a five-year service obligation upon employment as a professional or Olympic athlete and will, if no longer employed as a professional or Olympic athlete, return as a regular officer in the active component for a five-year service obligation. If the cadet is ineligible to return to active service, the cadet shall repay the government for the cost of his or her education.”.

SEC. 550. FACTORS FOR COUNSELING PATHWAYS UNDER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating subparagraph (M) as subparagraph (R); and

(2) by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following new subparagraphs:

“(M) Child care requirements of the member (including whether a dependent of the member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program).

“(N) The employment status of other adults in the household of the member.

“(O) The location of the duty station of the member (including whether the member was separated from family while on duty).

“(P) The effects of operating tempo and personnel tempo on the member and the household of the member.”.

Subtitle F—Military Family Readiness and Dependents’ Education

PART I—DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATION

SEC. 551. CERTAIN ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES THAT BENEFIT DEPENDENTS OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL.

(a) Continuation of Authority to Assist Local Educational Agencies That Benefit Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense Civilian Employees.—

(1) Assistance to schools with significant numbers of military dependent students.—Of the amount authorized 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, $50,000,000 shall be available only for the purpose of providing assistance to local educational agencies under subsection (a) of section 572 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163; 20 U.S.C. 7703b).

(2) Local educational agency defined.—In this subsection, the term “local educational agency” has the meaning given that term in section 7013(9) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7713(9)).

(b) Impact Aid for Children With Severe Disabilities.—

(1) 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, $10,000,000 shall be available for payments under section 363 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106-398; 114 Stat. 1654A-77; 20 U.S.C. 7703a).

(2) Additional amount.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $20,000,000 shall be available for 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.

(3) Report.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the Department’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. 552. MANAGEMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS OPERATED BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY.

(a) Improvements to Staffing.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall implement the following measures to improve staffing of special education teachers and staff at schools operated by the Activity:

(1) Require the inclusion, in the staffing model for a school, of service minutes required by the individualized education programs of students attending the school to more effectively determine appropriate staffing for the school.

(2) Collect the following data on underutilized special education staff members:

(A) When such staff members are requested to transfer to a school with greater needs for such staff members.

(B) How many requests for such transfers the Activity receives.

(C) Whether such requests are approved or denied, and at what locations.

(D) Once such a request is received, the likelihood that the transfer occurs.

(3) Collect data on the turnover of special education teachers and staff, including reasons for departure.

(4) Review access to and requirements for crisis training, publicize Activity-wide policies with respect to such training for consistency, and expand such training to relevant special education teachers and staff, such as paraeducators, who are not required, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, to receive such training.

(5) Require district and regional administrators to track training requirements for special education teachers and staff to ensure that such teachers and staff are meeting such requirements.

(b) Clarification of Guidance.—The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall implement the following measures to improve and clarify guidance relating to special education provided by schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity:

(1) Review the list of types of disabilities recognized by the Activity as of the date of the enactment of this Act and determine if that list meets the most recent best practices for special education.

(2) Standardize and implement instructions for providing special education materials to students across schools operated by the Activity.

(3) Develop and implement a plan for standardizing special education training across the Activity.

(4) Standardize reading intervention guidance and requirements across schools operated by the Activity, including by requiring each school and district operated by the Activity to have the same resources and instructions, and provide clear guidance on how to access additional support materials if required.

(c) Briefings Required.—

(1) Initial briefing.—Not later than April 1, 2026, the Director shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the following:

(A) Coordination by the Department of Defense Education Activity with the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services programs of the military departments to determine what medical services the military departments are required to provide based on the needs of students attending schools operated by the Activity.

(B) A description of the process in effect as of the date of the briefing, if any, to resolve a dispute with respect to required services under a student’s individualized education program.

(C) A description of issues pending, and resolutions of previous issues, under that process.

(D) An assessment of how support instructional specialists can better assist teachers with developing curriculum for special education students.

(E) A description of how the Activity provides services in the case of civilian or military dependents with severe medical or special education requirements that a school cannot meet, including any data on how many such cases arise an annual basis and in what locations.

(F) A description of the process in effect as of the date of the briefing for reassigning a family from a school located outside the United States if the education needs of a child in the family cannot be met at that school and data, for the 5 school years preceding the briefing, on where such reassignments have been done and the frequency of such reassignments.

(G) An assessment of the pay scale for special education teachers and staff in effect as of the date of the briefing, an identification of the last time the pay scale was updated, a description of how the pay scale is determined, and a statement of how often the pay scale is updated.

(H) Data on school and district-level requests for additional reading intervention curriculum, including the locations of such requests and whether such requests were approved or denied.

(2) Semi-annual briefings.—The Director shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the progress made in implementing the measures described in subsection (a)—

(A) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(B) every 180 days thereafter until the Director certifies that each such measure has been implemented.

SEC. 553. ENROLLMENT OF CHILDREN OF CERTAIN AMERICAN RED CROSS EMPLOYEES IN DEFENSE DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Section 1404(d)(1) of the Defense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 (20 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(D) Children of employees of the American Red Cross who—

“(i) are performing, on a full-time basis, services for the Armed Forces, including emergency services; and

“(ii) reside in an overseas area supported by a school of the defense dependents’ education system.”.

SEC. 554. REGULATIONS ON THE USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC MOBILE DEVICES IN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY SCHOOLS.

(a) Regulations 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 Department of Defense Education Activity, shall update existing regulations on student use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools to prohibit disruption in the learning environment by minimizing the use of such mobile devices to the greatest extent practicable and to standardize such regulations across all DODEA schools.

(b) Briefing Required.—Not later than 60 days after completion of the updated regulations required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the updated regulations, including—

(1) relevant evidence taken into consideration on the use of portable electronic mobile devices in and around the classroom on learning outcomes and social dynamics;

(2) a description of how the regulations have standardized policies across all DODEA schools;

(3) an assessment of the influence, if any, of public- school policies on mobile devices at school or in the classroom; and

(4) any other matters the Secretary determines relevant.

SEC. 555. ADMINISTRATION OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY.

The Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity shall require schools operated by the Activity—

(1) to offer to administer and, if such an offer is accepted, administer at least one college admissions test to each student in the eleventh grade; and

(2) to provide the parents of each such student with the option for the student to take a college admissions test of the parents’ choice, including any test that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

SEC. 556. SUPPORT FOR EXPANDING EARLY CHILD CARE OPTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may—

(1) direct the Secretaries of the military departments—

(A) to identify gaps between existing early child care needs and available eligible child care providers;

(B) to use resources of the Department of Defense to support eligible child care providers in recruitment and retention of employees, including through professional development and financial incentives for such employees; and

(C) to seek to enter into an interagency partnership with a Federal agency with the ability to place national service participants and volunteers trained in education services, including senior volunteer programs, at military child development centers in accordance with applicable national service laws and with all the benefits accorded to such participants and volunteers; and

(2) provide training and resource subsidies to eligible child care providers and networks of such providers.

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Eligible child care provider.—The term “eligible child care provider” has the meaning given that term in section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858n).

(2) Military child development center.—The term “military child development center” has the meaning given that term in section 1800 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 557. IMPROVED COUNSELING AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION RELATING TO FOSTER CARE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES.

(a) Training for Counselors.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall require all counselors assigned to a Family Advocacy Program or Military and Family Life program at a military installation in the United States to be trained in the requirements and resources relating to foster care of the State in which the installation is located.

(2) Foster care liaisons.—A counselor who has received training under paragraph (1) shall be known as a “foster care liaison”.

(b) Inclusion of Foster Care Information on Military OneSource.— The Secretary shall require Military OneSource to include a mechanism for military families to obtain information on foster care, including the requirements and resources relating to foster care of each State.

(c) Consultation With Administration for Children and Families.— The Secretary shall seek guidance from the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to obtaining resources relating to foster care for military families, including curricula for training under paragraph (1).

SEC. 558. PILOT PROGRAM ON RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF EMPLOYEES FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may develop and implement a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of increasing compensation or other benefits for employees of child development programs on military installations in improving the ability of such programs to recruit and retain such employees.

(b) Compensation.—If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide for the payment of compensation to employees of child development programs under the pilot program at a fair and competitive wage that maintains sustainable and high-quality child care conditions.

(c) Selection of Locations.—

(1) In general.—If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall select not fewer than three military installations for purposes of carrying out the pilot program.

(2) Considerations.—In selecting military installations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider military installations with child development programs—

(A) with a shortage of qualified employees; or

(B) subject to other conditions identified by the Secretary that affect the ability of the programs to operate at full capacity.

(d) Regulations.—The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.

(e) Duration of Pilot Program.—If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the pilot program shall—

(1) commence on the date on which the Secretary prescribes regulations under subsection (d); and

(2) terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date described in paragraph (1).

(f) Briefings Required.—

(1) Initial briefing.—If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, when the pilot program commences in accordance with subsection (e)(1), brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on—

(A) the military installations selected under subsection (c) for purposes of carrying out the pilot program;

(B) the data that informed those selections; and

(C) the compensation or other benefits to be offered under the pilot program.

(2) Final briefing.—If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, not later than 180 days before the pilot program terminates in accordance with subsection (e)(2), brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the outcomes and findings of the pilot program, including—

(A) data collected and analyses conducted under the pilot program with respect to the relationship between increased compensation for employees of child development programs and improved recruitment or retention of those employees; and

(B) any recommendations with respect to increases in compensation or other benefits for employees of child development programs across the Department of Defense as a result of the pilot program.

(g) Child Development Program Defined.—In this section, the term “child development program” means a program to provide child care services for children, between birth through 12 years of age, of members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense.

SEC. 559. REPORT ON UNMET NEED FOR CHILD CARE IN AREAS WITH SIGNIFICANT POPULATIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) In General.—Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the unmet need for child care in areas with populations of members of the Armed Forces that includes—

(1) an assessment of—

(A) the unmet need for each military installation, specifically those families who have no childcare at all;

(B) the military families on the waitlist for a child development center on an installation who may be using a family childcare home or fee assistance until they can get off of the waitlist; and

(C) areas where there may be significant challenges providing care to dependents under the age of 5;

(2) a review of the efforts of the Department of Defense to recruit and retain eligible child care providers; and

(3) a plan for meeting the unmet need for child care.

(b) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(1) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and

(2) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

PART II—OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 561. LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR GUARDIANSHIP TRANSFERS.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of each military department shall provide to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty access to legal services provided by an attorney specializing in guardianship transfers in each State in which a military installation is located.

(b) Briefing Required.—Not later than September 1, 2026, the Secretary of each military department shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the following:

(1) A plan for implementing the requirement to provide access to legal services described in subsection (a).

(2) Any challenges associated with implementation of that requirement.

(3) Data on the number of members of the Armed Forces with guardianship of incapacitated adult dependents or a plan to gather such data.

(4) Any other matters the Secretary considers relevant.

Subtitle G—Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

SEC. 571. JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS.

The Secretary concerned may not issue a policy under section 2031(d)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, that requires a former officer or noncommissioned officer to have more than 8 years of service to serve as a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor.

SEC. 572. TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE BONUSES TO JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS INSTRUCTORS.

(a) In General.—The Secretary concerned may pay to a member or former member of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary a one-time bonus of not more than $10,000 if the member or former member—

(1) agrees to be an instructor for the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps under section 2031(d) of title 10, United States Code; and

(2) serves as such an instructor for not less than one academic year.

(b) Briefing Required.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination date described in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on—

(1) the use of the authority provided by subsection (a); and

(2) the effectiveness of bonuses provided under subsection

(a) on increasing the number of instructors for the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

(c) Termination.—The authority provided by subsection (a) terminates on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(d) 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. 573. NUMBER OF JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS UNITS.

Section 545(a) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159) is amended to read as follows:

“(a) In General.—Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the first subsection designated subsection (i), by striking ‘support not fewer than 3,400, and not more than 4,000, units’ and inserting ‘support not fewer than 3,600, and not more than 4,200, units’.”.

Subtitle H—Decorations and Other Awards, Miscellaneous Reports, and Other Matters

SEC. 581. HONORARY PROMOTIONS ON THE INITIATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

Section 1563a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in paragraph (1)—

(i) by striking “the Secretary may make an honorary promotion (whether or not posthumous) of a former” and inserting “the Secretary of a military department is authorized to make an honorary promotion, including a posthumous honorary promotion, for a former”; and

(ii) by striking “if the Secretary determines that the promotion is merited”; and

(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

“(2) The honorary grade given to a member described in paragraph

(1) shall be commensurate with such member’s contributions to the armed forces or the national defense.

“(3) The authority shall not be used to award an honorary promotion solely on the basis that an individual described in paragraph

(1) was recommended for such promotion prior to separating from service.

“(4) The Secretaries of the military departments are only authorized to make an honorary promotion under paragraph (1) upon receipt of a favorable recommendation by a board of at least three independent officers convened specifically for the purpose of reviewing the proposed honorary promotion.”;

(2) in subsection (b), by striking “The Secretary” and inserting “The Secretaries of the military departments”; and

(3) in subsection (c), by striking “Secretary” and inserting “Secretaries of the military departments”.

SEC. 582. NATIONAL WEEK OF MILITARY RECRUITMENT.

(a) Designation.—Chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 149. National Week of Military Recruitment

“(a) Designation.—The last full week of September is the National Week of Military Recruitment.

“(b) Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the National Week of Military Recruitment with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”.

(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections for chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 148 the following new item:

“149. National Week of Military Recruitment.”.

SEC. 583. CLARIFYING THE CALCULATION OF ENLISTMENTS FOR PERSONS WHOSE SCORE ON THE ARMED FORCES QUALIFICATION TEST IS BELOW A PRESCRIBED LEVEL FOR THE FUTURE SERVICEMEMBER PREPARATORY COURSE.

Section 546 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 520 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(4) Effect of course graduation.—The Secretary concerned may exclude from the population to be considered for purposes of determining the percentage limitations imposed by section 520(a) of title 10, United States Code, any enlisted person who has graduated from a future servicemember preparatory course established pursuant to this section with a score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test that is at or above the thirty-first percentile, provided that—

“(A) the Armed Forces Qualifications Test score that is at or above the thirty-first percentile is obtained within the same fiscal year in which the individual was originally enlisted to serve on active duty; and

“(B) such score is obtained during the period the individual was originally enlisted to serve on active duty, as determined by the Secretary concerned.”; and

(2) in subsection (d)—

(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (8), respectively;

(B) by inserting before paragraph (3), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), the following new paragraphs:

“(1) Percentage of nonprior service enlisted accessions scoring below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test upon original enlistment.

“(2) Percentage of nonprior service enlisted accessions scoring below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test following graduation from the preparatory course or subsequent reclassification, as applicable.”; and

(C) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking “prepatory” and inserting “preparatory”.

SEC. 584. RECRUITER ACCESS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

Section 503(c)(1)(A) of chapter 31 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:

“(i) shall provide military recruiters the same access to the campus of each secondary school served by the local educational agency for the purpose of recruiting students who are at least 17 years of age that is provided to any prospective employer, institution of higher education, or other recruiter;”;

(2) in clause (ii), by striking “provide to military recruiters access to” and inserting “facilitate upon request made by military recruiters for military recruiting purposes not fewer than four in-person recruitment events per academic year, across different grading periods, which may include”; and

(3) by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:

“(iii) shall provide to military recruiters within 60 days of the commencement of the academic year, and thereafter within 30 days of a recruiter request, access to secondary school student names, academic grade, addresses, electronic mail addresses (which shall be the electronic mail addresses provided by the school, if available), and telephone and mobile phone listings, notwithstanding subsection (a)(5) of section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g).”.

SEC. 585. COMPLIANCE WITH TRAVEL CHARGE CARD DEACTIVATION REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Policy Compliance.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that Department of Defense policies and procedures are consistent with section 3(h)(1)(H) of the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-194; 5 U.S.C. 5701 note) and related implementing guidance, regarding the prompt deactivation and closure of government-issued travel charge card accounts upon the separation, retirement, or termination of military or civilian personnel.

(b) Comptroller Review.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing—

(1) actions taken to verify consistent implementation of deactivation and closure policies for government-issued travel charge cards across the military departments and defense agencies;

(2) any gaps or inconsistencies identified in the execution of current policy; and

(3) recommendations, if any, to improve compliance, oversight, or prevention of unauthorized card use following personnel separation.

TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS

Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances

SEC. 601. MODIFICATIONS TO CALCULATION OF BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR SUBSISTENCE FOR ENLISTED MEMBERS.

Section 402 of title 37, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)—

(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph (1):

“(1)(A) The monthly rate of basic allowance for subsistence to be in effect for an enlisted member for a year (beginning on January 1 of that year) shall be—

“(i) except as provided by clause (ii), equal to the monthly cost of a liberal food plan for a male in the United States who is between 19 and 50 years of age, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture each October 1; and

“(ii) in the case of such a member who is subject to monthly deduction from pay for meals under section 1011(b) of this title, the amount computed under clause (i) reduced by the amount of such deduction from pay, in accordance with policies prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

“(B) The monthly rate of basic allowance for subsistence to be in effect for an enlisted member for a year under subparagraph (A)(i) may not decrease relative to the rate in effect for the preceding year.”; and

(B) by striking paragraph (3); and

(2) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph

(1), by striking “subsection (b)(1)” and inserting “subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)”.

SEC. 602. INCLUSION OF DESCRIPTIONS OF TYPES OF PAY ON PAY STATEMENTS.

(a) In General.—Chapter 19 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 1016. Pay statements: descriptions of types of pay

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each pay statement issued to a member of the Armed Forces includes, for each type of pay, allowance, and deduction listed on the statement, a brief and plain-language description of—

“(1) the statutory or regulatory authority under which the pay, allowance, or deduction is made;

“(2) the purpose of the pay, allowance, or deduction;

“(3) the criteria for determining eligibility of the member for the pay, allowance, or deduction; and

“(4) possible changes in the eligibility of the member for the pay, allowance, or deduction, including the circumstances under which the pay, allowance, or deduction may be suspended, expire, or modified.

“(b) Requirements.—The descriptions required to be included on a pay statement under paragraph (1) shall be—

“(1) accessible directly on the pay statement; and

“(2) presented in language easily understood by individuals without specialized knowledge of military finance, accounting, or law.”.

(b) Applicability.—The requirements of section 1016 of title 37, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to pay statements issued on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 603. INCREASED AWARENESS AND IMPROVED CALCULATION OF RATES FOR BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING.

(a) Increasing Awareness.—The Secretary of Defense shall seek to improve transparency of the calculation of the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, by—

(1) developing a clear, accessible document that explains how rates of the basic allowance for housing are determined, including methodology and types of data sources used, which shall be—

(A) reviewed and updated not less frequently than annually and as rates and calculation methods change; and

(B) made available on a publicly accessible internet website and distributed across all relevant components of the Department of Defense; and

(2) providing to members of the Armed Forces when such members experience a permanent change of station, permanent change of assignment, change in dependency status, change in grade, or any other event that may impact their eligibility for or rate of basic allowance for housing—

(A) the information included in the document developed under paragraph (1); and

(B) an explanation of the type of rental housing the rate of basic allowance for housing received by such members is intended to support in each locality.

(b) Development of Alternative Methodology.—Consistent with the recommendations of the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation issued under section 1008(b) of title 37, United States Code, the Secretary shall—

(1) develop a methodology to compute rates of the basic allowance for housing using an approach based on the number of bedrooms in a housing unit and incorporating available and verified occupied rental market data;

(2) conduct a pilot program using the methodology developed under paragraph (1); and

(3) using that methodology, set notional rates for the basic allowance for housing for 2026 and 2027 for a minimum of 10 military housing areas.

(c) Briefing Required.—Not later than February 1, 2027, the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that includes—

(1) a comparison of the notional rates set under subsection

(b)(3) with the actual rates for basic allowance for housing for 2026 and 2027;

(2) a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of—

(A) the methodology used as of the date of the enactment of this Act for setting rates for the basic allowance for housing; and

(B) using the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1) for setting such rates;

(3) a determination of whether the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1) is more or less likely than the methodology described in paragraph (2)(A) to ensure that rates for the basic allowance for housing are set based upon a 95 percent statistical confidence that the estimated median rent is within 10 percent of the actual median rent in local military housing areas;

(4) a cost estimate for 2027 under both the methodology described in paragraph (2)(A) and the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1);

(5) an identification of any additional legislative authority required to fully implement the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1); and

(6) the recommendation of the Secretary with respect to whether to implement the use of the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1) and the timing for such implementation.

SEC. 604. MILITARY COMPENSATION EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN.

(a) In General.—Consistent with the recommendations of the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation issued under section 1008(b) of title 37, United States Code, and not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a 12-month educational campaign to improve the understanding and awareness of members of the Armed Forces and their families with respect to the major components of monetary and nonmonetary military compensation.

(b) Elements.—At a minimum, the campaign required by subsection

(a) shall address—

(1) the elements of regular military compensation (RMC), as defined in section 101(25) of title 37, United States Code;

(2) special and incentive pays;

(3) the calculation of retired pay for length of service;

(4) educational assistance programs and benefits;

(5) health care for members of the Armed Forces serving in active components and their families; and

(6) nonmonetary benefits.

Subtitle B—Special and Incentive Pay

SEC. 611. REVIEWS OF DESIGNATIONS OF IMMINENT DANGER PAY AREAS.

(a) Initial Review.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall—

(1) commence a review of each area designated under section 351(a)(3) of title 37, United States Code, to determine whether the area is one in which a member of the uniformed services is subject to imminent danger of physical injury due to threat conditions; and

(2) submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review, including any changes to designations under that section that result from the review.

(b) Subsequent Reviews.—

(1) In general.—Not later than March 1, 2031, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall conduct a review described in subsection (a)(1).

(2) Reports required.—Not later than 60 days after completing a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review, including any changes to designations under that section that result from the review.

(c) Reports on Designation Changes Between Reports.—If, at any time between the submission of reports required by subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2), the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department conducts a review of areas designated under section 351(a)(3) of title 37, United States Code, and makes a change to any such designation, that Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review and the change not later than 60 days after the change is made.

SEC. 612. IMPLEMENTATION OF AVIATION INCENTIVE PAY FOR MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS.

Section 602(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 37 U.S.C. 357 note) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (2)—

(A) by striking “In making” and inserting the following:

“(A) In general.—In making”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

“(B) Aviation incentive pay evaluation.—Not later than June 1, 2026, the Secretary shall complete the evaluation required by subparagraph (A) with respect to aviation incentive pay under section 334 of title 37, United States Code. In conducting that evaluation, the Secretary shall make a specific determination with respect to the percentage of such aviation incentive pay, if any, that is paid specifically to maintain skill certification or proficiency under section 357 of title 37, United States Code.

“(C) Special and incentive pay framework.—Not later than June 1, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a detailed report on the special and incentive pay assessment framework, required by the Senate report accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31), that includes the Secretary’s plan and timeline for implementing such framework.”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) Initiation of payments.—Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary concerned shall begin making aviation incentive payments under section 357 of title 37, United States Code, pursuant to the determination made under paragraph

(2)(B).”.

SEC. 613. PILOT PROGRAM ON IMPROVING RETENTION OF MEMBERS WITH DEGREES IN THEIR FIELDS OF SPECIALTY.

(a) 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.

(b) 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—

(1) is an enlisted member;

(2) has less than 4 years of service in the Armed Forces;

(3) has a degree in the member’s field of specialty, as determined by the Secretary concerned; and

(4) commits to reenlisting.

(c) 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 Act.

(d) 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—

(1) the effect of the pilot program on retention rates;

(2) satisfaction of members with the pilot program; and

(3) the overall cost-effectiveness of the pilot program.

(e) 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.

Subtitle C—Other Matters

SEC. 621. EXTENSION OF ENHANCED AUTHORITY FOR SELECTIVE EARLY RETIREMENT AND EARLY DISCHARGES.

Section 638a(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2030”.

SEC. 622. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY EARLY RETIREMENT AUTHORITY.

Section 4403(i) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 (Public Law 102-484; 10 U.S.C. 1293 note) is amended by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2030”.

SEC. 623. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE VOLUNTARY SEPARATION PAY AND BENEFITS.

Section 1175a(k)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2030”.

SEC. 624. DESIGNATION OF UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON KWAJALEIN ATOLL AS REMOTE AND ISOLATED MILITARY INSTALLATION.

(a) Designation.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Army Pacific, shall designate United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll as a remote and isolated military installation.

(b) Notification.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which the designation described in subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary of the Army shall submit a notification to the congressional defense committees confirming completion of the designation.

(c) Briefing Required.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Army submits the notification described in subsection (b), the Commander of the United States Army Pacific shall brief the congressional defense committees on adjustments to Department of Defense resourcing for and support to United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll as a result of the designation described in subsection

(a).

(d) Definition.—In this section, the term “remote and isolated military installation” means a military installation determined to be remote and isolated pursuant to the criteria set forth in Department of Defense Instructions 1015.10 and 1015.18, dated July 6, 2009, and May 30, 2024, respectively.

SEC. 625. DESIGNATION OF CREECH AIR FORCE BASE AS A REMOTE OR ISOLATED INSTALLATION.

The Secretary of Defense shall designate Creech Air Force Base, Indian Springs, Nevada, as a remote or isolated installation.

SEC. 626. PROVISION OF COUNSELING ON HOUSING FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

Section 992 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(C) The Secretary concerned may, subject to the applicable requirements of this section, enter into contracts to provide counseling under this paragraph with individuals and organizations that provide counseling with respect to housing, including—

“(i) organizations that are certified under section 106(e) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x(e)); and

“(ii) other individuals and organizations the Secretary concerned determines are qualified to provide helpful, unbiased counseling with respect to housing.”; and

(2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking “and mortgages” and inserting “mortgages, and other financial products related to the purchase or lease of a primary residence (and information on fees related to such products)”.

SEC. 627. PROGRAM TO PROVIDE GOVERNMENT-FUNDED TRANSPORTATION FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES STATIONED OVERSEAS.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to provide Government-funded transportation for unaccompanied members of the Armed Forces from designated overseas locations to the members’ homes of record, or to other locations of comparable or lesser cost, in accordance with this section.

(b) Eligibility.—Transportation under this section may be provided to a member of the Armed Forces who—

(1) is assigned to an overseas duty location designated by the Secretary for purposes of this section;

(2) is serving an unaccompanied tour of at least 24 consecutive months at such location, including any authorized extensions; and

(3) is otherwise eligible in accordance with implementing regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(c) Transportation Mode.—Transportation under this section may be provided using military air in accordance with established space- available policies or through commercial air travel, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(d) Limitations.—The Secretary may prescribe limitations on the number of authorized trips per overseas tour, and may restrict travel during certain periods at the beginning or end of such tours.

(e) Implementation.—The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to implement this section, including the designation of eligible overseas duty locations and specified destinations.

(f) Additional Limitations.—Transportation provided under this section shall be subject to applicable restrictions, including compliance with the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide, and limitations on the use of Government travel cards for any leisure- related expenses.

SEC. 628. PROHIBITION ON PROCUREMENT AND COMMISSARY SALES OF SEAFOOD ORIGINATING OR PROCESSED IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

(a) Prohibition on Procurement of Seafood Originating or Processed in the People’s Republic of China for Military Dining Facilities.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided by paragraph (2) or

(3), the Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract for the procurement of seafood that originates or is processed in the People’s Republic of China for use in military dining facilities, including galleys onboard United States naval vessels.

(2) Exceptions.—

(A) Undue burden.—The Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the Secretary, may grant exceptions to the prohibition under paragraph (1) to facilities on military installations located outside of the United States if such prohibition would unduly burden or prevent seafood from being served at such facility.

(B) United states vessels visiting foreign ports.— The Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the Secretary, may grant exceptions to the prohibition under paragraph (1) to United States vessels visiting foreign ports.

(3) Waiver.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1).

(b) Prohibition on Sales of Seafood Originating in the People’s Republic of China at Commissary Stores.—

(1) In general.—Section 2484 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(l) Prohibition on Sales of Seafood Originating in the People’s Republic of China.—

“(1) In general.—Except as provided by paragraph (2), raw or processed seafood or seafood products originating in the People’s Republic of China may not be sold at commissary stores.

“(2) Waiver.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1).”.

(2) Briefing on compliance.—Section 2481(c)(4) of such title is amended—

(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(B) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); and

(C) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph (E):

“(E) an assessment of compliance with the prohibition under section 2484(l) of this title; and”.

(3) Transition rules.—

(A) Applicability.—The prohibition under subsection (l) of section 2484 of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), shall apply on and after the date that is 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(B) Disposal of remaining stock.—The Director of the Defense Commissary Agency may determine how to dispose of any stock covered by the prohibition under subsection (l) of section 2484 of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), that remains as of the date described in subparagraph (A).

(c) Effective Date.—The prohibitions under this section, and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 629. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE STUDY ON CASUALTY ASSISTANCE AND LONG-TERM CARE PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.—Not later than January 1, 2027, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the structure and execution of the casualty assistance and long-term care programs of the Armed Forces.

(b) Elements.—In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall assess options—

(1) to improve the standardization of the selection and management of casualty assistance officers across the Armed Forces, including standardized tour lengths similar to military recruiters;

(2) to improve the standardization, quality, and proficiency of training for casualty assistance officers across the Armed Forces in requisite policies, procedures, and knowledge of entitlements, benefits, and financial obligations surviving families may encounter;

(3) to develop a Defense-wide survivor contact registry allowing surviving families to voluntarily provide contact information to ensure periodic check-ins with surviving families during significant milestones following the death of a member of the Armed Forces; and

(4) to develop an integrated Defense-wide long-term care program for surviving families, modeled on the Army’s Survivor Outreach Services, that provides information about survivor entitlements and access to expert case managers and counselors.

(c) Report Required.—Not later than 180 days after completing the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes—

(1) the results of the study;

(2) recommendations relating to the options assessed under subsection (b); and

(3) a plan for implementing those recommendations.

TITLE VII—HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS

Subtitle A—TRICARE, Brain Health, and Other Health Care Benefits

SEC. 701. INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS IN NOTIFICATIONS TO MODIFY SCOPE OF SERVICES PROVIDED AT MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES.

Section 1073d(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking “information demonstrating”;

(2) by striking “the extent” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “the following:”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(A) An endorsement from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the proposed modification will have no effect on operational requirements of the armed forces.

“(B) An endorsement from the Surgeon General of the military department concerned that the proposed modification will have no effect on the training or readiness of military medical personnel in the military department concerned.

“(C) An assessment from the Director of the Defense Health Agency that explains how members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries receiving services at the facility will continue to receive care.”.

SEC. 702. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEARING AIDS TO INCLUDE CHILDREN OF RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES ENROLLED IN FAMILY COVERAGE UNDER TRICARE SELECT.

Section 1077(a)(16)(B)(ii) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting “or TRICARE Select” before the period at the end.

SEC. 703. ASSESSMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL HEALTH CONDITIONS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES ASSIGNED TO CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall assess the behavioral health and social health conditions of members of the Air Force assigned to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, and their families related to such assignment.

(b) Tools Used.—In carrying out the assessment required under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall use tools such as site assistance visits, behavioral health epidemiological consultations, and community-wide assessments.

(c) Elements of Assessment.—The assessment required under subsection (a) shall—

(1) establish the behavioral health and social health outcomes that impact individual, family, and unit readiness at Creech Air Force Base;

(2) identify factors, to include unique social and occupational stressors, affecting the behavioral health and social health of members of the Air Force and their families stationed at Creech Air Force Base; and

(3) make recommendations to address those factors and to improve the health and readiness of members of the Air Force and their families stationed at Creech Air Force Base, and in doing so, advancing the readiness of the Air Force.

(d) Briefing.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the methods used to conduct the assessment required under subsection (a) and on the findings and recommendations of the assessment.

SEC. 704. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SEXUAL ASSAULT MEDICAL FORENSIC EXAMINATIONS ON A NONREIMBURSABLE BASIS TO CERTAIN OTHERWISE INELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.

(a) Authority To Provide Forensic Examinations.—The Secretary of Defense, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, shall authorize medical personnel of the Department of Defense to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations, in a military medical treatment facility on a nonreimbursable basis, to an individual who—

(1) is not otherwise eligible for health care from the Department;

(2) reports a sexual assault offense for which the Defense Criminal Investigative Service may initiate an investigation; and

(3) is eligible for a forensic examination in accordance with those regulations.

(b) Additional Elements.—The regulations prescribed under subsection (a) may provide for the handling, storage, and transfer to law enforcement of a completed sexual assault medical forensic examination kit.

SEC. 705. FERTILITY TREATMENT FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES AND DEPENDENTS.

(a) Fertility Treatment.—Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1074o the following new section: “Sec. 1074p Fertility treatment for certain active duty members of the uniformed services and their dependents

“(a) Coverage.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that fertility-related care for a member of the uniformed services on active duty (or a dependent of such a member) shall be covered under TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.

“(b) In Vitro Fertilization.—In the case of in vitro fertilization treatment furnished to an individual pursuant to subsection (a), coverage under such subsection shall include—

“(1) not fewer than three completed oocyte retrievals; and

“(2) unlimited embryo transfers provided in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, using single embryo transfer when recommended and medically appropriate.

“(c) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘infertility’ means a disease, condition, or status characterized by—

“(A) the failure to establish a pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to live birth after regular, unprotected sexual intercourse in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine;

“(B) the inability of an individual to reproduce without medical intervention either as a single individual or with the partner of the individual; or

“(C) the findings of a licensed physician based on the medical, sexual, and reproductive history, age, physical findings, or diagnostic testing of the individual.

“(2) The term ‘fertility-related care’ means—

“(A) the diagnosis of infertility; and

“(B) fertility treatment.

“(3) The term ‘fertility treatment’ includes the following:

“(A) In vitro fertilization or other treatments or procedures in which human oocytes, embryos, or sperm are handled when clinically appropriate.

“(B) Sperm retrieval.

“(C) Egg retrieval.

“(D) Preservation of human oocytes, embryos, or sperm.

“(E) Artificial insemination, including intravaginal insemination, intracervical insemination, and intrauterine insemination.

“(F) Transfer of reproductive genetic material.

“(G) Medications as prescribed or necessary for fertility.

“(H) Fertility treatment coordination.

“(I) Such other information, referrals, treatments, procedures, testing, medications, laboratory services, technologies, and services facilitating reproduction as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.”.

(b) Program on Fertility Treatment Coordination.—Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 1110c Program on fertility-related care coordination

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program on the coordination of fertility-related care by the Secretary for purposes of ensuring patients receive timely fertility-related care.

“(b) Training and Support.—In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to community health care providers training and support with respect to the unique needs of members of the uniformed services and the dependents of such members.

“(c) Fertility-Related Care Defined.—In this section, the term ‘fertility-related care’ has the meaning given that term in section 1074p(c) of this title.”.

(c) Conforming Amendment.—Section 1079(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(21) Fertility-related care shall be provided in accordance with section 1074p of this title.”.

(d) Exclusion From Contracts for Former Members and Their Dependents.—Section 1086 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph

(1), by striking “subsection (d)” and inserting “subsections

(d) and (j)”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(j) A plan contracted for under subsection (a) may not include coverage for services under section 1074p of this title for former members of the uniformed services or dependents of former members of the uniformed services.”.

(e) Regulations.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations or subregulatory guidance regarding the implementation of the amendments made by this section.

(f) Application.—The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to services provided on or after October 1, 2027.

(g) Rules of Construction.—Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed—

(1) to provide new benefits to or alter existing benefits for former members of the uniformed services or the dependents of former members of the uniformed services; or

(2) to authorize the Secretary of Defense to make payments related to human cloning, artificial womb technology, or international surrogacy.

SEC. 706. RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE OF SEX CHANGE SURGERIES.

(a) In General.—Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1093 the following new section: “Sec. 1093a Performance of sex change surgeries: restrictions

“(a) Restriction on Use of Funds.—Funds available to the Department of Defense may not be used to perform or facilitate sex change surgeries.

“(b) Restriction on Use of Facilities.—No military medical treatment facility or other facility of the Department of Defense may be used to perform or facilitate a sex change surgery.”.

(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1093 the following new item:

“1093a. Performance of sex change surgeries: restrictions.”.

Subtitle B—Health Care Administration

SEC. 711. CODIFICATION OF POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY.

(a) In General.—Section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (j) as subsections (b) through (k), respectively;

(2) by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following:

“(a) Director of the Defense Health Agency.—(1) There is in the Defense Health Agency a Director.

“(2) The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall—

“(A) be a military officer and hold a rank that is the same or greater than the rank of any officer serving as the Surgeon General of a military department under section 7036, 8031, or 9036 of this title; and

“(B) be a joint qualified officer in accordance with section 661 of this title.”;

(3) in subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (1)—

(A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “, by not later than September 30, 2021”;

(B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “, commencing when the Director begins to exercise responsibilities under that paragraph,”; and

(C) in paragraph (6), by striking “subsections (b) and (c)” and inserting “subsections (c) and (d)”;

(4) in subsection (f), as so redesignated, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “Not later than September 30, 2024, and subject to subsection (f)” and inserting “Subject to subsection (g)”;

(5) in subsection (g), as so redesignated, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “subsection (e)” and inserting “subsection (f)”; and

(6) in subsection (h), as so redesignated, by striking “subsection (e)(1)” and inserting “subsection (f)(1)”.

(b) Conforming Amendment.—Section 1091a(b)(2) of such title is amended by striking “section 1073c(i)” and inserting “section 1073c(k)”.

SEC. 712. ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICIES FOR PRIORITY ASSIGNMENT OF MEDICAL PERSONNEL OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish policies for the priority assignment of medical personnel of the Department of Defense.

(b) Application to Military Departments.—The Secretary of each military department shall assign medical personnel within that military department consistent with the policies established under subsection

(a) and in coordination with the Director of the Defense Health Agency.

(c) Reassignment.—

(1) In general.—If, in the judgment of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department fails to comply with the assignment priorities established under subsection

(a), the Secretary may authorize the Director of the Defense Health Agency to reassign medical personnel of that military department in accordance with the policies established under subsection (a).

(2) Briefing.—Not later than 90 days after the effective date of any reassignment under paragraph (1), the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on such reassignment.

SEC. 713. GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

(a) Demonstration Program Required.—Notwithstanding section 1104 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to establish a demonstration program to expand partnerships between covered medical facilities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(b) Purpose.—The purpose of the demonstration program under subsection (a) is to increase case volume for graduate medical education programs of the Department of Defense.

(c) Parameters.—In seeking to establish a demonstration program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall make efforts to ensure the following:

(1) Credentialing and privileging of medical personnel as necessary to work in any covered medical facility.

(2) Expedited access to installations of the Department of Defense for the purpose of providing medical care under the demonstration program to non-Department of Defense beneficiaries.

(3) Inclusion of “in-kind” or non-cash payment or reimbursement for expenses incurred under the demonstration program.

(d) Annual Briefing.—Not later than December 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the implementation of this section.

(e) Covered Medical Facility Defined.—In this section, the term “covered medical facility” means—

(1) a medical facility of the Department of Defense with a certified graduate medical education program; and

(2) any medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(f) Sunset.—This section shall terminate on September 30, 2032.

SEC. 714. MODIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS BY MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES.

(a) In General.—Section 2733a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “subsection (h)” and inserting “subsection (i)”;

(2) in subsection (b)(6), by striking “subsection (h)” and inserting “subsection (i)”;

(3) in subsection (d)(1), by striking “subsection (h)” and inserting “subsection (i)”;

(4) by re-designating subsections (g) through (k) as subsections (h) through (l), respectively; and

(5) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection:

“(g) Appeals.—(1) Any appeal from the denial of a claim under this section shall be considered by a third-party review board jointly established by the Judge Advocates General of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

“(2) The third-party review board established under paragraph (1) shall consist of not more than five members, all of whom possess sufficient legal or medical background, or both.

“(3) A claimant under this section that seeks an appeal under paragraph (1) may submit the appeal directly to the third-party review board established under such paragraph.

“(4) In considering an appeal from the denial of a claim under this section, the third-party review board established under paragraph

(1) shall, at the request of the claimant, allow for a hearing on the merits of the appeal in an adversarial nature.

“(5) The Secretary of Defense shall provide to a claimant seeking an appeal under paragraph (1) a copy of any response to the appeal that is submitted on behalf of the Department of Defense.

“(6) The third-party review board established under paragraph (1) shall not consist of any member of the uniformed services or civilian employee of the Department of Defense.”.

(b) Appointment of Members.—Not later than 180 days after the effective date described in subsection (d), the Judge Advocates General of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force shall jointly appoint members to the board established under subsection (g)(1) of section 2733a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(5).

(c) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the establishment of the board required under subsection (g)(1) of section 2733a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(5), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report indicating—

(1) the membership of the board;

(2) the qualifying background of each member of the board; and

(3) a statement indicating the independence of each member of the board from the Department of Defense.

(d) Effective Date.—This section, and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 715. IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF MEDICS IN THE ARMED FORCES TO THE CIVILIAN WORKFORCE IN HEALTH CARE OCCUPATIONS.

(a) Recommendations Required.—The Secretary concerned, 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 Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor, shall develop recommendations to improve the transition of medics under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned into the civilian workforce in health care occupations, including as certified nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, or medical assistants.

(b) Considerations.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall—

(1) identify any barriers—

(A) to improving the ability of the Secretary concerned to determine and communicate how the military credentials and experience of a medic separating from the Armed Forces translate to credentialed civilian employment in health care occupations;

(B) that exist to the standardization among the Armed Forces of military medic credentials and experience and the alignment of such credentials and experience to credentialed civilian employment in health care occupations;

(C) that exist to ensuring members of the Armed Forces with military medic credentials and experience have earned the equivalent civilian credential prior to separation from the Armed Forces in addition to receiving their military credentials;

(D) to the increased establishment and uptake of accelerated or bridge programs to assist separating members of the Armed Forces in translating military credentials and experience into civilian health care credentials and employment;

(E) to increasing the availability and accessibility of preparatory activities under the SkillBridge program established under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code, in the health care sector for members of the Armed Forces preparing for separation, to include—

(i) the approval timeline for separating members to participate in SkillBridge programs in the health care sector; and

(ii) requirements to return to their duty station for out-processing; and

(F) to providing information on civilian health care credentials and employment under the Transition Assistance Program to medics separating from the Armed Forces, including information on State-by-State licensing and credentialing; and

(2) consider the potential impact of—

(A) clarification by States through legislation, actions of State licensing boards, or actions of State credentialing boards of the civilian equivalents of certain military credentials and experience in health care;

(B) implementation, including through State- provided incentives, of accelerated programs to bridge military medic credentials and experience with civilian health care credentials and licenses;

(C) financial support or incentives by States to increase the availability and accessibility of such programs;

(D) requiring the military departments to align military health care credentials with civilian equivalents; and

(E) requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor to track and report the number of separated members of the Armed Forces with health care-related military credentials and experience who continue in the civilian health care sector, including the type of employment they pursue.

(c) 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—

(1) the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and

(2) a plan to implement those recommendations.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Medic.—The term “medic” means a member of the Armed Forces acting in a clinical health care-related occupation while serving in the Armed Forces.

(2) Relevant committees of congress.—The term “relevant committees of Congress” means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.

(3) Secretary concerned.—The term “Secretary concerned” means—

(A) the Secretary of Defense, with respect to matters concerning the Department of Defense; and

(B) the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect to matters concerning the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy.

(4) State.—The term “State” means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that have a Defense-State Liaison Office.

(5) Transition assistance program.—The term “Transition Assistance Program” means the program of the Department of Defense for pre-separation counseling, employment assistance, and other transitional services provided under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 716. IMPROVEMENT OF PROVIDER DIRECTORY ACCURACY FOR SPECIALTY CARE PROVIDERS UNDER THE TRICARE PROGRAM.

(a) In General.—By not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency (in this section referred to as the “Director”) shall ensure that the accuracy of the provider directory under the TRICARE program for all specialty care provider types reaches an average accuracy across all specialty care providers of not less than 70 percent.

(b) Measurement of Accuracy.—Average accuracy under subsection (a) shall be measured biannually and shall be disaggregated by provider type for each specialty care provider group.

(c) Inclusion in Contracts.—The Director shall ensure that each managed care contract under the TRICARE program includes requirements that the managed care contractor comply with the accuracy requirement under subsection (a), including by requiring each such contractor to—

(1) conduct comprehensive outreach campaigns, to include electronic and non-electronic means, and mass email campaigns to network providers providing—

(A) information relating to T-5 Contract penalties associated with inaccurate provider directory information;

(B) resources; and

(C) direct links for providers to update their directory information;

(2) make it a condition of joining the TRICARE network managed by such contractor for providers to validate their provider directory information not less frequently than quarterly;

(3) ensure that when providers file for reimbursement, such providers are prompted to review and verify their directory accuracy; and

(4) create a mechanism by which beneficiaries under the TRICARE program can report provider directory inaccuracy to the contractor.

(d) Other Methods.—The Director shall carry out any other methods that the Director finds useful for the improvement of provider directory accuracy.

(e) Testing of Directory Information.—Not less frequently than quarterly, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall conduct random tests, encompassing all specialty care provider types, of the accuracy of information relating to specialty care providers contained in the provider directory under the TRICARE program.

(f) Reports and Briefings.—

(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director shall submit a report and provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on progress towards reaching the average accuracy target required under subsection (a).

(2) Elements.—Each report under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(A) A description of the techniques that are most effective in improving accuracy of provider directories.

(B) An identification of the authorities or tools that the Defense Health Agency lacks for improving such accuracy.

(C) An identification of challenges specific to each specialty care provider type that limit such accuracy.

(D) An assessment of the impact of efforts of the Defense Health Agency towards improving such accuracy on providers either leaving the TRICARE program or on the willingness of non-network providers to join the TRICARE program.

(g) Comptroller General Review.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

(1) conduct a holistic review of provider directory accuracy under the TRICARE program to measure the progress of the Director towards meeting the requirement under subsection

(a); and

(2) submit to Congress a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1).

SEC. 717. REVIEW OF DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS UNDER PROCESSES AND FORMS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDER CREDENTIALING AND PRIVILEGING OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Review.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall review all processes and forms relating to health care provider credentialing and privileging of covered applicants to—

(1) identify questions, required disclosures, or other information required to be provided by the applicant that asks or requires the applicant to disclose mental, behavioral, psychological, or other related health conditions of the applicant, including requirements contained in—

(A) applications for credentialing, peer reference, or competency assessment; and

(B) employee manuals, guidance, and policies of the Department of Defense governing the requirements for credentialing, privileging, or employment of health care providers;

(2) review and compare credentialing, peer reference, and competency assessment forms for health care providers across the military departments and the Defense Health Agency, including a review of—

(A) which forms require disclosure of mental, behavioral, psychological, or other related health conditions; and

(B) whether such disclosure of mental, behavioral, psychological, or other related health conditions include past and current diagnoses and treatment.

(b) 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 the following:

(1) The findings of the review require under subsection

(a).

(2) A detailed plan outlining steps the Secretary has taken or will take, including a timeline for completion of such steps, to update the processes and forms reviewed under such subsection to refrain from requiring disclosures of mental, behavioral, psychological, or other related health conditions when there is no current impairment, including an identification of the steps the Secretary will take to engage advocates outside the Department of Defense who have subject matter expertise.

(c) Covered Applicant Defined.—In this section, the term “covered applicant” means an applicant for a position as a health care provider who—

(1) is required to go through a credentialing and privileging process; and

(2) provides care—

(A) at a military medical treatment facility or other clinic of the Department of Defense; or

(B) through the civilian network of the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code).

SEC. 718. PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AT FORT LEONARD WOOD, MISSOURI.

(a) Assessment.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, shall conduct an assessment of the adequacy of health care services available to covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program located at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

(b) Elements.—The assessment required by subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) An evaluation of the ability of the local area to provide adequate access to care for the covered beneficiary population surrounding Fort Leonard Wood.

(2) An evaluation of potential impacts to access and quality of care for such beneficiaries if the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital were to be realigned, downgraded, or have its scope of services reduced.

(3) An evaluation of the ability to establish additional partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs for the provision of health care service at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.

(4) Such other matters as the Secretary considers relevant for determining the continued viability of the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.

(c) Prohibition.—The Secretary of Defense may not close, downgrade, or reduce the scope of care offered by the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital unless—

(1) the Secretary—

(A) completes the assessment required by subsection

(a) and delivers such assessment to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and

(B) certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that any such changes would not reduce or degrade the health care services available to covered beneficiaries and the local community; and

(2) the Chief of Staff of the Army certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that there will be no degradation of medical readiness of units assigned to Fort Leonard Wood as a result of any changes to the status of the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.

Subtitle C—Reports and Other Matters

SEC. 721. STRATEGIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE MEDICAL RESEARCH PLAN.

(a) Plan.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the President submits a budget for fiscal year 2027 to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of each military department, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive, strategic infectious disease medical research plan (referred to in this section as the “Plan”).

(b) Matters to Be Included.—The Plan shall describe—

(1) all infectious disease medical research conducted by the Department of Defense, including the coordination process, to ensure that such research is linked to—

(A) military readiness;

(B) joint force requirements; and

(C) relevance to individuals eligible for care at military medical treatment facilities or through the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code);

(2) the infectious disease research projects funded under the Defense Health Program Account under section 1100 of title 10, United States Code, including projects under—

(A) the Congressional Directed Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense;

(B) the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency;

(C) the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases;

(D) the Chemical and Biological Defense Program; and

(E) the Defense Threat Reduction Agency;

(3) the process for ensuring synergy across the military medical research community—

(A) to address gaps in military infectious disease research;

(B) to minimize duplication of research;

(C) to promote collaboration within research focus areas; and

(D) to leverage and modernize the existing medical research and development infrastructure of the Department of Defense; and

(4) the efforts of the Secretary to coordinate with other Federal departments and agencies to increase awareness of complementary infectious disease research efforts that are being carried out by the Federal Government.

(c) Budget Display Information.—The Secretary shall submit to the President, in conjunction with the materials of the Department of Defense supporting the fiscal year 2027 budget request submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, and annually thereafter in conjunction with each subsequent budget request through fiscal year 2032, a detailed budget for carrying out the Plan that includes—

(1) the resources necessary for infectious disease medical research to carry out the activities described in subsection

(b) for the applicable fiscal year and the 4 following fiscal years, disaggregated by the activities described in paragraphs

(1) through (4) of subsection (b);

(2) with respect to procurement accounts—

(A) amounts displayed by account, budget activity, line number, line item, and line item title; and

(B) a description of the requirements for such amounts specific to the Plan;

(3) with respect to research, development, test, and evaluation accounts—

(A) amounts displayed by account, budget activity, line number, program element, and program element title; and

(B) a description of the requirements for such amounts specific to the Plan;

(4) with respect to operation and maintenance accounts—

(A) amounts displayed by account title, budget activity title, line number, and subactivity group title; and

(B) a description of the specific manner in which such amounts will be used;

(5) with respect to military personnel accounts—

(A) amounts displayed by account, budget activity, budget subactivity, and budget subactivity title; and

(B) a description of the requirements for such amounts specific to the Plan;

(6) with respect to each project under military construction accounts, the country, location, project title, and project amount by fiscal year;

(7) with respect to the activities described in subsection

(b)—

(A) amounts displayed by account title, budget activity title, line number, and subactivity group title; and

(B) a description of the specific manner in which such amounts will be used;

(8) with respect to each military department—

(A) amounts displayed by account title, budget activity title, line number, and subactivity group title; and

(B) a description of the specific manner in which such amounts will be used;

(9) with respect to the amounts described in each of paragraphs (2)(A), (3)(A), (4)(A), (5)(A), (6), (7)(A), and

(8)(A) for a fiscal year—

(A) a comparison between—

(i) the amount requested in the budget of the President for such fiscal year; and

(ii) the amount projected in the previously submitted budget request of the President for such fiscal year;

(B) a detailed summary of the amounts obligated for the Plan during the most recently concluded fiscal year; and

(C) a detailed comparison between—

(i) the amounts obligated for the Plan during the most recently concluded fiscal year; and

(ii) the amounts requested for the Plan in the budget of the President for the applicable fiscal year.

SEC. 722. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR JOINT DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL FACILITY DEMONSTRATION FUND.

Section 1704(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 2573), as most recently amended by section 1421 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), is amended by striking “September 30, 2026” and inserting “September 30, 2027”.

SEC. 723. PILOT PROGRAM ON WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Pilot Program Required.—Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall develop and implement a comprehensive wastewater surveillance system at not fewer than four installations of a military department at which the Secretary seeks to improve the testing, identification, and analysis of usage of covered drugs and to identify the prevalence of infectious diseases among members of the Armed Forces at the installation (in this section referred to as the “pilot program”).

(b) Technologies and Data System Used.—In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall ensure the system developed and implemented under subsection (a) is comprised of appropriate technologies and a uniform data system across the Department of Defense.

(c) Minimum Requirements.—In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall establish, at a minimum—

(1) at least one wastewater surveillance system for monitoring of use of covered drugs at one installation; and

(2) at least one wastewater surveillance system for monitoring of infectious diseases at one installation.

(d) Duration.—The pilot program shall be carried out during a two- year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program.

(e) Report.—Not later than 90 days after the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:

(1) A summary of the findings from the wastewater surveillance system under the pilot program.

(2) Recommendations for interventions or policy changes based on trends observed under the pilot program.

(3) An assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program in enhancing force health protection and readiness.

(f) Covered Drug Defined.—In this section, the term “covered drug”—

(1) except as provided in paragraph (2), means a drug included on schedule I or schedule II established under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812); and

(2) does not include a drug that—

(A) was newly included on such schedule I or schedule II;

(B) was previously approved under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.

355); and

(C) received such approval not later than 20 years before the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 724. IMPROVEMENT OF AVAILABILITY OF CARE FOR VETERANS FROM FACILITIES AND PROVIDERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Outreach on Available Care.—Not less frequently than annually, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct outreach to increase awareness among veterans enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs established and operated under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code, of the ability of those veterans to receive care at military medical treatment facilities.

(b) Training on Referrals.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure training for staff and contractors involved in scheduling, or assisting in scheduling, appointments for care under the community care program specifically includes training regarding options for referral to facilities and providers of the Department of Defense.

(c) Preferred Providers.—Subsection (g) of section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the subsection heading, by inserting “and Preferred Providers” after “Network”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) The Secretary shall consider providers under subsection

(c)(2) to be preferred providers under this section.”.

(d) Action Plans.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and implement action plans at covered facilities—

(A) to expand the partnership between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to the provision of health care;

(B) to improve communication between the Department of Veterans Affairs and pertinent command and director leadership of military medical treatment facilities;

(C) to increase utilization of military medical treatment facilities with excess capacity;

(D) to increase case volume and complexity for graduate medical education programs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(E) to improve resource sharing agreements or permits, as applicable, between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would also ensure lessened barriers to shared facility spaces; and

(F) to increase access to care for veterans described in subsection (a) in areas in which a military medical treatment facility is located that is identified by the Secretary of Defense as having excess capacity.

(2) Matters to be included.—The action plans required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) Cross-credentialing and privileging of health care providers, including nurses, medical technicians, and other support staff, to jointly care for beneficiaries in medical facilities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(B) Expediting access to installations of the Department of Defense for staff and beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(C) Including in-kind or non-cash payment or reimbursement options for expenses incurred by either the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(D) Allowing eligible veterans to seek certain services at military medical treatment facilities without referral or preauthorization from the Department of Veterans Affairs, for which reimbursement to the Department of Defense will be made .

(E) The designation of a coordinator within each covered facility to serve as a liaison between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs and to lead the implementation of such action plan.

(F) A mechanism for monitoring the effectiveness of such action plan on an ongoing basis, to include establishing relevant performance goals and collecting data to assess progress towards those goals.

(G) Prioritize the integration of relevant information technology and other systems or processes to enable seamless information sharing, referrals and ancillary orders, payment methodologies and billing processes, and workload attribution when Department of Veterans Affairs personnel provide services at Department of Defense facilities or when Department of Defense personnel provide services at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.

(H) Any other matter that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs consider appropriate.

(3) Approval of action plans.—Before implementing any action plan required under paragraph (1) at a covered facility or covered facilities, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that approval for the action plan is obtained from—

(A) the co-chairs of the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee established under section 320 of title 38, United States Code;

(B) the local installation commander for the covered facility of the Department of Defense; and

(C) the director of the relevant medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to any covered facility or covered facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(4) Reports.—

(A) Initial report.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the action plans required under paragraph (1).

(B) Subsequent report.—Not later than one year after submitting the report required under subparagraph

(A), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing—

(i) a status update on the progress of implementing the action plans required under paragraph (1); and

(ii) recommendations for developing subsequent action plans for each facility with respect to which there is a sharing agreement in place.

(e) Requirements Relating to Sharing Agreements.—

(1) Lead coordinator.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that there is a lead coordinator at each facility of the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs, as the case may be, with respect to which there is a sharing agreement in place.

(2) List of agreements.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall maintain on a publicly available website a list of all sharing agreements in place between medical facilities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(f) Treatment of Existing Laws Regarding Sharing of Health Care Resources.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out this section notwithstanding any limitation or requirement under section 1104 of title 10, United States Code, or section 8111 of title 38, United States Code.

(g) Funding.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may use funds available in the DOD-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund established under section 8111(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code, to implement this section.

(h) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to require veterans to seek care in facilities of the Department of Defense.

(i) Extension of Certain Limits on Payments of Pension.—Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking “November 30, 2031” and inserting “April 30, 2032”.

(j) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Appropriate committees of congress.—The term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans Affairs of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans Affairs of the House of Representatives.

(2) Community care program.—The term “community care program” means the Veterans Community Care Program under section 1703 of title 38, United States Code.

(3) Covered facility.—The term “covered facility” means—

(A) a military medical treatment facility ias defined in section 1073c(j) of title 10, United States Code; or

(B) a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located nearby a military medical treatment facility described in subparagraph (A).

(4) Sharing agreement.—The term “sharing agreement” means an agreement for sharing of health-care resources between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1104 of title 10, United States Code, or section 8111 of title 38, United States Code.

(5) Veteran.—The term “veteran” has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

SEC. 725. MILITARY-CIVILIAN MEDICAL SURGE PROGRAM.

Section 1096 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the section heading, by adding at the end the following “; medical surge program”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(e) Medical Surge Program.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall carry out a program of record known as the Military-Civilian Medical Surge Program to—

“(A) support locations that the Secretary of Defense selects under paragraph (3)(B); 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 of Defense, 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)(i) 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).

“(ii) The Secretary may select more than eight locations under clause (i), including locations outside of the continental United States, if the Secretary determines such additional locations cover areas of strategic and operational relevance to the Department of Defense.

“(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 exercise for the President 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) Not later than July 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the status, readiness, and operational capabilities of the Program.

“(B) Each report required under subparagraph (A) shall include an assessment of personnel readiness, resource availability, interagency coordination efforts, and recommendations for continued improvements to the Program.

“(6) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the Department of Defense to control, direct, limit, or otherwise affect the authorities of the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to leadership and administration of the National Disaster Medical System, public health and medical preparedness and response, staffing levels, or resource allocation.

“(7) In this subsection:

“(A) The term ‘institution of higher 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))).

“(B) The term ‘National Disaster Medical System’ means the system established under section 2812 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh-11).

“(C) The term ‘Program’ means the Military-Civilian Medical Surge Program established under paragraph (1).”.

TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and Management

Sec. 801. Transition of program executive officer role to portfolio acquisition executive. Sec. 802. Capstone requirements. Sec. 803. Modification to acquisition strategy. Sec. 804. Modifications to modular open systems approach. Sec. 805. Alternative test and evaluation pathway for designated defense acquisition programs. Sec. 806. Department of Defense member of Cost Accounting Standards Board. Sec. 807. Combatant command experimentation authority. Subtitle B—Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations

Sec. 821. Modification to nontraditional defense contractor definitions. Sec. 822. Financing for covered activities. Sec. 823. Exemptions for nontraditional defense contractors. Sec. 824. Modifications to treatment of certain products and services as commercial products and commercial services. Sec. 825. Modifications to commercial products and commercial services. Sec. 826. Modifications to commercial solutions openings. Sec. 827. Modifications to other transactions. Sec. 828. Modifications to procurement for experimental purposes. Sec. 829. Consumption-based solutions. Sec. 830. Modifications to prohibition on contracting with persons that have fossil fuel operations with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy sector. Sec. 831. Modifications to relationship of other provisions of law to procurement of commercial products and commercial services. Sec. 832. Limitation on required flowdown of contract clauses to subcontractors providing commercial products or commercial services. Sec. 833. References in contracts to Department of Defense policy documents, instructions, and manuals. Sec. 834. Uninsurable risk on certain contracts. Sec. 835. Reporting of price increases. Sec. 836. Instructions for continued operational readiness. Sec. 837. Indemnification of contractors against nuclear and unusually hazardous risks. Sec. 838. Late submission of cost and pricing data as invalid defense to contract price reductions for defective cost or pricing data. Sec. 839. Modifications to submissions of cost or pricing data. Subtitle C—Industrial Base Matters

Sec. 841. Repeal of limitations on certain Department of Defense Executive Agent authority. Sec. 842. Small unmanned aircraft system industrial base remediation plan. Sec. 843. Application of national security waiver for strategic materials sourcing requirement to sensitive materials. Sec. 844. Prohibition on acquisition of clothing and fabric from countries of concern under domestic- sourcing waivers. Sec. 845. Mitigation of risks related to foreign ownership, control, or influence of Department of Defense contractors or subcontractors. Sec. 846. Prohibition of procurement of molybdenum, gallium, or germanium from non-allied foreign nations and authorization for production from recovered material. Sec. 847. Sourcing options for certain critical products. Sec. 848. Prohibiting the purchase of photovoltaic modules or inverters from Foreign Entities of Concern. Sec. 849. Modernization of Army arsenals. Sec. 849A. Modifications to Defense Industrial Base Fund. Subtitle D—Small Business Matters

Sec. 851. APEX Accelerators. Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 861. Clarification of procurement prohibition related to acquisition of materials mined, refined, and separated in certain countries. Sec. 862. Independent study on the acquisition workforce of the Department of Defense. Sec. 863. Expedited acceptance program for supply chain illumination. Sec. 864. Simultaneous conflicts critical munitions report. Sec. 865. Permanent extension and modification of demonstration and prototyping program to advance international product support capabilities in a contested logistics environment. Sec. 866. Estimate of ally and partner demand for United States- produced munitions and specified expendables. Sec. 867. Reform of contractor performance information requirements. Sec. 868. Repeals of existing law to streamline the defense acquisition process. Sec. 869. Enhancement of defense supply chain resilience and secondary source qualification. Sec. 870. Enhanced product support management for integrated sustainment of weapon systems. Sec. 871. Modifications to current defense acquisition requirements. Sec. 872. Minimum production levels for munitions. Sec. 873. Processes for incentivizing contractor expansion of sources of supply. Sec. 874. Duty-free entry of supplies procured by Department of Defense. Sec. 875. Other transaction authority reporting. Sec. 876. Assessment of competitive effects of defense contractor transactions. Sec. 877. Evaluation of TP-Link telecommunications equipment for designation as covered telecommunications equipment or services. Sec. 878. Country-of-origin disclosure requirements for generic drugs purchased by the Department of Defense. Sec. 879. Phase-out of computer and printer acquisitions involving entities owned or controlled by China. Sec. 880. Prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made additive manufacturing machines.

TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and Management

SEC. 801. TRANSITION OF PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICER ROLE TO PORTFOLIO ACQUISITION EXECUTIVE.

(a) Definition.—Section 1737(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

“(4) The term ‘portfolio acquisition executive’ refers to the member of the acquisition workforce responsible for the overall management of requirements, programming, and acquisition of defense acquisition capabilities. These capabilities are assigned by the service acquisition executive or component acquisition executive. The portfolio acquisition executive has direct control over all necessary officials and functional support, including the ability to provide input into performance evaluations, to the maximum extent practicable. This authority provides them with all necessary authority to develop, procure, and sustain military capabilities. For purposes of managing requirements, the portfolio acquisition executive is subject to the authority, direction, and control of the chief of the military service, while remaining under the overall authority, direction, and control of the service acquisition executive or component acquisition executive. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure a minimum of non-statutory guidance and approvals issued by officials external to the portfolio acquisition executives.”.

(b) Critical Acquisition Positions.—Section 1731(a)(1)(B)(i) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “Program executive officer” and inserting “Portfolio acquisition executive”.

(c) Position Qualifications.—Section 1735(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the subsection heading, by striking “Program Executive Officers” and inserting “Portfolio Acquisition Executive”; and

(2) by striking “program executive officer” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”.

(d) Government Performance of Certain Acquisition Functions.— Section 1706(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking “Program executive officer” and inserting “Portfolio acquisition executive”; and

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking “Deputy program executive officer” and inserting “Deputy portfolio acquisition executive”.

(e) Duties Related to Cadre of Intellectual Property Experts.— Section 1707(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “program executive officer” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”.

(f) Portfolio Acquisition Executive Office .—Section 1509 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 10 U.S.C. 167b) is amended—

(1) by striking “program executive office” each place that it appears and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive office”; and

(2) in subsection (c), by striking “Program Executive Office” in the subsection heading and inserting “Portfolio Acquisition Executive Office”.

(g) Technology Release and Foreign Disclosure Reform Initiative.— Section 918(a)(2)(D)(ii) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 301 note) is amended by striking “program executive officer” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”.

(h) Software Development and Software Acquisition Training and Management Programs.—Section 862 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 1741 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by striking “program executive officers” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executives”; and

(2) in subsection (c)(1)—

(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking “program executive officer” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”; and

(B) by striking “program executive officer” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”.

(i) Authority to Establish Different Minimum Requirements.—Section 1764(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “Program executive officer” and inserting “Portfolio acquisition executive”.

(j) Prizes for Advanced Technology Achievements.—Section 4025(g)(2)(C) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “program executive officer” both places it appears and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”.

(k) Rating Chains for System Program Managers.—Section 323 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239; 126 Stat. 1696) is amended by striking “program executive officer” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”.

(l) Space System Acquisition and the Adaptive Acquisition Framework.—Section 807 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 9081 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(1)—

(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking “Program executive officer” and inserting “Portfolio acquisition executive”; and

(B) by striking “program executive officer” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”; and

(2) in subsection (e)(6)—

(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking “Program executive officer” and inserting “Portfolio acquisition executive”; and

(B) by striking “program executive officer” and inserting “portfolio acquisition executive”.

SEC. 802. CAPSTONE REQUIREMENTS.

Chapter 221 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 3209. Capstone requirements

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of each military department shall establish a capstone requirement approach for three or more portfolio acquisition executives for which that official has responsibility to enable greater speed, agility, and innovation in fielding military capabilities. Each such capstone requirement shall be established in consultation with the Joint Requirements Oversight Council.

“(b) Elements.—Under the capstone requirements for an acquisition portfolio, the Secretary of the military department shall—

“(1) develop a general set of requirements for the acquisition portfolio in accordance with subsection (c) under which programs or projects may be initiated;

“(2) authorize the portfolio acquisition executive or similar portfolio manager for the portfolio to change the scope and requirements for programs within the portfolio, subject to subsection (d);

“(3) assign representatives of operational forces to the acquisition portfolio and authorize them to perform the functions specified in subsection (e);

“(4) maximize commercial market research, the use of commercial and nondevelopmental items, and minimum viable products to shape capability scope and requirements;

“(5) authorize the portfolio acquisition executive or similar portfolio manager to resource and acquire commercial or non-developmental items under the capstone requirement by validating the need with the representatives assigned under paragraph (3);

“(6) manage information technology requirements using dynamically prioritized lists of user needs rather than large static requirements documents; and

“(7) iteratively define, prioritize, and refine requirements at the portfolio, program, and iteration levels based on user input, previous deliveries, and continuous commercial market research.

“(c) Capstone Set of Requirements.—The capstone set of requirements for an acquisition portfolio developed under subsection

(b)(1) shall be designed—

“(1) to guide the iterative delivery of an integrated suite of capabilities to maximize operational impact;

“(2) to provide enduring themes based on strategic needs and relevant concepts of operation, not system-specific;

“(3) to include measures of force effectiveness for a force mix of capabilities to be measured against; and

“(4) to include kill chains, effects chains, vignettes of operational scenarios, the effect of timely delivery of capability, and related mission engineering initiatives across the Department of Defense.

“(d) Authority to Revise Programs Within a Portfolio.—The authority under subsection (b)(2)—

“(1) shall be carried out in consultation with operational commands and the Joint Requirements Oversight Council; and

“(2) does not include authority to change key performance parameters for a major defense acquisition program.

“(e) Functions of Operational Representatives.—An operational representative assigned to an acquisition portfolio under subsection

(b)(3) shall be provided authority—

“(1) to shape the vision and priorities for key capability areas;

“(2) to provide the acquisition community and developers insights into operations;

“(3) to provide feedback on interim developments;

“(4) to validate the suitability of existing commercial or non-developmental items, or the likelihood that the commercial market may be enticed to produce those items, or, as a last resort, validate that no commercial vendor will ever produce a suitable product and a developmental program is necessary;

“(5) to foster collaboration among the acquisition community, developers, and users of the capability to be fielded; and

“(6) to provide advice to the portfolio acquisition executive or similar portfolio manager.”.

SEC. 803. MODIFICATION TO ACQUISITION STRATEGY.

(1) Section 4211 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (b), by striking “the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, or the milestone decision authority, when the milestone decision authority is the service acquisition executive of the military department that is managing the program,” and inserting “the portfolio acquisition executive, or the decision authority, when the decision authority is the service acquisition executive of the military department or the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment,”;

(2) in subsection (c)—

(A) in paragraph (1)—

(i) by striking “the Under Secretary, or the milestone decision authority, when the milestone decision authority is the service acquisition executive of the military department that is managing the program,” and inserting “the portfolio acquisition executive, or the decision authority, when the decision authority is the service acquisition executive of the military department or the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment,”;

(ii) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:

“(A) the strategy clearly describes the proposed business case and capability management approach for the program or system, and to the maximum extent practicable, describes how a portfolio of capabilities within an enduring set of requirements will be developed, procured, and fielded rather than detailing a specific end-item;”; and

(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking “how the strategy is designed to be implemented with available resources, such as time, funding, and management capacity” and inserting “the resources, such as time, funding, and management capacity required to deliver the capability”; and

(B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:

“(2) Each strategy shall, where appropriate, consider the following:

“(A) An approach that delivers required capabilities in increments, each depending on available mature technology, and that recognizes up front the need for future capability improvements or transitions to alternative end-items through use of continuous competition.

“(B) Requirements related to logistics, maintenance, and sustainment in accordance with sections 2464 and 2466 of this title, and the acquisition of technical data, computer software, and associated licenses, to enable such requirements in accordance with sections 3771 through 3775 of this title.

“(C) A process for collaborative interaction and market research with the science and technology community, including Department of Defense science and technology reinvention laboratories, government innovation cells, academia, small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and other contractors.

“(D) Identification of enterprise-wide designs and standards in support of an architecture that provides for an integrated suite of capabilities that focuses on simplicity of implementation and speed of delivery.

“(E) Overarching roadmaps that create integrated strategic schedules of legacy systems and new capabilities and a mapping of enduring requirements to elements of the portfolio of capabilities.

“(F) A contracting strategy that develops long- term partnerships with multiple companies to actively contribute to architectures, development, production, and sustainment across the portfolio of capabilities by decomposing large systems into smaller sets of projects across time and technical component.

“(G) An assignment of roles and responsibilities to the acquisition workforce within the portfolio acquisition executive, identification of external stakeholder dependencies, and the need for subject matter expert inputs at critical points in the program, including the need for special hiring authority or advisory and assistance services.

“(H) A process of testing and experimentation with the test community and end users to ensure continuous user feedback, acceptance, and development of concepts of operations.”; and

(4) by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting the following:

“(d) Review.—The decision authority shall review and approve, as appropriate, the acquisition strategy for a major defense acquisition program or major system prior to the acquisition decision memorandum and ensure that the strategy is updated at regular intervals to incorporate significant changes to program requirements, resourcing, or acquisition decisions.

“(e) Decision Authority Defined.—In this section, the term ‘decision authority’, with respect to a major defense acquisition program or major system, means the official within the Department of Defense designated with the overall responsibility and authority for acquisition decisions for the program or system, including authority to approve entry of the program or system into the next phase of the acquisition process.”.

SEC. 804. MODIFICATIONS TO MODULAR OPEN SYSTEMS APPROACH.

(a) In General.—Section 4401 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: “Sec. 4401. Definitions “In this chapter:

“(1) The term ‘authorized third party’ means an entity approved by the Department of Defense to access developer resources for integration or sustainment.

“(2) The term ‘industry standards’ means widely adopted technical standards or protocols from recognized organizations.

“(3) The term ‘machine-readable format’ means a format that can be easily processed by a computer without human intervention.

“(4) The term ‘major system component’ —

“(A) means a high-level subsystem or assembly, including hardware, software, or an integrated assembly of both, that can be mounted or installed on a major system platform through modular system interfaces; and

“(B) includes a subsystem or assembly that is likely to have additional capability requirements, is likely to change because of evolving technology or threat, is needed for interoperability, facilitates incremental deployment of capabilities, or is expected to be replaced by another major system component.

“(5) The term ‘major system platform’ means the highest level structure of a system that is not physically mounted or installed onto a higher level structure and on which a major system component can be physically mounted or installed.

“(6) The term ‘modular open systems approach (MOSA)’ means a system design approach using modular systems, enabling innovation and competition in the development, sustainment, or upgrade of weapon systems.

“(7) The term ‘modular system’ refers to a weapon system or weapon system component that—

“(A) is able to execute independently without relying on the execution of other specific systems or components;

“(B) can communicate across component boundaries and through modular system interfaces; and

“(C) functions as a module that can be separated, recombined, and connected with other weapon systems or weapon systems components in order to achieve various effects, missions, or capabilities.

“(8) The term ‘modular systems interfaces’ means a shared boundary between modular systems, defined by various physical, logical, and functional characteristics, such as electrical, mechanical, fluidic, optical, radio frequency, data, networking, or software elements, that is free of proprietary restrictions and documented via a machine-readable format, including—

“(A) software-defined interface syntax and properties, specifically governing how values are validly passed to and received;

“(B) definition of the relationship between the delivered interface and interfaces available in the repositories established pursuant to section 4403 of this title; and

“(C) test cases, including example code, demonstrating the proper use of the modular systems interface.

“(9) The term ‘operational data’ means government-owned data generated by or necessary for system operation, maintenance, or enhancement.”.

(b) Requirements.—Section 4402 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (a) through (f) and inserting the following:

“(a) Program Compliance and MOSA Implementation.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that every major defense acquisition program (as defined in section 4201 of this title) submits a modular open systems approach (MOSA) implementation plan within its acquisition strategy, detailing compliance with this section. Other defense acquisition programs shall incorporate MOSA to the maximum extent practicable.

“(2) In the case of a major defense acquisition program that uses a modular open system approach, the acquisition strategy required under section 4211 of this title shall—

“(A) clearly describe the modular open system approach to be used for the program;

“(B) differentiate between the major system platform and major system components being developed under the program, as well as major system components developed outside the program that will be integrated into the major defense acquisition program;

“(C) clearly describe the evolution of major system components that are anticipated to be added, removed, or replaced in subsequent increments;

“(D) clearly describe security classification requirements for each major system component as related to the modular system interface for that component;

“(E) clearly describe how intellectual property and related issues, such as technical data deliverables, that are necessary to support a modular open system approach, will be addressed; and

“(F) clearly describe the approach to systems integration and systems-level configuration management to ensure mission and information assurance.

“(3) Contracts for covered programs shall include enforceable clauses requiring delivery of data rights consistent with sections 3771 through 3775 of this title and modular systems interfaces as specified in subsection (c).

“(b) Waivers and Exceptions.—The Secretary of Defense may waive specific MOSA requirements, or deviate from the requirements in subsection (c), for a program only if—

“(1) deviation would demonstrably impair national security or operational capability; and

“(2) a detailed justification is submitted to the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after issuing the waiver.

“(c) MOSA Requirements.—(1) All covered programs shall require the use of modular systems, including—

“(A) modular systems interfaces published to the repositories established pursuant to section 4403 of this title;

“(B) delivery of sufficient data rights to share developer resources with authorized third parties for government purposes, as determined by the Secretary of Defense;

“(C) allowing for the use of existing industry standards for interfaces where applicable;

“(D) government ownership of operational data in a usable, nonproprietary format, extractable without original equipment manufacturer dependency; and

“(E) system designs allowing integration of new or substitute modules with minimal manual reconfiguration, provided they conform to relevant modular systems interfaces published to the repositories.

“(2) The Secretary of Defense, secretaries of military departments, and commanders of combatant commands with acquisition authorities shall not—

“(A) unless required for operational compatibility with existing legacy systems, mandate specific internal technical implementations, data structures, defense specific standards, or formats beyond the necessity that there are modular systems with modular systems interfaces published to the relevant repository; or

“(B) permit contracts restricting government control over developer resources or operational data, or locking the government into a single vendor, absent a national security exemption.

“(3) Contractors providing modular systems shall upload required modular systems interface data to an appropriate repository. Contract closeout shall not occur until such uploads are verified by the contracting officer.

“(d) Implementation and Flexibility.—(1) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall issue regulations and guidance to implement this section across military departments, Defense agencies, and combatant commands.

“(2) The requirements of this section shall not apply to programs with approved acquisition strategies at the time of the date of the enactment of this subsection.

“(3) Requirements shall not prescribe specific technologies or limit contractor innovation, provided interface documentation obligations are met, nor exclude new entrants or small businesses capable of compliance.

“(4) Requirements shall not force the use of industry or consensus-based standards except as necessary to interface with existing systems using such standards.”.

(c) Repositories and Interface Access.—Section 4403 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs:

“(1) establish a federated set of digital repositories within the Department of Defense to store modular systems interfaces required under subsection (c) of section 4402 of this title, which shall—

“(A) feature authentication and access controls to protect sensitive data;

“(B) enable contractors to publish and manage their contributions (at approved access levels) with accountability and version control;

“(C) be searchable and accessible to authorized Department of Defense components and contractors based on access levels; and

“(D) incorporate cybersecurity measures consistent with Department of Defense standards;

“(2) ensure distribution of interfaces to promote interoperability, consistent with the requirements of section 3771 of this title, by—

“(A) providing access to interfaces and relevant documentation in the repository established in paragraph (1) to authorized Federal Government and nongovernmental entities; and

“(B) restricting nongovernmental entities that receive access under subparagraph (A) from further release, disclosure, or use such data except as authorized;”.

SEC. 805. ALTERNATIVE TEST AND EVALUATION PATHWAY FOR DESIGNATED DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROGRAMS.

(a) Authority.—The Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to establish an alternative test and evaluation (T&E) pathway for certain Department of Defense acquisition programs to enhance agility, accelerate delivery of capabilities, and ensure data-driven decisionmaking, while maintaining independent oversight of evaluation outcomes.

(b) Alternative Test and Evaluation Pathway.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish an alternative test and evaluation pathway for covered programs that includes the following requirements:

(1) For each covered program, the military department concerned, through its service test activities, shall—

(A) design and execute a unified test and evaluation strategy that aligns developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT) to a single set of test objectives that build system understanding throughout the test program to more effectively support capability delivery within rapid prototyping and iterative updates with early and continuous operational feedback;

(B) develop and execute a test data strategy, updated as needed, that includes—

(i) collection of raw data from system components during test events and operational activities, including submission of industry derived data from their development and testing evolutions;

(ii) evaluation criteria to assess the mission effects and suitability of the system based on the data to be collected, including from live-fire test events, if applicable;

(iii) a process for independently validating industry test results, if needed;

(iv) provision of resources for automated data collection, storage, and access; and

(v) automated analytics tools to assess performance trends, reliability, and maintenance needs;

(C) incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, best practices such as—

(i) hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate system integration;

(ii) continuous data collection from prototypes and fielded systems to refine designs and update lifecycle costs;

(iii) test subsystem prototypes throughout system development to assess their contribution to the mission effect of the fielded system; and

(iv) integration of supporting or complementary data from digital twins or other model-based systems engineering tools;

(D) define general test and evaluation objectives and data needs while allowing detailed execution plans to evolve based on test results and emerging requirements, avoiding rigid milestone-driven schedules; and

(E) ensure all raw test data and associated analytics are owned by the government, stored in accessible repositories, and available to authorized Department entities, including the Director of Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), throughout the program lifecycle.

(2) Covered programs under this pathway shall be exempt from—

(A) the requirement to develop and submit a Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) under Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02 or other policies, provided a unified test and evaluation strategy and data strategy under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph

(1) are implemented;

(B) milestone-specific operational test events, such as Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), mandated under section 4171 of title 10, United States Code, or related regulations; and

(C) any other test and evaluation documentation or approval processes that the Secretary determines are inconsistent with the agile and iterative nature of this pathway.

(c) Role of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.—For covered programs under the alternative test and evaluation pathway designated for oversight by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall—

(1) provide independent evaluation of test data across all phases of the program lifecycle, including—

(A) assessing the sufficiency of the program’s test and evaluation strategy and data strategy to demonstrate military effectiveness;

(B) evaluating whether the program collects and analyzes sufficient raw data, learns from test results at a pace relevant to operational needs, and converges on military effectiveness based on data trends;

(C) identifying deficiencies in test and evaluation strategies that risk system performance, suitability, or survivability; and

(D) providing continuous oversight through ongoing analysis of test data;

(2) have unrestricted access to all raw test data, data repositories, and analytics maintained by military departments for covered programs;

(3) not require of covered programs—

(A) specific test plans, execution methods, or documentation formats or require pre-approval of test and evaluation activities as a condition of testing, data collection, or evaluation; or

(B) Director of Operational Test and Evaluation- approved Test and Evaluation Master Plans or other pre- execution documentation under existing policies; and

(4) include in its annual report to Congress under section 139(h) of title 10, United States Code, a summary of the adequacy of data strategies, rates of learning, and risks that aligns with the evaluation processes established in this section.

(d) Guidance Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall issue guidance to implement the alternative test and evaluation pathway, including standards for data strategies and modern testing practices and procedures to support evaluation by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation under subsection (c)(2).

(e) Report.—Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of this section, including an assessment of the effectiveness of the pathway in accelerating capability delivery and improving system performance and any recommendations for expanding or modifying the pathway.

(f) Covered Program Defined.—In this section, the term “covered program” means a defense acquisition program that is—

(1) designated under the Software Acquisition Pathway pursuant to section 3603 of title 10, United States Code, initiated on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(2) designated by the Secretary of Defense on or after the issuance of guidance under subsection (d).

SEC. 806. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MEMBER OF COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD.

The Department of Defense representative on the Cost Accounting Standards Board pursuant to section 1501 of title 41, United States Code, shall be the Director of Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy or its successor organization.

SEC. 807. COMBATANT COMMAND EXPERIMENTATION AUTHORITY.

(a) Authority.—Each commander of a combatant command shall have the authority to conduct experimentation, prototyping, and technology demonstrations to support the development and testing of innovative technologies and capability solutions to address operational needs identified by the combatant command.

(b) Procedures.—For activities carried out under subsection (a), the commander of a combatant command may use—

(1) operation and maintenance funds, including for the purchase of items having an investment item unit cost not greater than the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) guidance regarding threshold for determination of expense and investment costs; and

(2) special contracting authorities described in section 843 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 3601 note), provided that the procedures described in such section are followed.

(c) Recommendation for Follow-on Production.—Upon completion of an experiment, prototype, or technology demonstration, if a combatant command submits a written determination that the demonstrated technology or capability successfully meets the operational need of the combatant command, the written determination may be used to fulfill the following requirements:

(1) A justification for using other than competitive procedures under section 3204 of title 10, United States Code, or follow-on production authorities under section 4022 of such title, to acquire the technology or capability which was successfully demonstrated.

(2) A validated capability needs statement or other requirement document.

Subtitle B—Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations

SEC. 821. MODIFICATION TO NONTRADITIONAL DEFENSE CONTRACTOR DEFINITIONS.

Section 3014 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking “means an entity that is not currently performing” and inserting the following: “means an entity that—

“(1) is not currently performing”; and

(2) by striking “such section.” and inserting the following: “such section; or

“(2) does not qualify as a covered segment as defined under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 231.205-18 or successor regulation.”.

SEC. 822. FINANCING FOR COVERED ACTIVITIES.

(a) Financing Costs.—Financing costs incurred for a covered activity shall be allowable and allocable as a direct or an indirect overhead cost for contracts and subcontracts of the Department of Defense, provided such costs are—

(1) reasonable in amount and consistent with prevailing market rates for similar financing; and

(2) incurred to pay a financing entity.

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term “covered activity” means an activity taken by a prime contractor or subcontractor—

(A) to manage an inventory of completed products or components used in production;

(B) to improve inventory management of products or components necessary for sustainment or maintenance;

(C) to materially expand the capacity of production or sustainment and maintenance through capital expenditures; or

(D) to carry out any other purpose identified by the Secretary of Defense.

(2) The term “financing costs” means interest on borrowings, bond discounts, and costs of financing and refinancing capital.

(3) The term “financing entity” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, or other organization that is created under Federal or State law and that, as part of its regular business activities, extends credit, loans, or other forms of financing to other persons or entities, provided that such legal entity is not owned by, controlled by, or under common control with the person or entity receiving such financing.

SEC. 823. EXEMPTIONS FOR NONTRADITIONAL DEFENSE CONTRACTORS.

Nontraditional defense contractors, as defined by section 3014 of title 10, United States Code, shall not be subject to any of the following requirements:

(1) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.242-7006, or successor regulation.

(2) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.234-7002, or successor regulation.

(3) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.215-7002, or successor regulation.

(4) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.242-7004, or successor regulation.

(5) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.245-7003, or successor regulation.

(6) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.244-7001, or successor regulation.

(7) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.242-7005, or successor regulation.

(8) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 215.407, or successor regulation.

(9) Section 3702 of title 10, United States Code.

(10) Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or successor regulation.

SEC. 824. MODIFICATIONS TO TREATMENT OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AS COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES.

Section 3457 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) by inserting “(1)” before “Notwithstanding”;

(B) by striking “may be treated” and inserting “shall be treated”; and

(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(2) The requirement under paragraph (1) may be waived or modified with a written determination approved by the head of contracting activity, delegable to no lower than the senior contracting official. The written determination shall include a justification for why commercial procedures should be waived or modified, such as tailored market research demonstrating that potential suppliers could not effectively provide the required product or services under commercial procedures.”;

(2) by striking subsection (b);

(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and

(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(c) Preference Inapplicable.—The authority under subsection

(a)(1) shall not be construed to give preference to the purchase of a product or service pursuant to section 3453 of this title solely on the basis that such offered product or service is deemed commercial as a result of the exercise of such authority.”.

SEC. 825. MODIFICATIONS TO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES.

(a) In General.—Section 3453 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (b), by striking “procurement officials in that agency,” and inserting “acquisition officials in that agency, including consultants, researchers, and any individuals providing advisory services to acquisition officials,”;

(2) in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively;

(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:

“(3) The head of an agency shall establish a process for determinations regarding the non-availability of commercial products or services, including that—

“(A) a defense unique-development product or service may not be procured until the head of the agency determines that the market research conducted in accordance with paragraph (2) of this section resulted in no commercial product, commercial service, or nondevelopmental item suitable to meet the agency’s needs; and

“(B) prior to acquiring a defense-unique development product or service, a program manager shall, consistent with the policies and regulations of the Department of Defense, submit a written memorandum summarizing why a defense- development unique product is required based on results of the determination in subparagraph (A), which shall be signed by the program executive officer.”; and

(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(f) Definition.—The term ‘defense-unique development’ means a Department of Defense financed product or service to provide a defense- unique capability that does not repurpose a commercial product, commercial service, or nondevelopmental item.”.

(b) Determinations.—Section 3456 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:

“(2) assist military departments and Defense Agencies with performing market research and satisfying the requirements under section 3453 of this title pertaining to market research and the determination regarding the non-availability of commercial products or services and analysis used to determine the reasonableness of price for the purposes of procurements by the Department of Defense.”; and

(2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting after the first sentence the following: “The contracting officer should consider the results summarized in the memorandum issued by the program manager in accordance with the requirement in section 3453(c)(3)(B) of this title when issuing the written commercial or noncommercial determination.”.

SEC. 826. MODIFICATIONS TO COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENINGS.

Section 3458 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

“(a) Authority.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may acquire commercial products, commercial services, and nondevelopmental items through a competitive selection of proposals resulting from a general solicitation and the peer review, technical review, or operational review (as appropriate) of such proposals, and may issue, without further justification, follow-on contract awards or agreements, including sole source awards or agreements, to the recipient.”;

(2) by striking subsection (e);

(3) by redesignating subsection (c) and (d) as subsections

(d) and (e), respectively;

(4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:

“(c) Sole-source Follow-on.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may issue follow-on contract awards or agreements, including sole source awards, for any products, services, or items acquired through the competitive procedures described under subsection (a) subject to approval requirements in sections 3204 or 4022 of this title.”.

(5) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this section—

(A) by striking paragraph (1); and

(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.

SEC. 827. MODIFICATIONS TO OTHER TRANSACTIONS.

Section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii), by striking “at least 30 days before” and inserting “at the time”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(j) Authority to Award a Production Transaction to Rapidly Field an Existing Capability.—A production transaction may be awarded, with or without the use of competitive procedures, to acquire emergent and proven technologies and field production quantities of new or upgraded systems that do not require additional development and have been demonstrated in a relevant environment when the appropriate service or component acquisition executive determines in writing that exceptional circumstances justify the use of such a transaction to address a high priority warfighter need. The Secretary of Defense shall provide the written determination to the congressional defense committees at the time such authority is exercised.”.

SEC. 828. MODIFICATIONS TO PROCUREMENT FOR EXPERIMENTAL PURPOSES.

Section 4023 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “ordnance, signal, chemical activity, transportation, energy, medical, space flight, telecommunications, and aeronautical supplies, including parts and accessories, and designs thereof,” and inserting “demonstrations, prototypes, products, supplies, parts, accessories, auxiliary services, and design for defense- related articles”; and

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) by inserting “or modified” after “may be made”; and

(B) by inserting “prototyping,” after “greater than necessary for”.

SEC. 829. CONSUMPTION-BASED SOLUTIONS.

Chapter 253 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 3605. Authority to acquire consumption-based solutions

“(a) Authority.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may acquire technology-supported capabilities through consumption-based solutions.

“(b) Guidance Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement to implement the authority under subsection (a), including creating a new subcategory of services under part 237 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement , entitled ‘Consumption-based solutions’ that—

“(1) is any combination of hardware, equipment, software, labor, or services that together provides a seamless capability;

“(2) has the ability to be metered and billed based on actual usage;

“(3) has predetermined pricing at fixed price units;

“(4) requires the awardee to notify the Department of Defense contracting officer when consumption under the contract reaches 75 percent and 90 percent of the funded amount, respectively, of the contract; and

“(5) treats modifications to a contract entered into under the authority established in subsection (a) to add new features or capabilities in an amount less than or equal to 25 percent of the total value of such contract, as originally awarded, as competitive procurements under chapter 221 of this title.

“(c) Funding.—Amounts authorized to be appropriated for acquisitions using the authority under subsection (a)—

“(1) may be used for expenses for—

“(A) research, development, test and evaluation;

“(B) procurement;

“(C) production;

“(D) modification; and

“(E) operation and maintenance; and

“(2) may be used to enter into incrementally funded contracts or other agreements, including advanced payments.

“(d) Consumption-based Solution Defined.—In this section, the term ‘consumption-based solution’ means a model under which a technology-supported capability is provided to the Department of Defense and may utilize any combination of software, hardware or equipment, data, and labor or services that provides a capability that is metered and billed based on actual usage at fixed price units.

“(e) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of the authority created under this section in combination with another contract type provided for under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.”.

SEC. 830. MODIFICATIONS TO PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH PERSONS THAT HAVE FOSSIL FUEL OPERATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION OR THE RUSSIAN ENERGY SECTOR.

Section 804 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)(1)—

(A) by striking “not less than 50 percent” and inserting “majority”; and

(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking “operates” and inserting “has fossil fuel business operations”;

(2) in subsection (b)(3), by inserting ", including by general license," after “Department of the Treasury”; and

(3) in subsection (e)—

(A) in paragraph (2)—

(i) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively; and

(ii) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause:

“(ii) activities related to fulfilling contracts with a fossil fuel company that has fossil fuel business operations in the Russian Federation that were entered into prior to the date of the enactment of this section;” and

(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting “that has fossil fuel business operations” after “person”.

SEC. 831. MODIFICATIONS TO RELATIONSHIP OF OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW TO PROCUREMENT OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES.

Section 3452 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (b) through (e) and inserting the following new subsections:

“(b) Applicability of Defense-unique Statutes to Contracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services.—The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement shall include a list of defense- unique contract clause requirements based on statute, executive orders, or acquisition policies that are applicable to contracts for the procurement of commercial products and commercial services entered into by the Department of Defense.

“(c) Applicability of Defense-unique Statutes to Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services.—(1) The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement shall include a list of defense- unique contract clause requirements based on statute, executive orders, or acquisition policies that are applicable to subcontracts for the procurement of commercial products and commercial services.

“(2) In this subsection—

“(A) the term ‘other supply agreements’ means any agreement entered into by a contractor or subcontractor for the supply of products, materials, or services that are intended for use in the performance of multiple contracts with the Department of Defense or other parties and are not identifiable to any particular contract; and

“(B) the term ‘subcontract’—

“(i) includes a transfer of commercial products and commercial services between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of a contractor or subcontractor; and

“(ii) does not include other supply agreements.

“(3) This subsection does not authorize the waiver of the applicability of any provision of law or contract clause requirement with respect to any first-tier subcontract under a contract with a prime contractor reselling or distributing commercial products and commercial services of another contractor without adding value.

“(d) Applicability of Defense-unique Statutes to Contracts for Commercially Available, Off-the-shelf Items.—The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement shall include a list of defense- unique contract clause requirements based on statute, executive orders, or acquisition policies that are applicable to subcontracts for the procurement of commercially available off-the-shelf items entered into by the Department of Defense.”.

SEC. 832. LIMITATION ON REQUIRED FLOWDOWN OF CONTRACT CLAUSES TO SUBCONTRACTORS PROVIDING COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS OR COMMERCIAL SERVICES.

Chapter 247 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 3459. Limitation on required flowdown of contract clauses to subcontractors providing commercial products or commercial services

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may not require that a clause be included in a subcontract for the acquisition of commercial products or commercial services other than a clause required by a provision of law that is on the lists required by section 3452 of this title or unless otherwise applicable pursuant to subsection (e) of such section.

“(b) Applicability to Other Supply Agreements.—The Secretary of Defense shall not require the flowdown of any contract clauses to other supply agreements unless otherwise applicable pursuant to subsection

(e) of section 3452 of this title.

“(c) Definitions.—In this section, the terms ‘other supply agreement’ and ‘subcontract’ have the meanings provided in subsection

(c)(2) of section 3452 of this title.”.

SEC. 833. REFERENCES IN CONTRACTS TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POLICY DOCUMENTS, INSTRUCTIONS, AND MANUALS.

It shall be the policy of the Department of Defense that references to Department of Defense policy documents, instructions, and manuals in contracts shall contain a specific version or date. If the version or date of a policy document, instruction, or manual is not referenced, the contractor will comply with the version of the document in effect at the time the solicitation is issued. Updated versions of referenced policy documents, instructions, and manuals shall not apply unless mutually agreed.

SEC. 834. UNINSURABLE RISK ON CERTAIN CONTRACTS.

(a) Consideration of Risk of Loss.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that due consideration is given to a contractor for equitable adjustments resulting from the loss of work in process on a covered contract.

(b) Limitations.—Considerations limiting the contractor’s assumption of the risk of loss in subsection (a) shall not apply to loss caused by the willful misconduct or lack of good faith on the part of any of the contractor’s directors or officers, managers, superintendents, or other equivalent representatives.

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Covered contract.—The term “covered contract” means any classified, fixed-price type contract, entered into with the Department of Defense on or after the date of the enactment of this section where, due to the classified nature of the underlying program—

(A) the contractor cannot get a third-party commercial insurance provider to insure the work in process; or

(B) the third-party commercial insurance provider cannot process the contractor’s claim.

(2) Lack of good faith.—The term “lack of good faith” has the meaning given the term in section 252.228-7001 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any successor regulation.

(3) Willful misconduct.—The term “willful misconduct” has the meaning given the term in section 252.228-7001 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any successor regulation.

(4) Work in process.—The term “work in process”—

(A) means an item at any stage of production or manufacture at any time from the initiation of contract performance until delivery to and acceptance by the government; and

(B) specifically includes a “covered aircraft” as that term is defined in section 252.228-7001 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any successor regulation.

(d) Conforming Regulations.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to conform with the changes made by this section.

SEC. 835. REPORTING OF PRICE INCREASES.

(a) Reporting of Increases Above Specified Prices.—Chapter 271 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 3709. Reporting of increases above specified prices

“(a) In General.—An offeror shall be required to report to the relevant contracting officer not later than 30 days after becoming aware that the price of a product or service under a covered contract reaches or exceeds—

“(1) 25 percent above the price specified in the contract bid or the government paid for that product or service the previous calendar year; or

“(2) 50 percent above the price paid for such a product or service 5 years earlier.

“(b) Covered Contract Defined.—In this section, the term ‘covered contract’ means a cost-reimbursement contract awarded without competition under section 3204 of this title and as defined under section 6.302 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.”.

(b) Inclusion of Noncompliance Information in FAPIIS.—Chapter 271 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 3710. Inclusion of noncompliance information in Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System “The Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency or the relevant service acquisition executive shall report in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) housed within the System for Award Management the following information:

“(1) Contractors who fail to report price increases as required under 3705(a)(2) of this title.

“(2) Updated findings from audits conducted by the Agency regarding noncompliance with the requirement.

“(3) With respect to unreported product or service price increases, the product or service’s National Stock Number, order quantity, unit cost, total cost, purchasing or reimbursing entity, and date of the order.”.

SEC. 836. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUED OPERATIONAL READINESS.

(a) In General.—Chapter 363 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 4664. Instructions for continued operational readiness

“(a) Requirement to Deliver Instructions.—(1) The Secretary of Defense (referred to in this section as the ‘Secretary’) may not enter into a contract or agreement for the procurement, sustainment, or subsequent modifications of covered defense equipment unless the contract or agreement requires that the contractor deliver, or offer as a negotiated price option, Instructions for Continued Operational Readiness (‘ICOR’) to the Secretary upon delivery of the equipment.

“(2) The Secretary may grant an exception to paragraph (1) if the product support strategy and associated business case analysis for the covered defense equipment indicates that the Government does not have a justified need for ICOR, consistent, when applicable, with section 3771 of this title.

“(3) The contractor shall deliver the ICOR to the Department of Defense (referred to in this section as the ‘Department’) and provide the Secretary with the rights to diagnose, maintain, and repair the covered defense equipment.

“(4) The Secretary shall withhold payment to the contractor under the contract or agreement until the Secretary accepts the ICOR as complete under subsection (c)(2).

“(5) When ICOR are required to be delivered under a contract or agreement, the Secretary shall ensure that updated ICOR data is required as necessary in subsequent contracts or agreements or included as priced options to reflect modifications in data deliverables.

“(b) Contents of Instructions for Continued Operational Readiness.—A contractor for covered defense equipment shall include in the ICOR, at a minimum, data that is necessary for operations, maintenance, installation, and training, form fit, and function data, and any additional data required for operational readiness, which may include—

“(1) recommended methods, techniques, inspections, processes, procedures, maintenance manuals, service bulletins, diagnostic procedures, proprietary systems, special tooling, special testing procedures, and equipment necessary to maintain, repair, and sustain the covered defense equipment in a condition for safe and effective operation, including diagnostic protocols, troubleshooting guides, and overhaul instructions, consistent with the maintenance practices of the contractor or those of the authorized maintenance providers of the contractor;

“(2) an operational limitations section (‘OLS’) that includes mandatory schedules for replacement of life-limited components, inspection intervals, and other sustainment requirements critical to equipment reliability and safety, approved by the Secretary;

“(3) engineering drawings, schematics, software, and wiring diagrams;

“(4) a complete list of replacement parts, components, and specialized equipment required for maintenance and repair, including part numbers, specifications, and sources, to ensure availability to authorized maintenance providers;

“(5) procedures for documenting maintenance actions, life- limited component replacements, and compliance with the OLS, including standardized formats for maintenance logs to ensure traceability and verification of operational readiness; and

“(6) clear identification of maintenance information essential for safe operation, distinguished from non-safety- related service enhancements, to facilitate compliance with operational readiness requirements.

“(c) Submission, Acceptance, and Updates.—(1) A contractor shall submit the ICOR to the Secretary as a contract deliverable prior to equipment delivery or within a timeframe specified by the contract.

“(2) The Secretary shall review and accept the ICOR, verifying that they provide sufficient information to maintain the operational readiness of the equipment.

“(3) In accordance with design changes and contract modifications approved by the Secretary and in a manner that is in accordance with subsection (a), the contractor shall deliver updates to the ICOR for approval by the Secretary whenever modifications, upgrades, safety issues, or new sustainment requirements are identified.

“(d) Maintenance and Repair Providers.—A contractor shall not impose restrictions on the use of the ICOR by authorized maintenance providers of the Department, including requirements to use only contractor-supplied parts, unless such restrictions are explicitly approved by the Secretary as necessary for safety or operational reliability.

“(e) Conditions for Alternative Maintenance and Repair.—(1) Notwithstanding restrictions approved by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (d), the Secretary may authorize alternative maintenance or repair actions for covered defense equipment, if any of the following conditions are met:

“(A) A program cannot reasonably obtain sufficient data to maintain operational readiness.

“(B) The contractor fails to deliver complete and current ICOR.

“(C) The contractor cannot deliver required parts, repairs, or ICOR within a timeframe that meets operational needs, as defined by the Secretary, resulting in unacceptable readiness degradation.

“(D) The contractor discontinues support for a component or software critical to the equipment’s operation without providing a viable substitute or sufficient ICOR to enable sustainment of the equipment by the Department.

“(E) An urgent operational or logistical circumstance, such as wartime conditions, active combat, or disrupted logistics, necessitates immediate repair or part production to maintain mission readiness.

“(F) The Secretary determines alternative maintenance or repair actions would result in significant cost savings.

“(2) If an alternative action is authorized under paragraph (1), the Secretary may—

“(A) issue a written determination citing the relevant condition described in paragraph (1), including evidence of contractor practices that prevent delivery of or restrict license rights to the ICOR in a manner that may impede competition, consistent with antitrust laws; and

“(B) authorize data delivery for the alternative action.

“(3) If time permits, the Secretary shall notify the contractor if any of the conditions described in paragraph (1) are met and shall provide the contractor with not more than 30 days to address the issue before the alternative action is taken.

“(4) Alternative maintenance or repair actions may include, but is not limited to, reverse engineering, use of existing technical data, fabrication of parts by the Department or third-party providers, or advanced manufacturing, as necessary to restore operational readiness. This provision does not restrict the ability of the Secretary to employ these practices in other contexts.

“(f) Contractor Responsibilities.—(1) A contractor shall ensure the ICOR contains sufficient information to maintain the operational readiness of the equipment, including updates to address safety or performance issues and necessary information on systems or components produced by subcontractors.

“(2) A contractor shall promptly notify the Secretary of any safety-related deficiencies in the ICOR and provide corrected materials at no additional cost.

“(3) If a contractor fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the Secretary may withhold contract payment, enforce contract penalties, take corrective action, reduce contractor performance ratings, or exclude the contractor from future contracts or agreements with the Department.

“(g) Oversight.—(1) The Secretary shall establish procedures to verify contractor compliance with the requirements of this section, including periodic audits of the content and availability and maintenance of ICOR.

“(2) The Secretary shall maintain a centralized repository of ICOR for covered defense equipment, accessible to maintenance providers authorized by the Secretary, to ensure consistent application.

“(h) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and every year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a list of the items designated as excluded commercial items to which the requirement to deliver ICOR does not apply.

“(i) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘covered defense equipment’ means any system, subsystem, or component procured by the Secretary, including aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, electronic systems, and other systems, that require contractor-provided maintenance or repair data to ensure operational readiness, excluding any excluded commercial items.

“(2) The term ‘excluded commercial item’ means an unmodified product customarily used by the general public or by nongovernmental entities or sold, leased, or licensed to the general public and maintained under standard commercial practices, as designated by the Secretary.

“(3) The terms ‘Instructions for Continued Operational Readiness’ and ‘ICOR’ mean contractor-provided technical data, software, and other information, including maintenance instructions and manuals, operational limitations, parts identification, record-keeping procedures, safety-related provisions, engineering drawings, schematics, software, service bulletins, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and other data or information necessary to maintain and repair covered defense equipment in a condition for safe and effective operation.”.

(b) Compliance Oversight.—Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every two years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that assesses—

(1) the compliance of the Secretary of Defense with section 4664 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection

(a);

(2) the effectiveness of the requirements of section 4664 in ensuring operational readiness and reducing sustainment costs;

(3) contractor compliance with the requirements of section 4664;

(4) the frequency and impact of the conditions described in section 4664(e)(1); and

(5) recommendations for improving the maintenance and repair capabilities of the Department of Defense.

(c) Implementation Guidance.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to implement this section that includes—

(1) procedures for integrating the requirements of section 4664 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection

(a), into acquisition contracts and agreements of the Department of Defense;

(2) the criteria for designating items as excluded commercial items, as defined in section 4664(i);

(3) processes for reviewing, accepting, and updating instructions for continued operational readiness (as defined in section 4664(i)) and operational limitations sections, in accordance with section 4664;

(4) mechanisms for tracking contractor compliance and resolving disputes over instructions for continued operational readiness and compensation; and

(5) directions for the operation, repair, and maintenance of defense equipment that government-owned, government-operated entities of the Department of Defense can use if the contract or agreement for the defense equipment does not require the delivery of ICOR.

(d) Applicability.—Section 4664 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), applies to contracts and agreements for covered defense equipment, as defined in subsection (i) of that section, entered into on or after one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 837. INDEMNIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS AGAINST NUCLEAR AND UNUSUALLY HAZARDOUS RISKS.

(a) In General.—The review of requests submitted by a contractor to a Department of Defense contracting officer pursuant to Public Law 85-804 (50 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) for indemnification against nuclear and unusually hazardous risks, including those involving the procurement of commercial nuclear technology, shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, input from the Defense Contract Management Agency, including reviews of insurance markets and coverage availability from the Contractor Insurance/Pension Review group.

(b) Deadline.— The review of all indemnification requests submitted by contractors as described in subsection (a) shall be completed with a final decision on approval or denial, including an executed Memorandum of Decision, within 90 days.

(c) Delegation.—The Secretary of each military department should delegate authority to provide indemnification under Public Law 85-804 (50 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) for contracts relating to advanced nuclear energy systems or components to such subordinate officials, commands, or agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure timely and effective program execution.

SEC. 838. LATE SUBMISSION OF COST AND PRICING DATA AS INVALID DEFENSE TO CONTRACT PRICE REDUCTIONS FOR DEFECTIVE COST OR PRICING DATA.

Section 3706(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (3), by striking “; or” and inserting a semicolon;

(2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting “; or”; and

(3) by adding at the end of the following:

“(5) the cost or pricing data were obtained by or otherwise made available to the prime contractor or subcontractor more than 30 days before, but submitted to the head of the agency after, the date of agreement on the price of the contract or, if applicable consistent with subsection

(a)(2), such other date agreed upon between the parties.”.

SEC. 839. MODIFICATIONS TO SUBMISSIONS OF COST OR PRICING DATA.

Section 3702(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) by striking “June 30, 2018” each place it appears and inserting “June 30, 2026”;

(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking “$2,000,000” and inserting “$10,000,000”; and

(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking “$750,000” and inserting “$2,000,000”;

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking “$2,000,000” and inserting “$10,000,000”; and

(3) in subparagraph (3)(A), by striking “$2,000,000” and inserting “$10,000,000”.

Subtitle C—Industrial Base Matters

SEC. 841. REPEAL OF LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EXECUTIVE AGENT AUTHORITY.

Section 1792 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 132 Stat. 2238; 50 U.S.C. 4531 note) and section 226 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 50 U.S.C. 4531 note) are repealed.

SEC. 842. SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM INDUSTRIAL BASE REMEDIATION PLAN.

(a) In General.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, acting through the Director of the Joint Production Accelerator Cell of the Department of Defense and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy for ensuring that the defense industrial base of the United States can meet requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

(b) Coordination.—In developing the strategy required under subsection (a), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall coordinate with the following officials:

(1) The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition.

(2) The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.

(3) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.

(4) The Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

(5) The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit.

(c) Elements.—The strategy under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) An assessment of emerging technologies or manufacturing processes that would support the modernization or expansion of the defense industrial base of the United States to meet requirements for production of sUAS components and finished articles.

(2) A plan to prioritize Government funding for the following:

(A) Onshoring production for sUAS components.

(B) Private manufacturing facilities for sUAS components.

(C) Government-owned, contractor-operated manufacturing facilities for sUAS components.

(D) Government-owned, Government-operated manufacturing facilities for sUAS components.

(d) Review and Report.—

(1) Review.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a review of the defense industrial base of the United States for sUAS components and finished articles that includes the following:

(A) An assessment of the capacity and capability of the existing sUAS industrial base, including the supply base and personnel of such manufacturers, to support the expansion of the sUAS industrial base.

(B) The capability and capacity of potential new entrants to the sUAS industrial base, including private entities that might be subsidized by the Federal Government.

(C) An assessment of the process for qualifying vendors, including potential new entrants and existing vendors proposing new manufacturing processes.

(D) An assessment of the capacity and capability of the sUAS industrial base to support the demands of existing programs.

(E) An assessment of the capacity and capability of the sUAS industrial base to support potential future demands of programs.

(F) A mapping of programs and potential future sUAS programs for manufacturer throughput.

(G) Identification of current and potential shortfalls in critical materials, such as rare earth elements and lithium.

(H) A broad assessment of commercial sector, civil sector, and Department of Defense demands on the sUAS industrial base.

(2) Report.—

(A) Secretary of defense.—Not later than September 30, 2026, a federally funded research and development center that enters into a contract under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1).

(B) Congress.—Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Defense shall submit the report, along with any comments of the Secretary, to the congressional defense committees.

(e) Small Unmanned Aircraft System Components Defined.—The term “small unmanned aircraft system components” refers to critical components used in the manufacture and operation of unmanned aircraft systems for small unmanned aircraft, as those terms are defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 843. APPLICATION OF NATIONAL SECURITY WAIVER FOR STRATEGIC MATERIALS SOURCING REQUIREMENT TO SENSITIVE MATERIALS.

Section 4872 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) by striking “subsection (c) or subsection

(e)” and inserting “subsections (c) and (e)”; and

(B) in paragraph (1), by striking “subsection

(c)” and inserting “subsections (c) and (e)”; and

(2) in subsection (e)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking “of the Secretary”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) Application of national security waiver for strategic materials.—If the Secretary of Defense or the authorized delegate has made a determination under subsection (k) of section 4863 of this title for a national security waiver of the restrictions under subsection (a) of that section for a specific end item, the Secretary or authorized delegate may apply that waiver to the restrictions under subsection (a) of this section for the same covered material and end item.”.

SEC. 844. PROHIBITION ON ACQUISITION OF CLOTHING AND FABRIC FROM COUNTRIES OF CONCERN UNDER DOMESTIC-SOURCING WAIVERS.

(a) In General.—Section 4862 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (c), by striking “Subsection (a)” and inserting “(1) Except as provided by paragraph (2), subsection

(a)”; and

(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:

“(2) If the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned applies the exception set forth in this subsection for the procurement of any clothing and the materials and components thereof or any item listed in subsection (b)(1)(D), no contract may be awarded for the procurement of any such items produced in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or the Russian Federation.”.

(b) Applicability.—The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply only with respect to agreements entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 845. MITIGATION OF RISKS RELATED TO FOREIGN OWNERSHIP, CONTROL, OR INFLUENCE OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTORS OR SUBCONTRACTORS.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security for travel expenses, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense—

(1) certifies to the congressional defense committees that the requirements under section 847 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 4819 note) have been implemented; and

(2) submits a plan and timeline for continued implementation of such requirements, including details on how the Department of Defense plans to ensure, beyond self- certification, that contractors and subcontractors are completing any assessment and mitigation requirements, including enforcement penalties if appropriate.

SEC. 846. PROHIBITION OF PROCUREMENT OF MOLYBDENUM, GALLIUM, OR GERMANIUM FROM NON-ALLIED FOREIGN NATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION FOR PRODUCTION FROM RECOVERED MATERIAL.

(a) Amendments Related to Molybdenum.—

(1) Definition of covered material.—Section 4872(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and inserting “; and”; and

(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(F) molybdenum.”.

(2) Exceptions to prohibition.—Section 4872(c)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended -

(A) in subparagraph (C), by inserting “or samarium-cobalt magnet” after “neodymium-iron-boron magnet”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(i) tantalum, tungsten, or molybdenum produced from recycled scrap if the contractor demonstrates that the scrap was produced outside of a covered nation and the melting of the scrap and further processing and manufacturing of the material takes place in the United States or in the country of a qualifying foreign government, as defined in section 4863(m)(11) of this title.”.

(b) Amendments Related to Gallium and Germainum.—

(1) Definition of covered material.—Section 4872(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a)(1), is further amended—

(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(B) in subparagraph (F), as added by subsection

(a), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

“(G) germanium; and

“(H) gallium.”.

(2) Exceptions to prohibition.—Section 4872(c)(3)(D) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2) is amended by striking “or molybdenum” and inserting “molybdenum, gallium, or germanium”.

(3) Effective date.—The amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (2) shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 847. SOURCING OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN CRITICAL PRODUCTS.

(a) Multiple Sourcing.—As soon as practicable, but not later than fiscal year 2031, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Department of Defense maintains multiple sources for products in the following critical sectors:

(1) Castings and forgings.

(2) Missiles and munitions.

(3) Energy storage and batteries.

(4) Strategic and critical materials.

(5) Microelectronics.

(6) Any other critical sector as determined by the Secretary.

(b) Waiver.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that maintaining multiple sources is unfeasible. The Secretary shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than 30 days after issuing such a waiver.

SEC. 848. PROHIBITING THE PURCHASE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES OR INVERTERS FROM FOREIGN ENTITIES OF CONCERN.

(a) In General.—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract for the procurement of photovoltaic modules manufactured by a foreign entity of concern (as defined by section 9901(8) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651(8)).

(b) Waiver Authority.—The Secretary of Defense may waive subsection (a) if the Secretary—

(1) determines that there is no alternative source of photovoltaic cells, modules, or inverters other than from a foreign entity of concern;

(2) determines there is no national security risk posed by the use of photovoltaic cells, modules, or inverters manufactured by a foreign entity of concern; and

(3) submits a certification of such determination in writing to the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days before entering into a contract described under such subsection.

(c) Limitation.—

(1) In general.—Subsection (a) shall apply only to contracts regarding the direct procurement by the Department of Defense of photovoltaic modules or inverters and shall not apply to contracts involving any third party financing arrangements, including energy savings contracts and those involving privatized military housing or assets that enhance combat capability.

(2) Delayed effective date for assets that enhance combat capability.—The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply to assets that enhance combat capability for a period of one year following the date of the enactment of this Act, in order for the Department of Defense to determine alternate supply chains for such assets.

(d) Exemption for Certain Activities.—The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply if the operation, procurement, or contracting action is for the purposes of intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare operations, testing, analysis, and training.

SEC. 849. MODERNIZATION OF ARMY ARSENALS.

(a) Authority to Establish and Operate.—The Secretary of the Army is authorized and directed to accelerate the modernization of the Army’s organic industrial base to meet the munitions requirements of the Army.

(b) Facilities and Infrastructure.—The Secretary of the Army shall prioritize utilizing or modifying existing facilities, as well as existing environmental permits, security arrangements, and personnel required for the production of sensitive military munitions, to establish the production lines for the following items:

(1) A secondary domestic source of military-grade nitrocellulose.

(2) Any of 13 precursor chemicals used widely across the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition portfolio that are currently sourced solely from the People’s Republic of China.

(3) Any of the 300 chemicals identified as single point failures by the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition.

(4) Multiple calibers of ammunition, serviced by a load and pack facility.

(5) A combination of the above options.

(c) Location.—The production line or lines described in subsection

(b) shall be established at each Army organic industrial base installation that—

(1) has received less than $100,000,000 in cumulative modernization funding across all Army accounts during the two most recent fiscal years; and

(2) has substantial acreage available and suitable for future industrial or technical development.

(d) Expedited Approvals and Waivers.—The Secretary is encouraged to expedite the establishment of the production lines and shall utilize to the fullest extent possible the existing environmental permits and work expertise resident at installations described in subsection (c).

(e) Funds.—The Secretary of the Army may use such funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act that are available to establish the production line or lines described in subsection (b).

SEC. 849A. MODIFICATIONS TO DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE FUND.

Section 4817 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

“(g) Eligible Uses of Authorities.—

“(1) In general.—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:

“(A) Castings and forgings.

“(B) Kinetic capabilities, including sensors, targeting systems, and delivery platforms.

“(C) Microelectronics.

“(D) Machine tools, including but not limited to subtractive, additive, convergent, stamping, forging, abrasives, metrology, and other production equipment.

“(E) Critical minerals, materials, and chemicals.

“(F) Workforce for the defense industrial base.

“(G) Advanced manufacturing capacity, including echelon manufacturing forward in the Indo-Pacific Command theater.

“(H) Unmanned vehicles, including subsurface, surface, land, air one-way, attritables, and launch and recovery platforms.

“(I) Manned aircraft.

“(J) Ground systems.

“(K) Power sources.

“(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.

“(M) Other materiel solutions required to support Indo-Pacific Command operational plans as required.

“(N) Defense space systems.

“(2) Prohibition on use in covered countries.—The Secretary may not use the authorities provided by this section for any activity in a covered country.

“(3) Use of authorities for other purposes.—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—

“(A) determines that—

“(i) the use of the authority for that purpose is essential to the national security interests of the United States; and

“(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

“(B) submits to the congressional defense committees a report on the determination that includes appropriate explanatory material.

“(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—

“(1) use of contracts, grants, or other transaction authorities, including cooperative agreements;

“(2) incentives for the private sector to develop capabilities in areas of national security interest;

“(3) 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

“(4) subsidies to offset market manipulation or ensure allied and domestic viability of grants made from other market uncertainties.

“(i) Defense Industrial Base Purchase Commitment Program.—

“(1) In general.—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—

“(A) Federal Government use or resale of an industrial resource or a critical technology item;

“(B) the encouragement of exploration, development, and mining of strategic and critical materials;

“(C) development of other materials and components;

“(D) the development of production capabilities; and

“(E) the increased use of emerging technologies in defense program applications and the rapid transition of emerging technologies—

“(i) from Federal Government-sponsored research and development to commercial applications; and

“(ii) from commercial research and development to national defense applications.

“(2) Exemption for certain limitations.—

“(A) Purchases.—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.

“(B) Limitation.—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.

“(3) Findings of secretary.—

“(A) In general.—The Secretary may take the actions described in subparagraph (B), if the Secretary finds that—

“(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

“(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.

“(B) Subsidy payments authorized.—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.

“(4) Installation of equipment in industrial facilities.— If the Secretary determines that such action will aid the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary is authorized—

“(A) to procure and install additional equipment, facilities, processes or improvements to plants, factories, and other industrial facilities owned by the Federal Government;

“(B) to procure and install equipment including owned by the Federal Government in plants, factories, and other industrial facilities owned by private persons;

“(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);

“(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;

“(E) to construct facilities for the purposes described in section subsection (g)(1); and

“(F) to apply contracts, grants, or other transactions authorities.

“(5) Excess metals, minerals, materials, and components.—

“(A) In general.—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.

“(B) Transfers at no charge.—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.

“(6) Substitutes.—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.

“(j) Strengthening Domestic Productive Capacity.—

“(1) In general.—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.

“(2) Strategic and critical materials, components, and critical technology items.—

“(A) Maintenance of reliable sources of supply.— 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.

“(B) Appropriate action.—For purposes of this paragraph, appropriate action may include—

“(i) restricting contract solicitations to reliable sources;

“(ii) stockpiling or placing into reserve strategic and critical materials, components, and critical technology items;

“(iii) planning for necessary long-lead times for acquiring such materials, components, and items; or

“(iv) developing and qualifying substitutes for such materials, components, and items.

“(k) Annual Report.—

“(1) In general.—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.

“(2) Elements.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include—

“(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;

“(B) an evaluation of the return on investment of all ongoing investments from the Fund; and

“(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.

“(3) Advice.—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.

“(l) 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—

“(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);

“(2) activities of the Office of Strategic Capital; and

“(3) any other efforts designed to enhance the defense industrial base.

“(m) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) Chokepoint.—The term ‘chokepoint’ means a situation in which—

“(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

“(B) the increased production of a component would significantly increase total output of munitions.

“(2) Covered country.—The term ‘covered country’ means—

“(A) the Russian Federation;

“(B) the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea;

“(C) the Islamic Republic of Iran; and

“(D) the People’s Republic of China.

“(3) Reliable source.—The term ‘reliable source’ means a citizen or business entity organized under the laws of—

“(A) the United States or any territory or possession of the United States;

“(B) a country of the national technology and industrial base, as defined in section 4801; or

“(C) a qualifying country, as defined in section 225.003 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement or any successor document.

“(4) Secretary.—The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Defense.

“(5) Strategic and critical materials.—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)).”.

SEC. 849B. REPORT ON UNITED STATES BOOT INDUSTRIAL BASE AND BERRY AMENDMENT COMPLIANCE.

(a) 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 United States boot industrial base, including a comprehensive plan for the Department of Defense to fully comply with the requirements under section 4862 of title 10, United States Code (commonly referred to as the “Berry Amendment”) by not later than fiscal year 2028.

(b) Elements.—The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) A detailed description of current and surge manufacturing capacity for Berry-compliant, government-issued boots, including suppliers of leather, textiles, soles, and components, as well as risks to supply chain resilience and small business participation. Surge manufacturing capacity includes all major domestic manufacturers of boots including those not currently supplying Berry-compliant boots.

(2) A market survey of domestic boot manufacturers regarding interest in producing Berry-compliant boots if there were to be a requirement that all members of the Armed Forces are required to only wear Berry-compliant boots.

(3) A time-phased schedule of actions, milestones, and resources required to achieve full Berry Amendment compliance for combat footwear across all military services by fiscal year 2028.

(4) An assessment of how current policies allowing the wear of “optional combat boots” that are not Berry-compliant undermine the intent of the Berry Amendment and weaken the United States industrial base, and recommendations for coming into compliance.

(5) A plan to implement and enforce narrowly tailored availability and medical exemptions, as authorized under section 4862(c) of title 10, United States Code, with controls to prevent overuse.

(6) Steps to expand industrial capacity for Berry-compliant government-issued boots through multiyear contracting, demand forecasting, inventory planning, and attracting new Berry- compliant suppliers by requiring that optional boots must be Berry-compliant.

Subtitle D—Small Business Matters

SEC. 851. APEX ACCELERATORS.

(a) Purposes.—Section 4952 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) to foster innovation for the defense industrial base and to diversify and expand the defense industrial base.”.

(b) Increased Funding Limit for Bureau of Indian Affairs Service Areas.—Section 4955(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “$1,000,000” and inserting “$1,500,000”.

(c) APEX Centers of Excellence.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment may establish APEX centers of excellence to allow APEX centers to provide specialized expertise to business entities outside of the geographic bounds of the center. In carrying out this program, the Under Secretary may utilize the cost sharing waiver to enter into a cooperative agreement under section 4954 of title 10, United States Code.

Subtitle E—Other Matters

SEC. 861. CLARIFICATION OF PROCUREMENT PROHIBITION RELATED TO ACQUISITION OF MATERIALS MINED, REFINED, AND SEPARATED IN CERTAIN COUNTRIES.

Section 844(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3766) is amended—

(1) by striking “Section 2533c” and inserting “Section 4872”; and

(2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

“(1) in subsection (a)—

“(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘; or’ and inserting a semicolon;

“(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘; or’; and

“(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) enter into a contract for any covered material mined, refined, or separated in any covered nation.”’.

SEC. 862. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON THE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) 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 qualified organization to conduct an independent examination of the acquisition workforce of the Department of Defense.

(b) Purpose.—The study required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment and comprehensive review of—

(1) the effectiveness of the acquisition workforce in managing procurements and facilitating positive acquisition outcomes for the warfighter, including through the use of process performance measures or other business health metrics;

(2) the process and authorities for recruiting and retaining the workforce, including a comparison of pay scales with other Federal agency and commercial analogues, the use of specialization within the acquisition field, and the use of career incentives or other specialized opportunities, such as job-broadening assignments or external training opportunities;

(3) current training of the workforce, including training offered by and the structure of Defense Acquisition University and the Eisenhower School at National Defense University, as well as commercially available training or identification of certification or stackable micro-certification opportunities;

(4) the size and mix of the acquisition workforce, including for acquisition-adjacent fields such as industrial security, counterintelligence, and finance;

(5) the workload and span of control over contracting actions, based on contract award value and total number of individual awards;

(6) the dependencies between contracting actions and the impact on the industrial security needs to support National Industrial Security Program requirements, including additional compliance costs, increased workload for security-related action, transparency on needs and requirements between the acquisition and security communities, and mechanisms to improve communication on needs and requirements between acquisition and security professionals;

(7) the role of the acquisition workforce and its communication and integration with the requirements and budget communities; and

(8) the data, productivity tools, and other information systems available to support acquisition workloads, including the availability of commercial tools.

(c) Final Report.—Following the completion of the study under subsection (a), the qualified organization that conducts the study shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on the results of the study. The report shall include—

(1) a summary of the research and other activities carried out as part of the study; and

(2) recommendations to improve all aspects of acquisition workforce, including recruiting, retention, training, management, and workforce mix.

(d) Report to Congress.—Not later than December 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an unaltered version of the report required under subsection (c), together with the Secretary’s assessment of the findings and recommendations of the study, including a plan for implementing the recommendations.

SEC. 863. EXPEDITED ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM FOR SUPPLY CHAIN ILLUMINATION.

(a) Eligibility for Expedited Interim National Security Waiver.—

(1) In general.—If a contractor, through the use of supply chain illumination policies, procedures, or analytical tools, discovers an item in the supply chain that is non-compliant with the restrictions outlined in subsection (d) but promptly discloses that discovery to the program office, the contractor shall be eligible for an expedited interim national security waiver in accordance with subsection (b) to deliver a capability, provided that the program manager is satisfied with the contractor’s corrective plan described in subsection (e).

(2) Disclosures.—Disclosures that are eligible under paragraph (1) include any disclosures made by the contractor to the program office, including disclosures resulting from supply chain illumination efforts conducted by the contractor, a sub- contractor, or by a third-party entity acting on behalf of the contractor or sub-contractor to increase supply chain transparency. Discoveries of non-compliance by the United States Government do not constitute eligible disclosures under paragraph (1).

(b) Interim National Security Waiver.—

(1) In general.—A waiver described under this subsection is a waiver issued by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) to a restriction outlined under subsection (d) allowing a contractor to—

(A) accept delivery of an end item that contains non-conforming items if the program manager determines the non-confirming part does not represent a security, safety, or flight risk; and

(B) make payment for the delivery of the end item.

(2) Delegation.—The authority to issue a waiver under paragraph (1) may be delegated—

(A) in the case of a waiver for one or more acquisition programs within a military department, to the senior acquisition executive of that military department; and

(B) in the case of a waiver applicable to more than one military department, to the Deputy Secretary of Defense or the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

(c) Requirements for Interim National Security Waivers.—

(1) Written determination.—An interim national security waiver shall be issued through a written determination that includes the following:

(A) The preliminary facts and circumstances regarding the identified non-compliant parts and the likely cause for non-compliance.

(B) The types of parts to which the interim waiver applies, including any additional parts currently being evaluated for potential non-compliance with the defense sourcing restriction statutes based on the findings in subparagraph (A).

(C) A determination that the non-compliant parts and any additional parts being evaluated for potential non-compliance do not represent a security, safety, or flight risk.

(D) An assessment of program risk due to non- compliance to include an overall risk level determination that if exceeded would require a new interim national security waiver.

(2) Submission to congress.—Any interim national security waiver determination shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees within five days of the date of issuance.

(3) Duration.—The authority to issue an interim national security waiver under this subsection shall expire not later than January 1, 2027.

(d) Supply Chain Restrictions.—For the purposes of this section, non-compliant components are those that are covered by the following provisions of law:

(1) Section 4863 of title 10, United States Code, relating to a requirement to buy strategic materials critical to national security from American sources.

(2) Section 1211 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4651), relating to a prohibition on procurements from Chinese military companies.

(3) Section 4873 of title 10, United States Code, relating to additional requirements pertaining to printed circuit boards.

(4) Section 154 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4651), relating to a prohibition on availability of funds for procurement of certain batteries.

(5) Section 244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4651), relating to a limitation on sourcing chemical materials for munitions from certain countries.

(6) Section 805 the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4651), relating to a prohibition on procurements related to entities identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States.

(e) Contractor Responsibility.—A contractor receiving a waiver under this section shall retain the responsibility to develop and implement a corrective plan to ensure future compliance and demonstrate the noncompliance was neither willful nor knowing. The contractor shall use reasonably expedient means to qualify an alternative compliant supplier, where available, for procurements of items that are to be incorporated into future deliveries of end items.

(f) Sunset.—The authority under this section shall expire on January 1, 2027.

(g) Briefings.—Not later than April 1, 2026, and April 1, 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives on expedited acceptances authorized under this section and corrective action plans of contractors to ensure future compliance with existing authorities.

SEC. 864. SIMULTANEOUS CONFLICTS CRITICAL MUNITIONS REPORT.

(a) Report.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that details the stockpiles of critical munitions required to fight simultaneous conflicts in different theaters.

(2) Elements.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

(A) An estimate of the amount of each critical munition that would be required over the course of simultaneous conflicts, modeled on the assumption that a contingency operation in any one of the western Pacific, Europe, Middle East, or Korean Peninsula theaters would increase the likelihood of a contingency operation in the other theaters, including consideration of the prepositioning of stockpiles and the risk posed by moving stocks out of each theater.

(B) The number of days before the joint force would exhaust its current stockpiles of critical munitions during simultaneous conflicts.

(C) An estimate of the time required for the industrial base to replenish critical munition inventories during a simultaneous conflict, taking into account the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement directed by section 222c of title 10, United States Code, and the study required by section 1705 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117- 263; 136 Stat. 2968), but not the assumptions mandated by Department of Defense Instruction 3000.04, entitled “DoD Munitions Requirements Process”.

(D) Production requirements for each critical munition needed to address the shortfall between current production rates and those required to meet the requirements determined pursuant to subparagraph (A).

(E) The lessons learned from the war in Ukraine with respect to munition consumption rates.

(F) Consideration of the projected munitions stockpiles of the military forces of the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, Iran, and the Democratic Republic of Korea, and forces affiliated with such military forces.

(G) An exploration of the projected munitions stockpiles of the relevant United States allies in each theater and opportunities for them to enhance their contributions to burden-sharing.

(b) Plan.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the Secretary of Defense submits the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to implement critical munitions requirements to fight simultaneous conflicts in the next budget cycle. The plan shall include a description of what would be required of industry and United States arsenals and depots to meet such requirements.

(2) Waiver.—The Secretary may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) if the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report with a justification for the decision not to implement the results of the report required by subsection (a) into the requirements process for the next budget cycle. The report shall include an assessment of the gap between current requirements for critical munitions and those requirements identified in the report required by subsection

(a).

(c) Critical Munitions Defined.—In this section, the term “critical munitions” includes those designated on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s critical munitions list.

SEC. 865. PERMANENT EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF DEMONSTRATION AND PROTOTYPING PROGRAM TO ADVANCE INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT SUPPORT CAPABILITIES IN A CONTESTED LOGISTICS ENVIRONMENT.

Section 842 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 2341 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(2)—

(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);

(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph:

“(B) commercially advanced digital manufacturing facilities for rapid, distributed parts production closer to the point of use; and”;

(2) by striking subsection (g); and

(3) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).

SEC. 866. ESTIMATE OF ALLY AND PARTNER DEMAND FOR UNITED STATES- PRODUCED MUNITIONS AND SPECIFIED EXPENDABLES.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish an annual requirement for the production of an estimate of the demand by United States allies and partners for United States-produced munitions and specified expendables across the future-years defense plan.

(b) Elements.—Each estimate required under subsection (a)—

(1) shall be disaggregated by specific munitions type and ally or partner; and

(2) shall include analytical inputs, such as—

(A) information set forth in all approved letters of offer and acceptance from foreign military sales cases;

(B) assessments of all letters of request from foreign military sales cases;

(C) estimates based on an operational analysis of foreign partner munitions needs for critical operational or contingency planning scenarios;

(D) estimates based on an analysis of wargaming results that include foreign partner contributions in the relevant scenario; and

(E) estimates based on bilateral or multilateral discussions between the United States Government and foreign governments.

(c) Guidance.—

(1) In general.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance for the development and collection of data necessary to support the production of the estimate required by subsection (a).

(2) Elements.—The guidance required by paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) a consideration of the manner in which the requirement for such an estimate may be leveraged to support operational and contingency planning activities, wargaming, and net assessment activities; and

(B) an analysis of the effect of the addition of such an estimate to the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement required by section 222c of title 10, United States Code.

(d) Assessment of Information Systems.—

(1) In general.—Not later than March 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment of existing relevant Department of Defense information systems of record to determine whether any such system, or combination of such systems, may be used or modified to collect and analyze data necessary to support the production of the estimate required by subsection (a) on an ongoing basis.

(2) Consideration.—The assessment required by paragraph

(1) shall take into consideration—

(A) the cost and technical challenges of adopting or adapting a system described in that paragraph, or combination of such systems, for the purpose described in that paragraph; and

(B) the estimated cost and technical challenges of establishing a new information system of record for such purpose.

(e) Specified Expendables Defined.—In this section, the term “specific expendables” includes—

(1) chaff;

(2) flares;

(3) sonobouys;

(4) decoys;

(5) disposable jammers; and

(6) any other expendable the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

SEC. 867. REFORM OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS.

(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise subpart 242.15 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to modify contractor performance information requirements to establish an objective, fact-based, and simplified system for reporting contractor performance. The revised system shall—

(1) focus exclusively on negative performance events that are verifiable and measurable to reduce subjectivity and inconsistency in evaluations;

(2) reduce the administrative burden on contracting officers by limiting reporting to prior contractor failures or poor performance; and

(3) ensure the government can identify and avoid contractors with a history of poor performance or bad actions.

(b) Revision of Contractor Performance Information Requirements.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise subpart 242.15 of the DFARS and related guidance, including the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to provide for the following requirements related to contract performance information:

(1) Elimination of subjective performance ratings.—(A) Subjective performance ratings for contracts subject to this section shall be eliminated.

(B) Performance evaluations shall be limited to the reporting and scoring of negative performance events as described in subsections (c) and (d).

(2) Scope of reporting.—(A) Contracting officers shall report only negative performance events with verifiable data which have a material impact on contract performance or government interests, including events involving subcontractors.

(B) Reporting shall exclude positive or neutral performance assessments, except as necessary to provide context for a negative performance event.

(3) Frequency and timing.—(A) Contracting officers shall report negative performance events within 30 days of identifying and verifying the event.

(B) Annual or periodic performance evaluations shall not be required unless a negative performance event occurs.

(4) Use in source selection.—(A) Negative performance events and their associated scores, as calculated under subsection (c), shall be considered in source selection evaluations to assess contractor risk and responsibility.

(B) The absence of negative performance events for a contractor, including nontraditional defense contractors or new entrants, shall not be considered a deficiency in past performance evaluations. Such contractors shall be evaluated based on technical capability, price, and other relevant factors.

(c) Scoring Mechanism for Negative Performance Events.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise subpart 242.15 of the DFARS and related guidance, including the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to provide for the following requirements related to a scoring mechanism for negative performance events:

(1) Standardized scoring mechanism.—To ensure fair and equitable evaluation of contractors, a standardized scoring mechanism shall normalize negative performance events based on the number of transactions and the dollar volume of contracts performed by the contractor.

(2) Application of scores.—(A) The composite score shall be reported in CPARS alongside the negative performance events and used in source selection to assess past performance risk.

(B) Scores shall be calculated automatically by the CPARS system based on data entered by contracting officers, including the number of transactions and contract dollar value.

(3) Transparency.—(A) Contractors shall have access to their composite scores and the underlying data (number of events, transactions, and dollar volume) through CPARS.

(B) Contractors may submit comments or rebuttals to reported events or scores, which shall be maintained in CPARS for consideration in source selection.

(d) Key Issues of Negative Performance.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise subpart 242.15 of the DFARS and related guidance, including the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to provide for the following requirements related to key issues of negative performance:

(1) Mandatory reporting.—Contracting officers shall report the following negative performance events, based on verifiable data or objective evaluations:

(A) Delivery of defective products.—Delivery of products failing to meet contract requirements, as verified by government inspection reports, quality assurance records, or testing results.

(B) Delinquent deliveries.—Failure to meet contract delivery schedules, as documented in contract milestones, delivery orders, or government correspondence.

(C) Improper markings or rights assertions on technical data deliveries.—Incorrect or unauthorized markings on technical data or software, or improper assertions of restrictive rights, as verified by government review or legal findings.

(D) Defective pricing.—Submission of inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading cost or pricing data, as identified through audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) or other authorities.

(E) Failure to flow down required clauses to subcontractors.—Failure to include mandatory contract clauses in subcontracts, as verified by contract reviews or audits.

(F) False claims or misrepresentations.—Submission of false claims, fraudulent invoices, or misrepresentations, as substantiated by investigations, legal findings, or government records.

(G) Non-compliance with safety or regulatory requirements.—Failure to comply with safety, environmental, or other regulatory requirements, as documented by government inspections or citations.

(H) Significant cybersecurity breaches or failures.—Failure to meet cybersecurity requirements or significant breaches caused by contractor negligence, as verified by government assessments or incident reports.

(e) Additional Performance Indicators.—The Secretary of Defense may establish additional negative performance indicators, provided they are—

(1) based on verifiable data or objective evaluations; and

(2) published in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) with clear criteria for identification and reporting.

(f) Implementation.—

(1) Templates.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue revised regulations under revise subpart 242.15 of the DFARS to include standardized templates for reporting negative performance events and calculating composite scores.

(2) Training and guidance.—

(A) Training.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and provide training for contracting officers on—

(i) identifying, verifying, and reporting negative performance events; and

(ii) entering data for transaction counts and contract dollar values to support the scoring mechanism.

(B) Guidance.—Guidance shall emphasize the use of objective evidence and the exclusion of subjective judgments, including—

(i) standardized templates for reporting negative performance events;

(ii) guidelines for weighting negative performance scores in source selection; and

(iii) procedures for quality assurance reviews and contractor dispute resolution.

(3) System modifications.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall modify the CPARS system to—

(A) support the categorization of negative performance events;

(B) eliminate fields for subjective ratings;

(C) automatically calculate composite scores based on reported data;

(D) include a mechanism for contractors to review and respond to reported events and scores; and

(E) integrate with the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) for seamless data sharing.

(4) Transition period.—

(A) Existing cpars evaluations.—For contracts awarded prior to the effective date of the revised regulations, contracting officers may complete existing CPARS evaluations under the prior system until the contract is closed or terminated.

(B) New evaluations.—New evaluations for contracts awarded after the date of the revised implementing regulations shall comply with this section.

(g) Reporting and Oversight.—

(1) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the implementation of the revised Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System required by this section.

(2) Government accountability office review.—Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the revised contractor performance information system to assess—

(A) its effectiveness in achieving the purposes outlined in subsection (a);

(B) the accuracy and fairness of the scoring mechanism; and

(C) the system’s impact on competition and nontraditional defense contractor participation.

(h) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Negative performance event.—The term “negative performance event” means a verifiable instance of contractor failure or poor performance, as described in subsection (d).

(2) Nontraditional defense contractor.—The term “nontraditional defense contractor” has the meaning given the term in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code.

(3) Verifiable data.—The term “verifiable data” means objective evidence documented in contract records, inspection reports, audits, correspondence, or other government records.

SEC. 868. REPEALS OF EXISTING LAW TO STREAMLINE THE DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROCESS.

The following provisions are hereby repealed:

(1) Section 3070 of title 10, United States Code.

(2) Section 874 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3101).

(3) Section 810 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3101).

(4) Section 3106 of title 10, United States Code.

(5) Section 8688 of title 10, United States Code.

(6) Subsections (a)-(c) of section 804 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4356).

(7) Section 822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (Public Law 104-106; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3201).

(8) Section 892 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. 3201 note).

(9) Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136; 10 U.S.C. 3201 note).

(10) Section 823 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 3204 note).

(11) Section 802 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 3206 note).

(12) Section 3208 of title 10, United States Code.

(13) Section 852 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(14) Subsections (a)-(f) of section 866 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(15) Section 143 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(16) Section 254 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(17) Section 886 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(18) Section 851 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(19) Section 314 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(20) Section 826 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106-398; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(21) Section 806 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105-261; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).

(22) Section 368 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81; 10 U.S.C. 3303 note).

(23) Section 875 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3344 ).

(24) Section 816 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3344).

(25) Section 3373 of title 10, United States Code.

(26) Section 883 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 10 U.S.C. 3372 note).

(27) Section 3455 of title 10, United States Code.

(28) Section 3678 of title 10, United States Code.

(29) Section 133 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314; 10 U.S.C. 3678 note).

(30) Section 891 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 3804 note).

(31) Section 380 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note).

(32) Section 1056 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note).

(33) Section 1603 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113-66; 10 U.S.C. 4007 note).

(34) Section 1089 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 10 U.S.C. 4025 note).

(35) Section 812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106-65; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061).

(36) Section 235 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 10 U.S.C. 4126 note).

(37) Section 227 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4141).

(38) Section 252 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4141).

(39) Section 1043 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 10 U.S.C. 4174 note).

(40) Section 828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4201).

(41) Section 1252 of the Defense Procurement Reform Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-525; 10 U.S.C. 4205 note).

(42) Section 812 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4211).

(43) Section 806 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4211).

(44) Section 818 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109-364; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4231).

(45) Section 802(d)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 10 U.S.C. 4251 note).

(46) Section 4271 of title 10, United States Code.

(47) Section 814 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 10 U.S.C. 4271 note).

(48) Section 925(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 10 U.S.C. 4271 note).

(49) Section 812 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109-364; 10 U.S.C. 4325 note).

(50) Section 4423 of title 10, United States Code.

(51) Section 831(b) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501).

(52) Section 863(a)-(h) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501).

(53) Section 832 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109-364; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501).

(54) Section 883(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4571).

(55) Section 938 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113-66; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4571).

(56) Section 1272 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).

(57) Section 2867 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).

(58) Section 215 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).

(59) Section 881 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).

(60) Section 804 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).

(61) Chapter 345 of title 10, United States Code.

(62) Section 378 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).

(63) Section 846(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 4811 note).

(64) Section 932 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note).

(65) Section 849 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 131 Stat. 1487).

(66) Section 804 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 2402).

(67) Section 881 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4601).

(68) Section 802 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3062).

(69) Section 913 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (Public Law 99-145; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3201).

(70) Section 821 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3451).

(71) Section 824(a) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. 3774 note).

(72) Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3451).

(73) Section 844(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 10 U.S.C. 3453 note).

(74) Section 238(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. 4841 note).

(75) Subtitle D of title II of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163; 119 Stat. 3175).

(76) Section 214 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. 4841 note).

(77) Section 218 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 8013 note).

(78) Section 229 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note).

(79) Section 232 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note).

(80) Section 222 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. 4014 note).

(81) Section 230 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061).

(82) Section 843 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4171).

(83) Section 938 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113-66; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4571).

(84) Section 1651 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).

(85) Section 1064 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).

(86) Section 854 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).

SEC. 869. ENHANCEMENT OF DEFENSE SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE AND SECONDARY SOURCE QUALIFICATION.

Section 865 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 4811 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)—

(A) in paragraph (2), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph

(4); and

(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:

“(3) produce all critical readiness parts and systems, including those identified as having sole-source dependencies, excessive lead times, unreasonable pricing, or other supply chain deficiencies; and”;

(2) in subsection (d)—

(A) in paragraph (7), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(B) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(9) the Department of Defense avoids duplication of review processes for the approval of aircraft parts and components and repairs that have already been approved by a civil aviation authority under a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) or Designated Engineering Representative (DER) spare or repair certification and approval processes unless a written justification is approved by the commander of a systems command of a military service and reported to the congressional defense committees.”;

(3) by redesignating subsections (f) through (j) as subsections (g) through (k), respectively;

(4) by inserting after subsection (e) insert the following new subsection:

“(f) Expedited Qualification Panels.—Each military department shall establish an Expedited Qualification Panel (EQP). The EQP shall develop standardized templates for Source Approval Requests (SARs) and review expedited SARs or PMAs within 14 days, issuing conditional approvals (valid for 12 months) or full approvals based on tiered risk criteria, and leverage designated engineering representatives or equivalent third-party certified engineers when appropriate.”; and

(5) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(l) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘critical readiness parts and systems’ has the meaning given the term in section 4324 of title 10, United States Code.

“(2) The term ‘non-safety critical items, or non-mission critical items’ includes the following items:

“(A) Major risk parts or systems whose failure causes structural damage or significant mission degradation and requires finite element modeling, fracture analysis, comparison to similar parts, or similar methods.

“(B) Minor risk parts and systems that only have form, fit, and function requirements verified by dimensional coordinate measuring machines, go/no-go gauges, or similar methods.

“(C) Low risk parts and systems that are consumable or non-critical, requiring material certification, visual inspections, or similar methods.

“(3) The term ‘safety critical items or mission critical items’ means parts or systems whose failure causes loss of control, catastrophic failure, or loss of life, and require full qualification, simulation, and physical testing with Engineering Support Activity witnessing.”.

SEC. 870. ENHANCED PRODUCT SUPPORT MANAGEMENT FOR INTEGRATED SUSTAINMENT OF WEAPON SYSTEMS.

(a) In General.—Section 4324 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(1)—

(A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting “in coordination with operational commands and users” after “appropriate metrics”; and

(B) by striking subparagraph (I) and redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (I);

(2) in subsection (c)—

(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

“(1) Requirement.—The Secretary of Defense shall require that each covered system be supported by a product support manager that shall integrate sustainment activities across the Portfolio Acquisition Executive, materiel and systems commands, sustainment working capital funds, and other elements of the sustainment enterprise by establishing a coordinated process to ensure weapon system readiness and affordability throughout the lifecycle.”;

(B) in paragraph (2) by striking subparagraphs (B) through (I) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:

“(B) adopt predictive analytics and simulation and modeling tools to improve material availability and reliability, increase operational availability rates, and reduce operation and sustainment costs;

“(C) select, transfer, direct, and coordinate product support integrators and product support providers across materiel commands, depots, sustainment working capital funds, and commercial entities to execute the product support strategy and maintain updated parts cataloging and provisioning;

“(D) review and recommend resource allocations across product support integrators and product support providers to meet performance requirements of the product support strategy;

“(E) prevent and resolve all diminishing manufacturing supply and material shortages and critical readiness parts and systems issues;

“(F) manage the end-to-end coordination of qualification, certification, and test of alternative sources of supply;

“(G) ensure evaluation of offerors on a solicitation includes—

“(i) a parts selection plan that enables interoperability, maintainability, and commercially supportable designs;

“(ii) updated logistics product data and maintenance manuals; and

“(iii) data rights and data ordering consistent with the intellectual property management plan in the life cycle sustainment plan;

“(H) inspect, accept, and manage data deliveries and conformance of such data with configuration changes in consultation with Defense Contract Management Agency; and

“(I) update the product support strategy continuously as required, at a minimum every five years.”; and

(C) by adding at the end the following paragraphs:

“(3) Organization.—Each Portfolio Acquisition Executive shall establish a Major Program Manager to manage sustainment activities for in-service systems and oversee all product support managers of covered systems to ensure an expert focus on sustainment.

“(4) Career management.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a formal career path for product support managers, including selection criteria, training programs, and certification requirements, aligned with the standards set forth in chapter 87 of this title. Product support managers shall be selected from military and civilian personnel with demonstrated expertise in sustainment, logistics, supply chain, or engineering, and incentivized with career progression opportunities equivalent to acquisition program managers.

“(5) Liaison officer program.—Each sustainment working capital fund entity shall establish a liaison officer program to serve as the dedicated point of contract to align working capital fund management with product support manager activities for all covered systems.”; and

(3) in subsection (d)—

(A) in paragraph (5) by inserting “any acquisition or in-service program that is” after “The term ‘covered system’ means”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(9) Critical readiness parts and systems.—The term ‘critical readiness parts and systems’ means all parts and systems causing parts causing Mission Impaired Capability Awaiting Parts (MICAP), Not Mission Capable Supply (NMCS), or Casualty Report (CASREP) Category 3 or 4 status, as defined by the Department of Defense and respective military services, or other parts or systems designated by the Secretary of Defense as impacting readiness.”.

SEC. 871. MODIFICATIONS TO CURRENT DEFENSE ACQUISITION REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Modifications to Title 10.—Title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in section 1749(f)(1), by striking “on a reimbursable basis”;

(2) in section 2222(i)(1)(A)—

(A) in clause (vi), by adding “or real estate system” after “An installations management”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new clauses:

“(ix) A budget system.

“(x) A retail system.

“(xi) A health care system.

“(xii) A travel and expense system.

“(xiii) A payroll system.

“(xiv) A supply chain management system.

“(xv) A enterprise resource planning system.

“(xvi) A contractor management system.”;

(3) in section 3012(3)(B), by striking “lowest overall cost alternative” and inserting “best value”;

(4) in section 3069—

(A) in subsection (a), by striking “if that head of an agency” and all that follows through “a complete end item”;

(B) by striking subsections (b) and (d); and

(C) by redesignating—

(i) subsection (c) as subsection (b); and

(ii) subsection (e) as subsection (c);

(5) in section 3204(e)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:

“(B) the justification is approved—

“(i) in the case of a contract for an amount exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (but not more than $100,000,000)—

“(I) by the competition advocate for the contracting activity (without further delegation); or

“(II) by an official referred to in clause (ii) or (iii);

“(ii) in the case of a contract for an amount exceeding $100,000,000 (but not more than $500,000,000)—

“(I) by the head of the contracting activity (without further delegation);

“(II) by an official referred to in clause (iii); or

“(III) for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Defense Innovation Unit, or the Missile Defense Agency, by the director of the agency; or

“(iii) in the case of a contract for an amount exceeding $500,000,000—

“(I) by the senior procurement executive for the agency as designated for the purpose of section 1702(c) of title 41 (without further delegation);

“(II) in the case of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, acting in the capacity as the senior procurement executive for the Department of Defense, by the delegate of the Under Secretary as designated pursuant to paragraph (6); or

“(III) for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Defense Innovation Unit, or the Missile Defense Agency, by the director of the agency; and”; and

(B) in paragraph (6)—

(i) by striking “(A) The authority of the head” and all that follows through “(B) The authority of the Under Secretary” and inserting “The authority of the Under Secretary”;

(ii) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; and

(iii) by redesignating subclauses (I) and

(II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;

(6) in section 3226(d), by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:

“(2) Funds described in paragraph (1) may be used—

“(A) to cover any increased program costs identified by a revised cost analysis or target developed pursuant to subsection (b);

“(B) to acquire additional end items in accordance with section 3069 of this title; or

“(C) to cover the cost of risk reduction and process improvements.”;

(7) in section 3243(d)—

(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking “subject to paragraph (2),”;

(B) by striking paragraph (2); and

(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph

(2);

(8) in section 3374(a)—

(A) in the heading, by striking “Certain Reduced” after “Allowed Profit to Reflect”;

(B) in paragraph (1), by striking “and”;

(C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting “; and”; and

(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) the increased cost risk of the contractor with respect to any costs incurred prior to the award of the undefinitized contractual action when such costs—

“(A) would otherwise have been directly chargeable under the contract post-award; and

“(B) were incurred to meet—

“(i) the anticipated contract delivery schedule of the agency; or

“(ii) the anticipated contract price targets of the agency.”;

(9) in section 3703(a)(1)(A), by striking “competition that results in at least two or more responsive and viable competing bids” and inserting “price competition”;

(10) in section 3705, by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

“(b) Alternative Sources Required.—In the event the contracting officer is unable to determine proposed prices are fair and reasonable by any other means, an offeror who fails to make a good faith effort to comply with a reasonable request to submit data in accordance with subsection (a) is ineligible for award unless the head of the agency initiates the assessment of the offeror as a source of supply for industrial capabilities under the authorities provided by sections 865 and 882 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159).”;

(11) in section 4201—

(A) in subsection (a)(2)—

(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking “$300,000,000 (based on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)” and inserting “$1,000,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024 constant dollars)”; and

(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking “$1,800,000,000 (based on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)” and inserting “$5,000,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024 constant dollars)”; and

(B) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) An acquisition program for software and covered hardware as described by section 3603 of this title.”;

(12) in section 4882, by striking “the President, through the head of any department,” each place it appears and inserting “the Secretary of Defense”; and

(13) in section 4884, by striking “The President” and inserting “The Secretary of Defense”.

(14) in section 4231—

(A) by striking subsection (a);

(B) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively;

(C) by inserting before subsection (c), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following new subsections:

“(a) Conditions With Respect to Certain Low-rate Initial Production.—(1) The number of low-rate initial production lots associated with a major defense acquisition program may not be more than one if—

“(A) the milestone decision authority authorized the use of a fixed-price type contract at the time of Milestone B approval; and

“(B) the scope of the work covered by the fixed-price type contract includes the development and the low-rate initial production of items for the major defense acquisition program.

“(2) The acquisition executive of the applicable service, or a designee of the executive, may waive the limitation under paragraph (1) if—

“(A) the waiver authority is not delegated to the contracting officer; and

“(B) written notification of the waiver, which includes the associated rationale, is provided to the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after the date on which the waiver is issued.

“(b) Conditions With Respect to Certain Shipbuilding Contracts.—

(1) With respect to a fixed-price type contract for the procurement of shipbuilding associated with a major defense acquisition program, the number of ships to be procured under the contract, including all options, may not be more than two ships if the scope of the work covered by the contract includes the detail design for the ship and the construction of items for the launch and eventual delivery of the completed ship.

“(2) The Secretary concerned may waive the limitation under paragraph (1) if, not later than 30 days after the date on which the waiver is issued, the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a written notification of the waiver that includes a certification that the basic and functional design of any ship to be procured under the contract described in paragraph (1) is complete.”; and

(D) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(e) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘basic and functional design’ has the meaning given such term in section 8669c of this title.

“(2) The term ‘construction’ means steel cutting, module fabrication, assembly, outfitting, keel laying, and module erection.

“(3) The term ‘detail design’ means design using computer- aided modeling to enable the generation of work instructions that show detailed system information and support construction, including—

“(A) guidance for subcontractors and suppliers;

“(B) installation drawings;

“(C) schedules;

“(D) material lists; and

“(E) lists of prefabricated materials and parts.

“(4) The term ‘major defense acquisition program’ has the meaning given such term in section 4201 of this title.

“(5) The term ‘Milestone B approval’ has the meaning given such term in section 4172 of this title.

“(6) The term ‘milestone decision authority’ has the meaning given such term in section 4211 of this title.”.

(b) Modifications to National Defense Authorization Acts.—

(1) John s. mccain national defense authorization act for fiscal year 2019.—Section 890 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115- 232; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3701) is amended—

(A) in the heading, by striking “pilot”;

(B) by striking “pilot” each place it appears;

(C) in subsection (b)(2), by striking “minimal reporting” and inserting “no unique reporting”; and

(D) by striking subsections (c) and (d).

(2) Servicemember quality of life improvement and national defense authorization act for fiscal year 2025.—Section 864(d) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-

159) is amended—

(A) in the subsection heading, by striking “Capacity-Based” and inserting “Capability-Based”; and

(B) in paragraph (4), by striking “increased capacity” and inserting “increased capability”.

SEC. 872. MINIMUM PRODUCTION LEVELS FOR MUNITIONS.

Section 222c of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) The minimum production levels.”;

(2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and

(3) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection:

“(f) Minimum Production Levels.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the chiefs of staff of the armed forces, shall annually determine the minimum production level for each variant of munitions required to meet the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement reported under subsection (a)(1).

“(2) The minimum production level for each munition shall be calculated based on the Total Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement, as specified in subsection (c)(6), and shall account for the following:

“(A) The inventory objective requirements for each category listed in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (c) and paragraph (8) of such subsection.

“(B) The out-year worldwide inventory reported under subsection (c)(7).

“(C) The time required to meet the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement, as reported pursuant to paragraphs

(1) and (2) of subsection (e).

“(3) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the minimum production levels determined under this subsection are incorporated into the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process of the Department of Defense to align munitions procurement with the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement.”.

SEC. 873. PROCESSES FOR INCENTIVIZING CONTRACTOR EXPANSION OF SOURCES OF SUPPLY.

(a) In General.—For critical readiness parts and systems, the Secretary of Defense shall enhance military readiness by incentivizing the design activity to expand sources of supply for critical readiness parts and systems, through expedited qualification processes, advanced manufacturing techniques, and risk-informed certification.

(b) Contractual Requirements for Supplier Diversification.—

(1) Requirement.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all new or modified contracts with a prime contractor shall include contracting incentives to expand sources of supply with each design activity at any tier of the supply chain for systems with critical readiness parts and systems.

(2) Mandatory amsc reclassification.—For any identified critical readiness part or system, the design activity shall, not later than 60 days after notification by the Department of Defense, conduct a review and propose reclassification of the Acquisition Method Suffix Code (AMSC) to reduce sole-source dependency for any part or system with a lead time greater than, unless the Secretary of Defense grants a waiver based on national security or operational necessity.

(3) Implementation.—The design activity shall submit supplier diversification plans not later than 90 days after contract award, detailing proposed supplier qualifications and projected benefits.

(4) Enforcement.—Noncompliance shall result in corrective action requests, reduced contractor performance ratings, or contract termination.

(c) Expedited Qualification.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall expedite qualification procedures for critical readiness parts and systems in collaboration with the design activity at any tier of the contract supply chain.

(2) Delegation.—The Secretary of Defense may delegate authority to designated engineering representatives (DERs) of the Federal Aviation Administration or equivalent third-party certified engineers for specific tasks for parts approved through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) processes.

(d) Enhanced Use of Simulation for Certification.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall mandate the use of simulation-based verification for certifying critical readiness parts and systems, reducing reliance on physical testing for non-safety critical items, or non-mission critical items, as those terms are defined in section 865 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 4811 note).

(2) Submission of simulation-based evidence.—Design activities or DERs shall submit to the Department upon request simulation-based evidence, such as structural/strength analysis reports and fault trees.

(3) Acceptance of simulation-based evidence.—Engineering Support Activities (ESAs) shall accept simulation data as primary evidence for non-safety critical items, or non-mission critical items, with conditional approvals issued within 14 days for critical readiness parts and systems.

(4) Simulation validation framework.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a Department-wide simulation validation framework incorporating third-party lab testing.

(e) Data Rights Enforcement and Reverse Engineering.—If a design activity is unwilling or unable to initiate expedited qualification or source alternative suppliers for critical readiness parts and systems within 30 days of notification, the Secretary of Defense shall—

(1) review and enforce government access to technical data deliverables to enable alternative sourcing under subchapter I of chapter 275 of title 10, United States Code; or

(2) initiate reverse engineering to qualify new suppliers using the pilot program established under section 882 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 3771 note).

(f) Report.—Not later than December 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees report detailing—

(1) the number of critical readiness parts and systems addressed through AMSC reclassification, supplier diversification, and reverse engineering;

(2) the implementation status of expedited templates, simulation use, and fast-track processes;

(3) compliance by design activities, including enforcement actions and data rights disputes; and

(4) the impact on critical readiness parts and system resolution times and readiness metrics.

(g) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term “critical readiness parts and systems” has the meaning given the term in section 4324 of title 10, United States Code.

(2) The term “design activity” has the meaning given the term in Revision C to Military Standard 31000 (MIL-STD-31000C), entitled “Technical Data Packages”, or successor document.

SEC. 874. DUTY-FREE ENTRY OF SUPPLIES PROCURED BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Issuance of Duty-free Entry Certificates.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided by paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall issue a duty-free entry certificate for any of the following supplies imported pursuant to a procurement contract entered into by the Department of Defense:

(A) An end product or component imported from a country with which the United States has a memorandum of understanding for reciprocal procurement of defense items in effect under section 4851 of title 10, United States Code.

(B) A defense item that is an eligible product as defined in section 308 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2518).

(2) Exceptions.—Paragraph (1) does not apply with respect to a product or component described in that paragraph if—

(A) the product or component is eligible for duty- free treatment under the column 1 special rate of duty column of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States; or

(B) the product or component has already entered the customs territory of the United States and the contractor already has paid the duty with respect to the product or component.

(b) Tracking of Supply Chain.—The Secretary shall—

(1) track the impact of economic fluctuations, include tariffs, supply chain disruptions and inflation, on all major prime contracts entered into by the Department of Defense; and

(2) not later than January 30, 2026, submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—

(A) an assessment of cost increases to both the Department and contractors as a result of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. 1862);

(B) an assessment of the effects of such tariffs on supply chains and lead times for major defense platforms; and

(C) a summary of agreements entered into under section 4851 of title 10, United States Code, and an assessment of the application of those agreements to the defense supply chain.

(c) Report on Duty-free Entry Certificates.—Not later than January 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until January 30, 2030, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on articles classified under subheading 9808.00.30 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that includes—

(1) a summary of such articles for which the Secretary issued a duty-free entry certificate; and

(2) a summary of such articles for which a duty-free entry certificate was requested and denied.

SEC. 875. OTHER TRANSACTION AUTHORITY REPORTING.

Any project carried out by the Department of Defense using other transaction authority under section 4021 of title 10, United States Code, shall be reported in the same manner as other Department of Defense expenditures for inclusion in the searchable public website established by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note; Public Law 109-282).

SEC. 876. ASSESSMENT OF COMPETITIVE EFFECTS OF DEFENSE CONTRACTOR TRANSACTIONS.

(a) Definition.—In this section, the term “Department” means the Department of Defense.

(b) Retrospective Reviews of Approved Mergers.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the competitive effects of defense contractor mergers and acquisitions during the 10-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act that includes—

(1) company compliance with recommended remedies;

(2) effectiveness of remedies to address competition concerns, industrial base sustainability, and national security risks raised by the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Department in the merger review process;

(3) information sharing between the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and the Department in the merger and acquisition review process;

(4) Department processes for measuring the impacts of vertical integration on competition, including data collection and ability to access industry information to assess anticompetitive practices; and

(5) implementation of previous Government Accountability Office, Department, and Defense Science Board recommendations to enhance competition.

SEC. 877. EVALUATION OF TP-LINK TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT FOR DESIGNATION AS COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES.

(a) Evaluation Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall evaluate telecommunications equipment and services manufactured or provided by TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries to determine whether such equipment and services should be designated as covered telecommunications equipment or services under section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.).

(b) Briefing Required.—Not later than December 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on the determination made under subsection (a).

SEC. 878. COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERIC DRUGS PURCHASED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

The Department of Defense may not procure for resale any generic drug unless the seller of such generic drug discloses the country the generic drug was manufactured in and the country of origin for all active pharmaceutical ingredients and key starting materials.

SEC. 879. PHASE-OUT OF COMPUTER AND PRINTER ACQUISITIONS INVOLVING ENTITIES OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY CHINA.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may not directly or indirectly acquire any computer or printer if the manufacturer is a covered Chinese entity.

(b) Prohibition on Indirect Sales.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the prohibition under subsection (a) also applies to indirect sales through exempt subsidiaries. No covered entity may use an exempt subsidiary to circumvent the prohibition on the acquisition of computers, unified communication devices, or printers.

(c) Applicability.—This section shall apply only with respect to contracts or other agreements entered into, renewed, or extended in accordance with the percentage thresholds specified in subsection (d), for end user computing devices such as laptops, desktops, and other physical computing equipment. This section shall not apply to contracts or other agreements for cloud-based services, including virtual desktops, or cellular telephones.

(d) Required Percentages.—The percentage thresholds referred to in subsection (c) are, for both computers and printers, as follows:

(1) Not less than 10 percent of the Department’s total procurement beginning in fiscal year 2026.

(2) Not less than 25 percent of the Department’s total procurement beginning in fiscal year 2027.

(3) Not less than 50 percent of the Department’s total procurement beginning in fiscal year 2028.

(4) 100 percent of the Department’s total procurement beginning in fiscal year 2029.

(e) Waiver.—The Secretary of Defense may allow acquisition of items not for operational use, to conduct testing, evaluation, exfiltration, and reverse engineering missions on adversarial products and capabilities.

(f) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Computer.—The term “computer”—

(A) 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

(B) does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable handheld calculator, or other similar device.

(2) Country of concern.—The term “country of concern” means the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

(3) Covered chinese entity.—The term “covered Chinese 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—

(A) an entity whose ultimate parent company is domiciled in the People’s Republic of China and therefore required to comply with China’s 2015 National Security Law, China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, and other Chinese laws that require such ultimate parent company to cooperate with Chinese national defense and national intelligence agencies; or

(B) an entity or parent company of any entity in which a country of concern has an ownership stake.

(4) Manufacturer.—The term “manufacturer” means—

(A) the entity that transforms raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item;

(B) any entity that subcontracts with the entity described in subparagraph (A) for the entity described in such subparagraph to transform raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item;

(C) any entity that otherwise directs the entity described in subparagraph (A) to transform raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item; or

(D) any parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate of the entity described in subparagraph (A).

(5) Printer.—The term “printer”—

(A) means desktop printers, multifunction printer copiers, and printer/fax combinations taken out of service that may or may not be designed to reside on a work surface, and include various print technologies, including laser and light-emitting diode (electrographic), ink jet, dot matrix, thermal, and digital sublimation, and “multi-function” or “all- in-one” devices that perform different tasks, including copying, scanning, faxing, and printing;

(B) includes floor-standing printers, printers with optional floor stand, or household printers; and

(C) does not include point of sale (POS) receipt printers, calculators with printing capabilities, label makers, or non-standalone printers that are embedded into products that are not covered by the definition in subparagraphs (A) and (B).

SEC. 880. PROHIBITION ON OPERATION, PROCUREMENT, AND CONTRACTING RELATED TO FOREIGN-MADE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING MACHINES.

(a) Prohibition on Agency Operation or Procurement.—The Secretary of Defense may not operate, or enter into or renew a contract for the procurement of—

(1) a covered additive manufacturing machine that—

(A) is manufactured in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country;

(B) uses operating software developed in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or

(C) uses network connectivity or data storage located in or administered by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or

(2) a system or systems that incorporates, interfaces with, or otherwise uses additive manufacturing systems or machines described in paragraph (1).

(b) Exception.—The prohibition under subsection (a) does not apply to the operation or procurement of additive manufacturing systems or machines for the purposes of testing, analysis, and training related to intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare operations.

(c) Waiver.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by certifying in writing to the congressional defense committees that the operation or procurement of additive manufacturing systems or machines is required in the national interest of the United States.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Additive manufacturing machine.—The term “additive manufacturing machine” means a system of integrated hardware and software used to realize an additive manufacturing process, including the deposition of material and the associated post- processing steps as applicable.

(2) Additive manufacturing process.—The term “additive manufacturing process” means a process of joining materials to make parts from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies.

(3) Covered additive manufacturing company.—The term “covered additive manufacturing company” means any of the following:

(A) Any entity that produces or provides additive manufacturing machines and is included on—

(i) the Consolidated Screening List maintained by the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce; or

(ii) the civil-military fusion list maintained under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).

(B) Any entity that produces or provides additive manufacturing machines and—

(i) is domiciled in a covered foreign country; or

(ii) 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.

(4) Covered additive manufacturing machine.—The term “covered additive manufacturing machine” means additive manufacturing machines and any related services and equipment manufactured by a covered additive manufacturing company.

(5) Covered foreign country.—The term “covered foreign country” means the People’s Republic of China, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation.

SEC. 881. PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH CERTAIN BIOTECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS.

(a) In General.—The head of an executive agency may not—

(1) procure or obtain any biotechnology equipment or service produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern; or

(2) enter into a contract or extend or renew a contract with any entity that—

(A) uses biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern and acquired after the applicable effective date in subsection (c) in performance of the contract with the executive agency; or

(B) enters into any contract the performance of which such entity knows or has reason to believe will require, in performance of the contract with the executive agency, the use of biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern and acquired after the applicable effective date in subsection (c).

(b) Prohibition on Loan and Grant Funds.—The head of an executive agency may not obligate or expend loan or grant funds to, and a loan or grant recipient may not use loan or grant funds to—

(1) procure, obtain, or use any biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern; or

(2) enter into a contract or extend or renew a contract with an entity described in subsection (a)(2).

(c) Effective Dates.—

(1) Certain entities.—With respect to the biotechnology companies of concern covered by subsection (f)(2)(A), the prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect 60 days after the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised pursuant to subsection (h).

(2) Other entities.—With respect to the biotechnology companies of concern covered by subsection (f)(2)(B), the prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect 180 days after the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised pursuant to subsection (h).

(3) Rules of construction.—

(A) Exclusions.—Prior to the date that is 5 years after a revision to the Federal Acquisition Regulation pursuant to subsection (h) that identifies a biotechnology company of concern covered by subsection

(f)(2), subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) shall not apply to biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided under a contract or agreement, including previously negotiated contract options, entered into before the effective date under paragraph (2).

(B) Safe harbor.—The term “biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern” shall not be construed to refer to any biotechnology equipment or services that were formerly, but are no longer, produced or provided by biotechnology companies of concern.

(d) Waiver Authorities.—

(1) Specific biotechnology exception.—

(A) Waiver.—The head of the applicable executive agency may waive the prohibition under subsections (a) and (b) on a case-by-case basis—

(i) with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense; and

(ii) if such head submits a notification and justification to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 30 days after granting such waiver.

(B) Duration.—

(i) In general.—Except as provided in clause (ii), a waiver granted under subparagraph (A) shall last for a period of not more than 365 days.

(ii) Extension.—The head of the applicable executive agency, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, may extend a waiver granted under subparagraph (A) one time, for a period up to 180 days after the date on which the waiver would otherwise expire, if such an extension is in the national security interests of the United States and if such head submits a notification and justification to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 10 days after granting such waiver extension.

(2) Overseas health care services.—The head of an executive agency may waive the prohibitions under subsections

(a) and (b) with respect to a contract, subcontract, or transaction for the acquisition or provision of health care services overseas on a case-by-case basis—

(A) if the head of such executive agency determines that the waiver is—

(i) necessary to support the mission or activities of the employees of such executive agency described in subsection (e)(2)(A); and

(ii) in the interest of the United States;

(B) with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense; and

(C) if such head submits a notification and justification to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 30 days after granting such waiver.

(e) Exceptions.—The prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to—

(1) any activity subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States;

(2) the acquisition or provision of health care services overseas for—

(A) employees of the United States, including members of the uniformed services (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code), whose official duty stations are located overseas or are on permissive temporary duty travel overseas; or

(B) employees of contractors or subcontractors of the United States—

(i) who are performing under a contract that directly supports the missions or activities of individuals described in subparagraph (A); and

(ii) whose primary duty stations are located overseas or are on permissive temporary duty travel overseas;

(3) the acquisition, use, or distribution of human multiomic data, lawfully compiled, that is commercially or publicly available; or

(4) the procurement of medical countermeasures, medical products, and related supplies, including ancillary medical supplies, in direct response to a public health emergency declared pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d).

(f) Evaluation of Certain Biotechnology Entities.—

(1) Entity consideration.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall publish a list of the entities that constitute biotechnology companies of concern based on a list of suggested entities that shall be provided by the Secretary of Defense in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director.

(2) Biotechnology companies of concern defined.—In this section, the term “biotechnology company of concern” means—

(A) an entity that is identified in 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 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3965; 10 U.S.C. 113 note);

(B) any entity that is determined by the process established in paragraph (1) to meet the following criteria—

(i) is subject to the administrative governance structure, direction, control, or operates on behalf of the government of a foreign adversary;

(ii) is to any extent involved in the manufacturing, distribution, provision, or procurement of a biotechnology equipment or service; and

(iii) poses a risk to the national security of the United States based on—

(I) engaging in joint research with, being supported by, or being affiliated with a foreign adversary’s military, internal security forces, or intelligence agencies;

(II) providing multiomic data obtained via biotechnology equipment or services to the government of a foreign adversary; or

(III) obtaining human multiomic data via the biotechnology equipment or services without express and informed consent; and

(C) any subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or successor of an entity described in subparagraphs (A) or (B), provided it meets the criteria set forth in subparagraph (B)(i).

(3) Guidance.—Not later than 180 days after publication of the list pursuant to paragraph (1), and any update to the list pursuant to paragraph (4), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director, shall establish guidance as necessary to implement the requirements of this section.

(4) Updates.—The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with or based on a recommendation provided by the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director, shall periodically, though not less than annually, review and, as appropriate, modify the list of biotechnology companies of concern, and notify the appropriate congressional committees of any such modifications.

(5) Notice of a designation and review.—

(A) In general.—A notice of a designation as a biotechnology company of concern under paragraph (2)(B) shall be issued to any biotechnology company of concern named in the designation—

(i) advising that a designation has been made;

(ii) identifying the criteria relied upon under such subparagraph and, to the extent consistent with national security and law enforcement interests, the information that formed the basis for the designation;

(iii) advising that, within 90 days after receipt of notice, the biotechnology company of concern may submit information and arguments in opposition to the designation;

(iv) describing the procedures governing the review and possible issuance of a designation pursuant to paragraph (1); and

(v) where practicable, identifying mitigation steps that could be taken by the biotechnology company of concern that may result in the rescission of the designation.

(B) Congressional notification requirements.—

(i) Notice of designation.—The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit the notice required under subparagraph

(A) to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.

(ii) Information and argument in opposition to designations.—Not later than 7 days after receiving any information and arguments in opposition to a designation pursuant to subparagraph (A)(iii), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit such information to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.

(6) No immediate public release.—Any designation made under paragraph (1) or paragraph (4) shall not be made publicly available until the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with appropriate agencies, reviews all information submitted under paragraph (5)(A)(iii) and issues a final determination that a company shall remain listed as a biotechnology company of concern.

(g) Evaluation of National Security Risks Posed by Foreign Adversary Acquisition of American Multiomic Data.—

(1) Assessment.—Not later than 270 days after the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General of the United States, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director, shall complete an assessment of risks to national security posed by human multiomic data from United States citizens that is collected or stored by a foreign adversary from the provision of biotechnology equipment or services.

(2) Report requirement.—Not later than 30 days after the completion of the assessment developed under paragraph (1), the Director of National Intelligence shall submit a report with such assessment to the appropriate congressional committees.

(3) Form.—The report required under paragraph (2) shall be in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(h) Regulations.—Not later than one year after the date of establishment of guidance required under subsection (f)(3), and as necessary for subsequent updates, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall revise the Federal Acquisition Regulation as necessary to implement the requirements of this section.

(i) Reporting on Intelligence on Nefarious Activities of Biotechnology Companies With Human Multiomic Data.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the heads of executive agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on any intelligence in possession of such agencies related to nefarious activities conducted by biotechnology companies with human multiomic data. The report shall include information pertaining to potential threats to national security or public safety from the selling, reselling, licensing, trading, transferring, sharing, or otherwise providing or making available to any foreign country of any forms of multiomic data of a United States citizen.

(j) No Additional Funds.—No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out this section.

(k) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Appropriate congressional committees.—The term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party of the House of Representatives.

(2) Biotechnology equipment or service.—The term “biotechnology equipment or service” means—

(A) equipment, including genetic sequencers, or any other instrument, apparatus, machine, or device, including components and accessories thereof, that is designed for use in the research, development, production, or analysis of biological materials as well as any software, firmware, or other digital components that are specifically designed for use in, and necessary for the operation of, such equipment;

(B) any service for the research, development, production, analysis, detection, or provision of information, including data storage and transmission related to biological materials, including—

(i) advising, consulting, or support services with respect to the use or implementation of an instrument, apparatus, machine, or device described in subparagraph

(A); and

(ii) disease detection, genealogical information, and related services; and

(C) any other service, instrument, apparatus, machine, component, accessory, device, software, or firmware that is designed for use in the research, development, production, or analysis of biological materials that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the heads of executive agencies, as determined appropriate by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, determines appropriate in the interest of national security.

(3) Contract.—Except as the term is used under subsection

(b)(2) and subsection (c)(3), the term “contract” means any contract subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation issued under section 1303(a)(1) of title 41, United States Code.

(4) Control.—The term “control” has the meaning given to that term in section 800.208 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulations.

(5) Executive agency.—The term “executive agency” has the meaning given the term “Executive agency” in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.

(6) Foreign adversary.—The term “foreign adversary” has the meaning given the term “covered nation” in section 4872(f) of title 10, United States Code.

(7) Multiomic.—The term “multiomic” means data types that include genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.

(8) Overseas.—The term “overseas” means any area outside of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession of the United States.

SEC. 882. SKYFOUNDRY PROGRAM.

(a) Establishment.—

(1) Program required.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to encourage the rapid development, testing, and scalable manufacturing of small unmanned aircraft systems and components, with potential expansion to associated energetics and other autonomous systems as determined by the Secretary, leveraging existing competencies within the commercial sector and the Department of Defense organic industrial base.

(2) Designation.—The program established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be known as the “SkyFoundry Program” (in this section the “Program”).

(3) Administration.—The Secretary of Defense shall—

(A) administer the Program through the Secretary of the Army; and

(B) establish the Program as part of the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium.

(b) Alternative Acquisition Mechanism.—In carrying out the Program, the Secretary of Defense shall prioritize alternative acquisition mechanisms to accelerate development and production, including—

(1) other transaction authority under section 4022 of title 10, United States Code;

(2) middle tier of acquisition pathway for rapid prototyping and rapid fielding as authorized by section 3602 of such title; and

(3) software acquisition pathway as authorized by section 3603 of such title.

(c) Components.—The Program shall have two components as follows:

(1) Innovation facility.—An innovation facility for the development of small unmanned aircraft systems. The facility may be operated by United States Special Operations Command in collaboration with United States Army Materiel Command, serving as the research, development, and testing hub, integrating lessons learned from global conflicts to rapidly evolve United States small unmanned aircraft systems designs in partnership with contractor entities.

(2) Production facility.—The Commander of United States Army Materiel Command shall identify a production facility with the competencies for producing various forms of small unmanned aircraft systems and components of small unmanned aircraft systems. The facility shall be operated by United States Army Materiel Command in collaboration with industry partners to enable scalable production as needed.

(d) Public-private Partnership Model.—To support the Program, the Secretary may leverage authorities, including section 2474 of title 10, United States Code, to foster voluntary public-private partnerships. Such partnerships may include—

(1) agreements with private industry, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations in support of the Program; and

(2) innovative arrangements that allow industry partners to utilize government facilities and equipment, such as co-located hybrid teams of military, civilian, and contractor personnel, to promote technology transfer, workforce development, and surge capacity.

(e) Facilities and Infrastructure.—

(1) In general.—In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall prioritize utilizing or modifying existing Army Depot facilities and select at least two separate sites for the Program, one to house the innovation facility required by paragraph (1) of subsection (c) and one to house the production facility required by paragraph (2) of such subsection.

(2) Authority to renovate, expand, and construct.—The Secretary may renovate, expand, or construct facilities for the Program using available funds, notwithstanding chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code.

(3) Selection of sites.—When selecting sites for the Program, the Secretary shall consider that the production facility required by subsection (c)(2) shall be housed at an existing Army Depot.

(f) Intellectual Property Rights.—The Secretary shall ensure that any public-private partnership established under this section provides the United States delivery of technical data and rights in technical data for any systems or technologies developed under the Program using Federal Government funding in accordance with sections 3771 through 3775 of title 10, United States Code.

(g) Defense Production Act Designation.—The President (or the Secretary of Defense under delegated authority) may use authorities under title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4531 et seq.) to support domestic industrial base capacity for small unmanned aircraft systems and associated energetics and autonomous systems.

TITLE IX—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related Matters

SEC. 901. ECONOMIC DEFENSE UNIT.

(a) In General.—Chapter 4 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 149a. Economic Defense Unit

“(a) Establishment.—There is established in the Department of Defense an Economic Defense Unit (in this section referred to as the ‘Unit’).

“(b) Director.—

“(1) In general.—The head of the Unit shall be the Director (in this section referred to as the ‘Director’).

“(2) Appointment.—The Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense from among—

“(A) employees in Senior Executive Service positions (as defined in section 3132 of title 5); or

“(B) individuals from outside the civil service who have successfully held equivalent positions.

“(3) Authority of director.—The Director—

“(A) shall serve as a principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense on matters within the responsibilities of the Unit;

“(B) shall report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense without intervening authority; and

“(C) may communicate views on matters within the responsibilities of the Unit directly to the Deputy Secretary without obtaining the approval or concurrence of any other official within the Department of Defense.

“(c) Responsibilities.—The Unit shall be responsible for the following:

“(1) Coordinating among, and harmonizing economic competition activities by, components of the Department of Defense, including by serving as a co-chair of the National Defense Economic Competition Research Council.

“(2) Developing and maintaining requirements for economic competition activities to reinforce military advantage, including requirements described in subsection (d).

“(3) Developing and maintaining a campaign plan for economic competition activities to reinforce military advantage.

“(4) Conducting or sponsoring analyses and other net assessment activities to scope economic competition activities, gaps, needs, or requirements related to activities of the United States, allies of the United States, or adversaries.

“(5) Directing the execution of economic competition activities.

“(6) Developing programming and budget submissions for economic competition activities.

“(7) Advising the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary with respect to economic competition activities, including with respect to coordinating integration of economic competition requirements or programs into joint and interagency planning activities.

“(8) Acting as the principal interlocutor for interagency activities related to economic competition activities.

“(9) Leading outreach of the Department of Defense to relevant private actors engaged in economic competition activities, including by liaising with private actors under section 1047 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).

“(10) Sponsoring or conducting regular tabletop exercises related to economic competition activities in order to—

“(A) assess the economic impacts of decisions of the Department of Defense during crises and conflicts;

“(B) evaluate the economic tools available to the United States Government to augment the capabilities of the Department of Defense in competition, crises, and conflicts; or

“(C) evaluate planning scenarios or concept development, including to test proposed doctrine, tactics, or other nonmaterial approaches for economic competition activities that might be used by the Department of Defense.

“(11) Selecting economic competition activities projects to be carried out using funds made available to the Unit, allocating funds to organizations to carry out such projects, and monitoring the execution of such projects.

“(12) Serving as the co-chair of the National Security Capital Forum.

“(13) Carrying out such other activities as the Deputy Secretary of Defense determines appropriate.

“(14) Regularly updating the National Security Council and relevant Federal agencies with respect to the economic competition activities of the Department of Defense.

“(d) Economic Competition Requirements.—

“(1) In general.—The requirements for economic competition activities developed and maintained by the Unit under subsection (c)(2) may include requirements for—

“(A) access, basing, and overflight;

“(B) countering mobilization of adversaries;

“(C) countering defense industrial base activities by adversaries;

“(D) ensuring the access of the United States to critical materials and capabilities; and

“(E) such other matters as the Director considers appropriate.

“(2) Consultations.—In developing requirements for economic competition activities under subsection (c)(2), the Director shall consult—

“(A) integrated priorities lists from combatant commanders derived from operational plans or theater campaign plans;

“(B) integrated priorities lists of defense industrial base shortfalls or investment opportunities; and

“(C) the outcomes of experimentation events, science and technology activities, and examinations of issues of economic competition by concept development organizations.

“(e) Reporting Requirements.—

“(1) Quarterly briefings.—Not less frequently than quarterly, the Director shall provide to the Secretary of Defense and the congressional defense committees a briefing on, for the quarter preceding the briefing—

“(A) the activities of the Unit;

“(B) the outcomes of and advances resulting from such activities; and

“(C) work product of the Unit.

“(2) Annual reports.—Not less frequently than annually, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the matters described in subparagraphs

(A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) for the year preceding submission of the report.

“(f) Economic Competition Activities Defined.—In this section, the term ‘economic competition activities’ means actions that are taken to reinforce military advantage in and through the economic domain, including such actions taken—

“(1) to leverage private capital and market actors;

“(2) to acquire or procure items;

“(3) to protect or enhance the economic or technological advantage of the United States or allies of the United States;

“(4) in the information environment or cyber environment or as other sensitive operations; or

“(5) to leverage interagency authorities.”.

(b) National Defense Economic Competition Research Council.— Section 228(c) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note) is amended—

(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

“(1) Chair.—The Director of the Economic Defense Unit shall be the chair of the Council.”; and

(2) in paragraph (2)—

(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (N) as clauses (i) through (xiv), respectively, and by moving such clauses, as so redesignated, two ems to the right; and

(B) by striking “The co-chairs” and all that follows through “the following:” and inserting in the following: “The Council shall include the following:

“(A) The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

“(B) The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

“(C) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

“(D) Representatives from each of the following:”.

(c) National Security Capital Forum.—Section 1092(b) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 149 note) is amended to read as follows:

“(b) Co-chairs.—The Director of the Office of Strategic Capital and the Director of the Economic Defense Unit shall serve as co-chairs of the forum established under subsection (a).”.

SEC. 902. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES FOR OFFICE OF STRATEGIC CAPITAL.

(a) In General.—Section 149 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (j); and

(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsections:

“(f) Fees.—

“(1) In general.—The Director may—

“(A) charge and collect fees for the costs of services provided by the Office and associated with administering programs under this section, including for project-specific transaction costs and direct costs relating to such services; and

“(B) establish those fees at amounts that will ensure recovery of the full costs of administering those programs.

“(2) Deposit into credit program account.—

“(A) In general.—Amounts collected as fees under paragraph (1) shall—

“(i) be deposited into the Credit Program Account established under subsection (e)(5); and

“(ii) remain available until expended.

“(B) Limitation on use of fees.—Notwithstanding subsection (e)(5)(B), none of the fees collected under paragraph (1) may be used to pay salaries or expenses of civilian employees of the Department of Defense.

“(3) Termination of authority.—

“(A) In general.—Except as provided by subparagraph (B), the authority under paragraph (1) to charge and collect fees shall expire on the date specified in paragraph (9)(A) of subsection (e) for the expiration of the authority of the Director to make new loans and provide new loan guarantees under paragraph

(3)(A)(i) of that subsection.

“(B) Treatment of certain assets.—With respect to a loan or loan guarantee provided under this section that is outstanding as of the expiration date under subparagraph (A), the authority of the Director under paragraph (1) to charge and collect fees for services relating to the loan or loan guarantee shall remain in effect for the duration of the loan or loan guarantee.

“(4) Reports required.—

“(A) Annual report.—Not later than March 1 of each year, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—

“(i) a detailed summary of the fees collected under paragraph (1) in the preceding fiscal year; and

“(ii) a description of how those fees were allocated.

“(B) Audit.—The Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall—

“(i) conduct an audit of fees charged and collected under paragraph (1) not less frequently than once every two years; and

“(ii) not later than June 1 of the year in which an audit is conducted under clause (i), submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the audit.

“(g) Authority to Accept Services.—Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, the Director may accept services, such as legal, financial, technical, or professional services, associated with administering programs under this section, including accepting such services as payment in kind for services provided by the Office.

“(h) Presumption of Compliance.—Each agreement for a loan or loan guarantee executed by the Director shall be conclusively presumed to be issued in compliance with the requirements of this section.

“(i) Authority to Collect Debts.—In the case of a default on a loan or loan guarantee provided under this section, the Director may exercise any priority of the United States in collecting debts relating to the default.”.

(b) Determinations of Loan Default Under Pilot Program on Capital Assistance to Support Defense Investment in Industrial Base.— Subsection (e)(3)(A)(ii)(VI) of such section is amended by striking “Secretary” and inserting “Director”.

(c) Conforming Amendment to Credit Program Account.—Subsection

(e)(5)(A)(ii) of such section is amended—

(1) by striking “consist of amounts” and inserting the following: “consist of—

“(I) amounts”;

(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new subclause:

“(II) fees deposited under subsection (f)(2).”.

SEC. 903. MODIFICATIONS TO RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION.

Section 139(b) of title 10, United States Code is amended—

(1) in paragraph (5), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(7) maintain, on behalf of the Secretary of Defense, enabling and cross-cutting activities that support operational test and evaluation across the Department, including—

“(A) the Cyber Assessment Program;

“(B) the Center for Countermeasures;

“(C) the Test and Evaluation Threat Resource Activity;

“(D) the Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness Program;

“(E) the Joint Aircraft Survivability Program;

“(F) the Joint Test and Evaluation Program; and

“(G) the Test and Evaluation Transformation Program.”.

SEC. 904. DIRECTIVE AUTHORITY FOR MATTERS FOR WHICH UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING HAS RESPONSIBILITY.

Section 133a(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (2)—

(A) by inserting “elements of the Department relating to” after “supervising, all”; and

(B) by inserting “and to enhance jointness” after “and engineering efforts”; and

(C) by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(4) directing the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of all other elements of the Department with regard to matters for which the Under Secretary has responsibility.”.

SEC. 905. MODIFICATION OF ENERGETIC MATERIALS STRATEGIC PLAN AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY OF JOINT ENERGETICS TRANSITION OFFICE.

Section 148(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(D) identifying raw material waste produced during the explosives manufacturing process and developing plans to reduce waste and optimize production.”.

SEC. 906. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT ENERGETICS TRANSITION OFFICE.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for travel expenses, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense notifies the congressional defense committees that the Department of Defense has established the Joint Energetics Transition Office as required by section 148 of title 10, United States Code, and provided that Office with the staff and other resources necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c) of that section.

SEC. 907. MODIFICATION OF COVERED TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES FOR OFFICE OF STRATEGIC CAPITAL.

Paragraph (2) of subsection (j) of section 149 of title 10, United States Code, as redesignated by section 902(a)(1), is amended—

(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (U) through (GG) as subparagraphs (V) through (HH), respectively; and

(2) by inserting after subparagraph (T) the following new subparagraph:

“(U) Nuclear fission and fusion energy, and associated infrastructure, including advanced nuclear reactors.”.

SEC. 908. MODIFICATION OF ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITIES OF ASSISTANT SECRETARIES OF DEFENSE WITH DUTIES RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL BASE POLICY AND READINESS.

(a) Establishment of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Armaments Cooperation.—Section 138(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs

(8) and (9), respectively; and

(2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph (7):

“(7) One of the Assistant Secretaries is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Armaments Cooperation, who shall report directly to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. The principal duty of the Assistant Secretary shall be to carry out section 133b(b)(10) of this title.”.

(b) Renaming of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, Capabilities, and Readiness.—On and after the date of the enactment of this Act—

(1) the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities shall be known as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, Capabilities, and Readiness; and

(2) any reference in any law or regulation to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities shall be deemed to be a reference to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, Capabilities, and Readiness.

(c) Elimination of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness.— The position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness is eliminated.

Subtitle B—Other Department of Defense Organization and Management Matters

SEC. 911. MODIFICATIONS TO JOINT REQUIREMENTS OVERSIGHT COUNCIL.

(a) Mission.—Subsection (b) of section 181 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting the following:

“(1) evaluating global trends, threats, and adversary capabilities to inform understanding of joint operational problems and shape a joint force design;

“(2) coordinating with commanders of combatant commands with respect to compiling, refining, and prioritizing joint operational problems;

“(3) continuously reviewing and assessing military capabilities of the armed forces, Defense Agencies, or other entities of the Department of Defense to meet applicable requirements in the national defense strategy under section 113(g) of this title;

“(4) identifying and prioritizing gaps and opportunities in military capabilities to meet such requirements, including making recommendations for changes to address such gaps and leverage such opportunities;

“(5) identifying advances in technology, innovative commercial solutions, and concepts of operation that could improve the ability of the joint force in achieving military advantage for the United States;

“(6) designing the joint force in a manner that addresses joint operational problems and, in doing so, evaluating force design initiatives of the armed forces to recommend acceptance, mitigation, or alternative force designs;

“(7) maintaining a repository of joint operational problems and identification of military capabilities that are addressing those problems; and

“(8) evaluating impact to joint military capability requirements for the purposes of section 4375(b).”.

(b) Composition.—Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(G) In any case in which the Council is considering a topic of significant interest to a combatant command, the commander of the combatant command or a designee of the commander who is a general or flag officer.”.

(c) Advisors.—Subsection (d) of such section is amended—

(1) in paragraph (2), by striking “paragraphs (1) and (2) of”;

(2) in paragraph (3)—

(A) by striking “, and strongly consider,” and inserting “and consider”; and

(B) by striking “under subsection (b)(2) and joint performance requirements pursuant to subsection

(b)(3)”;

(3) in paragraph (4), by striking “, and strongly consider,” and inserting “and consider”; and

(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(5) Input from industry.—The Council may seek views from industry on commercially available technology to address joint operational problems or capability gaps.”.

(d) Performance Requirements.—Subsection (e) of such section is amended by striking “and, except” and all that follows through “Council”.

(e) Definitions.—Subsection (h) of such section is amended—

(1) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3);

(2) by redesignating paragraph (1) as paragraph (2);

(3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph (1):

“(1) The term ‘capability requirement’ means a capability that is critical or essential to address a joint operational problem.”; and

(4) by inserting after paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph (3):

“(3) The term ‘joint operational problem’—

“(A) means a challenge across the joint force faced by a combatant command in achieving an assigned military objective; and

“(B) may include limitations in capabilities, resources, or the ability to effectively and efficiently coordinate across the joint force, with another combatant command, or among joint military capabilities.”.

(f) Conforming Amendments.—

(1) Acquisition-related functions of chiefs of the armed forces.—Section 3104(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “(subject, where appropriate, to validation by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council pursuant to section 181 of this title)”.

(2) Limitations on defense modernization account.—Section 3136(e)(1)(A) of such title is amended—

(A) by striking “in excess of—” and all that follows through “(i) a specific limitation” and inserting “in excess of a specific limitation”; and

(B) by striking clause (ii).

(3) Factors to be considered for milestone a approval.— Section 4251(e)(1) of such title is amended by striking “approved by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council”.

(4) Factors to be considered for milestone b approval.— Section 4252(b) of such title is amended—

(A) by striking paragraph (9); and

(B) by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (15) as paragraphs (9) through (14), respectively.

(5) Breach of critical cost growth threshold.—Section 4376 of such title is amended—

(A) in subsection (a), by striking “, after consultation with the Joint Requirements Oversight Council regarding program requirements,”;

(B) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking “to meet the joint military requirement (as defined in section 181(g)(1) of this title)”; and

(C) in subsection (c)(3), by striking “joint”.

(6) Acquisition accountability on missile defense system.— Section 5514(b)(2)(C)(ii) of such title is amended by striking “approved” and inserting “reviewed”.

SEC. 912. TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR COUNTERING SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

(a) Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment as Executive Agent.—Section 133b(b)(5) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the semicolon and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(F) the executive agent for the Department of Defense for oversight of efforts to counter small unmanned aircraft;”.

(b) Elimination of Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office.—

(1) In general.—Effective on the date that is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act—

(A) the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office of the Army is terminated; and

(B) the functions, assets, and civilian employees of the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office of the Army shall be transferred to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

(2) References.—On and after the date that is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, any reference in any law or regulation to the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office of the Army shall be deemed to be a reference to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

(c) Conforming Amendments.—

(1) Plan for additional kinetic effectors for low, slow, small unmanned aircraft integrated defeat system.—Section 113 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159) is amended—

(A) in the section heading, by striking “of the army”;

(B) in subsection (a)—

(i) by striking “Secretary of the Army” and inserting “Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment”; and

(ii) by striking “of the Army”; and

(C) in subsection (b), by striking “September 30, 2025, the Secretary of the Army” and inserting “September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary”.

(2) Counter unmanned aerial system threat library.—Section 353 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 130i note) is amended—

(A) in subsection (a), by striking “Not later” and all that follows through “Office,” and inserting “Not later than June 30, 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment”; and

(B) in subsection (c)—

(i) by striking “The Secretary” and all that follows through “Office,” and inserting “The Under Secretary”; and

(ii) by striking “the Secretary of the Army” and inserting “the Under Secretary”.

SEC. 913. STUDY ON FEASIBILITY AND ADVISABILITY OF ESTABLISHING A JOINT CAPABILITIES AND PROGRAMMING BOARD.

(a) Study Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a Joint Capabilities and Programming Board (in this section referred to as the “Board”) within the Department of Defense to serve as a consolidated forum for addressing joint military capabilities and program budgeting for investments.

(b) Elements of Study.—The study required by subsection (a) shall assess and provide recommendations on the following elements for the proposed Board:

(1) The potential for the Board to act as the primary joint forum for—

(A) reviewing and recommending actions on joint military capabilities spanning multiple components of the Department of Defense to address priority capability needs; and

(B) evaluating and recommending actions on investment portfolio evaluation and budgeting matters to prioritize joint military capabilities and optimize lethality based on available resources.

(2) The feasibility of the Board being co-chaired by the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation and the Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, including the roles, authorities, and responsibilities of the co- chairpersons.

(3) The advisability of a Board composition that includes—

(A) core membership consisting of—

(i) the co-chairpersons;

(ii) representatives from the Joint Requirements Oversight Council;

(iii) representatives from the Office of the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation;

(iv) representatives from the Armed Forces and combatant commands to reflect military user perspectives; and

(v) representatives of portfolio acquisition executives or equivalent managers to reflect program execution perspectives;

(B) a flexible structure permitting the establishment of ad hoc or standing committees to address specific areas or issues, drawing from the core membership;

(C) separate staff directly accountable to each co- chairperson to assist in identifying, reviewing, coordinating, and analyzing matters brought before the Board; and

(D) mission engineering and integration analysis cells that evaluate the effectiveness of current and proposed value chains of the Department of Defense and inform the assessment of alternative courses of action for capability and resource investments.

(4) The potential structure for decision-making by the Board, including—

(A) maintaining autonomy for the Armed Forces and portfolio acquisition executives to make decisions and execute programs without requiring approval by or the submission of documentation to the Board;

(B) issuing recommendations by majority vote of members of the Board, to be forwarded to the Deputy Secretary of Defense unless unanimously rejected by the co-chairpersons; and

(C) allowing the members or representatives of the Board to submit dissenting opinions alongside recommendations for consideration by the Deputy Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Defense.

(5) The feasibility of operational procedures, including—

(A) issue identification processes prioritizing issues—

(i) nominated by members of the Board, the Armed Forces, the combatant commands, or portfolio acquisition executives; and

(ii) addressing capability gaps, resource constraints, or programmatic challenges requiring joint or departmental action; and

(B) flexible quorum and voting procedures to ensure efficient decision-making and requiring participation from representatives of military users and program acquisition executives directly impacted by any recommendation.

(6) The provision of sufficient staff, directly accountable to the co-chairpersons, to support the Board’s operations and analysis of issues.

(7) The impact of the proposed Board on existing entities of the Department of Defense, including the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and the Office of the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, including potential overlaps, redundancies, or synergies between the missions and responsibilities of those entities and the Board.

(8) The anticipated benefits of enhanced joint capability prioritization and resource allocation, including the ability to consolidate or remove existing processes and decision forums.

(9) Potential barriers to establishing the Board, including resource requirements and alignment with existing acquisition and budgeting processes.

(c) Report Required.—

(1) In general.—Not later than July 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study required by subsection

(a).

(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility and advisability of establishing the Board, addressing each element specified in subsection (b);

(B) if establishing the Board is deemed feasible and advisable—

(i) specific recommendations for the organizational structure, governance, voting mechanisms, quorum requirements, and operational procedures of the Board; and

(ii) an estimation of the costs, resource requirements, and timeline for establishing and operating the Board; and

(C) any additional findings or recommendations to improve joint capability development, program budgeting, and resource allocation within the Department of Defense.

(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the establishment of a Joint Capabilities and Programming Board before the completion and review of the study required by subsection (a).

SEC. 914. BRIEFING ON RESTRUCTURING OF ARMY FUTURES COMMAND AND TRAINING AND DOCTRINE COMMAND.

(a) In General.—Not less than 60 days before executing any plan to merge, consolidate, or otherwise reorganize the Army Futures Command and the Training and Doctrine Command of the Army, the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive briefing on the merger, consolidation, or other reorganization.

(b) Elements.—The briefing required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) A description of the proposed merger, consolidation, or other reorganization, including affected commands, subordinate entities, and organizational structures.

(2) The strategic, operational, and fiscal rationale for the proposed merger, consolidation, or other reorganization.

(3) An assessment of potential impacts of the proposed merger, consolidation, or other reorganization on the readiness and mission effectiveness of the Army.

(4) An identification of resource reallocations, including installation realignment or closures and personnel movements.

(5) A timeline for implementation of the proposed merger, consolidation, or other reorganization.

SEC. 915. DESIGNATION OF SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR MILITARY-TO-CIVILIAN TRANSITION.

(a) Designation.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall designate a senior official of the Department of Defense to oversee policy and programs related to the transition of members of the Armed Forces from active duty to—

(A) civilian life; or

(B) reserve components.

(2) Qualifications.—The official designated under paragraph (1) shall be designated from among individuals with—

(A) extensive experience with veterans services; and

(B) knowledge of the transition from active duty to—

(i) civilian life; and

(ii) reserve components.

(b) Role, Responsibility, and Authority.—

(1) In general.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall prescribe the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the official designated under subsection (a)(1).

(2) Roles, responsibilities, and authorities required.—The roles, responsibilities, and authorities prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the transition of members of the Armed Forces and their families from active duty to civilian life and reserve components—

(A) serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on policies, operations, and programs and activities relating to the transition of members;

(B) assisting the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness with policies, operations, and programs and activities relating to the transition of members;

(C) working, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Education, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all activities relating to the transition of members;

(D) serving as the chief transition officer of the Department of Defense, with the mission of coordinating and overseeing the effectiveness of transition programs of the Department of Defense and ensuring all members of the Armed Forces are well equipped for civilian life or the reserve components, as the case may be;

(E) overseeing the Military-Civilian Transition Office and the implementation of transition programs across the Department of Defense;

(F) conducting a review and assessment of all transition programs and services offered by the Department of Defense, including the Transition Assistance Program and Skillbridge Program, and proposing legislative or administrative action—

(i) to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the programs; and

(ii) to ensure compliance with all legal requirements related to transition assistance; and

(G) working with Federal agencies, State and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve the delivery of transition support services.

(c) Briefing on Designation and Implementation.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on—

(1) the status of the designation of the official under subsection (a); and

(2) the implementation of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the official under subsection (b).

SEC. 916. REMOVAL OF MEMBERS OF JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF.

Section 151 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(h) Removal of Members of Joint Chiefs of Staff.—(1) If the President removes a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from office or transfers a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to another position or location before the end of the term of the member as specified in statute, the President shall, not later than five days after the removal or transfer takes effect, submit to Congress, including the congressional defense committees, notice that the member is being removed or transferred and a statement of the reason for the removal or transfer.

“(2) Nothing in this subsection prohibits a personnel action authorized by another provision of law.”.

SEC. 917. LONGER TERM AND ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT TO RANK OF ADMIRAL OF COMMANDER OF NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND.

(a) Term.—Section 526 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(k)(1) An individual serving as the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command—

“(A) subject to paragraph (2), shall serve for a term of eight years; and

“(B) is eligible to be appointed to the rank of Admiral during the final three years of that term.

“(2) The Secretary of the Navy may terminate the term of an individual serving as the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command before the end of the eight-year term specified in paragraph (1)(A) if the Secretary notifies the congressional defense committees of the termination.”.

(b) Extension of Time Period for Retirement for Years of Service.— Section 636(c) of such title is amended—

(1) by striking “In the administration” and inserting

“(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in the administration”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(2) The officer serving as the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command—

“(A) may continue to serve after 40 years of active commissioned service in order to complete the term of the Commander specified in section 526(k)(1)(A) of this title; and

“(B) may in no case serve more than 45 years of active commissioned service.”.

(c) Report on Options for New Private Shipyards.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition and in coordination with the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on incentives that would promote private investment in the creation of two new private shipyards on the Pacific Coast. The incentives should be focused on new construction shipyards. The report may include suggested locations based on strategic laydown or other relevant defense industrial base matters.

(2) Requirements.—In preparing the report required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

(A) give consideration to locations in noncontiguous States; and

(B) assess the potential for investment in or establishment of a United States subsidiary of a foreign-owned shipbuilding company, with special preference to companies based in Japan and the Republic of Korea.

(3) Form.—

(A) In general.—The report required by paragraph

(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

(B) Public availability.—The unclassified portion of the report required by paragraph (1) shall be made available to the public.

SEC. 918. DELAY OF DISESTABLISHMENT OF NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND PACIFIC.

(a) In General.—During the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy may not take any action to disestablish the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

(b) Briefing Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary) shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on—

(1) the status of the decision of the Secretary with respect to the disestablishment of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific; and

(2) the strategic rationale, cost, and benefits of such disestablishment.

SEC. 919. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CONSOLIDATION, DISESTABLISHMENT, OR ELIMINATION OF GEOGRAPHIC COMBATANT COMMANDS.

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 consolidate, disestablish, or otherwise eliminate a geographic combatant command of the Department of Defense until not earlier than 90 days after the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees a report that, at a minimum, addresses the following:

(1) A detailed plan for consolidation, disestablishment, or elimination of the geographic combatant command, including associated timelines and detailed accounting of the associated costs.

(2) A detailed analysis of the anticipated impact of the consolidation, disestablishment, or elimination on the ability of the Department of Defense to accomplish objectives in the affected area of responsibility, including the ability of the Department to effectively deter conflict, maintain peace and security, and conduct military operations, exercises, and security cooperation activities with allies and partners.

SEC. 920. ELIMINATION OF STATUTORY PROVISIONS RELATING TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Duties of Secretary of Defense.—Section 113 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by striking paragraph (2); and

(B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;

(2) in subsection (g)(1)(B)—

(A) by striking clause (vii); and

(B) by redesignating clauses (viii), (ix), and (x) as clauses (vii), (viii), and (ix), respectively;

(3) in subsection (l)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking “to measure—” and all that follows through “(C) the efforts” and inserting “to measure the efforts”: and

(B) in paragraph (2)—

(i) by striking “shall—” and all that follows through “(A) ensure that” and inserting “shall ensure that”;

(ii) by striking the semicolon after “extent practicable” and inserting a period: and

(iii) by striking subparagraphs (B) through

(F); and

(4) in subsection (m)—

(A) by striking “, disaggregated by gender, race, and ethnicity,” each place it appears;

(B) in paragraph (1), by striking “disaggregated by gender, race, and ethnicity,”; and

(C) in paragraph (9), by striking “, gender, race, and ethnicity”.

(b) Chief Diversity Officer of the Department of Defense.—Section 147 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.

(c) Diversity in Selection Boards.—

(1) Promotion selection boards.—Title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(A) in section 573(b), by striking “The members of a selection” and all that follows through “extent practicable.”;

(B) in section 612(a)(1), by striking “The members of a selection” and all that follows through “extent practicable.”; and

(C) in section 14102(b), by striking “The members of a selection” and all that follows through “extent practicable.”.

(2) Other selection boards.—Section 503(c) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 573 note) is repealed.

(d) Diversity in Military Leadership.—Section 656 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.

(e) Identification of Gender or Personal Pronouns in Official Correspondence.—Section 986 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.

(f) Human Relations Training.—Section 2001(a)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “include” and all that follows through the period and inserting “shall include honor, excellence, courage, and commitment.”.

(g) Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion.—Section 529 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 656 note) is repealed.

(h) Senior Advisors for Diversity and Inclusion for the Military Departments and Coast Guard.—Section 913(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 147 note) is repealed.

(i) Conforming Amendment.—Section 118(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “to carry out—” and all that follows through “(2) guidance” and inserting “to carry out guidance”.

SEC. 921. DEFENSE SCIENCE BOARD STUDY ON OPTIMAL ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR DIGITAL ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS.

(a) Study Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Defense Science Board to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate and recommend the most optimal organizational structure within the Office of the Secretary of Defense to support digital solutions engineering activities across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments.

(b) Elements.—The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) An assessment of existing organizational structures and organizations supporting digital solutions engineering across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments, including—

(A) current responsibilities, requirements, and deliverables of service-based software delivery organizations;

(B) responsibilities or authorities imposed by statutory requirements;

(C) limitations based on current enterprise data management platforms;

(D) effectiveness and efficiency of current approaches;

(E) optimization of resource allocation and utilization processes; and

(F) integration challenges and opportunities with Department-wide digital initiatives.

(2) An evaluation of potential organizational courses of action for supporting digital solutions engineering within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, including—

(A) establishment of a new defense agency or Department of Defense field activity;

(B) integration into an existing defense agency or Department of Defense field activity;

(C) consolidation of digital development functions within existing Office of the Secretary of Defense staff organizations;

(D) optimization of current organizational structures and authorities;

(E) hybrid approaches combining elements of the options described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and

(D); and

(F) any other organizational structures deemed appropriate by the Defense Science Board.

(3) Recommendations on the selection of the optimal organizational structure, including—

(A) analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each course of action evaluated under paragraph (2);

(B) assessment of capability requirements and gaps;

(C) evaluation of cost-effectiveness and resource implications;

(D) application of lessons from similar industry or academic entities performing similar work;

(E) consideration of governance and execution framework requirements;

(F) assessment of the implementation of and execution of governance structures, including artificial intelligence model management;

(G) coordination mechanisms with existing Department components and combatant commands;

(H) recommendations for unique hiring authorities to support digital solutions engineering workforce requirements; and

(I) recommendations for unique acquisition authorities to support rapid digital solutions engineering and deployment.

(4) Transition recommendations for implementing the selected organizational structure, including—

(A) detailed implementation timeline and milestones;

(B) organizational and personnel changes required;

(C) resource requirements and funding mechanisms;

(D) legislative or regulatory changes needed;

(E) risk assessment and mitigation strategies; and

(F) metrics for evaluating implementation success.

(c) Report.—

(1) Transmittal to secretary.—Not later than February 1, 2027, the Board shall transmit to the Secretary of Defense a final report on the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a).

(2) Transmittal to congress.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives the final report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit the report to the congressional defense committees, together with such comments as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Digital solutions engineering.—The term “digital solutions engineering” means the development, deployment, and sustainment of artificial intelligence systems, software applications, data engineering solutions, data analytics platforms, and other digital technologies for operational and business purposes within the Department of Defense.

(2) Software delivery organizations.—The term “software delivery organizations” means organizational units within the military services dedicated to the rapid development, deployment, and sustainment of software applications and digital solutions.

SEC. 922. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVANCED NUCLEAR TRANSITION WORKING GROUP.

(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish an Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group (referred to in this section as the “working group”).

(b) Membership.—The Working Group shall be composed of the following members:

(1) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

(2) The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment.

(3) The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

(4) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

(5) The Joint Staff Director for Logistics, J4.

(6) The Principal Director for Energy Resilience of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

(7) The Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office.

(8) The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit.

(9) The heads of such other components of the Department of Defense, as determined by the Chair.

(c) Chair.—The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs, or a designee, shall serve as the Chair of the Working Group.

(d) Duties.—The duties of the Working Group shall include the following:

(1) To develop and execute a strategy to accelerate the procurement and fielding of commercial advanced nuclear capabilities, in compliance with laws, regulations, and agreements, and consistent with best practices.

(2) To identify and elevate the critical energy requirements of the combatant commands, United States military installations, and the infrastructure and mission capabilities needs of the combatant commands and military installations that may be addressed with advanced nuclear reactors.

(3) To connect the combatant commands and military installations with ongoing and planned efforts.

(4) To create an accelerated pathway to leverage advanced nuclear technologies to address operational gaps.

(5) To provide a forum for members of the Working Group to coordinate advanced nuclear demonstration and transition efforts, including by increasing opportunities and venues for government and commercial research and development, testing and evaluation, and procurement activities.

(6) To advocate for appropriate levels of resourcing within planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes to advance the development and use of nuclear energy technologies across the Department of Defense.

(7) To coordinate interagency activities and develop best practices on workforce development, regulatory pathways, licensing frameworks, access to fuel sources, safety and security standards, and decommissioning that currently hinder more rapid fielding of advanced nuclear reactors.

(8) To establish venues through which to engage commercial companies developing advanced reactors so as to review the technology readiness, timeline, and availability of reactor capabilities for defense applications.

(9) To inform and complete the briefings and reports required in subsection (f).

(e) Meetings.—The Working Group shall meet at the call of the Chair and not less than once per quarter.

(f) Report.—

(1) In general.—Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until 2029, the Chair shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the status of advanced nuclear projects, associated funding and requirements, planned program transitions, actions, and milestones of the Working Group, and other matters as determined by the Secretary of Defense and the Working Group during the preceding year.

(2) Contents.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) A summary on the adequacy of existing energy storage and distribution systems to meet mission requirements in a contested or austere operating environment.

(B) An identification of the critical energy requirements of the combatant commands, United States military installations, and the infrastructure and weapons capabilities needs of the combatant commands and military installations that may be addressed with the use of microreactors or small modular reactors, including through expeditionary, transportable, stationary, space-based, or floating power plants.

(C) A list of prioritized potential use cases, including—

(i) base electric power;

(ii) power for operational systems in austere environments;

(iii) desalination or other water production systems;

(iv) synthetic fuel production;

(v) directed energy weapons;

(vi) artificial intelligence at the edge;

(vii) defense support of civil authorities;

(viii) humanitarian response; and

(ix) 3D/additive manufacturing.

(D) Recommendations for at least 3 pilot projects.

(3) Appropriate congressional committees.—The term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

(g) Termination.—The Working Group shall terminate on September 30, 2029.

(h) Pilot Program.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program for deploying microreactors at United States military installations to strengthen energy resilience and reduce reliance on vulnerable civilian grids.

TITLE X—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subtitle A—Financial Matters

SEC. 1001. GENERAL TRANSFER AUTHORITY.

(a) Authority To Transfer Authorizations.—

(1) Authority.—Upon determination by the Secretary of Defense that such action is necessary in the national interest, the Secretary may transfer amounts of authorizations made available to the Department of Defense in this division for fiscal year 2026 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year (or any subdivisions thereof). Amounts of authorizations so transferred shall be merged with and be available for the same purposes as the authorization to which transferred.

(2) Limitation.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), the total amount of authorizations that the Secretary may transfer under the authority of this section may not exceed $6,000,000,000.

(3) Exception for transfers between military personnel authorizations.—A transfer of funds between military personnel authorizations under title IV shall not be counted toward the dollar limitation in paragraph (2).

(b) Limitations.—The authority provided by subsection (a) to transfer authorizations—

(1) may only be used to provide authority for items that have a higher priority than the items from which authority is transferred; and

(2) may not be used to provide authority for an item that has been denied authorization by Congress.

(c) Effect on Authorization Amounts.—A transfer made from one account to another under the authority of this section shall be deemed to increase the amount authorized for the account to which the amount is transferred by an amount equal to the amount transferred.

(d) Notice to Congress.—The Secretary shall promptly notify Congress of each transfer made under subsection (a).

SEC. 1002. AMENDMENTS AND REPEALS TO BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFENSE ACQUISITION.

(a) Amendments to Existing Law.—

(1) Body armor procurement.—Section 141 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111- 84; 10 U.S.C. 221 note) is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 141. BODY ARMOR PROCUREMENT.

“The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that body armor is procured using funds authorized to be appropriated by this title.”.

(2) Explosive ordnance disposal defense program.—Section 2284 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(A) by striking subsection (c); and

(B) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection

(c).

(b) Repeals of Existing Law.—The following provisions are hereby repealed:

(1) Evaluation and assessment of the distributed common ground system.—Section 219 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 113-66; 10 U.S.C. 221 note).

(2) Separate program elements required for research and development of joint light tactical vehicle.—Section 213 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. 221 note).

(3) Separate procurement line items for future combat systems program.—Section 111 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110- 417; 10 U.S.C. 221 note).

(4) Separate procurement and research, development, test, and evaluation line items and program elements for sky warrior unmanned aerial systems project.—Section 214 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 10 U.S.C. 221 note).

(5) Requirement for separate display of budgets for afghanistan and iraq.—Section 1502 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 10 U.S.C. 221 note).

SEC. 1003. BRIEFING ON BEGINNING BALANCE ISSUES FOR AUDIT PURPOSES.

(a) In General.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a one-time briefing on any anticipated issues in establishing beginning balances for audits of the financial statements of the Department of Defense.

(b) Elements.—The briefing required under subsection (a) shall include—

(1) a detailed identification of each budgetary account known to have and anticipated to have unsupported beginning balances;

(2) a description of the specific issues preventing the establishment of supported beginning balances for each identified account;

(3) an explanation of whether generally accepted accounting principles provide sufficient authority, processes, and procedures to resolve such issues, and if not, the alternative sources or methods proposed to establish beginning balances; and

(4) the projected impact to receiving an unmodified audit opinion of that account without a supported beginning balance.

SEC. 1004. DEFENSE BUSINESS AUDIT REMEDIATION PLAN REPORTING.

Section 240g(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

“(b) Reporting Requirements.—On the same date as the submission of audited financial statements required pursuant to section 240a of this title, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an updated report on the Defense Business Systems Audit Remediation Plan under subsection (a).”.

Subtitle B—Naval Vessels

SEC. 1011. REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO MEDIUM LANDING SHIPS AND LIGHT REPLENISHMENT OILERS.

(a) Design Standards and Construction Practices.—The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that covered vessels procured by the Secretary are, to the maximum extent practical, constructed using commercial design standards and commercial construction practices that are consistent with the best interests of the Federal Government.

(b) Vessel Construction Manager.—The Secretary of the Navy shall provide for an entity other than the Department of the Navy to contract for the construction of covered vessels.

(c) Covered Vessel Defined.—In this section, the term “covered vessel” means any of the following:

(1) A medium landing ship.

(2) A light replenishment oiler (TAO-L).

SEC. 1012. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO PURCHASE USED VESSELS UNDER THE NATIONAL DEFENSE SEALIFT FUND.

Section 2218(f)(3)(C) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “10” and inserting “12”.

SEC. 1013. EXEMPTION OF UNMANNED SURFACE VESSELS AND UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLES FROM CERTAIN TECHNICAL AUTHORITY REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Exemption From Senior Technical Authority Requirements.— Unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles acquired or developed by the Department of the Navy are exempt from any requirement for oversight by a senior technical authority established under section 8669b of title 10, United States Code, except the requirements, specifications, and approvals described in subsection (c).

(b) Limitation Relating to Office of the Chief Engineer.—Subject to subsection (c), the Chief Engineer of the Naval Sea Systems Command may not establish any requirement, specification, or approval for an unmanned surface vessel or an unmanned underwater vehicle unless such action is approved in advance by the program manager responsible for the respective unmanned system.

(c) Exceptions.—As the Secretary of the Navy considers appropriate, unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles may be subject to requirements, specifications, and approvals established by technical domain managers or technical warrant holders with responsibility for cybersecurity, ordnance and explosives, or warfare systems, without advanced approval described in subsection (b).

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Unmanned surface vessel.—The term “unmanned surface vessel” means a vessel designed to operate on the surface of the water without an onboard human crew.

(2) Unmanned underwater vehicle.—The term “unmanned underwater vehicle” means a vehicle designed to operate below the surface of the water without an onboard human crew.

SEC. 1014. PROHIBITION ON RETIRING AND DECOMMISSIONING OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH VESSELS OF THE NAVY.

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2026 may be obligated or expended to retire or decommission, prepare to retire or decommission, or place in storage any oceanographic research vessel of the Navy unless the Secretary of the Navy has identified and acquired a suitable replacement vessel for conducting the research that has been conducted by the vessel selected for retirement or decommissioning.

SEC. 1015. REPORT ACCOMPANYING REQUESTS FOR NEW FLIGHTS OR BLOCKS OF MAJOR SHIPBUILDING PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.—Chapter 863 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8669c the following new section: “Sec. 8669d. Report accompanying requests for new flights or blocks of major shipbuilding programs

“(a) In General.—If the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 includes a request for a new flight or block of ships, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit a report accompanying such request.

“(b) Elements.—Each report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

“(1) The results of any production readiness review, including the following:

“(A) An identification of the degree to which detail design and production design drawings and related documents have been completed in accordance with the shipbuilding contract.

“(B) An identification of the number of changes to the new flight or block of ships from the previous multiyear procurement authorization for the class of ship concerned.

“(C) An identification of the risks associated with any design changes to the new flight or block of ships from the previous multiyear procurement authorization for the class of ship concerned.

“(2) A certification that the findings of any such review support the start of construction.

“(3) An assessment of the readiness of the shipyard facilities and workforce to begin construction.

“(4) The Navy’s estimated delivery date and a description of any risks that could affect such delivery date.

“(5) An assessment of the extent to which adequate processes and metrics are in place to measure and manage program risks.

“(6) With respect to the first ship, a description of the plans of the Navy to oversee and document the construction of the ship to ensure that the detail design supports the construction schedule for the ship.

“(c) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) First ship.—The term ‘first ship’ applies to a ship if—

“(A) the ship is the first ship to be constructed under the new flight or block of ships; or

“(B) the shipyard at which the ship is to be constructed has not previously started construction on a ship under the new flight or block of ships.

“(2) Major shipbuilding program; production readiness review.—The terms ‘major shipbuilding program’ and ‘production readiness review’ have the meanings given those terms in section 8669c(c) of this title.

“(3) New flight or block of ships.—The term ‘new flight or block of ships’ means a new flight, block, or major modification to a current ship class under a major shipbuilding program that was previously authorized and met the previous requirements as a new ship class.”.

(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 863 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 8669c the following new item:

“8669d. Report accompanying requests for new flights or blocks of major shipbuilding programs.”.

SEC. 1016. REPORT ON AUXILIARY VESSEL CO-PRODUCTION.

(a) In General.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of State, shall jointly submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on co-production of non-nuclear auxiliary vessels across the Armed Forces.

(b) Elements.—The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) A list of non-nuclear auxiliary vessels suitable for co-production with foreign governments and industry, including details related to operational roles, prospects for co- production, and compatibility with the Navy, the Army, and the Marine Corps.

(2) A plan for implementing co-production for each type of vessel on the list required by paragraph (1), including estimated timelines and costs.

(3) A description of authorities needed to co-produce such vessels, including statutory or regulatory changes.

(4) A description of barriers to co-production, including operational, regulatory, security, and economic challenges and challenges related to international agreements, with recommendations for resolution.

(5) A description of input from industry and private capital stakeholders on joint venture terms, incentives, and opportunities.

(6) A list of foreign partners with the willingness and capacity to engage in joint ventures to co-produce each vessel on the list required by paragraph (1) and the associated shipyard.

(c) Form.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, with a classified annex if necessary.

SEC. 1017. REPORT ON VESSEL LEASING PROGRAM. NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 31, 2025, THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, IN CONSULTATION WITH 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 THAT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

(1) A list of non-nuclear vessels that could be suitable for contracting under a long-term leasing program.

(2) A plan outlining how the Navy would implement a leasing program for surface vessels.

(3) A description of authorities necessary for the Navy to lease commercially built and privately owned vessels.

(4) A description of input from industry and private capital stakeholders on suggested lease terms and incentives to encourage industry to participate in such a leasing program.

SEC. 1018. PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF AUTOMATED SHIPBUILDING TECHNOLOGIES AND CAPABILITIES.

(a) In General.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall establish a pilot program on the use of automated assembly technologies and capabilities in naval shipbuilding to reduce overall construction times and alleviate workforce constraints (in this section referred to as the “pilot program”).

(b) Elements of Pilot Program.—In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall—

(1) identify and select available novel automated hull assembly technologies for incorporation and demonstration;

(2) designate at least one surface ship or submarine program to demonstrate the automated technologies identified under paragraph (1);

(3) carry out such demonstrations;

(4) evaluate the demonstrated automated technologies—

(A) across a range of functions, including plate preparation, welding, and block assembly; and

(B) for compatibility and ease of adoption into the existing shipbuilding value chain; and

(5) assess the feasibility and effectiveness of automated approaches in improving subassembly construction times, overall ship construction schedules, and workforce efficiency and safety.

(c) Reports.—

(1) In general.—Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until the pilot program terminates, the Secretary of the Navy 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 implementation and results of the pilot program.

(2) Elements of reports.—Each report required by paragraph

(1) shall include the following:

(A) An identification of the time required to adapt specific technologies and processes.

(B) A description of the impact of the pilot program on workforce and construction schedules.

(d) Termination.—The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Subtitle C—Counterterrorism

SEC. 1021. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR TRANSFER OR RELEASE OF INDIVIDUALS DETAINED AT UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA, TO THE UNITED STATES.

Section 1033 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 132 Stat. 1953), as most recently amended by section 1041 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), is further amended—

(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026”; and

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking “is or was held on or after January 20, 2009” and inserting “has been held since any date that is on or before October 1, 2009”.

SEC. 1022. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT OR MODIFY FACILITIES IN THE UNITED STATES TO HOUSE DETAINEES TRANSFERRED FROM UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA.

Section 1034 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 132 Stat. 1954), as most recently amended by section 1042 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), is further amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026”; and

(2) in subsection (c), by striking “(Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 971; 10 U.S.C. 801 note)” and inserting “(10 U.S.C. 801 note; Public Law 114-92)”.

SEC. 1023. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR TRANSFER OR RELEASE OF INDIVIDUALS DETAINED AT UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA, TO CERTAIN COUNTRIES.

Section 1035 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 132 Stat. 1954), as most recently amended by section 1043 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), is further amended—

(1) by inserting “(a) In General.—” before “No amounts”;

(2) by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026”;

(3) by striking “any individual detained in the custody or under the control of the Department of Defense at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,” and inserting “any individual detained at Guantanamo”; and

(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(b) Individual Detained at Guantanamo Defined.—In this section, the term ‘individual detained at Guantanamo’ has the meaning given that term in section 1034(f)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (10 U.S.C. 801 note; Public Law 114-92).”.

SEC. 1024. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO CLOSE OR RELINQUISH CONTROL OF UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA.

Section 1036 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 131 Stat. 1551), as most recently amended by section 1044 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), is further amended by striking “2025” and inserting “2026”.

SEC. 1025. CLARIFICATION REGARDING DEFINITION OF INDIVIDUAL DETAINED AT GUANTANAMO.

Section 1034(f)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 971; 10 U.S.C. 801 note) is amended—

(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “as of” and inserting “on or before”; and

(2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting “at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba” after “Department of Defense”.

Subtitle D—Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

SEC. 1031. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO SUPPORT ENTERTAINMENT PROJECTS WITH TIES TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

(a) In General.—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for the Department of Defense may be used to knowingly provide active and direct support to any film, television, or other entertainment project if the Secretary of Defense has demonstrable evidence that the project has complied or is likely to comply with a demand from the Government of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party, or an entity under the direction of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party, to censor the content of the project in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People’s Republic of China.

(b) Waiver.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a written certification that such a waiver is in the national interest of the United States.

SEC. 1032. PROHIBITION ON DESTRUCTION OR SCRAPPING OF WORLD WAR II-ERA AIRCRAFT.

(a) Prohibition.—The Secretary of Defense may not destroy, dismantle, scrap, cannibalize, or otherwise render permanently inoperable any aircraft that—

(1) was manufactured prior to December 31, 1945; and

(2) is in the custody or administrative control of the Department of the Air Force as of the date of the enactment of this Act.

(b) Authorized Dispositions.—Aircraft described in subsection (a) may only be—

(1) retained in the inventory of the Department of the Air Force;

(2) transferred to the National Museum of the United States Air Force or other official Department of Defense museums;

(3) transferred to qualified Federal agencies, nonprofit institutions, or museums with demonstrated indoor preservation and public display capabilities; or

(4) de-accessioned under a plan approved by the Secretary of Defense that supports long-term preservation of such aircraft, and consistent with guidelines established in the committee report accompanying this Act.

(c) Waiver Authority.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the restriction under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis only if—

(1) the aircraft is determined by qualified personnel to be beyond practical restoration or preservation;

(2) no eligible institution expresses interest in accepting the aircraft within 12 months following public notice of its availability; and

(3) written notification and justification of the waiver is submitted to the congressional defense committees not less than 30 days prior to execution of any disposal action.

(d) Aircraft Defined.—In this section, the term “aircraft” includes any fixed-wing or rotary-wing manned aircraft in military service prior to December 31, 1945.

SEC. 1033. SUPPORT FOR COUNTERDRUG ACTIVITIES AND ACTIVITIES TO COUNTER TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME.

(a) Quarterly Reporting.—Subsection (h) of section 284 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and

(B) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as redesignated by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the following new subparagraph:

“(A) In the case of support for a purpose described in subsection (b)—

“(i) the agency to which support is provided;

“(ii) the budget, implementation timeline with milestones, anticipated delivery schedule for support, and completion date for the purpose or project for which support is provided;

“(iii) the source and planned expenditure of funds provided for the project or purpose;

“(iv) a description of the arrangements, if any, for the sustainment of the project or purpose and the source of funds to support sustainment of the capabilities and performance outcomes achieved using such support, if applicable;

“(v) a description of the objectives for the project or purpose and evaluation framework to be used to develop capability and performance metrics associated with operational outcomes for the recipient;

“(vi) information, including the amount, type, and purpose, about the support provided the agency during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year for which the support covered by the notice is provided under this section with respect to—

“(I) this section;

“(II) counterdrug activities authorized by section 1033 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law 105-85; 111 Stat. 1811); or

“(III) any other significant program, account, or activity for the provision of security assistance that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State consider appropriate.”; and

(2) in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by striking “the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives” and inserting “the congressional defense committees”.

(b) Rule of Construction Regarding Use of Authority for Immigration Enforcement.—Such section is further amended—

(1) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and

(2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection:

“(i) Rule of Construction Regarding Use of Authority for Immigration Enforcement.—No support for the counterdrug activities or activities to counter transnational organized crime of any other department or agency of the Federal Government or of any State, local, tribal, or foreign law enforcement agency may be provided under this section for the detention of an individual at a military installation, Department of Defense facility, or Department of Defense-funded facility unless the Secretary of Defense independently verifies the nexus to drug activities or transnational organized crime prior to the transfer of such individual to such installation or facility.”.

SEC. 1034. SENIOR LEADERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND OTHER SPECIFIED PERSONS: AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE PROTECTION.

Section 714 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(8) Former or retired officials who—

“(A) previously served in the positions identified in paragraphs (1) through (7); and

“(B) face serious and credible threats arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense.”;

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking “paragraphs (1) through (7) of”;

(B) in paragraph (4), by inserting “or reimbursement” after “personal security”; and

(C) in paragraph (6)—

(i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:

“(A) In general.— Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committee determinations made pursuant to this subsection as follows:

“(i) An initial determination made under paragraph (4), not later than 15 days after the date on which the determination is made, including the justification for such determination and a current threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization.

“(ii) A determination to deny the renewal of physical protection and security or reimbursement, not later than 15 days after the date on which the determination is made, including—

“(I) the justification for such determination;

“(II) a current threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization; and

“(III) a certification that threats to the individual arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense can be sufficiently mitigated without physical protection and security or reimbursement.

“(iii) A determination to terminate physical protection and security or reimbursement during a previously authorized period of protection, not later than 48 hours after the date on which the determination is made, including—

“(I) the justification for such determination;

“(II) a current threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization; and

“(III) a certification that threats to the individual arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense can be sufficiently mitigated without protection and security or reimbursement.

“(iv) A determination to deny a request for reimbursement of an individual described in subsection (a)(8), not later than 15 days after the date on which the determination is made, including—

“(I) the justification for such determination;

“(II) a current threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization; and

“(III) a certification that threats to the individual arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense can be sufficiently mitigated without reimbursement.”; and

(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting “and a description of any changes to such guidelines” after “paragraph (1)”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(f) Notification to Protected Personnel.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide written notification to individuals receiving physical protection and personal security under subsection (a) or reimbursement under subsection (e) at least 90 days before terminating or denying the renewal of protection and security protection or reimbursement for such individuals.”.

SEC. 1035. NOTIFICATION OF THE USE OF MILITARY AIRCRAFT FOR IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS.

Not later than seven calendar days after military aircraft, installations, or personnel are used in support of the Department of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense shall provide written notification to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives of the following:

(1) The type and variant of military aircraft used to support the enforcement operation.

(2) The number of individuals on board the military aircraft employed by the Department of Defense.

(3) The type, variant, and number of any military aircraft utilized to support the military aircraft being used in the enforcement operation, including aerial refueling aircraft.

(4) The estimated cost of supporting the enforcement operation, including—

(A) the aircraft utilized to transport those subject to a removal order;

(B) the number of flights hours required to complete the round-trip mission;

(C) the use of any supporting aircraft, including aerial refueling aircraft; and

(D) the number of flight hours required to complete the round-trip mission of the supporting aircraft.

(5) The destination country of the military aircraft.

(6) When the destination country of the military aircraft is Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, reporting on both inbound and outbound flights in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (5).

(7) Reassignment of Department of Defense personnel from Joint Task Force Guantanamo or another Department of Defense entity to support alien detention operations.

(8) Facility maintenance or upgrades to support operations and costs of any Federal agency.

SEC. 1036. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO SUPPORT OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES BY ARMED FORCES.

(a) In General.—Section 723 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), in the subsection heading, by striking “Requirement” and inserting “Response to Civil Disturbances”;

(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);

(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):

“(b) Support to Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies by Members of the Armed Forces.—Whenever a member of the armed forces (including the National Guard) provides support to civilian law enforcement agencies, each such member providing such support shall visibly display the name of the armed force in which such member operates.”; and

(4) in subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (2)—

(A) by striking “requirement under subsection

(a)” and inserting “requirements under subsections

(a) and (b)”; and

(B) by striking “such subsection” and inserting “any such subsection”.

(b) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.—

(1) Conforming amendment.—The heading for section 723 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “Federal authorities in response to civil disturbances” and inserting “civil authorities”.

(2) Clerical amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 41 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 723 and inserting the following new item:

“723. Support of civil authorities: requirement for use of members of the Armed Forces and Federal law enforcement personnel.”.

SEC. 1037. PROHIBITION ON OPERATION OF CONNECTED VEHICLES DESIGNED, DEVELOPED, MANUFACTURED, OR SUPPLIED BY PERSONS OWNED BY, CONTROLLED BY, OR SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF A FOREIGN ENTITY OF CONCERN ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROPERTY.

(a) In General.—After January 1, 2028, no connected vehicle on the list required under subsection (b) may be operated on a military installation or on any other property of the Department of Defense.

(b) List Required.—

(1) In general.—Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and publish on a publicly available website of the Department of Defense a list of prohibited connected vehicles that—

(A) are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign entity of concern; and

(B) pose—

(i) an undue risk of sabotage to or subversion of the design, integrity, manufacturing, production, distribution, installation, operation, or maintenance of information and communications technology and services in the United States;

(ii) an undue risk of catastrophic effects on the security or resiliency of critical infrastructure in the United States or the digital economy of the United States; or

(iii) an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons.

(2) Incorporation of existing federal rules.—In establishing the list required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall incorporate existing Federal rules for identifying prohibited connected vehicles.

(3) Annual review.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary shall review the list required under paragraph (1) not less frequently than once each year and shall make such additions, subtractions, supplements, or amendments to the list as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(B) Explanation of subtractions.—Any review under subparagraph (A) that makes subtractions from the list required under paragraph (1) shall include an explanation of why the subtraction was made.

(4) Consultation.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary shall consult with the head of any Federal department or agency that the Secretary determines is appropriate in making the list required under paragraph (1) and conducting any annual review under paragraph (3).

(B) Transmittal of list.—The Secretary shall transmit a copy of the list required under paragraph

(1), and any modification to that list, to the heads of each Federal department or agency determined appropriate under subparagraph (A).

(c) Implementation Plan and Briefing.—

(1) In general.—Not later than June 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on an implementation plan for carrying out the prohibition under subsection (a).

(2) Elements.—The implementation plan required under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) an identification of the lead organization within the Department of Defense responsible for implementing and overseeing the prohibition under subsection (a);

(B) a description of the process by which the Department will identify and assess prohibited connected vehicles;

(C) a description of the means by which the Department will conduct coordination with appropriate Federal departments and agencies;

(D) an identification of the metrics by which the Department will assess connected vehicles for threats to national security;

(E) a description of the means by which military installations will ensure compliance with such prohibition; and

(F) an assessment of resource requirements necessary to implement and maintain such prohibition.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Connected vehicle.—The term “connected vehicle” has the meaning given that term in section 791.301 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulations.

(2) Foreign entity of concern.—The term “foreign entity 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).

(3) Military installation.—The term “military installation” has the meaning given that term in section 2801(c) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 1038. CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI-TRAFFICKING PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN.

(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the “Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025”.

(b) Defined Term.—In this section, the term “anti-trafficking recommendations” means the recommendations set forth in the report of the Government Accountability Office entitled “Child Trafficking: Addressing Challenges to Public Awareness and Survivor Support”, which was published on December 11, 2023.

(c) In General.—The Office for Victims of Crime of the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Office on Trafficking in Persons of the Administration for Children and Families, shall continue implementing the anti-trafficking recommendations by—

(1) working together, in accordance with the leading collaboration practices referenced in GAO-24-106038, to develop and implement strategies to prevent child trafficking and support child trafficking survivors; and

(2) establishing achievable performance goals and targets for anti-trafficking programs for children that reflect leading practices, such as being objective, measurable, and quantifiable, using baseline data from program grantees.

(d) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives that explicitly describes the steps taken pursuant to subsection (c).

Subtitle E—Studies and Reports

SEC. 1041. ANNUAL REPORT ON CONTRACT CANCELLATIONS.

(a) Report Required.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 10 days after the date on which the President submits a budget of the United States Government for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on any cancellations of contracts during the preceding fiscal year.

(2) Reporting on fiscal year 2025 cancellations.—The Secretary of Defense shall include in the first report submitted under paragraph (1) reporting on any cancellations of contracts during fiscal year 2025.

(b) Elements.—The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) Identification of the Contract Line Item Number affected.

(2) Total value of such Contract Line Item Number.

(3) Total existing obligations against that Contract Line Item Number.

(4) Any fee paid, if applicable, for cancelling the contract.

(5) A brief justification of the rationale for cancellation, tagged by—

(A) non-alignment with the priorities of the Secretary of Defense;

(B) requirement no longer exists;

(C) requirement has decreased;

(D) requirement exists, but the contract did not meet requirements for cost or the schedule or performance are unacceptable; or

(E) any other rationale as determined by the Secretary.

(6) For any Contract Line Item Number tagged pursuant to paragraph (5)(E), a brief proposed timeline for issuing a new contract to meet the specified requirement.

SEC. 1042. STREAMLINING OF TOTAL FORCE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Repeal of Annual Report on Military Technicians.—Section 115a of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (g).

(b) Incorporation of Annual Civilian Personnel Management Report Into Annual Defense Manpower Profile Report.—

(1) In general.—Such section is further amended—

(A) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as subsections (e) through (g), respectively; and

(B) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection:

“(d)(1) The Secretary shall include in each report required under subsection (a) a detailed discussion of the management of the civilian workforce of the Department of Defense. The discussion shall include the matter specified in paragraph (2) for the civilian workforce of each of the following:

“(A) The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Defense Agencies and Department of Defense Field Activities.

“(B) The military departments.”.

(2) Transfer of reporting requirements.—Such title is further amended by transferring paragraph (2) of section 129(c) of such title to section 115a, inserting such paragraph at the end of subsection (d) of such section 115a, as added by paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, and amending such paragraph (2)—

(A) by striking “Each report under paragraph (1) shall contain” and inserting “The matter to be included in each discussion under paragraph (1)”; and

(B) by striking “under the jurisdiction of the official submitting the report” and inserting “of each element of the Department of Defense named in that paragraph”.

(3) Conforming repeal of requirement for separate annual civilian personnel management report.—Section 129 of such title is amended by striking subsection (c).

SEC. 1043. REPORT ON NATIONAL GUARD SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE TRAINING.

The Chief of the National Guard Bureau, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing the number of members of the National Guard, disaggregated by State, that received sexual assault prevention and response training in the preceding calendar year—

(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(2) annually, beginning in 2027 and ending in 2031, by not later than March 30 of each year.

SEC. 1044. REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS.

Section 1707 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 133 Stat. 1799; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(c) Reports on Support for Immigration Enforcement Operations.—

“(1) In general.—If the Department of Defense approves a Request for Assistance for support for immigration enforcement operations, the Secretary of Defense shall electronically transmit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on such support not later than 30 calendar days after the date on which the Secretary approves the Request for Assistance and every 30 calendar days thereafter.

“(2) Elements.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include information on the following:

“(A) The use of transportation support provided by the Department of Defense, the type of such support, and the cost of such support.

“(B) The use of installation or facility support provided by the Department of Defense, the name of the installation or facility, and the cost of such support.

“(C) The reassignment of Department of Defense personnel to conduct support for immigration enforcement operations, the units from which such personnel were reassigned, the duration of the orders, and the cost of such reassignment.”.

SEC. 1045. MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND.

(a) Report on Recruiting and Retention Efforts.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Commander of the Military Sealift Command, and in consultation with the Commander of United States Transportation Command, the Commander of United States Fleet Forces Command, and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, 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 efforts to improve recruitment and retention of Military Sealift Command Mariners.

(2) Elements.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall consider—

(A) opportunities to enhance the integration of Military Sealift Command civilian mariners into the military command structure;

(B) providing training on the roles and significance of Military Sealift Command civilian mariner workforce to relevant military commands; and

(C) authorities required to improve recruitment and retention of civilian mariners in Military Sealift Command.

(b) Report on Extending Charter Durations.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report assessing the merits of extending the maximum charter durations of commercial and specialty vessels for the Military Sealift Command.

SEC. 1046. REPORT ON ALIENS HELD AT INSTALLATIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Report.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than monthly thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing—

(1) the number of aliens held at installations of the Department of Defense, disaggregated by location; and

(2) the total cost of detention of aliens at installations of the Department of Defense, regardless of location.

(b) Alien Defined.—In this section, the term “alien” has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).

SEC. 1047. BRIEFING ON EXPENDITURES OR PLANNED EXPENDITURES OF FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING ARCTIC INFRASTRUCTURE.

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Commander of the United States Northern Command, shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the expenditures or planned expenditures of funds allocated pursuant to section 20009(12) of the Act entitled “An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14” , approved July 4, 2025 (Public Law 119-

21), for exploration and development of existing Arctic infrastructure. The briefing should include amount of funds expended to date, a timeline for future use of funds, and an assessment of the feasibility of any viable infrastructure options in the Arctic region.

Subtitle F—Other Matters

SEC. 1051. MODIFICATION OF LIMITATION ON ASSISTANCE IN SUPPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ACCOUNTING FOR MISSING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL.

Section 408(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “$5,000,000” and inserting “$15,000,000”.

SEC. 1052. EXTENSION OF ADMISSION TO GUAM OR THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS FOR CERTAIN H-2B NONIMMIGRANTS.

Section 6(b)(1)(B) of the Joint Resolution entitled “A Joint Resolution to approve the ‘Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America’, and for other purposes”, approved March 24, 1976 (48 U.S.C. 1806(b)(1)(B)), is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “December 31, 2029” and inserting “December 31, 2031”.

SEC. 1053. PROHIBITING SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FROM DEVELOPING VOTING TECHNOLOGY OR METHODOLOGY.

The Secretary of Defense may not develop, or facilitate the development of, any voting technology or methodology for voting in Federal and State elections.

SEC. 1054. ASSESSMENT OF THE FEASIBILITY AND ADVISABILITY OF USING PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO SUPPORT U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION.

(a) Assessment and Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security—

(1) conduct an assessment of the advisability, feasibility, and cost of using personnel of the Department of Defense to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing translation and interpretation services in connection with border security operations; and

(2) submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the assessment conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).

(b) Contents.—The report submitted pursuant to subsection (a)(2) shall include the following:

(1) An assessment of the current capabilities and availability of Department personnel with relevant language skills to support the needs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and assist with interviews, including with respect to Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Swahili, Korean, Urdu, Farsi, and other languages that may be encountered at the United States border.

(2) An evaluation on the potential impact of the use of personnel described in subsection (a)(1) on Department readiness, operations, and personnel.

(3) An evaluation of the impact of such use of personnel on operations at the United States border.

(4) A cost estimate for such use of personnel, including administrative, training, deployment, and sustainment costs;

(5) A summary of any prior or ongoing interagency efforts or agreements relating to foreign language support between the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security and if such support was provided on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis.

(6) Such recommendations as the Secretary of Defense may have for legislative or administrative action to facilitate such use of personnel.

SEC. 1055. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TRAVEL EXPENSES OF THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance, defense-wide, and available for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel expenses, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense—

(1) submits to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate unredacted copies of documents requested by the committee during the period beginning on January 1, 2024, and ending on June 1, 2024;

(2) submits to the congressional defense committees overdue notifications regarding sensitive military operations required by section 130f of title 10, United States Code;

(3) submits to the requesting committee overdue quarterly reports regarding execute orders of the Department of Defense required by section 1744 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 113 note);

(4) submits to the congressional defense committees the plan for integrating signals intelligence capabilities on fielded armed overwatch aircraft required by section 167 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159);

(5) issues guidance on the governance and oversight of the contracts of the Department of Defense that support or enable sensitive activities required by section 867 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159);

(6) submits to the congressional defense committees the review of authorities relevant to the conduct of irregular warfare activities by the Department of Defense required by section 1065 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159);

(7) submits to the congressional defense committees the plan for implementing and institutionalizing the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, and other matters, required by section 907(b) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159); and

(8) submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the report on Department of Defense efforts to identify, disseminate, and implement throughout the Department lessons learned from the war in Ukraine required by the conference report accompanying the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-

159).

SEC. 1056. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SENSITIVE ACTIVITIES.

(a) Oversight of Department of Defense Sensitive Activities.— Chapter 3 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 130f the following new section: “Sec. 103. Oversight of Department of Defense sensitive activities.

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall keep the congressional defense committees fully and currently informed of Department of Defense sensitive activities.

“(b) Notification.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees notice in writing of a compromise or failure of any Department of Defense sensitive activity not later than 48 hours following the compromise or failure.

“(c) Procedures.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the congressional defense committees, shall establish and submit to such committees procedures for complying with the requirements of subsection (a) and (b) consistent with the national security of the United States and the protection of operational integrity. The Secretary shall promptly notify the congressional defense committees in writing of any changes to such procedures at least 14 days prior to the adoption of any such changes.

“(d) Sensitive Activity Defined.—In this section, the term ‘sensitive activity’ means operations, actions, activities, or programs that, if compromised, could have enduring adverse effects on United States foreign policy, Department of Defense activities, or military operations, or cause significant embarrassment to the United States, United States allies, or the Department of Defense.”.

(b) Process for Coordinating and Deconflicting Contracts.— Consistent with section 867 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4601), the Secretary of Defense shall establish a process for coordinating and deconflicting contracts of the Department of Defense that support or enable sensitive activities with other departments and agencies of the Federal government, as appropriate.

SEC. 1057. IRREGULAR WARFARE EXERCISE LABORATORY.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may establish and maintain an Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory to—

(1) support the training, experimentation, preparation, and validation of the United States Armed Forces to conduct full- spectrum irregular warfare activities; and

(2) enable activities to build the capacity and interoperability of the security forces of friendly foreign countries.

(b) Authorities.—In carrying out the activities authorized under subsection (a), the Secretary may use the authorities under chapter 16 of title 10, United States Code, and other applicable statutory authorities available to the Secretary of Defense.

SEC. 1058. SEMIANNUAL REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OPERATIONS AT THE SOUTHERN LAND BORDER.

(a) Report.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on operations at the southern land border.

(2) Elements.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall include a detailed description of—

(A) the Department of Defense’s efforts with respect to—

(i) combating transnational organized crime in the United States Northern Command and the United States Southern Command areas of responsibility;

(ii) reducing the cross-border flow of illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and fentanyl precursors; and

(iii) reducing the cross-border illicit trade of firearms and human trafficking;

(B) the Department of Defense’s steady-state plan and posture on the southern land border;

(C) the Department of Defense’s assessment of the operational and readiness impact under the Department’s steady-state plan and posture on the southern land border, and any revisions of such plan and posture;

(D) each military installation and each Department of Defense facility on or off the installation that is being used to support—

(i) the Department of Defense’s operations along the southern land border; or

(ii) the Department of Homeland Security or any of its components;

(E) the funding sources for the Department of Defense’s current operations along the southern land border;

(F) the Department of Defense’s use of force policy and related training;

(G) the Department of Defense’s assessment of its compliance with section 1385 of title 18, United States Code (commonly known as the “Posse Comitatus Act of 1878”), in its execution of—

(i) any efforts along the southern land border; and

(ii) any efforts in support of the Department of Homeland Security; and

(H) any challenges the Department of Defense has faced in the execution of the efforts described in subparagraphs (A) and (F).

(b) Semiannual Updates.—Not less frequently than once every 180 days after submitting the report required under subsection (a) and during the effective period of the national emergency declared by Proclamation 100886 (90 Fed. Reg. 8327; relating to a Declaration of a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States), Executive Order 14165 (90 Fed. Reg. 8467; relating to Security Our Borders), and Executive Order 14167 (90 Fed. Reg. 8613; relating to Clarifying the Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States), the Commander of the United States Northern Command shall submit to the congressional defense committees updates to the information included in such report.

SEC. 1059. UNIVERSITY-BASED SECURE INNOVATION INCUBATOR PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to develop, operate, and maintain incubator programs for secure facilities and networks at select universities across the United States—

(1) to accelerate the development and transition of innovative technologies to meet national security needs;

(2) to increase the availability of secure facilities and networks for classified work at university locations;

(3) to foster collaboration between academic researchers, private sector entities, and Department of Defense personnel;

(4) to expand the pool of security-cleared technical talent available to support defense organizations and personnel in critical defense technology areas; and

(5) to create regional innovation hubs that strengthen the national security innovation base.

(b) Program Elements.—The program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) Facility requirements.—Each university-based secure facility and network shall—

(A) meet all physical, technical, and personnel security requirements for handling classified information up to the Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information level;

(B) be designed to accommodate diverse use cases, including secure meetings, classified research, and technology development activities;

(C) include collaborative workspaces appropriate for innovation activities; and

(D) leverage modern design principles to maximize utilization and effectiveness.

(2) University selection criteria.—The Secretary shall select universities based on—

(A) the absence of a fully functional secure facility and network on the university campus;

(B) demonstrated commitment to national security- relevant research and development;

(C) existing relationships with the Department of Defense;

(D) technical capabilities relevant to defense innovation priorities;

(E) geographic distribution to ensure nationwide access; and

(F) capacity to support the administrative and security requirements of operating a secure facility and network.

(3) Access to facilities and networks.—

(A) Access model.—The Secretary shall establish a flexible subscription-based system for access to the university-based secure facilities and networks, with—

(i) tiered access levels calibrated to different user needs and security requirements;

(ii) pricing structures that may vary based on organizational size, usage patterns, and security clearance-processing needs; and

(iii) priority access for Department components and entities working on projects sponsored by the Department.

(B) Access protocols and security clearance requirements.—

(i) In general.—Access to classified information and secure facilities within the program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be strictly controlled and granted consistent with Executive Order 12968 (50 U.S.C. 3161 note; relating to access to classified information).

(ii) Authorized users.—Authorized users of classified information and secure facilities within the program established pursuant to subsection (a) may include—

(I) university faculty, staff, and students;

(II) private sector entities, particularly small businesses and startups, that are participating in specific defense innovation programs;

(III) personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense; and

(IV) personnel from other Federal agencies engaged in work related to national security.

(c) Implementation.—

(1) Pilot program.—In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(A) not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish an initial pilot program with not fewer than three university partners;

(B) ensure that at least one of the locations for the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph

(A) is at a university located within 100 miles of the geographic center of the United States;

(C) evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph (A) based on metrics, including utilization rates, project outcomes, and participant feedback; and

(D) not more than 900 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the congressional defense committees a report on—

(i) the findings of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph (A); and

(ii) such recommendations as the Secretary may have for expanding the pilot program.

(2) Program expansion.—Subject to successful evaluation of the pilot program established pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall, not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act, expand the program required by subsection (a) to not fewer than 10 universities.

(d) Cost-sharing.—The Secretary may enter into cost-sharing agreements or other appropriate agreements with universities participating in the program established pursuant to subsection (a), other Federal departments and agencies, State and local governments, Tribal governments, and private sector partners to support the establishment and operation of the secure facilities and networks under the program.

(e) Annual Report.—

(1) In general.—Each year, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report on the program established pursuant to subsection (a).

(2) Contents.—Each report submitted pursuant to paragraph

(1) shall cover the following:

(A) Current locations and expansion plans.

(B) Utilization metrics and user demographics.

(C) Financial information, including fees collected and program costs.

(D) Measurable outcomes from activities conducted within the secure facilities and networks included in the program.

(E) Recommendations for legislative or administrative action relating to the program.

(f) Program and Report Expiration.—The program authorized under subsection (a) and the annual report requirement under subsection (e) shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1060. PRIORITY CONSIDERATION OF ENERGY PROJECTS THAT ARE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT TEMPORAL IMPACT DUE TO SEASONAL ARCTIC CLIMATE CONDITIONS.

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, to the maximum extent possible, prioritize, for purposes of consideration by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office, the clearance of mining and energy project applications and white papers for projects the operation or completion of which is likely to experience significant temporal impact due to seasonal Arctic climate conditions.

SEC. 1061. NON-REIMBURSABLE SUPPORT FOR AFGHANISTAN WAR COMMISSION.

Section 1094(f)(2) of the Afghanistan War Commission Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 1938) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(D) Services.—

“(i) DOD services.—The Secretary of Defense may provide to the Commission, on a nonreimbursable basis, such administrative services, funds, staff, facilities, and other support services as are necessary for the performance of the Commission’s duties under this section.

“(ii) Other agencies.—In addition to any support provided under clause (i), the heads of other Federal departments and agencies may provide to the Commission such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support as the heads of such departments and agencies determine advisable and as may be authorized by law.”.

SEC. 1062. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY FOR AFGHANISTAN WAR COMMISSION.

Section 1094(g) of the Afghanistan War Commission Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 1938) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(7) Contracting.—The Co-Chairpersons of the Commission may, to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this section.”.

SEC. 1063. COMMISSION ON THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY.

(a) Establishment.—

(1) In general.—There is established as of January 5, 2026, an independent commission in the legislative branch to be known as the “Commission on the National Defense Strategy” (in this section referred to as the “Commission”).

(2) Purpose.—The purpose of the Commission is to examine and make recommendations with respect to the national defense strategy of the United States.

(3) Scope and duties.—In order to provide the fullest understanding of the national defense strategy the Commission shall perform the following duties:

(A) National defense strategy review.—The Commission shall review the most recent national defense strategy of the United States including the assumptions, strategic objectives, priority missions, major investments in defense capabilities, force posture and structure, operational concepts, and strategic and military risks associated with the strategy.

(B) Assessment.—The Commission shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of the strategic environment, including—

(i) United States interests;

(ii) the threats to the national security of the United States, including both traditional and non-traditional threats;

(iii) the size and shape of the force;

(iv) the readiness of the force;

(v) the posture, structure, and capabilities of the force;

(vi) allocation of resources; and

(vii) the strategic and military risks present in the national defense strategy.

(4) Commission report and recommendations.—

(A) Report.—

(i) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of establishment of the Commission, the Commission shall transmit to the President and Congress a report containing the review and assessment conducted under paragraph (3), together with any recommendations of the Commission.

(ii) Contents.—The report required by clause (i) shall include the following elements:

(I) An appraisal of the strategic environment, including an examination of the traditional and non-traditional threats to the United States, and the potential for conflicts arising from such threats and security challenges.

(II) An evaluation of the strategic objectives of the Department of Defense for near-peer competition in support of the national security interests of the United States.

(III) A review of the military missions for which the Department of Defense should prepare, including missions that support the interagency and a whole-of-government strategy.

(IV) An identification of any gaps or redundancies in the roles and missions assigned to the Armed Forces necessary to carry out military missions identified in subclause (III), and the roles and capabilities provided by other Federal agencies and by allies and international partners.

(V) An assessment of how the national defense strategy leverages other elements of national power across the interagency to counter near-peer competitors.

(VI) An evaluation of the resources necessary to support the strategy, including budget recommendations.

(VII) An examination of the efforts by the Department of Defense to develop new and innovative operational concepts to enable the United States to more effectively counter near-peer competitors.

(VIII) An analysis of the force planning construct, including— (aa) the size and shape of the force; (bb) the posture, structure, and capabilities of the force;

(cc) the readiness of the force;

(dd) infrastructure and organizational adjustments to the force; (ee) modifications to personnel requirements, including professional military education; and (ff) other elements of the defense program necessary to support the strategy.

(IX) An assessment of the risks associated with the strategy, including the relationships and tradeoffs between missions, risks, and resources.

(X) Any other elements the Commission considers appropriate.

(B) Briefings.—

(i) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the establishment of the Commission, the Commission shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of the review and assessment required by paragraph (3), including a discussion of any interim recommendations.

(ii) Interim briefings.—At the request of the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, or the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, the Commission shall provide the requesting Committee with interim briefings in addition to the briefing required by clause (i).

(5) Powers of commission.—

(A) Hearings.—The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out its duties under this section.

(B) Information from federal agencies.—The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out its duties under this section. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.

(C) Use of postal service.—The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

(D) Authority to accept gifts.—

(i) In general.—The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services, goods, and property from non-Federal entities for the purposes of aiding and facilitating the work of the Commission. The authority under this paragraph does not extend to gifts of money.

(ii) Documentation; conflicts of interest.—The Commission shall document gifts accepted under the authority provided by clause

(i) and shall avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest.

(iii) Compliance with congressional ethics rules.—Except as specifically provided in this section, a member of the Commission shall comply with rules set forth by the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics of the House of Representatives governing employees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively.

(6) Report required.—Not later than February 5, 2027, the Commission shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives an unclassified report, with classified annexes if necessary, that includes the findings and conclusions of the Commission as a result of the studies required under this section, together with its recommendations for such legislative actions as the Commission considers appropriate in light of the results of the studies.

(b) Membership.—

(1) Composition.—The Commission shall be composed of 8 members, of whom—

(A) one shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(B) one shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;

(C) one shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate;

(D) one shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

(E) one shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;

(F) one shall be appointed by the Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;

(G) one shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and

(H) one shall be appointed by the Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

(2) Chair and vice chair.—

(A) Chair.—The Chair of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Chair of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall jointly designate 1 member of the Commission to serve as Chair of the Commission.

(B) Vice chair.—The Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the Minority Leader of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, shall jointly designate 1 member of the Commission to serve as Vice Chair of the Commission.

(3) Appointments.—

(A) Appointment date.—Members shall be appointed to the Commission under paragraph (1) by not later than 30 days after the date of the establishment of the Commission.

(B) Notifications.—Individuals making appointments under paragraph (1) shall provide notice of the appointments to the Secretary of Defense (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”), the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

(C) Effect of non-appointment.—

(i) In general.—If an appointment under this subsection is not made by the date specified under paragraph (3)(A), the authority to make such appointment shall devolve to a member of Congress of the same party and same chamber eligible to appoint under this subsection.

(ii) Expiration of appointment authority.— If an appointment is not made within 60 days of establishment, the authority to make such appointment shall expire.

(D) Restriction on appointment.—Officers or employees of the Federal Government (other than experts or consultants the services of which are procured under section 3109 of title 5, United States Code) may not be appointed as members of the Commission.

(E) Restriction on members of congress.—Members of Congress may not serve on the Commission.

(4) Period of appointment; vacancies; removal of members.—

(A) Appointment duration.—Members shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

(B) Vacancies.—Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(C) Removal of members.—A member may be removed from the Commission for cause by the individual serving in the position responsible for the original appointment of such member under subsection (b)(1), provided that notice has first been provided to such member of the cause for removal and voted and agreed upon by three quarters of the members serving. A vacancy created by the removal of a member under this subsection shall not affect the powers of the Commission, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.

(5) Quorum.—.A majority of the members serving on the Commission shall constitute a quorum.

(6) Initial meeting.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed as published in the Congressional Record, the Commission shall hold its initial meeting.

(c) Personnel Matters.—

(1) Status as federal employees.—Notwithstanding the requirements of section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, including the required supervision under subsection (a)(3) of such section, members of the Commission shall be deemed to be Federal employees in the legislative branch subject to all the laws and policies applicable to legislative branch employees.

(2) Oath of office.—Notwithstanding the provision of section 2903(b) of title 5, United States Code, an employee of an Executive Branch agency, otherwise authorized to administer oaths under section 2903 of title 5, United States Code, may administer the oath of office to Commissioners for the purpose of their service to the Commission.

(3) Security clearances.—The appropriate Federal departments or agencies shall cooperate with the Commission in expeditiously providing to the Commission members and staff appropriate security clearances to the extent possible pursuant to existing procedures and requirements, except that no person may be provided with access to classified information under this Act without the appropriate security clearances.

(4) Pay for members.—Each member of the Commission may be compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation additional to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States.

(5) Staff.—

(A) Executive director.—The Chair of the Commission may appoint and fix the rate of basic pay for an Executive Director in accordance with section 3161 of title 5, United States Code.

(B) Commission staff.—The Executive Director may appoint and fix the rate of basic pay for additional personnel as staff of the Commission in accordance with section 3161 of title 5, United States Code.

(C) Detailees authorized.—On a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis, the heads of departments and agencies of the Federal Government may provide, and the Commission may accept personnel detailed from such departments and agencies, including active-duty military personnel.

(D) Travel expenses.—The members and staff of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.

(d) Support.—

(1) Assistance from department of defense.—

(A) In general.—Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for support of the Commission, the Secretary may make transfers to the Commission for Commission expenses, including compensation of Commission members, officers, and employees, and provision of other such services, funds, facilities, and other support services as necessary for the performance of the Commission’s functions. Funds made available to support and provide assistance to the Commission may be used for payment of compensation of members, officers, and employees of the Commission without transfer under this subparagraph. Amounts transferred under this subparagraph shall remain available until expended. Transfer authority provided by this subparagraph is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by law. Section 2215 of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply to a transfer of funds under this subparagraph.

(B) Treasury account authorized.—The Secretary of the Treasury may establish an account or accounts for the Commission from which any amounts transferred under this clause may be used for activities of the Commission.

(2) Liaison.—The Secretary shall designate at least one officer or employee of the Department of Defense to serve as a liaison officer between the Department and the Commission.

(3) Additional support.—To the extent that funds are available for such purpose, or on a reimbursable basis, the Secretary may, at the request of the Chair of the Commission—

(A) enter into contracts for the acquisition of administrative supplies and equipment for use by the Commission; and

(B) make available the services of a Federal funded research and development center or an independent, nongovernmental organization, described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.

(4) Preliminary administrative support authorized.—Upon the appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair under subsection

(b), the Secretary may provide administrative support authorized under this section necessary to facilitate the standing up of the Commission.

(e) Termination of Commission.—The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the submission of the report required by subsection (a).

SEC. 1064. PROVISION BY AIR FORCE OF METEOROLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall provide meteorological and environmental services for operations of the intelligence community.

(b) Intelligence Community Defined.—In this section, the term “intelligence community” has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).

SEC. 1065. EXPANSION OF INDIVIDUAL LONGITUDINAL EXPOSURE RECORD.

(a) All Exposures.—The Secretary of Defense shall expand the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (in this section referred to as “ILER”) to document all exposures of members of the Armed Forces, including those that occur within the United States, so it can be available for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs when such members transition to civilian life, including the following:

(1) All-hazard occupational data.

(2) Environmental hazards that were known or found later to which the member was exposed, including through conducting any monitoring in the area.

(b) Medical Information.—The Secretary of Defense shall expand the ILER to include the following medical information of members of the Armed Forces so it can be available for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs when such members transition to civilian life:

(1) Medical encounter information relating to exposures (such as diagnosis, treatment, and laboratory data).

(2) Medical concerns that should be addressed regarding possible exposures.

(c) Availability to Certain Professionals.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the ILER is available, for purposes of improving internal processes, to the following:

(1) Health care providers of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(2) Epidemiologists and researchers of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(3) Disability evaluation and benefits determinations specialists of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(d) Inclusion in Service Records.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall document in the service records of a member of the Armed Forces whether such member served at a location where there was a potential of toxic exposure.

(2) Protection of classified information.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that service at any location that is classified is protected from disclosure.

SEC. 1066. CLASSIFICATION OF NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE AS LOCATION WHERE CONTAMINATION OCCURRED AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WERE EXPOSED TO TOXIC SUBSTANCES.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall classify the Nevada Test and Training Range as a location where contamination occurred.

(b) Identification Process.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a process to identify members of the Armed Forces and former members of the Armed Forces that were stationed at the Nevada Test and Training Range since January 27, 1951.

(2) Documentation.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a process to permit members of the Armed Forces and former members of the Armed Forces to provide documentation or evidence of their assignment within the Nevada Test and Training Range to assist the Secretary in identifying those members and former members under paragraph (1).

(3) Efforts.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall make all efforts to identify individuals described in paragraph (1) and shall not require members of the Armed Forces or former members of the Armed Forces to submit evidence of their stationing.

SEC. 1067. REVIEW OF AND REPORTING ON NATIONAL SECURITY SENSITIVE SITES FOR PURPOSES OF REVIEWS OF REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS BY THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

(a) List of National Security Sensitive Sites.—Section 721(a)(4)(C) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(a)(4)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(iii) List of sites.—For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii), the Committee may prescribe through regulations a list of facilities and property of the United States Government that are sensitive for reasons relating to national security. Such list may include certain facilities and property of the intelligence community and National Laboratories (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)).”.

(b) Review and Reports.—Section 721(m) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(m)(2)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:

“(L) A list of all notices and declarations filed and all reviews or investigations of covered transactions completed during the period relating to facilities and property of the United States Government determined to be sensitive for reasons relating to national security for purposes of subsection

(a)(4)(B)(ii).

“(M) A certification that the list of sites identified under subsection (a)(4)(C)(iii) reflects consideration of the recommended updates and revisions submitted under paragraph (4)(B). Upon request from any Member of Congress specified in subsection

(b)(3)(C)(iii), the chairperson shall provide a classified briefing to that Member, and staff of the member with appropriate security clearances, regarding the list of sites identified under subsection

(a)(4)(C)(iii).”;

(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and

(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:

“(4) Annual review of list of facilities and property.— Not later than January 31 of each year, each member of the Committee shall—

“(A) review the facilities and property of the agency represented by that member that are on the list prescribed under subparagraph (C)(iii) of subsection

(a)(4) of facilities and property that are sensitive for reasons relating to national security for purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii) of that subsection; and

“(B) submit to the chairperson a report on that review, after approval of the report by an Assistant Secretary or equivalent official of the agency, which shall include any recommended updates or revisions to the list regarding facilities and property administered by the member of the Committee.”.

SEC. 1068. ELIGIBILITY OF SPOUSES FOR SERVICES UNDER THE DISABLED VETERANS’ OUTREACH PROGRAM.

Section 4103A of title 38, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in paragraph (1)—

(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph

(A), by inserting “and eligible persons” after “eligible veterans”; and

(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting “, and eligible persons,” after “Other eligible veterans”;

(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting “and eligible persons” after “veterans” each place it appears; and

(C) in paragraph (3)—

(i) by inserting “or eligible person” after “veteran” each place it appears; and

(ii) by inserting “or eligible person’s” after “veteran’s”;

(2) in subsection (d)(1)—

(A) by inserting “and eligible persons” after “eligible veterans” each place it appears; and

(B) by striking “non-veteran-related”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(e) Eligible Person Defined.—In this section, the term ‘eligible person’ means—

“(1) any spouse described in section 4101(5) of this title; or

“(2) the spouse of any person who died while a member of the Armed Forces.”.

SEC. 1069. AUTHORITY OF MARSHAL OF THE SUPREME COURT AND SUPREME COURT POLICE.

Section 6121(a)(2) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:

“(C) if the Marshal determines such protection is necessary—

“(i) any retired or former Chief Justice or Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; or

“(ii) any member of the immediate family of the Chief Justice, any Associate Justice, any retired or former Chief Justice or Associate Justice, or any officer of the Supreme Court.”.

SEC. 1070. SECOND CHANCE ACT REAUTHORIZATION.

(a) State and Local Reentry Demonstration Projects.—Section 2976 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10631) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)—

(A) in paragraph (7), by striking “and” at the end;

(B) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(C) by adding at the end the following:

“(9) treating substance use disorders, including by providing peer recovery services, case management, and access to overdose education and overdose reversal medications; and

“(10) providing reentry housing services.”; and

(2) in subsection (o)(1), by striking “2019 through 2023” and inserting “2026 through 2030”.

(b) Grants for Family-based Substance Abuse Treatment.—Section 2926(a) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10595a(a)) is amended by striking “2019 through 2023” and inserting “2026 through 2030”.

(c) Grant Program to Evaluate and Improve Educational Methods at Prisons, Jails, and Juvenile Facilities.—Section 1001(a)(28) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10261(a)(28)) is amended by striking “2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023” and inserting “2026 through 2030”.

(d) Careers Training Demonstration Grants.—Section 115(f) of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (34 U.S.C. 60511(f)) is amended by striking “2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023” and inserting “2026 through 2030”.

(e) Offender Reentry Substance Abuse and Criminal Justice Collaboration Program.—Section 201(f)(1) of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (34 U.S.C. 60521(f)(1)) is amended by striking “2019 through 2023” and inserting “2026 through 2030”.

(f) Community-based Mentoring and Transitional Service Grants to Nonprofit Organizations.—Section 211(f) of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (34 U.S.C. 60531(f)) is amended by striking “2019 through 2023” and inserting “2026 through 2030”.

SEC. 1071. APPLICATION OF LEAVE PROVISIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE.

(a) In General.—Section 221(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 213a(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(22) Chapter 40, Leave.”.

(b) Conforming Repeal.—Section 219 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 210-1) is repealed.

SEC. 1072. STUDY OF NATIONAL SECURITY RISKS POSED BY CERTAIN ROUTERS AND MODEMS.

(a) In General.—The Secretary shall conduct a study of the national security risks and cybersecurity vulnerabilities posed by consumer routers, modems, and devices that combine a modem and router that are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the influence of a covered country.

(b) Report to Congress.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Covered country.—The term “covered country” means a country specified in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code.

(2) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.

SEC. 1073. FAIRNESS IN ISSUANCE OF TACTICAL EQUIPMENT TO DIPLOMATIC SECURITY SERVICE PERSONNEL.

(a) In General.—In any instance when the Diplomatic Security Service of the Department of State issues tactical gear to Special Agents, uniform division officers, or personal service contractors, the Service must, whenever such products are commercially available, provide both men’s and women’s sizing options.

(b) Tactical Equipment Defined.—In this section, the term “tactical equipment” includes, among other items, ballistic plates, ballistic plate carriers, helmets, media jackets, tactical pants, and gloves.

SEC. 1074. COMMERCIAL SPACE ACTIVITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

(a) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

(b) Membership.—

(1) In general.—The Committee shall be composed of 15 members appointed by the Secretary.

(2) Qualifications.—

(A) In general.—The Committee shall be composed of representatives from a variety of space policy, engineering, technical, science, legal, academic, and finance fields who have significant experience in the commercial space industry, which may include previous Government experience.

(B) Limitation.—

(i) In general.—Except as provided in clause (ii), the Secretary may not appoint as a member of the Committee any employee or official of the Federal Government.

(ii) Exception.—The Secretary may appoint as a member of the Committee a special government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code) who serves on 1 or more other Federal advisory committees.

(3) Term.—Each individual appointed as a member of the Committee—

(A) shall be appointed for a term of not more than 4 years; and

(B) during the 2-year period beginning on the date on which such term ends, may not serve as a member of the Committee.

(c) Duties.—The duties of the Committee shall be—

(1) to advise on the status and recent developments of nongovernmental space activities;

(2) to provide to the Secretary and Congress recommendations on the manner in which the United States may facilitate and promote a safe, sustainable, robust, competitive, and innovative commercial sector that is investing in, developing, and conducting space activities within the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce, including through the development and implementation of any regulatory framework applicable to the commercial space industry.

(3) to identify, and provide recommendations in response to, any challenge faced by the United States commercial sector relating to—

(A) the application of international obligations of the United States relevant to commercial space sector activities in outer space;

(B) export controls that affect the commercial space sector;

(C) harmful interference with commercial space sector activities in outer space; and

(D) access to adequate, predictable, and reliable radio frequency spectrum;

(4) to review existing best practices for United States entities to avoid—

(A) the harmful contamination of the Moon and other celestial bodies; and

(B) adverse changes in the environment of the Earth resulting from the introduction of extraterrestrial matter; and

(5) to provide information, advice, and recommendations on matters relating to—

(A) United States commercial space sector activities in outer space; and

(B) other commercial space sector activities, as the Committee considers necessary.

(d) Termination.—The Committee shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date on which the Committee is established.

(e) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Office of Space Commerce.

(2) State.—The term “State” means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

(3) United states entity.—The term “United States entity” means—

(A) an individual who is a national of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a))); and

(B) a nongovernmental entity organized or existing under, and subject to, the laws of the United States or a State.

SEC. 1075. REVIEW AND PROHIBITIONS BY COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

(a) In General.—Section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:

“(14) Agriculture.—The term ‘agriculture’ has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203).”;

(2) in subsection (b)(1), by adding at the end the following:

“(I) Consideration of certain agricultural land transactions.—

“(i) In general.—Not later than 30 days after receiving notification from the Secretary of Agriculture of a reportable agricultural land transaction, the Committee shall determine—

“(I) whether the transaction is a covered transaction; and

“(II) if the Committee determines that the transaction is a covered transaction, whether to— “(aa) request the submission of a notice under clause (i) of subparagraph (C) or a declaration under clause

(v) of such subparagraph pursuant to the process established under subparagraph

(H); or “(bb) initiate a review pursuant to subparagraph (D).

“(ii) Reportable agricultural land transaction defined.—In this subparagraph, the term ‘reportable agricultural land transaction’ means a transaction—

“(I) that the Secretary of Agriculture has reason to believe is a covered transaction;

“(II) that involves the acquisition of an interest in agricultural land by a foreign person, other than an excepted investor or an excepted real estate investor, as such terms are defined in regulations prescribed by the Committee; and

“(III) with respect to which a person is required to submit a report to the Secretary of Agriculture under section 2(a) of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501(a)).

“(iii) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to apply to the acquisition of an interest in agricultural land by a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States.”;

(3) in subsection (k)(2)—

(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (H), (I), and

(J) as subparagraphs (I), (J), and (K), respectively; and

(B) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:

“(H) The Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to any covered transaction related to the purchase of agricultural land or agricultural biotechnology or otherwise related to the agriculture industry in the United States.”; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

“(r) Prohibitions Relating to Purchases of Agricultural Land and Agricultural Businesses.—

“(1) In general.—If the Committee, in conducting a review under this section, determines that a transaction described in clause (i), (ii), or (iv) of subsection (a)(4)(B) would result in the purchase or lease by a covered foreign person of real estate described in paragraph (2) or would result in control by a covered foreign person of a United States business engaged in agriculture, the President shall prohibit the transaction unless a party to the transaction voluntarily chooses to abandon the transaction.

“(2) Real estate described.—Subject to regulations prescribed by the Committee, real estate described in this paragraph is agricultural land (as defined in section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508)) in the United States that is in close proximity (subject to subsection (a)(4)(C)(ii)) to a United States military installation or another facility or property of the United States Government that is—

“(A) sensitive for reasons relating to national security for purposes of subsection

(a)(4)(B)(ii)(II)(bb); and

“(B) identified in regulations prescribed by the Committee.

“(3) Waiver.—The President may waive, on a case-by-case basis, the requirement to prohibit a transaction under paragraph (1) after the President determines and reports to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives that the waiver is in the national interest of the United States.

“(4) Covered foreign person defined.—

“(A) In general.—In this subsection, subject to regulations prescribed by the Committee, the term ‘covered foreign person’—

“(i) means any foreign person (including a foreign entity) that acts as an agent, representative, or employee of, or acts at the direction or control of, the government of a covered country; and

“(ii) does not include a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States.

“(B) Covered country defined.—For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term ‘covered country’ means any of the following countries, if the country is determined to be a foreign adversary pursuant to section 791.4 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation):

“(i) The People’s Republic of China.

“(ii) The Russian Federation.

“(iii) The Islamic Republic of Iran.

“(iv) The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”.

(b) Spending Plans.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each department or agency represented on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States shall submit to the chairperson of the Committee a copy of the most recent spending plan required under section 1721(b) of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4565 note).

(c) Regulations.—

(1) In general.—The President shall direct, subject to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, the issuance of regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section.

(2) Effective date.—The regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) shall take effect not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(d) Effective Date; Applicability.—The amendments made by this section shall—

(1) take effect on the date that is 30 days after the effective date of the regulations under subsection (c)(2); and

(2) apply with respect to a covered transaction (as defined in section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565)) that is proposed, pending, or completed on or after the date described in paragraph (1).

SEC. 1076. FINDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESOURCE EXPLORATION.

(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that the United States should prioritize, to the greatest extent practicable, the onshoring of critical mineral processing.

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Allied foreign country.—The term “allied foreign country” means a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or a country that has been designated as a major non-NATO ally under section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321k).

(2) Critical mineral.—The term “critical mineral” has the meaning given the term in section 7002(a) of the Energy Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C. 1606(a)).

(3) Institution of higher education.—The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).

(4) Partner foreign country.—The term “partner foreign country” means a country that is a source of a critical mineral or rare earth element.

(5) Rare earth element.—The term “rare earth element” means cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, promethium, samarium, scandium, terbium, thulium, ytterbium, or yttrium.

(6) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey.

(c) Memorandum of Understanding With Respect to the Mapping of Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements.—

(1) Memorandum of understanding.—The Secretary may enter into a memorandum of understanding with 1 or more heads of agencies of partner foreign countries with respect to scientific and technical cooperation in the mapping of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

(2) Objectives.—In negotiating a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall seek to increase the security and resilience of international supply chains, to the maximum extent practicable, for critical minerals and rare earth elements by—

(A) committing to assisting the partner foreign country through cooperative activities described in paragraph (3) that help the partner foreign country map reserves of critical minerals and rare earth elements; and

(B) ensuring that mapping data created through the cooperative activities described in paragraph (3) is protected against unauthorized access by, or disclosure to, governmental or private entities based in countries that are not—

(i) a party to the memorandum of understanding; or

(ii) an allied foreign country.

(3) Cooperative activities.—The cooperative activities referred to in paragraphs (2) and (5)(A)(ii) include—

(A) acquisition, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of geologic, geophysical, geochemical, and spectroscopic remote sensing data;

(B) prospectivity mapping and mineral resource assessment;

(C) analysis of geoscience data, including developing derivative map products that can help more effectively evaluate the mineral resources of the partner foreign country;

(D) scientific collaboration to enhance the understanding and management of the natural resources of the partner foreign country to contribute to the sustainable development of the mineral resources sector of that partner foreign country;

(E) training and capacity building in each area described in subparagraphs (A) through (D);

(F) facilitation of education and specialized training in geoscience and mineral resource management at institutions of higher education;

(G) training in relevant international standards for relevant officials of the government and private companies of the partner foreign country; and

(H) cooperation among entities of the partner foreign country that are a party to the memorandum of understanding and entities in the United States, including Federal departments and agencies, institutions of higher education, research centers, and private companies.

(4) Notification and report to congress.—

(A) Definition of appropriate committees of congress.—In this paragraph, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(i) the Committees on Energy and Natural Resources, Foreign Relations, and Appropriations of the Senate; and

(ii) the Committees on Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

(B) Notification and report.—Not later than 30 days before the Secretary intends to enter into a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), the Secretary and the Secretary of State shall jointly—

(i) notify the appropriate committees of Congress; and

(ii) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing the implementing partners, scope of the memorandum of understanding, activities to be undertaken, estimated costs, and source of funding.

(5) Secretary of state.—

(A) Authority.—For purposes of negotiating and implementing the memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall be responsible for matters relating to—

(i) ensuring that private companies headquartered in the United States or an allied foreign country are offered the right of first refusal in the further development of critical minerals and rare earth elements in the partner foreign country; and

(ii) facilitating private-sector investment in the exploration and development of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

(B) Concurrence.—The Secretary shall obtain the concurrence of the Secretary of State in—

(i) prioritizing and selecting partner foreign countries with which to enter into a memorandum of understanding under paragraph

(1);

(ii) negotiating a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1);

(iii) implementing a memorandum of understanding entered into under paragraph (1); and

(iv) carrying out paragraphs (4) and (6).

(6) Consultation with private sector.—The Secretary shall consult with relevant private sector actors, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, in—

(A) prioritizing and selecting partner foreign countries with which to enter into a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1); and

(B) assessing how a memorandum of understanding can best facilitate private sector interest in pursuing the further development of critical minerals and rare earth elements in accordance with the objectives described in paragraph (2).

(d) Savings Clause.—Nothing in this section impedes or otherwise alters any authority of the Director of the United States Geological Survey provided by—

(1) the matter under the heading “GEOLOGICAL SURVEY” of the first section of the Act of March 3, 1879 (43 U.S.C. 31(a)); or

(2) the first section of Public Law 87-626 (43 U.S.C. 31(b)).

SEC. 1077. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES TO VETERANS IN THE FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES.

(a) Telehealth and Mail Order Pharmacy Benefits.—Section 1724(f)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(C) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, the Secretary shall furnish to veterans described in subparagraph (A), subject to agreements described in such subparagraph, telehealth benefits and mail order pharmacy benefits.”.

(b) Beneficiary Travel.—Section 111(h)(1) of such title is amended by striking “the Secretary may make payments” and inserting “beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, the Secretary shall make payments”.

(c) Quarterly Report.—

(1) In general.—Not less frequently than quarterly, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the status of implementation of the amendments made by this section and the cost of such implementation.

(2) Appropriate committees of congress defined.—In this subsection, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

(d) Extension of Certain Limits on Payments of Pension.—Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking “November 30, 2031” and inserting “April 30, 2032”.

SEC. 1078. PROTECTING COVERED INFORMATION IN PUBLIC RECORDS.

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Applicable legislative officers.—The term “applicable legislative officers” means—

(A) with respect to a Member of the Senate or a designated Senate employee, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate and the Secretary of the Senate, acting jointly; and

(B) with respect to a Member of, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives or a designated House employee, the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, acting jointly.

(2) At-risk individual.—The term “at-risk individual” means—

(A) a Member of Congress;

(B) any individual who is the spouse, parent, sibling, or child of an individual described in subparagraph (A);

(C) any individual to whom an individual described in subparagraph (A) stands in loco parentis;

(D) any other individual living in the household of an individual described in subparagraph (A);

(E) any designated Senate employee;

(F) any designated House employee; or

(G) a former Member of Congress.

(3) Candidate.—The term “candidate” has the meaning given the term in section 301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101).

(4) Covered employee.—The term “covered employee” has the same meaning given such term in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301).

(5) Covered information.—The term “covered information”—

(A) means—

(i) a home address, including a primary residence or secondary residences;

(ii) a home or personal mobile telephone number;

(iii) a personal email address;

(iv) a social security number or driver’s license number;

(v) a bank account or credit or debit card number;

(vi) a license plate number or other unique identifier of a vehicle owned, leased, or regularly used by an at-risk individual;

(vii) the identification of a child, who is under 18 years of age, of an at-risk individual;

(viii) information regarding current or future school or day care attendance, including the name or addresses of the school or day care;

(ix) information regarding schedules of school or day care attendance or routes taken to or from the school or day care by an at-risk individual;

(x) information regarding routes taken to or from an employment location by an at-risk individual; or

(xi) precise geolocation data that is not anonymized and can identify the location of a device of an at-risk individual; and

(B) does not include information described in subparagraph (A) that is contained in—

(i) any report or other record required to be filed with the Federal Election Commission; or

(ii) any report or other record otherwise required under Federal or State law to be filed—

(I) by an individual to qualify as a candidate for the office of Member of Congress; or

(II) by any candidate for the office of Member of Congress.

(6) Data broker.—

(A) In general.—The term “data broker” means a commercial entity engaged in collecting, assembling, or maintaining personal information concerning an individual who is not a customer, client, or an employee of that entity in order to sell the information or otherwise profit from providing third- party access to the information.

(B) Exclusion.—The term “data broker” does not include a commercial entity engaged in the following activities:

(i) Engaging in reporting, news-gathering, speaking, or other activities intended to inform the public on matters of public interest or public concern.

(ii) Providing 411 directory assistance or directory information services, including name, address, and telephone number, on behalf of or as a function of a telecommunications carrier.

(iii) Using personal information internally, providing access to businesses under common ownership or affiliated by corporate control, or selling or providing data for a transaction or service requested by or concerning the individual whose personal information is being transferred.

(iv) Providing publicly available information via real-time or near-real-time alert services for health or safety purposes.

(v) A consumer reporting agency, only while engaging in activity subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).

(vi) A financial institution subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 106-102) and regulations implementing that Act.

(vii) A covered entity for purposes of the privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2 note).

(viii) The collection and sale or licensing of covered information incidental to conducting the activities described in clauses (i) through

(vii).

(7) Designated house employee.—The term “designated House employee” means—

(A) a covered employee designated in writing by—

(i) a Member of, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives; or

(ii) an officer of the House of Representatives; or

(B) an officer of the House of Representatives.

(8) Designated senate employee.—The term “designated Senate employee” means—

(A) a covered employee designated in writing by—

(i) a Member of the Senate; or

(ii) an officer of the Senate; or

(B) an officer of the Senate.

(9) Government agency.—The term “Government agency” includes—

(A) an Executive agency, as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code; and

(B) any agency in the judicial branch or legislative branch.

(10) Immediate family member.—The term “immediate family member” means an at-risk individual—

(A) who is the spouse, parent, sibling, or child of another at-risk individual;

(B) to whom another at-risk individual stands in loco parentis; or

(C) living in the household of another at-risk individual.

(11) Member of congress.—The term “Member of Congress” means—

(A) a Member of the Senate; or

(B) a Member of, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives.

(12) Transfer.—The term “transfer” means to sell, license, trade, or exchange for consideration the covered information of an at-risk individual.

(b) Government Agencies.—

(1) In general.—Each at-risk individual may—

(A) file written notice of the status of the individual as an at-risk individual, for themselves and their immediate family members, with each Government agency that includes information necessary to ensure compliance with this section, as determined by the applicable legislative officers; and

(B) request that each Government agency described in subparagraph (A) mark as private their covered information and that of their immediate family members.

(2) No public posting.—

(A) In general.—Government agencies shall not publicly post or display publicly available content that includes covered information of an at-risk individual.

(B) Deadline.—Upon receipt of a request by an at- risk individual under paragraph (1)(B), a Government agency shall remove the covered information of the at- risk individual, and any immediate family member on whose behalf the at-risk individual submitted the request, from publicly available content not later than 72 hours after such receipt.

(3) Exceptions.—Nothing in this section shall prohibit a Government agency from providing access to records containing the covered information of an at-risk individual to a third party if the third party—

(A) possesses a signed release from the at-risk individual or a court order;

(B) is subject to the requirements of title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.); or

(C) executes a confidentiality agreement with the Government agency.

(c) Delegation of Authority.—

(1) In general.—An at-risk individual may directly, or through an agent designated by the at-risk individual, make any notice or request required or authorized by this section on behalf of the at-risk individual. The notice or request shall include information necessary to ensure compliance with this section.

(2) Authorization of legislative officers and employees to make requests.—

(A) Legislative officers.—Upon written request of a Member of Congress, designated Senate employee, or designated House employee, the applicable legislative officers are authorized to make any notice or request required or authorized by this section on behalf of the Member of Congress, designated Senate employee, or designated House employee, respectively. The notice or request shall include information necessary to ensure compliance with this section, as determined by the applicable legislative officers. Any notice or request made under this subparagraph shall be deemed to have been made by the Member of Congress, designated Senate employee, or designated House employee, as applicable, and comply with the notice and request requirements of this section.

(B) List.—

(i) In general.—In lieu of individual notices or requests, the applicable legislative officers may provide Government agencies, data brokers, persons, businesses, or associations with a list of—

(I) Members of Congress, designated Senate employees, and designated House employees making a written request described in subparagraph (A); and

(II) immediate family members of the Members of Congress, designated Senate employees, and designated House employees on whose behalf the written request was made.

(ii) Contents.—A list provided under clause (i) shall include information necessary to ensure compliance with this section, as determined by the applicable legislative officers for the purpose of maintaining compliance with this section.

(iii) Compliance with notice and request requirement.—A list provided under clause (i) shall be deemed to comply with individual notice and request requirements of this section.

(d) Data Brokers and Other Businesses.—

(1) Prohibitions.—

(A) Data brokers.—It shall be unlawful for a data broker to knowingly sell, license, trade for consideration, or purchase covered information of an at-risk individual.

(B) Other businesses.—

(i) In general.—Except as provided in clause (ii), no person, business, or association shall publicly post or publicly display on the internet covered information of an at-risk individual if the at-risk individual, or an immediate family member on behalf of the at-risk individual, has made a written request to that person, business, or association to not disclose the covered information of the at-risk individual.

(ii) Exceptions.—Clause (i) shall not apply to—

(I) the display on the internet of the covered information of an at-risk individual if the information is relevant to and displayed as part of a news story, commentary, editorial, or other speech on a matter of public concern;

(II) covered information that the at-risk individual voluntarily publishes on the internet after the date of enactment of this Act; or

(III) covered information lawfully received from a Federal Government source (or from an employee or agent of the Federal Government).

(2) Required conduct.—

(A) In general.—After receiving a written request under paragraph (1)(B)(i), the person, business, or association shall—

(i) remove within 72 hours the covered information from the internet and ensure that the information is not made available on any website or subsidiary website controlled by that person, business, or association; and

(ii) ensure that the covered information of the at-risk individual is not made available on any website or subsidiary website controlled by that person, business, or association.

(B) Transfer.—

(i) In general.—Except as provided in clause (ii), after receiving a written request under paragraph (1)(B)(i), the person, business, or association shall not transfer the covered information of the at-risk individual to any other person, business, or association through any medium.

(ii) Exceptions.—Clause (i) shall not apply to—

(I) the transfer of the covered information of the at-risk individual if the information is relevant to and displayed as part of a news story, commentary, editorial, or other speech on a matter of public concern;

(II) covered information that the at-risk individual voluntarily publishes on the internet after the date of enactment of this Act; or

(III) a transfer made at the request of the at-risk individual or that is necessary to effectuate a request to the person, business, or association from the at-risk individual.

(e) Redress.—An at-risk individual whose covered information is made public as a result of a violation of this section may bring an action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(f) Rules of Construction.—

(1) In general.—Nothing in this section shall be construed—

(A) to prohibit, restrain, or limit—

(i) the lawful investigation or reporting by the press of any unlawful activity or misconduct alleged to have been committed by an at-risk individual;

(ii) the reporting on an at-risk individual regarding matters of public concern; or

(iii) the disclosure of information otherwise required under Federal law;

(B) to impair access to the actions or statements of a Member of Congress in the course of carrying out the public functions of the Member of Congress;

(C) to limit the publication or transfer of covered information with the written consent of the at-risk individual; or

(D) to prohibit information sharing by a data broker to a Federal, State, Tribal, or local government, or any unit thereof.

(2) Protection of covered information.—This section shall be broadly construed to favor the protection of the covered information of at-risk individuals.

(g) Severability.—If any provision of this section, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remaining provisions of this section, and the application of the provision to any other person or circumstance, shall not be affected.

SEC. 1079. IMPROVING COORDINATION BETWEEN FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES AND THE DO NOT PAY WORKING SYSTEM.

(a) In General.—Section 205(r) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(r)), as amended by section 801(a)(7) of title VIII of division FF of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260), is amended by striking paragraph (11) and inserting the following:

“(11) The Commissioner of Social Security shall, to the extent feasible, provide information furnished to the Commissioner under paragraph (1) to the agency operating the Do Not Pay working system described in section 3354(c) of title 31, United States Code, for the authorized uses of the Do Not Pay working system to help prevent improper payments of, and support the recovery of improperly paid, benefits or other payments through a cooperative arrangement with such agency, provided that the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (3) are met with respect to such arrangement with such agency. The Commissioner of Social Security and the agency operating the Do Not Pay working system shall, while the data described in the preceding sentence is being provided to the agency operating the Do Not Pay working system, enter into an agreement based upon an agreed upon methodology, which covers the proportional share of State death data costs, which the Commissioner of Social Security and the agency operating the Do Not Pay working system may periodically review.

“(12) The Commissioner of Social Security may not record a death to a record that may be provided under this section for any individual unless the Commissioner of Social Security has found it has clear and convincing evidence to support that the individual should be presumed to be deceased.”.

(b) Improving Coordination Regarding Individuals Incorrectly Identified as Deceased.—Section 205(r)(7) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(r)(7)), as added by section 801(a)(4) of title VIII of division FF of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260), is amended by striking “and” at the end of subparagraph

(A), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting “; and”, and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(C) notify any agency that has a cooperative arrangement with the Commissioner of Social Security under paragraph (3) or

(11) of the error.”.

(c) Effective Date.—The amendments made by this section shall take effect on December 27, 2026.

SEC. 1080. AGENT MEMBERSHIP.

Section 304(b)(2) of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1795c(b)(2)) is amended by striking “all those credit unions” and inserting “any such credit unions”.

SEC. 1081. EXEMPTION FROM IMMIGRANT VISA LIMIT.

Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(F) Aliens who—

“(i) are eligible for a visa under paragraph (1) or (3) of section 203(a); and

“(ii) have a parent (regardless of whether the parent is living or dead) who was naturalized pursuant to—

“(I) section 405 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-649; 8 U.S.C. 1440 note); or

“(II) title III of the Act of October 14, 1940 (54 Stat. 1137, chapter 876), as added by section 1001 of the Second War Powers Act, 1942 (56 Stat. 182, chapter 199).”.

SEC. 1082. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON REMOVAL OF OIL FROM SUNKEN WORLD WAR II VESSELS IN WATERS NEAR THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU.

(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that—

(1) there is a significant environmental threat posed by World War II-era sunken Japanese warships, including three oil tankers, located in the waters near the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau;

(2) such sunken vessels contain an estimated 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 gallons of oil, or approximately the equivalent of \1/3\ of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill in 1989; and

(3) as such sunken vessels continue to deteriorate, small amounts of oil are already leaking, threatening to cause an ecological disaster that could negatively impact United States military activities, the marine ecosystem, and surrounding communities.

(b) Study.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the head of any other relevant Federal department or agency, as appropriate, shall conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and advisability of removing oil from the World War II-era sunken tankers, including an analysis of the cost, logistical requirements, environmental risks, and potential methods for removing the oil from the tankers.

(2) Report.—

(A) In general.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings of the study conducted under paragraph (1).

(B) Elements.—The report required by subparagraph

(A) shall include the following:

(i) An assessment of the operational and environmental risks posed by the oil remaining in the sunken tankers and warships, including current leakage and the potential impacts of a major spill.

(ii) An evaluation of the cost, logistical challenges, and technical approaches for safely extracting or containing oil from the shipwrecks.

(iii) A review of ongoing and planned efforts by the United States and international partners addressing such matter.

(iv) Recommendations on next steps, including resource needs, interagency and international cooperation, and timelines for potential remediation efforts.

SEC. 1083. MAPPING AMERICA’S PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY.

(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the “Mapping America’s Pharmaceutical Supply Act” or the “MAPS Act”.

(b) U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply Chains Mapping.—

(1) Pharmaceutical supply chain mapping.—The Secretary, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall ensure coordination of efforts of the Department of Health and Human Services, including through public-private partnerships, as appropriate, to—

(A) map, or otherwise visualize, the supply chains, from manufacturing of key starting materials through manufacturing of finished dosage forms and distribution, of drugs and biological products, including the active ingredients of those drugs and biological products, that are—

(i) directly related to responding to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats and incidents covered by the National Response Framework; or

(ii) of greatest priority for providing health care and identified as being at high risk of shortage; and

(B) use data analytics to identify supply chain vulnerabilities that pose a threat to national security, as determined by the Secretary or the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies.

(2) Requirements.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

(A) describe the roles and responsibilities of agencies and offices within the Department of Health and Human Services related to monitoring such supply chains and assessing any related vulnerabilities;

(B) facilitate the exchange of information between Federal departments, agencies, and offices, as appropriate and necessary to enable such agencies and offices to carry out roles and responsibilities described in subparagraph (A) related to drugs and biological products described in paragraph (1)(A), which may include—

(i) the location of establishments registered under subsection (b), (c), or (i) of section 510 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360) involved in the production of drugs and biological products, including the active ingredients of those drugs and biological products, described in paragraph

(1)(A), and to the extent available, the amount of each such drug and biological product, including the active ingredients of those drugs and biological products, produced at each such establishment;

(ii) to the extent available and as appropriate, the location of establishments so registered involved in the production of the key starting materials and excipients needed to produce each drug and biological product, including the active ingredients of those drugs and biological products, and the amount of such materials and excipients produced at each such establishment; and

(iii) any applicable regulatory actions with respect to each such drug and biological product, or the establishments manufacturing such drugs and biological products, including with respect to—

(I) inspections and related regulatory activities conducted under section 704 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 374);

(II) seizures pursuant to section 304 of such Act (21 U.S.C. 334);

(III) any recalls issued;

(IV) drugs or biological products that are, at the time of the determination, or that were at a previous time, included on the drug shortage list consistent with section 506E of such Act (21 U.S.C. 356e); and

(V) discontinuances or interruptions in the production of such drugs or biological products under 506C of such Act (21 U.S.C. 355d).

(3) Report.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of departments and agencies with which the Secretary coordinates under paragraph (1), shall submit a report to the relevant committees of Congress on—

(A) the current status of efforts to map and analyze pharmaceutical supply chains, as described in paragraph (1);

(B) activities of the Secretary carried out under this subsection to coordinate efforts as described in paragraph (1), including information sharing between relevant Federal departments, agencies, and offices;

(C) the roles and responsibilities described in paragraph (2)(A), including the identification of any gaps, data limitations, or areas of unnecessary duplication between such roles and responsibilities;

(D) the extent to which Federal agencies use data analytics to conduct predictive modeling of anticipated drug shortages or risks associated with supply chain vulnerabilities that pose a threat to national security;

(E) the extent to which the Secretary has engaged relevant industry in such mapping;

(F) the drugs and biological products, including the active ingredients of those drugs and biological products, described in paragraph (1)(A) that rely on, for more than 50 percent of production, a high-risk foreign supplier or foreign entity of concern (as defined in section 9901(8) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651(8)));

(G) the drugs and biological products, including the active ingredients of those drugs and biological products, described in paragraph (1)(A) that are sourced from foreign establishments for more than 50 percent of production, including drugs manufactured domestically from active pharmaceutical ingredients sourced from foreign establishments for more than 50 percent of production;

(H) the current domestic manufacturing capabilities for drugs and biological products, including the active ingredients of those drugs and biological products, described in paragraph (1)(A), including the key starting materials and excipients of such drugs, biological products, and ingredients, and whether such capabilities utilize advanced manufacturing technologies; and

(I) any public health or national security risks, including cybersecurity threats and critical infrastructure designations, with respect to the supply chains of drugs and biological products, including the active ingredients of those drugs and biological products, described in paragraph (1)(A).

(c) Department of Defense Biannual Reports.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that lists all drugs purchased by the Department of Defense during the 180-day period preceding the date of the report—

(1) that contain key starting materials, excipients, or active pharmaceutical ingredients sourced from the People’s Republic of China; or

(2) for which the finished drug product was manufactured in the People’s Republic of China.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Advanced manufacturing.—The term “advanced manufacturing” has the meaning given the term “advanced and continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing” in section 3016(h) of the 21st Century Cures Act (21 U.S.C. 399h(h)).

(2) Biological product.—The term “biological product” has the meaning given such term in section 351(i) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262(i)).

(3) Cybersecurity threat.—The term “cybersecurity threat” has the meaning given such term in section 2200 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650).

(4) Drug.—The term “drug” has the meaning given such term in section 201(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(g)).

(5) Relevant committees of congress.—The term “relevant committees of Congress” means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.

(6) Secretary.—The term “Secretary”, except as otherwise specified, means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(e) Additional Provisions.—

(1) Confidential commercial information.—The exchange of information among the Secretary and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies for purposes of carrying out subsection (b) shall not be a violation of section 1905 of title 18, United States Code. This section shall not be construed to affect the status, if any, of such information as trade secret or confidential commercial information for purposes of section 301(j) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331(j)), section 552 of title 5, United States Code, or section 1905 of title 18, United States Code.

(2) Cybersecurity measures.—The Secretary shall ensure that robust cybersecurity measures are in place to prevent inappropriate access to, or unauthorized disclosure of, the information identified, exchanged, or disclosed under subsection (b).

Subtitle G—Defense Workforce Integration

SEC. 1081. INTEGRATION OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN HIRING PROCESSES.

(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries concerned shall establish a pathway for medically disqualified entry-level service members to enter civilian positions for which they are qualified in the Department of Defense or any of its components.

(b) Air Force DRIVE Program.—The Air Force’s Develop, Redistribute, Improve, Vault, Expose (DRIVE) program shall be considered sufficient to meet the requirements of subsection (a) and may, but need not, serve as a baseline from which the other military departments design their programs.

(c) Entry-level Service Member Defined.—In this section, the term “entry-level service member” means a regular or reserve member of the Armed Forces who is currently attending or has military orders to attend within 90 days—

(1) basic training;

(2) a technical school of the Armed Forces;

(3) a service academy;

(4) the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC);

(5) an officer accession program, including officer candidate school, officer training school, officer development school, or equivalent program.

SEC. 1082. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE TO PERSONS INELIGIBLE FOR MILITARY SERVICE.

Chapter 50 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “Sec. 996. Provision of information on career opportunities in the defense industrial base to persons medically disqualified for military service

“(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a program to provide individuals who are not medically qualified for military service with information on employment opportunities in the defense industrial base or other employment opportunities in support of the national interests of the United States.

“(b) Program.—The program established under subsection (a) shall inform and refer persons described in subsection (a) to employment, apprenticeship, and training opportunities in—

“(1) the defense industrial base;

“(2) cybersecurity or intelligence support roles;

“(3) research and development in defense technologies;

“(4) national emergency and disaster preparedness; or

“(5) any other non-military opportunity the Secretary considers in the national interests of the United States.

“(c) Collaboration.—The Secretary of Defense shall consult with entities in the defense industrial base, other Federal agencies, and academic institutions to carry out this section.”.

SEC. 1083. PROVISION TO NAVY PERSONNEL OF INFORMATION ON CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND.

The Secretary of the Navy shall provide information about career opportunities at Military Sealift Command and workforce training programs for shipbuilders to Navy personnel.

SEC. 1084. REPORT ON DEFENSE WORKFORCE INTEGRATION.

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 describing implementation of the requirements under this subtitle.

Subtitle H—Law Enforcement and Crime Victims Support Package

SEC. 1091. PREVENTING FIRST RESPONDER SECONDARY EXPOSURE TO FENTANYL.

Section 3021(a) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10701(a)) is amended—

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (10) as paragraphs (5) through (11), respectively; and

(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:

“(4) Providing training and resources for first responders on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances, and purchasing such containment devices for use by first responders.”.

SEC. 1092. REAUTHORIZING SUPPORT AND TREATMENT FOR OFFICERS IN CRISIS.

Section 1001(a)(21) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10261(a)(21)) is amended by striking “2020 through 2024” and inserting “2025 through 2029”.

SEC. 1093. PROTECT OUR CHILDREN ACT OF 2008 REAUTHORIZATION.

(a) Establishment of National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction.—Section 101 of the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 21111) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b), by striking “every second year” and inserting “every fourth year”; and

(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

“(c) Required Contents of National Strategy.—The National Strategy established under subsection (a) shall include the following:

“(1) An analysis of current trends, challenges, and the overall magnitude of the threat of child exploitation.

“(2) An analysis of future trends and challenges, including new technologies, that will impact the efforts to combat child exploitation.

“(3) Goals and strategic solutions to prevent and interdict child exploitation, including—

“(A) plans for interagency coordination;

“(B) engagement with the judicial branches of the Federal Government and State governments;

“(C) legislative recommendations for combating child exploitation;

“(D) cooperation with international, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies; and

“(E) engagement with the private sector and other entities involved in efforts to combat child exploitation.

“(4) An analysis of Federal efforts dedicated to combating child exploitation, including—

“(A) a review of the policies and work of the Department of Justice and other Federal programs relating to the prevention and interdiction of child exploitation crimes, including training programs, and investigative and prosecution activity; and

“(B) a description of the efforts of the Department of Justice to cooperate and coordinate with, and provide technical assistance and support to, international, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies and private sector and nonprofit entities with respect to child exploitation prevention and interdiction efforts.

“(5) An estimate of the resources required to effectively respond to child exploitation crimes at scale by—

“(A) each ICAC task force;

“(B) the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including investigators, forensic interviewers, and analysts of victims, witnesses, and forensics;

“(C) Homeland Security Investigations, including forensic interviewers and analysts of victims, witnesses, and forensics;

“(D) the United States Marshals Service;

“(E) the United States Secret Service;

“(F) the United States Postal Service;

“(G) the criminal investigative offices of the Department of Defense; and

“(H) any component of an agency described in this paragraph.

“(6) A review of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, including—

“(A) the number of ICAC task forces and the location of each ICAC task force;

“(B) the number of trained personnel at each ICAC task force;

“(C) the amount of Federal grants awarded to each ICAC task force; and

“(D) an assessment of the Federal, State, and local cooperation with respect to each ICAC task force, including—

“(i) the number of arrests made by each ICAC task force;

“(ii) the number of criminal referrals to United States attorneys for prosecution;

“(iii) the number of prosecutions and convictions from the referrals described in clause (ii);

“(iv) the number, if available, of local prosecutions and convictions based on ICAC task force investigations; and

“(v) any other information determined by the Attorney General demonstrating the level of Federal, State, Tribal, and local coordination and cooperation.

“(7) An assessment of training needs for each ICAC task force and affiliated agencies.

“(8) An assessment of Federal investigative and prosecution activity relating to reported incidents of child exploitation crimes that include a number of factors, including—

“(A) the number of investigations, arrests, prosecutions, and convictions for a crime of child exploitation; and

“(B) the average sentence imposed and the statutory maximum sentence that could be imposed for each crime of child exploitation.

“(9) A review of all available statistical data indicating the overall magnitude of child pornography trafficking in the United States and internationally, including—

“(A) the number of foreign and domestic suspects observed engaging in accessing and sharing child pornography;

“(B) the number of tips or other statistical data from the CyberTipline of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and other data indicating the magnitude of child pornography trafficking; and

“(C) any other statistical data indicating the type, nature, and extent of child exploitation crime in the United States and abroad.”.

(b) Establishment of National ICAC Task Force Program.—Section 102 of the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 21112) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)(1)—

(A) by inserting “, Tribal, military,” after “State”; and

(B) by striking “and child obscenity and pornography cases” and inserting “child obscenity and pornography cases, and the identification of child victims”;

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) in paragraph (2), by striking “consult with and consider” and all that follows through “track record of success.” and inserting “, evaluate the task forces funded under the ICAC Task Force Program to determine if those task forces are operating in an effective manner.”;

(B) in paragraph (3)(B)—

(i) by striking “establish a new task force” and inserting “establish a new or continue an existing task force”; and

(ii) by striking “state” and inserting “State”; and

(C) in paragraph (4)—

(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking “may” and inserting “shall”;

(ii) by striking subparagraph (B); and

(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B); and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(c) Limited Liability for ICAC Task Forces.—

“(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), a civil claim or criminal charge against an ICAC task force established pursuant to this section and sections 103 and 104, including any law enforcement agency that participates on such a task force or a director, officer, employee, or agent of such a law enforcement agency, arising from the prioritization decisions with respect to leads related to Internet crimes against children described in section 104(8), may not be brought in any Federal or State court.

“(2) Intentional, reckless, or other misconduct.— Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a claim if the ICAC task force or law enforcement agency, or a director, officer, employee, or agent of that law enforcement agency—

“(A) engaged in intentional misconduct; or

“(B) acted, or failed to act—

“(i) with actual malice;

“(ii) with gross negligence or reckless disregard to a substantial risk of causing physical injury without legal justification; or

“(iii) for a purpose unrelated to the performance of any responsibility or function under section 104(8).

“(3) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to—

“(A) create any independent basis of liability on behalf of, or any cause of action against—

“(i) an ICAC task force; or

“(ii) a law enforcement agency or a director, officer, employee, or agent of the law enforcement agency; or

“(B) expand any liability otherwise imposed, or limit any defense to that liability, otherwise available under Federal or State law.”.

(c) Purpose of ICAC Task Forces.—Section 103 of the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 21113) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting “, and the identification of child victims of those crimes” before the semicolon at the end;

(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting “and prioritizing investigations that task force personnel, through the background, training and experience of those personnel and the consideration of all relevant circumstances, determine to be most likely to result in positive case outcomes and in the rescue of children” before the semicolon at the end;

(3) in paragraph (3)—

(A) by striking “and local law enforcement” and inserting “Tribal, military, and local law enforcement”; and

(B) by inserting “, including probation and parole agencies, child advocacy centers, and child protective services,” after “enforcement agencies”;

(4) in paragraph (8), by striking “and” at the end;

(5) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(6) by adding at the end the following:

“(10) educating the judiciary on—

“(A) the link between intrafamilial contact offenses and technology-facilitated crimes; and

“(B) characteristics of internet offenders, including the interest of online offenders in incest- themed material, sadism, and other related paraphilias or illegal activity.”.

(d) Duties and Functions of Task Forces.—Section 104 of the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 21114) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (3)—

(A) by inserting “reactive and” before “proactive”;

(B) by inserting “conduct digital” before “forensic examinations”; and

(C) by inserting “engage in” before “effective prosecutions”;

(2) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following:

“(8) investigate, seek prosecution with respect to, and identify child victims from leads relating to Internet crimes against children, including CyberTipline reports, with prioritization determined according to circumstances and by each task force, as described in section 102;”;

(3) by striking paragraph (9); and

(4) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as paragraphs

(9) and (10), respectively.

(e) National Internet Crimes Against Children Data System.—Section 105 of the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 21115) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “shall establish” and inserting “may establish”;

(2) in subsection (b), by striking “continue and build upon Operation Fairplay developed by the Wyoming Attorney General’s office, which has established a secure, dynamic undercover infrastructure that has facilitated” and inserting “facilitate”; and

(3) in subsection (g)—

(A) by striking paragraph (3);

(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively; and

(C) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by striking “1 representative” and inserting “2 representatives”.

(f) ICAC Grant Program.—Section 106 of the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 21116) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in paragraph (2)(B)(ii)(II), by striking “Operation Fairplay,”; and

(B) in paragraph (3)—

(i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:

“(A) In general.—Not less than 20 percent of the total funds appropriated to carry out this section shall be distributed to support the ICAC Task Force Program through grants to—

“(i) provide training and technical assistance to members of the ICAC Task Force Program;

“(ii) maintain, enhance, research, and develop tools and technology to assist members of the ICAC Task Force Program;

“(iii) provide other support to the ICAC Task Force Program determined by the Attorney General;

“(iv) conduct research;

“(v) support the annual National Law Enforcement Training on Child Exploitation of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and

“(vi) provide wellness training.”; and

(2) in subsection (d)(1)—

(A) in subparagraph (B)—

(i) in clause (ii), by striking “and” at the end;

(ii) in clause (iii), by striking “, including” and all that follows through “such crime under State law.” and inserting “; and”; and

(iii) by adding at the end the following:

“(iv) the number of child victims identified.”;

(B) by striking subparagraph (D); and

(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (G) as subparagraphs (D) through (F), respectively.

(g) Authorization of Appropriations.—Section 107(a) of the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 21117(a)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (9), by striking “and” at the end;

(2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(13) $70,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2028.”.

(h) Additional Regional Computer Forensic Labs.—The PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 21101 et seq.) is amended by striking title II.

(i) Reporting Requirements of Providers.—Section 2258A(c) of title 18, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph

(1), by inserting “and all supplemental data included in the report” after “each report made under subsection (a)(1)”.

SEC. 1094. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN RETIRED PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS’ DEATH BENEFITS PROGRAM.

(a) In General.—Section 1201 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10281) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(p) Personal Injury to Retired Law Enforcement Officer.—

“(1) Definition.—In this subsection, the term ‘retired law enforcement officer’ means an individual who separated from service in good standing as a law enforcement officer in an official capacity at a public agency with or without compensation.

“(2) Eligibility.—A retired law enforcement officer shall be eligible for a benefit under this part if the officer died or became permanently and totally disabled as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury resulting from a targeted attack because of the retired law enforcement officer’s service as a law enforcement officer.”.

(b) Retroactive Applicability.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall—

(A) take effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and

(B) apply to any matter—

(i) pending before the Bureau of Justice Assistance or otherwise on the date of enactment of this Act; or

(ii) filed (consistent with pre-existing effective dates) or accruing after the date of enactment of this Act.

(2) Exceptions.—The amendment made by this section shall apply to any action taken against a retired law enforcement officer described in section 1201(p) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (as added by this Act) on or after January 1, 2012.

SEC. 1095. STRONG COMMUNITIES PROGRAM.

(a) In General.—Section 1701 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10381) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(q) COPS Strong Communities Program.—

“(1) Definitions.—In this subsection:

“(A) Eligible entity.—The term ‘eligible entity’ means—

“(i) an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001), that, in coordination or through an agreement with a local law enforcement agency, offers a law enforcement training program; or

“(ii) a local law enforcement agency that offers a law enforcement training program.

“(B) Local law enforcement agency.—The term ‘local law enforcement agency’ means an agency of a State, unit of local government, or Indian Tribe that is authorized by law or by a government agency to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of any violation of criminal law.

“(2) Grants.—The Attorney General may use amounts otherwise appropriated to carry out this section for a fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 2025) to make competitive grants to local law enforcement agencies to be used for officers and recruits to attend law enforcement training programs at eligible entities if the officers and recruits agree to serve in law enforcement agencies in their communities.

“(3) Eligibility.—To be eligible for a grant through a local law enforcement agency under this subsection, each officer or recruit described in paragraph (2) shall—

“(A) serve as a full-time law enforcement officer for a total of not fewer than 4 years during the 8-year period beginning on the date on which the officer or recruit completes a law enforcement training program for which the officer or recruit receives benefits;

“(B) complete the service described in subparagraph (A) in a local law enforcement agency located within—

“(i) 7 miles of the residence of the officer or recruit where the officer or recruit has resided for not fewer than 5 years; or

“(ii) if the officer or recruit resides in a county with fewer than 150,000 residents, within 20 miles of the residence of the officer or recruit where the officer or recruit has resided for not fewer than 5 years; and

“(C) submit to the eligible entity providing a law enforcement training program to the officer or recruit evidence of employment of the officer or recruit in the form of a certification by the chief administrative officer of the local law enforcement agency where the officer or recruit is employed.

“(4) Repayment.—

“(A) In general.—If an officer or recruit does not complete the service described in paragraph (3), the officer or recruit shall submit to the local law enforcement agency an amount equal to any benefits the officer or recruit received through the local law enforcement agency under this subsection.

“(B) Regulations.—The Attorney General shall promulgate regulations that establish categories of extenuating circumstances under which an officer or recruit may be excused from repayment under subparagraph (A).”.

(b) Transparency.—Not less frequently than annually, the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report that details, with respect to recipients of grants under section 1701(q) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as added by subsection (a)—

(1) during the 1-year period preceding the date of the report—

(A) the number and location of those recipients; and

(B) the number of law enforcement officers and recruits each recipient intends to send to law enforcement training programs at eligible entities (as defined in paragraph (1) of such section 1701(q)) with amounts from the grant; and

(2) during the period between the date of enactment of this Act and the date of the report—

(A) the number of law enforcement officers or recruits who attended the training described in paragraph (1)(B) with amounts from the grant and returned from the training as employees of the recipient; and

(B) the number of law enforcement officers or recruits described in subparagraph (A) who remain an employee of the recipient.

SEC. 1096. RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS CONTINUING SERVICE.

(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the “Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act”.

(b) Grant Program.—Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“PART XVI—CIVIL LAW ENFORCEMENT TASK GRANTS

“SEC. 3061. DEFINITIONS.

“In this part:

“(1) Civilian law enforcement task.—The term ‘civilian law enforcement task’—

“(A) includes—

“(i) assisting in homicide investigations;

“(ii) assisting in carjacking investigations;

“(iii) assisting in financial crimes investigations;

“(iv) assisting in compliance with reporting requirements;

“(v) reviewing camera footage;

“(vi) crime scene analysis;

“(vii) forensics analysis; and

“(viii) providing expertise in computers, computer networks, information technology, or the internet; and

“(B) does not include the ability to make arrests or use force under the color of law.

“(2) Eligible entity.—The term ‘eligible entity’ means a State, local, Tribal, or territorial law enforcement agency that certifies that retired law enforcement personnel hired using amounts from a grant under this part—

“(A) have appropriate and reasonably current training and experience to effectively carry out the tasks described in section 3062(a); or

“(B) will participate in appropriate continuing education programs to satisfy subparagraph (A).

“SEC. 3062. GRANTS AUTHORIZED.

“(a) In General.—The Attorney General may award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of hiring retired personnel from law enforcement agencies to—

“(1) train civilian employees of the eligible entity on civilian law enforcement tasks that can be performed on behalf of a law enforcement agency; and

“(2) perform civilian law enforcement tasks on behalf of the eligible entity.

“(b) Disciplinary Records.—

“(1) In general.—An eligible entity receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall make a good faith effort to determine whether a retired law enforcement officer seeking to be hired by the eligible entity using amounts from a grant under this part has a disciplinary record or an internal investigation record by—

“(A) conducting a search of the National Decertification Index; or

“(B) requesting the personnel record of the retired law enforcement officer from each law enforcement agency that employed the retired law enforcement officer.

“(2) Hiring determinations.—Before making any hiring determination, the highest ranking law enforcement officer of an eligible entity receiving a grant under subsection (a) or a designee of that law enforcement officer shall review any findings of misconduct that arise as a result of a search or request conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).

“SEC. 3063. ACCOUNTABILITY PROVISIONS.

“(a) In General.—A grant awarded under this part shall be subject to the accountability requirements of this section.

“(b) Audit Requirement.—

“(1) Definition.—In this subsection, the term ‘unresolved audit finding’ means a finding in a final audit report of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice that an audited grantee has used grant funds for an unauthorized expenditure or otherwise unallowable cost that is not closed or resolved within 12 months from the date when the final audit report is issued.

“(2) Audits.—Beginning in the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of the Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act, and in each fiscal year thereafter, the Inspector General of the Department of Justice shall conduct audits of recipients of grants under this part to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds by grantees. The Inspector General of the Department of Justice shall determine the appropriate number of grantees to be audited each year.

“(3) Mandatory exclusion.—A recipient of grant funds under this part that is found to have an unresolved audit finding shall not be eligible to receive grant funds under this part during the first 2 fiscal years beginning after the end of the 12-month period described in paragraph (1).

“(4) Priority.—In awarding grants under this part, the Attorney General shall give priority to eligible entities that did not have an unresolved audit finding during the 3 fiscal years before submitting an application for a grant under this part.

“(c) Annual Certification.—Beginning in the fiscal year during which audits commence under subsection (b)(2), the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives an annual certification—

“(1) indicating whether—

“(A) all audits issued by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice under subsection (b) have been completed and reviewed by the appropriate Assistant Attorney General or Director; and

“(B) all mandatory exclusions required under subsection (b)(3) have been issued; and

“(2) that includes a list of any grant recipients excluded under subsection (b)(3) from the previous year.

“(d) Preventing Duplicative Grants.—

“(1) In general.—Before the Attorney General awards a grant to an eligible entity under this part, the Attorney General shall compare potential grant awards with other grants awarded by the Attorney General to determine if grant awards are or have been awarded for a similar purpose.

“(2) Report.—If the Attorney General awards grants to the same applicant for a similar purpose, the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report that includes—

“(A) a list of all such grants awarded, including the total dollar amount of any such grants awarded; and

“(B) the reason the Attorney General awarded multiple grants to the same applicant for a similar purpose.”.

SEC. 1097. TRAUMA KIT STANDARDS.

Section 521 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10202) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(d) Trauma Kits.—

“(1) Definition.—In this subsection, the term ‘trauma kit’ means a first aid response kit, which includes a bleeding control kit that can be used for controlling a life-threatening hemorrhage.

“(2) Requirement for trauma kits.—

“(A) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a grantee may only purchase a trauma kit using funds made available under this part if the trauma kit meets the performance standards established by the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance under paragraph (3)(A).

“(B) Authority to separately acquire.—Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall prohibit a grantee from separately acquiring the components of a trauma kit and assembling complete trauma kits that meet the performance standards.

“(3) Performance standards and optional agency best practices.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, in consultation with organizations representing trauma surgeons, emergency medical response professionals, emergency physicians, other medical professionals, relevant law enforcement agencies of States and units of local government, professional law enforcement organizations, local law enforcement labor or representative organizations, and law enforcement trade associations, shall—

“(A) develop and publish performance standards for trauma kits that are eligible for purchase using funds made available under this part that, at a minimum, require the components described in paragraph (4) to be included in a trauma kit; and

“(B) develop and publish optional best practices for law enforcement agencies regarding—

“(i) training law enforcement officers in the use of trauma kits;

“(ii) the deployment and maintenance of trauma kits in law enforcement vehicles; and

“(iii) the deployment, location, and maintenance of trauma kits in law enforcement agency or other government facilities.

“(4) Components.—The components of a trauma kit described in this paragraph are—

“(A) a tourniquet recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care;

“(B) a bleeding control bandage;

“(C) a pair of nonlatex protective gloves and a pen-type marker;

“(D) a pair of blunt-ended scissors;

“(E) instructional documents developed—

“(i) under the ‘Stop the Bleed’ national awareness campaign of the Department of Homeland Security, or any successor thereto;

“(ii) by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma;

“(iii) by the American Red Cross; or

“(iv) by any partner of the Department of Defense;

“(F) a bag or other container adequately designed to hold the contents of the kit; and

“(G) any additional trauma kit supplies that—

“(i) are approved by a State, local, or Tribal law enforcement agency or first responders;

“(ii) can adequately treat a traumatic injury; and

“(iii) can be stored in a readily available kit.”.

SEC. 1098. HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES.

(a) Cancer-Related Deaths and Disabilities.—

(1) In general.—Section 1201 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10281), as amended by section 1094 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(q) Exposure-Related Cancers.—

“(1) Definitions.—In this subsection:

“(A) Carcinogen.—The term ‘carcinogen’ means an agent that is—

“(i) classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer under Group 1 or Group 2A; and

“(ii) reasonably linked to an exposure- related cancer.

“(B) Director.—The term ‘Director’ means the Director of the Bureau.

“(C) Exposure-related cancer.—As updated from time to time in accordance with paragraph (3), the term ‘exposure-related cancer’ means—

“(i) bladder cancer;

“(ii) brain cancer;

“(iii) breast cancer;

“(iv) cervical cancer;

“(v) colon cancer;

“(vi) colorectal cancer;

“(vii) esophageal cancer;

“(viii) kidney cancer;

“(ix) leukemia;

“(x) lung cancer;

“(xi) malignant melanoma;

“(xii) mesothelioma;

“(xiii) multiple myeloma;

“(xiv) non-Hodgkins lymphoma;

“(xv) ovarian cancer;

“(xvi) prostate cancer;

“(xvii) skin cancer;

“(xviii) stomach cancer;

“(xix) testicular cancer;

“(xx) thyroid cancer;

“(xxi) any form of cancer that is considered a WTC-related health condition under section 3312(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300mm-22(a)); and

“(xxii) any form of cancer added to this definition pursuant to an update in accordance with paragraph (3).

“(2) Personal injury sustained in the line of duty.—

“(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraph (B), as determined by the Bureau, the exposure of a public safety officer to a carcinogen shall be presumed to constitute a personal injury within the meaning of subsection (a) or (b) sustained in the line of duty by the officer and directly and proximately resulting in death or permanent and total disability, if—

“(i) the exposure occurred while the public safety officer was engaged in line of duty action or activity;

“(ii) the public safety officer began serving as a public safety officer not fewer than 5 years before the date of the diagnosis of the public safety officer with an exposure- related cancer;

“(iii) the public safety officer was diagnosed with the exposure-related cancer not more than 15 years after the public safety officer’s last date of active service as a public safety officer; and

“(iv) the exposure-related cancer directly and proximately results in the death or permanent and total disability of the public safety officer.

“(B) Exception.—The presumption under subparagraph (A) shall not apply if competent medical evidence establishes that the exposure of the public safety officer to the carcinogen was not a substantial contributing factor in the death or disability of the public safety officer.

“(3) Additional exposure-related cancers.—

“(A) In general.—From time to time but not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Director shall—

“(i) review the definition of ‘exposure- related cancer’ under paragraph (1); and

“(ii) if appropriate, update the definition, in accordance with this paragraph—

“(I) by rule; or

“(II) by publication in the Federal Register or on the public website of the Bureau.

“(B) Basis for updates.—

“(i) In general.—The Director shall make an update under subparagraph (A)(ii) in any case in which the Director finds such an update to be appropriate based on competent medical evidence of significant risk to public safety officers of developing the form of exposure- related cancer that is the subject of the update from engagement in their public safety activities.

“(ii) Evidence.—The competent medical evidence described in clause (i) may include recommendations, risk assessments, and scientific studies by—

“(I) the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health;

“(II) the National Toxicology Program;

“(III) the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; or

“(IV) the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

“(C) Petitions to add to the list of exposure- related cancers.—

“(i) In general.—Any person may petition the Director to add a form of cancer to the definition of ‘exposure-related cancer’ under paragraph (1).

“(ii) Content of petition.—A petition under clause (i) shall provide information to show that there is sufficient competent medical evidence of significant risk to public safety officers of developing the cancer from engagement in their public safety activities.

“(iii) Timely and substantive decisions.—

“(I) Referral.—Not later than 180 days after receipt of a petition satisfying clause (ii), the Director shall refer the petition to appropriate medical experts for review, analysis (including risk assessment and scientific study), and recommendation.

“(II) Consideration.—The Director shall consider each recommendation under subclause (I) and promptly take appropriate action in connection with the recommendation pursuant to subparagraph (B).

“(iv) Notification to congress.—Not later than 30 days after taking any substantive action in connection with a recommendation under clause (iii)(II), the Director shall notify the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives of the substantive action.”.

(2) Applicability.—The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to any claim under—

(A) section 1201(a) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10281(a)) that is predicated upon the death of a public safety officer on or after January 1, 2020, that is the direct and proximate result of an exposure-related cancer; or

(B) section 1201(b) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10281(b)) that is filed on or after January 1, 2020, and predicated upon a disability that is the direct and proximate result of an exposure-related cancer.

(3) Time for filing claim.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who desires to file a claim that is predicated upon the amendment made by paragraph (1) shall not be precluded from filing such a claim within 3 years of the date of enactment of this Act.

(b) Confidentiality of Information.—

(1) In general.—Section 812(a) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10231(a)) is amended—

(A) in the first sentence, by striking “furnished under this title by any person and identifiable to any specific private person” and inserting “furnished under any law to any component of the Office of Justice Programs, or furnished otherwise under this title, by any entity or person, including any information identifiable to any specific private person,”; and

(B) in the second sentence, by striking “person furnishing such information” and inserting “entity or person furnishing such information or to whom such information pertains”.

(2) Effective date; applicability.—The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall—

(A) shall take effect for all purposes as if enacted on December 27, 1979; and

(B) apply to any matter pending, before the Department of Justice or otherwise, as of the date of enactment of this Act.

(c) Technical Amendments.—

(1) In general.—Section 1201(o)(2) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10281(o)(2)) is amended—

(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting “or (b)” after “subsection (a)”;

(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting “or (b)” after “subsection (a)”; and

(C) in subparagraph (C), by inserting “or (b)” after “subsection (a)”.

(2) Applicability.—The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply to any matter pending before the Department of Justice as of the date of enactment of this Act.

(d) Technical Amendments.—

(1) In general.—Section 3 of the Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act of 2020 (34 U.S.C. 10281 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(d) Definition.—In this section, the term ‘line of duty action’ includes any action—

“(1) in which a public safety officer engaged at the direction of the agency served by the public safety officer; or

“(2) the public safety officer is authorized or obligated to perform.”.

(2) Applicability.—

(A) In general.—The amendment made by paragraph

(1) shall apply to any claim under section 3 of the Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act of 2020 (34 U.S.C. 10281 note)—

(i) that is predicated upon the death of a public safety officer on or after January 1, 2020; or

(ii) that is—

(I) predicated upon the disability of a public safety officer; and

(II) filed on or after January 1, 2020.

(B) Time for filing claim.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who desires to file a claim that is predicated upon the amendment made by paragraph (1) shall not be precluded from filing such a claim within 3 years of the date of enactment of this Act.

Subtitle I—FISH Act of 2025

SEC. 1091. SHORT TITLE.

This subtitle may be cited as the “Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025” or the “FISH Act of 2025”.

SEC. 1092. DEFINITIONS.

In this subtitle:

(1) Administrator.—Unless otherwise provided, the term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the designee of the Administrator.

(2) Beneficial owner.—The term “beneficial owner” means, with respect to a vessel, a person that, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise—

(A) exercises substantial control over the vessel; or

(B) owns not less than 50 percent of the ownership interests in the vessel.

(3) Fish.—The term “fish” means finfish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

(4) Forced labor.—The term “forced labor” has the meaning given that term in section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307).

(5) IUU fishing.—The term “IUU fishing” means activities described as illegal fishing, unreported fishing, and unregulated fishing in paragraph 3 of the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, adopted at the 24th Session of the Committee on Fisheries in Rome on March 2, 2001.

(6) Regional fisheries management organization.—The terms “regional fisheries management organization” and “RFMO” have the meaning given the terms in section 303 of the Port State Measures Agreement Act of 2015 (16 U.S.C. 7402).

(7) Seafood.—The term “seafood” means fish, shellfish, processed fish, fish meal, shellfish products, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds.

(8) Secretary.—Unless otherwise provided, the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the designee of the Administrator.

SEC. 1093. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

It is the policy of the United States to partner, consult, and coordinate with foreign governments (at the national and subnational levels), civil society, international organizations, international financial institutions, subnational coastal communities, commercial and recreational fishing industry leaders, communities that engage in artisanal or subsistence fishing, fishers, and the private sector, in a concerted effort—

(1) to continue the broad effort across the Federal Government to counter IUU fishing, including any potential links to forced labor, human trafficking, and other threats to maritime security, as outlined in sections 3533 and 3534 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8002 and 8003); and

(2) to, additionally—

(A) prioritize efforts to prevent IUU fishing at its sources; and

(B) support continued implementation of the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries agreement, as well as joint research and follow-on actions that ensure sustainability of fish stocks in Arctic international waters.

SEC. 1094. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IUU VESSEL LIST.

Section 608 of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826i) is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the following:

“(c) IUU Vessel List.—

“(1) In general.—The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Labor, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall develop, maintain, and make public a list of foreign vessels, foreign fleets, and beneficial owners of foreign vessels or foreign fleets engaged in IUU fishing or fishing-related activities in support of IUU fishing (referred to in this section as the ‘IUU vessel list’).

“(2) Inclusion on list.—The IUU vessel list shall include any foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet for which the Secretary determines there is clear and convincing evidence to believe that a foreign vessel is any of the following (even if the Secretary has only partial information regarding the vessel):

“(A) A vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an international fishery management organization.

“(B) A vessel knowingly taking part in fishing that undermines the effectiveness of an international fishery management organization’s conservation and management measures, including a vessel—

“(i) exceeding applicable international fishery management organization catch limits; or

“(ii) that is operating inconsistent with relevant catch allocation arrangements of the international fishery management organization, even if operating under the authority of a foreign country that is not a member of the international fishery management organization.

“(C) A vessel, either on the high seas or in the exclusive economic zone of another country, identified and reported by United States authorities to an international fishery management organization to be conducting IUU fishing when the United States has reason to believe the foreign country to which the vessel is registered or documented is not addressing the allegation.

“(D) A vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet on the high seas identified by United States authorities to be conducting IUU fishing.

“(E) A vessel that knowingly provides services (excluding emergency or enforcement services) to a vessel that is on the IUU vessel list, including transshipment, resupply, refueling, or pilotage.

“(F) A vessel that is a fishing vessel engaged in commercial fishing within the exclusive economic zone of the United States without a permit issued under title II of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1821 et seq.).

“(G) A vessel that has the same beneficial owner as another vessel on the IUU vessel list at the time of the infraction.

“(3) Nominations to be put on the iuu vessel list.—The Secretary may receive nominations for putting a vessel on the IUU vessel list from—

“(A) the head of an executive branch agency that is a member of the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing established under section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8031);

“(B) a country that is a member of the Combined Maritime Forces; or

“(C) civil organizations that have data-sharing agreements with a member of the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing.

“(4) Procedures for addition.—

“(A) In general.—The Secretary may put a vessel on the IUU vessel list only after notification to the vessel’s beneficial owner and a review of any information that the owner provides within 90 days of the notification.

“(B) Hearing.—A beneficial owner may request a hearing on the evidence if the owner’s vessel is placed on the IUU vessel list under subparagraph (A) and may present new evidence to the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing described in paragraph (3)(A). Such Working Group shall review the new evidence and vote on whether the vessel shall remain on the IUU vessel list or not.

“(5) Public information.—The Secretary shall publish its procedures for adding vessels on, and removing vessels from, the IUU vessel list. The Secretary shall publish the IUU vessel list itself in the Federal Register annually and on a website, which shall be updated any time a vessel is added to the IUU vessel list, and include the following information (as much as is available and confirmed) for each vessel on the IUU vessel list:

“(A) The name of the vessel and previous names of the vessel.

“(B) The International Maritime Organization (IMO) number of the vessel, or other Unique Vessel Identifier (such as the flag state permit number or authorized vessel number issued by an international fishery management organization).

“(C) The maritime mobile service identity number and call sign of the vessel.

“(D) The business or corporate address of each beneficial owner of the vessel.

“(E) The country where the vessel is registered or documented, and where it was previously registered if known.

“(F) The date of inclusion on the IUU vessel list of the vessel.

“(G) Any other Unique Vessel Identifier (UVI), if applicable.

“(H) Any other identifying information on the vessel, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

“(I) The basis for the Secretary’s inclusion of the vessel on the IUU vessel list under paragraph (2).

“(d) Action.—The Secretary may take the action described in subsection (c)(2) of this section in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025 against a vessel on the IUU vessel list, the owner of such vessel, and the operator of such vessel.

“(e) Permanency of IUU Vessel List.—

“(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), a vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet that is put on the IUU vessel list shall remain on the IUU vessel list.

“(2) Application by owner for potential removal.—

“(A) In general.—In consultation with the Secretary of State and the heads of other relevant agencies, the Secretary may remove a vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet from the IUU vessel list if the beneficial owner of the vessel submits an application for removal to the Secretary that meets the standards that the Secretary has set out for removal. The Secretary shall make such standards publicly available.

“(B) Consideration of relevant information.—In considering an application for removal, the Secretary shall consider relevant information from all sources.

“(3) Removal due to international fishery management organization action.—The Secretary may remove a vessel from the IUU vessel list if the vessel was put on the list because it was a vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an international fishery management organization, pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A), and the international fishery management organization removed the vessel from its IUU vessel list.

“(f) Regulations and Process.—Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025, the Secretary shall issue regulations to set a process for establishing, maintaining, implementing, and publishing the IUU vessel list. The Administrator may add or remove a vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet from the IUU vessel list on the date the vessel becomes eligible for such addition or removal.

“(g) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) Administrator.—Unless otherwise provided, the term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the designee of the Administrator.

“(2) Beneficial owner.—The term ‘beneficial owner’ means, with respect to a vessel, a person that, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise—

“(A) exercises substantial control over the vessel; or

“(B) owns not less than 50 percent of the ownership interests in the vessel.

“(3) Foreign vessel.—The term ‘foreign vessel’ has the meaning given the term in section 110 of title 46, United States Code).

“(4) International fishery management organization.—The term ‘international fishery management organization’ means an international organization established by any bilateral or multilateral treaty, convention, or agreement for the conservation and management of fish.

“(5) IUU fishing.—The term ‘IUU fishing’ has the meaning given the term ‘illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing’ in the implementing regulations or any subsequent regulations issued pursuant to section 609(e).

“(6) Seafood.—The term ‘seafood’ means fish, shellfish, processed fish, fish meal, shellfish products, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds.

“(h) Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.”.

SEC. 1095. VISA SANCTIONS FOR FOREIGN PERSONS.

(a) Foreign Persons Described.—A foreign person is described in this subsection if the foreign person is the owner or beneficial owner of a vessel on the IUU vessel list developed under section 608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826i(c)).

(b) Ineligibility for Visas, Admission, or Parole.—

(1) Visas, admission, or parole.—A foreign person described in subsection (a) is—

(A) inadmissible to the United States;

(B) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the United States; and

(C) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into the United States or to receive any other benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).

(2) Current visas revoked.—

(A) In general.—The visa or other entry documentation of a foreign person described in subsection (a) shall be revoked, regardless of when such visa or other entry documentation is or was issued.

(B) Immediate effect.—A revocation under subparagraph (A) shall, in accordance with section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i))—

(i) take effect; and

(ii) cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in the person’s possession.

(c) National Interest Waiver.—The President may waive the imposition of sanctions under this section with respect to a foreign person if doing so is in the national interest of the United States.

(d) Exceptions.—

(1) Exceptions for authorized intelligence and law enforcement activities.—This section shall not apply with respect to activities subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence, law enforcement, or national security activities of the United States.

(2) Exception to comply with international agreements.— Sanctions under subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to the admission of an alien to the United States if such admission is necessary to comply with the obligations of the United States under the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or the Convention on Consular Relations, done at Vienna April 24, 1963, and entered into force March 19, 1967, or other international obligations.

(3) Exception for safety of vessels and crew.—Sanctions under subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to a person providing provisions to a vessel identified under section 608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826i) if such provisions are intended for the safety and care of the crew aboard the vessel, or the maintenance of the vessel to avoid any environmental or other significant damage.

(4) Exemptions.—Sanctions under subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to a person described in subsection (a), if such person was listed as the owner of a vessel described in that subsection through the use of force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion.

(e) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Admission; admitted; alien; lawfully admitted for permanent residence.—The terms “admission”, “admitted”, “alien”, and “lawfully admitted for permanent residence” have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).

(2) Foreign person.—The term “foreign person” means an individual or entity that is not a United States person.

(3) United states person.—The term “United States person” means—

(A) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States;

(B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity; or

(C) any person in the United States.

SEC. 1096. AGREEMENTS.

(a) Presidential Negotiation.—In negotiating any relevant agreement with a foreign nation or nations after the date of enactment of this Act, the President is encouraged to consider the impacts on or to IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor and strive to ensure that the agreement strengthens efforts to combat IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor as long as such considerations do not come at the expense of higher priority national interests of the United States.

(b) Federal Government Encouragement.—The Federal Government should encourage other nations to ratify treaties and agreements that address IUU fishing to which the United States is a party, including the High Seas Fishing Compliance Agreement and the Port State Measures Agreement, and pursue bilateral and multilateral initiatives to raise international ambition to combat IUU fishing, including in the G7 and G20, the United Nations, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and through voluntary multilateral efforts, as long as clear burden sharing arrangements with partner nations are determined. The bilateral and multilateral initiatives should address underlying drivers of IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor.

(c) Transparency for Non-binding Instruments Concluded Under This Section.—Any memorandum of understanding or other non-binding instrument to further the objectives of this section shall be considered a qualifying non-binding instrument for purposes of section 112b of title 1, United States Code.

SEC. 1097. ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS.

(a) Increase Boarding of Vessels Suspected of IUU Fishing.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall strive to increase, from year to year, its observation of vessels on the high seas that are suspected of IUU fishing and related harmful practices, and is encouraged to consider boarding these vessels to the greatest extent practicable.

(b) Follow up.—The Administrator shall, in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Secretary of State, coordinate regularly with regional fisheries management organizations to determine what corrective measures each country has taken after vessels that are registered or documented by the country have been boarded for suspected IUU fishing.

(c) Report.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act and in accordance with information management rules of the relevant regional fisheries management organizations, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a report to Congress on—

(1) the total number of bilateral agreements utilized or enacted during Coast Guard counter-IUU patrols and future patrol plans for operations with partner nations where bilateral agreements are required to effectively execute the counter-IUU mission and any changes to IUU provisions in bilateral agreements;

(2) incidents of IUU fishing observed while conducting High Seas Boarding and Inspections (HSBI), how the conduct is tracked after referral to the respective country where the vessel is registered or documented, and what actions are taken to document or otherwise act on the enforcement, or lack thereof, taken by the country;

(3) the country where the vessel is registered or documented, the country where the vessel was previously registered and documented if known, and status of a vessel interdicted or observed to be engaged in IUU fishing on the high seas by the Coast Guard;

(4) incident details on vessels observed to be engaged in IUU fishing on the high seas, boarding refusals, and what action was taken; and

(5) any other potential enforcement actions that could decrease IUU fishing on the high seas.

SEC. 1098. IMPROVED MANAGEMENT AT THE REGIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS.

(a) Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing.—Section 3551(c) of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8031(c)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (13), by striking “and” after the semicolon;

(2) in paragraph (14), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(15) developing a strategy for leveraging enforcement capacity against IUU fishing, particularly focusing on nations identified under section 609(a) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826j(a)); and

“(16) developing a strategy for leveraging enforcement capacity against associated abuses, such as fishing that involves the use of forced labor and other illegal labor practices, and increasing relevant enforcement, using as resources—

“(A) the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor produced pursuant to section 105 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (22 U.S.C. 7112);

“(B) the Trafficking in Persons Report required under section 110 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7107);

“(C) United States Customs and Border Protection’s Forced Labor Division and enforcement activities and regulations authorized under section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307); and

“(D) reports submitted under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-145).”.

(b) Secretary of State Identification.—The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Administrator, shall—

(1) identify regional fisheries management organizations that the United States is party to that do not have a high seas boarding and inspection program; and

(2) identify obstacles, needed authorities, or existing efforts to increase implementation of these programs, and take action as appropriate.

SEC. 1099. STRATEGIES TO OPTIMIZE DATA COLLECTION, SHARING, AND ANALYSIS.

Section 3552 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8032) is amended by adding at the end:

“(c) Strategies to Optimize Data Collection, Sharing, and Analysis.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025, the Working Group shall identify information and resources to prevent fish and fish products from IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor from negatively affecting United States commerce without increasing burdens on seafood not produced from IUU fishing. The report shall include the following:

“(1) Identification of relevant data streams collected by Working Group members.

“(2) Identification of legal, jurisdictional, or other barriers to the sharing of such data.

“(3) In consultation with the Secretary of Defense, recommendations for joint enforcement protocols, collaboration, and information sharing between Federal agencies and States.

“(4) Recommendations for sharing and developing forensic resources between Federal agencies and States.

“(5) Recommendations for enhancing capacity to conduct more effective field investigations and enforcement efforts with U.S. state enforcement officials.

“(6) Recommendations for improving data collection and automated risk-targeting of seafood.

“(7) Recommendations for the dissemination of IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor analysis and information to those governmental and non-governmental entities that could use it for action and awareness, with the aim to establish an IUU fishing information sharing center.

“(8) Recommendations for an implementation strategy, including measures for ensuring that seafood not linked to IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor is not affected.

“(9) An analysis of the IUU fishing policies and regulatory regimes of other countries in order to develop policy and regulatory alternatives for United States consideration.”.

SEC. 1099A. INVESTMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FISHERIES SECTOR.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies, are encouraged to increase support to programs that provide technical assistance, institutional capacity, and investment to nations’ fisheries sectors for sustainable fisheries management and combating IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor. The focus of such support is encouraged to be on priority regions and priority flag states identified under section 3552(b) of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8032(b)).

(b) Analysis of US Capacity-building Expertise and Resources.—In order to maximize efforts on preventing IUU fishing at its sources, the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing established under section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8031) shall analyze United States capacity-building expertise and resources to provide support to nations’ fisheries sectors. This analysis may include an assessment of potential avenues for in-country public-private collaboration and multilateral collaboration on developing local fisheries science, fisheries management, maritime enforcement, and maritime judicial capabilities.

SEC. 1099B. STRATEGY TO IDENTIFY SEAFOOD AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS FROM FOREIGN VESSELS USING FORCED LABOR.

The Secretary, in coordination with the heads of other relevant agencies, shall—

(1) develop a strategy for utilizing relevant United States Government data to identify seafood harvested on foreign vessels using forced labor; and

(2) publish information regarding the strategy developed under paragraph (1) on a publicly accessible website.

SEC. 1099C. REPORTS.

(a) Impact of New Technology.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, with support from the Administrator and the Working Group established under section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8031), shall conduct a study to assess the impact of new technology (such as remote observing, the use of drones, development of risk assessment tools and data- sharing software, immediate containerization of fish on fishing vessels, satellite Wi-Fi technology on fishing vessels, and other technology-enhanced new fishing practices) on IUU fishing and associated crimes (such as trafficking and fishing involving the use of forced labor) and propose ways to integrate these technologies into global fisheries enforcement and management.

(b) Russian and Chinese Fishing Industries’ Influence on Each Other and on the United States Seafood and Fishing Industry.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, with support from the Secretary of Commerce, shall—

(1) conduct a study on the collaboration between the Russian and Chinese fishing industries and on the role of seafood reprocessing in China (including that of raw materials originating in Russia) in global seafood markets and its impact on United States interests; and

(2) complete a report on the study that includes classified and unclassified portions, as the Secretary of State determines necessary.

(c) Fishermen Conducting Unlawful Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone.—Section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8031) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(d) The Impacts of IUU Fishing and Fishing Involving the Use of Forced Labor.—

“(1) In general.—The Administrator, in consultation with relevant members of the Working Group, shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National Academies will undertake a multifaceted study that includes the following:

“(A) An analysis that quantifies the occurrence and extent of IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor among all flag states.

“(B) An evaluation of the costs to the United States economy of IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor.

“(C) An assessment of the costs to the global economy of IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor.

“(D) An assessment of the effectiveness of response strategies to counter IUU fishing, including both domestic programs and foreign capacity-building and partnering programs.

“(2) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000.”.

(d) Report.—Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (d) of section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act that includes—

(1) the findings of the National Academies; and

(2) recommendations on knowledge gaps that warrant further scientific inquiry.

SEC. 1099D. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM.

Section 212(a) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1131(a)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking “for fiscal year 2025” and inserting “for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2031”; and

(2) in paragraph (2)—

(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking “for fiscal years 2021 through 2025”; and

(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “fiscal years 2021 through 2025” and inserting “fiscal years 2026 through 2031”.

SEC. 1099E. EXCEPTION RELATED TO THE IMPORTATION OF GOODS.

(a) In General.—The authorities and requirements provided in this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall not include any authority or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods or related to sanctions on the importation of goods.

(b) Good Defined.—In this section, the term “good”—

(1) means any article, natural or man-made substance, material, supply or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment; and

(2) excludes technical data.

SEC. 1099F. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority under, or otherwise affect, a provision of law that—

(1) is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and

(2) is not amended by this Act.

TITLE XI—CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MATTERS

SEC. 1101. EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL AUTHORITY FOR DEPENDENTS OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES.

(a) In General.—Notwithstanding section 1599b of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall direct the Director of the Defense Travel Management Office to update the Joint Travel Regulations, not later than February 1, 2026, to authorize educational travel for a dependent of a covered employee without regard to whether the Federal agency responsible for the employment of the covered employee anticipates that the covered employee will, during the 30-day period following the scheduled date of the dependent’s departure for the travel, be transferred to a location in the United States or travel to the United States for home leave.

(b) Briefings Required.—

(1) Initial briefing.—Not later than February 1, 2026, the Secretary shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the update to the Joint Travel Regulations required by subsection (a).

(2) Subsequent briefings.—Not later than one year after providing the briefing required by paragraph (1) and annually thereafter until February 1, 2029, the Secretary shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the use of the authority described in subsection (a) and the cost to the Federal Government of the use of that authority.

(c) Covered Employee Defined.—In this section, the term “covered employee” means an employee of the Department of Defense Education Activity assigned to United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

SEC. 1102. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO WAIVE ANNUAL LIMITATION ON PREMIUM PAY AND AGGREGATE LIMITATION ON PAY FOR FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES WORKING OVERSEAS.

Subsection (a) of section 1101 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4615), as most recently amended by section 1104 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), is further amended by striking “through 2025” and inserting “through 2026”.

SEC. 1103. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO GRANT ALLOWANCES, BENEFITS, AND GRATUITIES TO CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ON OFFICIAL DUTY IN A COMBAT ZONE.

Paragraph (2) of section 1603(a) of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109-234; 120 Stat. 443), as added by section 1102 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4616) and as most recently amended by section 1105 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), is further amended by striking “2026” and inserting “2027”.

SEC. 1104. MODIFICATIONS TO DEFENSE CIVILIAN TRAINING CORPS.

Section 2200h of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (8), by inserting “, in accordance with subsection (b)” before the period;

(2) by striking “In establishing” and inserting the following:

“(a) In General.—In establishing”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(b) Hiring Authority.—

“(1) Students.—The head of a Department of Defense organization that partners with the program may, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, noncompetitively appoint a member of the program to a position in such organization for a term of one year, renewable for not more than a total of four one-year terms.

“(2) Graduates.—

“(A) In general.—The head of an organization described in paragraph (1) may—

“(i) renew the appointment a successful graduate of the program serving a one-year term under such paragraph until such graduate is appointed to a permanent position in such organization, except that the appointment may not be renewed for more than a total of four one-year terms; and

“(ii) noncompetitively appoint the graduate from a one-year term appointment renewed under clause (i) into a vacant position in the competitive or excepted service of the Department.

“(B) Level.—The position of a graduate in a term or permanent position described in subparagraph (A) shall be at the level of GS-9 of the General Schedule or an equivalent level for which the participant is qualified, without regard to any minimum time-in-grade or time-based experience requirements.

“(C) Limit.—The authority under this section may not be used for more than 60 graduates of the program in any calendar year.

“(3) Sunset.—The authority under this subsection shall terminate on December 31, 2029.

“(4) Reports.—

“(A) In general.—Not later than January 31, 2026, and annually thereafter until January 31, 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the use of the authority under this subsection.

“(B) Elements.—Each report required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following:

“(i) The number of graduates of the program for which the authority under this section was used in the prior year.

“(ii) An identification of the Department of Defense organizations that used the authority to appoint graduates of the program under paragraph (2)(ii).

“(C) Appropriate congressional committees defined.—In this section, the term ‘appropriate congressional committees’ means—

“(i) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and

“(ii) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.”.

SEC. 1105. MODIFICATIONS TO REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE DEFENSE ACQUISITION UNIVERSITY.

Section 1746(e)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “term” each place it appears and inserting “tenure”.

SEC. 1106. MODIFICATION OF DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR DOMESTIC DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE FACILITIES.

(a) In General.—Section 1125(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 1580 note prec.) is amended by inserting “, including to Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair positions” after “Facilities Base”.

(b) Annual Report.—At the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the relevant congressional committees a report that includes the following elements:

(1) The number of Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair positions filled in comparison to the previous fiscal year.

(2) The extent to which direct hire authority has affected recruitment and retention for Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair positions.

(3) Other data and information related to the hiring process for the Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair that the Secretary of the Navy considers appropriate.

(c) Relevant Congressional Committees Defined.—In this section, the term “relevant congressional committees” means—

(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and

(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 1107. CYBER WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.

(a) In General.—Section 1599f of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: “Sec. 1599f. Cyber workforce recruitment and retention

“(a) General Authority.—

“(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense may—

“(A) establish, as positions in the excepted service, such qualified positions in the Department of Defense as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out the cyber mission of the Department and are not in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System, including—

“(i) positions in the Defense Digital Executive Service established under subsection

(c); and

“(ii) Defense Digital Senior Level positions designated under subsection (d);

“(B) carry out a program of personnel management authority provided in subsection (b) in order to facilitate recruitment of eminent experts in cyber for the Department; and

“(C) implement an interagency transfer agreement between qualified positions in the excepted service established under this section and positions in the competitive service in the Department, including the military departments.

“(2) Applicability.—Unless explicitly provided otherwise by law, the authority of the Secretary under this section applies without regard to any other provision of law relating to the appointment, number, classification, or compensation of employees that the Secretary determines is incompatible with the approach to talent management under this section.

“(b) Personnel Management Authority.—

“(1) In general.—The Secretary may—

“(A) without regard to any provision of title 5 governing the appointment of employees in the civil service, appoint individuals to qualified positions established under subsection (a)(1); and

“(B) subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), fix the compensation of employees appointed under subparagraph

(A).

“(2) Rates of basic pay.—The Secretary—

“(A) shall fix the rates of basic pay for employees appointed under paragraph (1)(A)—

“(i) with the rates of pay provided for employees in comparable positions in the Federal Government; and

“(ii) subject to the same limitations on maximum rates of pay established for such employees by statute or regulation; and

“(B) may prescribe the rates of basic pay for employees appointed under paragraph (1)(A) at rates not in excess of a rate equal to 150 percent of the maximum rate of basic pay authorized for positions at Level I of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5.

“(3) Additional compensation.—

“(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraph (C), the Secretary may, with respect to an employee appointed under paragraph (1)(A), other than such an employee receiving the maximum rate of basic pay prescribed under paragraph (2)(B), provide the employee compensation (in addition to basic pay), including payments, benefits, sabbaticals, incentives, awards, and allowances—

“(i) in accordance with relevant provisions of other laws, including provisions of title 5;

“(ii) consistent with, and not in excess of the level authorized for, comparable positions in the Federal Government; and

“(iii) to the extent compatible with the approach to talent management under this section.

“(B) Allowances.—An employee appointed under paragraph (1)(A) shall be eligible for an allowance under section 5941 of title 5, in addition to such basic pay, on the same basis and at least to the same extent as if the employee was an employee covered by such section, including eligibility conditions, allowance rates, and all other terms and conditions in statute or regulation.

“(C) Maximum amount of additional compensation.— No additional compensation may be provided to an employee under this paragraph in any calendar year if, or to the extent that, the employee’s total annual compensation in such calendar year will exceed the maximum amount of total annual compensation payable at the salary set in accordance with section 104 of title 3.

“(c) Defense Digital Executive Service.—The Secretary may establish a Defense Digital Executive Service for positions established under subsection (a)(1)(A)(i) that are comparable to Senior Executive Service positions.

“(d) Defense Digital Senior Level Positions.—The Secretary may designate as a Defense Digital Senior Level position any defense cyber position that, as determined by the Secretary—

“(1) is classified above the grade of GG-15 of the excepted service;

“(2) does not satisfy functional or program management criteria for being designated as a position in the Defense Digital Executive Service; and

“(3) has no more than minimal supervisory responsibilities.

“(e) Two-year Probationary Period.—The probationary period for all employees hired under the authority provided by this section shall be two years.

“(f) Incumbents of Existing Competitive Service Positions.—

“(1) In general.—An individual occupying a position on the date of the enactment of this section that is selected to be converted to a position in the excepted service under this section shall have the right to refuse such conversion.

“(2) Position conversion.—After the date on which an individual who refuses a conversion under paragraph (1) stops serving in the position selected to be converted, the position shall be converted to a position in the excepted service.

“(g) Implementation Plan; Effective Date of Authority.—

“(1) In general.—The authority provided by this section shall become effective 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a plan for the implementation of such authority.

“(2) Elements.—The plan described in paragraph (1) shall include the following:

“(A) An assessment of the current scope of the positions covered by the authority provided by subsection (a).

“(B) A plan for the use of the authority.

“(C) An assessment of the anticipated workforce needs for the cyber mission of the Department across the future-years defense program.

“(D) Other matters as appropriate.

“(h) Collective Bargaining Agreements.—Nothing in subsection (a) may be construed to impair the continued effectiveness of a collective bargaining agreement with respect to an office, component, subcomponent, or equivalent of the Department that is a successor to an office, component, subcomponent, or equivalent of the Department covered by the agreement before the succession.

“(i) Required Regulations.—The Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.

“(j) Annual Report.—

“(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section and not less frequently than once each year thereafter until the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in coordination with the Secretary, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a detailed report on the administration of this section during the most recent one-year period.

“(2) Elements.—Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include, for the period covered by the report, the following:

“(A) A discussion of the process used in accepting applications, assessing candidates, ensuring adherence to veterans’ preference, and selecting applicants for vacancies to be filled by an individual for a qualified position.

“(B) A description of the following:

“(i) How the Secretary plans to fulfill the critical need of the Department to recruit and retain employees in qualified positions.

“(ii) The measures that will be used to measure progress.

“(iii) Any actions taken during the reporting period to fulfill such critical need.

“(C) A discussion of how the planning and actions taken under subparagraph (B) are integrated into the strategic workforce planning of the Department.

“(D) The metrics on actions occurring during the reporting period, including the following:

“(i) The number of employees in qualified positions hired, disaggregated by occupation and grade and level or pay band.

“(ii) The placement of employees in qualified positions, disaggregated by military department, Defense Agency, or other component within the Department.

“(iii) The total number of veterans hired.

“(iv) The number of separations of employees in qualified positions, disaggregated by occupation and grade and level or pay band.

“(v) The number of retirements of employees in qualified positions, disaggregated by occupation and grade and level or pay band.

“(vi) The number and amounts of recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives paid to employees in qualified positions, disaggregated by occupation and grade and level or pay band.

“(vii) The number of employees in qualified positions who held an appointment related to cybersecurity at a Federal agency outside of the Department during the three-year period prior to being appointed under this section.

“(k) Comptroller General Assessment.—

“(1) Availability of annual report.—The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall make available to the Comptroller General of the United States each report required by subsection (j).

“(2) Assessment.—The Comptroller General shall—

“(A) assess any differences in recruitment and retention for cyber positions experienced by Federal agencies based on unique hiring and pay authorities for cyber professionals, including with respect to Senior Executive Service positions and Senior Level positions; and

“(B) not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this section, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the results of that assessment.

“(l) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) Appropriate committees of congress.—The term ‘appropriate committees of Congress’ means—

“(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

“(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

“(2) Competitive service.—The term ‘competitive service’ has the meaning given that term in section 2102 of title 5.

“(3) Excepted service.—The term ‘excepted service’ has the meaning given that term in section 2103 of title 5.

“(4) Qualified position.—The term ‘qualified position’ means a position, designated by the Secretary for the purpose of this section, in which the individual occupying such position performs, manages, or supervises functions that execute the cyber mission of the Department.

“(5) Senior executive service position.—The term ‘Senior Executive Service position’ has the meaning given that term in section 3132(a) of title 5.”.

(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 81 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 1599f and inserting the following new item:

“1599f. Cyber workforce recruitment and retention.”.

SEC. 1108. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO REDUCE THE WORKFORCE AT PUBLIC SHIPYARDS.

(a) In General.—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be used to reduce the workforce at public shipyards, including probationary employees.

(b) Exemption.—The workforce at public shipyards and any other positions at a public shipyard not specified in subsection (c) shall be exempt from any workforce reductions related to spending cuts, reprogramming of funds, or the probationary status of employees.

(c) Workforce at Public Shipyards Defined.—In this section, the term “workforce at public shipyards” includes any of the following positions at a public shipyard:

(1) Welders.

(2) Pipefitters.

(3) Shipfitters.

(4) Radiological technicians and engineers.

(5) Engineers and engineer technicians.

(6) Apprentices.

(7) Positions supporting a workforce development pipeline.

(8) Positions supporting nuclear maintenance and refueling.

(9) Mechanics.

(10) Painters and blasters.

(11) Positions supporting maintenance and operations of infrastructure.

(12) Positions supporting implementation of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program.

(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to restrict the authority of the Secretary of Defense to manage the workforce of the Department of Defense under existing procedures in cases of misconduct or poor performance.

(e) Sunset.—This section shall cease to be effective December 31, 2029.

TITLE XII—MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS

Subtitle A—Assistance and Training

SEC. 1201. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITIES.

(a) Training With Friendly Foreign Countries: Payment of Training and Exercise Expenses.—

(1) Training authorized.—Subsection (a) of section 321 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking “or other security forces” and inserting “, or other security forces that perform a similar function,”;

(B) by striking paragraph (2); and

(C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively.

(2) Authority to pay training and exercise expenses.— Subsection (b) of such section is amended—

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “subsection (e)” and inserting “subsection

(f)”;

(B) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

“(1) Expenses of forces assigned or allocated to that command in conjunction with activities conducted under this section.”;

(C) in paragraph (2), by striking “that training” and inserting “such activities”;

(D) in paragraph (3), by striking “training” and inserting “activities”;

(E) by striking paragraph (4);

(F) in paragraph (5), by striking “training described in” and all that follows through “paragraph

(4)” and inserting “training and exercises under this section”; and

(G) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph

(4).

(3) Semiannual report.—Subsection (e) of such section is amended to read as follows:

“(e) Semiannual Report.—Not less frequently than semiannually, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on training and exercises conducted under this section during the preceding 180-day period.”.

(4) Conforming amendments.—

(A) Section heading.—Section 321 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the section heading, by inserting “and exercises” after “Training”.

(B) Table of sections.—The table of sections for subchapter III of chapter 16 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 321 and inserting the following:

“321. Training and exercises with friendly foreign countries: payment of training and exercise expenses.”.

(b) Repeal of Secretary of Defense Strategic Competition Initiative.—Section 1332 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 2007; 10 U.S.C. 301 note) is repealed.

SEC. 1202. MODIFICATION OF PAYMENT OF COSTS FOR REGIONAL CENTERS FOR SECURITY STUDIES.

Section 342(f)(3)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the first sentence, by striking “from a developing country”.

SEC. 1203. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR NAVAL SMALL CRAFT INSTRUCTION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING SCHOOL.

Section 352 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “may” and inserting “shall”; and

(2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) Tuition fees charged for personnel who attend the School may not include any amount for the fixed costs of operating and maintaining the School.”.

SEC. 1204. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR MULTILATERAL SECURITY COOPERATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

Section 1208 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159) is amended by striking subsection (i).

SEC. 1205. BUILDING CAPACITY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF MEXICO TO COUNTER TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS.

(a) Plan.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and with the agreement of the Government of Mexico, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a plan for a pilot program under which the armed forces of Mexico and the United States Armed Forces will train jointly in the United States on tactics, techniques, and procedures for countering the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations, including through—

(1) operations involving the use of rotary-wing aircraft; and

(2) in consultation with the appropriate civilian government agencies specializing in countering transnational criminal organizations—

(A) joint network analysis;

(B) counter threat financing;

(C) counter illicit trafficking (including narcotics, weapons, and human trafficking, and illicit trafficking in natural resources); and

(D) assessments of key nodes of activity of transnational criminal organizations.

(b) Implementation.—Not later than 15 days after the date on which the plan required by subsection (a) is submitted under such subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall begin implementing the pilot program described in the plan.

(c) Definition of Appropriate Congressional Committees.—In this section, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 1206. CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF PANAMA AND THE PANAMA CANAL AUTHORITY.

(a) Cybersecurity Integration.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, using existing authorities of the Secretary, may establish a pilot program in Panama—

(A) to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of the Panama Canal Authority and the national security forces of Panama; and

(B) to increase cybersecurity cooperation measures between the United States and Panama in current and future joint military training exercises.

(2) Purposes.—The purposes of the cybersecurity cooperation under paragraph (1) are—

(A) to assist in implementing the Cyber Cooperation Arrangement;

(B) to provide training and technical assistance to, and enhance joint cooperation with, the national security forces of Panama so as to improve mitigation, deterrence, and detection of ransomware attacks on, and vulnerabilities of, critical infrastructure in and around the Panama Canal; and

(C) to incorporate cybersecurity cooperation measures into current and potential United States- Panama joint military training exercises so as to improve the security of the Panama Canal.

(3) Activities.—Activities of the Department of Defense to further the purposes described in paragraph (2) may include the following:

(A) Provision of education and training to, and information sharing with, the Panama Canal Authority and the national security forces of Panama.

(B) Collaboration on cyber incident response best practices with the Panama Canal Authority and the national security forces of Panama.

(C) Provision of technical assistance to the Panama Canal Authority and the national security forces of Panama to detect and mitigate cybersecurity attacks.

(D) Development of supply chain security best practices and building a trusted vendor network with the Panama Canal Authority and the national security forces of Panama.

(E) Engagement with the national security forces of Panama on joint cybersecurity training exercises and other information-sharing and domain awareness activities relating to cybersecurity, including by—

(i) encouraging the participation of the Government of Panama in existing cybersecurity training facilitated or managed by the Department and approved by the Secretary;

(ii) incorporating cybersecurity into existing joint training exercises, such as PANAMAX; and

(iii) conducting an annual joint tabletop cybersecurity exercise.

(4) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary shall—

(A) submit to the congressional defense committees a report on—

(i) the implementation of this section and any challenges relating to such implementation;

(ii) any known cyber threats relating to Panama, such as incidents of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure in and around the Panama Canal; and

(iii) actions taken to address and mitigate such threats; and

(B) provide the congressional defense committees with a briefing on such report.

(5) Protection of sensitive information.—Any activity carried out under this section shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information and the national security interests of the United States.

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Critical infrastructure.—The term “critical infrastructure” has the meaning given such term in section 1016(e) of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).

(2) Panama canal authority.—The term “Panama Canal Authority” has the meaning given such term in section 3(d) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3602(d)).

(3) PANAMAX.—The term “PANAMAX” refers to—

(A) an annual bilateral and multinational military exercise and training series relating to the security of the Panama Canal carried out in coordination with United States Southern Command and the military or security forces of—

(i) the governments of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean; and

(ii) certain European countries; and

(B) any related exercises conducted in Panama.

(4) Ransomware attack.—The term “ransomware attack” has the meaning given such term in section 2200 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650).

SEC. 1207. STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM SELECTION ANALYSIS.

The Secretary of Defense shall make such changes to Department of Defense Instruction 5111.20 (relating to the State Partnership Program) (or a successor instruction) as may be necessary to ensure that, in performing selection analysis for the State Partnership Program under section 341 of title 10, United States Code, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau—

(1) considers the number of current partnerships assigned to the National Guard of a State; and

(2) gives preference to States that have only one active assigned country under the program.

SEC. 1208. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO BUILD CAPACITY OF FOREIGN SECURITY FORCES.

Section 333 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

“(10) Disaster risk reduction or response operations.

“(11) Space domain awareness and space operations.

“(12) Foreign internal defense operations.”; and

(2) in subsection (g)(2), by striking “made”.

SEC. 1209. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE CYBER COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN MILITARY PARTNERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

Section 1256 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 333 note) is amended—

(1) in the section heading, by inserting “and the pacific islands” before the period;

(2) in subsection (e), by striking “2027” and inserting “2029”; and

(3) in subsection (f)(2), by adding at the end the following:

“(F) Each member country of the Pacific Islands Forum.”.

Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Syria, Iraq, and Iran

SEC. 1211. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN COALITION NATIONS FOR SUPPORT PROVIDED TO UNITED STATES MILITARY OPERATIONS.

Section 1233 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 122 Stat. 393) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph

(1) by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026,”; and

(2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026”.

SEC. 1212. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF SECURITY COOPERATION IN IRAQ.

Section 1215 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (c);

(2) in subsection (d), by striking “fiscal year 2025” and inserting “fiscal year 2026”; and

(3) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as subsections (c) through (g), respectively.

SEC. 1213. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO VETTED SYRIAN GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS.

Section 1209 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 128 Stat. 3541) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph

(1), by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026”; and

(2) in subsection (l)(3)(E), by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026”.

SEC. 1214. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO COUNTER THE ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ AND SYRIA.

Section 1236 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 128 Stat. 3558) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph

(1), by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026”;

(2) by striking subsection (g);

(3) by redesignating subsections (h) through (o) as subsections (g) through (n), respectively;

(4) in subsection (i)(1)(C), as redesignated, by striking “subsection (l)(2)” and inserting “subsection (k)(2)”;

(5) in subsection (k)(2), as redesignated—

(A) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking “subsection (j)(1)(C)” and inserting “subsection

(i)(1)(C)”; and

(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking “subsection

(k)” and inserting “subsection (j)”; and

(6) in subsection (n)(6), as redesignated, by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2026”.

SEC. 1215. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SUPPORT.

Section 1226 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (22 U.S.C. 2151 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)(1)—

(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking “with Syria and Iraq”; and

(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking “with Syria”;

(2) in subsection (c)—

(A) by striking paragraph (1); and

(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively; and

(3) in subsection (h), by striking “December 31, 2025” and inserting “December 31, 2027”.

SEC. 1216. SECURITY AND OVERSIGHT OF AL-HOL AND ROJ CAMPS.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and pursuant to authorities available to the Secretary of Defense, shall take appropriate measures to support the defenses of al-Hol and Roj camps and security for detainees within such camps, including through support for vetted foreign partner security forces, so as to prevent escape and radicalization efforts that could contribute to a resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

(b) Annual Report.—Not later than March 31, 2026, and annually thereafter through March 31, 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that—

(1) assesses the status of United States Armed Forces operations in northeast Syria related to counterterrorism and security efforts;

(2) describes the conditions and security of detainees at al-Hol and Roj camps;

(3) describes support to vetted foreign security partners responsible for the administration and security of al-Hol and Roj camps and surrounding areas;

(4) assesses the effectiveness of support to vetted foreign security partners in maintaining the stability and security of al-Hol and Roj camps and surrounding areas;

(5) describes efforts to repatriate detainees from al-Hol and Roj camps to the home countries of such detainees or to third countries;

(6) describes plans for the long-term security of al-Hol and Roj camps; and

(7) includes recommendations for further actions to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

SEC. 1217. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR REDUCTION OR CONSOLIDATION OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES BASES IN SYRIA.

(a) In General.—Until the date that is 15 days after the date on which the certification described in subsection (b) is submitted to the congressional defense committees, amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act may not be obligated or expended to reduce the number of, or consolidate, bases of the United States Armed Forces located in Syria.

(b) Certification Described.—

(1) In general.—The certification described in this subsection is a certification by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Central Command that a reduction of the number, or consolidation, of bases of the United States Armed Forces located in Syria resulting in an updated force posture or basing locations would continue to sufficiently meet objectives consistent with the purposes outlined in section 1209(a) of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 128 Stat. 354).

(2) Elements.—The certification described in this subsection shall include the following:

(A) A description of the current posture of United States Armed Forces in Syria and levels of engagement by the United States Armed Forces with Syrian groups and individuals.

(B) A description of the planned posture of the United States Armed Forces in Syria and projected levels of engagement by such forces with Syrian groups and individuals that would result from such a reduction or consolidation.

(C) An assessment of any gaps that the planned posture of United States Armed Forces as a result of such a reduction or consolidation would generate, including in assistance, training, or enabling authorized for Syrian groups and individuals.

(D) A description of mitigation measures being taken to address any identified gaps in assistance, training, or enabling for Syrian groups.

(E) A plan to balance consolidation with an offshore presence to sustain counterterrorism operations.

SEC. 1218. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE OFFICE OF SECURITY COOPERATION IN IRAQ.

(a) Limitation on Obligation of Funds.—Not more than 50 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees a certification that the Government of Iraq has taken credible steps—

(1) to reduce the operational capacity of Iran-aligned militia groups not integrated into the Iraqi Security Forces through a publicly verifiable disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process;

(2) to strengthen the authority and operational control of the Prime Minister of Iraq as Commander-in-Chief over the Iraqi Security Forces; and

(3) to investigate and hold accountable members of militias or members of security forces operating outside the formal chain of command of the Iraqi Security Forces who engage in attacks on United States or Iraqi personnel or otherwise act in an illegal or destabilizing manner.

(b) Waiver.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the limitation in subsection (a) for a period of not more than 180 days if the Secretary determines that such waiver is in the national security interest of the United States. Any such waiver shall be submitted in writing to the congressional defense committees not later than 15 days after issuance, along with a justification and a description of the steps being taken to achieve the objectives described in subsection (a).

SEC. 1219. REPEAL OF AUTHORIZATIONS FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ.

(a) Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution.—The 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.

(b) Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.—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.

Subtitle C—Matters Relating to Europe and the Russian Federation

SEC. 1221. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS RELATING TO SOVEREIGNTY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION OVER INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TERRITORY OF UKRAINE.

Section 1245(a) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 136 Stat. 2847) is amended by striking “or 2025” and inserting “2025, or 2026”.

SEC. 1222. EXTENSION OF ANNUAL REPORT ON MILITARY AND SECURITY DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

Section 1234(g) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3938) is amended by striking “January 31, 2026” and inserting “January 31, 2031”.

SEC. 1223. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF UKRAINE SECURITY ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE.

Section 1250 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 1068) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph

(5); and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs (6) and (7):

“(6) Availability of funds for programs across fiscal years.—Amounts available in a fiscal year to carry out the authority in subsection (a) may be used for programs under that authority that begin in such fiscal year and end not later than the end of the second fiscal year thereafter.

“(7) Authority for interchange of supplies and services.— The limitation in subsection (b)(2) of section 2571 of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply with respect to reimbursable support for the purpose of providing assistance under this section.”;

(2) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(11) For fiscal year 2026, $500,000,000.”; and

(3) in subsection (h), by striking “December 31, 2026” and inserting “December 31, 2028”.

SEC. 1224. WEAPONS DEPOT MAINTENANCE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR UKRAINE.

(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to partner with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine to develop a weapons depot maintenance strategic plan for Ukraine that includes, at a minimum—

(1) an outline of the planning and management processes necessary to establish for Ukraine a robust weapons depot maintenance capability, including the steps necessary to achieve such capability;

(2) a detailed plan for restoring the readiness of the military forces of Ukraine by repairing, replacing, or divesting the substantial quantities and wide variety of weapons systems and equipment that have been donated or procured to sustain the military operations of Ukraine; and

(3) the estimated resources, manpower, and timeline required to fully implement the strategic plan.

(b) 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 Senate and the House of Representatives a detailed report on the strategic plan developed under subsection (a) that includes each element described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of that subsection.

SEC. 1225. OVERSIGHT OF UNITED STATES MILITARY POSTURE IN EUROPE.

(a) Prohibition on Use of Funds.—Until the date that is 90 days after the date on which the certification described in subsection (b) and the assessment described in subsection (c) are submitted to the congressional defense committees, amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act may not be obligated or expended—

(1) to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the area of responsibility of the United States European Command below 76,000;

(2) to divest, consolidate, or otherwise return to a host country any site on the real property inventory of the United States European Command as of June 1, 2025;

(3) to divest, redeploy, withdraw, or otherwise permanently move out of the area of responsibility of the United States European Command any Department of Defense equipment or physical property positioned in such area of responsibility as of June 1, 2025, with an initial purchase value of more than $500,000; or

(4) to relinquish the role of the Commander of the United States European Command as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

(b) Certification Described.—The certification described in this subsection is a certification by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Commander of the United States European Command, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence, to the congressional defense committees that, as applicable, a reduction of the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the area of responsibility of the United States European Command below 76,000, the divestment, consolidation, or return to a host country of any site on the real property inventory of the United States European Command as of June 1, 2025, the divestment, redeployment, withdrawal, or otherwise permanent moving of equipment or property described in subsection (a)(3), or the relinquishment of the role of the Commander of the United States European Command as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe—

(1) is in the national security interest of the United States; and

(2) is being undertaken only after appropriate consultations with all North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and relevant non-NATO partners.

(c) Assessment Described.—

(1) In general.—An assessment described in this subsection is the following:

(A) In the case of a reduction of the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the area of responsibility of the United States European Command below 76,000, the divestment, consolidation, or return to a host country of any site on the real property inventory of the United States European Command, or the divestment, redeployment, withdrawal or otherwise permanent moving of equipment or property described in subsection (a)(3)—

(i) an analysis of the impact of such an action on—

(I) the security of the United States;

(II) the security of North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and the strength and security of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a whole; and

(III) the ability of the United States to meet national North Atlantic Treaty Organization capability targets, regional and theater campaign plans, and other warfighting requirements, as determined by the Commander of the United States European Command and the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe;

(ii) an assessment of the threat posed by the Russian Federation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the near term, medium term, and long term;

(iii) an analysis of the impact of such an action on the ability of the Armed Forces to execute contingency plans of the Department of Defense, including in support of operations and crisis response in the areas of responsibility of the United States Central Command and the United States Africa Command;

(iv) a detailed analysis of the costs for relocation of personnel, equipment, and associated infrastructure;

(v) an analysis of the impact of such an action on military training and major military exercises, including on interoperability and joint activities with North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners;

(vi) a description of consultations with each North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally and all relevant non-NATO partners;

(vii) an assessment of the impact of such an action on the credibility of United States extended deterrence commitments to North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies, and the potential for nuclear proliferation in the European theater;

(viii) an assessment of the impact of such an action on transatlantic cooperation to deter potential threats from the People’s Republic of China; and

(ix) an independent risk assessment by the Commander of the United States European Command and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of—

(I) the impact of such a reduction or divestment, consolidation, or return on the security of the United States;

(II) the ability of the Armed Forces to provide forward defense of the United States;

(III) the ability of the Armed Forces to execute contingency plans of the Department of Defense, including in support of operations outside the area of responsibility of the United States European Command; and

(IV) the impact of such a reduction or divestment, consolidation, or return on military training and major military exercises, including on interoperability and joint activities with North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners.

(B) In the case of the relinquishment of the role of the Commander of the United States European Command as the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe—

(i) a classified explanation of the role of United States nuclear weapons in supporting North Atlantic Treaty Organization operations and activities after having relinquished such role, including changes to command and control relationships and adjustments to United States nuclear posture;

(ii) a description of consultations with all North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and relevant non-NATO partners, including through the Nuclear Planning Group of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization;

(iii) an assessment of the impact of the withdrawal of a United States official as the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe on—

(I) the effectiveness of North Atlantic Treaty Organization nuclear deterrence; and

(II) the potential for nuclear proliferation in Europe;

(iv) an independent risk assessment by the Commander of the United States European Command and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of—

(I) the nuclear capabilities of North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies; and

(II) the potential for nuclear proliferation in Europe; and

(v) an independent assessment by the Commander of the United States Strategic Command of—

(I) the capability and capacity of nuclear-armed North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies to effectively deter and, if necessary, defeat likely adversaries in the nuclear domain absent a United States commander serving in the role of Supreme Allied Commander Europe;

(II) changes to be made to existing United States contingency plans if other North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries with nuclear capabilities were to provide extended nuclear deterrence to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; and

(III) the impact of such provision of extended nuclear deterrence on United States nuclear posture and deterrence planning requirements.

(2) Submission of independent assessments.—Any independent assessment required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees without modification or alteration.

(d) Form.—

(1) Certification.—A certification described in subsection

(b) shall be submitted in unclassified form.

(2) Assessment.—An assessment described in subsection (c) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

SEC. 1226. ACCEPTANCE BACK INTO STOCK OF EQUIPMENT PROCURED UNDER UKRAINE SECURITY ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE.

Section 1250 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 1068) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(k) Accepting Equipment Back Into Stock.—

“(1) In general.—Equipment procured to carry out this authority pursuant to subsection (a) may only be treated as stocks of the Department of Defense if—

“(A) the equipment procured has not yet been transferred to the Government of Ukraine and is no longer needed to support a program carried out pursuant to such subsection; or

“(B) the equipment procured has been transferred to the Government of Ukraine and is returned by Ukraine to the United States.

“(2) Notification.—The Secretary may not transfer back into stock equipment described in paragraph (1) until the date that is 15 days after the date on which the Secretary submits a notification to Congress describing how the conditions of such paragraph were met.”.

SEC. 1227. STATEMENT OF POLICY RELATING TO UKRAINE SECURITY ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE.

Section 1250 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 1068), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(l) Statement of Policy.—

“(1) In general.—It is the policy of the United States—

“(A) to assist Ukraine in maintaining a credible defense and deterrence capability;

“(B) to bolster defense and security cooperation with Ukraine as a means of building a future force of Ukraine that is capable of defending Ukraine today and deterring future aggression; and

“(C) to advance continued reform of the democratic, economic, defense, and security institutions of Ukraine in order to advance the Euro- Atlantic integration and modernization of Ukraine.

“(2) Credible defense and deterrence capability defined.— In this subsection, the term ‘credible defense and deterrence capability’ means the ability to defend against and deter any credible conventional military threat from the Russian Federation acting unilaterally or in concert with partners, through the use of conventional military means, possessed in sufficient quantity, including weapons platforms and munitions, command, control, communication, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.”.

SEC. 1228. INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide intelligence support, including information, intelligence, and imagery collection authorized under title 10, United States Code, to the Government of Ukraine for the purpose of supporting military operations of the Government of Ukraine that are specifically intended or reasonably expected to defend and retake the territory of Ukraine.

(b) Territory of Ukraine Defined.—In this section, the term “territory of Ukraine” includes all territory internationally recognized to be the sovereign territory of Ukraine, including Crimea and the territory the Russian Federation claims to have annexed in Kherson Oblast, Zaporizhzia Oblast, Donetsk Oblast, and Luhansk Oblast.

SEC. 1229. INTERNATIONAL SECURITY COOPERATION PROGRAM FUNDING FOR UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND.

Not less than 15 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for the International Security Cooperation Program shall be available for use by the United States European Command.

SEC. 1230. PROMOTION OF THE JOINT UKRAINIAN MULTINATIONAL PROGRAM— SERVICES, TRAINING AND ARTICLES RAPID TIMELINE (JUMPSTART).

(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should leverage existing programs and authorities, including JUMPSTART, to employ resources from European partners via multination co-financing to support and expedite the delivery of weapons, training, and logistics to Ukraine.

(b) Report.—

(1) In general.—Not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—

(A) an assessment of opportunities for leveraging JUMPSTART to deliver critical technologies to Ukraine, including technologies that also meet United States operational requirements;

(B) a summary of Department efforts to accelerate the rapid delivery of articles, training, and logistics through FMS;

(C) a description of any efficiencies that have been achieved by pooling financial resources from partners and allies;

(D) a description of opportunities for employing pooled partner and ally resources to deliver United States systems in support of Europe’s security needs;

(E) proposed legislative or regulatory changes necessary to enhance the effectiveness of JUMPSTART; and

(F) other topics as determined by the Secretary.

(2) Form.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall be in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex as necessary.

SEC. 1230A. MODIFICATION OF UNITED STATES BASING AND TRAINING, AND EXERCISES IN NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION MEMBER COUNTRIES.

(a) In General.—Section 1250 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 464; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 1250. UNITED STATES BASING AND TRAINING IN NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION MEMBER COUNTRIES.

“In considering decisions related to United States military basing and training in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries, the Secretary of Defense shall include among the factors for consideration whether the country concerned has submitted its annual plan to meet, and has made progress toward, the goal agreed to in the Hague Summit Declaration of June 25, 2025, to invest not less than 5 percent of gross domestic product annually in defense by 2035, of which—

“(1) not less than 3.5 percent is dedicated to core defense requirements and North Atlantic Treaty Organization capability targets; and

“(2) not less than 1.5 percent is dedicated to other defense and security related investments.”.

(b) Conforming Amendments.—

(1) The table of contents for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 136) is amended by striking the item relating to section 1250 and inserting the following:

“Sec. 1250. United States basing and training in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries.”.

(2) The table of contents at the beginning of title XII of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 435) is amended by striking the item relating to section 1250 and inserting the following:

“Sec. 1250. United States basing and training in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries.”.

SEC. 1230B. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFERS OF UNITED STATES DEFENSE ARTICLES AND DEFENSE SERVICES AMONG BALTIC STATES.

(a) Exemptions From Requirement for Consent To Transfer.—

(1) Retransfers among baltic states.—

(A) In general.—Notwithstanding the requirements of section 3(a)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 USC 2753(a)(2)) and Section 505(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 USAC 2314(a)(1)), retransfers of defense articles related to United States-origin mobile rocket artillery systems among Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia shall not require prior Presidential consent.

(B) Expiration.—The authority provided in subparagraph (A) shall cease to have effect on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(2) Agreements.—

(A) Consent to transfer not required.—An agreement between the United States and a Baltic State under section 3 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2753(a)) with respect to defense articles or defense services related to mobile rocket artillery systems provided by the United States shall not require the Baltic state to seek approval from the United States to transfer the defense article or defense service to any other Baltic state.

(B) Modification.—With respect to any agreement under section 3(a)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2753(a)(2)) in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act that requires the consent of the President before a Baltic state may transfer a defense article or defense service related to mobile rocket artillery systems provided by the United States, at the request of any Baltic state, the United States shall modify such agreement so as to remove such requirement with respect to such a transfer to any other Baltic state.

(b) Common Coalition Key.—The Secretary of Defense may establish among the Baltic states a common coalition key or other technological solution within the Baltic states for the purpose of sharing ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) among the Baltic states for training and operational purposes.

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Baltic state.—The term “Baltic state” means the following:

(A) Estonia.

(B) Lithuania.

(C) Latvia.

(2) Defense article; defense service.—The terms “defense article” and “defense service” have the meanings given such terms in section 47 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2794).

SEC. 1230C. BALTIC SECURITY INITIATIVE.

(a) Establishment.—Pursuant to the authority provided in chapter 16 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense may establish and carry out an initiative, to be known as the “Baltic Security Initiative”, for the purpose of deepening security cooperation with the military forces of the Baltic countries.

(b) Relationship to Existing Authorities.—An initiative established under subsection (a) shall be carried out pursuant to the authorities provided in title 10, United States Code.

(c) Objectives.—The objectives of an initiative established under subsection (a) should include—

(1) to achieve United States national security objectives by—

(A) deterring aggression by the Russian Federation; and

(B) 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;

(2) to enhance regional planning and cooperation among the military forces of the Baltic countries, particularly with respect to long-term regional capability projects, including—

(A) long-range precision fire systems and capabilities;

(B) integrated air and missile defense;

(C) maritime domain awareness;

(D) land forces development, including stockpiling large caliber ammunition;

(E) command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;

(F) special operations forces development;

(G) coordination with and security enhancements for Poland, which is a neighboring North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally; and

(H) other military capabilities, as determined by the Secretary; and

(3) with respect to the military forces of the Baltic countries, to improve cyber defenses and resilience to hybrid threats.

(d) Strategy.—

(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report setting forth a strategy for the Department of Defense to achieve the objectives described in subsection (c).

(2) Considerations.—The strategy required by this subsection shall include a consideration of—

(A) security assistance programs for the Baltic countries authorized as of the date on which the strategy is submitted;

(B) 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

(C) 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.

(e) Authorization of Appropriations.—

(1) In general.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $350,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 to carry out an initiative established under subsection (a).

(2) Sense of congress.—It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary should seek to require matching funds from each of the Baltic countries that participate in such an initiative in amounts commensurate with amounts provided by the Department for the initiative.

(f) Baltic Countries Defined.—In this section, the term “Baltic countries” means—

(1) Estonia;

(2) Latvia; and

(3) Lithuania.

Subtitle D—Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific Region

SEC. 1231. EXTENSION OF PACIFIC DETERRENCE INITIATIVE.

(a) Funding.—Subsection (c) of section 1251 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—

(1) by striking “the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025” and inserting “the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026”; and

(2) by striking “fiscal year 2025” and inserting “fiscal year 2026”.

(b) Reports and Briefings.—Subsection (d) of such section is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)(A), in the matter preceding clause

(i), by striking “fiscal years 2026 and 2027” and inserting “fiscal years 2027 and 2028”; and

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking “fiscal years 2025 and 2026” each place it appears and inserting “fiscal years 2027 and 2028”.

(c) Extension of Plan.—Subsection (e) of such section is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “fiscal years 2026 and 2027” and inserting “fiscal years 2027 and 2028”.

SEC. 1232. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER FUNDS FOR BIEN HOA DIOXIN CLEANUP.

Section 1253(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3955) is amended by striking “fiscal year 2025” and inserting “fiscal year 2026”.

SEC. 1233. OVERSIGHT OF UNITED STATES MILITARY POSTURE ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA.

(a) Prohibition on Use of Funds.—Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act may not be obligated or expended to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the Republic of Korea below 28,500, or to complete the transition of wartime operational control of the United States-Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command from United States-led command to Republic of Korea-led command, until the date that is 90 days after the date on which the certification described in subsection (b) and the applicable assessment described in subsection (c) are submitted to the appropriate committees of Congress.

(b) Certification Described.—The certification described in this subsection is a certification by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Forces Korea, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence, to the appropriate committees of Congress that, as applicable, a reduction in the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the Republic of Korea below 28,500 or the completion of the transition of wartime operational control of the United States-Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command from United States-led command to Republic of Korea-led command—

(1) is in the national security interest of the United States; and

(2) is being undertaken only after appropriate consultations with allies of the United States, including the Republic of Korea, Japan, and any country that has sent military contributions to the United Nations Command.

(c) Assessment Described.—An assessment described in this subsection is the following:

(1) In the case of a reduction in the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the Republic of Korea below 28,500, an assessment by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Forces Korea, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence that includes—

(A) an analysis of the impact of such a reduction on—

(i) the security of the United States;

(ii) the security of the Republic of Korea and Japan;

(iii) United States deterrence; and

(iv) the defense posture of the United States Indo-Pacific Command;

(B) an analysis of the impact of such a reduction on the ability of the Armed Forces to execute contingency plans of the Department of Defense, including in support of operations beyond the Korean Peninsula;

(C) an analysis of the additional costs for relocation of personnel, equipment, and associated infrastructure;

(D) an analysis of the impact of such a reduction on military training and major military exercises, including on interoperability and joint activities with the Republic of Korea and Japan;

(E) a description of consultations with the Republic of Korea, Japan, and countries that have sent military contributions to the United Nations Command;

(F) an assessment of the impact of such a reduction on the credibility of United States extended deterrence commitments to the Republic of Korea and Japan, and the potential for nuclear proliferation in the Indo-Pacific region; and

(G) an independent risk assessment by the Commander of the United States Forces Korea, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of—

(i) the impact of such a reduction on the security of the United States;

(ii) the ability of the Armed Forces to execute contingency plans of the Department of Defense, including in support of operations beyond the Korean Peninsula; and

(iii) the impact of such a reduction on military training and major military exercises, including on interoperability and joint activities with the Republic of Korea and Japan.

(2) In the case of the completion of the transition of wartime operational control of the United States-Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command from United States-led command to Republic of Korea-led command, an assessment by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Forces Korea, the Commander of the United States Indo- Pacific Command, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence that includes—

(A) a description and characterization of the achievement of the Republic of Korea of the three required conditions set forth in the bilaterally approved conditions-based Operational Control Transition Plan;

(B) a detailed description of the manner in which a Republic of Korea-led Combined Forces Command will report to national command authorities in the United States and the Republic of Korea;

(C) a detailed description of the planned command relationship between a Republic of Korea-led Combined Forces Command and the United States-led United Nations Command;

(D) a description of consultations with countries that have sent military contributions to the United Nations Command;

(E) a description of the United States-Republic of Korea wartime operational control consultations with Japan, and an assessment of approaches for deconflicting military operations across the United States-Republic of Korea and the United States-Japan alliances;

(F) an assessment of the impact of the transition of wartime operational control on the potential for nuclear proliferation in the Indo-Pacific region; and

(G) an independent risk assessment by the Commander of the United States Forces Korea, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of—

(i) the ability of the Republic of Korea to meet the conditions for the transition of wartime operational control from United States- led command to Republic of Korea-led command; and

(ii) the impact of such transition on the potential for nuclear proliferation in the Indo-Pacific region.

(d) Form.—

(1) Certification.—A certification described in subsection

(b) shall be submitted in unclassified form.

(2) Assessment.—An assessment described in subsection (c) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

(e) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and

(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 1234. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TRAVEL EXPENSES OF THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and available for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel expenses, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense submits—

(1) the multi-year plan to fulfill the defensive requirements of the military forces of Taiwan, also known as the “Taiwan Security Assistance Roadmap”, required by section 5506 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (22 U.S.C. 3355);

(2) the independent study of the organizational structure and force posture of the United States Armed Forces in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command required by section 1319 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 500);

(3) the plan to reconstitute United States Forces Japan as a joint force headquarters required by section 1343 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159);

(4) the plan for Department of Defense activities to strengthen United States extended deterrence commitments to the Republic of Korea required by section 1344 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159);

(5) the plan to advance trilateral defense cooperation among the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea required by section 1345 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159);

(6) the report on Department of Defense activities that would be necessary to support the potential establishment of a regional contingency stockpile for Taiwan required by the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159); and

(7) the report on the adequacy of the logistics network in the Indo-Pacific region for supporting the operational and contingency plans of the United States Indo-Pacific Command required by the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159).

SEC. 1235. BOLSTERING INDUSTRIAL RESILIENCE WITH ALLIES IN INDO-PACIFIC REGION.

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall establish and maintain a security cooperation initiative (referred to in this section as the “Partnership”) to strengthen cooperation among the defense industrial bases of the United States and allied and partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

(b) Objectives.—The objectives of the Partnership shall be the following:

(1) To enable the production and supply of the material necessary for equipping the Armed Forces of the United States and the military forces of allied and partner countries to achieve—

(A) the objectives set forth in the most recent national security strategy report submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3043);

(B) the policy guidance of the Secretary of Defense provided pursuant to section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code; and

(C) the future-years defense program submitted to Congress by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 221 of title 10, United States Code.

(2) To strengthen the collective defense industrial base by expanding industrial base capability, capacity, and workforce, including with respect to enhanced supply chain security, interoperability, and resilience among participating countries.

(3) To identify and mitigate industrial base vulnerabilities across partner countries.

(4) To advance research and development activities to provide the Armed Forces of the United States and the military forces of allied and partner countries with systems capable of ensuring technological superiority over potential adversaries.

(5) To promote co-development, co-production, and procurement collaboration in key defense sectors.

(6) To promote defense innovation, improve information sharing, encourage standardization, reduce barriers to cooperation, and otherwise mitigate potential vulnerabilities and facilitate collaboration.

(7) Any other matter the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

(c) Designation of Senior Official.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate a senior civilian official of the Department of Defense at the Assistant Secretary level or above to lead relevant efforts of the Partnership, as determined by the Secretary.

(2) Notification.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense makes or changes a designation under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification of such designation or change.

(d) Participation.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall establish a process to determine which allies and partners of the United States (including Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, the Philippines, and New Zealand) shall be invited to participate as member countries of the Partnership.

(e) Authorities.—To carry out this section, the Secretary of Defense may do the following:

(1) Enter into agreements and memoranda of understanding with appropriate counterparts from participating countries.

(2) Establish working groups and technical exchanges.

(3) Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to partner countries using authorities available to the Secretary under title 10, United States Code.

(4) Use funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for international cooperation programs, industrial base resilience, or other relevant purposes.

(5) Engage with industry, capital providers, academia, and any other stakeholders necessary to advance the objectives described in subsection (b).

(f) Report and Briefing.—

(1) Report.—

(A) In general.—Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter through 2031, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status and progress of the Partnership.

(B) Elements.—Each report required by subparagraph

(A) shall include the following:

(i) An assessment of shared industrial base vulnerabilities.

(ii) An overview of efforts among participating countries to enhance supply chain integrity and resilience.

(iii) A description of any joint defense production or co-development initiative, including any such initiative involving sensitive or classified technologies.

(iv) An articulation of priority initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year.

(v) Recommendations for legislative, regulatory, policy, or resourcing changes to achieve the objectives described in subsection

(b).

(vi) Any other matter the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

(2) Briefing.—Not later than December 1, 2026, and annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the congressional defense committees with a briefing on the progress made toward achieving the objectives described in subsection (b).

(g) Termination.—The authority under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2030.

SEC. 1236. MODIFICATION OF TAIWAN SECURITY COOPERATION INITIATIVE.

Section 1323(b) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) by redesignating subparagraph (V) as subparagraph (W);

(B) by inserting after subparagraph (U) the following new subparagraph (V):

“(V) Medical equipment, supplies, and related combat casualty care capabilities.”; and

(C) in subparagraph (W), as redesignated, by striking “(U)” and inserting “(V)”; and

(2) in paragraph (2)—

(A) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (K);

(B) by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following new subparagraph (J):

“(J) Medical equipment, supplies, and related combat casualty care capabilities.”; and

(C) in subparagraph (K), as redesignated, by striking “(I)” and inserting “(J)”.

SEC. 1237. JOINT PROGRAM WITH TAIWAN TO ENABLE FIELDING OF UNCREWED SYSTEMS AND COUNTER-UNCREWED SYSTEMS CAPABILITIES.

(a) In General.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall seek to engage with appropriate officials of Taiwan in a joint program for the purpose of enabling the fielding of uncrewed systems and counter- uncrewed systems capabilities, including co-development and co- production of such capabilities, for the Armed Forces of the United States and the military forces of Taiwan, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.).

(b) Use of Authorities.—In carrying out a joint program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may use the authorities under title 10, United States Code, and other applicable statutory authorities available to the Secretary.

(c) Report.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2029, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the joint program under subsection (a).

(2) Elements.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include, for the period covered by the report, the following:

(A) A summary of engagements under subsection (a).

(B) A description of activities undertaken by the Secretary of Defense and appropriate officials of Taiwan to enable the fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities described in subsection (a).

(C) A description of progress made in finalizing defense trade foundational agreements between the United States and Taiwan, including—

(i) a memorandum of understanding on reciprocal defense procurement;

(ii) a security of supply agreement;

(iii) an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement;

(iv) a general security of military information agreement; and

(v) a cyber maturity model certification.

(D) An identification of the additional resources or authorities necessary to enable the fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities described in subsection (a).

(E) Any other matter the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

(d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and

(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 1238. REPORT ON CRITICAL DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF TAIWAN.

(a) 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 a report that—

(1) analyzes the critical digital infrastructure of Taiwan in the event of a military invasion or blockade by the People’s Republic of China; and

(2) identifies potential Department of Defense actions that could help enable the protection of such infrastructure, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8; 93 Stat. 14).

(b) Elements.—The report required by subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1) A description of threats to the critical digital infrastructure of Taiwan in the event of a military invasion or blockade by the People’s Republic of China.

(2) A description of the critical digital infrastructure capabilities of Taiwan, including—

(A) the type and amount of physical hardware available to support the transfer of large quantities of electronic data from Taiwan to a cloud-based system or a geographic location outside Taiwan; and

(B) the availability of resilient satellite communications from low-Earth orbit constellations and any other necessary activity relating to such a transfer.

(3) An identification of potential Department of Defense actions that could help enable the protection of the critical digital infrastructure of Taiwan in the event of a contingency, including—

(A) the pre-positioning of digital hardware capabilities; and

(B) acquisition of cloud-based services and radio frequency satellite communications.

(4) Recommendations for any resources or authorities required to support the Department of Defense actions identified under paragraph (3).

(5) Any other matter the Secretary considers appropriate.

(c) Considerations.—The report required by subsection (a) shall take into account, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Lessons learned from ongoing conflicts, especially the war in Ukraine.

(2) The risks associated with making assumptions about the availability of commercial vendors in the event of a military invasion or blockade of Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China.

(d) Form.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in classified form.

(e) Collaboration.—To support the development of the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary is encouraged to seek input from the following:

(1) Civilian executives from commercial technology companies that provided support to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian Federation’s war of aggression.

(2) Any other individual or agency of the Federal Government the Secretary considers appropriate.

(f) Briefing.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide the congressional defense committees with a briefing on the contents of the report.

SEC. 1239. REPORT ON JAPANESE COUNTERSTRIKE CAPABILITIES.

(a) 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 submit to the congressional defense committees a report outlining Department of Defense efforts to support Japan in the fielding of an operational counterstrike capability.

(b) Elements.—The report required by subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1) A description of the activities and objectives of the United States-Japan Roles, Missions, and Capabilities Working Group with respect to the fielding of an operational counterstrike capability by Japan.

(2) A description of the operations, activities, and investments the Department is undertaking in collaboration with the Government of Japan, including—

(A) a description of progress made by the United States and Japan in developing and deploying counterstrike capabilities, including in and across the First Island Chain;

(B) a description of the counterstrike capabilities of Japan and a characterization of the potential for enhancement of such capabilities; and

(C) a description of the impediments to fielding a strengthened alliance strike posture, including—

(i) domestic legal constraints;

(ii) regulatory restrictions, including technology and foreign disclosure constraints;

(iii) industrial base-driven capacity limitations; and

(iv) political impediments;

(D) an articulation of the planning assumptions underpinning the assigned and anticipated roles, missions, and capabilities of the respective counterstrike capabilities of the United States and Japan;

(E) a description of the manner in which the United States and Japan will coordinate and deconflict counterstrike operations; and

(F) an assessment of potential alliance posture changes that would support an enhanced alliance counterstrike capability, including in the First Island Chain.

(3) A description of the command and control mechanisms and information-sharing requirements needed to enable coordination and deconfliction of allied counterstrike operations, including—

(A) the adoption of enhanced security protocols to ensure secure networks;

(B) the technical means needed to facilitate integrated planning for counterstrike operations; and

(C) the sharing of targeting information.

(4) An identification of challenges to the implementation of the operations, activities, and investments described in paragraph (2), and any recommended legislative changes, resourcing requirements, bilateral agreements, or other measures that would facilitate the implementation of such operations, activities, and investments.

(c) Form.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

SEC. 1240. REPORT ON ENHANCED SECURITY COOPERATION WITH THE PHILIPPINES.

(a) In General.—Not later than June 1, 2026, and annually thereafter through 2031, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on enhancing United States security cooperation with the Philippines.

(b) Elements.—Each report required by subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1) An assessment of progress with respect to the implementation of the United States-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines.

(2) An organizational chart and overview of the functions of the alliance management bodies that report to the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board.

(3) A summary of the activities and outcomes of the Roles, Missions, and Capabilities Working Group.

(4) An assessment of progress with respect to the bilateral Philippines—Security Sector Assistance Roadmap initiative, including a description of joint capability areas under such initiative.

(5) A projected resourcing plan for the Philippines— Security Sector Assistance Roadmap initiative that includes the projected use of national funds of the Philippines, Foreign Military Sales, Foreign Military Financing, and Department of Defense International Security Cooperation Program account funds.

(6) A description of the activities and investments the Department will implement during the five-year period beginning on the date on which the report is submitted for—

(A) increased bilateral training, exercises, combined patrols, and other activities between the United States Armed Forces and the military forces of the Philippines;

(B) enhancing multilateral security cooperation and capacity-building efforts among the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and other foreign partners; and

(C) improving information-sharing mechanisms and processes, including by adoption of enhanced security protocols, under the General Security of Military Information Agreement between the United States and the Philippines, signed at Manila November 18, 2024.

(7) A plan for improving the infrastructure at sites designated under the Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation, signed at Quezon City April 28, 2014 (TIAS 14-625), including, for each such site—

(A) an identification of priority facility investments at the site across the future-years defense program;

(B) a timeline for completing area development plans for the site; and

(C) an articulation of non-Department investments necessary to enable effective use of the site.

(8) An articulation of requirements for pre-positioning of equipment and supplies in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and other bilateral activities.

(9) A description of the current organization of the Joint United States Military Assistance Group—Philippines, and an analysis of the feasibility and advisability of modifying United States command structures in the Philippines to more effectively—

(A) coordinate United States military activities and operations; and

(B) facilitate integrated planning and implementation of combined activities.

(10) An identification of challenges to the implementation of the activities and investments described in paragraphs (1) through (9), and any recommended legislative changes, resourcing requirements, bilateral agreements, or other measures that would facilitate the implementation of such activities and investments.

(c) Form.—Each report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

(d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and

(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 1241. MODIFICATION TO ANNUAL REPORT ON MILITARY AND SECURITY DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

Section 1202(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106-65; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—

(1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and

(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5):

“(5) The military and security strategy of the People’s Republic of China on the Tibetan Plateau, including with respect to risks posed by political and regional conflicts, resource control and water-related resource conflicts, and infrastructure development.”.

SEC. 1242. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ON DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL PRIORITIES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN.

The Secretary of Defense shall seek to establish a partnership between the Defense Innovation Unit of the Department of Defense and appropriate counterparts of Taiwan—

(1) to enhance market opportunities for United States-based and Taiwan-based defense technology companies;

(2) to bolster Taiwan’s defense industrial base;

(3) to harmonize global security posture through emerging technology;

(4) to counter the development, by the Chinese Communist Party and adversarial proxy groups aligned with the Chinese Communist Party, of dual-use defense technologies; and

(5) in coordination with appropriate counterpart offices of the Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan—

(A) to enable coordination on defense industrial priorities;

(B) to streamline emerging defense technology research and development;

(C) to establish, for defense technology startups, more pathways to market; and

(D) to collaborate on the coordinated development of dual-use defense capabilities, such as the following:

(i) Drones.

(ii) Microchips.

(iii) Directed energy weapons.

(iv) Artificial intelligence.

(v) Missile technology.

(vi) Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technology.

SEC. 1243. INVITATION TO TAIWAN TO RIM OF THE PACIFIC (RIMPAC) EXERCISE.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense is strongly encouraged to invite the naval forces of Taiwan to participate, as appropriate, in any Rim of the Pacific exercise that is to take place after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(b) Justification.—In the event a decision is made not to invite the naval forces of Taiwan to participate in any Rim of the Pacific exercise described in subsection (a), not later than 30 days after the date on which such decision is made, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written justification for such decision.

SEC. 1244. EXTENSION OF INDO-PACIFIC EXTENDED DETERRENCE EDUCATION PILOT PROGRAM.

Section 1314(c) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159) is amended by striking “December 31, 2027” and inserting “December 31, 2030”.

SEC. 1245. INCLUSION ON LIST OF CHINESE MILITARY COMPANIES OF ENTITIES ADDED TO CERTAIN OTHER LISTS.

Section 1260H(b)(3) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—

(1) by striking “The Secretary” and inserting the following:

“(A) In general.—The Secretary”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(B) Review of entities on other lists.—The Secretary shall review, for inclusion in each annual revision under subparagraph (A) of the list required by paragraph (1), each entity added, during the year preceding preparation of the revision of the list, to any other list maintained by the United States Government of Chinese entities subject to restrictions or scrutiny relating to concerns about their activities or affiliations.”.

SEC. 1246. PREVENTING CIRCUMVENTION BY CHINESE MILITARY COMPANIES IN THIRD-PARTY COUNTRIES.

(a) In General.—Section 1260H(g)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the William M. “Mac” Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended to read as follows:

“(I) directly or indirectly owned by, controlled by, or beneficially owned by, affiliated with, or in an official or unofficial capacity acting as an agent of or on behalf of, the People’s Liberation Army, Chinese military and paramilitary elements, security forces, police, law enforcement, border control, the People’s Armed Police, the Ministry of State Security (MSS), or any other organization subordinate to the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), or the State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) operating inside or outside of China; or”.

(b) Effective Date.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1247. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON DEFENSE ALLIANCES AND PARTNERSHIPS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION.

It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should continue efforts that strengthen United States defense alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region so as to further the comparative advantage of the United States in strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China, including by—

(1) enhancing cooperation with Japan, consistent with the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United States of America and Japan, signed at Washington, January 19, 1960, including by developing advanced military capabilities, upgrading commd and control relationships, fostering interoperability across all domains, and improving sharing of information and intelligence;

(2) reinforcing the United States alliance with the Republic of Korea, including by maintaining the presence of approximately 28,500 members of the United States Armed Forces deployed to the Republic of Korea, enhancing mutual defense base cooperation, and affirming the United States extended deterrence commitment using the full range of United States defense capabilities, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea, signed at Washington, October 1, 1953, in support of the shared objective of a peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula;

(3) fostering bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Australia, consistent with the Security Treaty Between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America, signed at San Francisco, September, 1951, and through the partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and United States (commonly known as “AUKUS” )—

(A) to advance shared security objectives;

(B) to accelerate the fielding of advanced military capabilities; and

(C) to build the capacity of emerging partners;

(4) advancing United States alliances with the Philippines and Thailand and United States partnerships with other partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to enhance maritime domain awareness, promote sovereignty and territorial integrity, leverage technology and promote innovation, and support an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture;

(5) broadening United States engagement with India, including through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue—

(A) to advance the shared objective of a free and open Indo-Pacific region through bilateral and multilateral engagements and participation in military exercises, expanded defense trade, and collaboration on humanitarian aid and disaster response; and

(B) to enable greater cooperation on maritime security;

(6) strengthening the United States partnership with Taiwan, consistent with the Three Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), and the Six Assurances, with the goal of improving Taiwan’s defensive capabilities and promoting peaceful cross-strait relations;

(7) reinforcing the status of the Republic of Singapore as a Major Security Cooperation Partner of the United States and continuing to strengthen defense and security cooperation between the military forces of the Republic of Singapore and the United States Armed Forces, including through participation in combined exercises and training;

(8) engaging with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and other Pacific island countries, with the goal of strengthening regional security and addressing issues of mutual concern, including protecting fisheries from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing;

(9) collaborating with Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and other members of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to build connectivity and advance a shared vision for the region that is principled, long-term, and anchored in democratic resilience; and

(10) investing in enhanced military posture and capabilities in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and strengthening cooperation in bilateral relationships, multilateral partnerships, and other international fora to uphold global security and shared principles, with the goal of ensuring the maintenance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Subtitle E—Other Matters

SEC. 1251. MIDDLE EAST INTEGRATED AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE ARCHITECTURE.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall continue to seek to cooperate with allies and partners in the Middle East with respect to implementing an integrated air and missile defense architecture to protect the people, infrastructure, and territory of such allies and partners from cruise and ballistic missiles, manned and unmanned aerial systems, and rocket attacks from Iran and groups linked to Iran.

(b) Report.—

(1) In general.—Not later than May 31, 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on further implementation of an integrated air and missile defense architecture in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command.

(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) An assessment of the threat to allies and partners within the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command posed by ballistic and cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aerial systems, and rocket attacks launched from Iran and by groups linked to Iran.

(B) A description of—

(i) the missile defense priorities and capability needs of the United States Central Command with respect to defense against the threats described in subparagraph (A); and

(ii) the planned regional missile defense architectures derived from such priorities and capability needs.

(C) An analysis of current integrated air and missile defense systems within the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command to defend against threats described in subparagraph (A) and to meet the priorities identified under subparagraph (B).

(D) A description of the progress made toward addressing challenges identified in the strategy required by section 1658(b) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 136 Stat. 2951) and toward meeting benchmarks set forth in such strategy.

(E) With respect to the defensive operations against aerial threats since October 7, 2023, the following:

(i) With respect to countering the April 13, 2024, and October 1, 2024, ballistic missile and drone attacks by Iran against Israel—

(I) lessons learned with respect to the adequacy of data-sharing agreements in facilitating effective joint responses, and recommendations for further improvements to such agreements;

(II) a comparative analysis of the performance of systems operated by the United States and the performance of systems operated by Israel in intercepting missiles and unmanned aerial systems launched by Iran during the attacks;

(III) an assessment of the extent to which a defense provided to other United States regional partners if attacked by Iran would be similarly effective, and an identification of changes necessary to address deficiencies; and

(IV) an evaluation of the extent to which the strategy required by section 1658(b) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 136 Stat. 2951) contributed to the defensive operations described in this clause.

(ii) Lessons learned with respect to countering projectiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen against maritime targets in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command.

(iii) Any other such defensive operation the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

(F) Any other matter the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

(3) Form.—The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

(4) Protection of sensitive information.—Any activity carried out under this subsection 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.

SEC. 1252. MODIFICATION OF PROGRAM AND PROCESSES RELATING TO FOREIGN ACQUISITION.

Section 873 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 350; 10 U.S.C. 301 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in the subsection heading, by striking “pilot program for”; and

(B) by striking “may” and inserting “shall”; and

(2) by striking subsection (f).

SEC. 1253. ENHANCING SECURITY PARTNERSHIP WITH JORDAN AND LEBANON.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, pursuant to existing authorities, shall seek to provide assistance, including training, equipment, logistics support, supplies, and services, to the Government of Jordan and the Government of Lebanon for the purpose of supporting and enhancing efforts of the military forces of Jordan and the military forces of Lebanon to ensure the territorial security of Jordan and Lebanon.

(b) Plan.—

(1) In general.—Not later than December 31, 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Central Command, and in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that describes the plan of the Department of Defense to provide assistance under subsection (a).

(2) Elements.—The required plan shall, at a minimum, include the following elements:

(A) A description of the available authorities to provide assistance described in subsection (a) to the Government of Jordan and the Government of Lebanon.

(B) A description of the objectives of assistance described in subsection (a), including specific capabilities that such assistance seeks to enhance and the recipient units of the military forces of Jordan and Lebanon for such assistance.

(C) An identification of any opportunities to transfer military equipment, including aircraft and unmanned systems, from existing inventory of the Department of Defense to bolster the capabilities of the military forces of Jordan.

(D) Any other matters deemed relevant by the Secretary.

SEC. 1254. JOINT PROGRAM OFFICE FOR NON-PROGRAMS OF RECORD TO SUPPORT FOREIGN ACQUISITION.

(a) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and charter, within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, a Joint Program Office for Non-Programs of Record (referred to in this section as the “Joint Program Office”) to support the acquisition of specified non-program of record systems by approved foreign partners and allies.

(b) Structure.—

(1) Leadership.—The Joint Program Office shall be led by a senior executive or military flag officer of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, who shall have a deputy from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

(2) Staffing.—The staff of the Joint Program Office shall include detailees from the international program offices of the military departments, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and the Defense Technology Security Administration.

(c) Responsibilities.—

(1) In general.—The Joint Program Office shall be responsible for the following:

(A) Coordinating with allies and partners to identify and procure non-program of record capabilities.

(B) Facilitating discussions between industry and foreign partners on new non-program-of-record capabilities.

(C) Liaising with combatant commands to identify new specified non-program of record systems aligned with the strategic priorities of the combatant commands for theater security cooperation.

(D) Promoting capabilities with foreign partners that align with priority capabilities for the combatant commands.

(E) Coordinating with, and as necessary, providing additional support to, the international program offices of the military departments to expedite delivery of capabilities to foreign partners and allies.

(F) Coordinating internal Department of Defense approval processes to expedite the delivery of non- program of record capabilities.

(d) Briefing.—Not later than 30 days after the establishment of the Joint Program Office, the Secretary shall provide the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives with a briefing on the charter, responsibilities, resources, and plan of activities for the Joint Program Office for the subsequent fiscal year.

(e) Specified Non-program of Record System Defined.—In this section, the term “specified non-program of record system” means a record system that does not exist formally as a program of record within the Department of Defense, including—

(1) an international or civil variant of a program of record with nonstandard configurations, or a type 1 non-program of record system;

(2) a prior program of record that is no longer supported in United States inventory, or a type 2 non-program of record system;

(3) a program consisting of commercially developed munitions items, or a type 3 non-program of record system;

(4) a program consisting of commercially developed dual-use items, or a type 4 non-program of record system;

(5) a program consisting of commercially developed dual-use items combined with program of record elements, or a type 5 non-program of record system; and

(6) a program consisting of commercially developed dual-use items with military end-use, or a type 6 non-program of record system.

SEC. 1255. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF UNITED STATES-ISRAEL ANTI- TUNNEL COOPERATION.

Section 1279 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (22 U.S.C. 8606 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(4), by striking “$50,000,000” and inserting “$80,000,000”; and

(2) in subsection (f), by striking “December 31, 2026” and inserting “December 31, 2028”.

SEC. 1256. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF UNITED STATES-ISRAEL COOPERATION TO COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS.

Section 1278 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (22 U.S.C. 8606 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(4), by striking “$55,000,000” and inserting “$75,000,000”; and

(2) in subsection (f), by striking “December 31, 2026” and inserting “December 31, 2028”.

SEC. 1257. GUIDANCE FOR COORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL ARMS TRANSFERS.

(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue updated guidance, in accordance with section 382 of title 10, United States Code, to streamline and align the roles, responsibilities, and authorities, and improve transparency, relating to Department of Defense processes for international arms transfers, including Foreign Military Sales.

(b) Elements.—The updated guidance required by subsection (a) shall do the following:

(1) Streamline the roles and responsibilities relating to Department processes for international arms transfers (including the Foreign Military Sales and technology security and foreign disclosure processes) so as to ensure effective implementation of such roles and responsibilities among the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Defense Technology Security Administration, and the military departments.

(2) Designate a lead official, to be known as the “Data Czar”, who, in coordination with the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense, shall be responsible for collecting, tracking, coordinating, and sharing data and information on Foreign Military Sales cases for the purposes of—

(A) facilitating transparency across the Department of Defense international cooperation enterprise (including industry and international partners within such enterprise and components and subcomponents of the Department); and

(B) sharing information on Foreign Military Sales case development, execution, contracting, and implementation processes.

(3) Develop a framework to facilitate the use of the Foreign Military Sales process to deliver defense articles and services to allies and partners through programs other than a program of record.

(4) Set forth Foreign Military Sales-specific guidance that—

(A) identifies security cooperation priorities;

(B) aligns with the United States Conventional Arms Transfer Policy described in National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSM-10, dated April 19, 2018;

(C) is informed by priorities identified in the National Defense Strategy, Department planning guidance, and theater campaign plans; and

(D) takes into consideration—

(i) the risk factors for arms transfers identified in the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.); and

(ii) the industrial capacity for production.

(c) Briefing.—Not later than 30 days after the issuance of the updated guidance required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives with a briefing on the development and implementation of such guidance that describes the manner in which the procedures set forth in the guidance will streamline, and enhance the transparency of, international cooperation processes of the Department.

(d) Dissemination of FMS-specific Guidance.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall disseminate the Foreign Miliary Sales-specific guidance described in subsection (a)(4) to each member of the Department of Defense international cooperation enterprise.

SEC. 1258. REQUIREMENT TO UPDATE THE NATIONAL DISCLOSURE POLICY.

(a) Framework Development.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the National Disclosure Policy Committee (in this section referred to as the “Committee”) shall develop and submit to Congress a framework for revising and updating the National Disclosure Policy (NDP-1).

(b) Framework Elements.—The framework developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) A comprehensive assessment of emerging and advanced defense items, including artificial intelligence, directed energy, microwave systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems, missile defense, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, hypersonic, and autonomous systems, and necessary updates to NDP-1 to enable the transfer and sharing of this technology with United States allies and partners.

(2) Guidelines for balancing national security considerations with the need to share critical information and technology with allies and partners to enhance interoperability and collective security.

(3) Recommendations for updating the NDP-1 to help bolster the defense industrial base and accommodate the use of emerging and advanced defense items in multi-domain operations, joint military exercises, and allied operational requirements.

(4) Mechanisms to accelerate the approval process for disclosures, ensuring timely and effective information sharing.

(c) Implementation Plan.—

(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the first submittal of the framework to Congress pursuant to subsection

(a) and on an annual recurring basis thereafter, the Committee shall implement revisions to the National Disclosure Policy based on the recommendations and any future recommendation based upon the stakeholder engagement in subsection (c) contained in the framework.

(2) Requirements.—Revisions implemented pursuant to paragraph (1) shall—

(A) include specific provisions addressing the secure disclosure of emerging and advanced technologies to allies and partners of the United States;

(B) establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the updated policy in enhancing security, interoperability, and interchangeability; and

(C) establish a mechanism to ensure that the stakeholder engagement required by subsection (c) informs revisions.

(d) Stakeholder Engagement.—In carrying out subsections (a), (b), and (c), the Committee shall, not less frequently than once every 6 months, consult with the following:

(1) Representatives of such governments that are allies or partners of the United States as the Committee considers appropriate, to gather input on enhancing interoperability, interchangeability, and collaborative security measures.

(2) Such representatives from the defense industry as the Committee considers appropriate, including representatives from nontraditional defense contractors (as defined by section 3014 of title 10, United States Code).

(e) Annual Report to Congress.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, in coordination with the Director of the Defense Technology Security Administration, shall submit with the budget submission each year a report to Congress detailing—

(1) progress made in implementing the updated NDP-1;

(2) challenges encountered and actions taken to address them;

(3) recommendations for further updates or legislative actions to enhance the policy;

(4) a description of the roles and missions of the committees and subcommittees of the Department of Defense’s Technology Security and Foreign Disclosure enterprise and a detailed explanation of how these bodies report back to the Arms Transfer and Technology Release Senior Steering Group; and

(5) an explanation of negative determinations of technology.

(f) Classified Annex.—If necessary, the annual report shall include a classified annex to address sensitive national security information.

(g) Unclassified Public Annex.—The submission shall include a publicly releasable annex to be made available upon submission of the report to Congress.

SEC. 1259. IMPROVEMENTS TO SECURITY COOPERATION WORKFORCE AND DEFENSE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE.

(a) Responsibilities of Secretary of Defense.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall, consistent with the requirements of section 384 of title 10, United States Code, seek to ensure that—

(A) members of the defense acquisition workforce involved in the foreign military sales process—

(i) are aware of evolving United States regional and country-level defense capability- building priorities; and

(ii) coordinate with the security cooperation workforce to enhance responsiveness to foreign partner requests and capability- building priorities; and

(B) members of the defense acquisition workforce are professionally evaluated using metrics to measure—

(i) adherence to meeting the foreign capability requirements identified in Department of Defense strategy documents;

(ii) responsiveness to foreign partner requests;

(iii) ability to meet foreign partner capability and delivery schedule requirements; and

(iv) advancement of foreign capability- building priorities described in the guidance updated under subsection (b).

(b) Guidance.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall update, as necessary, Department of Defense guidance governing the execution of foreign military sales by the Department to ensure that such guidance—

(A) incorporates priorities of the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy associated with foreign partner contributions;

(B) is informed by the theater campaign plans and theater security cooperation strategies of the combatant commands;

(C) incorporates timeline prioritization of purchasers with a special designation; and

(D) is disseminated to the security cooperation workforce and the defense acquisition workforce.

(2) Elements.—The updated guidance required by paragraph

(1) shall—

(A) identify—

(i) regional and country-level foreign defense capability-building priorities; and

(ii) levels of urgency and desired timelines for achieving foreign capability- building objectives; and

(B) provide guidance to the defense acquisition workforce regarding levels of resourcing, innovation, and risk tolerance that should be considered in meeting urgent needs.

(3) Purchaser with a special designation defined.—In this subsection, the term “purchaser with a special designation” means Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, major defense partners, major security partners, and eligible purchasers that are members of the national technology and industrial base.

(c) Foreign Military Sales Continuous Process Improvement Board.— Section 1210(b) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159) is amended to read as follows:

“(b) Foreign Military Sales Continuous Process Improvement Board.—

“(1) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a Foreign Military Sales Continuous Process Improvement Board (in this section referred to as the ‘Board’) to serve as an enduring governance structure within the Department of Defense that reports to the Secretary on matters relating to the foreign military sales process so as to enhance accountability and continuous improvement within the Department, including the objectives of—

“(A) improving the understanding, among officials of the Department, of ally and partner requirements;

“(B) enabling efficient reviews for release of technology;

“(C) providing ally and partner countries with relevant priority equipment;

“(D) accelerating acquisition and contracting support;

“(E) expanding the capacity of the defense industrial base;

“(F) working with other departments and agencies to promote broad United States Government support; and

“(G) any other matters determined by the Secretary to be relevant to the Board.

“(2) Membership.—

“(A) In general.—The Board shall be composed of not fewer than 7 members, each of whom shall have expertise in security cooperation, security assistance, defense acquisition, business process reform, or any disciplines the Secretary determines to be important to the functioning of the Board.

“(B) Certain members.—

“(i) In general.—Of the members of the Board, 3 such members shall be individuals who are not—

“(I) officers or employees of the Department of Defense;

“(II) members of the United States Armed Forces; or

“(III) registered as a foreign agent or registered lobbyists.

“(ii) Clearance.—Each member of the Board described in this subparagraph shall be appropriately cleared for security risks.

“(3) Inapplicability of faca.—The Board shall not be subject to chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘Federal Advisory Committee Act’).

“(4) Sunset.—This subsection shall terminate on December 31, 2030.”.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Defense acquisition workforce.—The term “defense acquisition workforce” means the Department of Defense acquisition workforce described in chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code.

(2) Security cooperation workforce.—The term “security cooperation workforce” has the meaning given the term in section 384 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 1260. EXPANSION OF COUNTRY PRIORITIZATION.

With respect to foreign military sales to Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, major defense partners, and eligible purchasers that are members of the national technology and industrial base, the Secretary of Defense may assign a Defense Priorities and Allocations System order rating.

SEC. 1261. STREAMLINING AND EXPEDITING SALES OF DEFENSE ARTICLES AND SERVICES.

(a) Acquisition Strategies.—

(1) In general.—With respect to purchasers with a special designation, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a requirement that, in developing letters of offer and acceptance, the acquisition program office of each military department shall develop, at program inception—

(A) an acquisition strategy that documents the standard acquisition path; and

(B) an acquisition strategy that documents the fastest acquisition path.

(2) Associated risk.—In developing each acquisition strategy required by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph

(1), the acquisition program office of the military department concerned shall—

(A) measure, and justify with respect to the urgency of delivering a capability in full or in phases, the associated risk, risk mitigation, and risk cost;

(B) in the case of a sole-source program that is not a program of record, transparently consult with the prime contractor to seek consensus on cost and schedule; and

(C) provide, in coordination with the appropriate regional directorate of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, to the acquisition leadership of such military department a briefing on the results of the measurements under subparagraph (A) and the consultation under subparagraph (B).

(3) Decision.—Not later than 30 days after the date of a briefing under paragraph (2)(C), the acquisition leadership of the military department concerned shall issue a decision with respect to the acquisition strategy selected.

(b) Input From Purchaser With Special Designation.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, in the development of acquisition strategies for purchasers with a special designation under subsection (a), the purchaser with a special designation is provided an opportunity to provide input with respect to risk tolerance.

(2) Information sharing.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a purchaser with a special designation is briefed on risks identified, alternate approaches that may be taken, and the schedule, cost, and capability tradeoffs associated with such alternate approaches.

(3) Inclusion in briefing.—Purchaser input gathered under this paragraph shall be included in the briefing required by subsection (a)(2)(C) and appropriately weighed in making a final decision with respect to the appropriate acquisition approach.

(c) Agreements With Manufacturers.—

(1) In general.—A United States prime contractor may enter into a covered agreement with a manufacturer to begin the process of acquiring long-lead Government-furnished equipment, including sensitive and closely controlled items such as communications security devices, military grade GPS, and anti- spoofing devices, on forecast prior to the execution of a signed commercial contract or issuance of a letter of offer and acceptance.

(2) Covered agreement defined.—In this subsection, the term “covered agreement” means an agreement between a United States prime contractor and a manufacturer pursuant to which—

(A) the prime contractor, in anticipation of a foreign military sale, contracts for the production by the manufacturer of one or more articles that will be supplied to the prime contractor as government- furnished equipment prior to execution of a signed commercial contract or issuance of a letter of offer and acceptance in connection with such sale;

(B) the parties agree to the allocation of risks, obligations, profits, and costs in the event the anticipated foreign military sale does not occur, including whether the articles manufactured under the agreement are retained by the manufacturer for eventual supply to the prime contractor or a third party in connection with a future foreign military sale or other transaction; and

(C) the United States Government assumes no liability with respect to either party in the event the anticipated foreign military sale does not occur.

(3) Department of defense policy.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall implement policies, and ensure that the head of each military department implements policies, that allow United States prime contractors to enter into covered agreements with manufacturers of Government-furnished equipment.

(B) Elements.—The policies required by subparagraph (A) shall require that—

(i) United States prime contractors shall be responsible for—

(I) negotiating directly with the manufacturer of Government-furnished equipment, including with respect to the terms and conditions described in paragraph (2)(B); and

(II) providing any payment to such manufacturer; and

(ii) transfer of Government-furnished equipment from such manufacturer to the primary contractor shall not occur until the date on which a letter of offer and acceptance or commercial contract is produced.

(4) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as authorizing, requiring, or providing for the United States Government to assume any liability or other financial responsibility with respect to a covered agreement.

(d) Purchaser With a Special Designation Defined.—In this section, the term “purchaser with a special designation” means Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, major defense partners, major security partners, and eligible purchasers that are members of the national technology and industrial base.

SEC. 1262. REDESIGNATION OF THE AFRICA CENTER FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES AS THE JAMES M. INHOFE CENTER FOR AFRICA SECURITY STUDIES.

(a) In General.—The Department of Defense regional center for security studies known as the Africa Center for Strategic Studies is hereby redesignated as the “James M. Inhofe Center for Africa Security Studies”.

(b) Conforming Amendments.—

(1) Reference to regional centers for strategic studies.— Section 342(b)(2)(D) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “Africa Center for Strategic Studies” and inserting “James M. Inhofe Center for Africa Security Studies”.

(2) Acceptance of gifts and donations.—Section 2611(a)(2)(D) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “Africa Center for Strategic Studies” and inserting “James M. Inhofe Center for Africa Security Studies”.

(3) Provision of certain assistance to sudan.—Section 1270A(b)(1) of the Sudan Democratic Transition, Accountability, and Fiscal Transparency Act of 2020 (22 U.S.C. 10010(b)(1)) is amended by striking “Africa Center for Strategic Studies” and inserting “James M. Inhofe Center for Africa Security Studies”.

(c) References.—Any reference to the Department of Defense Africa Center for Strategic Studies in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the James M. Inhofe Center for Africa Security Studies.

SEC. 1263. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM TO PROMOTE PARTICIPATION OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN THE SENIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS.

(a) Establishment.—

(1) In general.—Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a program using the authority provided under section 2103(b) of title 10, United States Code, to promote the participation of foreign students in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (in this section referred to as the “Program”).

(2) Organization.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Secretaries of the military departments, the commanders of the combatant commands, the participant institutions in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, and any other individual the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, shall be responsible for, and shall oversee, the Program.

(b) Objective.—The objective of the Program is to promote the readiness and interoperability of the United States Armed Forces and the military forces of partner countries by providing a high-quality, cost effective military-based educational experience for foreign students in furtherance of the military-to-military program objectives of the Department of Defense and to enhance the educational experience and preparation of future United States military leaders through increased, extended interaction with highly qualified potential foreign military leaders.

(c) Activities.—Under the Program, the Secretary of Defense shall—

(1) identify to the military services’ Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program the foreign students who, based on criteria established by the Secretary, the Secretary recommends be considered for admission under the Program;

(2) coordinate with partner countries to evaluate interest in and promote awareness of the Program;

(3) establish a mechanism for tracking an alumni network of foreign students who participate in the Program; and

(4) to the extent practicable, work with the participant institutions in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program and partner countries to identify academic institutions and programs that—

(A) have specialized academic programs in areas of study or interest to participating countries; or

(B) have high participation from or significant diaspora populations from participating countries.

(d) Strategy.—

(1) In general.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a strategy for the implementation of the Program.

(2) Elements.—The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

(A) A governance structure for the Program, including—

(i) the officials tasked to oversee the Program;

(ii) the format of the governing body of the Program;

(iii) the functions and duties of such governing body with respect to establishing and maintaining the Program; and

(iv) mechanisms for coordinating with partner countries whose students are selected to participate in the Program.

(B) A list of additional authorities, appropriations, or other congressional support necessary to ensure the success of the Program.

(C) A description of targeted partner countries and participant institutions in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for the first three fiscal years of the Program, including a rationale for selecting such initial partners.

(D) A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future Program expansion, as appropriate.

(E) A description of the mechanism for tracking the alumni network of participants of the Program.

(F) Any other information the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

(e) Report.—

(1) In general.—Not later than September 20, 2027, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the Program.

(2) Elements.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

(A) A narrative summary of activities conducted as part of the Program during the preceding fiscal year.

(B) An overview of participant Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs, individuals, and countries, to include a description of the areas of study entered into by the students participating in the Program.

(C) A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future Program expansion, as appropriate.

(D) Any other information the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

(f) Limitation on Authority.—The Secretary of Defense may not use the authority provided under this section to pay for tuition or room and board for foreign students who participate in the Program.

(g) Termination.—The Program shall terminate on December 31, 2031.

SEC. 1264. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR ASSISTANCE IN SUPPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ACCOUNTING FOR MISSING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL.

Section 408(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting “, and procure goods and services from,” after “assistance to”.

SEC. 1265. STRATEGY FOR UNITED STATES SECURITY ASSISTANCE TO MEXICO.

(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report with a strategy for United States security assistance to Mexico.

(b) Strategy Elements.—The strategy required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) A detailed plan for how United States security assistance will—

(A) dismantle transnational criminal networks that traffic illicit drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States and profit from other criminal activities, including pervasive human trafficking and human smuggling, weapons trafficking, cybercrimes, money laundering, and the importation of precursor chemicals to mass-produce illicit drugs;

(B) increase the capacity of Mexico’s military and public security institutions to improve security at Mexico’s northern and southern borders and degrade transnational criminal organizations; and

(C) enhance the institutional capacity of civilian law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts to strengthen rule of law, redress public corruption related to the activities and influence of transnational criminal organizations, and combat impunity.

(2) A detailed summary of activities to implement the plan described in paragraph (1), including a list of implementing government entities and nongovernmental organizations.

(3) A detailed summary of priorities, milestones, and performance measures to monitor and evaluate results of the strategy.

(c) Bilateral Cooperation Reporting.—The report required under subsection (a) shall include an overview of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and engagements between the United States Government and the Government of Mexico, such as diplomatic engagements, security assistance programs, technical assistance, and other forms of cooperation that advance the priorities described in subsection (b).

(d) Form.—The report and strategy required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(e) Briefing.—Not later than 1 year after the submission of the report and strategy required under subsection (a), and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall provide to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a briefing on the implementation of the strategy.

(f) Rule of Construction Regarding Use of Military Force Against Mexico.—Nothing in this section may be construed as an authorization for the use of military force against Mexico or any entity within Mexico.

SEC. 1266. SUPPORTING THE IDENTIFICATION AND RECOVERY OF ABDUCTED UKRAINIAN CHILDREN.

(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the “Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act”.

(b) Findings.—Congress finds the following:

(1) According to a White House press release, dated March 25, 2025, “The United States and Ukraine agreed that the United States remains committed to helping achieve the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.”.

(2) To implement the commitment referred to in paragraph

(1), the United States Government requires an organized and resourced policy approach to assist Ukraine with—

(A) investigations of Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children;

(B) the rehabilitation and reintegration of children returned to Ukraine; and

(C) justice and accountability for perpetrators of the abductions.

(c) Authorization of Technical Assistance and Advisory Support.—

(1) In general.—The Department of Justice and the Department of State are authorized—

(A) to provide law enforcement and intelligence technical assistance, training, capacity building, and advisory support to the Government of Ukraine in support of the commitment described in subsection

(b)(1); and

(B) to advance the objectives described in subsection (b)(2).

(2) Type of assistance.—The law enforcement and intelligence technical assistance authorized under paragraph

(1)(A) may include—

(A) training regarding the utilization of biometric identification technologies in abduction and trafficking in persons investigations;

(B) assistance with respect to collecting and analyzing open source intelligence information;

(C) assistance in the development and use of secure communications technologies; and

(D) assistance with respect to managing and securing relevant databases.

(3) Reports.—Not later than 30 days after the determination to provide assistance in any category identified in this subsection, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives on—

(A) the amount of assistance determined to be obligated;

(B) the type of assistance to be utilized; and

(C) any information on the technology operationalized to support the means identified in this subsection.

(d) Coordination.—