H.R. 8800

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8800 Reported in House (RH)]

<DOC>

Union Calendar No. 606
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8800

[Report No. 119-698]

To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 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.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 13, 2026

Mr. Rogers of Alabama (for himself and Mr. Smith of Washington) 
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on 
Armed Services

June 15, 2026

Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole 
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
in italic]
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on May 13, 
2026]

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 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 2027''.

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

(a) Divisions.--This Act is organized into four 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.
(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.

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. Standards for networked, autonomous, kinetic capabilities to 
protect against small unmanned aircraft 
systems.

Subtitle C--Navy Programs

Sec. 121. Temporary unavailability of amphibious warfare ships.
Sec. 122. Authority to use incremental funding for long lead-time 
components for Virginia class submarines.
Sec. 123. Multiyear procurement authority for Arleigh Burke Class 
Destroyers.
Sec. 124. Multiyear procurement authority for John Lewis class Oilers.
Sec. 125. Procurement authorities for certain amphibious shipbuilding 
programs.
Sec. 126. Contract authority for submarine tender program.
Sec. 127. Multiyear procurement authority for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye 
aircraft.
Sec. 128. Authority to use incremental funding for the construction of 
a Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG).
Sec. 129. Authority for advance procurement of components for Ship-to-
Shore Connector class craft.
Sec. 130. Torpedo modernization, testing, and inventory sufficiency for 
two simultaneous regional conflicts.
Sec. 131. Limitation on construction of Battleship pending 
certification on technology readiness 
levels.
Sec. 132. Strategy for iterative development and flight modifications 
for FF(X) class frigates.
Sec. 133. Report on continuity of mission and readiness during 
transition of F-5 to F/A-18E/F aircraft for 
the Navy Reserve.

Subtitle D--Air Force Programs

Sec. 141. Inventory requirements for certain fighter aircraft.
Sec. 142. Extension of prohibition on retirement of F-22 aircraft.
Sec. 143. Limitation on retirement of E-3 airborne warning and control 
system aircraft and requirements relating 
to E-7 aircraft.
Sec. 144. Evaluation for potential transfer of certain A-10 aircraft 
among military departments.
Sec. 145. Extension of requirements relating to C-130 aircraft.
Sec. 146. Limitation on availability of funds for C-37 aircraft 
recapitalization program.
Sec. 147. Limitation on retirement of MQ-9 Reaper aircraft.
Sec. 148. Analysis of alternatives for next generation airlift 
capabilities.
Sec. 149. Authorization of transitional activities to improve airlift 
operations.
Sec. 150. Conveyance of certain F-14 aircraft to U.S. Space and Rocket 
Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama.
Sec. 151. Report on the feasibility of restoring nuclear capability to 
the B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft.

Subtitle E--Defense-wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters

Sec. 161. Multiyear procurement authority for F-15EX aircraft.
Sec. 162. Multiyear procurement authority for F-35 aircraft.
Sec. 163. Prohibition on procurement and use of humanoid robotic 
systems produced, developed, or controlled 
by foreign adversaries.
Sec. 164. Limitation on availability of funds to retire or decommission 
certain radar systems.
Sec. 165. Standards for common operating system for small unmanned 
aircraft systems.
Sec. 166. Minimum annual procurement goal for AbilityOne Program.
Sec. 167. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations on F-35 
Joint Strike Fighter technical data needs 
for sustainment.
Sec. 168. Implementation of GAO recommendation on F-35 joint strike 
fighter use of contract incentive fees.
Sec. 169. Study on fuel procurement practices of the Department of 
Defense.

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. Budget review and certification for certain categories of 
research and development.
Sec. 212. Deputy Directors of Operational Test and Evaluation.
Sec. 213. Repeal of pilot authority for use of other transactions for 
installation or facility prototyping.
Sec. 214. Modifications to responsibilities of the Defense Innovation 
Unit.
Sec. 215. Test and evaluation repository and regional test hubs of the 
Test Resource Management Center.
Sec. 216. Weapon system platform modernization and cyber hardening.
Sec. 217. Repeal of requirement for Secretary of Defense to act through 
a specified official for NATO innovation 
program.
Sec. 218. Modification to test program for engineering plant of certain 
vessels.
Sec. 219. United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation 
Initiative.
Sec. 220. Establishment of synthetic training environment to support 
Indo-Pacific operations.
Sec. 221. Requirement to establish test and training corridors for 
small unmanned aircraft systems and 
associated capabilities.
Sec. 222. Operational autonomy requirements for unmanned surface 
vessels.
Sec. 223. Realignment of the National Strategic Research Institute to 
the Department of the Air Force.
Sec. 224. Reimbursement of National Guard for research, development, 
test, and evaluation expenses.
Sec. 225. Use of innovative and emerging food production technologies 
for components of military rations.
Sec. 226. Support for advanced technologies that strengthen United 
States agricultural production, agrifood 
systems, and associated bioindustrial 
manufacturing capacity.
Sec. 227. Prize competitions to support the research and development of 
biotechnology for the Department of 
Defense.
Sec. 228. Pilot program to recognize outstanding achievements in 
technology and prototype development.
Sec. 229. Pilot program on forward deployable biomanufacturing 
capabilities.
Sec. 230. Pilot program on the use of automated data security posture 
management technologies for artificial 
intelligence systems.
Sec. 231. Pilot program on technologies to strengthen authentication 
and attribution of human authorization for 
consequential actions.
Sec. 232. Cloud laboratory pilot program.
Sec. 233. Pilot program to test and evaluate muzzle blast overpressure 
mitigation devices.
Sec. 234. Space technology demonstration of advanced nuclear propulsion 
technologies.
Sec. 235. Prohibition on pilot trainees operating T-7 aircraft pending 
testing and corrective actions.
Sec. 236. Prohibition on availability of funds for gain of function 
research.
Sec. 237. Prohibition on availability of funds for animal research in 
collaboration with foreign countries of 
concern.

Subtitle C--Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 251. Policy to guide the development and acquisition of quantum 
computing systems for the Department of 
Defense.
Sec. 252. Plan for competitive experimentation relating to autonomous 
and nontraditional capabilities relevant to 
the A-10 mission set.
Sec. 253. Plan for establishment and evaluation of experimental, drone-
centric reconnaissance and security 
formations.
Sec. 254. Plan for use of certain aircraft for research and development 
purposes.
Sec. 255. Sonobuoy modernization, testing, and inventory sufficiency 
for two simultaneous regional conflicts.
Sec. 256. Review and implementation of strategies to accelerate the 
qualification process for domestically 
produced advanced energetic materials.

TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.

Subtitle B--Energy and Environment

Sec. 311. Inclusion of nuclear energy in energy policy of Department of 
Defense and related matters.
Sec. 312. Modification to pilot program on Navy installation nuclear 
energy.
Sec. 313. Standardized document on scope of projects carried out under 
Military Munitions Response Program.
Sec. 314. Pilot program for secure recycling of domestic electronic 
waste.
Sec. 315. Program for deployment of transportable nuclear microreactor 
in area of responsibility of the United 
States Indo-Pacific Command.
Sec. 316. 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. 317. Pilot program on off-grid tactical power.
Sec. 318. Clarification of certain authorities independent from 
designated Executive Agent for installation 
or operational nuclear energy.

Subtitle C--Logistics and Sustainment

Sec. 321. Requirement for quarterly reports on munitions inventory 
numbers.
Sec. 322. Increase of capital investment program threshold for working-
capital funds.
Sec. 323. Establishment of Civil Reserve Industrial Base.
Sec. 324. Modification of minimum capital investment for certain depots 
of Department of Defense.
Sec. 325. Expansion of covered depots to include Crane Army Ammunition 
Activity, Indiana.
Sec. 326. Expansion of space-available travel program for members of 
the Armed Forces stationed at United States 
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 327. Authorization of sustainable aviation fuel procurement.
Sec. 328. Modification and extension of pilot program on optimization 
of aerial refueling and fuel management in 
contested logistics environments through 
use of artificial intelligence.
Sec. 329. Army expansion of production of 155mm artillery ammunition.
Sec. 330. Requirements relating to aerial refueling capability of Air 
Force tanker fleet.
Sec. 331. Navy containerized expeditionary advanced manufacturing 
capabilities pilot program.
Sec. 332. Expansion of transportation services on Navy installations.
Sec. 333. Requirements relating to sustainment of A-10 aircraft and 
related training.
Sec. 334. Requirement for standardized munitions with respect to 
certain unmanned aircraft.
Sec. 335. Requirement to ensure sufficiency of naval mine inventory.

Subtitle D--Reports

Sec. 341. Strategy to support Joint Strike Fighter sustainment and 
maintenance in contested operating 
environments.

Subtitle E--Other Matters

Sec. 351. Establishment of Center for the Study of the National Guard.
Sec. 352. Disposition of accountable property in designated theaters of 
operation.
Sec. 353. Certification requirement for motor carriers transporting 
Department of Defense freight.
Sec. 354. Establishment of national security registry for motor 
carriers handling Department of Defense 
freight.
Sec. 355. Protection of property owned, possessed, or shipped by the 
Department of Defense from lien, arrest, or 
seizure during shipment.
Sec. 356. Establishment of United States Marine Corps Museum System.
Sec. 357. Requirement for FireGuard program.
Sec. 358. Pilot program for testing and evaluation of counter-fire 
unmanned fire suppression aircraft systems 
on military installations.
Sec. 359. Pilot program on data collection and analysis in connection 
with Army combat training center rotations.
Sec. 360. Minimum maritime firefighting capability standards for naval 
installations that berth large naval 
vessels.
Sec. 361. Minimum staffing requirements for fire apparatus at certain 
Space Force installations.
Sec. 362. Activities for evaluating integration and interoperability of 
technologies for subterranean operations.
Sec. 363. Improvements to Osprey aircraft safety efforts.
Sec. 364. Army pilot program on electronic ammunition simulation for 
small arms training.
Sec. 365. Pilot program on hydrophobin-based biomanufactured treatment 
as flame-resistant and water-repellent 
treatments for military uniforms.

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.
Sec. 415. Authorized strengths: Senior enlisted members on active duty 
or on full-time National Guard Duty for 
administration of the Marine Corps Reserve.

Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 421. Military personnel.

TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY

Subtitle A--Officer Policy and Reserve Component Management

Sec. 501. Flexibility in requirements of selection boards: composition; 
convening.
Sec. 502. Requirements for removal of certain general and flag 
officers.
Sec. 503. Ranks of Judge Advocates General.
Sec. 504. Grades of certain chiefs of reserve components.
Sec. 505. Grade of Chief of the Veterinary Corps of the Army.
Sec. 506. Limitation on the transfer to the Space Force of certain 
functions of the Air National Guard.
Sec. 507. Inclusion of Judge Advocates in Global Force Management 
processes.
Sec. 508. Role of military chaplains.

Subtitle B--Recruitment, General Service Authorities and Prohibitions, 
and Military Records

Sec. 511. Recruitment: improvements relating to secondary schools.
Sec. 512. Prohibition on reduction in personnel assigned to duty with a 
service review agency; report on reviews of 
certain discharges related to PTSD.
Sec. 513. Selective Service System: omission of deceased persons from 
registration.
Sec. 514. Requirement of equal opportunity, racial neutrality, and 
exclusive use of merit in military 
personnel actions.
Sec. 515. Prohibition of hate symbols: regulations; guidance; training.
Sec. 516. Timely resolution of career-impacting administrative 
investigations.
Sec. 517. Prohibition on use of prediction markets by personnel of the 
Department of Defense.
Sec. 518. Pilot program on modernization of drug testing using voice-
based risk assessment.
Sec. 519. Soldier Digital Lifecycle Modernization Initiative.
Sec. 519A. Authority to study the propensity of certain students to 
serve in the Armed Forces.

Subtitle C--Member Training

Sec. 521. Ineligibility of a national of a non-allied foreign nation to 
attend a Service Academy.
Sec. 522. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program for 
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
Sec. 523. Additional nominees to the Service Academies from the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands.
Sec. 524. Elimination of cap on the number of cadets or midshipmen who 
may receive alternative service obligations 
to become professional athletes.
Sec. 525. Elimination of the right of cadets to automatic 
reexamination.
Sec. 526. Congressional communications officials of the Service 
Academies.
Sec. 527. Revision to decision timeframe for expedited transfers at the 
military service academies.
Sec. 528. Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructor pay.
Sec. 529. Establishment of program to promote participation of foreign 
students in the Senior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps.
Sec. 529A. Establishment of the Military Service Academy Panel on 
Athletics.
Sec. 529B. Limitation on authority to eliminate the 70th Flying 
Training Squadron of the United States Air 
Force Academy.

Subtitle D--Member Education

Sec. 531. Establishment of a doctor of psychology program and a master 
of social work program at the Uniformed 
Services University of the Health Sciences.
Sec. 532. Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial 
Assistance program: eligible institutions; 
continuity of payments.
Sec. 533. Inclusion of National Intelligence College as part of the 
National Defense University.
Sec. 534. Defense Information School: authority to grant associate's 
degree in communications.
Sec. 535. Eligibility of an enlisted member to receive a degree from 
the Naval Postgraduate School.

Subtitle E--Military Justice

Sec. 541. Clarification of qualifications for judge advocates.
Sec. 542. Authority of special trial counsel to enter into pretrial 
agreements with respect to certain 
offenses.
Sec. 543. Clarifying amendment to completion of appellate review under 
article 57 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice.
Sec. 544. Review of courts-martial records.
Sec. 545. Uniform Code of Military Justice: prohibition of review of 
factual sufficiency in certain appeals 
before a Court of Criminal Appeals.
Sec. 546. Clarification of court of criminal appeals review of 
sentencing.
Sec. 547. Expansion of victim access to Court of Appeals for the Armed 
Forces.
Sec. 548. Modifications to offense of wrongful broadcast or 
distribution of intimate visual images 
under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Sec. 549. Authorization of death penalty for offense of rape of a child 
under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Sec. 549A. Punitive article on retaliation for reporting of sexual 
harassment under the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice.
Sec. 549B. Revision of Department of Defense Instruction regarding 
early release eligibility for offenders 
convicted of certain sexual offenses under 
the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Sec. 549C. Notification required to implement changes to military legal 
system recommended by Special Review Panel 
activities.
Sec. 549D. Analysis of potential establishment of separate punitive 
article on hazing under the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice.

Subtitle F--Investigations and Other Legal Matters

Sec. 551. Extension of Special Victims' Counsel services to domestic 
violence victims.
Sec. 552. Policies regarding the reporting of missing members of the 
Armed Forces.
Sec. 553. Authority of Naval Criminal Investigative Service to 
investigate sexual harassment.
Sec. 554. Cross-service data sharing regarding substantiated 
allegations of sexual misconduct.
Sec. 555. Inclusion of sexual harassment in Catch a Serial Offender 
program.
Sec. 556. Military domestic violence emergent housing policy.
Sec. 557. Requirement for standardized policies and processes to ensure 
the timely review, documentation, and 
resolution of requests for military 
protective orders.
Sec. 558. Reestablishment of Defense Advisory Committee for the 
Prevention of Sexual Misconduct.
Sec. 559. Pilot program on use of advanced monitoring and 
rehabilitative technologies in Army 
correctional facilities.

Subtitle G--Career Transition

Sec. 561. Establishment of separation oath for members of the Armed 
Forces.
Sec. 562. Designation of senior official for military-to-civilian 
transition.
Sec. 563. Authorization of pilot program to help members separating 
from certain Armed Forces obtain employment 
as teachers.
Sec. 564. Study on separation of members of the Armed Forces due to the 
mandate to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and 
the transfer of education benefits by such 
members.

Subtitle H--Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education

Sec. 571. Extension of non-medical counseling services program for 
military families.
Sec. 572. Pilot program to increase payments for child care services in 
high-cost areas.
Sec. 573. Pilot program to provide financial assistance to members of 
the Armed Forces for in-home child care: 
inclusion of au pairs.
Sec. 574. Modifications to pilot program to provide financial 
assistance to members of the Armed Forces 
for in-home child care.
Sec. 575. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit 
dependents of military and civilian 
personnel.
Sec. 576. Policies to support military families subject to court-
ordered child custody arrangements.
Sec. 577. Authority for pilot program for certain military spouses to 
become special education teachers in DODEA 
schools.
Sec. 578. Pilot program for push-text notifications to members and 
dependents.

Subtitle I--Decorations and Awards

Sec. 581. Gold star survivor: definition prescribed by Secretary of 
Defense.
Sec. 582. Medal of Honor recipients: access to any military 
installation; liaison.
Sec. 583. Technical correction to authorization to award the 
Distinguished-Service Cross to Isaac 
``Ike'' Camacho.
Sec. 584. Authorization of service ribbon for a member of the National 
Guard who performs homeland defense duty.
Sec. 585. Authorization for posthumous award of Medal of Honor to 
Rafael Peralta for acts of valor.
Sec. 586. Authorization for posthumous award of Medal of Honor to 
Robert A. Lodge for acts of valor.
Sec. 587. Authorization for award of the Distinguished-Service Cross 
for James O. Ratliff for acts of valor 
during the Vietnam War.
Sec. 588. Authorization to award the Distinguished-Service Cross to 
Joseph P. Lynch for acts of valor as a 
member of the Army during the Vietnam War.
Sec. 589. Sense of Congress regarding award of medal of honor to Thomas 
J. Grasso for acts of valor during 
Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
Sec. 589A. Sense of Congress regarding award of Medal of Honor to 
retired Colonel Philip J. Conran for acts 
of valor in Laos during the Vietnam war.

Subtitle J--Other Matters and Miscellaneous Reports

Sec. 591. Expansion of eligibility of veterans for certain military 
adaptive sports program.
Sec. 592. Expanded goals of authorized program regarding the National 
September 11 Memorial and Museum.
Sec. 593. Local agricultural procurement in Guam commissaries.
Sec. 594. Submission of review of operational effectiveness of Army and 
Marine Corps ground combat units.

TITLE VI--MILITARY COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS

Subtitle A--Bonus and Incentive Pays

Sec. 601. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay 
authorities.
Sec. 602. Authorizing board certification incentive pay for medical 
officers with doctoral degrees.
Sec. 603. One-time corrective increase and annual adjustments for 
certain special and incentive pays for 
members of the armed forces; clarification 
of special and incentive pay authorities 
for members of reserve components.
Sec. 604. Payment of maximum amount of aviation incentive pay to 
aviation officers with more than 8 years of 
aviation service; enhancement of retention 
incentives available to aviation officers.
Sec. 605. Expansions of authorities to contract with members of the 
Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
Sec. 606. Retroactive granting of waivers for aviation incentive pay.

Subtitle B--Allowances

Sec. 611. Basic needs allowance: exclusion of basic allowance for 
housing from the calculation of gross 
household income of an eligible member of 
the Armed Forces.
Sec. 612. Basic allowance for housing: permanent authority to make 
certain temporary increases.
Sec. 613. Temporary adjustment to a rate of the basic allowance for 
housing for members of the uniformed 
services: lower threshold; permanent 
authority.
Sec. 614. Modifications to cost-of-living allowance in the continental 
United States for members of the Army, 
Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space 
Force.
Sec. 615. Payment of costs to ship breast milk of a member performing 
certain duty.

Subtitle C--Leave

Sec. 621. Accrual of leave for members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 622. Accumulation of leave for members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 623. Bereavement leave for a member of the Armed Forces in the 
case of a loss of pregnancy or stillbirth.

Subtitle D--Family and Survivor Benefits

Sec. 631. Payment to participant in Survivor Benefit Plan whose spouse 
dies before the participant.
Sec. 632. Increase in and cost-of-living adjustment of death gratuity.

Subtitle E--Defense Resale Matters

Sec. 641. Use of commissary stores by employees of the Department of 
Defense Education Activity and military 
child development centers.
Sec. 642. Single-use shopping bags in commissary stores.
Sec. 643. Limitation on implementation of Supply Chain Transformation 
Initiative of the Defense Commissary 
Agency.

Subtitle F--Other Benefits, Reports, and Briefings

Sec. 651. Career flexibility programs: eligibility of a member already 
subject to a period of obligated service; 
minimum length of program.
Sec. 652. Provision of information regarding food access and child care 
for members receiving orders for a change 
of permanent station.
Sec. 653. Reserves and retired members: acceptance of employment, 
payments, and awards from foreign 
governments through private entities.
Sec. 654. Program to provide to certain patrons a discount on motor 
fuel sold at exchange stores.

TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS

Subtitle A--TRICARE and Other Health Benefits

Sec. 701. Dental readiness for certain members of Selected Reserve.
Sec. 702. Expanded access to dental care for certain dependents.
Sec. 703. Fertility treatment for certain members of the Armed Forces 
and dependents.
Sec. 704. Limitation on ability of Secretary of Defense to modify scope 
of medical services.
Sec. 705. Prohibition on and reversal of actions to modify scope of 
medical services provided at certain 
military medical treatment facilities.
Sec. 706. TRICARE coverage for increased supply for contraception.
Sec. 707. Pilot program to help certain members of the Armed Forces 
stop smoking.

Subtitle B--Health Care Administration

Sec. 721. Improvements to Defense Health Agency.
Sec. 722. Improvements to administration of military medical treatment 
facilities.
Sec. 723. Designation of Defense Health Agency as Combat Support 
Agency.
Sec. 724. Accounts for medical and health care programs of the 
Department of Defense.
Sec. 725. Availability of Combat and Operational Medicine Program 
Account and other funds for certain medical 
countermeasures.
Sec. 726. Inclusion of Defense Health Agency in reporting requirements 
relating to unfunded priorities.
Sec. 727. Joint trauma system.
Sec. 728. Clarification of consistent evaluations of medical 
malpractice claims.
Sec. 729. Chaperones for certain sensitive examinations at military 
medical treatment facilities.
Sec. 730. Requirement to offer medical chaperones during sensitive 
medical examinations.
Sec. 731. Uniform protocols on screening for unwanted sexual behavior.
Sec. 732. Requirement to notify Committees on Armed Services of 
hospitalization of combat wounded members 
of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 733. Authority to provide residencies, internships, and similar 
postgraduate programs for civilian health 
care professionals of the Department of 
Defense.
Sec. 734. Notification to TRICARE beneficiaries of coverage transition 
requirements.
Sec. 735. Waiver of referral requirement under TRICARE Prime for 
certain physical therapy.
Sec. 736. Rates of pay for a provider of care or services furnished 
under TRICARE program.
Sec. 737. Plans on military health system.
Sec. 738. Modification to qualification waiver authority for applicants 
for nursing or practical nurse positions in 
the Department of Defense.
Sec. 739. Aerial transport and Department-wide capability for high-
consequence infectious diseases.
Sec. 740. Availability of obstetrician-gynecologists and certified 
nurse-midwifes at military medical 
treatment facilities.
Sec. 741. Availability of sexual assault nurse examiner services at 
military medical treatment facilities.
Sec. 742. Improvement of process for filing of complaints and reporting 
of issues under TRICARE program.
Sec. 743. Pilot program on filling primary care management positions at 
remote military medical treatment 
facilities.
Sec. 744. Establishment of pilot program on use of health care 
assessments other than periodic health 
assessments.

Subtitle C--Studies, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 751. Quarterly briefing on military treatment facilities.
Sec. 752. Enhanced medical coverage for civilian employees of the 
Department of Defense and dependents in 
certain locations.
Sec. 753. Modifications to pilot program to assist certain members of 
the Armed Forces and dependents with 
additional supplemental coverage relating 
to cancer.
Sec. 754. Modifications to evaluation and report on TRICARE program 
effectiveness.
Sec. 755. Extension of extramedical maternal health providers 
demonstration project.
Sec. 756. Modification of traumatic brain injury oversight strategy and 
action plan of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 757. Expansion of prohibition on painful research on certain 
animals.
Sec. 758. Pilot program to treat pregnancy as a qualifying event for 
enrollment in TRICARE Select.
Sec. 759. Access to automated external defibrillators during military 
physical training.
Sec. 760. Pilot program on remote blood pressure monitoring for certain 
pregnant and postpartum TRICARE 
beneficiaries.
Sec. 761. Pilot program on secure, mobile personal health record for 
members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 762. Pilot program to provide for the use of blue-light 
dissipating displays to certain 
individuals.
Sec. 763. Extension and improvement of pilot program of the Uniformed 
Services University of the Health Sciences 
on pharmaceutical supply chain.
Sec. 764. Working group on digital strategy for traumatic brain 
injuries.
Sec. 765. Study on long-term effects of military flight operations on 
brain health and mental health.
Sec. 766. Study on feasibility of establishing military medical 
treatment facility at Homestead Air Reserve 
Base.
Sec. 767. Study on feasibility of establishing digital system relating 
to access to care at military medical 
treatment facilities.
Sec. 768. Review by Inspector General of the Department of Defense on 
efforts to prevent suicide.
Sec. 769. Requirements relating to wellness checks for health and 
welfare of certain members of the Armed 
Forces.
Sec. 770. Reports on Department of Defense Comprehensive Autism Care 
Demonstration program.
Sec. 771. Transition of medics to civilian workforce.
Sec. 772. Strategic plan to address mental health of certain members of 
the Armed Forces.
Sec. 773. Briefing on prostate cancer incidence and emerging diagnostic 
technologies.
Sec. 774. Assessment of access, fairness, and transparency under 
TRICARE pharmacy benefits program.
Sec. 775. Report on feasibility of pilot program on behavioral 
neurology fellowships.
Sec. 776. Government Accountability Office study on reserve component 
dental readiness and benefit sufficiency.
Sec. 777. Review of the occupational health and safety conditions of 
operational facilities associated with the 
LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental 
ballistic missile system.
Sec. 778. Continued evaluation of the TRICARE program through 
beneficiary experience surveys.
Sec. 779. Removal of peptides from prohibited performance enhancing 
substances list.
Sec. 780. Study on long-term effects of exposure to toxic substances on 
reproductive health and fertility.

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

Subtitle A--Acquisition Policy and Management

Sec. 801. Responsibilities and authorities of portfolio acquisition 
executives with respect to contractors.
Sec. 802. Ensuring best value in procurement.
Sec. 803. Limitation on certain contract clauses for commercial 
products or commercial services.
Sec. 804. Elimination of late cost and pricing data submission defense.
Sec. 805. Reporting of price increases.
Sec. 806. Limitation on suspension of progress payments.
Sec. 807. Uniform requirements for electronic contract writing systems 
and acquisition management systems.
Sec. 808. Risk-based approach to monitoring contractor business 
systems.
Sec. 809. Procurement of initial spares.
Sec. 810. Procurement of local produce, seafood, and meat in the area 
of responsibility of the United States 
Indo-Pacific Command.
Sec. 811. Review of defense audit agencies.

Subtitle B--Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, 
and Limitations

Sec. 821. Modification to certain acquisition thresholds.
Sec. 822. Use of accrued interest by certain consortium managers.
Sec. 823. Amendment to other transaction authority.
Sec. 824. Requirement for modular open system approach and 
modifications to rights in technical data.
Sec. 825. Modifications to requirements relating to long-term 
concessions agreements with certain 
retailers.
Sec. 826. Prohibition on contracting with employers of convicted 
traffickers.
Sec. 827. Acquisition thresholds for certain materials.
Sec. 828. Clarification of certain elements of Department of Defense 
Mentor-Protege Program.
Sec. 829. Codification of program for negotiation of comprehensive 
small business subcontracting plans.
Sec. 830. Consumption-based procurements and associated payments.
Sec. 831. Extension of briefing and certification requirement.
Sec. 832. Preference for recycled strategic and critical materials.
Sec. 833. Transfer authority for rapid transition of other transaction 
authority prototypes.
Sec. 834. Portfolio-based acquisition of autonomous capability.
Sec. 835. Establishment of Pathfinder Programs to inform requirements 
reform.
Sec. 836. Requirements for certain unmanned surface vessels to be 
manufactured in the United States.

Subtitle C--Provisions Relating to Acquisition Workforce Development

Sec. 851. Acquisition workforce data analytics capability.
Sec. 852. Chief Acquisition Talent Officer.
Sec. 853. Codification of acquisition workforce key performance 
objectives.
Sec. 854. Demonstrated proficiency requirements for critical 
acquisition positions.
Sec. 855. Extension and modification of acquisition workforce 
demonstration project.

Subtitle D--Intellectual Property Matters

Sec. 861. Reform of technical data and software rights to support 
competition, sustainment, and readiness.
Sec. 862. Intellectual Property Ombudsman; voluntary expert mediation 
for certain intellectual property matters.
Sec. 863. Expansion of reverse engineering authority for prototype 
projects.
Sec. 864. Clarifications to sustainment planning requirements for 
covered systems.
Sec. 865. Software accountability improvements over lifecycles.
Sec. 866. Assessment of a Pay-to-Print Program.
Sec. 867. Prioritizing maintenance, repair, and overhaul for readiness.

Subtitle E--Other Matters

Sec. 871. Enhancement to defense supply chain resilience and secondary 
source qualification.
Sec. 872. Tailored acquisition pathways for non-traditional 
intermediate-range fires capabilities.
Sec. 873. Pilot program for domestic antimony and copper production for 
defense applications.
Sec. 874. Addressing the backlog of open cases related to the Defense 
Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.
Sec. 875. Limitation on availability of funds for purchase of 
photovoltaic cells, modules, or inverters 
from foreign entities of concern.
Sec. 876. Ensuring Department of Defense contractor compliance with 
disability hiring goals.
Sec. 877. Expedited implementation of commercial acquisition reforms.

TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

Sec. 901. Transfer of responsibility to supervise activities of 
Department of Defense relating to export 
controls.
Sec. 902. Membership of Commandant of the Coast Guard on the Joint 
Chiefs of Staff.
Sec. 903. Oversight of geographic combatant commands.

TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subtitle A--Financial Matters

Sec. 1001. General transfer authority.
Sec. 1002. Annual report on unfunded priorities of Defense POW/MIA 
Accounting Agency.
Sec. 1003. Equivalency standards for financial management positions.
Sec. 1004. Compliance with Payment Integrity Information Act 
requirements and strengthening improper 
payments detection.
Sec. 1005. Authority to establish Joint Task Force Audit.
Sec. 1006. Budget transparency for Army multi-domain task force and 
Marine Littoral Regiment.

Subtitle B--Naval Vessels and Shipyards

Sec. 1011. Modification of authority to purchase used vessels with 
National Defense Sealift Fund.
Sec. 1012. Requirement for procurement of components for naval vessels 
from manufacturers in national technology 
and industrial base.
Sec. 1013. Settlement of admiralty claims against the United States.
Sec. 1014. Amphibious fleet force structure.
Sec. 1015. Armament of naval auxiliary vessels.
Sec. 1016. Additional measures for Navy strategy for investment in and 
support for the maritime industrial base.
Sec. 1017. Inclusion of Navy surface combat ship maintenance as a 
separate line item in operation and 
maintenance budget.
Sec. 1018. Contracting reform for surface ship maintenance, repair, and 
overhaul.
Sec. 1019. Realignment of contract management for Polar Security Cutter 
program.
Sec. 1020. Domestic sourcing of bulk fuel to support Tanker Security 
Program.
Sec. 1021. Requirements relating to unmanned surface vessels.
Sec. 1022. Enhancement of Navy submarine rescue capabilities.
Sec. 1023. Navy-Coast Guard maritime workforce and capacity 
coordination plan.
Sec. 1024. Pilot program on use of additive and advanced manufacturing 
to support naval shipbuilding.
Sec. 1025. Limitation on use of funds for procurement of a battle force 
ship.
Sec. 1026. Strategy for distributed shipbuilding.
Sec. 1027. Strategy of Department of Defense relating to small uncrewed 
surface vessels.
Sec. 1028. Arctic-focused forecasting, ice modeling, and naval 
readiness assessment.
Sec. 1029. Renaming of USNS Cesar Chavez.
Sec. 1030. Sense of Congress regarding naming of vessel for Battle of 
Dai Do.
Sec. 1031. Sense of Congress regarding naming of a vessel ``USS 
Guadalcanal''.
Sec. 1032. Sense of Congress regarding naming of a naval vessel for 
Battle of Midway.
Sec. 1033. Sense of Congress regarding naming of a naval vessel in 
honor of Casimir Pulaski.
Sec. 1034. Sense of Congress regarding naming of vessel for Rear 
Admiral Alene Duerk.

Subtitle C--Counterterrorism

Sec. 1041. 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. 1042. 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. 1043. 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. 1044. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or 
relinquish control of United States Naval 
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Subtitle D--Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

Sec. 1051. Establishment of the Secretaries of Defense historical 
series and priority declassification 
authority.
Sec. 1052. Inclusion of National Guard Relief Foundation as a military 
welfare society for certain purposes.
Sec. 1053. Joint Experimentation and Training Range Innovation Office.
Sec. 1054. Establishment of Army Information Operations Center of 
Excellence.
Sec. 1055. Extension of limitation on retirement or divestment of EA-
18G Aircraft.
Sec. 1056. Authority for Secretary of Defense waiver relating to 
certain training.
Sec. 1057. Expansion of prohibition on destruction or scrapping of 
World War II-era aircraft.
Sec. 1058. Prohibition on Department of Defense contracts with certain 
foreign-owned online tutoring services.
Sec. 1059. Prohibition on display of unapproved flags.
Sec. 1060. Prohibition on lobbying activities with respect to the 
Department of Defense by certain officers 
of the Armed Forces and civilian employees 
of the Department following separation from 
military service or employment with the 
Department.
Sec. 1061. Integration of small unmanned aircraft systems and counter-
unmanned aircraft systems training into 
initial, officer, and joint collective 
training.
Sec. 1062. Eastern Regional Range Complex demonstration project.
Sec. 1063. Pilot program on total replacement value for Air Force Test 
Center ground test infrastructure.
Sec. 1064. Pilot program for blockchain-enabled inventory management.
Sec. 1065. Extended deadline to reassess necessity of use of immediate 
response authority of Department of 
Defense.
Sec. 1066. Reconstitution of A-10 demonstration team.
Sec. 1067. Implementation of cognitive performance enhancement program 
for special operations forces.
Sec. 1068. Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education 
Program.
Sec. 1069. Recognition program for working dogs.
Sec. 1070. Prohibition on availability of funds for closure of Rock 
Island Arsenal Museum.
Sec. 1071. Limitation on availability of funds for deactivation of 
Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades.
Sec. 1072. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of 
the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 1073. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of 
Office of the Secretary of Defense until 
submission certain assessment.

Subtitle E--Studies and Reports

Sec. 1081. Repeal of obsolete reporting requirements.
Sec. 1082. Extension of briefing requirement regarding civil 
authorities at the Southwest border.
Sec. 1083. Extension of requirement for annual briefings on national 
biodefense strategy.
Sec. 1084. Annual report and briefing on implementation of Army 
Transformation Initiative.
Sec. 1085. Quarterly reports on effects of unplanned global taskings on 
operations, deterrence, and readiness in 
the area of operations of United States 
Indo-Pacific Command.
Sec. 1086. Biannual reports on operational adaptation and fielding of 
Defense Autonomous Warfare Group.
Sec. 1087. Service-wide enterprise strategies for human performance.
Sec. 1088. Mobility capabilities strategic plan.
Sec. 1089. Required doctrine on use of unmanned autonomous systems and 
autonomous formations.
Sec. 1089A. Strategy for sustainment of certain unmanned aircraft 
systems.
Sec. 1089B. Strategy for use of low-cost and attritable Group 4 and 5 
unmanned aircraft systems in contested 
logistics operations.
Sec. 1089C. Feasibility study on tactical information operations 
command authority.
Sec. 1089D. Public availability of findings of Inspector General 
investigation of certain targeting 
operations.
Sec. 1089E. Report on cost of United States military operations in 
Iran.
Sec. 1089F. Report on Operation Southern Spear.
Sec. 1089G. Report on civilian harm investigation relating to Shajareh 
Tayyebeh Elementary School.
Sec. 1089H. Report on Port Shuaiba investigation.

Subtitle F--Other Matters

Sec. 1091. Deeming references to the Department of Defense and 
Secretary of Defense as references to the 
Department of War and Secretary of War.
Sec. 1092. Definition of special operations activities.
Sec. 1093. Definition of counter-sUAS system for purposes of Joint 
Interagency Task Force 401.
Sec. 1094. Increase in cap for support of small scale construction 
projects of foreign partners in support of 
counterdrug activities and activities to 
counter transnational organized crime.
Sec. 1095. Modification to funding limitation for procurement of 
equipment for certain drug interdiction and 
counter-drug activities.
Sec. 1096. National Guard attorney license portability.
Sec. 1097. Oversight and direction of Irregular Warfare Exercise 
Laboratory.
Sec. 1098. Ubiquitous technical surveillance and digital force 
protection.
Sec. 1099. Potential designation of information as a domain of warfare.

TITLE XI--CIVILIAN PERSONNEL

Sec. 1101. Limitation on outside income for individuals in Office of 
the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 1102. Skills-based hiring for Department of Defense civilian 
positions.
Sec. 1103. Establishment of a student internship program for military 
child and youth programs.
Sec. 1104. Expansion of eligible educational programs under the Smart 
Defense Education Program.
Sec. 1105. Military technician (dual status): elimination of title 32 
authority; conversions of existing 
positions.
Sec. 1106. One-year extension of authority to waive annual limitation 
on premium pay and aggregate limitation on 
pay for Federal civilian employees working 
overseas.
Sec. 1107. One-year extension of temporary authority to grant 
allowances, benefits, and gratuities to 
civilian personnel on official duty in a 
combat zone.
Sec. 1108. Living quarter allowance for Department of Defense civilian 
employees with permanent duty station in 
Guam.
Sec. 1109. Pilot program on integration of United States tech force 
with skills-based hiring authorities.
Sec. 1110. Enhanced hiring authority for instructor pilots and civilian 
simulator instructors.
Sec. 1111. Pilot program on tech talent competitiveness.
Sec. 1112. Civilian employee and contractor financial management 
workforce within the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1113. Department of Defense best practices guide for Family Child 
Care homes.
Sec. 1114. Delegation of authority for corrective action for 
nonappropriated fund employees in cases of 
complaint of reprisal.
Sec. 1115. Limitation on use of funds to limit collective bargaining.
Sec. 1116. Hiring freeze exceptions.
Sec. 1117. Prohibition on availability of funds for termination of 
DODEA, childcare, and healthcare workers.
Sec. 1118. Demonstration project relating to pay and personnel policies 
for employees at ground-based 
intercontinental ballistic missile 
development and maintenance facilities.
Sec. 1119. Demonstration project relating to pay and personnel policies 
for employees at Naval shipyards, Navy 
regional maintenance centers, and Navy 
trident refit facilities.
Sec. 1120. Demonstration project relating to pay and personnel policies 
for prevailing rate employees at covered 
depots.
Sec. 1121. Prohibition on carrying out hiring freeze, reduction in 
force, or hiring delay without cause at 
public shipyards of Department of Defense.

TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS

Subtitle A--Assistance and Training

Sec. 1201. Modification of authority for support of special operations 
for irregular warfare.
Sec. 1202. Authority to build capacity for space domain awareness.
Sec. 1203. Establishment of Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy.
Sec. 1204. Review of execution of programs to build partner capacity.
Sec. 1205. Establishment of partnership programs on military trauma 
care and research between the United States 
and foreign countries.

Subtitle B--Matters Relating to the Near and Middle East

Sec. 1211. Extension of counter-terrorism support authority.
Sec. 1212. Extension of authority for reimbursement of certain 
coalition nations for support provided to 
United States military operations.
Sec. 1213. Deadline for Afghanistan War Commission final report.
Sec. 1214. Prohibition on use of funds to support the Taliban.
Sec. 1215. Extension of authority to provide assistance to counter the 
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Sec. 1216. Extension of limitation on availability of funds for the 
Iraqi Security Forces.
Sec. 1217. Prohibition on transfers to the Badr Organization.

Subtitle C--Matters Relating to Israel

Sec. 1221. Extension of war reserve stockpile authority for Israel.
Sec. 1222. United States-Israel subterranean cooperation.
Sec. 1223. United States-Israel cooperation to counter unmanned systems 
in all warfighting domains.

Subtitle D--Matters Relating to Europe

Sec. 1231. Arms sales and weapons system transfers to NATO countries.
Sec. 1232. Extension and modification of oversight of United States 
military posture in Europe.
Sec. 1233. Modification of certification with respect to oversight of 
United States military posture in Europe.
Sec. 1234. Poland defense industrial cooperation program.
Sec. 1235. Policy on NATO standardization and allied production for 
next-generation small arms ammunition.
Sec. 1236. Review of the analytical basis for United States force 
posture adjustments in Europe.
Sec. 1237. NATO defense planning and burden sharing activities.

Subtitle E--Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific

Sec. 1241. Sense of Congress on defense alliances and partnerships in 
the Indo-Pacific region.
Sec. 1242. Extension of Pacific Deterrence Initiative.
Sec. 1243. Extension of requirement for public reporting of Chinese 
military companies operating in the United 
States.
Sec. 1244. Modifications to public reporting of Chinese military 
companies operating in the United States.
Sec. 1245. Extension and modification of annual report on military and 
security developments involving the 
People's Republic of China.
Sec. 1246. Modification of Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.
Sec. 1247. Oversight of United States military posture on the Korean 
peninsula.

Subtitle F--Reports

Sec. 1251. Oversight of military-to-military exchanges and contacts 
between the United States and the Russian 
Federation.
Sec. 1252. Report on Russia's targeting of religious infrastructure in 
Ukraine.
Sec. 1253. Study on effectiveness of United States-Somalia policy.

Subtitle G--Other Matters

Sec. 1261. Repeal of temporary authority to provide training to 
military forces or national security forces 
of Costa Rica and Panama.

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.
Sec. 1406. Cable security fleet expansion.

Subtitle B--Other Matters

Sec. 1411. Extension of authorities for funding and management of joint 
Department of Defense-Department of 
Veterans Affairs Medical Facility 
Demonstration Fund for Captain James A. 
Lovell Health Care Center, Illinois.
Sec. 1412. Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces Retirement 
Home.
Sec. 1413. Critical minerals traceability pilot program.

TITLE XV--CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A--Cybersecurity

Sec. 1501. Data recovery requirements and strategy.
Sec. 1502. Department of Defense AI incident and vulnerability 
reporting program.
Sec. 1503. Review and realignment of Department of Defense 
cybersecurity responsibilities.
Sec. 1504. Inclusion of critical infrastructure and operational 
technology security in combatant command 
planning and readiness exercises.
Sec. 1505. Pilot program for autonomous mission integration of unmanned 
surface vehicles.
Sec. 1506. Civilian cybersecurity reserve corps pilot program.
Sec. 1507. Federal contractor vulnerability disclosure policy.

Subtitle B--Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Sec. 1521. Software planning, programming, budgeting, and execution 
reform.
Sec. 1522. Requirement for guidance and prohibition on use of 
artificial intelligence of certain 
artificial intelligence companies.
Sec. 1523. Artificial Intelligence Model Rapid Deployment Framework.
Sec. 1524. Update of policy on autonomous and artificial intelligence-
enabled systems.
Sec. 1525. Expansion of AI-enabled maintenance intelligence platforms 
across Air Education and Training Command.

Subtitle C--Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 1541. Roadmap for modernization of Top Secret and Special Access 
Program network architectures.
Sec. 1542. Semiannual reports on Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment 
program.

TITLE XVI--SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND INTELLIGENCE 
MATTERS

Subtitle A--Space Activities

Sec. 1601. Reorganization of acquisition responsibilities of the Space 
Force.
Sec. 1602. Reorganization of oversight of the Department of Defense 
positioning, navigation, and timing 
enterprise.
Sec. 1603. Space launch support services and alternative launch 
procurement process.
Sec. 1604. Spaceport of the Future initiative.
Sec. 1605. Procurement of commercial space-based data and to support 
wildfire resilience.
Sec. 1606. Continuation of Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared 
Polar program of the Department of the Air 
Force.

Subtitle B--Defense Intelligence and Intelligence-Related Activities

Sec. 1611. Expenditure of funds across fiscal years for Department of 
Defense intelligence and 
counterintelligence activities.
Sec. 1612. Permanent authority for military intelligence collection and 
analysis partnerships.
Sec. 1613. Repeal of certain reporting and briefing requirements.
Sec. 1614. Modification of authority of Army counterintelligence agents 
to execute warrants and make arrests.
Sec. 1615. Periodic strategy and assessment of intelligence, 
surveillance, and reconnaissance 
capabilities to meet intelligence 
collection priorities.
Sec. 1616. Integration of open-source intelligence training and 
tradecraft into all-source intelligence 
analysis curricula.
Sec. 1617. Object-based generative artificial intelligence for open-
source intelligence.
Sec. 1618. Report on protection from disclosure of members of the Armed 
Forces under cover.

Subtitle C--Nuclear Forces

Sec. 1631. Matters relating to intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Sec. 1632. Designation of Air Force Global Strike Command as National 
Center for Conventional-Nuclear 
Integration.
Sec. 1633. Quadrennial report on the plan for the nuclear weapons 
stockpile, nuclear weapons complex, nuclear 
weapons delivery systems, and nuclear 
weapons command and control system.
Sec. 1634. Prohibition on reduction of intercontinental ballistic 
missiles of the United States.
Sec. 1635. Limitation on reallocation of funds for Ronald Reagan Space 
and Missile Test Range and United States 
Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll.
Sec. 1636. Feasibility assessment for potential designation of Joint 
Global Strike Operations Center as Global 
Operations Center-Alternate.
Sec. 1637. Space Launch Complex 46.
Sec. 1638. Modification of report requirement for certain decisions 
relating to nuclear weapons employment 
strategy of the United States.
Sec. 1639. Independent assessment of bone marrow radiation shielding 
for nuclear survivability.

Subtitle D--Missile Defense Programs

Sec. 1651. Prohibition of unauthorized use of name or seal of the 
Missile Defense Agency.
Sec. 1652. Removal of duplicative Missile Defense Agency testing 
requirement.
Sec. 1653. Updated Middle East integrated air and missile defense 
strategy.
Sec. 1654. Next-generation integrated air and missile defense system 
munitions strategy.
Sec. 1655. Space-based interceptors.
Sec. 1656. Low-cost exo-atmospheric interceptor development.

Subtitle E--Other Matters

Sec. 1661. Briefings and reports on cross-functional team for anomalous 
health incidents.
Sec. 1662. Cooperative threat reduction funds.
Sec. 1663. Solid rocket motor industrial base.

TITLE XVII--OTHER DEFENSE MATTERS

Subtitle A--Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

Sec. 1701. Availability of funds for Department of Defense State 
Partnership Program.
Sec. 1702. Inclusion of members of special operations forces in 
preseparation counseling.
Sec. 1703. Copyright to a literary work produced by a civilian faculty 
member of a Space Force professional 
military education program in the course of 
employment: free use by the Federal 
Government.
Sec. 1704. Inapplicability of Defense Base Act to Guam.
Sec. 1705. Extension of admission for certain nonimmigrant H-2B 
workers.
Sec. 1706. Reauthorization of the Cybersecurity Act of 2015.
Sec. 1707. United States-Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation 
Initiative.
Sec. 1708. Establishment of the Atomic Civilians Commemorative Service 
Medal.
Sec. 1709. Establishment of the Blast Overpressure Task Force of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 1710. Authorization of transfer of certain land near Dayton 
National Cemetery to Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

Subtitle B--Other Matters

Sec. 1721. Technical and conforming amendments.
Sec. 1722. Countering China's control of the Caucasus.
Sec. 1723. Comptroller General study on Skillbridge programs.

TITLE XVIII--REVITALIZATION OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE

Subtitle A--Provisions to Protect and Strengthen Supply Chains

Sec. 1801. Requirements for information relating to supply chain risk.
Sec. 1802. Oversight of specialty metals procurements under exception 
relating to agreements with foreign 
governments.
Sec. 1803. Critical materials: tiered sourcing restrictions and 
requirements.
Sec. 1804. Changes with respect to the Federal Acquisition Security 
Council.
Sec. 1805. Modifications to strategy to eliminate sourcing of computer 
displays from certain nations.
Sec. 1806. Extension of Comptroller General assessments and reports on 
compliance with procurement requirements 
relating to rare earth elements and 
strategic and critical materials.
Sec. 1807. Requirements related to detection and avoidance of 
counterfeit electronic parts.
Sec. 1808. Analysis and report on sourcing of certain items.
Sec. 1809. Assessment and implementation plan for sourcing of synthetic 
diamond and super abrasive materials used 
in defense applications.
Sec. 1810. Defense Supply Chain Intelligence and Risk Response Program.
Sec. 1811. Identification of supply chain dependencies.
Sec. 1812. Federal Acquisition Security Council exclusion orders for 
Chinese military company designees.
Sec. 1813. Domestic preference in the procurement of professional 
services.
Sec. 1814. Prohibition on the use of Chinese-manufactured optical fiber 
by the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1815. Report on primary aluminum sector industrial base 
assessment.
Sec. 1816. Assessment of risk related to adversarial capital in the 
defense industrial base.
Sec. 1817. Integration of demand for foreign military sales into 
industrial base planning.
Sec. 1818. Report on the feasibility of requiring Bills of Materials 
for defense acquisition.

Subtitle B--Provisions Relating to Defense Industrial Base 
Manufacturing

Sec. 1831. Clarification of eligible uses of Defense Industrial Base 
Fund.
Sec. 1832. Inclusion of biotechnology in uses of the Industrial Base 
Fund.
Sec. 1833. Development and application of alternative material sources.
Sec. 1834. Report and implementation of plan for advanced manufacturing 
for certain critical readiness items of 
supply.
Sec. 1835. Additional guidance related to advanced manufacturing.
Sec. 1836. Modifications to advanced manufacturing policy review and 
guidance.
Sec. 1837. Enhanced domestic content requirement for shipbuilding 
programs.
Sec. 1838. Triennial review of merger and acquisition activity 
associated with major defense suppliers.
Sec. 1839. Multiyear procurement authority for certain munitions.
Sec. 1840. Multiyear procurement authority for platforms and components 
systems.
Sec. 1841. Managing and mitigating risks in major munitions programs.
Sec. 1842. Comptroller General assessment on improving weapon systems 
and technology procurement.

Subtitle C--Organic Industrial Base

Sec. 1861. Modification to annual report on depot-level maintenance and 
repair workloads by public and private 
sectors.
Sec. 1862. Authority to write off capital expenditures for certain 
depots of Department of Defense.
Sec. 1863. Reforms relating to Army organic industrial base.
Sec. 1864. Exclusion of manufacturing arsenal workload from depot 
carryover calculation.
Sec. 1865. Temporary authority for use of operation and maintenance 
funds to provide training for certain 
employees performing services or work 
funded by working-capital funds.
Sec. 1866. Demonstration and prototyping program for qualification of 
organic industrial base as alternate source 
for manufacture of casts and forged 
components for legacy aircraft.
Sec. 1867. Briefing and report on Defense industrial base chokepoints 
and organic industrial base modernization.

Subtitle D--Small Business Matters

Sec. 1871. Exception to contract price requirement relating to use of 
test and evaluation installations by 
commercial entities.
Sec. 1872. Amendments to the procurement technical assistance 
cooperative agreement program.
Sec. 1873. Pilot program on digital engineering and advanced 
manufacturing to address no-bid 
solicitations.
Sec. 1874. Pilot program to improve participation by small business 
concerns in certain Department of Defense 
contracts.
Sec. 1875. Guidance to ensure protection of covered information during 
covered preaward engagements.

Subtitle E--Defense Industrial Base Workforce Matters

Sec. 1881. Skills-based requirements for Department of Defense 
contractor personnel.
Sec. 1882. Modification of working group on the advanced manufacturing 
workforce.
Sec. 1883. Workforce development initiatives to support mining of 
critical minerals.

Subtitle F--Other Matters

Sec. 1891. Exemption from trademark licensing fees for certain military 
exchange contractors.
Sec. 1892. Major system cost growth oversight.
Sec. 1893. Inapplicability of Berry Amendment exceptions to certain 
seafood purchases.
Sec. 1894. Clarification of commercial solicitation restrictions during 
initial entry training for memorabilia and 
photography.

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. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2022 
project at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Sec. 2107. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 
projects.
Sec. 2108. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2024 
projects.
Sec. 2109. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 
project at Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Sec. 2110. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2026 
project at Joint Region Marianas, Guam.

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 2023 
projects.
Sec. 2205. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2024 
projects.
Sec. 2206. Extension and modification of authority to carry out fiscal 
year 2024 project at Marine Corps Base 
Quantico, Virginia.
Sec. 2207. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2026 
project at Pacific Missile Range Facility 
Barking Sands, Hawaii.
Sec. 2208. Transfer of amounts for mitigation for projects located at 
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, 
Washington.

TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 2301. Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition 
projects.
Sec. 2302. Family Housing.
Sec. 2303. Authorization of appropriations, Air Force.
Sec. 2304. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 
projects.
Sec. 2305. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2020 
projects.
Sec. 2306. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 
projects.
Sec. 2307. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2024 
projects.
Sec. 2308. Authority to carry out project at Eglin Air Force Base, 
Florida.

TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 2401. Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land 
acquisition projects.
Sec. 2402. Authorized Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment 
Program projects.
Sec. 2403. Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies.
Sec. 2404. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 
projects.
Sec. 2405. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2024 
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. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2024 
projects.
Sec. 2609. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2026 
project at Colonie, New York.

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 Programs

Sec. 2801. Execution of projects under the North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization Security Investment Program.
Sec. 2802. Inclusion of Tribal governments in Defense Community 
Infrastructure Program.
Sec. 2803. Briefing required for certain basing actions of the 
Department of the Air Force.
Sec. 2804. Unspecified minor military construction dollar thresholds.
Sec. 2805. Repeal of limitation on available funds for research, 
development, test, and evaluation military 
construction projects.
Sec. 2806. Modification of approval and notification thresholds for 
repair projects on military facilities.
Sec. 2807. Department of Defense military installation stormwater 
project acceleration program.
Sec. 2808. Expansion of annual report on unfunded requirements for 
certain military construction projects.

Subtitle B--Military Housing Reforms

Sec. 2811. Congressional notification of window fall incidents in 
certain privatized military housing.
Sec. 2812. Expansion of protections against reprisal or retaliation for 
certain tenants of privatized military 
housing.
Sec. 2813. Treatment of nondisclosure agreements with respect to 
privatized military housing.
Sec. 2814. Expansion of pilot program to include authority to replace 
certain Department of Defense laboratories.
Sec. 2815. Modification to pilot program for military construction 
projects to replace certain military 
unaccompanied housing facilities.
Sec. 2816. Establishment of timeliness standards with respect to 
maintenance work orders for covered 
military unaccompanied housing; annual 
report.
Sec. 2817. Expansion of elements included in annual reports on the 
condition of covered military unaccompanied 
housing.
Sec. 2818. Modification to required investments in improving military 
unaccompanied housing.

Subtitle C--Real Property and Facilities Administration

Sec. 2821. Authorization for certain planning, design, and construction 
contracts in support of military service 
academies.
Sec. 2822. Exemption of certain military installations from guidance 
with respect to aggregate square footage 
requirements.
Sec. 2823. Matching requirement for the public schools on military 
installations program.
Sec. 2824. Improvement to procedures for processing visitors to 
Department of Defense military 
installations.
Sec. 2825. Restrictions on data facility equipment placed on facilities 
leased from the Department of Defense.
Sec. 2826. Name of Department of the Army military installation, 
Augusta, Georgia.
Sec. 2827. Name of the Department of the Army military installation 
located in Muscogee County and 
Chattahoochee County, Georgia.
Sec. 2828. Military installation renamings.

Subtitle D--Land Conveyances and Withdrawals

Sec. 2831. Report on land withdrawal at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
Sec. 2832. Land conveyance, State Armory Board, Utah National Guard, 
Camp Williams State Military Reservation, 
Lehi, Utah.
Sec. 2833. Land conveyance, Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Tennessee.

Subtitle E--Pilot Programs

Sec. 2841. Digital twin models at certain military installations.
Sec. 2842. Pilot program on wastewater monitoring and pathogen-agnostic 
monitoring system of certain military 
installations.
Sec. 2843. Department of Defense pilot program for development and use 
of online real estate inventory tool.
Sec. 2844. Pilot program to provide integrated connectivity service.

Subtitle F--Miscellaneous Authorities

Sec. 2851. Authority for Secretary of Defense to acquire real property 
and facilities in the National Capital 
Region and to administer such property as 
part of the Pentagon Reservation.
Sec. 2852. Establishment of a dashboard for military construction 
projects for Research, Development, Test, 
and Evaluation facilities.
Sec. 2853. Additional authority for defense site reimbursement in the 
Federated States of Micronesia.
Sec. 2854. Recognition of certain aspects of the National Navy UDT-SEAL 
Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, as a 
national memorial, national memorial 
garden, and national K9 memorial.

Subtitle G--Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 2861. Annual report on supervision, inspection, and overhead costs 
for military construction projects.
Sec. 2862. Requirements relating to the Multi-Mission Dry Dock military 
construction project at Puget Sound Naval 
Shipyard, Washington.
Sec. 2863. Comptroller General review of Shipyard Infrastructure 
Optimization Program.
Sec. 2864. Conditions on transfer of Department of Defense power grid 
infrastructure in Guam.
Sec. 2865. Annual report on military construction projects supporting 
readiness and public interest in Guam.
Sec. 2866. Annual report on effects of extreme weather on Department of 
Defense military installations and 
combatant commander requirements.
Sec. 2867. Reports to Census Bureau with respect to military and 
civilian personnel on military 
installations.

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. Modifications to requirements for plutonium pit production 
capacity.
Sec. 3112. Modification to implementation of programs for acceleration 
of replacement of cesium blood irradiation 
sources.
Sec. 3113. Other transaction authority.
Sec. 3114. Extension of alternative personnel system of the National 
Nuclear Security Administration.
Sec. 3115. Deadline for commencement of High Explosive Synthesis, 
Formulation, and Production Facility.
Sec. 3116. Contracting authority to acquire commercial testing services 
for effects of radiation.
Sec. 3117. Prohibition relating to reclassification of high-level 
waste.

Subtitle C--Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 3121. Technical and conforming amendments relating to codification 
of atomic energy defense provisions.
Sec. 3122. Modification of submission deadline for certain Selected 
Acquisition Reports.

TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD

Sec. 3201. Authorization.

TITLE XXXIV--NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVES

Sec. 3401. Authorization of appropriations.

TITLE XXXV--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations

Subtitle A--Maritime Administration

Sec. 3501. Authorization of appropriations for Maritime Administration.

Subtitle B--Merchant Marine Academy

Sec. 3511. Transferring the Administration of the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy to the Department.
Sec. 3512. Establishment of the United States Merchant Marine Academy 
as an office within the Office in the 
Department.
Sec. 3513. Support for athletic programs of the United States Merchant 
Marine Academy.

Subtitle C--Other Matters

Sec. 3521. Limitation on waiver of navigation and vessel-inspection 
laws to address foreign entities of 
concern.
Sec. 3522. Financing of fishing vessels.
Sec. 3523. Cranes; shore power.
Sec. 3524. Cargoes procured, furnished, or financed by United States 
Government.
Sec. 3525. Assistance for small shipyards.
Sec. 3526. Committee on the Marine Transportation System.
Sec. 3527. Assessment of channel depths and placement of aids to 
navigation.
Sec. 3528. Waiver.
Sec. 3529. National Maritime Workforce Advisory Committee.
Sec. 3530. Enhancing United States maritime workforce.
Sec. 3531. Enhancing United States shipyards and shipbuilding.

TITLE XXXVI--SHIPS FOR AMERICA

Sec. 3601. Report on privilege.
Sec. 3602. Fleet testing and briefing requirement.
Sec. 3603. Assessment of the use of commercial best practices for Navy 
shipbuilding.
Sec. 3604. Military Sealift Command.
Sec. 3605. Assessment on maritime infrastructure readiness.
Sec. 3606. United States Merchant Marine Academy infrastructure and 
facilities modernization.
Sec. 3607. United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Sec. 3608. State maritime academies.
Sec. 3609. Enforcement of service obligation requirements.
Sec. 3610. State Maritime Academy Sea Term Scholarship Programs.
Sec. 3611. Implementation plan.

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.

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.

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 2027 
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. STANDARDS FOR NETWORKED, AUTONOMOUS, KINETIC CAPABILITIES TO 
PROTECT AGAINST SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall establish 
standards to guide the development, procurement, and fielding of 
covered capabilities to protect ground combat, support, and mobility 
platforms against small unmanned aircraft systems.
(b) Requirements.--The standards established under subsection (a) 
shall provide for the development, procurement, and fielding of covered 
capabilities that--
(1) are interoperable across brigade combat team elements, 
including interoperability of capabilities for the detection, 
tracking, and kinetic interception of small unmanned aircraft 
systems;
(2) ensure seamless networking between a wide variety of 
sensors and ground platforms; and
(3) meet such other requirements as the Secretary of the 
Army determines appropriate.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
which the Secretary of the Army establishes the standards under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that 
includes--
(1) an explanation of the standards; and
(2) identification of any hardware or software components 
that--
(A) potentially meet such standards; and
(B) would be appropriate for incorporation into 
covered capabilities.
(d) Covered Capabilities Defined.--In this section, the term 
``covered capabilities'' means platforms and other capabilities that--
(1) are networked and autonomous;
(2) are capable of the detection, tracking, and kinetic 
interception of small unmanned aircraft systems; and
(3) incorporate--
(A) passive and active sensors for the persistent 
detection and tracking of threats posed by unmanned 
aircraft systems;
(B) autonomous kinetic effects capable of 
neutralizing threats with minimal operator 
intervention; and
(C) mesh networking to allow for sensor-to-shooter 
handoffs between multiple ground platforms.

Subtitle C--Navy Programs

SEC. 121. 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) In this subsection, the term `temporarily unavailable', when 
used 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.''.

SEC. 122. AUTHORITY TO USE INCREMENTAL FUNDING FOR LONG LEAD-TIME 
COMPONENTS FOR VIRGINIA CLASS SUBMARINES.

Section 126 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 139 Stat. 755) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as 
subsections (c) through (e), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Authority to Use Incremental Funding.--In exercising the 
authority under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy may enter 
into incrementally funded contracts for the procurement of covered 
components that are long lead-time items.''.

SEC. 123. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR ARLEIGH BURKE CLASS 
DESTROYERS.

(a) Authority for Multiyear Procurement.--Subject to section 3501 
of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter 
into one or more multiyear contracts for the procurement of up to 15 
Arleigh Burke class Flight III guided missile destroyers.
(b) Authority for Advance Procurement.--The Secretary of the Navy 
may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, 
for advance procurement associated with the destroyers for which 
authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is 
provided under subsection (a), and for systems and subsystems 
associated with such destroyers in economic order quantities when cost 
savings are achievable.
(c) Condition for Out-year Contract Payments.--A contract entered 
into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the 
United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year 
after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations 
or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
(d) Mandatory Inclusion of Prepriced Option in Certain 
Circumstances.--
(1) In general.--In the event the total base quantity of 
destroyers to be procured through all contracts entered into 
under subsection (a) is less than 15, the Secretary of the Navy 
shall ensure that one or more of the contracts includes a 
prepriced option for the procurement of additional destroyers 
such that the sum of such base quantity and the number of 
destroyers that may be procured through the exercise of such 
options is equal to 15 destroyers.
(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Base quantity.--The term ``base quantity'' 
means the quantity of destroyers to be procured under a 
contract entered into under subsection (a) excluding 
any quantity of destroyers that may be procured through 
the exercise of an option that may be part of such 
contract.
(B) Prepriced option.--The term ``prepriced 
option'' means a contract option for a contract entered 
into under subsection (a) that, if exercised, would 
allow the Secretary of the Navy to procure a destroyer 
at a predetermined price specified in such contract.
(e) Limitation.--The Secretary of the Navy may not modify a 
contract entered into under subsection (a) if the modification would 
increase the target price of the destroyer by more than 10 percent 
above the target price specified in the original contract for the 
destroyer under subsection (a).

SEC. 124. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR JOHN LEWIS CLASS OILERS.

(a) Authority for Multiyear Procurement.--Subject to section 3501 
of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter 
into one or more multiyear contracts for the procurement of John Lewis 
class Oilers and systems, components, and long-lead time materials 
associated with such vessels.
(b) Authority for Advance Procurement.--The Secretary of the Navy 
may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, 
for advance procurement associated with the oilers for which 
authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is 
provided under subsection (a), including economic order quantity 
purchases and advance procurement of long-lead time materials, to 
support the continuous production of such vessels and to achieve cost 
savings.
(c) Condition for Out-year Contract Payments.--A contract entered 
into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the 
United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year 
after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations 
or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
(d) Termination Liability.--A contract entered into under 
subsection (a) shall provide that the total liability to the Federal 
Government for termination of the contract shall be limited to the 
total amount of funding obligated for the contract at the time of 
termination.

SEC. 125. PROCUREMENT AUTHORITIES FOR CERTAIN AMPHIBIOUS SHIPBUILDING 
PROGRAMS.

(a) Contract Authority.--
(1) Procurement authorized.--The Secretary of the Navy may 
enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of covered 
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 programs 
for covered ships.
(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 for the covered ship 
program concerned:
(1) The use of such a contract is consistent with the 
Commandant of the Marine Corps' projected force structure 
requirements for amphibious ships.
(2) The use of such a contract will result in savings 
compared to the total anticipated costs of carrying out the 
program through annual contracts. In certifying cost savings 
under the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall include a 
written explanation of--
(A) the estimated end cost and appropriated funds 
by fiscal year, by hull, without the authority provided 
in subsection (a);
(B) the estimated end cost and appropriated funds 
by fiscal year, by hull, with the authority provided in 
subsection (a);
(C) the estimated cost savings or increase by 
fiscal year, by hull, with the authority provided in 
subsection (a); and
(D) the contractual actions that will ensure the 
estimated cost savings are realized.
(3) The Secretary of the Navy has a reasonable expectation 
that throughout the contemplated contract period funding will 
be available 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 both the cost of the contract and the 
anticipated cost avoidance through the use of a contract 
authorized under subsection (a) are realistic.
(6) The use of such a contract will promote the national 
security of the United States.
(7) During the fiscal year in which such contract is to be 
awarded, sufficient funds will be available to perform the 
contract in such fiscal year.
(c) Authority for Advance Procurement.--The Secretary of the Navy 
may enter into one or more contracts for advance procurement or advance 
construction associated with a ship or ships for which authorization to 
enter into a contract is provided under subsection (a), and for 
systems, sub systems, spare parts, and major shore based spares 
associated with such ships in economic order quantities when cost 
savings are achievable.
(d) Authority to Use Incremental Funding.--The Secretary of the 
Navy may incrementally fund a contract entered into under subsection 
(a) or (c).
(e) 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.
(f) Termination.--The authority of the Secretary of the Navy to 
enter into contracts under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 
30, 2030.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered ship'' means a San Antonio-class or 
America-class ship.
(2) The term ``milestone decision authority'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 4251(e) of title 10, United 
States Code.

SEC. 126. CONTRACT AUTHORITY FOR SUBMARINE TENDER PROGRAM.

(a) Contract Authority.--The Secretary of the Navy may enter into 
one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than two AS(X) 
submarine tenders.
(b) Use of Incremental Funding.--With respect to a contract entered 
into under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy may use 
incremental funding to make payments under the contract.
(c) Liability.--Any contract entered into under subsection (a) 
shall provide that--
(1) any obligation of the United States to make a payment 
under the contract is subject to the availability of 
appropriations for that purpose; and
(2) the total liability of the Federal Government for 
termination of the contract shall be limited to the total 
amount of funding obligated to the contract at the time of 
termination.

SEC. 127. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR E-2D ADVANCED HAWKEYE 
AIRCRAFT.

(a) Authority for Multiyear Procurement.--Subject to section 3501 
of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter 
into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 
2027 program year, for the procurement of twelve E-2D Advanced Hawkeye 
aircraft.
(b) Authority for Economic Order Quantity.--The Secretary of the 
Navy may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 
2027, for advance procurement associated with the aircraft for which 
authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is 
provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of 
economic order quantities of material and equipment for such aircraft 
when cost savings are achievable.
(c) Liability.--Any contract entered into under subsection (a) 
shall provide that--
(1) any obligation of the United States to make a payment 
under the contract is subject to the availability of 
appropriations for that purpose; and
(2) the total liability of the Federal Government for 
termination of the contract shall be limited to the total 
amount of funding obligated to the contract at the time of 
termination.

SEC. 128. AUTHORITY TO USE INCREMENTAL FUNDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 
A GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER (DDG).

(a) In General.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act 
or otherwise made available for the Navy for Shipbuilding and 
Conversion for fiscal year 2027 may be used by the Secretary of the 
Navy to enter into an incrementally funded contract for the 
construction of one Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG).
(b) Availability of Funds and Termination Liability.--A contract 
entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of 
the United States to make a payment under the contract is subject to 
the availability of appropriations for that purpose, and that total 
liability to the Government for the termination of the contract shall 
be limited to the total amount of funding obligated at time of 
termination.

SEC. 129. AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE PROCUREMENT OF COMPONENTS FOR SHIP-TO-
SHORE CONNECTOR CLASS CRAFT.

(a) Authority for Advance Procurement.--The Secretary of the Navy 
may enter into one or more contracts, prior to ship authorization, for 
the advance procurement of components for Ship-to-Shore Connector class 
craft, including procurement of such components in economic order 
quantities when cost savings are achievable.
(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 is 
subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose for such 
fiscal year.

SEC. 130. TORPEDO MODERNIZATION, TESTING, AND INVENTORY SUFFICIENCY FOR 
TWO SIMULTANEOUS REGIONAL CONFLICTS.

(a) Strategy and Inventory Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall 
develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for torpedo 
modernization, testing, production, and inventory sufficiency.
(2) Elements.--The strategy required under subsection (a) 
shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of the minimum required inventory 
levels of--
(i) MK-48 heavyweight torpedoes;
(ii) lightweight torpedoes, including MK-54 
torpedoes;
(iii) advanced torpedo variants;
(iv) exercise, training, and telemetry 
torpedoes; and
(v) torpedo countermeasure systems, 
necessary to support not fewer than two 
simultaneous regional conflicts.
(B) An assessment of wartime torpedo expenditure 
assumptions for combat operations against peer and 
near-peer maritime adversaries.
(C) An evaluation of current torpedo production 
capacity, including limitations associated with--
(i) energetics;
(ii) propulsion systems;
(iii) acoustic seekers;
(iv) guidance electronics;
(v) specialty metals;
(vi) undersea weapon integration 
facilities; and
(vii) single-source suppliers.
(D) A plan to increase annual torpedo production 
capacity and reduce production lead times during 
contingencies.
(E) An assessment of the adequacy of existing 
torpedo testing infrastructure, including--
(i) undersea warfare test ranges;
(ii) target vessels and unmanned targets;
(iii) telemetry and instrumentation 
systems;
(iv) contested electromagnetic environment 
testing capabilities;
(v) digital engineering and modeling 
environments;
(vi) Arctic and deep-water testing 
capacity;
(vii) shallow water testing capability; and
(viii) opportunities to cooperate on 
testing activities with allies and partners of 
the United States.
(F) A description of efforts to improve torpedo 
survivability and effectiveness against advanced 
countermeasures and adversary electronic warfare 
systems.
(G) An assessment of storage, transportation, 
reload, and expeditionary rearmament capacity for 
torpedoes during wartime operations.
(H) A description of any statutory or regulatory 
barriers limiting expansion of torpedo production, 
testing, or procurement.
(I) Recommendations for legislative or 
administrative action necessary to improve torpedo 
readiness and wartime sufficiency.
(b) Industrial Base Expansion Plan.--Not later 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall 
develop a plan to expand the undersea weapons industrial base to 
support sustained wartime production requirements. Such plan shall 
include--
(1) options for second-source suppliers;
(2) expansion of Government-owned, contractor-operated 
facilities;
(3) use of multiyear procurement authorities pursuant to 
section 3501 of title 10, United States Code;
(4) opportunities to expand public-private partnerships for 
undersea weapons manufacturing and sustainment;
(5) measures to improve supply chain resilience for 
critical components; and
(6) options for surge production during national 
emergencies or armed conflict.
(c) Reports Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees--
(1) a report on the strategy developed under subsection 
(a); and
(2) a report on the plan developed under subsection (b).
(d) Briefing Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to 
the congressional defense committees a briefing on--
(1) the highest-risk shortfalls in torpedo inventory and 
testing capacity;
(2) operational testing methodology for torpedos and 
efforts to test for real world scenarios;
(3) projected wartime torpedo inventory depletion 
timelines; and
(4) investments required during period covered by the 
future-years defense program to ensure torpedo sufficiency for 
two simultaneous regional conflicts.

SEC. 131. LIMITATION ON CONSTRUCTION OF BATTLESHIP PENDING 
CERTIFICATION ON TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVELS.

The Secretary of the Navy may not enter into a contract or other 
agreement that includes a scope of work for the construction of the 
lead ship of the Battleship program until the date on which the 
Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that the 
weapon systems planned for inclusion in such lead ship are at a 
sufficiently mature technology readiness level.

SEC. 132. STRATEGY FOR ITERATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND FLIGHT MODIFICATIONS 
FOR FF(X) CLASS FRIGATES.

(a) Strategy 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 strategy for the iterative 
development of the FF(X) class frigate. Such strategy shall include the 
following:
(1) Information on the estimated timeline for each planned 
variant (commonly known as a ``Flight'') of the FF(X) class 
frigate.
(2) Details on the integration of additional capabilities 
for future Flights of the frigate, such as vertical launch 
systems or improved sensors, and implications for the space, 
weight, power, and cost of the hull form.
(3) Any additional mission sets or combat functions that 
may be added to the concept of operation for FF(X) class 
frigates.
(b) Interim Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the 
congressional defense committees a briefing on the development of the 
strategy required under subsection (a).
(c) FF(X) Class Frigate Defined.--In this section, the term ``FF(X) 
class frigate'' means the new class of frigate vessel under development 
by the Secretary of the Navy (as of the date of the enactment of this 
Act) based on a design derived from the Legend class Coast Guard 
cutter.

SEC. 133. REPORT ON CONTINUITY OF MISSION AND READINESS DURING 
TRANSITION OF F-5 TO F/A-18E/F AIRCRAFT FOR THE NAVY 
RESERVE.

(a) Report Required.--Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually 
thereafter for four years, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees a report on the status of efforts 
to transfer F/A-18E/F aircraft to the Navy Reserve to replace the F-5 
aircraft.
(b) Elements.--Each report under subsection (a) shall include an 
explanation of--
(1) how the Secretary will mitigate risk to any 
degradation, gap, or delay in mission execution, fleet 
readiness, or pilot and maintainer qualification during the 
period in which aircraft are being transferred and replaced as 
described in subsection (a);
(2) the Secretary's plans for retaining key Navy Reserve 
personnel to support operational readiness during such period;
(3) how the Secretary plans, if possible, to ensure that 
assigned operational and adversary training missions are 
executed during such period;
(4) how the Secretary plans to maintain pilot and 
maintenance personnel proficiency, currency, and qualifications 
during such period; and
(5) the timelines associated with the transfer and 
replacement of aircraft described in subsection (a), including 
timelines associated with--
(A) support equipment and initial spares;
(B) pilot and maintenance personnel training;
(C) achievement of initial operational capability 
and full operational capability; and
(D) execution of all contracts supporting the 
transfer and replacement of such aircraft.

Subtitle D--Air Force Programs

SEC. 141. INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN FIGHTER AIRCRAFT.

(a) Modification of Inventory Requirements for Air Force Fighter 
Aircraft.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (i) of section 9062 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(i)(1) During the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending 
on October 1, 2035, the Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain a 
total aircraft inventory of fighter aircraft of not less than 1,800 
aircraft.
``(2) In this subsection:
``(A) The term `fighter aircraft'--
``(i) means an aircraft that--
``(I) is designated by a mission design 
series prefix of F- or A-;
``(II) is manned by one or two crewmembers; 
and
``(III) executes single-role or multi-role 
missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-
ground attack, air interdiction, suppression or 
destruction of enemy air defenses, close air 
support, strike control and reconnaissance, 
combat search and rescue support, or airborne 
forward air control; and
``(ii) does not include collaborative combat 
aircraft.
``(B) The term `primary mission aircraft inventory' means 
aircraft assigned to meet the primary aircraft authorization to 
a unit for the performance of its wartime mission.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
(b) Authority to Increase Planned Procurement.--Beginning on 
October 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force may increase the total 
planned procurement of F-15EX aircraft to beyond 267 aircraft.

SEC. 142. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON RETIREMENT OF F-22 AIRCRAFT.

Section 9062(k)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``September 30, 2027'' and inserting ``September 30, 2032''.

SEC. 143. LIMITATION ON RETIREMENT OF E-3 AIRBORNE WARNING AND CONTROL 
SYSTEM AIRCRAFT AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO E-7 
AIRCRAFT.

(a) Extension and Modification of Minimum Inventory Requirement.--
Section 149 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2026 (Public Law 119-60) is amended--
(1) by striking ``below 16'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``below 15''; and
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``fiscal year 2026'' and 
inserting ``fiscal year 2026 or 2027''.
(b) Requirement to Plan and Budget for E-7 Program of Record.--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--
(1) a detailed schedule for procurement, fielding, and 
achievement of initial and full operating capability for E-7 
Wedgetail aircraft; and
(2) a funding profile across the period covered by the 
Future Years Defense Program sufficient to meet the 
requirements of paragraph (1).
(c) Capability Assurance.--The Secretary of Air Force shall certify 
to the congressional defense committees that--
(1) the plan under subsection (b) will ensure there is no 
degradation in the airborne early warning, battle management, 
and command and control capabilities available to support 
combatant commands; and
(2) any proposed retirement of E-3 aircraft will not result 
in a gap in operational coverage, mission availability, or 
responsiveness to the demands of the combatant commands.

SEC. 144. EVALUATION FOR POTENTIAL TRANSFER OF CERTAIN A-10 AIRCRAFT 
AMONG MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.

Section 137(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 174) is amended--
(1) by striking ``by this Act or by the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263)'' 
and inserting ``to the Department of Defense for any of fiscal 
years 2023 through 2030''; and
(2) by inserting ``to another military department or'' 
after ``evaluated for potential transfer''.

SEC. 145. EXTENSION OF 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 National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 139 Stat. 
760), is further amended by striking ``2026'' 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 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 
119-60; 139 Stat. 760), is further amended by striking ``2026'' and 
inserting ``2028''.
(c) Report Requirement.--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 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. 146. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR C-37 AIRCRAFT 
RECAPITALIZATION PROGRAM.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise 
made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Air Force for the 
procurement of C-37 aircraft, not more than 50 percent may be obligated 
or expended until a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date on 
which the Secretary of the Air Force submits to the congressional 
defense committees--
(1) the acquisition strategy for such aircraft; and
(2) a justification for using other than competitive 
procedures under section 3204 of title 10, United States Code, 
for the award of a contract for the procurement of such 
aircraft.

SEC. 147. LIMITATION ON RETIREMENT OF MQ-9 REAPER AIRCRAFT.

(a) Limitation on Retirement or Divestment.--None of the funds 
authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available 
for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force may be 
obligated or expended to retire, divest, place in storage, transfer to 
nonoperational status, or prepare for retirement any MQ-9 Reaper 
aircraft.
(b) Certification Requirement for Future Retirement or 
Divestment.--Beginning after September 30, 2027, the Secretary of the 
Air Force may not retire, divest, or transfer to nonoperational status 
any MQ-9 Reaper aircraft until the Secretary certifies in writing to 
the congressional defense committees that--
(1) a replacement capability has achieved initial 
operational capability;
(2) such replacement capability provides comparable or 
superior--
(A) persistent intelligence, surveillance, and 
reconnaissance capability;
(B) strike capability;
(C) survivability in a dynamic and high-threat 
environment;
(D) maritime surveillance capability;
(E) communications relay capability; and
(F) operational availability and sortie generation 
capacity;
(3) the replacement capability is available in sufficient 
operational quantities to meet requirements of the combatant 
commands;
(4) the retirement or divestment will not increase 
operational risk to ongoing contingency operations, homeland 
defense missions, maritime domain awareness missions, or crisis 
response operations;
(5) the Secretary has conducted a force structure 
assessment evaluating the impact of such retirement on--
(A) globally deployed operations;
(B) distributed operations in the Indo-Pacific 
region;
(C) operations in the United States Central Command 
area of responsibility;
(D) support to special operations forces; and
(E) support to allied and partner nation 
operations; and
(6) the Secretary has submitted the assessments required 
under subsection (c).
(c) Combatant Commander Sufficiency Assessment.--Not later than 30 
days prior to submitting a certification under subsection (b), the 
Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees an assessment from--
(1) each of the commanders of the combatant commands 
regarding the operational sufficiency of the remaining remotely 
piloted aircraft force to execute approved operational plans 
and ongoing missions;
(2) the Commander of United States Special Operations 
Command regarding the impact of such retirement on support to 
special operations missions;
(3) the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command 
regarding the impact on distributed maritime surveillance and 
targeting operations in the Indo-Pacific theater; and
(4) the Commander of United States Central Command 
regarding the impact on ongoing counterterrorism, force 
protection, and crisis response operations.
(d) Replacement Capability Defined.--In this section, the term 
``replacement capability'' means a platform, family of systems, or 
operational capability intended to replace the operational functions 
currently performed by the MQ-9 Reaper fleet, including--
(1) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;
(2) precision strike;
(3) maritime domain awareness;
(4) electronic warfare; and
(5) communications relay.

SEC. 148. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES FOR NEXT GENERATION AIRLIFT 
CAPABILITIES.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination 
with the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, shall 
conduct an analysis of alternatives for next generation airlift 
capabilities.
(b) Elements.--In conducting the analysis of alternatives required 
under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall--
(1) evaluate a range of options for next generation airlift 
capabilities, including recapitalization of existing platforms, 
service life extension and modernization efforts, and 
development of new airlift platforms;
(2) in evaluating such options, consider operational 
effectiveness, survivability in contested environments, fuel 
efficiency, lifecycle costs, connectivity, basing, and 
interoperability with joint and coalition forces and battle 
networks; and
(3) assess the feasibility of incorporating unmanned or 
optionally crewed systems and innovative concepts of 
operations.
(c) Report.--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 report on the results of the 
analysis of alternatives conducted under subsection (a). The report 
shall include--
(1) the findings and conclusions of the analysis;
(2) recommendations, if any, for future investment in next 
generation airlift capabilities; and
(3) such other information as the Secretary determines 
appropriate.

SEC. 149. AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSITIONAL ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE AIRLIFT 
OPERATIONS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Air Force may carry out 
activities, prior to fielding the next generation airlift aircraft, to 
improve the readiness, reliability, capacity, and capabilities of the 
Air Force with respect to airlift operations.
(b) Activities.--The activities carried out under subsection (a) 
may include--
(1) entering into partnerships with commercial entities--
(A) to provide the Air Force with access to 
commercially developed aircraft capable of handling 
outsized airlift payloads; and
(B) to modify such aircraft, as necessary, to meet 
military requirements;
(2) carrying out a pilot program to assess the feasibility 
and advisability of using commercial providers to test, 
certify, and operate select C-5 aircraft in support of the Air 
Force; and
(3) such other activities as the Secretary of the Air Force 
determines appropriate.
(c) Funding.--This section shall be carried out using amounts 
otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Air 
Force and no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to 
carry out this section.

SEC. 150. CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN F-14 AIRCRAFT TO U.S. SPACE AND ROCKET 
CENTER COMMISSION IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA.

(a) Authority.--The Secretary of the Navy may convey, without 
consideration, to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in 
Huntsville, Alabama (in this section referred to as the 
``Commission''), all right, title, and interest of the United States in 
the following:
(1) F-14 aircraft (Bureau number 159437).
(2) F-14 aircraft (Bureau number 164341).
(3) F-14 aircraft (Bureau number 164602).
(b) Form of Conveyance.--Any conveyance under subsection (a) shall 
be made by means of a conditional deed of gift.
(c) Conveyance at No Cost to the United States.--Any conveyance 
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 Commission.
(d) Condition of Aircraft.--The aircraft being conveyed under 
subsection (a) do not have any capability for use as a platform for 
launching or releasing munitions or any other combat capability that it 
was designed to have.
(e) Conditions.--The Secretary shall include in the instrument of 
conveyance of the aircraft under subsection (a)--
(1) a condition that the Secretary is not required to 
repair or alter the condition of the aircraft before conveying 
ownership of the aircraft;
(2) a condition that the Secretary shall provide any 
maintenance and operations manuals that--
(A) are specific to the F-14 aircraft; and
(B) the Secretary has sufficient intellectual 
property rights to convey;
(3) a condition that the Secretary may provide excess spare 
parts to make one of the F-14 aircraft flyable or able to 
complete a static display, provided that any part transferred 
from existing Navy stock is reimbursed at fair market value by 
the Commission, with no items being procured by the Secretary 
on behalf of the Commission; and
(4) a condition that the Secretary will not be responsible 
for transferring any additional parts or providing any 
additional support beyond what is stated in this section, 
during or after the conveyance of the aircraft.
(f) Agreements for Restoration and Operation.--The Secretary may--
(1) authorize the Commission to enter into agreements with 
qualified nonprofit organizations for the purpose of restoring 
and operating the aircraft transferred under subsection (a) for 
public display, airshows, and commemorative events to preserve 
naval aviation heritage; and
(2) if the Secretary authorizes any such agreement, require 
such additional terms and conditions in the instrument of 
conveyance as appropriate to protect the interests of the 
United States.
(g) Reverter Upon Breach of Conditions.--The Secretary shall 
include in the instrument of conveyance of the aircraft under 
subsection (a)--
(1) a condition that the Commission shall operate and 
maintain the aircraft in compliance with all applicable 
limitations and maintenance requirements imposed by the 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration;
(2) a condition that the Commission shall not convey any 
ownership interest in, or transfer possession of, the aircraft 
to another party without the prior approval of the Secretary; 
and
(3) a condition that if the Secretary determines at any 
time that the Commission has failed to comply with the 
conditions set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2), all right, 
title, and interest in and to the aircraft, including any 
repair or alteration of the aircraft, shall revert to the 
United States, and the United States shall have the right of 
immediate possession of the aircraft.
(h) Clarification of Liability.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, upon the conveyance to the Commission of interests in 
the aircraft under subsection (a), the United States may not be liable 
for any death, injury, loss, or damage that results from any use of 
such aircraft by any person other than the United States.
(i) Applicable Law.--The conveyance of an aircraft under subsection 
(a), and the use of such aircraft following such conveyance, shall be 
subject to all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, 
including the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.), the 
Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.), chapter 37 
of title 18, United States Code (commonly referred to as the 
``Espionage Act''), the regulations set forth in subchapter M of 
chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations (commonly referred 
to as the ``International Traffic in Arms Regulations''), subchapter C 
of chapter VII of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (commonly 
referred to as the ``Export Administration Regulations''), and chapter 
V of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations (commonly referred to as the 
``Foreign Assets Control Regulations'').

SEC. 151. REPORT ON THE FEASIBILITY OF RESTORING NUCLEAR CAPABILITY TO 
THE B-1B LANCER BOMBER AIRCRAFT.

(a) In General.--Not later than December 1, 2026, the Secretary of 
the Air Force, in coordination with the Commander of the United States 
Strategic Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees 
a report assessing the feasibility of restoring nuclear capability to 
the B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft.
(b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
(1) A description of any structural, electronic, software, 
and weapons-integration modifications required to enable the B-
1B aircraft to deliver nuclear weapons.
(2) An assessment of the compatibility of such aircraft 
with currently fielded and planned nuclear gravity bombs and 
air-launched cruise missiles.
(3) Identification of any military construction, storage, 
security, and certification infrastructure that would be 
required at forward operating locations within the continental 
United States should nuclear capability be restored to such 
aircraft.
(4) Requirements related to aircrew certification, 
maintenance training, security forces training, nuclear surety 
inspections, and personnel reliability programs should nuclear 
capability be restored to such aircraft.
(5) Estimated research, development, test, evaluation, 
procurement, operations, and sustainment costs over a the five-
year period following the initiation of any efforts to restore 
nuclear capability to such aircraft.
(6) An assessment of the expected remaining service life of 
the B-1B aircraft fleet.
(7) The estimated time required to achieve initial 
operational capability and full operational capability should 
the Air Force pursue restoring nuclear capability to such 
aircraft.
(8) An assessment of the military utility and strategic 
deterrence value of restoring nuclear capability to the B-1B 
aircraft.
(9) An assessment of any costs and additional requirements 
to restore nuclear capability across bomber bases.
(c) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall be 
submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

Subtitle E--Defense-wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters

SEC. 161. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR F-15EX AIRCRAFT.

(a) Authority for Multiyear Procurement.--Subject to section 3501 
of title 10, United States Code, and except as provided in subsection 
(b), the Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more multiyear 
contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2027 program year, for the 
procurement of--
(1) F-15EX aircraft; and
(2) initial spare parts, alternate mission equipment, and 
conformal fuel tanks for such aircraft.
(b) Limitation.--The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a 
contract for the procurement of an aircraft under subsection (a) until 
the date on which the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense 
committees that such contract will provide for the procurement of the 
full complement of initial spare parts, alternate mission equipment, 
and conformal fuel tanks for each aircraft to be procured under the 
contract.
(c) Condition for Out-year Contract Payments.--A contract entered 
into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the 
United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year 
after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations 
or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
(d) Authority for Advance Procurement.--The Secretary of Defense 
may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, 
for advance procurement associated with the aircraft for which 
authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is 
provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of 
economic order quantities of material and equipment for such aircraft 
when cost savings are achievable.

SEC. 162. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR F-35 AIRCRAFT.

(a) Authority for Multiyear Procurement.--Subject to section 3501 
of title 10, United States Code, and except as provided in subsections 
(b) and (c), the Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more 
multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2027 program year, 
for the procurement of--
(1) F-35 aircraft; and
(2) initial spare parts and alternate mission equipment for 
such aircraft.
(b) Limitation.--The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a 
contract for the procurement of an aircraft under subsection (a) until 
the date on which the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense 
committees that such contract will provide for the procurement of the 
full complement of initial spare parts and alternate mission equipment 
for each aircraft to be procured under the contract.
(c) Additional Requirements and Limitations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may not enter 
into a contract for the procurement of an aircraft under 
subsection (a) until the date on which all of the following 
requirements have been met:
(A) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition 
and Sustainment has certified to the congressional 
defense committees that--
(i) any multiyear contracts for the 
procurement of F-35 aircraft units will achieve 
savings of not less than 5 percent compared 
with the estimated cost of procuring the same 
number and configuration of F-35 aircraft 
through annual contracts over the same period; 
and
(ii) the Director of Cost Assessment and 
Program Evaluation reviewed and validated such 
savings estimate.
(B) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition 
and Sustainment has submitted to the congressional 
defense committees a report on the plan of the 
Department of Defense to improve operational readiness 
rates of F-35 aircraft. The report shall include--
(i) funding requirements, by fiscal year, 
that achieve readiness to the required rates of 
full mission capability, mission capability, 
and aircraft availability, as defined by the 
Air Force and the Department of the Navy; and
(ii) funding requirements across the period 
covered by the future-years defense program 
that demonstrate full resources budgeted and 
programmed to achieve annual readiness 
requirements as identified in clause (i).
(2) Limitation on availability of funds.--Of the funds 
authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made 
available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 
for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Acquisition and Sustainment for official travel, not more than 
50 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which 
the Under Secretary submits to the congressional defense 
committees a certification--
(A) that funding for fiscal year 2026 has been 
obligated and expended to meet the fiscal year 2026 
readiness requirements as identified in paragraph 
(1)(B)(i); and
(B) that funding for fiscal year 2027 has been 
requested to meet fiscal year 2027 readiness 
requirements as identified in such paragraph.
(d) Condition for Out-year Contract Payments.--A contract entered 
into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the 
United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year 
after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations 
or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
(e) Authority for Advance Procurement.--The Secretary of Defense 
may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, 
for advance procurement associated with the aircraft for which 
authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is 
provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of 
economic order quantities of material and equipment for such aircraft 
when cost savings are achievable.

SEC. 163. PROHIBITION ON PROCUREMENT AND USE OF HUMANOID ROBOTIC 
SYSTEMS PRODUCED, DEVELOPED, OR CONTROLLED BY FOREIGN 
ADVERSARIES.

(a) Prohibition.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may not procure, 
lease, or otherwise obtain a covered humanoid robotic system 
that--
(A) is produced or developed by a foreign adversary 
or foreign adversary entity;
(B) incorporates firmware, software, artificial 
intelligence models, remote update capability, or cloud 
services provided by a foreign adversary or foreign 
adversary entity; or
(C) is subject to remote access, maintenance, data 
transmission, or update authority controlled by a 
foreign adversary or foreign adversary entity.
(2) Applicability.--The prohibition under paragraph (1) 
shall apply with respect to contracts and other agreements 
entered into after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Limited Waiver for Controlled Testing and Counterintelligence 
Purposes.--The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under 
subsection (a)(1) with respect to a covered humanoid robotic system 
if--
(1) the system is to be used solely for 
counterintelligence, cybersecurity testing, vulnerability 
assessment, or research purposes;
(2) the system operates in a physically isolated or air-
gapped environment;
(3) the system is not connected to operational Department 
of Defense networks; and
(4) the Secretary notifies the congressional defense 
committees not later than 30 days after issuing such waiver.
(c) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue any rules, 
regulations, policies, and guidance necessary for the implementation of 
this section.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to prohibit the procurement or use of a covered humanoid 
robotic system solely on the basis that such system incorporates 
commercially available, off-the-shelf components not specifically 
designed for humanoid robotic systems, provided that such components do 
not enable remote access, data transmission, or control by a foreign 
adversary or foreign adversary entity.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1)(A) The term ``covered humanoid robotic system'' means a 
commercially available robotic system that--
(i) is designed for general-purpose interaction 
within human-occupied environments;
(ii) possesses articulated upper extremities 
capable of dexterous manipulation;
(iii) is capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous 
operation using artificial intelligence or machine 
learning systems; and
(iv) is equipped with wired or wireless networking 
connectivity, including internet, cellular, satellite, 
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio-frequency communication, or 
cloud-based data storage or processing services.
(B) Such term does not include--
(i) industrial robotic systems permanently 
installed in controlled manufacturing environments;
(ii) robotic systems incapable of network 
connectivity; or
(iii) assistive medical devices regulated under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et 
seq.).
(2) The term ``foreign adversary'' means a covered nation 
as defined in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States 
Code.
(3) The term ``foreign adversary entity'' means an entity 
that--
(A) is organized under the laws of, headquartered 
in, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign 
adversary;
(B) is owned or controlled by the government of a 
foreign adversary; or
(C) is owned or controlled by an entity that meets 
any of the criteria described in subparagraph (A) or 
(B).

SEC. 164. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS TO RETIRE OR DECOMMISSION 
CERTAIN RADAR SYSTEMS.

(a) Limitation.--Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the 
funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made 
available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be 
obligated or expended to retire, decommission, divest, or otherwise 
remove from active operational service, any covered radar system.
(b) Exception.--The limitation under subsection (a) shall not apply 
to any individual unit of a covered radar system that the Secretary of 
the military department concerned determines has been damaged or 
degraded beyond economical repair.
(c) Covered Radar System.--In this section, the term ``covered 
radar system'' means the following:
(1) The AN/SPN-43 shipboard air traffic control and air 
marshaling radar system.
(2) The AN/SPY-1 phased-array radar system for the Aegis 
Combat System.
(3) The AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder counter-battery radar system.
(4) The AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder counter-battery radar system.
(5) Airborne Station Keeping Equipment radar systems, 
including the AN/APN-243.

SEC. 165. STANDARDS FOR COMMON OPERATING SYSTEM FOR SMALL UNMANNED 
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

(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 Secretaries of the military departments, shall establish standards 
for a common operating system for small unmanned aircraft systems.
(b) Elements.--The standards established under subsection (a) shall 
provide for a common operating system for small unmanned aircraft 
systems that--
(1) enables interoperability between small unmanned 
aircraft system platforms from different vendors and classes 
across the joint force;
(2) enables modular integration of mission applications, 
including by enabling the use of applications and features from 
multiple different vendors on the same platform;
(3) facilitates rapid deployment of autonomy and command 
and control functions;
(4) facilitates rapid deployment of autonomy and operating 
capabilities in contested, degraded, and denied environments, 
including capabilities enabling operation in contested 
electromagnetic and degraded positioning, navigation, and 
timing environments;
(5) integrates operating software that can function on 
multiple hardware platforms from different vendors;
(6) supports secure software updates and cybersecurity 
improvements;
(7) avoids vendor lock by enabling multiple vendors of 
hardware and software to develop and field applications and 
capabilities; and
(8) establishes baseline standards for aided target 
recognition capabilities.
(c) Implementation.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
which the Secretary of Defense finalizes the standards under 
subsection (a), the Secretary, in coordination with the 
Secretaries of the military departments, shall develop and 
commence implementation of a plan for equipping small unmanned 
aircraft systems of the Department of Defense with a common 
operating system that meets such standards.
(2) Use of commercially available solutions.--In 
implementing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary of 
Defense shall make use of commercially available solutions to 
the maximum extent practicable.

SEC. 166. MINIMUM ANNUAL PROCUREMENT GOAL FOR ABILITYONE PROGRAM.

Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall 
establish the goal that the total amount of funds obligated for the 
procurement of products and services from nonprofit concerns pursuant 
to chapter 85 of title 41, United States Code, in a fiscal year is 
equal to not less than one percent of the total amount of funds 
obligated for all procurement contracts entered into by the Department 
of Defense in such fiscal year.

SEC. 167. IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPTROLLER GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON F-35 
JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER TECHNICAL DATA NEEDS FOR 
SUSTAINMENT.

(a) Plan Required.--
(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 and to the 
Comptroller General of the United States a plan to address the 
following recommendations made by the Government Accountability 
Office:
(A) Recommendation 5 in the report titled ``F-35 
Sustainment: Need for Affordable Strategy, Greater 
Attention to Risks, and Improved Cost Estimates'' (GA-
14-778).
(B) Recommendations 1 through 7 in the report 
titled ``F-35 Aircraft: DOD and the Military Services 
Need to Reassess the Future Sustainment Strategy'' 
(GAO-23-105341).
(C) Recommendations 1 and 2 in the report titled 
``F-35 Aircraft: Actions Needed to Address Long-
Standing Risks to Operational Effectiveness'' (GAO-25-
107101C).
(2) Elements.--The plan under paragraph (1) shall include 
the following:
(A) With respect to each recommendation specified 
in paragraph (1) that the Secretary has implemented or 
intends to implement--
(i) a summary of actions that have been 
taken or will be taken to implement the 
recommendation; and
(ii) a schedule, with specific milestones, 
for completing implementation of the 
recommendation.
(B) Identification of any recommendations specified 
in paragraph (1) that the Secretary does not intend to 
implement, together with a discussion of the reasons 
for not implementing the recommendations and any 
alternative actions taken or intended to be taken to 
address the matters identified by the Government 
Accountability Office in connection with such 
recommendations.
(b) Plan Implementation Report.--Not later than one year after the 
date on which the Secretary of Defense submits the implementation plan 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out activities to 
implement the plan and submit to the congressional defense committees 
and the Comptroller General of the United States a report on the 
following:
(1) All critical technical data rights requirements for F-
35 Joint Strike Fighter sustainment, including for both 
organizational-level and depot-level sustainment and repair.
(2) Estimated costs for acquiring identified critical 
technical data rights for sustainment.
(3) The status of efforts for acquiring identified critical 
technical data rights for sustainment.
(4) Any known challenges for acquiring identified critical 
technical data rights for sustainment.

SEC. 168. IMPLEMENTATION OF GAO RECOMMENDATION ON F-35 JOINT STRIKE 
FIGHTER USE OF CONTRACT INCENTIVE FEES.

(a) Implementation Plan.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall develop and 
implement a plan to address recommendation 3 from the report of 
the Government Accountability Office titled ``F-35 Joint Strike 
Fighter: Actions Needed to Address Late Deliveries and Improve 
Future Development'' (GAO-25-107632).
(2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees and to the Comptroller 
General of the United States a report on the plan developed 
under paragraph (1). Such report shall include--
(A)(i) a summary of actions that have been taken or 
will be taken to implement the recommendation specified 
in paragraph (1); and
(ii) a schedule, with specific milestones, for 
completing implementation of the recommendation; or
(B) if the Secretary does not intend to implement 
the recommendation, discussion of the reasons and 
alternative actions taken or intended to be taken to 
address the issues to which the recommendation 
pertains.
(b) Report on Implementation.--Not later than one year after the 
submittal of the plan under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the 
Comptroller General of the United States a report on the status of the 
implementation of the plan. Such report shall include, at a minimum--
(1) the results of a reevaluation of contract incentive 
fees for inclusion in future F135 and F-35 production 
contracts;
(2) a timeframe for implementing a new incentive fee 
structure in future F135 and F-35 production contracts;
(3) a plan for determining the effectiveness of a new 
incentive fee structure in achieving desired production 
outcomes; and
(4) an explanation of any efforts to apply a new incentive 
fee structure more broadly across the F-35 contracting 
enterprise.

SEC. 169. STUDY ON FUEL PROCUREMENT PRACTICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
DEFENSE.

(a) Study Required.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the Commander of the United States Transportation Command and the 
Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, shall conduct a study on the 
fuel procurement practices of the Department of Defense.
(b) Elements.--The study under subsection (a) shall address the 
following:
(1) The projected amount budgeted by the Department of 
Defense for fuel procurement and consumption for fiscal year 
2026, set forth separately by military department and Defense 
Agency.
(2) The actual amount spent by the Department of Defense 
for fuel procurement and consumption for fiscal year 2026, set 
forth separately by military department and Defense Agency.
(3) Any changes to fuel cost and fuel cost projections for 
fiscal year 2026 that have occurred since February 28, 2026, 
including an examination of--
(A) the magnitude of such changes (expressed in 
total dollars and as a percentage change from prior 
projections);
(B) the factors driving such changes, including 
changes in market crude oil prices, changes in the 
standard price of fuel established by the Defense 
Logistics Agency, changes in operational demand, and 
any other relevant factors;
(C) the effects of such changes on the budget of 
the Department of Defense as a whole and the budget of 
each military department; and
(D) the effects of such changes on the ability of 
the military departments to meet readiness standards, 
including--
(i) any exercises (including joint 
exercises with allies and partners), training, 
or other operational activities that were 
modified, delayed, or canceled as a result of 
such changes, set forth separately by Armed 
Force;
(ii) any reductions in readiness accounts 
resulting from such changes, set forth 
separately by account, amount, and Armed Force, 
including--
(I) operation and maintenance 
accounts; and
(II) accounts for depot maintenance 
and spare parts; and
(iii) any effects of such changes on 
prepositioned fuel stocks or bulk fuel 
inventories.
(4) Any transfers, reprogramming actions, or other 
budgetary adjustments made or anticipated to be made during the 
period of fiscal years 2026 through 2031 as a result of fuel 
cost variances.
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under 
subsection (a), including the findings of the study with respect to 
each element specified in subsection (b).

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 2027 
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. BUDGET REVIEW AND CERTIFICATION FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

Section 133a of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(6) in addition to the duties described in subsection 
(c), promulgating guidance and recommended standards on 
adequate levels of science and technology spending by elements 
of the Department of Defense with responsibilities associated 
with basic research, applied research, and advanced technology 
development (budget activities 6.1 through 6.3, respectively, 
as set forth in the Department of Defense Financial Management 
Regulation (DOD 7000.14-R), or any successor budget 
classification) and developmental test and evaluation that 
could be incorporated into budget and planning guidance of the 
Department as appropriate.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
subsection:
``(c) Budget Review and Certification.--
``(1) Transmittal.--The Secretary of Defense, acting 
through the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), shall 
require the Secretaries of the military departments and the 
heads of the Defense Agencies with responsibilities associated 
with basic research, applied research, and advanced technology 
development (budget activities 6.1 through 6.3, respectively, 
as set forth in the Department of Defense Financial Management 
Regulation (DOD 7000.14-R), or any successor budget 
classification) and developmental test and evaluation to 
transmit the proposed budget for such activities for a fiscal 
year and for the period covered by the future-years defense 
program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title 
for that fiscal year to the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Research and Engineering for review under paragraph (2) before 
submitting the proposed budget to the Under Secretary of 
Defense (Comptroller).
``(2) Report and certification.--The Under Secretary of 
Defense for Research and Engineering shall review each proposed 
budget transmitted under paragraph (1) and, not later than 
January 31 of the year preceding the fiscal year for which the 
budget is proposed, shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a 
report containing the comments of the Under Secretary of 
Defense for Research and Engineering with respect to all such 
proposed budgets, together with the certification of the Under 
Secretary regarding whether each proposed budget is adequate.
``(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 15 days after the 
date on which the budget of the President for each fiscal year 
is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 
31, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report 
specifying each proposed budget contained in the most-recent 
report submitted under paragraph (2) that the Under Secretary 
of Defense for Research Engineering did not certify to be 
adequate. The report of the Secretary shall include the 
following matters:
``(A) A discussion of the actions that the 
Secretary proposes to take, together with any 
recommended legislation that the Secretary considers 
appropriate, to address the inadequacy of the proposed 
budgets specified in the report.
``(B) Any additional comments that the Secretary 
considers appropriate regarding the inadequacy of the 
proposed budgets.''.

SEC. 212. DEPUTY DIRECTORS OF OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION.

Section 139 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (l) as subsection (m); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (k) the following new 
subsection (l):
``(l) The Director shall have a sufficient number of Deputy 
Directors to supervise the activities of the Office and to carry out 
the duties and responsibilities prescribed by law. Each such Deputy 
Director shall be a appointed from the Senior Executive Service.''.

SEC. 213. REPEAL OF PILOT AUTHORITY FOR USE OF OTHER TRANSACTIONS FOR 
INSTALLATION OR FACILITY PROTOTYPING.

Section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking subsection (i).

SEC. 214. MODIFICATIONS TO RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEFENSE INNOVATION 
UNIT.

(a) In General.--Section 4127(d) of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (11) as paragraph (12); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new 
paragraph:
``(11) Coordinate with the portfolio acquisition executives 
of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force 
to--
``(A) identify priority acquisition problems and 
capability needs and gaps;
``(B) identify platforms, capabilities, and 
solutions developed by entities working with the Unit 
that have the potential to address the priority 
acquisition problems and capability needs and gaps 
identified under subparagraph (A); and
``(C) assist such portfolio acquisition executives 
in establishing and carrying out programs for the 
acquisition of such platforms, capabilities, and 
solutions.''.
(b) Clarifying Amendment to BOOST Program.--Section 1833 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 
119-60; 10 U.S.C. 3453 note) is amended by striking ``commercial'' each 
place it appears.

SEC. 215. TEST AND EVALUATION REPOSITORY AND REGIONAL TEST HUBS OF THE 
TEST RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CENTER.

(a) In General.--Section 4173 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1) by adding at the end the following 
new subparagraph:
``(G) To carry out the activities described in subsections 
(j) and (k).'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (j) as subection (l);
(3) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new 
subsections:
``(j) Repository of Test and Evaluation Facilities.--(1) The 
Director shall establish and maintain a digital repository that 
identifies and provides relevant information on all testing and 
evaluation facilities in the United States that could be made available 
for use by the Department of Defense and qualified partners for the 
testing and evaluation of weapon systems and innovative technologies.
``(2) The repository established under paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) identify all testing and evaluation facilities that 
meet the criteria specified in paragraph (1), including--
``(i) facilities owned or operated by the Federal 
Government, including--
``(I) facilities in the Major Range and 
Test Facility Base;
``(II) facilities not included in the Major 
Range and Test Facility Base; and
``(III) National Guard facilities; and
``(ii) facilities owned or operated by--
``(I) State or local governments;
``(II) academic institutions;
``(III) nonprofit organizations; or
``(IV) for-profit entities; and
``(B) with respect to each testing and evaluation facility 
identified in the repository, provide--
``(i) a description of the facility, including a 
description of the capabilities and instrumentation 
available at the facility;
``(ii) points of contact for scheduling range time 
at the facility; and
``(iii) such other information as the Director 
determines appropriate.
``(3) The Director shall update the repository under 
paragraph (1) not less frequently than annually.
``(4) The Director shall make the repository established 
under paragraph (1) accessible to such elements of the 
Department of Defense and qualified partners as the Director 
determines appropriate.
``(k) Authority to Establish Regional Test and Evaluation Hubs.--
(1) The Director may establish and maintain regional test and 
evaluation hubs at locations within and outside the United States for 
purposes of facilitating or conducting test and evaluation activities.
``(2) In the event the Director exercises the authority to 
establish and maintain regional test and evaluation hubs under 
paragraph (1), the Director shall develop a strategy and criteria for 
the selection of locations for such hubs, which shall include 
consideration of whether the geographic region served by the hub 
provides an environment conducive to the simulation of realistic 
threats and environmental conditions.''; and
(4) in subsection (l), as so redesignated--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking 
``Definition'' and inserting ``Definitions'';
(B) by striking ``In this section, the term'' and 
inserting ``In this section:
``(1) The term''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(2) The term `qualified partner' means an entity that the 
Director determines--
``(A) is engaged in the development of capabilities 
for the Department of Defense, such as a contractor, 
academic institution, or other private sector 
organization; and
``(B) is qualified to conduct test and evaluation 
activities at a facility described in subsection (j) or 
a regional test and evaluation hub described in 
subsection (k).''.
(b) Deadline.--The Director of the Test Resource Management Center 
shall establish the repository required under section 4173(j) of title 
10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section), by 
not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 216. WEAPON SYSTEM PLATFORM MODERNIZATION AND CYBER HARDENING.

Section 228 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 139 Stat. 786; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note) is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
following new paragraph:
``(3) The Secretary shall, not later than two years after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, select not fewer than 
three additional weapon system platforms for participation in 
the demonstration.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d), and 
in such subsection--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting after ``2027,'' the 
following: ``and again on January 1, 2028, and 
January 1, 2029,''; and
(ii) by striking ``with respect to the 
demonstration conducted pursuant to subsection 
(a)'' and inserting ``with respect to the 
activities carried out under subsections (a), 
(b), and (c)'';
(B) in each of paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking 
``The report'' and inserting ``Each report''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as 
subparagraph (C); and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) 
the following new subparagraph:
``(B) The results of the evaluation carried out 
under subsection (c)(1) and any pilot efforts carried 
out under subsection (c)(2).'';
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
subsection:
``(c) Operational Integration.--The Secretary of Defense shall--
``(1) evaluate opportunities to integrate data collected 
and analyzed from the demonstration into command and control, 
logistics, sustainment, and maintenance systems of the 
Department of Defense, prioritizing systems with the greatest 
operational value; and
``(2) conduct pilot efforts to integrate the monitoring 
capabilities included in the demonstration into the platforms 
included in the demonstration, as appropriate.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Duration of Authority.--The authority provided under this 
section shall remain in effect until September 30, 2028.''.

SEC. 217. REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO ACT THROUGH 
A SPECIFIED OFFICIAL FOR NATO INNOVATION PROGRAM.

(a) Repeal of Requirement to Act Through Specified Official.--
Subsections (a) and (b) of section 222 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 
189) are amended by striking ``, acting through the Under Secretary of 
Defense for Research and Engineering,'' each place it appears.
(b) Repeal of Executed Requirement.--Such section is further 
amended--
(1) by striking subsection (c); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
(c) and (d), respectively.

SEC. 218. MODIFICATION TO TEST PROGRAM FOR ENGINEERING PLANT OF CERTAIN 
VESSELS.

Section 221 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 1599) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and other large 
surface combatant'' before ``vessels'';
(2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``or any subsequent 
class of large surface combatant vessels'' after ``destroyer 
class of vessels'';
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ``Senior Technical 
Authority for the DDG(X) destroyer class of vessels'' and 
inserting ``Senior Technical Authority for the class of vessels 
involved (as designated pursuant to section 8669b of title 10, 
United States Code)'';
(4) in subsection (d), by striking ``for the DDG(X) 
destroyer class of vessels'' and inserting ``for the class of 
vessels involved'';
(5) in subsection (e), by striking ``by not later than the 
delivery date of the lead ship in the DDG(X) destroyer class of 
vessels'' and inserting ``for a class of vessels by not later 
than the delivery date of the lead ship in that class of 
vessels''; and
(6) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
``(f) Delivery Date Defined.--In this section, term `delivery date' 
has the meaning given that term in section 8671 of title 10, United 
States Code.''.

SEC. 219. UNITED STATES-ISRAEL DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION 
INITIATIVE.

(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense shall designate an 
executive agent, as such term is defined in Department of Defense 
Directive 5101.01 (relating to DoD Executive Agent, issued February 7, 
2022), responsible for synchronizing cooperative efforts between the 
United States and Israel, to expand and accelerate bilateral defense 
technology research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and 
industrial cooperation, by--
(1) identifying jointly developed or Israeli-origin 
technologies with operational utility for potential integration 
into United States systems and programs of record;
(2) ensuring collaborative research initiatives involving 
government, private sector, and academic institutions in the 
United States and Israel, is done in a manner that protects 
sensitive technology and information and the national security 
interests of the United States and Israel;
(3) facilitating the transition of technologies from 
research and development into procurement and acquisition 
pathways;
(4) establishing frameworks for joint ventures, licensing 
agreements, and United States-based co-production or 
manufacturing partnerships with Israeli industry;
(5) coordinating with relevant Department of Defense 
components, including the Irregular Warfare Technical Support 
Directorate, capability development and innovation divisions, 
the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, 
the Defense Innovation Unit, the United States-Israel 
Operations Technology Working Group, the Defense Advanced 
Research Projects Agency, the Missile Defense Agency, the 
United States Space Command, the military departments, and 
other Department of Defense entities, as appropriate, to align 
efforts and avoid duplication; and
(6) promoting joint training exercises and information-
sharing mechanisms to enhance operational readiness to deploy 
jointly developed technologies.
(b) Cooperative Efforts.--The synchronized cooperative efforts 
under subsection (a) may be carried out through the following domains:
(1) Counter-Unmanned Systems including aerial, maritime, 
and ground platforms.
(2) Anti-tunneling and subterranean threats.
(3) Missile and air defense technologies.
(4) Artificial intelligence, quantum, machine learning, and 
autonomous systems.
(5) Directed energy and advanced sensing.
(6) Cyber defense, electronic warfare, and digital 
resilience.
(7) Biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and medical defense.
(8) Network integration, data fusion, and contested 
logistics.
(9) Defense industrial base cooperation, manufacturing, and 
co-production.
(10) Other emerging technologies as jointly agreed by the 
United States and Israel.
(c) Activities in Coordination With Other Federal Departments and 
Agencies.--The Secretary of Defense shall coordinate activities, as 
appropriate, with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, 
and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to 
ensure consistency with existing laws and regulations.
(d) Interim Progress Update.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide 
to the congressional defense committees an interim briefing on--
(1) the executive agent designated pursuant to subsection 
(a) and the efforts undertaken by such executive agent to lead 
Department of Defense implementation of the synchronized 
cooperative efforts described in such subsection;
(2) the status of coordination, Department-wide, with 
Israeli counterparts;
(3) initial technology areas identified for accelerated 
cooperation and technologies with operational utility for 
integration into United States systems and programs of record; 
and
(4) any early transition, prototyping, or integration 
activities initiated during the period covered by the update.
(e) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until 2030, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on implementation of the cooperative efforts 
described in subsection (a). Each such report shall include--
(1) a description of activities conducted;
(2) an assessment of progress made in advancing shared 
national security interests;
(3) an assessment of collaboration with other relevant 
Federal programs;
(4) a description of technologies transitioned into United 
States acquisition programs or fielded systems;
(5) a description of partnerships established with United 
States and Israeli industry; and
(6) recommendations for future opportunities to promote the 
long-term integration of joint capabilities between the United 
States and Israel.
(f) Form.--Each report required under subsection (e) shall be 
submitted in unclassified form and may include a classified annex.
(g) Public Transparency.--The Secretary of Defense shall make 
available on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense 
periodic, unclassified updates, to the maximum extent practicable, on 
the synchronized cooperative efforts carried out under subsection (a), 
including a description of how these efforts contribute to United 
States technological and military supremacy. Such updates shall be made 
in a manner that ensures that classified information or other 
information that would compromise operational security, export 
controls, or sensitive technology are not released.

SEC. 220. ESTABLISHMENT OF SYNTHETIC TRAINING ENVIRONMENT TO SUPPORT 
INDO-PACIFIC OPERATIONS.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall 
establish a synthetic training environment that meets the requirements 
of subsection (b) to support operations in the Indo-Pacific Region.
(b) Requirements.--The synthetic training environment established 
under subsection (a) shall--
(1) incorporate live, virtual, and constructive elements;
(2) integrate training, testing, and simulation 
capabilities across the area of responsibility of the United 
States Indo-Pacific Command;
(3) provide integrated synthetic training and mission 
rehearsal capabilities across all warfighting domains, 
including land, maritime, air, space, cyberspace, and the 
electromagnetic spectrum;
(4) integrate and synchronize, to the maximum extent 
practicable, existing training, experimentation, and simulation 
capabilities of the Department of Defense;
(5) enable distributed training of joint and combined 
forces;
(6) support rehearsal of operational plans and crisis 
response;
(7) enable experimentation for emerging capabilities;
(8) be scalable to support additional combatant command 
requirements as directed by the Secretary of Defense; and
(9) be accessible to allies and partners of the United 
States, consistent with applicable law and security 
requirements.
(c) Report to Congress.--Before establishing the training 
environment under subsection (a), but not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes--
(1) an explanation of how the Secretary intends to 
implement the synthetic training environment required under 
subsection (a);
(2) a cost estimate for the training environment;
(3) a plan for making the training environment accessible 
to allies and partners of the United States; and
(4) an assessment of the potential effects of the training 
environment on readiness.

SEC. 221. REQUIREMENT TO ESTABLISH TEST AND TRAINING CORRIDORS FOR 
SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED 
CAPABILITIES.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish or 
designate, and operate, one or more test and training corridors for 
small unmanned aircraft systems, counter-unmanned aircraft system 
platforms, and associated capabilities within the national airspace 
system.
(b) Facilities.--The Secretary of Defense may construct new 
facilities, or use existing facilities available to the Department of 
Defense, to support one or more test and training corridors established 
or designated under subsection (a) that collectively address each of 
the functions described in subsection (c).
(c) Functions.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any test 
and training corridor established or designated under subsection (a) 
enables the research, development, testing, and evaluation of, and 
training for members of the Armed Forces on--
(1) small unmanned aircraft systems and associated autonomy 
software, kinetic and nonkinetic payloads, sensors, 
communications, and navigation technology;
(2) kinetic and nonkinetic counter small-unmanned aircraft 
system capabilities, including high power microwave, high 
energy laser, and electronic warfare capabilities, and any 
requisite autonomy software, sensors, and command and control 
capabilities;
(3) small to medium caliber counter unmanned aircraft 
systems ammunition and weapon systems, low collateral damage 
weapons and munitions, and drone-versus-drone capabilities;
(4) the acceleration of the integration of modular payloads 
onto multiple unmanned aircraft systems and counter unmanned 
aircraft systems and platforms;
(5) the reduction in time-to-field for lethal and non-
lethal drone-enabled munitions and munition payload 
capabilities; and
(6) standardization of payload-to-platform interfaces.
(d) Site Selection.--In establishing or designating one or more 
test and training corridors under subsection (a), the Secretary of 
Defense, in coordination with the Director of the Test Resource 
Management Center and the Secretaries of the military departments, 
shall--
(1) identify potential locations within the national 
airspace system that would be conducive to conducting testing, 
evaluation, and training activities with respect to small 
unmanned aircraft systems and counter-small unmanned aircraft 
capabilities, with prioritization of sites that best support 
the test and training corridor functions described in 
subsection (c);
(2) assess whether existing test and evaluation facilities, 
including Government-owned and non-Government owned facilities, 
could be used to meet current and future requirements with 
respect to such testing, evaluation and training;
(3) identify any additional resources required to establish 
or designate, and operate the corridor, including military 
construction costs and personnel and manning costs;
(4) identify any sensors and capabilities needed to 
adequately simulate operationally realistic environments in the 
corridor, including environments with denied or degraded--
(A) communications;
(B) electromagnetic spectrum; and
(C) global positioning system;
(5) identify any interagency, legal, regulatory, or policy 
impediments to carrying out testing, evaluation, and training 
activities with respect to small unmanned aircraft systems and 
counter-small unmanned aircraft capabilities within the 
national airspace system, including any impediments to the use 
of--
(A) electronic warfare;
(B) directed energy (such as high-powered microwave 
and high energy lasers);
(C) GPS jamming and spoofing;
(D) spectrum enabled and cellular-network enabled 
systems and capabilities; and
(E) other relevant capabilities;
(6) consult with interagency partners to develop 
recommendations for--
(A) addressing any impediments identified under 
paragraph (4); and
(B) ensuring the safety of testing and training 
activities conducted in the national airspace system; 
and
(7) consider diverse geographic regions across the United 
States.
(e) Notification to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after 
establishing or designating a test and training corridor under 
subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a written notification that 
describes--
(1) the location of the corridor;
(2) any funding, personnel, or other resources required to 
support the corridor; and
(3) any agreements with other Federal agencies that may be 
required to safely operate the corridor in the national 
airspace system.

SEC. 222. OPERATIONAL AUTONOMY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNMANNED SURFACE 
VESSELS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall take such 
actions as may be necessary, including modification of research and 
development and acquisition procedures as appropriate, to ensure that 
unmanned surface vessels are capable of autonomous operation--
(1) during periods in which communications capabilities are 
denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited; and
(2) during periods in which positioning, navigation, and 
timing capabilities are degraded or unavailable.
(b) Briefing.--Following implementation of the actions required 
under subsection (a), but not later than 270 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the 
congressional defense committees a briefing on such actions. The 
briefing shall include an explanation of each of the following:
(1) The ability of unmanned surface vessels to execute 
preauthorized mission tasks without continuous human control.
(2) The ability of such vessels to adhere to defined 
autonomy behaviors, decision logic, and safety constraints 
governing mission execution.
(3) The ability of such vessels to adapt, recover, retask, 
or terminate missions in accordance with preestablished 
operational parameters when communications or positioning, 
navigation, and timing are degraded or unavailable.
(c) Unmanned Surface Vessels.--In this section, the term ``unmanned 
surface vessels'' includes--
(1) unmanned surface vessels in use by the Navy or Marine 
Corps; and
(2) unmanned surface vessels planned for development or 
procurement for the Navy or Marine Corps.

SEC. 223. REALIGNMENT OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE TO 
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE.

(a) Transfer of Responsibility.--Not later than two years after the 
date of the enactment this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Research and Engineering shall--
(1) designate the Air Force as the primary sponsor of the 
National Strategic Research Institute University Affiliated 
Research Center (referred to in this section as the 
``Center''); and
(2) coordinate with the Secretary of the Air Force and the 
Commander of the United States Strategic Command to ensure that 
the Center receives the funding and other resources necessary 
to meet the applicable requirements of the UARC Management Plan 
following such designation.
(b) Resourcing Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
which the designation under subsection (a)(1) occurs, the Secretary of 
the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
plan for providing funding and other resources to the Center in 
accordance with subsection (a)(2).
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``prime sponsor'' has the meaning given that 
term in the UARC Management Plan.
(2) The term ``UARC Management Plan'' means the publication 
of the Department of Defense titled ``Department of Defense 
University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) Management Plan'', 
dated July 2010 (or any successor to such plan).

SEC. 224. REIMBURSEMENT OF NATIONAL GUARD FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, 
TEST, AND EVALUATION EXPENSES.

(a) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated after the 
date of the enactment of this Act for the Department of Defense for 
research, development, test, and evaluation shall be available for 
reimbursement of pay, allowances, and other expenses which would 
otherwise be incurred against appropriations for the reserve components 
of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, in cases in which 
members of the such reserve components provide support to research, 
development, test, and evaluation projects in which their involvement 
furthers the project because of a member's or unit's availability, 
qualifications, experience, or education.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed--
(1) to authorize a deviation from established personnel and 
training procedures of the reserve components of the Armed 
Forces, including the National Guard; or
(2) to authorize the direct engagement of members or units 
of such components to conduct independent research, 
development, test, and evaluation projects.

SEC. 225. USE OF INNOVATIVE AND EMERGING FOOD PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES 
FOR COMPONENTS OF MILITARY RATIONS.

(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
requirements for the future battlefield include dealing with contested 
logistics that--
(1) cannot be achieved with the size and weight of 
currently fielded rations; and
(2) could be mitigated by incorporating within rations, 
components produced with emerging and innovative technologies 
developed in partnership with the Department of Defense Combat 
Feeding Research and Engineering Program.
(b) Activities Required.--Subject to the availability of 
appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary of Defense shall carry 
out the following activities with respect to military rations:
(1) The Secretary shall seek to enter into one or more 
contracts for the procurement of rations produced using 
emerging food technologies such as sonic agglomeration and 
vacuum microwave drying to reduce size and weight.
(2) The Secretary shall maximize the use of the 
technologies described in paragraph (1) for individual combat 
ration components to ensure successful technology transition 
from small business innovation research and research, 
development, test, and evaluation.
(3) As operational needs allow, the Secretary shall 
prioritize clean-label, nutrient-dense components that do not 
contain unhealthy fats or artificial preservatives.
(c) Report to Congress.--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 that includes the following:
(1) A description of any emerging and innovative food 
processing technologies that have been developed or are being 
developed using research, development, test, and evaluation 
investments of the Department of Defense.
(2) The total amount of Department of Defense investments 
in the development of sonic agglomeration and vacuum microwave 
drying technology for military rations, disaggregated by 
research, development, test, and evaluation budget activity, 
including small business innovation research.
(3) The results of warfighter field testing of potential 
ration components produced with the technologies described in 
paragraph (2).
(4) An explanation of quantitative and qualitative 
logistical and nutritional benefits of ration components 
produced using such technologies.
(5) A description of any procurement processes for military 
rations that may be barriers to the acquisition of components 
produced with new and emerging food processing technologies.
(6) A description of any activities carried out to advance 
the transition and adoption of such technologies to better meet 
the challenges of military operations in a contested logistics 
environment.

SEC. 226. SUPPORT FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES THAT STRENGTHEN UNITED 
STATES AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS, AND 
ASSOCIATED BIOINDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING CAPACITY.

(a) In General.--The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, may 
carry out activities to support the development, testing, validation, 
demonstration, and transition of advanced technologies that strengthen 
the resilience, security, and operational continuity of United States 
agricultural production, agrifood systems, and associated bioindustrial 
manufacturing capacity against biological threats, supply chain 
disruptions, natural disasters, and other risks to national security, 
including technologies relating to--
(1) agricultural biosecurity, including detection, 
prevention, mitigation, and recovery relating to plant disease, 
livestock disease, invasive species, and other biological 
threats;
(2) advanced plant, animal, microbial, and bioindustrial 
technologies supporting defense readiness, domestic 
manufacturing capacity, and supply chain security;
(3) engineering, automation, artificial intelligence, 
autonomous systems, and data systems supporting agricultural 
production, logistics, and operational resilience;
(4) natural resource management technologies relating to 
water, energy, soil, forests, and food systems that reduce 
scarcity risks and enhance civilian and military resilience; 
and
(5) wildfire prediction, prevention, mitigation, response, 
and recovery technologies relevant to agricultural 
productivity, infrastructure resilience, and military 
readiness.
(b) Activities.--The activities carried out under subsection (a) 
shall include--
(1) interagency collaboration to accelerate research, 
development, testing, evaluation, field validation, 
demonstration, deployment, and transition of technologies 
described in subsection (a);
(2) collaboration with Federal agencies, federally funded 
research and development centers, national laboratories, 
institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and 
private sector entities; and
(3) prioritization, to the extent practicable, of projects 
demonstrating clear potential to enhance food security, 
operational readiness, domestic production resilience, or 
defense supply chain security.
(c) Reporting.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees an implementation plan 
for activities to be carried out under this section.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit authorities of the Department of Defense or the 
Department of Agriculture that--
(1) were in effect on the day before the date of the 
enactment of this Act; and
(2) authorize or require conduct or support of research, 
development, testing, evaluation, or operational activities.

SEC. 227. PRIZE COMPETITIONS TO SUPPORT THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF 
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Program Required.--
(1) In general.--Pursuant to the authority provided under 
section 4025 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of 
Defense shall carry out a program (referred to in this section 
as the ``Program'') to award prizes to support the research, 
development, and commercialization of biotechnology-based 
capabilities that address priority areas identified by the 
Secretary under subsection (b).
(2) Additional requirements.--The Secretary shall--
(A) before commencing prize competitions under the 
Program, establish requirements for the prize 
competition process, including--
(i) eligibility criteria for participants 
consistent with paragraph (3); and
(ii) procedures for the testing, judging, 
and verification of submissions to the 
competitions; and
(B) ensure that information on the prize 
competitions is made available to eligible 
participants, including by conducting outreach and 
posting such information to a publicly accessible 
website of the Department of Defense.
(3) Eligible participants.--To be eligible for a prize 
award under the Program, an individual or entity shall meet the 
requirements described in section 24(g)(3) of the Stevenson-
Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 
3719(g)(3)).
(4) Judges.--In accordance with section 24(k) of the 
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 
3719(k)), an individual from the private sector may be 
appointed as a judge for a prize competition under the Program.
(5) Coordination.--The Secretary of Defense shall carry out 
the Program acting through the head of the Biotechnology 
Management Office of the Department of Defense and in 
consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments 
and relevant officials from laboratories of the Armed Forces 
and other appropriate elements of the Department of Defense.
(6) Deadline.--The Secretary of Defense shall commence 
implementation of the Program not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Selection of Priority Areas.--
(1) In general.--Before commencing prize competitions under 
the Program, but not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall identify 
and select specific, well-defined, and measurable priority 
areas of biotechnology research and development to be advanced 
through the award of prizes under the Program.
(2) Biotechnology applications.--In carrying out paragraph 
(1), the Secretary is encouraged to identify and select 
priority areas that support the following applications of 
biotechnology for defense purposes:
(A) Bioenergetics.
(B) Biobased material, including for use in 
existing and planned systems where such materials could 
provide improved performance over traditional material.
(C) Biomining, including for critical minerals.
(D) Biomanufacturing platforms and processes, 
including for modular or deployable systems.
(E) Biotechnology convergence with other 
technologies and subject areas, including artificial 
intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and advanced 
computing.
(3) Public input and other considerations.--In identifying 
and selecting priority areas under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
shall--
(A) solicit and consider public input; and
(B) consider--
(i) relevant existing and planned programs 
and activities of Department of Defense and 
other research and development entities of the 
Federal Government;
(ii) the likelihood of relevant research or 
development being conducted by the private 
sector without further support from the Federal 
Government;
(iii) the likelihood that investment in an 
area by the Department of Defense will result 
in improved capabilities or readiness, 
including by increasing supply chain 
resilience; and
(iv) whether such an investment would 
foster innovation beyond the primary goal of 
the proposed priority area.

SEC. 228. PILOT PROGRAM TO RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN 
TECHNOLOGY AND PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT.

(a) Pilot Program.--The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit 
(referred to in this section as the Director) shall carry out a pilot 
program under which the Director awards prizes, on a competitive basis, 
to recognize outstanding achievements in technology development and 
prototype development that----
(1) have the potential to address operational problems and 
capability gaps identified by the Secretary of Defense, the 
Secretaries of the military departments, and combatant 
commanders; or
(2) have potential for application to the performance of 
the military missions of the Department of Defense.
(b) Form of Prizes.--Prizes awarded under this section may 
include--
(1) cash prizes; or
(2) the award of contracts or other agreements.
(c) Information Dissemination.--The Director shall carry out 
activities to publicize the prize competitions carried out under this 
section and to solicit participation in such competitions from eligible 
individuals and entities.
(d) Prize Maximum and Coinvestment Requirements.--
(1) Maximum value.--The value of a prize awarded under this 
section may not exceed $15,000,000.
(2) Coinvestment.--The Director may award a prize under 
this section without receiving approval from the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering if--
(A) the value of the prize is not more than 
$2,000,000; or
(B) in the case of a prize with a value exceeding 
$2,000,000, at least half of the funds for the portion 
of the prize in excess of $2,000,000 are provided by 
the portfolio acquisition executive of an organization 
of the Department of Defense outside the Defense 
Innovation Unit.
(e) Use of Prize Authority.--Use of prize authority under this 
section shall be considered the use of competitive procedures for the 
purposes of chapter 221 of title 10, United States Code.
(f) Commencement and Termination.--
(1) Deadline for commencement.--The Director shall commence 
implementation of the pilot program under subsection (a) not 
later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Termination.--The authority to carry out the pilot 
program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that 
is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(g) Congressional Notice.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 15 days after a contract or 
other agreement that exceeds a fair market value of $2,000,000 
is awarded under this section, the Director shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees written notice of such award.
(2) Contents.--Each notice submitted under paragraph (1) 
shall include--
(A) the value of the relevant contract or other 
agreement, as applicable, including all options;
(B) an identification of any portfolio acquisition 
executive responsible for implementation or oversight 
of technology development or prototype development (as 
applicable) for which an award was made under this 
section, and a brief summary of lessons learned by such 
portfolio acquisition executive in carrying out such 
implementation or oversight;
(C) a brief description of the technology 
development or prototype for which such contract or 
other agreement, as applicable, was awarded; and
(D) an explanation of the benefit to the 
performance of the military mission of the Department 
of Defense resulting from the award.
(h) Portfolio Acquisition Executive Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``portfolio acquisition executive'' has the meaning given that 
term in section 1737 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 229. PILOT PROGRAM ON FORWARD DEPLOYABLE BIOMANUFACTURING 
CAPABILITIES.

(a) Authorization.--The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, may carry 
out a pilot program--
(1) to identify near-term and long-term use cases for 
forward deployable mobile biomanufacturing capabilities; and
(2) to conduct demonstrations of such capabilities.
(b) Activities.--In carrying out the pilot program under subsection 
(a), the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering may--
(1) consider the use of novel manufacturing processes and 
equipment, including automation, modularity, and 
miniaturization of production capabilities;
(2) collaborate with industry to develop forward deployable 
mobile biomanufacturing capabilities; and
(3) consider the security measures required for such 
capabilities when forward deployed.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
report on the status of the pilot program under subsection (a). The 
report shall include--
(1) an assessment of existing Department of Defense 
capabilities related to biomanufacturing and an explanation of 
whether and how those capabilities may be used as part of the 
pilot program;
(2) identification of near-term and long-term use cases for 
the deployment of mobile biomanufacturing;
(3) for each use case identified under paragraph (2), a 
comparison of the estimated cost of fulfilling such use case 
through domestic biomanufacturing at an industrial scale versus 
the cost of fulfilling such use case using mobile 
biomanufacturing at the miniaturized scale;
(4) an assessment of security measures required to deploy 
forward deployable mobile biomanufacturing capabilities; and
(5) an assessment of the viability of transitioning 
technology developed under the pilot program into operational 
use within the Department, including the resources needed for 
further development and scaling of such technology and the 
potential benefits of such technology.

SEC. 230. PILOT PROGRAM ON THE USE OF AUTOMATED DATA SECURITY POSTURE 
MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 
SYSTEMS.

(a) Establsihiment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall establish and 
commence implementation of a pilot program to evaluate the use of 
commercially available automated data security posture management 
technologies to enhance the cybersecurity, effectiveness, and 
reliability of artificial intelligence systems.
(b) Elements.--In carrying out pilot program under subsection (a) 
the Secretary of the Army shall--
(1) identify, select, and deploy at least one commercially 
available data security posture management technology platform 
that is capable of continuous, automated monitoring and 
assessment of artificial intelligence systems for security 
threats specific to such systems;
(2) designate at least one artificial intelligence system 
currently deployed by the Army to demonstrate the data security 
posture managed technology platform selected under paragraph 
(1);
(3) complete the demonstration described in paragraph (2);
(4) train relevant personnel on the deployment, 
maintenance, and data interpretation of the demonstrated data 
security posture management technology platform;
(5) evaluate the demonstrated data security posture 
management technologies--
(A) across the different tasks involved in 
development, deployment, storage, or hosting of 
components of such artificial intelligence system;
(B) to determine the ability of such technologies 
to identify, mitigate and restore any corruption or 
malicious manipulation of the applications or data of 
such artificial intelligence system; and
(C) for compatibility and ease of adoption into the 
value chains of existing artificial intelligence 
systems of the Army;
(6) assess the feasibility of broader deployment of 
commercially available automated data security posture 
management technologies to improve the trustworthiness, 
resilience and integrity of artificial intelligence systems 
maintained by the Army.
(c) Reports.--
(1) Progress report.--Not later than 120 days after the 
date on which the Secretary of the Army commences the pilot 
program under subsection (a), and annually thereafter until the 
termination date specified un subsection (d), the Secretary of 
the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the 
status of implementation and preliminary findings of the pilot 
program, including with respect to each element described in 
subsection (b).
(2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the 
termination date specified in subsection (d), the Secretary of 
the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
the Senate and the House of Representatives a final report on 
the results of the pilot program. The report shall include--
(A) any recommendations of the Secretary with 
respect to the broader implementation commercially 
available automated data security posture management 
technologies to support artificial intelligence systems 
of the Army; and
(B) an assessment of the costs and benefits of such 
technologies.
(d) Termination.--The pilot program under subsection (a) shall 
terminate on the date that is three years after the date on which the 
Secretary of the Army commences the pilot program.

SEC. 231. PILOT PROGRAM ON TECHNOLOGIES TO STRENGTHEN AUTHENTICATION 
AND ATTRIBUTION OF HUMAN AUTHORIZATION FOR CONSEQUENTIAL 
ACTIONS.

(a) Pilot Program Authorized.--The Secretary of Defense may carry 
out a pilot program to evaluate commercially available technologies 
that strengthen authentication and attribution of human authorization 
for consequential actions in order to improve the cybersecurity and 
physical security posture of the Department of Defense.
(b) Objectives.--Under the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense 
shall evaluate technologies that--
(1) strengthen access controls for systems and physical 
areas of the Department of Defense; and
(2) can be integrated across various environments of the 
Department without requiring specialized hardware.
(c) Comencement and Duration.--If the Secretary of Defense 
exercises the authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection 
(a), the program shall--
(1) commence not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act; and
(2) terminate not later than one year after the date on 
which the program is commenced.
(d) Report.--Not later than March 1, 2028, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that 
includes--
(1) a summary of the results of the pilot program under 
subsection (a); and
(2) recommendations regarding adoption the technologies 
evaluated under the program at a wider scale across the 
Department of Defense.

SEC. 232. CLOUD LABORATORY PILOT PROGRAM.

(a) Cloud Laboratory Pilot Program.--
(1) Program required.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
carry out a pilot program to support the establishment 
of cloud laboratories at the Department of Defense.
(B) Requirements.--Each cloud laboratory supported 
under the pilot program shall generate high-quality 
data that shall be collected for use and analysis by 
authorized researchers.
(2) Implementation.--
(A) Initial laboratory.--Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act and subject 
to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary 
shall establish at least one fully operational cloud 
laboratory.
(B) Additional laboratories.--Not later than three 
years after the date of the enactment of this Act and 
subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Secretary shall, on a competitive basis, establish not 
fewer than two additional fully operational cloud 
laboratories.
(C) Biotechnology-focused laboratory.--At least one 
of the cloud laboratories established under this 
paragraph shall be focused on advancing research and 
development of biotechnology.
(3) Implementation plan.--Not later than one year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report that includes the following:
(A) A plan to establish the cloud laboratories.
(B) A plan for building in considerations related 
to cybersecurity, biosecurity, and research security 
from the beginning of development for each cloud 
laboratory.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``artificial intelligence'' has the meaning 
given such term in section 5002 of the William M. (Mac) 
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2021 (Public Law 116-283;15 U.S.C. 9401).
(2) The term ``authorized researcher'' refers to an 
individual who has been appropriately authorized to access data 
generated by the cloud laboratories supported under the pilot 
program, as determined by the Secretary using an authorization 
process established by the Secretary for such purpose.
(3) The term ``cloud laboratory'' means a physical 
laboratory that is equipped with automation and data storage to 
conduct continuous experiments.
(4) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Defense.

SEC. 233. PILOT PROGRAM TO TEST AND EVALUATE MUZZLE BLAST OVERPRESSURE 
MITIGATION DEVICES.

(a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination 
with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall carry out a 
pilot program to evaluate, test, and implement muzzle blast 
overpressure mitigation devices for small and medium caliber weapons in 
relevant training and operational environments.
(b) Activities.--Under the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense 
shall--
(1) assess the effectiveness of commercially available and 
emerging muzzle blast overpressure mitigation devices in 
reducing blast exposure to operators and nearby personnel;
(2) evaluate the operational suitability, durability, and 
performance effects of such devices across representative 
weapon systems and mission sets; and
(3) collect information to inform future Department of 
Defense policies, requirements, procurement decisions, and 
force-wide implementation strategies relating to blast 
overpressure mitigation.

SEC. 234. SPACE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION OF ADVANCED NUCLEAR PROPULSION 
TECHNOLOGIES.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, acting through 
the Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, may establish a 
pilot program to conduct in-space technology demonstrations, and 
related risk reduction technology development activities, with respect 
to both advanced nuclear fission propulsion systems and advanced 
nuclear fusion propulsion systems.
(b) Purpose.--If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out the pilot program in a 
manner that reduces technical risk and informs future development 
requirements relating to nuclear propulsion for national security 
missions in space, including potential operations beyond geosynchronous 
orbit, including in cislunar orbit.
(c) Selection.--If the Secretary carries out the pilot program 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall select entities to carry out 
activities under the pilot program. In determining the criteria for 
making such selection, the Secretary shall emphasize previous 
subcomponent and prototype development and the ability to demonstrate 
within reasonable timeframes.
(d) Demonstration Required.--If the Secretary carries out the pilot 
program under subsection (a), not later than three years after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct in-space 
demonstrations described in subsection (a), with oversight by the Air 
Force Research Laboratory Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air 
Force Base, California.
(e) Activities.--In carrying out the pilot program under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall, at a minimum--
(1) establish technical objectives and success criteria for 
the in-space demonstrations described in subsection (a);
(2) develop a concept of operations and test and evaluation 
approach for the demonstrations;
(3) conduct ground test activities necessary to support the 
demonstrations;
(4) assist in the acquisition of launch services;
(5) plan for collection and analysis of on-orbit data 
sufficient to assess propulsion performance, operability, and 
reliability; and
(6) assess potential use cases for applications in cislunar 
operations pending the conclusion of the demonstrations.
(f) Plan.--Before commencing the pilot program under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees 
a plan on the pilot program.
(g) Report.--If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under 
subsection (a), not later than one year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on the pilot program. The report shall include--
(1) a description of the activities carried out under the 
pilot program, including the planned demonstration concept of 
operations and the associated timeline;
(2) the technical objectives and success criteria 
established under subsection (e)(1);
(3) an assessment of major technical risks and planned 
risk-mitigation activities; and
(4) an assessment of parallel efforts by the People's 
Republic of China to develop and deploy advanced space 
propulsion technologies for strategic purposes.

SEC. 235. PROHIBITION ON PILOT TRAINEES OPERATING T-7 AIRCRAFT PENDING 
TESTING AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS.

(a) In General.--A pilot trainee may not operate a T-7 aircraft of 
the Air Force until the Secretary of the Air Force certifies to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives that each of the following conditions have been met:
(1) All corrections to flight control laws and mission 
systems discovered in developmental testing of such aircraft 
are fully implemented.
(2) The subsonic, transonic, and supersonic full 
operational flight and performance envelopes of such aircraft 
are fully tested and characterized.
(3) Qualification testing of the Ground Based Training 
System for such aircraft is fully completed and all 
deficiencies are resolved.
(b) Pilot Trainee Defined.--In this section, the term ``pilot 
trainee'' means a non-rated officer of the Air Force enrolled as a 
student participating in a formal undergraduate pilot training course.

SEC. 236. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR GAIN OF FUNCTION 
RESEARCH.

(a) Prohibition.--None of the funds authorized to be appropriated 
by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the 
Department of Defense may be obligated or expended--
(1) to conduct gain-of-function research on any potential 
pandemic pathogen at any facility operated by or on behalf of 
the Department; or
(2) to award contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or 
any other form of financial assistance to any institution of 
higher education, nonprofit organization, private entity, or 
other research institute that is conducting gain-of-function 
research on potential pandemic pathogens.
(b) Waiver.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may waive the 
prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis, with 
respect to an individual research project, grant, contract, or 
cooperative agreement, if the Secretary determines that such a 
waiver is in the national interests of the United States.
(2) Congressional notice.--Not later than 30 days before 
the date on which an award is made, a project is initiated, or 
an agreement entered into, with respect to which a waiver is 
made under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House 
of Representatives notice of such waiver.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``gain-of-function research'' means any 
research that may be reasonably anticipated to confer an 
attribute to a pathogen such that the pathogen would have 
enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility in mammals.
(2) The term ``potential pandemic pathogen'' means a 
pathogen that, as a result of any gain-of-function research--
(A) is likely more transmissible or likely capable 
of wide and uncontrollable spread in human populations;
(B) is likely more virulent or likely to cause 
modest or greater morbidity or mortality in humans; or
(C) is likely to pose a severe threat to public 
health, the capacity of the public health systems to 
function, or national security.

SEC. 237. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR ANIMAL RESEARCH IN 
COLLABORATION WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES OF CONCERN.

(a) Prohibition.--None of the funds authorized to be appropriated 
by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the 
Department of Defense may be obligated or expended--
(1) to carry out research, development, test, evaluation, 
or training activities involving animals--
(A) in collaboration with a foreign country of 
concern; or
(B) at any facility located in, or owned or 
controlled (directly or indirectly) by, a foreign 
country of concern; or
(2) to enter into a contract or other agreement, or make a 
grant, pursuant to which such activities would be carried out.
(b) Foreign Country of Concern Defined.--In this section, the term 
``foreign country of concern'' has the meaning given that term in 
section 9901 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 15 U.S.C. 
4651).

Subtitle C--Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

SEC. 251. POLICY TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITION OF QUANTUM 
COMPUTING SYSTEMS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Policy Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue a policy to 
guide the development and acquisition of quantum computing systems for 
the Department of Defense. Under the policy, the Secretary shall--
(1) establish a definition of ``quantum computing system'' 
for purposes of the policy;
(2) establish a process for validating and verifying 
quantum computing systems before such systems are developed or 
acquired by the Department; and
(3) ensure that the development and acquisition of such 
systems is consistent with and informed by the findings and 
processes of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative of the Defense 
Advanced Research Projects Agency (or any successor 
initiative).
(b) Limitation and Waiver.--
(1) Limitation.--Following issuance of the policy under 
subsection (a), a quantum computing system may not be developed 
or acquired by an element of the Department of Defense unless 
the system has been validated and verified in accordance with 
such policy.
(2) Waiver.--The Secretary of Defense may waive the 
limitation under paragraph (1), on a case by case basis, with 
respect to a specific quantum computing system. In the event 
the Secretary issues such a waiver, the Secretary shall provide 
to the congressional defense committees, not later than 15 days 
after date on which the waiver was issued--
(A) written notice of such waiver; and
(B) the Secretary's justification for the waiver.

SEC. 252. PLAN FOR COMPETITIVE EXPERIMENTATION RELATING TO AUTONOMOUS 
AND NONTRADITIONAL CAPABILITIES RELEVANT TO THE A-10 
MISSION SET.

(a) Plan Required.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall develop a 
plan to carry out competitive experimentation, prototyping, and 
operational assessment of autonomous, semi-autonomous, artificial 
intelligence-enabled, and adjunct aircraft capabilities relevant to the 
A-10 mission set.
(b) Elements.--The plan under subsection (a) shall include the 
following:
(1) Appropriate opportunities for participation by 
nontraditional defense contractors, commercial technology 
firms, venture-backed defense firms, and other private-sector 
entities capable of rapidly developing relevant hardware, 
software, autonomy, sensing, communications, or mission system 
capabilities.
(2) Measures to ensure operational experimentation is 
conducted in a manner consistent with meaningful human command 
and control, by a qualified military aviator, over mission-
critical functions, including target engagement, weapons 
release, mission abort, and such other functions as the 
Secretary of the Air Force determines appropriate.
(3) An estimated annual budget for implementing the plan.
(4) Consideration of how to make available to a qualified 
United States entity a limited number of A-10 aircraft, 
components, or associated support equipment for the sole 
purpose of research, development, test, and evaluation 
activities relevant to the A-10 mission set, autonomous or 
semi-autonomous aircraft integration, mission systems 
development, digital battlefield communications, or other 
related capabilities.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives report on the plan developed under subsection (a).
(d) Qualified United States Entity.--In this section, the term 
``qualified United States entity'' means--
(1) a nontraditional defense contractor;
(2) a traditional defense contractor;
(3) a federally funded research and development center;
(4) a university-affiliated research center; or
(5) another domestic entity the Secretary determines is 
capable of carrying out the activities described in subsection 
(a) in a manner consistent with national security and public 
safety.

SEC. 253. PLAN FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND EVALUATION OF EXPERIMENTAL, DRONE-
CENTRIC RECONNAISSANCE AND SECURITY FORMATIONS.

(a) Plan Required.--The Secretary of the Army shall develop a plan 
for establishing and evaluating one or more experimental, battalion-
sized formations that integrate unmanned aircraft systems to carry out 
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and precision strike 
operations at-scale.
(b) Elements.--The plan required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) provide for the establishment of at least one 
experimental formation, as described in subsection (a), 
attached to a division;
(2) include mechanisms to enable the Secretary of the Army 
to evaluate the operational effectiveness, survivability, 
targeting capacity, and cost-efficiency of such a formation 
relative to legacy cavalry and scout formations, and to inform 
future force design decisions;
(3) identify any modifications to organizational design, 
personnel structure, and training pipelines that may be needed 
to facilitate the establishment of such a formation;
(4) as appropriate, provide for the use of rapid 
acquisition pathways to procure unmanned aircraft systems for 
such a formation; and
(5) coordinate with the Defense Autonomous Working Group to 
ensure that defense-wide research, development, testing, 
procurement, and fielding of mass-produced small unmanned 
aircraft systems will meet current and emerging Army 
requirements.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report that includes--
(1) the plan developed under subsection (a); and
(2) an estimate of the funding required to establish and 
sustain the initial experimental formation under the plan, 
disaggregated by individual appropriation.

SEC. 254. PLAN FOR USE OF CERTAIN AIRCRAFT FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
PURPOSES.

(a) Plan Required.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall develop a 
plan to regenerate, restore, modify, and use a limited number of 
covered aircraft for research, development, test, and evaluation 
activities relevant to--
(1) autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft capabilities;
(2) human-machine teaming;
(3) mission autonomy software;
(4) mission systems integration;
(5) sensing, communications, and digital battlefield 
networking;
(6) operational experimentation and tactics development; 
and
(7) such other defense innovation purposes as the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
(b) Elements.--The plan under subsection (a) shall include the 
following:
(1) Plans for the use of covered aircraft for--
(A) developmental flight testing;
(B) operational evaluation;
(C) autonomy experimentation;
(D) software, sensor, communications, and mission 
systems integration;
(E) optionally piloted, remotely assisted, or other 
autonomy-related flight experimentation, to the extent 
authorized by applicable law and regulation; and
(F) associated ground test, simulation, mission 
rehearsal, and related research activities.
(2) Consideration of how to make available to qualified 
United States entities a limited number of covered aircraft for 
the sole purpose of conducting the research, development, test, 
and evaluation activities described in this section, including 
any demilitarization requirements, cost reimbursements, and 
access to approved testing and evaluation facilities that may 
be required to facilitate the participation of such entities.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives report on the plan developed under subsection (a).
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered aircraft'' means an aircraft 
preserved at, inducted into, or proposed for induction into the 
309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, including 
an aircraft stored or preserved on behalf of another military 
department or Department of Defense component, that the 
Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the head of 
the relevant military department or component, as appropriate, 
determines--
(A) is structurally viable for regeneration, 
modification, test, evaluation, or other authorized use 
under this section;
(B) is not required to meet current operational, 
training, test, contingency reserve, heritage, or 
security cooperation requirements; and
(C) may be useful for research, development, test, 
and evaluation, autonomy experimentation, mission 
systems integration, uncrewed conversion, or related 
defense innovation purposes.
(2) The term ``qualified United States entity'' means a 
domestic entity that the Secretary determines has the 
technical, security, financial, safety, and programmatic 
capability to support activities under this section, 
including--
(A) a nontraditional defense contractor;
(B) a commercial technology company;
(C) a small business concern;
(D) a traditional defense contractor;
(E) a federally funded research and development 
center;
(F) a university-affiliated research center; or
(G) a consortium, team, or other arrangement 
composed of entities described in subparagraphs (A) 
through (F).

SEC. 255. SONOBUOY MODERNIZATION, TESTING, AND INVENTORY SUFFICIENCY 
FOR TWO SIMULTANEOUS REGIONAL CONFLICTS.

(a) Strategy and Inventory Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall 
develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for sonobuoy 
modernization, testing, production, and inventory sufficiency.
(2) Elements.--The strategy required under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of the minimum required inventory 
levels of----
(i) passive sonobuoys;
(ii) active sonobuoys;
(iii) multistatic sonobuoys;
(iv) air-deployed anti-submarine warfare 
sensor systems;
(v) exercise, training, and telementry 
sonobuoys;
(vi) extended-duration and deep-water 
sonobuoys;
(vii) Arctic-capable sonobuoys; and
(viii) next-generation networked or 
autonomous sonobuoy systems.
(B) An assessment of wartime sonobuoy expenditure 
assumptions for combat operations against peer and 
near-peer maritime adversaries, including assumptions 
associated with high-tempo anti-submarine warfare 
operations in the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic 
theaters.
(C) An evaluation of current sonobuoy production 
capacity, including limitations associated with--
(i) acoustic transducers;
(ii) signal processing electronics;
(iii) microelectronics and semiconductors;
(iv) batteries and power systems;
(v) radio frequency transmitters and 
receivers;
(vi) specialty materials and rare earth 
elements;
(vii) air deployment integration systems; 
and
(viii) single-source supplies.
(D) A plan to increase annual sonobuoy production 
capacity and reduce production lead times during 
contingencies.
(E) An assessment of the adequacy of existing 
sonobuoy testing infrastructure, including--
(i) undersea warfare test ranges;
(ii) acoustic measurement and calibration 
facilities;
(iii) contested electromagnetic spectrum 
testing capabilities;
(iv) Arctic and deep-water testing 
environments;
(v) shallow water and littoral testing 
capabilities;
(vi) digital engineering, modeling, and 
synthetic testing environments;
(vii) unmanned systems integration and 
testing capabilities; and
(viii) opportunities for allied and partner 
nation testing and interoperability.
(F) A description of efforts to improve sonobuoy 
survivability, persistence, networking capability, and 
effectiveness against advanced adversary submarine 
quieting, decoys, electronic warfare systems, and 
acoustic countermeasures.
(G) An assessment of storage, transportation, 
prepositioning, and expeditionary resupply capacity for 
sonobuoys during wartime operations.
(H) A description of efforts to integrate sonobuoys 
with--
(i) maritime patrol aircrafts;
(ii) carrier-based aircrafts;
(iii) rotary-wing anti-submarine warfare 
platforms;
(iv) tiltrotor aircrafts;
(v) unmanned aerial systems;
(vi) unmanned surface vessels;
(vii) unmanned undersea vehicles; and
(viii) joint and allied anti-submarine 
warfare networks.
(I) An assessment of any statutory or regulatory 
barriers limiting expansion of sonobuoy production, 
testing, procurement, or fielding.
(J) Recommendations for legislative or 
administrative action necessary to improve sonobuoy 
readiness and wartime sufficiency.
(b) Industrial Base Expansion Plan.--Not later than 90 days after 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop a 
plan to expand the sonobuoy industrial base to support sustained 
wartime production requirements. Such plan shall include--
(1) options for second-source suppliers;
(2) the potential for Government-owned, contractor-operated 
facilities;
(3) use of multiyear procurement authorities pursuant to 
section 3501 of title 10, United States Code;
(4) opportunities to expand public-private partnerships for 
anti-submarine warfare sensor manufacturing and sustainment;
(5) measures to improve supply chain resilience for 
critical components;
(6) options for surge production during national 
emergencies or armed conflict; and
(7) opportunities for allied co-production and stockpile 
interoperability.
(c) Operational Test Events.--Beginning not later than fiscal year 
2028, the Secretary of the Navy shall conduct recurring operationally 
realistic sonobuoy exercises that include--
(1) congested elecromagnetic spectrum conditions;
(2) integrated fleet anti-submarine warfare operations;
(3) multiple simultaneous submarine targets;
(4) degraded communications and positioning, navigation, 
and timing environments;
(5) unmanned systems integration;
(6) distributed maritime operations;
(7) Arctic and littoral anti-submarine warfare scenarios; 
and
(8) joint and allied participation, as appropriate.
(d) Briefing Requirement.--Not later than 120 days after the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide a 
briefing to the congressional defense committees on--
(1) the highest-risk shortfalls in sonobuoy inventory and 
testing capacity;
(2) projected wartime inventory depletion timelines;
(3) vulnerabilities associated with single-source suppliers 
and critical materials dependencies; and
(4) investments required during the future-years defense 
program to achieve sufficiency for two simultaneous regional 
conflicts.

SEC. 256. REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIES TO ACCELERATE THE 
QUALIFICATION PROCESS FOR DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED ADVANCED 
ENERGETIC MATERIALS.

(a) Acceleration of Formulation-to-system Qualification for 
Advanced Energetic Materials.--
(1) Review and implementation.--The Secretary of Defense, 
acting through the head of the Joint Energetics Transition 
Office shall--
(A) conduct a review to identify opportunities to 
accelerate the qualification process for the 
integration of novel advanced energetic materials into 
military systems; and
(B) based on the results of such review, implement 
measures to accelerate such qualification process.
(2) Elements.--In conducting the review required under 
paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary of Defense shall--
(A) conduct a detailed analysis of the feasibility 
of--
(i) expediting the qualification of new 
formulations derived from advanced energetic 
materials, including developmental 
classification, insensitive munitions testing, 
and hazard classification activities;
(ii) streamlining nonstatutory 
administrative requirements for warhead-level 
and system-level qualification of advanced 
energetic materials in cases in which modeling, 
simulation, and surrogate testing of such 
materials provide sufficient evidence of 
equivalent or superior performance and safety 
compared to legacy energetic materials, without 
compromising statutorily prescribed safety or 
environmental standards;
(iii) implementing integrated test 
campaigns that enable concurrent or overlapping 
evaluations of the formulation, warhead, and 
system performance of advanced energetic 
materials to reduce total time to fielding, 
aiming for full system qualification within 18 
months to the extent feasible, while ensuring 
no compromise to safety or operational 
reliability; and
(iv) prioritizing advanced energetic 
materials for inclusion in mission-aligned 
prototyping, live-fire demonstrations, and 
portfolio-level experimentation under rapid 
acquisition authorities;
(B) identify any barriers to the integration of 
novel advanced energetic materials into military 
systems;
(C) develop a set of prioritized measures that may 
be implemented to address such barriers, including 
potential near-term measures achievable under existing 
authorities; and
(D) determine--
(i) estimated timelines for implementing 
such measures;
(ii) the organizations and elements of the 
Department of Defense that could carry out such 
measures; and
(iii) any statutory, regulatory, or 
administrative barriers inhibiting the 
implementation of such measures.
(b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the review 
conducted under subsection (a)(1)(A) and the measures implemented under 
subsection (a)(1)(B). The report shall include--
(1) a list of advanced energetic materials for which the 
Secretary accelerated the formulation-to-system qualification 
process as a result of the review under subsection (a)(1)(A) 
and a list of advanced energetic materials that were identified 
as candidates for acceleration;
(2) a comparison of the timelines to qualification 
milestones for materials identified under paragraph (1) 
compared to such timelines if the formulation-to-system 
qualification process had not been accelerated for such 
materials, including quantitative estimates of time savings and 
measurable milestones to the extent practicable;
(3) a description of any other actions taken to accelerate 
the qualification process for such materials, with 
justifications; and
(4) recommendations for further legislative or 
administrative actions to enhance domestic energetics 
production and qualification.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to authorize the waiver of any statutory requirement, 
including any statutory requirement related to safety, environmental 
protection, or national security.
(d) Advanced Energetic Material Defined.--The term ``advanced 
energetic material'' means a domestically produced substance or 
mixture, such as explosives, propellants, or pyrotechnics, that 
releases energy rapidly and demonstrates performance improvements over 
legacy energetic materials in areas such as energy density, as 
determined by the Secretary of Defense in accordance with established 
Department of Defense standards.

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 2027 
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. INCLUSION OF NUCLEAR ENERGY IN ENERGY POLICY OF DEPARTMENT OF 
DEFENSE AND RELATED MATTERS.

(a) Inclusion in Energy Policy.--Section 2911 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsections (b) and (e), by inserting `` or nuclear 
energy'' after ``renewable energy sources'' each place it 
appears;
(2) in subsection (g)--
(A) in the heading, by inserting `` and nuclear 
energy'' after ``renewable energy'';
(B) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by inserting `` or 
nuclear energy'' after ``renewable energy sources'' 
each place it appears; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting `` and nuclear 
energy'' after ``the use of renewable energy''; and
(3) in subsection (h)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by inserting `` or nuclear 
energy'' after ``renewable energy source, other than 
solar energy,''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting `` or nuclear 
energy'' after ``a renewable energy source''.
(b) Inclusion in Matters Relating to Use of Energy for 
Facilities.--Section 2915 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``renewable forms 
of energy'' and inserting ``nuclear energy, renewable forms of 
energy,'';
(2) by striking ``solar energy or other renewable forms of 
energy'' each place it appears and inserting ``nuclear energy, 
or solar energy or other renewable forms of energy,''; and
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ``a renewable form of 
energy'' and inserting ``such a form of energy''.

SEC. 312. MODIFICATION TO PILOT PROGRAM ON NAVY INSTALLATION NUCLEAR 
ENERGY.

Section 321(b)(2)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 8751) is 
amended by striking ``needed capacity of the reactor is in the range of 
20MW to 300MW'' and inserting ``needed capacity of the reactor is a 
minimum of 20MW''.

SEC. 313. STANDARDIZED DOCUMENT ON SCOPE OF PROJECTS CARRIED OUT UNDER 
MILITARY MUNITIONS RESPONSE PROGRAM.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a 
standardized document for the scope of munitions responses (in this 
section referred to as a ``scope document'') for each project carried 
out under the Military Munitions Response Program at a covered site.
(b) Required Certification and Approval.--The Secretary of Defense 
shall require that, for each project specified in subsection (a), the 
Secretary of the military department or head of the Defense Agency 
concerned certifies and approves the scope document for the project 
prior to the issuance of any task order for the project.
(c) Elements.--Each scope document shall include, with respect to 
the applicable project and at a minimum, the following:
(1) A description of the scope of the project, including an 
identification of the applicable phase or phases of munitions 
responses under the project and the key assumptions, data gaps, 
and principal risk drivers, affecting such scope.
(2) A cost and schedule estimate for the completion of such 
phase or phases, with contingencies sufficient to account for 
uncertainty in subsurface conditions, anomaly or contaminant 
quantity, access limitations, and explosives safety 
constraints.
(3) A summary of explosives safety, human health, 
environmental, and mission risks, applicable statutory and 
regulatory requirements, and the consequences of delayed action 
with respect to the project, set forth in a format that 
supports the prioritization of projects across covered sites.
(4) Documented certification and approval of the scope 
document, consistent with the requirement under subsection (b).
(d) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance 
specifying the required form of, and additional details on the matters 
required to be included in, each scope document based on the complexity 
of the covered site at which the applicable project is carried out and 
the phase of munitions response under such project.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The terms ``base closure law'' and ``Defense Agency'' 
have the meanings given such terms in section 101(a) of title 
10, United States Code.
(2) The term ``covered site'' means a military installation 
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense, a National 
Guard facility, a military installation closed or realigned 
under a base closure law, or a formerly used defense site.

SEC. 314. PILOT PROGRAM FOR SECURE RECYCLING OF DOMESTIC ELECTRONIC 
WASTE.

(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish a 
pilot program to evaluate the use of domestic, integrated electronic 
waste recycling infrastructure to support the secure destruction of 
data and the recovery of critical materials from electronic equipment 
of the Department of Defense.
(b) Scope.--In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall--
(1) use existing facilities capable of end-to-end 
processing of the electronic waste referred to in such 
subsection, including the secure dismantling and shredding of 
such waste and metallurgical recovery from such waste;
(2) assess the potential for reuse in the defense 
industrial base of critical minerals and other materials so 
recovered;
(3) assess the environmental and supply chain benefits 
associated with the domestic recycling of such electronic 
waste; and
(4) ensure compliance with applicable standards of the 
Department of Defense and the National Security Agency, 
respectively, for the destruction of data.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report on the results of the pilot program under 
subsection (a), including an assessment of--
(1) the cost effectiveness of the pilot program;
(2) security benefits realized through the pilot program, 
including with respect to data protection;
(3) the effect of the pilot program on supply chain 
resilience; and
(4) recommendations of the Secretary regarding the 
potential expansion of the pilot program across the Department 
of Defense.

SEC. 315. PROGRAM FOR DEPLOYMENT OF TRANSPORTABLE NUCLEAR MICROREACTOR 
IN AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNITED STATES INDO-
PACIFIC COMMAND.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence the 
conduct of a program for the deployment, operation, and evaluation of a 
transportable nuclear microreactor in the area of responsibility of the 
United States Indo-Pacific Command.
(b) Designation.--The program under subsection (a) shall be known 
as the ``Operational Energy Deployable Nuclear Power Program''.
(c) Leadership and Coordination.--
(1) Executive agent.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
designate the Assistant Secretary of the Army for 
Installations, Energy, and Environment as the Department of 
Defense executive agent for carrying out the program under 
subsection (a) and ensuring budget accountability for such 
program.
(2) Coordination.--In carrying out the program under 
subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary designated pursuant to 
paragraph (1) shall coordinate with--
(A) the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific 
Command, who shall be responsible for validating 
operational requirements under the program, the 
demonstration of technologies to be deployed under the 
program, and the operational use of such technologies; 
and
(B) as appropriate, the Secretary of Energy and the 
Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, for the 
purpose of ensuring the deployment and operation of any 
nuclear microreactor under the program is carried out 
in a manner that is safe, secure, and in compliance 
with applicable requirements of the Department of 
Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 
respectively.
(d) Objectives.--The objective of the program under subsection (a) 
shall be to deploy and operate, by not later than January 1, 2030, a 
transportable nuclear microreactor in support of distributed and 
expeditionary operations in contested logistics environments within the 
area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, with 
a priority for deployment in such an environment within the Western 
Pacific area.
(e) Required Activities.--The activities of the program under 
subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) The validation of operational requirements of the 
United States Indo-Pacific Command with respect to the 
transportable nuclear microreactor to be deployed under the 
program, and the integration of such nuclear microreactor with 
expeditionary and dispersed power architectures in the area of 
responsibility of such Command.
(2) The development and implementation of a plan for the 
test and evaluation of such nuclear microreactor, including 
with respect to sustainment, safety, cybersecurity, and 
physical security requirements.
(3) The conduct of joint operational demonstrations with 
the United States Indo-Pacific Command in connection with not 
fewer than one major exercise within the area of responsibility 
of such Command, to evaluate the deployment, integration, 
sustainment, survivability, and operational use of such nuclear 
microreactor under realistic conditions.
(f) Budget Mechanism.--Beginning with respect to fiscal year 2028, 
the Secretary of Defense shall establish a dedicated program element, 
or equivalent budget mechanism, for the program under subsection (a), 
including to support the transition of technologies under such program 
from demonstration to operational capability.
(g) Nuclear Microreactor Defined.--In this section, the term 
``nuclear microreactor'' means a nuclear reactor with a rated electric 
generating capacity of not greater than 50 megawatts.

SEC. 316. 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) Prohibition of Operation of Prohibited Connected Vehicles.--
(1) Phase 1.--After January 1, 2027, no covered connected 
vehicle, as designated by the Department of Commerce under part 
791 of title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any 
successor regulation, may be operated on a military 
installation or on any other property of the Department of 
Defense.
(2) Phase 2.--After January 1, 2029, 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.
(3) Exception.--The Secretary of Defense may waive the 
application of a prohibition under paragraph (1) or (2) to a 
connected vehicle if the Secretary determines the waiver is in 
the interest of national security.
(b) List of Prohibited Connected Vehicles.--
(1) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2028, the 
Secretary of Defense shall establish and make publicly 
available on a 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) the Secretary determines 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 Federal rules in effect as of the 
date of the enactment of this Act 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) Notice.--If the Secretary adds a vehicle to the list 
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide public notice 
of the addition.
(5) 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.
(3) Applicability of prohibitions.--A prohibition under 
subsection (a) shall not take effect before the date on which 
the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees 
certification that the implementation of the prohibition is 
possible.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) 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) 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) The term ``military installation'' has the meaning 
given that term in section 2801(c) of title 10, United States 
Code.

SEC. 317. PILOT PROGRAM ON OFF-GRID TACTICAL POWER.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot 
program on employing expeditionary off-grid power generation 
capabilities across the Joint Force.
(b) Requirements.--If the Secretary carries out the pilot program 
authorized in subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out the 
following activities under the pilot program:
(1) The exploration of the research, development, 
procurement, and operational integration of mobile 
expeditionary tactical microgrid systems to provide resilient 
power supply to forward-deployed formations and critical 
command, control, and communications elements at the tactical 
edge.
(2) The incorporation of novel power generation and 
advanced battery storage that can integrate with secure 
satellite communications or other mission-essential electronic 
systems.
(3) The conduct of operational assessments and testing of 
systems in conditions that simulate contested logistics and 
degraded infrastructure.
(c) Report.--If the Secretary carries out the pilot program 
authorized in subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to the 
congressional defense committees, not later than one year after the 
commencement of the pilot program, a briefing on the status and results 
of the pilot program. The briefing shall include--
(1) an assessment of the technologies used in the program;
(2) an overview of the operational assessments and testing 
of the systems, including system performance; and
(3) recommendations for fielding across the Joint Force, as 
appropriate.

SEC. 318. CLARIFICATION OF CERTAIN AUTHORITIES INDEPENDENT FROM 
DESIGNATED EXECUTIVE AGENT FOR INSTALLATION OR 
OPERATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY.

(a) Military Departments.--Notwithstanding the designation of the 
Secretary of the Army or any other official as the Department of 
Defense Executive Agent for installation or operational nuclear energy, 
and except as expressly otherwise provided in another provision of law, 
the sole authority to transfer, reprogram, obligate, expend, and 
otherwise manage any funds authorized to be appropriated for a military 
department for advanced nuclear energy for installation or operational 
energy capabilities shall be vested in the Secretary of such military 
department.
(b) Nuclear Fuel Allocation.--The Secretary of Defense shall make 
determinations regarding the allocation of nuclear fuel among the 
military departments, including determinations for the prioritization 
of such allocation between the military departments.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as limiting any previously authorized program of the 
Department of Defense.

Subtitle C--Logistics and Sustainment

SEC. 321. REQUIREMENT FOR QUARTERLY REPORTS ON MUNITIONS INVENTORY 
NUMBERS.

Section 222c of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``; current 
inventory numbers'' after ``Out-Year inventory numbers'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and 
inserting ``subsection (d)'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (b) through (h) as 
subsections (c) through (i), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
subsection:
``(b) Quarterly Reports.--At the same time each year that the 
budget for the fiscal year beginning in such year is submitted to 
Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, and on a quarterly 
basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report setting forth munitions 
inventory numbers current as of the date of the submission of such 
report, presented in the aggregate and disaggregated by armed force.'';
(5) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking 
``described in subsection (d)'' and inserting ``described in 
subsection (e)'';
(6) in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking 
``subsection (e)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (f)(1)''; and
(7) in subsection (h), as so redesignated, by striking 
``subsection (c)(10)'' and inserting ``subsection (d)(10)''.

SEC. 322. INCREASE OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM THRESHOLD FOR WORKING-
CAPITAL FUNDS.

Section 2208(k)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``installation or a science and technology reinvention 
laboratory and not less than $250,000 for procurements at all other 
facilities'' and inserting ``installation, science and technology 
reinvention laboratory, or any other facility''.

SEC. 323. ESTABLISHMENT OF CIVIL RESERVE INDUSTRIAL BASE.

(a) In General.--Chapter 131 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 2224a the following new section:
``Sec. 2224b. Civil Reserve Industrial Base
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense, acting through the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall 
establish the Civil Reserve Industrial Base program under which the 
Secretary shall enter into agreements under subsection (c) with covered 
commercial facilities--
``(1) to enhance the availability and responsiveness of 
sustainment and repair capabilities in support of military 
operations; and
``(2) to strengthen the collaboration during peacetime 
between the Department of Defense and the defense industrial 
base in theater by leveraging the capacity of covered 
commercial facilities and the co-sustainment capabilities of 
allies and partners of the United States, including through the 
assignment of recurring low-volume or mid-volume workloads, to 
ensure the availability of logistics, sustainment, and repair 
surge capacity during contingency operations.
``(b) Program Elements.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary shall--
``(1) identify covered commercial facilities that are 
located within the area of operations of each of the geographic 
combatant commands, including facilities in allied and partner 
nations;
``(2) develop arrangements to store, maintain, and manage 
replenishment parts and related equipment at covered commercial 
facilities identified under paragraph (1) that enter into 
agreements with the Secretary under subsection (c);
``(3) enter into agreements under subsection (c) with such 
facilities under which such facilities agree to provide 
peacetime workload or sustainment activities or receive other 
incentives to ensure such facilities and personnel employed by 
such facilities remain qualified, ready, and available to 
support contingency operations; and
``(4) integrate the participating facilities and the 
capabilities such facilities provide into the product support 
strategy developed in accordance with section 4324 of this 
title, other relevant sustainment planning, logistics posture 
efforts, and the operational plans of the geographic combatant 
commands.
``(c) Agreements.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary of 
Defense may enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or 
other appropriate agreements with covered commercial facilities under 
which such facilities agree to provide for the storage, maintenance, 
repair, overhaul, and distribution of replenishment parts and related 
equipment. An agreement under this subsection may--
``(1) provide for the use of commercial facilities and 
personnel during peacetime and contingency operations;
``(2) include terms addressing force protection, continuity 
of operations, and security requirements;
``(3) provide for the sustainment of capability through 
recurring peacetime workload, as appropriate;
``(4) provide for support for commercial entities 
headquartered in the United States in order to provide surge 
operational support when required by the Secretary; and
``(5) support and encourage the negotiation of voluntary 
license agreements directly between original equipment 
manufacturers and third parties in accordance with section 
3771(b)(9)(C) of this title.
``(d) Contractor and Subcontractor Technical Data.--Sections 3771 
through 3775 of this title shall apply to contractor and subcontractor 
technical data in contracts or agreements entered into under this 
section.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `covered commercial facility' means a 
commercial facility owned by a United States entity that is 
capable of providing one or more of the following:
``(A) Warehousing and secure storage.
``(B) Supply chain management and distribution.
``(C) Maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
``(D) Repairable management, component repair, and 
test capability.
``(E) Other sustainment-related capabilities 
identified by the Secretary.
``(2) The term `replenishment parts' means repair parts, 
components, or other items to support the sustainment of 
Department of Defense systems and equipment through 
replacement, repair, or overhaul.''.
(b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of 
section 2224b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(a). Such report shall include each of the following:
(1) A description of the structure and governance of the 
Civil Reserve Industrial Base program, as established by such 
section.
(2) A description of the types of covered commercial 
facilities and capabilities identified under subsection (b)(1) 
of such section, including the number of such facilities 
identified that are located in the area of operations of each 
of geographic combatant commands.
(3) An assessment of the sustainment, readiness, and 
resiliency benefits of leveraging commercial facilities for in-
theater replenishment parts storage and maintenance, including 
the expected effect on time-to-repair and time-to-resupply for 
key platforms.
(4) A description of the contracting mechanisms, 
incentives, or public-private partnership authorities required 
to enable recurring peacetime use by the Department of Defense 
of covered commercial facilities under the Civil Reserve 
Industrial Base program.
(5) A description of any force protection, operational 
security, or continuity-of-operations requirements applicable 
to covered commercial facilities participating in the Civil 
Reserve Industrial Base in the event of conflict.
(6) An identification of statutory, regulatory, or policy 
barriers that limit the ability of the Department to implement 
the Civil Reserve Industrial Base, including barriers related 
to contracting, logistics policy, or cross-border sustainment.
(7) Any recommendations for additional authorities needed 
to expand or sustain the Civil Reserve Industrial Base.

SEC. 324. MODIFICATION OF MINIMUM CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR CERTAIN DEPOTS 
OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

Section 2476(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``the preceding three fiscal years'' and inserting ``the 
preceding fiscal year, the current fiscal year, and the estimated 
amount for the following fiscal year''.

SEC. 325. EXPANSION OF COVERED DEPOTS TO INCLUDE CRANE ARMY AMMUNITION 
ACTIVITY, INDIANA.

Section 2476(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(J) Crane Army Ammunition Activity, Indiana.''.

SEC. 326. EXPANSION OF SPACE-AVAILABLE TRAVEL PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES STATIONED AT UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION 
GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA.

Section 2641b of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new 
subsection (g):
``(g) Purchased Transportation to and From United States Naval 
Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.--(1) Notwithstanding subsection (b), an 
individual eligible for the travel program under subsection (c)(1) and 
stationed at United States Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, may 
purchase transportation on Department of Defense aircraft, at 
commercially-competitive rates as determined by the Secretary of 
Defense, for travel to and from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay on a 
space-available basis.
``(2) An individual who purchases transportation pursuant to 
paragraph (1) shall receive a priority consistent with members of the 
armed forces traveling in a space-required status, as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(3) Amounts collected pursuant to paragraph (1) for 
transportation shall be credited to the applicable appropriation of the 
Armed Force providing such transportation, shall be merged with funds 
in the appropriation to which credited, and shall be available for the 
same purposes and period as the appropriation with which merged.''.

SEC. 327. AUTHORIZATION OF SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL PROCUREMENT.

Section 2911 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Sustainable Aviation Fuel Procurement.--The Secretary of 
Defense may procure sustainable aviation fuel for operational or 
training purposes at a cost that exceeds the cost of conventional 
petroleum based aviation fuel.''.

SEC. 328. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF PILOT PROGRAM ON OPTIMIZATION 
OF AERIAL REFUELING AND FUEL MANAGEMENT IN CONTESTED 
LOGISTICS ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH USE OF ARTIFICIAL 
INTELLIGENCE.

Section 346 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Deadline for Implementation.--The Under Secretary of Defense 
for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Chief of 
Staff of the Air Force, shall implement the pilot program under this 
section, by not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g);
(3) in subsection (g) as so redesignated, by striking 
``January 1, 2027'' and inserting ``January 1, 2030''; and
(4) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new 
subsections (e) and (f):
``(e) Responsibility.--Beginning on the date that is 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and 
Sustainment, in coordination with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, 
shall be responsible for carrying out the pilot program under this 
section.
``(f) Briefing.--Not later than January 1, 2028, the Under 
Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a 
briefing on the status of the implementation of the pilot program under 
this section. Such briefing shall address--
``(1) outcomes and performance metrics of the pilot 
program;
``(2) any barriers identified for integration of the pilot 
program into operational planning; and
``(3) recommendations regarding continuation, modification, 
or expansion of the pilot program.''.

SEC. 329. ARMY EXPANSION OF PRODUCTION OF 155MM ARTILLERY AMMUNITION.

(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the production of 155mm artillery ammunition at a 
minimum rate to reach total munition requirements is a national 
priority; and
(2) the production rate of such ammunition should be 
sustained or increased over the next five years in order to--
(A) fully meet all Army and Marine Corps annual 
training requirements;
(B) rebuild war reserve inventories for both the 
Army and the Marine Corps to fully comply with the 
planning guidance of the Secretary of Defense and 
ensure that associated inventory and war reserve levels 
are met;
(C) modernize the stockpile with the best 
performing weapons; and
(D) continue foreign military sales of ammunition 
manufactured in the United States to generate the 
domestic workforce and assures wartime interoperability 
with United States allies.
(b) Production Expansion.--The Secretary of the Army shall--
(1) expand and upgrade facilities of the Army that are used 
to produce propellant, metal parts, explosive fill, load 
assemble pack, and components of 155mm artillery; and
(2) increase the production of propellant, metal parts, 
explosive fill, load assemble pack, and components of 155mm 
artillery to ensure that--
(A) the total production capacity of all such 
facilities reaches 100,000 rounds each month; and
(B) the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions 
Requirement for 155mm artillery ammunition in effect 
for the Army pursuant to section 222c of title 10, 
United States Code, is met.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report on the steps taken by the 
Secretary to carry out the requirements of this section. Such report 
shall include--
(1) an identification of the amount of funds required to 
reach the production capacity under subsection (b)(2)(A);
(2) a plan for--
(A) expanding and upgrading facilities of the Army 
used to produce 15mm artillery ammunition; and
(B) increasing the rate of production of such 
munitions;
(3) an estimated time frame for when the production 
capacity under subsection (b)(2)(A) will be reached;
(4) an estimated time frame for the production of 
sufficient munitions to replenish stocks to reach total 
munition requirements under the Out-Year Unconstrained Total 
Munitions Requirement for 155mm artillery in effect for the 
Army pursuant to section 222c of title 10, United States Code; 
and
(5) a long-term plan to sustain munitions production 
facilities as demand for artillery ammunition may increase or 
decrease.

SEC. 330. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO AERIAL REFUELING CAPABILITY OF AIR 
FORCE TANKER FLEET.

(a) Requirements.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall--
(1) adopt the use of metrics and standards for specifically 
assessing the aerial refueling capability of the tanker fleet 
of the Air Force;
(2) direct the Commander of the Air Mobility Command, in 
coordination with any program offices and entities of such 
command that the Commander determines relevant, to submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives periodic reports on the application of the 
metrics and standards required under paragraph (1) to assess 
the aerial refueling capability of the tanker fleet;
(3) conduct a comprehensive Air Force-wide assessment of 
risks associated with the sustainment of the aerial refueling 
tanker fleet of the Air Force, including, for each such risk, 
an assessment of the likelihood of the risk occurring and the 
likely effects of the risk if it occurs; and
(4) develop a mitigation plan based on the results of the 
risk assessment required under paragraph (3).
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2027, the 
Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a 
report on the progress of implementing the requirements under 
subsection (a). Such report shall include a comprehensive 
readiness improvement plan for addressing the sustainment 
challenges of the aerial refueling capability of the tanker 
fleet.
(2) Form of report.--The report required under paragraph 
(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a 
classified annex.

SEC. 331. NAVY CONTAINERIZED EXPEDITIONARY ADVANCED MANUFACTURING 
CAPABILITIES PILOT PROGRAM.

(a) Establishment.--
(1) Authority.--Beginning not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy, 
acting through the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command 
and in coordination with the Commander of the United States 
Indo-Pacific Command and the heads of such other Navy 
organizations as the Secretary considers appropriate, shall 
carry out a pilot program to--
(A) field, evaluate, and assess compact 
containerized expeditionary advanced manufacturing 
capabilities in support of naval and joint forces 
operating in contested, remote, and expeditionary 
environments;
(B) expand the use of advanced and additive 
manufacturing within the Department of Defense;
(C) support the objectives of the Department of the 
Navy Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, including 
warfighter self-sufficiency and distributed 
sustainment; and
(D) evaluate and define validated Navy requirements 
for containerized expeditionary advanced manufacturing 
capabilities rather than replace traditional industrial 
base production, depot-level repair, or established 
logistics systems.
(2) Execution.--
(A) Lead agent.--The Naval Sea Systems Command 
Technology Office, in coordination with the Naval 
Surface Warfare Centers, shall serve as the lead 
technical and programmatic agent for the pilot program.
(B) Support.--The Secretary may use the Naval 
Postgraduate School, and seek to enter into agreements 
with other appropriate public or private entities, to 
support experimentation, operational execution, data 
collection, digital integration, sustainment planning, 
training development, and requirements capture 
activities conducted under the pilot program.
(b) Design of Program.--The Secretary shall design the pilot 
program to--
(1) evaluate the operational utility of compact, 
containerized expeditionary advanced manufacturing systems 
capable of producing metal and polymer components in contested 
and austere environments;
(2) assess how such capabilities may provide commanders 
with additional options to restore readiness in remote or 
denied conditions when traditional resupply or depot support is 
unavailable or delayed;
(3) evaluate the appropriate role of commander discretion 
and commander risk in the production and installation of 
expeditionary-manufactured parts;
(4) identify categories of components suitable for edge 
production and establish associated qualification, 
documentation, and digital traceability requirements;
(5) assess operator training, workforce development, and 
certification requirements necessary to normalize safe and 
effective use of compact, containerized advanced manufacturing 
systems;
(6) evaluate sustainment requirements for expeditionary 
manufacturing systems, including maintenance, consumables, 
digital integration, configuration management, and supply chain 
implications;
(7) measure effects such systems on readiness, maintenance 
timelines, logistics demand, and operational availability; and
(8) inform future Navy requirements, acquisition pathways, 
standards, and resourcing decisions regarding expeditionary 
manufacturing as a complementary sustainment capability.
(c) System Characteristics.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
Secretary shall ensure that advanced manufacturing systems evaluated 
under the pilot program shall--
(1) consist of containerized platforms not exceeding a 10-
foot by 10-foot footprint;
(2) provide multi-material additive manufacturing 
capabilities;
(3) integrate additive and subtractive manufacturing 
processes;
(4) support secure digital engineering workflows and 
configuration control;
(5) be compatible with naval and expeditionary power 
sources; and
(6) be operable by trained military personnel in deployed 
maritime and expeditionary environments.
(d) Elements.--The pilot program shall consist of the following two 
elements:
(1) A forward-oriented element carried out in support of 
exercises and deployed maritime operations of the United States 
Indo-Pacific Command to evaluate--
(A) operational employment;
(B) test and evaluation under expeditionary 
conditions;
(C) commander use authorities; and
(D) training in distributed and contested 
environments.
(2) An element carried out at one or more naval 
installations designated by the Secretary that are located in 
the continental United States and that may support surface, 
subsurface, and aviation forces to conduct--
(A) real-time fleet feedback;
(B) operator training development;
(C) sustainment refinement;
(D) digital integration; and
(E) iterative requirements development.
(e) Procurement Authority.--To carry out the pilot program under 
this section, subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Secretary of the Navy shall procure not fewer than two expeditionary 
advanced manufacturing systems using amounts authorized to be 
appropriated for the Navy for research, development, test and 
evaluation, operations, or sustainment, consistent with applicable law.
(f) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than one year after the date 
of the establishment of the pilot program, and annually thereafter for 
the duration of the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes--
(1) an identification of the units and locations selected 
for purposes of the pilot program;
(2) a description of the operational outcomes of the pilot 
program, including case studies;
(3) an assessment of the employment authorities of the 
Commander of United States Pacific Command and associated risk 
frameworks that are relevant to the pilot program;
(4) an identification of part categories appropriate for 
expeditionary production;
(5) training, workforce, and certification requirements for 
the pilot program;
(6) an identification of the sustainment and digital 
integration requirements of the pilot program;
(7) the effects of the pilot program on readiness, 
logistics demand, and maintenance timelines; and
(8) the recommendations of the Secretary regarding formal 
requirement validation and transition of expeditionary point-
of-need advanced manufacturing to an enduring complementary 
capability.
(g) Duration.--The duration of the pilot program required under 
subsection (a) shall be not fewer than three years and not more than 
five years.

SEC. 332. EXPANSION OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ON NAVY INSTALLATIONS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Navy shall seek to enter into 
a contract with a public transportation services provider for the 
purpose of expanding transportation services available on Navy 
installations for members of the Armed Forces and their families. A 
contract under this section shall prioritize expanding transportation 
services between lodging facilities, dining facilities, fitness and 
recreation centers, administrative offices, air terminals, and other 
activity centers of a Naval installation to improve security and 
personnel safety at the Navy installation.
(b) Selection of Installations and Providers.--The Secretary 
shall--
(1) select one or more Navy installations at which to 
expand transportation services pursuant to a contract under 
subsection (a); and
(2) for each selected Navy installation, identify a public 
transportation services provider that--
(A) provides public transportation services in the 
geographic area where the Navy installation is located; 
and
(B) the Secretary determines is capable of carrying 
out the contract in a manner that--
(i) addresses the transportation needs of 
installation personnel, including junior 
enlisted personnel without access to personal 
vehicles;
(ii) improves the quality of life and 
military readiness of installation personnel; 
and
(iii) implements best practices for 
partnerships between the installation and the 
provider.
(c) Termination.--The period of a contract authorized under this 
section may not exceed three years.
(d) Report.--
(1) Initial report.--Not later than 90 days after the 
conclusion of the second year of a contract authorized under 
this section, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees an initial report on the contract that 
includes--
(A) preliminary findings on the transportation 
services provided under the contract, including 
ridership levels and service effectiveness;
(B) an initial evaluation of effects of the 
transportation services on the quality of life and 
military readiness of Navy installation personnel;
(C) the cost to the Secretary of the contract for 
the first two years; and
(D) the recommendation of the Secretary as to 
whether to extend the contract or to enter into similar 
contracts for the provision of transportation services 
at additional Navy installations.
(2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the 
conclusion of the contract, the Secretary shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a final report on the contract 
that includes--
(A) a comprehensive assessment of ridership levels 
and service effectiveness of the transportation 
services provided under the contract;
(B) a complete evaluation of effects of the mass 
transit services on the quality of life and military 
readiness of Navy installation personnel;
(C) the cost to the Secretary of the contract;
(D) the recommendation of the Secretary as to 
whether to extend the contract or to enter into similar 
contracts for the provision of transportation services 
at additional Navy installations; and
(E) such other matters as the Secretary determines 
appropriate.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``congressional defense committees'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, 
United States Code.
(2) The term ``Navy installation'' means a military 
installation (as such term is defined in section 2801 of title 
10, United States Code) under the jurisdiction of the Chief of 
Naval Operations.
(3) The term ``public transportation services'' means--
(A) public transportation, as defined in section 
5302 of title 49, United States Code;
(B) over-the-road bus transportation, as defined in 
section 1501 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
U.S.C. 1151), and school bus transportation;
(C) intercity rail passenger transportation, as 
defined in section 24102 of title 49, United States 
Code;
(D) the transportation of passengers onboard a 
passenger vessel, as defined in section 2101 of title 
46, United States Code; and
(E) other regularly scheduled waterborne 
transportation service of passengers by vessel of at 
least 20 gross tons.
(4) The term ``public transportation services provider'' 
means--
(A) a State, local, or Federal government entity 
that provides public transportation services; or
(B) or a non-government entity that--
(i) receives financial assistance from a 
State, local, or Federal government entity; and
(ii) provides public transportation 
services.

SEC. 333. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO SUSTAINMENT OF A-10 AIRCRAFT AND 
RELATED TRAINING.

(a) Limitation on Relocation of A-10 Training Unit.--The Secretary 
of the Air Force may not relocate the formal training unit of the Air 
Force for providing to pilots the qualifications necessary for the 
operation of A-10 aircraft, including by reassigning the primary 
training activities carried out by such unit to another military 
installation, unless--
(1) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense 
committees an analysis comparing the costs and benefits of such 
relocation versus preserving the unit at its current location; 
and
(2) a period of 90 days has elapsed following the date of 
such submission.
(b) Sustainment Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall 
maintain, as necessary, sufficient training capacity, 
development, test, and evaluation capacity, depot-level 
maintenance and repair capacity, supply, logistics, and 
contractor capacity, and other sustainment-related capacity to 
ensure the A-10 fleet remains operationally viable through 
fiscal year 2030, including with respect to each mission and 
capability of such fleet as of the date of the enactment of 
this Act (including combat search and rescue missions).
(2) Formal training unit.--In carrying out this subsection, 
the Secretary shall, as necessary, maintain a formal training 
unit of the Air Force for providing to pilots the 
qualifications necessary for the operation of A-10 aircraft, 
and a process for the requalification of pilots formerly so 
qualified.
(3) Budget materials.--Concurrent with the submission to 
Congress of a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, 
United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2030, 
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report on the amounts necessary to 
implement this subsection.
(c) Annual Briefing on A-10 Sustainment.--
(1) Annual briefing.--Not later than March 1, 2027, and 
annually thereafter until March 1, 2030, the Secretary of the 
Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees 
a briefing describing the extent to which the Department of the 
Air Force met the requirements under subsection (b) during the 
preceding fiscal year.
(2) Elements.--Each briefing required under paragraph (1) 
shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(A) An identification of the number of pilots that 
received the qualifications necessary for the operation 
of A-10 aircraft during the preceding fiscal year, 
disaggregated by whether such qualifications were an 
initial qualification or a requalification.
(B) An identification of the number of officers 
that received advanced instructor qualifications 
through the weapons instructor course for A-10 aircraft 
offered through the United States Air Force Weapons 
School, disaggregated by whether such qualifications 
were an initial qualification or a requalification.
(C) A description of the status of actions taken to 
meet the requirement under subsection (b)(2) during the 
preceding fiscal year, and any related instructor 
shortfalls.
(D) A description of the status of operational test 
and evaluation capacity with respect to the A-10 fleet, 
including major limitations affecting airworthiness, 
weapons integration, tactics development, or mission 
effectiveness.
(E) The status of programmed depot-level 
maintenance and repair with respect to A-10 aircraft or 
related infrastructure, and any resulting effect on the 
ability of the Department to meet the requirements 
under subsection (b).
(F) The status of logistics, supply, contractor 
maintenance, and other sustainment functions for the A-
10 fleet, and any resulting effect on the ability of 
the Department to meet the requirements under 
subsection (b).
(G) An assessment as to whether the Department met 
the requirements under subsection (b) during the 
preceding fiscal year.
(H) A description of any shortfall, delay, or other 
deviation resulting in a failure to meet any such 
requirement, including any corrective action planned or 
underway.
(d) Roadmap for A-10 Fleet Sustainment.--
(1) Roadmap required.--Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air 
Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
roadmap setting forth proposed actions to meet the requirements 
under subsection (b).
(2) Briefing.--Not later than 15 days after the date of the 
submission of the roadmap under paragraph (1), the Secretary of 
the Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense 
committees a briefing on such roadmap and any anticipated 
material shortfall in meeting a requirement under subsection 
(b).
(3) Annual updates.--Not later than one year after the date 
of the submission of the roadmap under paragraph (1), and 
annually thereafter until September 30, 2030, the Secretary of 
the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a written update to such roadmap.
(e) Program to Preserve Knowledge and History Relating to A-10 
Aircraft.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall 
establish a program to preserve technical and historical 
knowledge relating to the operation and sustainment of the A-10 
fleet.
(2) Lead entity.--The Director of the Air Force Historical 
Research Agency shall serve as the lead entity carrying out the 
program under paragraph (1), in coordination with the Commander 
of the Air Combat Command, the head of the National Museum of 
the United States Air Force, and such other organizations of 
the Department of the Air Force as the Secretary of the Air 
Force determines appropriate.
(3) Required activities.--The program established under 
paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum the following 
activities:
(A) The collection of oral histories relating to 
the A-10 fleet from pilots, advanced instructor-
qualified aircrew, maintainers, joint terminal attack 
controllers, and other personnel involved in the 
operation (including operational support for combat 
search and rescue missions) or sustainment of aircraft 
within such fleet.
(B) The collection and preservation of records 
associated with the A-10 fleet, including technical 
data, operational tactics, weapons integration records, 
upgrade and modification history, and records relating 
to the sustainment of aircraft within such fleet.
(C) The digital archiving of materials collected 
under subparagraphs (A) and (B) in a searchable 
repository accessible to appropriate users within the 
Department of Defense.
(D) The identification of lessons learned pursuant 
to the materials so collected.
(E) The development of recommendations for 
collecting, preserving, and transferring knowledge 
relating to the A-10 fleet with respect to design, 
doctrine, training, and sustainment activities relating 
to successor aircraft.
(4) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
containing a summary of--
(A) the activities carried out under the program 
established under paragraph (1);
(B) the status of the archive established pursuant 
to paragraph (3)(C); and
(C) the principal lessons learned identified 
pursuant to paragraph (3)(D).
(f) Depot-level Maintenance and Repair Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``depot-level maintenance and repair'' has the meaning given 
such term in section 2460 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 334. REQUIREMENT FOR STANDARDIZED MUNITIONS WITH RESPECT TO 
CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.

(a) Requirement.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish 
standardized munitions for use in one-way attack operations by covered 
unmanned aircraft.
(b) Covered Unmanned Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
``covered unmanned aircraft'' means an unmanned aircraft (as such term 
is defined in section 130i(j) of title 10, United States Code), that is 
categorized as Group 1 or Group 2 pursuant to the Joint Publication 3-
30 of the Department of Defense, titled ``Joint Air Operations'' and 
dated July 25, 2019, or such successor publication.

SEC. 335. REQUIREMENT TO ENSURE SUFFICIENCY OF NAVAL MINE INVENTORY.

(a) Requirement.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary 
of the Navy shall ensure that the inventory of naval mines of the 
Department of the Navy is sufficient to meet validated operational 
requirements for not fewer than two simultaneous major regional 
contingencies.
(b) Annual Certification.--
(1) Submission.--Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a certification that includes 
the following:
(A) A determination of whether the requirement 
under subsection (a) is met.
(B) If the requirement under subsection (a) is not 
met--
(i) a description of the shortfall in the 
inventory referred to in such subsection; and
(ii) a remediation plan, including 
timelines and funding requirements, to achieve 
compliance with such requirement.
(2) Form.--Each certification required under paragraph (1) 
shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a 
classified annex.

Subtitle D--Reports

SEC. 341. STRATEGY TO SUPPORT JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER SUSTAINMENT AND 
MAINTENANCE IN CONTESTED OPERATING ENVIRONMENTS.

(a) Strategy Required.--The Secretary of the Defense, in 
coordination with the Secretary of the Air Force, the Secretary of the 
Navy, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, and 
the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, shall develop a strategy 
to support the sustainment and maintenance of Joint Strike Fighter 
aircraft in contested operating environments. Such strategy shall 
address, at a minimum, the following:
(1) The transportation of spares and repair parts for such 
aircraft into and across contested theaters of operation.
(2) Communications requirements necessary for the 
transportation of such parts in a denied, degraded, 
intermittent, or limited environment.
(3) Requirements relating to relevant supply chain 
management software.
(4) Prepositioned stocks of spares and repair parts for 
Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, including measures to ensure the 
currency and serviceability of ready for issue parts and to 
require that the statuses of such prepositioned stocks include 
instructions for the disposition and replacement of any such 
parts that are not current or ready for issue.
(5) Spares and repair parts packages deployed on naval 
vessels in which Joint Strike Fighter aircraft are embarked, 
including measures relating to prepositioning, currency, and 
serviceability described in paragraph (4) with respect to 
spares and repair parts packages deployed on such vessels.
(6) The incorporation of sustainment efforts for deployed 
Joint Strike Fighter aircraft into the framework of the Air 
Force for agile combat employment and the framework of the Navy 
for distributed maritime operations.
(7) The international system for managing spare parts for 
Joint Strike Fighter aircraft commonly referred to as the 
``global spares pool''.
(8) Support from, and coordination with, allies and 
partners of the United States.
(b) Report.--
(1) Submission to congress.--Not later than one year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
on the strategy required under subsection (a).
(2) Form.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall be 
submitted in an unclassified form but may include a classified 
annex.

Subtitle E--Other Matters

SEC. 351. ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE NATIONAL GUARD.

(a) Establishment.--Chapter 1 of title 32, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 116. Center for the Study of the National Guard
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination 
with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, shall establish a center, 
to be known as the `Center for the Study of the National Guard' at an 
appropriate academic institution that--
``(1) maintains an established relationship with the 
National Guard Bureau;
``(2) possesses a strong academic program in military 
history; and
``(3) is situated in proximity to a major National Guard 
installation.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center for the Study of the National 
Guard shall--
``(1) serve as the principal repository for historical 
documents, oral histories, and other records related to the 
National Guard;
``(2) conduct research, analysis, and educational programs 
related to the history, evolution, and operational 
contributions of the National Guard;
``(3) facilitate outreach efforts to increase public 
awareness of the role of the National Guard in national defense 
and domestic response operations; and
``(4) support the Department of Defense in shaping policy 
decisions and strategic planning related to National Guard 
operations carried out under this title and title 10.
``(c) Collaboration and Support.--The Chief of the National Guard 
Bureau may--
``(1) collaborate with the Center for the Study of the 
National Guard in the collection, preservation, and 
dissemination of National Guard history;
``(2) provide historical documents, records, and resources 
to support the research and archival efforts of the Center; and
``(3) facilitate joint initiatives between the National 
Guard Bureau and the Center to enhance historical preservation, 
education, and public awareness.
``(d) Public-private Partnership.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
seek to establish and maintain the Center for the Study of the National 
Guard as a public-private partnership to minimize costs to the Federal 
Government.''.
(b) Deadline for Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
establish the Center for the Study of the National Guard required under 
section 116 of title 32, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(a), by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
(c) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to 
the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes--
(1) a description of the selection of the academic 
institution where the Center for the Study of the National 
Guard required under section 116 of title 32, United States 
Code, as added by subsection (a), is located;
(2) an identification of the status of the establishment 
and initial operations of the Center;
(3) a description of any ongoing efforts between the 
National Guard Bureau and the Center; and
(4) the recommendations of the Secretary to enhance the 
preservation and study of National Guard history.

SEC. 352. DISPOSITION OF ACCOUNTABLE PROPERTY IN DESIGNATED THEATERS OF 
OPERATION.

(a) Oversight of Disposition.--Chapter 153 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2581 the following 
new section:
``Sec. 2582. Disposition of accountable property in designated theaters 
of operation
``(a) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 60 days after 
initiating any significant force reposturing or withdrawal within or 
from a covered theater of operations, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, 
with respect to accountable property used in connection with the 
operations associated with such reposturing or withdrawal, the 
following elements:
``(1) A comprehensive inventory of such property 
(including, to the extent practicable, the serial number and 
end-item identity of any such property that is a controlled 
inventory item), including an identification of--
``(A) whether such property remains under the 
custody and control of the United States;
``(B) to the extent known and consistent with 
available records, whether such property was previously 
sold or otherwise transferred to an ally or partner of 
the United States;
``(C) whether the Secretary has proposed a 
disposition for such property and if so, which 
disposition; and
``(D) to the extent known or assessed, the status 
of such property, including, if known, the disposition 
of such property and the end user of such property.
``(2) For each category of major defense equipment, an 
assessment of the feasibility, timeline, operational effect, 
and security, accountability, and end-user monitoring 
considerations, associated with potential dispositions for 
accountable property within each such category.
``(3) For any covered disposition assessed under paragraph 
(2), a description of any operational or logistical constraint 
rendering other dispositions unfeasible or impracticable.
``(4) For each potential disposition for accountable 
property assessed as feasible pursuant to paragraph (2), an 
estimate of the incremental costs of such option relative to 
baseline costs of withdrawal and redeployment activities, 
including an identification of--
``(A) costs associated with the shipping and 
handling of such property; and
``(B) costs associated with the sustainment and 
storage for such property.
``(5) A plan to mitigate the risk of diversion or misuse 
resulting from dispositions of accountable property that 
includes the following:
``(A) An identification of relevant end-use 
monitoring requirements of the Department of Defense, 
including the office of the Department responsible for 
implementing such requirements, the frequency of 
monitoring under such requirements, and any procedures 
for addressing noncompliance with such requirements, 
including in the event of the loss of the property.
``(B) An identification of any feasible remote 
disablement capability that may be used with respect to 
such property, and, for any such capability the use of 
which is not feasible, an explanation of any technical, 
operational, or legal constraints to such use.
``(C) Procedures for the implementation of the plan 
with respect to accountable property that is sensitive 
technology (including communications security items, 
cryptographic material, biometrics collection devices, 
and associated databases) prior to determining a 
disposition for such technology.
``(D) A plan to secure, retrieve, disable, or 
otherwise neutralize accountable property in the event 
of the ally or partner of the United States to which 
such property was sold or transferred experiencing a 
collapse or regime change.
``(E) A chain-of-custody plan for the transport, 
storage, and transfer of accountable property, 
including an identification of responsible units, 
storage site controls, and inspection checkpoints.
``(6) For any accountable property previously sold or 
otherwise transferred to an ally or partner of the United 
States, or proposed to be so sold or transferred, an assessment 
of the following:
``(A) The capacity of the end user, or prospective 
end user, to sustain such property absent support by 
the United States Armed Forces or contractors of the 
Department of Defense.
``(B) To the extent practicable, whether the end 
user, or prospective end user--
``(i) has been subject to any security 
vetting or monitoring by the Secretary, 
including an identification of any period of 
continuous monitoring;
``(ii) maintains effective command-and-
control structures; or
``(iii) is subject to infiltration, 
coercion, or substantial influence by any 
foreign terrorist organization or other hostile 
actor.
``(C) The effect, or anticipated effect, of the 
sale or transfer on morale and retention with respect 
to the United States Armed Forces.
``(D) Whether there is a history of accountable 
property previously sold or transferred to the ally or 
partner being diverted to an unauthorized end user, 
including, as applicable, an identification of any such 
prior diversion, the assessed end user, and the 
quantity and type of any major defense equipment so 
diverted.
``(E) The risk of the ally or partner experiencing 
rapid collapse.
``(7) An assessment of the significant force reposturing or 
withdrawal with respect to applicable lessons learned from the 
operations of United States Armed Forces in Iraq in 2014, and 
the withdrawal of such forces from Afghanistan in 2021, 
including an assessment of--
``(A) specific decision points with respect to such 
operations in which diversion risk was underestimated; 
and
``(B) any mitigation measures that would have 
reduced such risk.
``(b) Notification of Certain Sales and Transfers.--Not later than 
30 days after the date of a sale or transfer of accountable property in 
connection with a significant force reposturing or withdrawal within or 
from a covered theater of operations, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a notification the 
contains, to the extent known--
``(1) a description of the accountable property sold or 
otherwise transferred;
``(2) a description of the end user of such property; and
``(3) a certification of the conduct of the assessment 
required under paragraph (1)(A).
``(c) Senior Approval Requirement.--(1) The Secretary of Defense or 
the Deputy Secretary of Defense shall approve, in writing, any 
determination to proceed with a disposition described in paragraph (2) 
for accountable property with an aggregate replacement value exceeding 
$10,000,000.
``(2) A disposition described in this paragraph is, with respect to 
accountable property, the abandonment or loss of such property without 
continuous custody and control by the United States or a partner or 
ally of the United States, the destruction of such property, or the 
demilitarization of such property.
``(d) Annual Report and Notification Requirements.--(1) Not later 
than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and 
annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing, 
with respect to the year preceding the date of submission of the 
report, the following:
``(A) A summary of the dispositions of accountable property 
in covered theaters of operation, including any covered 
dispositions.
``(B) A summary of any incidents in which major defense 
equipment was diverted, including an identification of the 
quantity and type of equipment so diverted and, to the extent 
practicable, the assessed end user.
``(C) A summary of risk mitigation measures implemented, 
consistent with the plan under subsection (a)(5).
``(D) Any material changes in the resilience of allies or 
partners of the United States relevant to determinations 
regarding dispositions for accountable property, including with 
respect to the risk of infiltration or diversion.
``(2) Not later than 30 days after any date on which the Secretary 
of Defense becomes aware of a collapse of an ally or partner force or 
other event that the Secretary determines materially increases the risk 
of accountable property being diverted in a covered theater of 
operations, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees written notification that includes a description of the 
event, the categories of property at risk of diversion, and any 
mitigation measure implemented.
``(3)(A) Not later than 30 days after any date on which the 
Secretary of Defense becomes aware that accountable property subject to 
a covered disposition in a covered theater of operations has been 
diverted and used in an attack conducted by a foreign terrorist 
organization or other hostile actor against the United States, allies 
or partners of the United States, or local populations, the Secretary 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written 
notification.
``(B) Each notification under subparagraph (A) shall include, to 
the extent practicable--
``(i) an identification of the accountable property used in 
the attack;
``(ii) an identification of the date on which, and the 
location from which, the property left the custody and control 
of the United States or an ally or partner of the United 
States;
``(iii) an attribution as to the actor responsible for the 
attack; and
``(iv) the total number of casualties caused by the attack.
``(e) Form of Reports.--Each report required under this section 
shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified 
annex.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `accountable property' means any accountable 
property of the Department of Defense, as described in 
Department of Defense Instruction 5000.64, titled 
`Accountability and Management of DoD Equipment and Other 
Accountable Property' and dated June 10, 2019 (or any such 
successor instruction).
``(2) The term `aggregate replacement value', with respect 
to accountable property, means the total replacement value of 
such property as reflected in property accountability systems 
of the Department of Defense, or, if not recorded therein, the 
best available estimate for such value as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(3) The term `controlled inventory item' means any item 
designated as such pursuant to Department of Defense 
Instruction 5000.64, titled `Accountability and Management of 
DoD Equipment and Other Accountable Property' and dated June 
10, 2019 (or any such successor instruction).
``(4) The term `covered disposition', with respect to 
accountable property--
``(A) means disposition of such property other than 
a retrograde, destruction, demilitarization, sale, or 
other transfer, carried out in accordance with 
applicable provisions of law; and
``(B) includes the abandonment of such property 
without continuous custody and control by the United 
States or a partner or ally of the United States.
``(5) The term `covered theater of operations' means any 
geographic area designated by the Secretary of Defense for 
purposes of this section in which the United States Armed 
Forces are conducting contingency operations, advising or 
assisting ally or partner forces engaged in hostilities, or 
conducting operations in an environment with respect to which 
the Secretary determines there is a material risk of the loss 
or abandonment of such property without continuous custody and 
control by the United States or a partner or ally of the United 
States as a result of armed conflict, terrorist activity, 
collapse of an ally or partner force, or seizure by a hostile 
actor, taking into account any history of diversion of such 
property to an unauthorized end user.
``(6) The term `disposition', with respect to accountable 
property, includes the retrograde, destruction, 
demilitarization, sale, transfer, loss, and abandonment of such 
property.
``(7) The term `foreign terrorist organization' means an 
organization so designated by the Secretary of State under 
section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1189).
``(8) The term `major defense equipment' has the meaning 
given such term in section 47 of the Arms Export Control Act 
(22 U.S.C. 2794).
``(9) The term `significant force reposturing or 
withdrawal' means a reduction, redeployment, or consolidation 
of the United States Armed Forces that the Secretary of Defense 
determines is significant for purposes of this section, 
including any action that--
``(A) closes, transfers, or materially reduces the 
capacity of a facility of the Department of Defense;
``(B) results in the disposition of accountable 
property with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000,000; 
or
``(C) reduces United States Armed Forces personnel 
levels by more than 20 percent in a given covered 
theater of operations over a 90-day period.''.
(b) Initial Baseline Report.--
(1) Report required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit 
to the congressional defense committees a report that provides 
baseline information regarding the disposition of accountable 
property in covered theaters of operation during fiscal year 
2026 and contains plans for the implementation of section 2582 
of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Elements.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include 
the following:
(A) A description of the processes and systems of 
the Department of Defense for the disposition of 
accountable property in covered theaters of operations, 
including any such systems used to record inventories 
of, or dispositions for, such property.
(B) A description of any policies or procedures of 
the Department of Defense governing dispositions for 
accountable property, including the approval procedures 
for covered dispositions, and any planned updates to 
such policies to conform with the requirements of such 
section 2582.
(C) An assessment of any gaps in data that would 
affect compliance with such requirements, and a plan 
and timeline to resolve any such gaps.
(3) Form.--The report required under this subsection shall 
be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified 
annex.
(c) Report on Senior Leader Accountability for Certain 
Dispositions.--
(1) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees a report describing 
processes to determine accountability for covered dispositions 
of accountable property in connection with a significant force 
reposturing or withdrawal.
(2) Elements.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include 
the following:
(A) A description of the policies and standards 
applied to assess individual and command responsibility 
for the covered dispositions referred to in paragraph 
(1), including distinctions, if any, by grade, 
position, or component.
(B) A description of any adverse personnel action 
available, and (as applicable) taken, with respect to 
members of the Armed Forces as a result of such covered 
dispositions.
(C) An identification of the criteria used to 
determine whether such covered dispositions trigger a 
formal investigation or accountability review.
(D) Any recommendations for statutory, regulatory, 
or policy changes to ensure accountability standards 
are applied consistently and proportionately across 
ranks and responsibilities.
(3) Form.--The report required under this subsection shall 
be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified 
annex.
(d) GAO Review.--
(1) Review.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
shall review the implementation of section 2582 of title 10, 
United States Code, as added by subsection (a), including with 
respect to--
(A) the completeness of any inventories submitted 
under such section;
(B) the validity of cost comparisons used in 
implementing such section, including any assumptions 
used in such comparisons;
(C) the adequacy of any plan developed under 
subsection (a)(5) of such section; and
(D) the frequency of, justifications for, and 
execution of, sales or transfers of accountable 
property for which a waiver is issued under subsection 
(b)(2)(A) of such section, including compliance with 
the notification and reporting requirements of such 
subsection.
(2) Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on 
the results of the review under paragraph (1).
(e) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``accountable 
property'', ``covered disposition'', ``disposition'', and ``significant 
force reposturing or withdrawal'' have the meanings given such terms in 
section 2582(f) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(a).

SEC. 353. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR MOTOR CARRIERS TRANSPORTING 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FREIGHT.

Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting after section 2631a the following new section:
``Sec. 2631b. Certification regarding affiliations with Chinese 
military companies for surface transportation contracts
``(a) Certification Required.--(1) No contract for the 
transportation of cargo by motor carrier for the Department of Defense 
(including contracts awarded by the United States Transportation 
Command or the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command) 
may be awarded to, or performed by, any covered carrier unless such 
covered carrier submits a certification described in subsection (b).
``(2) The requirement under paragraph (1) shall apply to prime 
contractors, subcontractors, and owner-operators at all tiers.
``(b) Contents of Certification.--A certification under this 
section shall state that, to the best of the covered carrier's 
knowledge after reasonable inquiry--
``(1) the covered carrier is not owned or controlled by, 
and does not have significant business relationships with, any 
entity identified on the most recent list of Chinese military 
companies required 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); and
``(2) the covered carrier will require the same 
certification from any subcontractor or owner-operator it 
engages for performance of the contract.
``(c) Flow-down and Recordkeeping.--Prime contractors shall include 
the substance of this certification requirement in all subcontracts and 
lease agreements for Department of Defense freight transportation. 
Covered carriers shall maintain records of certifications for not less 
than 5 years.
``(d) Penalties.--Any covered carrier that knowingly provides a 
false certification under this section shall be subject to suspension 
or debarment from Department of Defense contracting and civil penalties 
under section 1001 of title 18.
``(e) Implementation.--The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe 
regulations to implement this section not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this section, including integration into 
existing carrier approval processes of the Military Surface Deployment 
and Distribution Command.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered carrier.--The term `covered carrier' means 
any motor carrier, subcontractor, or owner-operator providing 
surface transportation services.
``(2) Significant business relationships.--The term 
`significant business relationships' shall have the meaning 
given by the Secretary of Defense in regulations.''.

SEC. 354. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL SECURITY REGISTRY FOR MOTOR 
CARRIERS HANDLING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FREIGHT.

(a) In General.--Subtitle IV of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after chapter 139 the following:

``CHAPTER 140--SECURE DEFENSE FREIGHT CARRIER REGISTRY

``14001. Definition of registry.
``14002. Establishment of registry.
``14003. Eligibility and approval.
``14004. Use of registry.
``Sec. 14001. Definition of registry
``In this chapter, the term `registry' means the Secure Defense 
Freight Carrier Registry established under section 14002.
``Sec. 14002. Establishment of registry
``Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
chapter, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Federal 
Motor Carrier Safety Administration and in coordination with the 
Secretary of Defense, shall establish and maintain a registry, to be 
known as the `Secure Defense Freight Carrier Registry', of motor 
carriers approved to transport freight for the Department of Defense.
``Sec. 14003. Eligibility and approval
``(a) Eligibility Requirements.--To be included in the registry, a 
motor carrier shall--
``(1) hold valid operating authority from the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration;
``(2) meet all applicable Department of Defense carrier 
qualification standards;
``(3) undergo enhanced national security vetting, 
including--
``(A) screening for ownership, control, or 
significant business relationships with--
``(i) an entity identified on the list 
maintained by the Department of Defense under 
section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) 
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note; 
Public Law 116-283); or
``(ii) any other foreign adversary entity 
designated by the Secretary of Defense; and
``(B) verification that drivers and personnel with 
access to Department of Defense freight meet security 
standards comparable to those required under 
Transportation Worker Identification Credential 
programs or other relevant Federal security programs; 
and
``(4) submit to periodic revetting not less frequently than 
once every 2 years.
``(b) Application and Approval Process.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
streamlined application process for inclusion on the registry.
``(2) Requirement.--The process established under paragraph 
(1) shall include coordination with existing Department of 
Defense carrier approval systems.
``Sec. 14004. Use of registry
``(a) Prohibition.--Subject to subsection (b), beginning 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this chapter, a motor carrier may 
not bid on or perform a Department of Defense freight transportation 
contract unless the motor carrier is included in the registry.
``(b) Waivers.--The Secretary of Defense may grant waivers from the 
prohibition under subsection (a) for exigent circumstances.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subtitle IV of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
chapter 139 the following:

``140. SECURE DEFENSE FREIGHT CARRIER REGISTRY.............. 14001''.

SEC. 355. PROTECTION OF PROPERTY OWNED, POSSESSED, OR SHIPPED BY THE 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FROM LIEN, ARREST, OR SEIZURE 
DURING SHIPMENT.

(a) In General.--Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2655. Property owned, possessed, or shipped by the Department of 
Defense: protection from lien, arrest, or seizure during 
shipment
``(a) Prohibition.--No carrier, port agent, warehouseman, freight 
forwarder, broker, or other person involved in the transportation of 
cargo owned, possessed, or shipped by the Department of Defense may 
have any lien on, or hold, impound, or otherwise interfere with the 
transportation of, such cargo.
``(b) Exemption From Arrest or Seizure.--The following are not 
subject to lien, arrest, or seizure by judicial process in the United 
States:
``(1) A vessel, aircraft, motor vehicle, rail car, or other 
conveyance owned by, possessed by, or operated by or for the 
Department of Defense.
``(2) Cargo owned, possessed, or shipped by the Department 
of Defense.
``(c) Authority to Accomplish Delivery.--The Secretary of Defense 
may take such actions as may be necessary to recoup, recover, arrange 
for, or accomplish transportation and delivery of cargo owned, 
possessed, or shipped by the Department of Defense.
``(d) Delay of Shipment for Undeclared, Mispackaged, or Mislabeled 
Hazardous Material.--Nothing in this section shall preclude a carrier 
from stopping the movement of undeclared, mispackaged, mislabeled, or 
otherwise noncompliant hazardous material shipments until the hazardous 
material is properly offered for transportation in accordance with 
section 5103 of title 49 and regulations prescribed under that section.
``(e) Arrest or Seizure of Property Pursuant to Federal Criminal or 
Forfeiture Law.--Nothing in this section shall preclude the United 
States from arresting or seizing personal property of a member of the 
armed forces or employee of the Department of Defense pursuant to 
Federal criminal or forfeiture law.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `broker' means a person, other than a 
carrier or an employee or agent of a carrier, that as a 
principal or agent sells, offers for sale, negotiates for, or 
holds itself out by solicitation, advertisement, or otherwise 
as selling, providing, or arranging for, transportation by 
carrier for compensation.
``(2) The term `carrier' means a person, including a 
freight forwarder, that transports passengers or property in 
commerce by pipeline, rail, motor, air, or water.
``(3) The term `freight forwarder' means a person holding 
such person out to the general public (other than as a 
pipeline, rail, motor, air, or water carrier) to provide 
transportation of property for compensation and in the ordinary 
course of the business of such person--
``(A) assembles and consolidates, or provides for 
assembling and consolidating, shipments and performs or 
provides for break-bulk and distribution operations of 
the shipments; and
``(B) assumes responsibility for the transportation 
from the place of receipt to the place of 
destination.''.
(b) Expansion of Coverage.--Section 453(c)(5) of title 37, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``baggage and household goods'' and 
inserting ``personal property''.

SEC. 356. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MUSEUM SYSTEM.

Chapter 861 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 8617B. United States Marine Corps Museum System
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Navy shall support a system 
of official Marine Corps museums within the Department of the Navy. 
Such system shall include the National Museum of the United States 
Marine Corps and may contain other museums honoring individual 
installations, units, and branches, as designated by the Secretary of 
the Navy, that meet criteria established under subsection (b).
``(b) Criteria for Designation.--The Secretary of the Navy shall 
establish criteria for designating museums of subsection (a) for 
inclusion in the Marine Corps museum system. Such criteria shall 
include--
``(1) historical significance to Marine Corps operations, 
technology, or personnel;
``(2) public accessibility and educational outreach 
programs; and
``(3) alignment with the mission of the Marine Corps to 
preserve the heritage of the Marine Corps.
``(c) Criteria for Closure.--The Secretary of the Navy shall 
establish criteria for the closure of museums within the Marine Corps 
museum system. No museum within such system may be closed until--
``(1) the Secretary of the Navy submits to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate notice that includes--
``(A) a plan for the preservation, storage, or 
alternate display of historical collections contained 
in the museum;
``(B) how any issues relating to museum personnel 
will be resolved;
``(C) an identification of any efforts to maintain 
museum operations through public-private partnerships; 
and
``(D) an analysis of the cost to transport, 
consolidate, and preserve the historical collections 
contained in the museum; and
``(2) period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which 
such notice is received by such committees.
``(d) Funding and Support.--Consistent with applicable law, the 
Secretary may enter into partnerships, including with nonprofit 
organizations, to enhance the financial sustainability and public 
engagement of the museums in the Marine Corps museum system.''.

SEC. 357. REQUIREMENT FOR FIREGUARD PROGRAM.

Section 510(a) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall''.

SEC. 358. PILOT PROGRAM FOR TESTING AND EVALUATION OF COUNTER-FIRE 
UNMANNED FIRE SUPPRESSION AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS ON MILITARY 
INSTALLATIONS.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a three-
year pilot program under which the Secretary shall conduct testing and 
evaluation of counter-fire unmanned fire suppression and remote sensing 
aircraft systems at military installations selected for participation 
in the program. In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary 
shall--
(1) evaluate the effectiveness of counter-fire unmanned 
aircraft systems with respect to suppressing wildfire, 
improving the safety of prescribed burns, monitoring wildfire, 
and responding to other fire emergencies on military 
installations;
(2) assess the integration of fire suppression drone 
capabilities with existing fire protection and emergency 
response systems on military installations;
(3) determine operational parameters, safety protocols, and 
certification requirements for counter-fire unmanned aircraft 
systems;
(4) for each counter-fire unmanned aircraft system, 
evaluate--
(A) suppression payload delivery accuracy;
(B) refill and turnaround time;
(C) night operations capabilities;
(D) beyond visual line-of-sight flight operations;
(E) swarm capabilities; and
(F) sustained sortie rates;
(5) analyze the cost-effectiveness and scalability of 
counter-fire drone capabilities; and
(6) develop training curricula and operational procedures 
for personnel operating counter-fire unmanned aircraft systems.
(b) Selection of Installations.--The Secretary shall select at 
least one military installation to participate in the pilot program. In 
making such a selection, the Secretary shall consider--
(1) geographic diversity, including climate zones and fire 
risk profiles;
(2) existing fire suppression infrastructure and 
capabilities;
(3) airspace availability and compatibility with unmanned 
aircraft operations;
(4) proximity to civilian communities that could benefit 
from enhanced fire response capabilities; and
(5) availability of qualified personnel and training 
facilities.
(c) Reporting Requirements.--
(1) Interim report.--Not later than 18 months after the 
date of the commencement of the pilot program, the Secretary 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees an interim 
report on the pilot program.
(2) Final report.--Not later than six months after the date 
of the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a final report 
on the pilot program.
(3) Elements of reports.--Each report required under this 
subsection shall include, for the period covered by the 
report--
(A) a description of each counter-fire unmanned 
aircraft system tested and the performance metrics for 
each such system;
(B) an assessment of operational effectiveness of 
each such system in fire detection and suppression 
scenarios;
(C) an analysis of the integration of each such 
system with existing fire protection systems;
(D) an identification of any supplementary mission 
critical use cases for each such system at military 
installations;
(E) a description of any safety incidents and 
lessons learned for each such system;
(F) a cost analysis and projection of return on 
investment for each such system;
(G) any recommendations for the potential broader 
implementation of each such system across the 
Department of Defense; and
(H) any recommendations for potential dual-use 
applications of each such system in support of civilian 
fire authorities.

SEC. 359. PILOT PROGRAM ON DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS IN CONNECTION 
WITH ARMY COMBAT TRAINING CENTER ROTATIONS.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall establish a 
pilot program to collect, store, and analyze covered data generated 
during rotations of members of the Armed Forces at combat training 
centers.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the pilot program under subsection 
(a) shall be to improve the realism of training for members of the 
Armed Forces, enhance unit readiness, collect observational data for 
application to efforts of the Department relating to agentic artificial 
intelligence, and support the development of secure systems and 
analytic tools that enable the responsible deployment and 
interoperability of the sensors specified in subsection (c)(2)(A).
(c) Activities.--In carrying out the pilot program under subsection 
(a), the Secretary of the Army shall--
(1) designate not fewer than one rotation at a combat 
training center for the conduct of the pilot program;
(2) identify and evaluate technologies and processes for 
the collection, storage, and analysis of covered data from 
multiple sources during such rotation, including--
(A) soldier-borne artificial intelligence small 
arms weapon sensors and related networked systems; and
(B) unmanned systems;
(3) collect, store, and analyze covered data during such 
rotation using such technologies and processes;
(4) analyze how data generated by the sensors specified in 
paragraph (2)(A) may contribute to improved lethality, 
survivability, and situational awareness in multi-domain 
operations; and
(5) evaluate the cost, feasibility, and operational 
benefits of permanently establishing a program for the 
collection, storage, and analysis of covered data generated 
during rotations of members of the Armed Forces across combat 
training centers.
(d) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the 
pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army shall 
provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House 
of Representatives a briefing on the activities, findings, and 
recommendations resulting from such pilot program, including the 
following:
(1) An assessment of the effectiveness and security of 
incorporating data derived from sensors specified in subsection 
(c)(2)(A) into training and readiness analyses.
(2) Recommendations regarding the potential expansion or 
permanent establishment of a program for the collection, 
storage, and analysis of covered data generated during 
rotations of members of the Armed Forces across combat training 
centers and across the Armed Forces.
(e) Termination.--Not later than three years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the pilot program under subsection (a) shall 
terminate.
(f) Covered Data Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered 
data'' means data relating to the tactical performance and decision-
making of, and training effectiveness for, members of the Armed Forces 
(at the individual, team, and unit levels).

SEC. 360. MINIMUM MARITIME FIREFIGHTING CAPABILITY STANDARDS FOR NAVAL 
INSTALLATIONS THAT BERTH LARGE NAVAL VESSELS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Navy shall establish minimum 
maritime firefighting capability standards for naval installations that 
berth large naval vessels. Such standards shall include each of the 
following:
(1) The minimum pumping capacity required to support 
firefighting operations aboard naval vessels moored at piers or 
within harbor areas.
(2) Required response times for waterside firefighting 
assets.
(3) The availability of firefighting foam systems and 
hazardous material response capability suitable for aviation 
fuel and shipboard fires.
(4) The integration of waterside firefighting assets with 
shipboard damage control systems.
(5) The availability of redundant maritime firefighting 
capability in the event of simultaneous emergencies.
(b) Implementation Plan.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees a plan to implement the standards 
established under subsection (a) and to improve fire prevention at 
private sector repair yards. Such plan shall include each of the 
following:
(1) An identification of installations that do not meet the 
standards, as of the date of the submission of the plan.
(2) Options for addressing capability gaps, including 
procurement of fireboats, modernization of existing vessels, or 
agreements with municipal or port authority fire departments.
(3) Estimated costs associated with implementing the plan.
(4) Mechanisms to maximize available resources across 
organizations responsible for fire safety oversight to better 
ensure contractor fire safety oversight and alleviate the 
burden on members of the Navy.
(5) Options to reassess progress payment retention rate for 
surface ship maintenance contracts based on an assessment of 
the risk to the Government.
(6) Options to reassess the ship repair limitation of 
liability clause.
(7) The incorporation of safety performance standards into 
the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan of the Secretary.

SEC. 361. MINIMUM STAFFING REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE APPARATUS AT CERTAIN 
SPACE FORCE INSTALLATIONS.

The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that at any Space Force 
installation with launch and landing facilities--
(1) the minimum staffing requirements for firefighters and 
the requirements relating to structural and aircraft, rescue, 
and firefighting apparatus pursuant to section 388 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public 
Law 117-263; 10 U.S.C. 2661 note) and section 1110 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public 
Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 9771) apply on a permanent 
basis;
(2) all firefighting structural and aircraft, rescue, and 
firefighting apparatus are maintained at optimum staffing 
levels and optimum levels of service at all times; and
(3) the cross-manning of firefighter personnel is not 
permitted between a first due structural fire engine response 
apparatus and an aircraft, rescue, and firefighting apparatus.

SEC. 362. ACTIVITIES FOR EVALUATING INTEGRATION AND INTEROPERABILITY OF 
TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUBTERRANEAN OPERATIONS.

(a) Requirement.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the Secretary of the Army and the Commander of the United States 
Special Operations Command, shall conduct recurring evaluation 
activities in subterranean environments for the purpose of assessing 
the integration and interoperability of technologies supporting 
operations in such environments, including in conditions involving the 
denial or degradation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) or other 
contested communications conditions.
(b) Activities.--Activities conducted pursuant to subsection (a) 
shall include the evaluation of technologies supporting sensing, 
mapping, navigation, communications, command and control, and 
situational awareness across multiple operational systems and platforms 
in the denied, degraded, and contested conditions described in 
subsection (a).
(c) Use of Existing Resources.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary of Defense shall use existing facilities, authorities, 
training activities, and amounts appropriated or otherwise available 
for the Department of Defense for such purpose. Nothing in this section 
shall be construed to require the construction of a new facility or the 
establishment of a new program office or standalone training activity.
(d) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
congressional defense committees a briefing describing--
(1) the activities conducted pursuant to subsection (a);
(2) any operational integration or interoperability 
challenge identified in the course of conducting such 
activities; and
(3) recommendations for improving the integration and 
interoperability of technologies supporting subterranean 
operations in denied, degraded, and contested communications 
environments, including with respect to potential transition 
pathways for such technologies.

SEC. 363. IMPROVEMENTS TO OSPREY AIRCRAFT SAFETY EFFORTS.

(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the 
Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force, in 
coordination with the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of 
the Air Force, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps--
(1) refine the joint program's process for identifying, 
analyzing, and responding to all Osprey aircraft safety risks, 
including incorporating and prioritizing systems and nonsystem 
safety risks;
(2) refine existing oversight structures with clearly 
defined roles and responsibilities for resolving known system 
and nonsystem safety risks in a timely manner and conduct 
periodic reviews of efforts to resolve those risks;
(3) assess safety-related information sharing agreements 
and update the agreements as needed to ensure that a process 
exists to proactively share relevant safety information from 
hazard and accident reporting with Osprey units and unit safety 
personnel across the Armed Forces and ensure timely receipt of 
such information;
(4) establish a routine method, such as a recurring 
multiservice conference, to share information on Osprey 
aircraft knowledge and emergency procedures across the joint 
force; and
(5) maintain a method to share information, immediately or 
near-immediately, on essential Osprey aircraft safety of flight 
information and changes to safety processes across the joint 
force.
(b) Certification to Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
requirements under subsection (a) have been implemented, the Secretary 
of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force shall each provide to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
representatives a certification--
(1) verifying that the requirements have been implemented; 
and
(2) identifying any changes made to comply with such 
requirements by the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the 
certifying Secretary.

SEC. 364. ARMY PILOT PROGRAM ON ELECTRONIC AMMUNITION SIMULATION FOR 
SMALL ARMS TRAINING.

(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a 
pilot program to evaluate the integration of electronic ammunition 
simulation systems into small arms training across the Army.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the pilot program are to--
(1) improve individual and collective small arms 
proficiency through increased training repetitions and enhanced 
training realism;
(2) enable safe training with assigned weapon systems in a 
broad range of environments, including non-range locations, as 
determined appropriate by the Secretary;
(3) reduce costs and logistics burdens associated with the 
procurement, storage, distribution, and disposal of blank 
ammunition;
(4) reduce safety risks associated with blank ammunition, 
including negligent discharges and live-blank ammunition mixing 
incidents; and
(5) assess the feasibility and scalability of integrating 
electronic ammunition simulation systems with training 
environments of the Armed Forces.
(c) Administration.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Army shall designate 
the Capability Program Executive for Simulation, Training, 
Test, and Threat as the lead actor responsible for carrying out 
the pilot program.
(2) Oversight.--The Secretary of the Army shall designate a 
senior official within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of 
the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology as the lead 
actor responsible for providing oversight of the pilot program.
(d) Selection of Training Environments.--The Secretary of the Army 
shall select not fewer than four training environments with respect to 
which the Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection 
(a), which shall include, at a minimum--
(1) one Advanced Camp training event, regional training 
event, or other training event carried out at a Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps training site;
(2) one rotation at a combat training center;
(3) one basic combat training activity; and
(4) one brigade-level or battalion-level collective 
training event carried out at an operational military 
installation.
(e) Activities.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary 
of the Army shall--
(1) integrate electronic ammunition simulation systems into 
training for legacy and next-generation small arms provided 
through the training environments selected under subsection 
(d), including in connection with qualification ranges and 
force-on-force exercises;
(2) evaluate the interoperability of electronic ammunition 
simulation systems with legacy and successor systems for 
simulated engagement, including the Multiple Integrated Laser 
Engagement System and synthetic training environments;
(3) assess the integrated training carried out pursuant to 
paragraph (1) with respect to effectiveness, cost savings, 
safety improvements, and scalability across training 
environments of the Armed Forces, including the Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps of the Armed Forces; and
(4) develop and validate associated training tactics, 
procedures, and sustainment requirements for potential 
expansion of such integrated training.
(f) Coordination of Efforts.--The pilot program under subsection 
(a) shall supplement, and neither supplant nor duplicate, modernization 
efforts relating to synthetic training environments and other 
activities for the modernization of force-on-force training.
(g) Briefings.--
(1) Interim briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army 
shall provide to the congressional defense committees an 
interim briefing on the pilot program under subsection (a) that 
includes--
(A) evaluation metrics for the pilot program;
(B) an identification of the training environments 
selected under subsection (d); and
(C) the plan of the Secretary for the integration 
of activities under the pilot program with respect to 
such selected training environments.
(2) Final briefing.--Not later than March 1, 2028, the 
Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congressional 
defense committees a final briefing on the pilot program under 
subsection (a) that includes--
(A) the results of the assessment required under 
subsection (e)(3), including, with respect to cost 
savings, a comparison between the cost of the 
integrated training provided pursuant to the pilot 
program with the cost of training using blank 
ammunition; and
(B) recommendations regarding--
(i) the continuation, expansion, or 
termination of the pilot program; and
(ii) with respect to such potential 
continuation or expansion, recommendations for 
the transition to acquisition of electronic 
ammunition simulation systems.
(h) Termination.--The authority to carry out the pilot program 
under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2031.

SEC. 365. PILOT PROGRAM ON HYDROPHOBIN-BASED BIOMANUFACTURED TREATMENT 
AS FLAME-RESISTANT AND WATER-REPELLENT TREATMENTS FOR 
MILITARY UNIFORMS.

(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Army shall establish a 
pilot program, to be carried out through the United States Army Combat 
Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, to evaluate the 
feasibility, performance, and scalability of hydrophobin-based 
biomanufactured treatments as flame-resistant and water-repellent 
treatments for military textile systems, including as potential 
alternatives to conventional chemical treatments currently used in 
Department of Defense uniforms.
(b) Selection of Contractors.--In carrying out the pilot program, 
the Secretary shall prioritize partnerships with entities that--
(1) demonstrate domestic biomanufacturing capability within 
the United States;
(2) use advanced biotechnology to produce hydrophobin 
proteins or related bioderived compounds suitable for textile 
performance applications; and
(3) possess the capability to transition successful pilot 
outcomes into large-scale textile finishing or coating 
processes supporting Department of Defense procurement.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than three years after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the 
pilot program, including recommendations regarding potential 
integration of hydrophobin-based biomanufactured treatments into 
Department of Defense military textile systems.
(d) Duration.--The authority to carry out a pilot program under 
this section shall terminate four years after the date of the enactment 
of this Act.

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, 2027, as follows:
(1) The Army, 469,000.
(2) The Navy, 356,600.
(3) The Marine Corps, 173,700.
(4) The Air Force, 330,400.
(5) The Space Force, 13,200.

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, 2027, as follows:
(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 331,300.
(2) The Army Reserve, 172,000.
(3) The Navy Reserve, 56,500.
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 34,700.
(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 107,400.
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 67,400.
(7) The Coast Guard Reserve, 8,500.
(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 of any reserve component are released from 
active duty during any fiscal year, the end strength prescribed for 
such fiscal year for the Selected Reserve of such reserve component 
shall be increased proportionately by the total authorized strengths of 
such units and by the total number of such individual members.

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, 
2027, 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, 31,154.
(2) The Army Reserve, 16,511.
(3) The Navy Reserve, 10,409.
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 2,400.
(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 25,533.
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 6,278.

SEC. 413. END STRENGTHS FOR MILITARY TECHNICIANS (DUAL STATUS).

The minimum number of military technicians (dual status) as of the 
last day of fiscal year 2027 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, 
21,294.
(2) For the Army Reserve, 6,258.
(3) For the Air National Guard of the United States, 
10,405.
(4) For the Air Force Reserve, 6,455.

SEC. 414. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF RESERVE PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED TO BE ON 
ACTIVE DUTY FOR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT.

During fiscal year 2027, 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.

SEC. 415. AUTHORIZED STRENGTHS: SENIOR ENLISTED MEMBERS ON ACTIVE DUTY 
OR ON FULL-TIME NATIONAL GUARD DUTY FOR ADMINISTRATION OF 
THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE.

Section 12012(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking that part of the table pertaining to the Marine Corps Reserve 
and inserting the following:
``Marine Corps Reserve:

1,100....................................... 68 18
1,200....................................... 75 20
1,300....................................... 81 21
1,400....................................... 87 23
1,500....................................... 93 24
1,600....................................... 99 26
1,700....................................... 106 28
1,800....................................... 112 29
1,900....................................... 118 31
2,000....................................... 124 33
2,100....................................... 130 34
2,200....................................... 137 36
2,300....................................... 143 37
2,400....................................... 149 39
2,500....................................... 155 41
2,600....................................... 161 42
2,700....................................... 168 44
2,800....................................... 174 46
2,900....................................... 180 47
3,000....................................... 186 49''.

Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations

SEC. 421. MILITARY PERSONNEL.

(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Funds are hereby authorized 
to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 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 2027.

TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY

Subtitle A--Officer Policy and Reserve Component Management

SEC. 501. FLEXIBILITY IN REQUIREMENTS OF SELECTION BOARDS: COMPOSITION; 
CONVENING.

(a) Consideration of Temporary Appointments of Officers of the 
Department of the Navy Designated for Limited Duty.--Section 612(a)(2) 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and (C)'' after 
``subparagraph (B)''; and
(2) by inserting a new subparagraph (C):
``(C) A selection board need not include an officer from a 
competitive category to be considered by the board when considering 
officers designated for limited duty under section 8146 of this 
title.''.
(b) Selection of Officers for Continuation on Active Duty.--
(1) Officers in the grade of o-3 or o-4.--Section 637 of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection 
(a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``he is selected for continuation 
on active duty by a selection board convened under 
section 611(b) of this title.'' and inserting an em 
dash; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraphs:
``(A) the officer is selected for continuation on active 
duty by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this 
title; or
``(B) the Secretary concerned recommends all officers, whom 
the Secretary finds to be fully qualified, for continuation on 
active duty.''
(2) Regular officers in the grade of o-5 or o-6.--Such 
section is further amended, in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by striking ``he is selected for continuation 
on active duty by a selection board convened under 
section 611(b) of this title.'' and inserting an em 
dash; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraphs:
``(A) the officer is selected for continuation on active 
duty by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this 
title; or
``(B) the Secretary concerned recommends all officers, whom 
the Secretary finds to be fully qualified, for continuation on 
active duty.''.

SEC. 502. REQUIREMENTS FOR REMOVAL OF CERTAIN GENERAL AND FLAG 
OFFICERS.

Chapter 49 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
after section 974 the following new section:
``Sec. 975. Notice of removal of certain general and flag officers
``Not later than five days after the date on which an officer in a 
grade above O-8 is removed from, transferred from, or relieved of duty 
in, a position designated under section 601(a) of this title or by law 
to carry such grade, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report in writing that describes the performance 
concerns, actions, or inactions of that officer that are cause for such 
removal, transfer, or relief of duty.''.

SEC. 503. RANKS OF JUDGE ADVOCATES GENERAL.

(a) Army.--Section 7037(a) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: ``The Judge Advocate 
General, while so serving, has the grade of lieutenant general. An 
officer appointed as Deputy Judge Advocate General who holds a lower 
regular grade shall be appointed in the regular grade of major 
general.''.
(b) Marine Corps.--Section 8046(a) of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: ``If the officer to be 
appointed as the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine 
Corps holds a grade lower than the grade of lieutenant general 
immediately before the appointment, the officer shall be appointed in 
the grade of lieutenant general.''.
(d) Navy.--
(1) The judge advocate general.--Section 8088(b) of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: ``The Judge Advocate General, while so serving, has 
the grade of vice admiral or lieutenant general, as 
appropriate.''.
(2) The deputy judge advocate general.--Section 8089(a)(1) 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: ``If an officer appointed as the Deputy 
Judge Advocate General holds a lower regular grade, the officer 
shall be appointed in the regular grade of rear admiral or 
major general, as appropriate.''.
(f) Air Force.--
(1) The judge advocate general.--Section 9037(a) of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: ``The Judge Advocate General, while so serving, has 
the grade of lieutenant general.''.
(2) The deputy judge advocate general.--Section 9037(d)(1) 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: ``An officer appointed as Deputy Judge 
Advocate General who holds a lower regular grade shall be 
appointed in the regular grade of major general.''.

SEC. 504. GRADES OF CERTAIN CHIEFS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS.

(a) In General.--
(1) Chief of army reserve.--Section 7038(b) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and 
inserting the following new paragraph:
``(4) The Chief of Army Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade 
of lieutenant general.''.
(2) Chief of navy reserve.--Section 8083(b) of such title 
is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
following new paragraph:
``(4) The Chief of Navy Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade 
of vice admiral. ''.
(3) Commander, marine forces reserve.--Section 8084(b) of 
such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting 
the following new paragraph:
``(4) The Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, while so serving, holds 
the grade of lieutenant general. ''.
(4) Chief of air force reserve.--Section 9038(b) of such 
title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
following new paragraph:
``(4) The Chief of Air Force Reserve, while so serving, holds the 
grade of lieutenant general.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on the day that is one year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act and shall apply to appointments made on or after such day.

SEC. 505. GRADE OF CHIEF OF THE VETERINARY CORPS OF THE ARMY.

Section 7084 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Chief'' and inserting ``(a) 
Appointment.--The Chief''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Grade.--The Chief of the Veterinary Corps of the Army, while 
so serving, holds the grade of brigadier general.''.

SEC. 506. LIMITATION ON THE TRANSFER TO THE SPACE FORCE OF CERTAIN 
FUNCTIONS OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD.

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):
``(k) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to--
``(1) authorize the transfer of a member of the Air 
National Guard of the United States more than once under 
subsection (c); or
``(2) establish a waiver of the applicability of any 
provision of section 104 of title 32, United States Code, or of 
section 18238 of title 10, United States Code.''.

SEC. 507. INCLUSION OF JUDGE ADVOCATES IN GLOBAL FORCE MANAGEMENT 
PROCESSES.

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that Global Force Management 
plans and processes--
(1) specifically address the assignment and allocation of 
active duty and reserve judge advocates; and
(2) convey information on the staffing availability of 
judge advocates in a manner that enables combatant commanders 
to readily determine the number of judge advocates who are 
available for permanent assignment to the combatant commands in 
the event of an armed conflict.

SEC. 508. ROLE OF MILITARY CHAPLAINS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure--
(1) a covered military chaplain is able to provide pastoral 
counseling, including emotional, moral, or behavioral 
assistance counseling;
(2) a covered military chaplain is able to provide pastoral 
counseling with respect to matters not strictly related to 
spiritual counseling; and
(3) that privileged communications between covered military 
chaplains and members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 
Corps, or Space Force are protected.
(b) Covered Military Chaplain Defined.--In this section, the term 
``covered military chaplain'' means a chaplain in the Army, Navy, Air 
Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.

Subtitle B--Recruitment, General Service Authorities and Prohibitions, 
and Military Records

SEC. 511. RECRUITMENT: IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

Section 503(c)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in clause (ii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
semicolon;
(2) in clause (iii)--
(A) by inserting ``academic grades, sexes,'' after 
``student names,''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(iv) in addition to the requirement under clause (ii), 
shall, upon the request of a military recruiter for the purpose 
described in clause (i), provide at least four visits to each 
secondary school across each academic year, between classes, 
when students are physically present, and in a manner that does 
not interfere with class attendance and, after reasonable 
notice, in meeting spaces (including auditoriums), at athletic 
functions, and at other group or social activities.''.

SEC. 512. PROHIBITION ON REDUCTION IN PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO DUTY WITH A 
SERVICE REVIEW AGENCY; REPORT ON REVIEWS OF CERTAIN 
DISCHARGES RELATED TO PTSD.

(a) Prohibition on Reduction in Personnel Assigned to Duty With a 
Service Review Agency.--Section 1559(a) of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``Before December 31, 2025'' and inserting 
``During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 and ending on 
December 31, 2030''.
(b) Report on Time Required for a Board to Consider a Review of a 
Discharge or Dismissal From the Armed Forces Based on Matters Relating 
to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury.--
(1) Report required.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense 
for Personnel and Readiness, in coordination with the 
Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and 
House of Representatives a report regarding the periods 
required for a board established under section 1552 or 
1553 of title 10, United States Code, to make a 
determination in a case involving liberal 
consideration.
(B) Elements.--The report shall include the 
following:
(i) An analysis of the time such periods, 
disaggregated by military department.
(ii) An explanation of the differences 
between such periods, disaggregated by military 
department.
(iii) The number of personnel assigned to 
review, process, and consider such cases.
(iv) Recommendations of the Secretary of 
Defense to expedite the consideration of such 
cases.
(C) Form.--The report shall be submitted in 
unclassified form.
(D) Publication.--The executive summary of the 
report shall be published on a publicly accessible 
website of the Department of Defense.
(2) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after submitting the 
report, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of 
Representatives a briefing on the findings, conclusions, and 
recommendations of such report.
(3) Liberal consideration defined.--In this section, the 
term ``liberal consideration'' is used as such term is used in 
section 1552(h) and 1553(d) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 513. SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM: OMISSION OF DECEASED PERSONS FROM 
REGISTRATION.

(a) In General.--Section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act 
(50 U.S.C. 3802), as amended by section 535 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60), is further 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) In carrying out subsection (a), the Director shall not 
register a person whose name appears in the Death Master File (as such 
term is defined in section 203 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 
(Public Law 113-167; 42 U.S.C. 1306c)).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect as if included in the enactment of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

SEC. 514. REQUIREMENT OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, RACIAL NEUTRALITY, AND 
EXCLUSIVE USE OF MERIT IN MILITARY PERSONNEL ACTIONS.

(a) Merit Requirement.--Any Department of Defense military 
personnel action related to accessions, promotions, nominative 
assignments, command selection, and military and civil schooling 
selection and training shall be based exclusively on individual merit, 
fitness, capability, and performance.
(b) Consideration of Race Prohibited.--Consideration of an 
individual's race, ethnicity, or national origin in any military 
personnel action is prohibited throughout the Department of Defense.
(c) Limited Exception for Tasking of Specific Missions.--
(1) In general.--This section shall not be construed to 
prohibit tasking for specific, unconventional missions in 
foreign countries, where the anticipated ground operating 
environment of indigenous populations may justify consideration 
of race, ethnicity, or national origin when tasking for the 
mission to optimize mission success.
(2) Combatant commander approval required.--Any tasking 
pursuant to the exception described in paragraph (1) shall 
require the approval of the combatant commander concerned.
(3) Reporting requirement.--Not later than 60 days after a 
tasking pursuant to the exception described in paragraph (1), 
the Secretary of Defense shall report the tasking to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives. The report shall describe--
(A) the mission, including location and duration;
(B) the staffing of the mission;
(C) the demographic factors warranting the tasking;
(D) the number of personnel involved, including 
their rank, position, and race, ethnicity, and national 
origin; and
(E) the rationale for the tasking.

SEC. 515. PROHIBITION OF HATE SYMBOLS: REGULATIONS; GUIDANCE; TRAINING.

(a) Prohibition.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in 
regulations--
(1) a policy of the Department of Defense that prohibits 
the display, possession for display, or use of a hate symbol in 
the workplace or in connection with official duties, including 
on the body, uniform, civilian work attire, personal equipment, 
government property, or digital work platforms, including 
through a tattoo, brand, insignia, patch, apparel, or 
electronic imagery;
(2) standards for identifying and addressing prohibited 
hate symbols; and
(3) procedures to review a determination under such policy, 
order the removal of a symbol determined to be a hate symbol, 
or other remediation consistent with applicable law.
(b) Exception.--The policy under subsection (a) shall not prohibit 
the good-faith display or use of a symbol for a legitimate religious, 
educational, intelligence, law enforcement, or investigative purpose. 
To determine whether such display or use is subject to an exception 
under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider--
(1) the historical and cultural meaning of the symbol;
(2) the manner, context, and location in which the symbol 
is displayed;
(3) whether the symbol is associated with an extremist 
organization or ideology;
(4) whether the display would reasonably be interpreted as 
communicating support for hatred, discrimination, or violent 
extremism;
(5) applicable constitutional and statutory law; and
(6) religious accommodations.
(c) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) issue guidance and reference materials, developed in 
consultation with subject matter experts, to assist commanding 
officers, supervisors, human resources personnel, and 
investigators, regarding the identification of hate symbols; 
and
(2) review, in consultation with civil rights experts and 
organizations with recognized expertise in hate and extremist 
symbols, and update such guidance not less than once every 36 
months after such issuance.
(d) Training.--The Secretary shall incorporate instruction on the 
policy and guidance under this section into existing training programs 
for members of the covered Armed Forces and civilian employees of the 
Department of Defense.
(e) Certification.--Not later than 180 days after the Secretary 
prescribes regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary of a 
military department or head of a Defense agency shall certify to the 
Secretary of Defense whether their subordinate members of the covered 
Armed Forces or civilian employees subordinate have implemented the 
regulations. guidance, and training under this section.
(f) Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives 
a briefing detailing the implementation of this section.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``hate symbol'' means any symbol, image, 
insignia, emblem, tattoo, sign, coded designation, or other 
visual representation that, in context, would be reasonably 
understood to promote violence or unlawful discrimination 
against a person or group based on a protected identity 
characteristic.
(2) The term ``covered Armed Force'' means the Army, Navy, 
Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.

SEC. 516. TIMELY RESOLUTION OF CAREER-IMPACTING ADMINISTRATIVE 
INVESTIGATIONS.

(a) Policy Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a 
policy applicable to covered administrative investigations. Such policy 
shall include--
(1) standard timelines for initiation, investigation, legal 
review, command action, and final disposition of covered 
administrative investigations;
(2) a requirement that an extension of a standard timeline 
described in paragraph (1) be approved by an appropriate 
official in writing that includes an explanation of the reasons 
for the extension, an identification of the investigative steps 
remaining, and an expected date of completion of those steps;
(3) a requirement that any covered administrative 
investigation of a member of the Armed Forces that includes the 
suspension of a favorable personnel action for such member 
during the period of investigation--
(A) that is open for 90 days or more may only 
continue if the investigation is approved by the first 
general officer, flag officer, or member of the Senior 
Executive Service in the chain of command of the member 
of the Armed Forces that is the subject of such 
investigation; and
(B) is reviewed not less than once every 30 days 
during the period of investigation to determine whether 
such suspension is necessary and narrowly tailored to 
address the particular concern being investigated;
(4) a requirement that prior to initiation of a covered 
administrative investigation, or continuation of a closed 
covered administrative investigation, based substantially on 
allegations occurring outside of an applicable reporting 
period, the investigating authority make a determination in 
writing as to--
(A) the reason for the delay in reporting such 
allegations;
(B) the availability and reliability of witnesses;
(C) the availability of documentary or electronic 
evidence;
(D) whether a complete and fair inquiry can be 
conducted; and
(E) whether an alternative to an investigation is 
more appropriate;
(5) a requirement that a member who is the subject of a 
covered administrative investigation be given reasonable 
opportunity to provide evidence and identify witnesses;
(6) a requirement that a member who is the subject of a 
covered administrative investigation be given written notice of 
proposed actions, findings, recommendations, and supporting 
evidence prior to a final adverse administrative action;
(7) a requirement that investigators assigned to a covered 
administrative investigation be screened for potential 
conflicts of interest prior to being so assigned;
(8) a requirement that a member who is the subject a 
covered administrative investigation be given an opportunity to 
request relief from a suspension of a favorable personnel 
action for purposes of a permanent change of station, 
reassignment, military schooling, retirement, or other 
personnel action when no derogatory finding has been made 
within the standard timelines required by paragraph (1); and
(9) a requirement that the Secretaries of the military 
departments regularly review policy and practices with respect 
to covered administrative investigations to ensure such 
investigations comply with the requirements of this section and 
other applicable laws and policies.
(b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of the 
policy required by subsection (a), including--
(1) the number of covered administrative investigations 
initiated during the preceding fiscal year;
(2) the number of such investigations exceeding 30, 60, 90, 
and 180 days in length;
(3) the number of such investigations that included a 
suspension of favorable personnel action during the period of 
the investigation;
(4) the number of such investigations that resulted in a 
delay of a permanent change of station, reassignment, military 
schooling, retirement, or other personnel action;
(5) the number of such investigations resulting in 
substantiated, partially substantiated, unsubstantiated, or 
dismissed findings;
(6) the average and median duration of covered 
administrative investigations by military department;
(7) the number of such investigations based substantially 
on allegations reported outside an applicable regulatory 
reporting period;
(8) the number of covered administrative investigations 
reviewed for consistency with this section and other applicable 
laws and policies; and
(9) recommendations for legislative or administrative 
action.
(c) Covered Administrative Investigation Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``covered administrative investigation'' means any non-
criminal inquiry or investigation that results in or is reasonably like 
to result in--
(1) suspension of a favorable personnel action during the 
period of investigation or as a result of the investigation;
(2) delay or denial of permanent change of station, 
reassignment, military schooling, retirement, or other 
personnel action;
(3) adverse administrative action;
(4) filing of adverse information in the personnel file of 
the member; or
(5) other material career impact, as determined by the 
Secretary concerned.

SEC. 517. PROHIBITION ON USE OF PREDICTION MARKETS BY PERSONNEL OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Regulations 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, shall issue 
regulations prohibiting members of the covered Armed Forces and 
civilian employees of the Department of Defense from entering into 
transactions on prediction markets in cases in which the member or 
employee--
(1) at the time of the transaction, possesses material 
nonpublic information relevant to such transaction; or
(2) may reasonably obtain such material nonpublic 
information in the course of performing official duties, 
including when such information would not otherwise be 
available to a member of the public exercising reasonable 
diligence.
(b) Enforcement.--The regulations under subsection (a) shall 
specify a range of punishments for the use of prediction markets in 
violation of the regulations.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered Armed Forces'' means the Army, Navy, 
Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
(2) Term ``material nonpublic information'' means 
information--
(A) that a reasonable investor would consider 
important in making an investment decision; and
(B) that is not publicly available.

SEC. 518. PILOT PROGRAM ON MODERNIZATION OF DRUG TESTING USING VOICE-
BASED RISK ASSESSMENT.

(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot 
program to evaluate the use of automated, voice-based risk assessment 
technology to support targeted drug testing of members of the Armed 
Forces to determine if such technology can improve the efficiency, 
cost-effectiveness, and operational readiness of the drug testing 
programs of the Department of Defense by enabling risk-informed testing 
in place of universal urinalysis.
(b) Elements.--If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot 
program under subsection (a), such pilot program shall--
(1) make use of automated, voice-based risk assessment 
technology;
(2) be executed as part of the Drug Demand Reduction 
Program of the Department of Defense;
(3) be conducted consistent with the goals of the drug 
testing program, including deterrence and to assess the 
security, military fitness, readiness, good order, and 
discipline of commands;
(4) be conducted in a manner that allows the results to be 
used for punitive or other appropriate actions; and
(5) be conducted in a manner that protects individual 
privacy and complies with applicable law and Department policy.
(c) Report.--If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot 
program under subsection (a), not later than one year after the date on 
which the Secretary of Defense establishes such pilot, the Secretary 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of 
such pilot program, including the impact of the use of automated, 
voice-based risk assessment technology as described in subsection (a) 
on testing volume, cost savings, personnel time, and operational 
readiness.
(d) Termination.--If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot 
program under subsection (a), such pilot program shall terminate on the 
date that is three years after the date on which such pilot program is 
established.

SEC. 519. SOLDIER DIGITAL LIFECYCLE MODERNIZATION INITIATIVE.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a pilot 
program to design, develop, and implement an initiative to be known as 
the ``Soldier Digital Lifecycle Modernization Initiative'' to provide 
members of the Army, prospective recruits to the Army, and veterans of 
the Army with a secure, digital experience through the lifecycle of a 
member of the Army, including during recruitment and after separation.
(b) Elements.--The pilot program under subsection (a) shall--
(1) be carried out consistent with Executive Order 14338 
(90 Fed. Reg. 163, relating to Improving Our Nation Through 
Better Design) and Office of Management and Budget Memorandum 
M-23-22 relating to Delivering a Digital-First Public 
Experience or any successor Executive order or Office of 
Management and Budget memorandum;
(2) make use of existing digital infrastructure and systems 
of the Army;
(3) include establishment a secure digital identity record 
enabling continuity of data from recruitment into the Army 
through separation and transition to being a veteran;
(4) include development of a unified experience platform 
for members of the Army that provides integrated, role-based, 
and personalized digital services;
(5) include modernization of routine administrative 
workflows to reduce manual processing and data reentry;
(6) include deployment of analytics and decision-support 
tools to inform readiness and retention decisions; and
(7) include enhancement of digital transition pathways to 
support separation from the Armed Forces and continued 
engagement with veterans.
(c) Commercial Best Practices.--In carrying out the pilot program 
required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent 
practicable and cost-effective, make use of commercially available 
technologies, modular architectures, and open standards to accelerate 
delivery and improve user experience.
(d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report describing--
(1) the implementation plan for the initiative;
(2) key design and integration milestones;
(3) estimated costs by fiscal year;
(4) performance metrics to measure improvements in user 
experience, administrative burden reduction, retention 
indicators, and transition outcomes; and
(5) any additional authorities the Secretary determines are 
required.
(e) Termination.--The pilot program required by subsection (a) 
shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the 
establishment of such pilot program.

SEC. 519A. AUTHORITY TO STUDY THE PROPENSITY OF CERTAIN STUDENTS TO 
SERVE IN THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Study.--
(1) Agreement.--The Secretary of Defense shall seek to 
enter into an agreement--
(A) with an entity described in paragraph (2) 
pursuant to which such entity shall conduct a 
comprehensive study on the propensity to serve of 
military-connected students; and
(B) not later than year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
(2) Eligible entity.--An entity described in this paragraph 
is a national nonprofit organization that--
(A) focuses on the educational environment of 
military-connected youth;
(B) is a partner to an institution of higher 
education; and
(C) has demonstrated expertise in research, mixed-
methods methodology, or adolescent development.
(3) Scope.--Such study shall--
(A) examine the relationship between family 
military tradition and legacy, including generational 
service, parental attitudes toward service in the Armed 
Forces, and household military culture, and a student's 
propensity to serve in the Armed Forces;
(B) assess the relationship between academic 
environmental factors (including participation in 
JROTC, access to military-affiliated mentors and 
counselors, and type of school) and the propensity to 
serve;
(C) evaluate the role of peer support programming 
in shaping plans after secondary school among military-
connected students;
(D) catalog factors that enhance or detract from 
the propensity to serve identified by military-
connected students, their parents or guardians, and 
school personnel; and
(E) aggregate findings by subgroup, including by 
grade level, gender, race, ethnicity, geographic 
region, and school type.
(4) Methodology.--Study shall be conducted--
(A) using mixed methods, including--
(i) a quantitative survey administered to a 
nationally representative sample of not fewer 
than 1,500 military-connected students, using a 
purpose-built and validated instrument 
measuring the propensity to serve, family 
military legacy, JROTC participation, and 
school environment; and
(ii) semi-structured qualitative interviews 
with not fewer than 60 participants, including 
military-connected students, their parents or 
guardians, JROTC instructors, school 
counselors, school liaison officers, and 
program coordinators; and
(B) in accordance with--
(i) the Federal Policy for the Protection 
of Human Subjects (part 46 of title 45, Code of 
Federal Regulations including provisions 
applicable to research involving minors;
(ii) the Family Educational Rights and 
Privacy Act (Public Law 93-380; 20 U.S.C. 
1232g); and
(iii) applicable guidance of the Department 
of Defense governing the conduct of research on 
human subjects.
(5) Optional participation.--Participation in the study 
shall be voluntary. A military-connected student who is under 
18 years of age may not participate without the informed 
written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
(b) Reports.--
(1) Interim report.--Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives an interim report on such a study, including--
(A) whether the Secretary has entered into an 
agreement under subsection (a);
(B) whether such study has begun; and
(C) any preliminary findings available at the time 
of the report.
(2) Final report.--Not later than two years after the 
Secretary enters into an agreement under subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
the Senate and the House of Representatives a final report on 
the results of the study. Such a final report shall include--
(A) a detailed description of the study 
methodology, sample characteristics, and data 
collection procedures;
(B) the quantitative findings, including 
statistical analyses of the relationship between family 
military legacy, school environment, JROTC 
participation, peer-to-peer program participation, and 
the propensity to serve;
(C) the qualitative findings, including key themes 
derived from interviews with military-connected 
students, their parents or guardians, and school 
personnel;
(D) an integrated analysis of quantitative and 
qualitative findings;
(E) findings disaggregated by grade level, gender, 
race, ethnicity, geographic region, and school type;
(F) recommendations for the Secretary regarding 
military recruitment strategy, development of JROTC 
programs, and support services for military-connected 
students; and
(G) recommendations to Congress regarding 
legislative action based on such findings.
(3) Form.--The reports required under this subsection shall 
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
annex if the Secretary determines such annex is necessary.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``military-connected student'' means a 
secondary school student--
(A) enrolled in grade 11 or 12; and
(B) who has at least one parent or guardian who is 
currently serving, or who previously served, in the 
Armed Forces.
(2) The term ``propensity to serve'' means a student's 
self-reported likelihood of joining the Armed Forces after 
graduation from secondary school.
(3) The term ``JROTC'' means the Junior Reserve Officers 
Training Corps program authorized under chapter 102 of title 
10, United States Code.

Subtitle C--Member Training

SEC. 521. INELIGIBILITY OF A NATIONAL OF A NON-ALLIED FOREIGN NATION TO 
ATTEND A SERVICE ACADEMY.

Section 347 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(2) by inserting, after subsection (c), the following new 
subsection (d):
``(d) Ineligibility of Foreign Nationals From Certain Countries.--
(1) A person who is a foreign national of a covered nation may not 
receive instruction at or otherwise attend a Service Academy pursuant 
to this section.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered nation' has the meaning 
given such term in section 4872 of this title.''.

SEC. 522. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAM FOR 
JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS.

(a) In General.--Chapter 102 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2037. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program
``(a) Program.--The Secretary of Defense shall develop and 
implement a program to assist units of the Junior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps in providing participants opportunities in STEM fields.
``(b) Elements.--The program required by subsection (a) shall 
include--
``(1) the provision of guidance and best practices for 
identifying, evaluating, formalizing, and managing partnerships 
with local educational agencies, community colleges and trade 
schools, institutions of higher education, private-sector 
entities (including non-profit organizations) with expertise in 
STEM field programming and career and technical education, the 
defense industrial base, and any other entities with capacity 
and capability to support learning and development in STEM 
fields;
``(2) the provision of templates for agreements to 
facilitate the establishment of such partnerships;
``(3) the establishment of a national directory of 
prospective partners for opportunities in STEM fields; and
``(4) the establishment of a directory of opportunities in 
STEM fields for participants in the Junior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps.
``(c) Continuation of Effective Programs.--In carrying out this 
section, the Secretary of Defense shall continue and maintain any 
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps STEM field program that existed 
before the enactment of this section if such program demonstrates 
satisfactory participation and learning outcomes.
``(d) STEM Field Defined.--In this section, the term `STEM field' 
means the fields of science, technology, engineering, or 
mathematics.''.
(b) Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a briefing on the development, implementation, and initial 
outcomes of the program required by section 2037 of title 10, United 
States Code, as added by subsection (a).

SEC. 523. ADDITIONAL NOMINEES TO THE SERVICE ACADEMIES FROM THE 
COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS.

(a) United States Military Academy.--Section 7442 of title 10 is 
amended, in subsection (a)(10), by striking ``Three'' and inserting 
``Four''.
(b) United States Naval Academy.--Section 8454 of title 10, United 
States Code is amended, in subsection (a)(10), by striking ``Three'' 
and inserting ``Four''.
(c) United States Air Force Academy.--Section 9442 of title 10, 
United States Code is amended, in subsection (a)(10), by striking 
``Three'' and inserting ``Four''.

SEC. 524. ELIMINATION OF CAP ON THE NUMBER OF CADETS OR MIDSHIPMEN WHO 
MAY RECEIVE ALTERNATIVE SERVICE OBLIGATIONS TO BECOME 
PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES.

(a) United States Military Academy.--Section 7448(b)(4) of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``not more than five 
cadets, who obtain'' and inserting ``a cadet who obtains''.
(b) United States Naval Academy.--Section 8459(b)(4) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``not more than five 
midshipmen, who obtain'' and inserting ``a midshipman who obtains''.
(c) United States Air Force Academy.--Section 9448(b)(4) of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``not more than five 
cadets, who obtain'' and inserting ``a cadet who obtains''.

SEC. 525. ELIMINATION OF THE RIGHT OF CADETS TO AUTOMATIC 
REEXAMINATION.

(a) United States Military Academy.--Section 7451 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the heading, by inserting ``failure of an 
examination;'' before ``effect'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``studies and 
recommended'' and inserting ``studies, or who fails to pass a 
required examination, and is recommended'';
(3) by striking subsection (b); and
(4) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
(b) United States Air Force Academy.--Section 9451 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the heading, by inserting ``failure of an 
examination;'' before ``effect'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``studies and 
recommended'' and inserting ``studies, or who fails to pass a 
required examination, and is recommended'';
(3) by striking subsection (b); and
(4) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to the first academic year beginning after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 526. CONGRESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICIALS OF THE SERVICE 
ACADEMIES.

(a) United States Military Academy.--Chapter 753 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7455 the 
following new section:
``Sec. 7455a. Congressional communications official
``(a) Appointment.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the Secretary of the Army, shall appoint a civilian employee of the 
Department of the Army to serve as the congressional communications 
official of the Board of Visitors under section 7455 of this title.
``(b) Duties.--(1) The congressional communications official shall 
communicate directly with a Member of Congress, congressional defense 
committee, or covered congressional employee regarding the activities 
of such Board of Visitors.
``(2) The Secretary of Defense may not require the congressional 
communications official to obtain approval, clearance, or review of a 
communication under paragraph (1) before submitting such communication 
to a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered 
congressional employee.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `covered congressional employee' means an 
employee of a Member of Congress, or of a congressional defense 
committee, without regard to--
``(A) whether such employee serves on a full-time 
or part-time basis; or
``(B) where such employee so serves.
``(2) The term `Member of Congress' has the meaning given 
such term in section 1563 of this title.''.
(b) United States Naval Academy.--Chapter 853 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8468 the following 
new section:
``Sec. 8468a. Congressional communications official
``(a) Appointment.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the Secretary of the Navy, shall appoint a civilian employee of the 
Department of the Navy to serve as the congressional communications 
official of the Board of Visitors under section 7455 of this title.
``(b) Duties.--(1) The congressional communications official shall 
communicate directly with a Member of Congress, congressional defense 
committee, or covered congressional employee regarding the activities 
of such Board of Visitors.
``(2) The Secretary of Defense may not require the congressional 
communications official to obtain approval, clearance, or review of a 
communication under paragraph (1) before submitting such communication 
to a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered 
congressional employee.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `covered congressional employee' means an 
employee of a Member of Congress, or of a congressional defense 
committee, without regard to--
``(A) whether such employee serves on a full-time 
or part-time basis; or
``(B) where such employee so serves.
``(2) The term `Member of Congress' has the meaning given 
such term in section 1563 of this title.''.
(c) United States Air Force Academy.--Chapter 953 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 9455 the 
following new section:
``Sec. 9455a. Congressional communications official
``(a) Appointment.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the Secretary of the Air Force, shall appoint a civilian employee of 
the Department of the Air Force to serve as the congressional 
communications official of the Board of Visitors under section 9455 of 
this title.
``(b) Duties.--(1) The congressional communications official shall 
communicate directly with a Member of Congress, congressional defense 
committee, or covered congressional employee regarding the activities 
of such Board of Visitors.
``(2) The Secretary of Defense may not require the congressional 
communications official to obtain approval, clearance, or review of a 
communication under paragraph (1) before submitting such communication 
to a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered 
congressional employee.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `covered congressional employee' means an 
employee of a Member of Congress, or of a congressional defense 
committee, without regard to--
``(A) whether such employee serves on a full-time 
or part-time basis; or
``(B) where such employee so serves.
``(2) The term `Member of Congress' has the meaning given 
such term in section 1563 of this title.''.

SEC. 527. REVISION TO DECISION TIMEFRAME FOR EXPEDITED TRANSFERS AT THE 
MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES.

(a) United States Military Academy.--Section 7461(e) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``72 hours'' each place it 
appears and inserting ``five days''.
(b) United States Naval Academy.--Section 8480(e) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``72 hours'' each place it 
appears and inserting ``five days''.
(c) United States Air Force Academy.--Section 9461(e) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``72 hours'' each place it 
appears and inserting ``five days''.

SEC. 528. JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS INSTRUCTOR PAY.

(a) Non-foreign Area COLA.--Not later than July 1, 2027, the 
Secretary of Defense shall revise the Junior Reserve Officers' Training 
Corps Standardized Instructor Pay Scale to increase the otherwise 
applicable minimum instructor pay for instructors located outside of 
the continental United States or in Alaska by the amount of the non-
foreign area cost-of-living allowance rate pursuant to section 5941 of 
title 5, United States Code, or the post allowance rate pursuant to 
section 5924 of title 5, United States Code, as appropriate for the 
area in which the instructor is located and as would be applicable if 
the instructor were an employee eligible for such allowance.
(b) Report.--Not later than April 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense 
shall complete an analysis of the impact of the Junior Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps Standardized Instructor Pay Scale on 
recruitment and retention of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps 
instructors and submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
containing such analysis. Such report shall include--
(1) the total number of authorized Junior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps instructor positions, disaggregated by Armed 
Force, as of--
(A) January 31, 2027;
(B) January 31, 2026; and
(C) January 31, 2025;
(2) the total number of such instructor positions, 
disaggregated by Armed Force, that were vacant as of each of 
the dates specified in paragraph (1);
(3) a description of the efforts of the Department of 
Defense to fill such instructor positions; and
(4) any recommendations of the Secretary to address issues 
identified in such analysis.

SEC. 529. 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, 2028, 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.--
(1) In general.--Under the Program, the Secretary of 
Defense shall--
(A) 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;
(B) coordinate with partner countries to evaluate 
interest in and promote awareness of the Program;
(C) establish a mechanism for tracking an alumni 
network of foreign students who participate in the 
Program; and
(D) 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--
(i) have specialized academic programs in 
areas of study of interest to participating 
countries; or
(ii) have high participation from or 
significant diaspora populations from 
participating countries.
(d) Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2027, 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 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, 2028, and 
annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees (as that term is defined 
in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) 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, 2032.

SEC. 529A. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY PANEL ON 
ATHLETICS.

(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish within 
the Department of Defense a panel to be known as the ``Military Service 
Academy Panel on Athletics'' (referred to in this section as the 
``Panel'').
(b) Review.--The Panel shall conduct a comprehensive review and 
analysis of the effects of the following on athletics at the Service 
Academies:
(1) Rules of the NCAA regarding the compensation of a 
collegiate athlete for use of the name, image, and likeness of 
such athlete.
(2) The transfer portal of the NCAA.
(c) Report.--
(1) Report required.--Not later than December 31, 2027, the 
Panel shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
written report regarding the review under subsection (b).
(2) Elements.--The report shall include the following 
elements:
(A) The evaluation of the Panel of the effects 
described in subsection (b) on the recruitment, 
retention, and military readiness of cadets and 
midshipmen at the Service Academies who are collegiate 
athletes.
(B) The legal and ethical implications identified 
by the Panel, including with regards to the Uniform 
Code of Military Justice and regulations of the 
Department, of receipt of compensation described in 
subsection (b) by a member of a covered Armed Force on 
active duty or a cadet or midshipman subject to a 
commissioned service obligation.
(C) The effect of the transfer portal on the 
rosters and cohesion of athletic teams at the Service 
Academies, given the unique attrition challenges faced 
by the Service Academies.
(3) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish the report on 
a publicly accessible website of the Department. The report--
(A) shall be in unclassified form; and
(B) may not contain any personally identifiable 
information of a cadet, midshipman, or member of a 
covered Armed Force.
(d) Termination.--The Panel shall terminate upon submission of the 
report under subsection (c).
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``commissioned service obligation'' has the 
meaning given such term in section 7448, 8459, or 9448 of title 
10, United States Code, as applicable.
(2) The term ``covered Armed Force'' means the Army, Navy, 
Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
(3) The term ``NCAA'' means the National Collegiate 
Athletic Association.
(4) The term ``Service Academy'' has the meaning given such 
term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 529B. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY TO ELIMINATE THE 70TH FLYING 
TRAINING SQUADRON OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY.

(a) Limitation.--The Secretary of the Air Force may not perform a 
covered action regarding the 70th Flying Training Squadron of the USAFA 
until the earlier of the following:
(1) October 1, 2031.
(2) The day that is 90 days after the day that the 
Secretary submits, to the congressional defense committees and 
the Board of Visitors to USAFA, a report described in 
subsection (b).
(b) Report.--A report described in this subsection is a report on 
covered action regarding the 70th Flying Training Squadron of USAFA. 
Such a report includes the following elements:
(1) An assessment of the effect of such covered action on 
the capacity to train cadets at USAFA, including the number of 
cadets so affected annually.
(2) A plan to maintain capacity described in paragraph (1) 
provided by the 70th Flying Training Squadron, including the 
retention of advanced mission sets, simulator training, and 
evaluator pilot functions.
(3) An analysis of alternatives to such covered action, 
including the reallocation of chronically vacant billets within 
Air Force Reserve Command.
(4) An assessment of the cost differential between 
continued operation of the 70th Flying Training Squadron and 
replacement of its functions by active-duty personnel.
(5) A plan to preserve the institutional knowledge and 
instructional capacity currently provided by aviators assigned 
to the 70th Flying Training Squadron.
(c) Plan Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a plan to sustain the 70th Flying Training Squadron 
until the earlier day under subsection (a).
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered action'' includes eliminating, 
deactivating, defunding, reducing the number of personnel, and 
reducing the number of aircraft.
(2) The term ``USAFA'' means the United States Air Force 
Academy.

Subtitle D--Member Education

SEC. 531. ESTABLISHMENT OF A DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM AND A MASTER 
OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM AT THE UNIFORMED SERVICES 
UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES.

(a) In General.--Section 2113 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) Establishment of a Doctor of Psychology Program and a Master 
of Social Work Program.--(1) The Secretary shall establish at the 
University a doctor of psychology program and a master of social work 
program.
``(2) A doctor of philosophy in clinical psychology shall not be 
considered to satisfy the requirement of paragraph (1).''.
(b) Establishment Date.--The Secretary shall establish the programs 
required by subsection (h) of section 2113 of title 10, United States 
Code, as added by subsection (a), not later than five years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
on the programs required by subsection (h) of section 2113 of title 10, 
United States Code, as added by subsection (a), including--
(1) the estimated date of matriculation for the first class 
of students for each such program;
(2) the estimated graduation date for the first class from 
each such program;
(3) the expected class size of each such program during the 
10-year period following the submission of the report;
(4) the estimated number of faculty needed to operate each 
such program during the 10-year period following the submission 
of the report;
(5) an estimate of facilities needs for each such program; 
and
(6) the estimated cost to establish and operate each such 
program during the 10-year period following the submission of 
the report, categorized by--
(A) personnel;
(B) facilities; and
(C) other costs, as determined by the Secretary.

SEC. 532. ARMED FORCES HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL 
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS; CONTINUITY OF 
PAYMENTS.

Section 2127 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsections:
``(f) The Secretary of Defense shall consider an accredited 
civilian educational institution eligible for a payment, contract, or 
determination under this section unless the Secretary determines that 
the accreditation of such institution is under review for potential 
adverse action.
``(g)(1) The Secretary of Defense may cease payments described in 
paragraph (2) only if--
``(A) the Secretary makes a determination described in 
subsection (f); or
``(B) the member of the program is dropped from the program 
as described in subsection (c) of section 2123 of this title.
``(2) Payments described in this paragraph are payments--
``(A) under this section;
``(B) to an accredited civilian educational institution;
``(C) for educational expenses of a member of the program; 
and
``(D) incurred in the course of study of such member of the 
program.''.

SEC. 533. INCLUSION OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COLLEGE AS PART OF THE 
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY.

Section 2165(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new 
paragraph:
``(7) The National Intelligence College.''.

SEC. 534. DEFENSE INFORMATION SCHOOL: AUTHORITY TO GRANT ASSOCIATE'S 
DEGREE IN COMMUNICATIONS.

(a) Authority.--Chapter 108 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2169a Defense Information School: degree of associate of arts
``(a) Degree Granting Authority.--Pursuant to regulations 
prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Commandant of the Defense 
Information School may confer upon a student of the Defense Information 
School an associate of arts degree in communications.
``(b) Limitation.--A degree may be conferred upon a student under 
this section only after the Provost of the Defense Information School 
certifies to the Commandant that the student has satisfied all the 
requirements prescribed for the degree.''.
(b) Reporting.--
(1) Report required.--Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, 
subject to termination under paragraph (3), the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
report regarding the implementation of section 2169a of such 
title, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Elements.--A report under this subsection shall include 
the plan and timeline of the Secretary to carry out such 
implementation.
(3) Termination.--The report under this subsection shall 
terminate on the day that the Commandant of the Defense 
Information School first confers a degree under such section.

SEC. 535. ELIGIBILITY OF AN ENLISTED MEMBER TO RECEIVE A DEGREE FROM 
THE NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL.

Section 8545 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking subsection (d).

Subtitle E--Military Justice

SEC. 541. CLARIFICATION OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR JUDGE ADVOCATES.

Section 806(a)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code (article 
6(a)(1)(B) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by 
striking ``license status that provides current eligibility to actively 
practice law before such court'' and inserting ``license status, in 
good standing, that provides eligibility to practice law''.

SEC. 542. AUTHORITY OF SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL TO ENTER INTO PRETRIAL 
AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN OFFENSES.

Section 824a(c) of title 10, United States Code (article 24a(c) of 
the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ``paragraph (5)'' and inserting ``paragraphs 
(4) and (6)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``or pretrial 
agreement'' after ``plea agreement'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs 
(5) and (6), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
paragraph:
``(4) Pretrial agreements.--If a special trial counsel 
exercises authority pursuant to subsection (d) over an offense 
that occurred before January 1, 2019, the special trial counsel 
may enter into a pretrial agreement with the accused in 
accordance with regulations prescribed by the President. Upon 
acceptance of such an agreement by the military judge of a 
general or special court-martial, the agreement shall bind the 
parties and the convening authority.''.

SEC. 543. CLARIFYING AMENDMENT TO COMPLETION OF APPELLATE REVIEW UNDER 
ARTICLE 57 OF THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

Section 857(c) of title 10, United States Code (article 57(c) of 
the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
(2) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``Appeals and--'' and 
all that follows and inserting ``Appeals and the review and 
time requirements described in paragraph (2) are satisfied.''; 
and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
paragraph:
``(2) Review and time requirements.--The review and time 
requirements referred to in paragraph (1)(B) are satisfied if 
any of the following applies:
``(A) The time for the accused to file a petition 
for review by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces 
has expired and the accused has not filed a petition 
for such review in a timely manner and the case is not 
otherwise under review by that Court.
``(B) A petition for review by the Court of Appeals 
for the Armed Forces is withdrawn by the accused.
``(C) In the case of a petition for review by the 
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces that has been 
timely filed and not withdrawn, the petition--
``(i)(I) is denied or otherwise rejected by 
the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; or
``(II) the review requested by the petition 
is completed in accordance with the judgment of 
the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; and
``(ii) with respect to subsequent review by 
the Supreme Court--
``(I) a petition for a writ of 
certiorari as provided in section 1259 
of title 28 is not filed within the 
time limits prescribed by the Supreme 
Court;
``(II) such a petition for a writ 
of certiorari is rejected by the 
Supreme Court;
``(III) such a petition for a writ 
of certiorari is withdrawn by the 
petitioner; or
``(IV) review is otherwise 
completed in accordance with the 
judgment of the Supreme Court.''.

SEC. 544. REVIEW OF COURTS-MARTIAL RECORDS.

(a) Review When Direct Appeal Is Waived, Withdrawn, or Not Filed.--
Section 865(d) of title 10, United States Code (article 65(d) of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
(3) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking 
``subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)'' and inserting 
``subparagraph (A) or (B)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
``conclusions'' and all that follows and inserting ``a 
conclusion on each of the following matters:
``(i) Whether the court had jurisdiction 
over the accused and the offense.
``(ii) Whether the charge and specification 
stated an offense.
``(iii) Whether the sentence was within the 
limits prescribed as a matter of law.''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Section 869(c)(2) of title 10, United 
States Code (article 69(c)(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), 
is amended by striking ``section 865(b) of this title (article 65(b))'' 
and inserting ``section 865(d) of this title (article 65(d))''.

SEC. 545. UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE: PROHIBITION OF REVIEW OF 
FACTUAL SUFFICIENCY IN CERTAIN APPEALS BEFORE A COURT OF 
CRIMINAL APPEALS.

Section 866 of title 10, United States Code (article 66 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended in subsection (d)(1)(B)--
(1) in clause (i)--
(A) by striking ``(i)'';
(B) by striking ``may consider'' and inserting 
``may not consider''; and
(C) by striking ``upon request of the accused if 
the accused makes a specific showing of a deficiency in 
proof''; and
(2) by striking clauses (ii) and (iii).

SEC. 546. CLARIFICATION OF COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS REVIEW OF 
SENTENCING.

Section 866(e)(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 66(e)(1) 
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) whether the portion of the sentence extending 
to confinement is inappropriately severe, except that 
in the case of an offense for which the President has 
established a sentencing parameter for such portion 
pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the Court may 
not consider such portion inappropriately severe if 
such portion is at or below the upper range of such 
sentencing parameter;''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``the sentence'' and 
inserting ``the portion of the sentence extending to 
confinement''.

SEC. 547. EXPANSION OF VICTIM ACCESS TO COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ARMED 
FORCES.

(a) Review by Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.--Section 867 
of title 10, United States Code (article 67 of the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice), is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) through (e) as 
subsections (d) through (f), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
subsection:
``(c)(1) The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces may review all 
decisions taken by a Court of Criminal Appeals pursuant to a petition 
filed by a victim of an offense under this chapter under section 
806b(e) of this title (article 6b(e)) and on good cause shown.
``(3) The victim of an offense under this chapter may petition the 
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for review pursuant to paragraph 
(1) not later than 60 days after the earlier of--
``(A) the date on which the victim is notified of the 
decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals on a petition 
pursuant to section 806b(e) of this title (article 6b(e)); or
``(B) the date on which a copy of the decision of the Court 
of Criminal Appeals, after being served on counsel for the 
victim (if the victim has counsel), is deposited into the 
United States mails for delivery by first-class certified mail 
to the victim at an address provided by the victim or at the 
latest address listed for the victim in the record of any 
proceedings held pursuant to section 830a or 832 of this title 
(article 30a or 32) or during trial.
``(4) Review of any decision of a Court of Criminal Appeals on a 
petition for writ of mandamus described in section 806b(e) of this 
title (article 6b(e)) shall have priority in the Court of Appeals for 
the Armed Forces, as determined under the rules of the Court of Appeals 
for the Armed Forces.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 806b(e)(3) of title 10, United 
States Code (article 6b(e)(3) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), 
is amended by striking subparagraph (C).

SEC. 548. MODIFICATIONS TO OFFENSE OF WRONGFUL BROADCAST OR 
DISTRIBUTION OF INTIMATE VISUAL IMAGES UNDER THE UNIFORM 
CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

Section 917a of title 10, United States Code (article 117a of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 917a. Art. 117a. Wrongful broadcast, distribution, or 
publication of intimate visual images
``(a) Prohibition.--Any person subject to this chapter who--
``(1) knowingly and wrongfully broadcasts, distributes, or 
publishes a covered image involving a person who--
``(A) is at least 18 years of age at the time the 
image was created;
``(B) is identifiable from the image, or from 
information displayed or provided in connection with 
the image;
``(C) did not consent to the broadcast, 
distribution, or publication of the image; and
``(D) did not, in a public or commercial setting, 
voluntarily--
``(i) display the private area depicted in 
the image; or
``(ii) engage in the sexually explicit 
conduct depicted in the image;
``(2) knowingly and wrongfully broadcasts, distributes, or 
publishes an authentic covered image and knows or reasonably 
should have known that the image was made under circumstances 
in which the identifiable individual in the image retained a 
reasonable expectation of privacy regarding any broadcast, 
distribution, or publication of the image; or
``(3) knowingly and wrongfully broadcasts, distributes, or 
publishes a covered image and knows or reasonably should have 
known that the broadcast, distribution, or publication of the 
covered image is likely--
``(A) to cause harm, harassment, intimidation, 
emotional distress, or financial loss for the 
identifiable individual in the image; or
``(B) to harm substantially the identifiable 
individual with respect to that person's health, 
safety, business, calling, career, financial 
conduction, reputation, or personal relationships,
is guilty of an offense under this section (article) and shall be 
punished as a court-martial may direct.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section (article):
``(1) Authentic.--The term `authentic', when used with 
respect to an image, means a visual image of an identifiable 
individual that accurately represents the individual, and has 
not been created, altered, manipulated, or generated through 
the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence in a 
manner that would cause a reasonable person to perceive the 
authentic visual image as anything other than a genuine, 
unmodified, or not digitally forged visual image.
``(2) Broadcast.--The term `broadcast' means to 
electronically transmit a visual image with the intent that it 
be viewed by a person.
``(3) Covered image.--The term `covered image' means an 
authentic or digitally forged visual image of--
``(A) the private area of a person; or
``(B) sexually explicit conduct involving a person.
``(4) Digitally forged.--The term `digitally forged', when 
used with respect to an image, means any visual image of an 
identifiable individual created through the use of software, 
machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other 
computer-generated or technological means, including by 
adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic 
visual image, that, when viewed as a whole by a reasonable 
person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual image of 
the individual and does not accurately reflect the original 
source or reality.
``(5) Distribute.--The term `distribute' means to deliver 
to the actual or constructive possession of another person, 
including transmission by mail or electronic means.
``(6) Identifiable individual.--The term `identifiable 
individual' means an individual whose face, likeness, other 
distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or 
other recognizable feature), or other personally identifiable 
information is displayed in connection with a covered image.
``(7) Private area.--The term `private area' means the 
naked or underwear-clad genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female 
areola or nipple.
``(8) Publish.--The term `publish' means to display, 
exhibit, present, or otherwise make a covered image available 
for viewing by another person in any medium without regard to 
whether such image is--
``(A) directly shown to another person; or
``(B) broadcast or distributed.
``(9) Reasonable expectation of privacy.--The term 
`reasonable expectation of privacy' means circumstances in 
which a reasonable person would believe that a private area of 
the person, or sexually explicit conduct involving the person, 
would not be visible to the public.
``(10) Sexually explicit conduct.--The term `sexually 
explicit conduct' means actual or simulated--
``(A) genital-genital contact, oral-genital 
contact, anal-genital contact, oral-anal contact, or 
the transfer of bodily sexual fluids on to any part of 
the body of an identifiable individual, whether between 
persons of the same or opposite sex;
``(B) bestiality;
``(C) masturbation; or
``(D) sadistic or masochistic abuse.
``(11) Visual image.--The term `visual image' means--
``(A) any developed or undeveloped photograph, 
picture, film, or video;
``(B) any digital or computer image, picture, film, 
or video made by any means, including those transmitted 
by any means, even if not stored in a permanent format;
``(C) any digital or electronic data capable of 
conversion into a visual image; or
``(D) any visual image that is digitally forged.''.

SEC. 549. AUTHORIZATION OF DEATH PENALTY FOR OFFENSE OF RAPE OF A CHILD 
UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

Section 920b(a) of title 10, United States Code (article 120b(a) of 
the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by inserting ``by 
death, or such other punishment'' after ``shall be punished''.

SEC. 549A. PUNITIVE ARTICLE ON RETALIATION FOR REPORTING OF SEXUAL 
HARASSMENT UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

(a) In General.--Subchapter X of chapter 47 of title 10, United 
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by 
inserting after section 932 (article 132) the following new section 
(article):
``Sec. 932a. Art. 132a. Retaliation for reporting of sexual harassment
``(a) In General.--Any person subject to this chapter who, with the 
intent to retaliate against any person for reporting or planning to 
report sexual harassment or with the intent to discourage any person 
from reporting sexual harassment--
``(1) wrongfully takes or threatens to take an adverse 
personnel action against any person; or
``(2) wrongfully withholds or threatens to withhold a 
favorable personnel action with respect to any person;
shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
``(b) Sexual Harassment Defined.--In this section, the term `sexual 
harassment' has the meaning given that term in section 1561 of this 
title.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The heading of section 932 of title 10, 
United States Code (article 132 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice) is amended by striking ``Retaliation'' and inserting 
``Retaliation generally''.

SEC. 549B. REVISION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSTRUCTION REGARDING 
EARLY RELEASE ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFENDERS CONVICTED OF 
CERTAIN SEXUAL OFFENSES UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF 
MILITARY JUSTICE.

(a) Revision Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise 
Department of Defense Instruction 1325.07, or any successor 
instruction, to provide that an individual serving a sentence of 
confinement imposed pursuant to a conviction by a general or special 
court-martial for an offense described in subsection (b) is ineligible 
for any reduction in the term of confinement based on good-conduct 
time.
(b) Covered Offenses.--An individual is ineligible for any 
reduction in the term of confinement based on good-conduct time as 
described in subsection (a) if the individual is serving a sentence for 
a conviction under--
(1) section 920 of title 10, United States Code (article 
120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to rape 
and sexual assault;
(2) section 920b of title 10, United States Code (article 
120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to rape 
and sexual assault of a child;
(3) section 920c of title 10, United States Code (article 
120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
abusive sexual contact;
(4) section 918 of title 10, United States Code (article 
118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
murder, if the offense was committed in the course of conduct 
involving a sexual act or sexual contact as defined in section 
920 of that title (article 120);
(5) section 919 of title 10, United States Code (article 
119 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
manslaughter, if the offense was committed in the course of 
conduct involving a sexual act or sexual contact as defined in 
section 920 of that title (article 120);
(6) section 925 of title 10, United States Code (article 
125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
kidnapping, if the victim was a minor;
(7) section 928 of title 10, United States Code (article 
128 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
assault, if the offense involved a sexual act or sexual contact 
as defined in section 920 of that title (article 120);
(8) section 930 of title 10, United States Code (article 
130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
stalking, if the offense involved a sexual motive or the victim 
was a minor;
(9) section 934 of title 10, United States Code (article 
134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
indecent conduct or indecent acts with another person;
(10) section 934 of title 10, United States Code (article 
134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to the 
possession, distribution, or production of child pornography;
(11) section 880 of title 10, United States Code (article 
80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
attempts, if the offense attempted is an offense described in 
paragraphs (1) through (10) of this subsection; or
(12) section 881 of title 10, United States Code (article 
81 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to 
conspiracy, if the offense that is the object of the conspiracy 
is an offense described in paragraphs (1) through (10) of this 
subsection.
(c) Applicability.--The revision required by subsection (a) shall 
apply to sentences imposed after the date on which the revision takes 
effect. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect a sentence 
imposed before the effective date of such revision.
(d) Preservation of Victim Rights.--Nothing in this section shall 
be construed to limit the rights of a victim under section 806b of 
title 10, United States Code (article 6b of the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice). The Secretary of the military department concerned 
shall ensure that a victim retains the right to be reasonably heard at 
any clemency proceeding conducted outside the standard annual review 
cycle with respect to an individual described in subsection (a).
(e) Certification.--Not later than 30 days after completing the 
revision required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall 
certify to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House 
of Representatives that Department of Defense Instruction 1325.07 has 
been revised in accordance with this section.

SEC. 549C. NOTIFICATION REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT CHANGES TO MILITARY LEGAL 
SYSTEM RECOMMENDED BY SPECIAL REVIEW PANEL ACTIVITIES.

(a) Prohibition.--The Secretary of Defense may not implement a 
recommendation of the Special Review Panel until a period of 180 days 
has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary submits to the 
congressional defense committees all documentation required under 
subsection (b).
(b) Documentation Required.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees all recommendations and 
analysis delivered by the Special Review Panel to the Secretary 
of Defense.
(2) Timing of submissions.--
(A) Any documentation described in paragraph (1) 
that was delivered to the Secretary of Defense before 
the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be 
submitted to the congressional defense committees not 
later than 30 days after such date of enactment.
(B) Any documentation described in paragraph (1) 
that is delivered to the Secretary of Defense on or 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be 
submitted to the congressional defense committees not 
later than five days after the date of delivery to the 
Secretary.
(c) Special Review Panel Defined.--In this section, the term 
``Special Review Panel'' means the Special Review Panel established 
pursuant to the memorandum of the Secretary of Defense dated May 8, 
2026, titled ``Departmental Review of the Military Legal System and Its 
Impact on Service Members''.

SEC. 549D. ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT OF SEPARATE PUNITIVE 
ARTICLE ON HAZING UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY 
JUSTICE.

(a) Analysis Required.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination 
with the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice, shall analyze the 
feasibility and advisability of, and develop recommendations with 
respect to, modifying chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice), to establish a separate punitive 
article on hazing. As part of such analysis, the Secretary shall 
develop a proposed definition of the term ``hazing'' for purposes of 
such article.
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report on the results of the analysis under 
subsection (a).

Subtitle F--Investigations and Other Legal Matters

SEC. 551. EXTENSION OF SPECIAL VICTIMS' COUNSEL SERVICES TO DOMESTIC 
VIOLENCE VICTIMS.

(a) Amendments.--Section 1044e of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``domestic 
violence and'' before ``sex-related offenses'';
(2) by inserting ``domestic violence or'' before ``sex-
related offense'' each place it appears;
(3) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``domestic abuse 
advocate'' and inserting ``domestic abuse victim advocate'';
(4) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting ``domestic abuse 
victim advocate,'' after ``healthcare provider,''; and
(5) in subsection (h)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting 
``Domestic Violence or'' before ``Sex-related 
Offense''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or 930 of this 
title (article 120, 120b, 120c,'' and inserting ``928b, 
or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 120c, 128b,''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a briefing on the implementation of policies and 
procedures to carry out the changes required pursuant to subsection 
(a).

SEC. 552. POLICIES REGARDING THE REPORTING OF MISSING MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES.

(a) Policies Required.--Chapter 80 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new section.
``Sec. 1568. Policies regarding the reporting of missing members of the 
Armed Forces
``The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe policies for the 
Department of Defense that establish minimum standards with respect to 
reporting the discovery that a member of the armed forces is missing. 
Such policies shall include--
``(1) standards for the categorization of absences of 
members of the armed forces;
``(2) a requirement that the appropriate military criminal 
investigative organization be notified not later than three 
hours after a member of the armed forces is discovered to be 
missing; and
``(3) a requirement that the primary next of kin of the 
member (as defined in section 1513 of this title) be notified 
not later than eight hours after a member of the armed forces 
is discovered to be missing.''.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe 
policies required by section 1568 of title 10, United States Code, as 
added by subsection (a) of this section, not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 553. AUTHORITY OF NAVAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE TO 
INVESTIGATE SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

Chapter 871 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 8750a. Naval Criminal Investigative Service: authority to 
investigate sexual harassment.
``(a) In General.--The Naval Criminal Investigative Service shall 
be the entity within the Department of the Navy with the sole and 
exclusive authority to conduct investigations of alleged sexual 
harassment by members of the Navy or Marine Corps.
``(b) Sexual Harassment Defined.--In this section, the term `sexual 
harassment' means conduct that constitutes the offense of sexual 
harassment as punishable under section 934 of this title (article 134 
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) pursuant to the regulations 
prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of such section 
(article).''.

SEC. 554. CROSS-SERVICE DATA SHARING REGARDING SUBSTANTIATED 
ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT.

The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of 
the military departments, shall establish a data sharing arrangement 
pursuant to which each Armed Force shall be required to collect and 
make available to the other Armed Forces data concerning substantiated 
allegations of sexual misconduct by members of that Armed Force.

SEC. 555. INCLUSION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN CATCH A SERIAL OFFENDER 
PROGRAM.

(a) Participation and Notice.--Not later than 60 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) modify the policies, procedures, and forms necessary to 
permit individuals who are members of the Armed Forces, adult 
dependents of such members, or employees of the Department of 
Defense to participate in the Catch a Serial Offender Program 
of the Department of Defense if the individual submits a 
confidential complaint or report of sexual harassment or an 
unrestricted report or informal complaint of sexual harassment 
without disclosing the name of the subject to a military 
criminal investigative organization; and
(2) such individuals are notified of whether such 
individuals may participate in the Catch A Serial Offender 
Program when submitting a confidential complaint or report of 
sexual harassment or an unrestricted report or informal 
complaint of sexual harassment.
(b) Applicability to Existing Reports.--The Secretary of Defense 
shall ensure that individuals who submitted a confidential complaint or 
report of sexual harassment or an unrestricted report or informal 
complaint of sexual harassment before the effective date of the 
modifications to policies, procedures, and forms in accordance with 
subsection (a)(1)--
(1) are eligibility to participate in the Catch a Serial 
Offender Program in the same manner and under the same 
conditions as an individual who submits such a complaint or 
report after such effective date; and
(2) are notified of such eligibility.

SEC. 556. MILITARY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EMERGENT HOUSING POLICY.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish and 
implement a policy under which unit level commanders in the covered 
Armed Forces, in response to domestic violence reports or complaints, 
shall be required to--
(1) move alleged offenders into military housing separate 
from the victim; and
(2) maintain emergent housing entitlements to basic 
allowance for housing or military housing units in support of 
domestic violence victims for up to one year.
(b) Amendment of DD Form 2873.--Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall amend 
the Military Protective Order form, DD Form 2873, to incorporate the 
changes implemented pursuant to this section.
(c) Covered Armed Forces Defined.--In this section, the term 
``covered Armed Forces'' means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, 
and Space Force.

SEC. 557. REQUIREMENT FOR STANDARDIZED POLICIES AND PROCESSES TO ENSURE 
THE TIMELY REVIEW, DOCUMENTATION, AND RESOLUTION OF 
REQUESTS FOR MILITARY PROTECTIVE ORDERS.

(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 Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
when not operating as a service in the Navy with respect the Coast 
Guard, shall establish standardized policies and processes to ensure 
the timely review, documentation, and resolution of requests for 
military protective orders submitted to commanding officers of the 
Armed Forces.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to ensure prompt, consistent, and transparent decision 
making regarding requests for military protective orders;
(2) to enhance the safety of individuals affected by such 
orders; and
(3) to improve accountability in command actions related to 
such orders.
(c) Requirements.--In establishing the policies and processes under 
subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) require that any commanding officer of the Armed Forces 
who receives a request for a military protective order from an 
individual who is eligible to request such order--
(A) make a determination as to whether to issue 
such order not later than three calendar days after 
receipt of the request, unless the officer certifies to 
the Secretary that extraordinary circumstances prevent 
the officer from meeting that deadline;
(B) before making such determination, seek counsel 
and legal review from a Staff Judge Advocate or other 
qualified judge advocate to inform the decision-making 
process; and
(C) in the event the commander denies the request 
for a military protective order, provide written 
notification of such denial to the individual who 
requested the order not later than two calendar days 
after making the denial decision;
(2) update Department of Defense Form 2873 (or any 
successor form) to reflect enhanced documentation requirements 
for approved and denied military protective order requests; and
(3) require that such form be completed, maintained, and 
retained in accordance with applicable records management and 
privacy policies of the Department of Defense.
(d) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees, and the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with respect to the 
Coast Guard, a report that includes--
(1) a summary of the standardized policies and processes 
established under subsection (a);
(2) a plan for the implementation of such policies and 
processes; and
(3) a description of--
(A) any revisions to Department of Defense Form 
2873 and other changes to documentation procedures made 
as result of such policies and process; and
(B) measures that will be implemented to ensure 
compliance with decision-making timelines and legal 
guidance requirements specified in subsection (c).
(e) Oversight and Reporting.--Not later than two years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for seven 
years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees, and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with respect to the 
Coast Guard, a report that includes, with respect to the year preceding 
the date of the report--
(1) the number of military protective order requests 
received by commanding officers of the Armed Forces;
(2) the number of military protective order requests that 
were approved and denied;
(3) the average processing times for such approvals and 
denials; and
(4) a description of any barriers to the timely review, 
documentation, and resolution of requests for military 
protective orders.

SEC. 558. REESTABLISHMENT OF DEFENSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE 
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT.

(a) Establishment Required.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish 
and maintain within the Department of Defense an advisory 
committee to be known as the ``Defense Advisory Committee for 
the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct'' (in this section referred 
to as the ``Advisory Committee'').
(2) Deadline for establishment.--The Secretary of Defense 
shall establish the Advisory Committee not later than 90 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall consist of 
not more than 20 members, appointed by the Secretary of Defense 
from among individuals who have an expertise appropriate for 
the work of the Advisory Committee, including at least one 
individual with each expertise as follows:
(A) Expertise in the prevention of sexual assault 
and behaviors on the sexual assault continuum of harm.
(B) Expertise in adverse behaviors, including the 
prevention of suicide and the prevention of substance 
abuse.
(C) Expertise in the change of culture of large 
organizations.
(D) Expertise in implementation science.
(2) Background of individuals.--Individuals appointed to 
the Advisory Committee may include individuals with expertise 
in sexual assault prevention efforts of institutions of higher 
education, public health officials, and such other individuals 
as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.
(3) Prohibition on membership of members of armed forces on 
active duty.--A member of the Armed Forces serving on active 
duty may not serve as a member of the Advisory Committee.
(c) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall advise the 
Secretary of Defense on the following:
(A) The prevention of sexual assault (including 
rape, forcible sodomy, other sexual assault, and other 
sexual misconduct (including behaviors on the sexual 
assault continuum of harm)) involving members of the 
Armed Forces.
(B) The policies, programs, and practices of each 
military department, each Armed Force, and each 
military service academy for the prevention of sexual 
assault as described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Basis for provision of advice.--For purposes of 
providing advice to the Secretary of Defense pursuant to this 
subsection, the Advisory Committee shall review, on an ongoing 
basis, the following:
(A) Closed cases involving allegations of sexual 
assault described in paragraph (1).
(B) Efforts of institutions of higher education to 
prevent sexual assault among students.
(C) Any other information or matters that the 
Advisory Committee or the Secretary considers 
appropriate.
(3) Coordination of efforts.--In addition to the reviews 
required by paragraph (2), for purposes of providing advice to 
the Secretary of Defense the Advisory Committee shall also 
consult and coordinate with the Defense Advisory Committee on 
Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in 
the Armed Forces on matters of joint interest to the two 
Advisory Committees.
(d) Annual Report.--Not later than March 30 each year, the Advisory 
Committee shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees 
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a 
report on the activities of the Advisory Committee pursuant to this 
section during the preceding year.
(e) Sexual Assault Continuum of Harm Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``sexual assault continuum of harm'' includes--
(1) inappropriate actions (such as sexist jokes), sexual 
harassment, gender discrimination, hazing, cyber bullying, or 
other behavior that contributes to a culture that is tolerant 
of, or increases risk for, sexual assault; and
(2) maltreatment or ostracism of a victim for a report of 
sexual misconduct.
(f) Termination.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
Advisory Committee shall terminate on the date that is five 
years after the date of the establishment of the Advisory 
Committee pursuant to subsection (a).
(2) Continuation.--The Secretary of Defense may continue 
the Advisory Committee after the termination date applicable 
under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that 
continuation of the Advisory Committee after that date is 
advisable and appropriate. If the Secretary determines to 
continue the Advisory Committee after that date, the Secretary 
shall notify the Committees on the Armed Services of the Senate 
and House of Representatives.
(g) Conforming Repeal.--Section 550B of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 
1561 note) is repealed.

SEC. 559. PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF ADVANCED MONITORING AND 
REHABILITATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN ARMY CORRECTIONAL 
FACILITIES.

(a) In General.--Beginning not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army, acting through 
the Commanding General of the Army Corrections Command, shall carry out 
a pilot program (referred to in this section as the ``Pilot Program'') 
to evaluate the use of advanced monitoring and rehabilitative 
technologies in Army correctional facilities to improve safety, 
accountability, rehabilitation outcomes, and operational efficiency.
(b) Locations.--The Secretary of the Army shall select one or more 
correctional facilities of the Army in which to implement the Pilot 
Program.
(c) Additional Requirements.--In carrying out the Pilot Program, 
the Secretary of the Army shall--
(1) ensure that personnel participating in the Program 
receive appropriate training;
(2) establish safeguards to protect privacy and civil 
liberties; and
(3) develop performance metrics to measure the 
effectiveness of the technologies evaluated under the Program 
in reducing misconduct, improving compliance, enhancing 
rehabilitation outcomes, and supporting reintegration efforts.
(d) Reports.--
(1) Initial report.--Not later than one year after the date 
on which of the Pilot Program commences, the Secretary of the 
Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
initial report on the progress of the Program.
(2) Final report.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
which the Pilot Program terminates under subsection (e), the 
Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a final report on the Program.
(3) Elements.--Each of the reports under paragraphs (1) and 
(2) shall include--
(A) an evaluation of the costs of the Program as of 
the date of the report, including the costs of the 
technologies evaluated under the Program;
(B) any measurable outcomes achieved by the program 
as of such date;
(C) recommendations as to whether any technologies 
evaluated under the Program are suitable for 
implementation across the Army Corrections Command; and
(D) such other information as the Secretary of the 
Army determines appropriate.
(e) Termination.--The authority to carry out the Pilot Program 
shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(f) Definition.--In this section, the term ``advanced monitoring 
and rehabilitative technologies'' means emerging technologies 
appropriate for correctional environments such as secure digital 
platforms, biometric identification systems, data analytics, or other 
such technologies.

Subtitle G--Career Transition

SEC. 561. ESTABLISHMENT OF SEPARATION OATH FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
FORCES.

(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The United States Armed Forces is the largest, all-
volunteer military force in the world, yet less than one 
percent of the American population serves in the Armed Forces.
(2) Each branch of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, 
Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard) instills in its 
members a sense of duty and obligation to the United States, 
their branch of service, and their comrades-in-arms.
(3) The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 
approximately 20 veterans of the Armed Forces commit suicide 
each day, and a veteran's risk of suicide is 21 percent higher 
than an adult who has not served in the Armed Forces.
(4) The Department of Veterans Affairs is aggressively 
undertaking measures to prevent these tragic outcomes, yet 
suicide rates among veterans remain unacceptably high.
(5) Upon enlistment or appointment in the Armed Forces, a 
new member is obligated to take an oath of office or oath of 
enlistment.
(6) Most members of the Armed Forces view this oath not as 
an imposition, but as a promise that they are bound to fulfill.
(b) Establishment of Separation Oath.--Section 502 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``The oath'' and 
inserting ``An oath established by this section'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (b), as amended, as 
subsection (c); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
subsection (b):
``(b) Separation Oath.--Prior to retirement or other separation 
from the armed forces, other than separation pursuant to the sentence 
of a court-martial, a member of an armed force may take the following 
oath:
```I, __________, recognizing that my oath to support and 
defend the Constitution of the United States against all 
enemies, foreign and domestic, has involved me and my fellow 
members in experiences that few persons, other than our peers, 
can understand, do solemnly swear (or affirm) to continue to be 
the keeper of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms and protector of 
the United States and the Constitution; to preserve the values 
I have learned; to maintain my body and my mind; to give help 
to, and seek help from, my fellow veterans; and to not bring 
harm to myself or others. I take this oath freely and without 
purpose of evasion, so help me God.'''.
(c) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Section heading.--The heading of section 502 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 502. Enlistment oath and separation oath: who may administer''.
(2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 31 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by striking the item relating to section 502 and 
inserting the following new item:

``502. Enlistment oath and separation oath: who may administer.''.

SEC. 562. DESIGNATION OF SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR MILITARY-TO-CIVILIAN 
TRANSITION.

(a) In General.--Chapter 58 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1156. Senior official for military-to-civilian transition
``(a) Designation.--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 civilian life or 
reserve components.
``(b) Qualifications.--The official designated under paragraph (1) 
shall be designated from among individuals with extensive experience 
with veterans services and knowledge of the transition from active duty 
to civilian life and reserve components..
``(c) Role, Responsibility, and Authority.--(1) Subject to 
paragraph (2), the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and 
Readiness shall prescribe the roles, responsibilities, and authorities 
of the official designated under subsection (a).
``(2) The roles, responsibilities, and authorities prescribed under 
paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the transition of members 
of the armed forces from active duty to civilian life and reserve 
components and the families of such members experiencing such 
transition--
``(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 consultation 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 implementation of transition programs 
in the Department of Defense;
``(F) conducting a review and assessment of all transition 
programs and services offered by the Department of Defense, 
including the programs under this chapter, 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 to members and families 
of members.''.
(b) Implementation and Briefing.--
(1) Implementation.--The Under Secretary of Defense for 
Personnel and Readiness shall designate a senior official under 
section 1156(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by 
subsection (a) of this section, not later than 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Briefing.--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--
(A) the status of the designation of the official 
under subsection (a); and
(B) the implementation of the roles, 
responsibilities, and authorities of the official under 
subsection (b).

SEC. 563. AUTHORIZATION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP MEMBERS SEPARATING 
FROM CERTAIN ARMED FORCES OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT AS TEACHERS.

(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot 
program to refer covered members for employment as teachers in 
elementary and secondary schools that elect to participate in the pilot 
program.
(b) Priority.--Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall give 
priority to participating schools that need teachers of subjects in 
greater demand, including special education and STEM.
(c) Report.--Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall submit 
to the appropriate congressional committees an annual report regarding 
such a pilot program. Elements of such a report include the following:
(1) The number of covered members who apply for the pilot 
program, disaggregated by covered Armed Force and rank.
(2) The number of covered members who obtain such 
employment under the pilot program, disaggregated by covered 
Armed Force and rank.
(3) The locations of participating schools.
(4) The percentages of participating covered members who 
teach in subjects described in subsection (b).
(5) The number and percentages of participating covered 
members who--
(A) obtain required teaching credentials by 
expedited means; or
(B) receive exemptions from such requirements.
(6) The results of a satisfaction survey of participating 
schools.
(7) A summary of interviews with participating covered 
members who obtain such employment, including such covered 
members who do not complete an academic year of such 
employment.
(d) Termination.--This section shall cease to have any effect on 
the day that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered member'' means a member--
(A) separating from a covered Armed Force; and
(B) who wishes to obtain employment as a teacher in 
an elementary or secondary school.
(2) The term ``appropriate congressional committee'' 
means--
(A) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives;
(B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Education and Workforce of the 
House of Representatives; or
(D) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions of the Senate.
(3) The term ``covered Armed Force'' means the Army, Navy, 
Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
(4) The term ``STEM'' means science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics.

SEC. 564. STUDY ON SEPARATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES DUE TO THE 
MANDATE TO RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE AND THE TRANSFER 
OF EDUCATION BENEFITS BY SUCH MEMBERS.

(a) Study.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on 
covered individuals and the transfer of education benefits by covered 
individuals to covered dependents.
(b) Report.--
(1) Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives and the Senate a report containing the results 
of the study required by subsection (a). Such report shall 
include--
(A) the number of covered individuals;
(B) the number of covered individuals who initiated 
a transfer of education benefits to a dependent in 
accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States 
Code, before separation;
(C) the number of covered individuals who initiated 
such a transfer and did not complete the years of 
service in the Armed Forces necessary for such 
dependent to commence use of such education benefits in 
accordance with such section before separation;
(D) the number of members of the Armed Forces who 
were denied a religious exemption from the mandate to 
receive the COVID-19 vaccine during the period 
beginning on August 24, 2021, and ending on January 10, 
2023;
(E) the number of covered individuals who were 
denied such a religious exemption;
(F) the number of covered individuals who returned 
to service in accordance with the terms of Executive 
Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members 
discharged under the military's COVID-19 vaccination 
mandate);
(G) the number of covered individuals who returned 
to service in accordance with the terms of Executive 
Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members 
discharged under the military's COVID-19 vaccination 
mandate) who initiated a transfer of education benefits 
to a dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 
38, United States Code, before separation and return to 
service;
(H) the number of covered individuals who returned 
to service in accordance with the terms of Executive 
Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members 
discharged under the military's COVID-19 vaccination 
mandate) who initiated a transfer of education benefits 
to a dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 
38, United States Code, before separation and return to 
service and completed the years of service in the Armed 
Forces necessary for such dependent to commence use of 
such education benefits;
(I) the number of covered dependents;
(J) an analysis of the budgetary impact of allowing 
each covered dependent to commence use of education 
benefits that were transferred to such covered 
dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, 
United States Code, without regard to whether the 
covered individual who transferred such education 
benefits to such covered dependent completed the years 
of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such 
covered dependent to commence such use; and
(K) any recommendations of the Secretary to address 
the separation of covered individuals and to ensure 
covered individuals receive appropriate benefits as 
veterans of the Armed Forces.
(2) Disaggregation.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
disaggregate the elements of the report required by paragraph 
(1) that are described in subparagraphs (A) through (J) of such 
paragraph by--
(A) Armed Force in which the covered individual 
served;
(B) whether the covered individual served in an 
active component or a reserve component;
(C) the grade of the covered individual;
(D) the years of service in the Armed Forces of the 
covered individual at the time of separation; and
(E) the characterization of the discharge of the 
covered individual.
(c) Public Availability.--Not later than 60 days after the 
Secretary of Defense submits the report required by subsection (b), the 
Secretary shall make such report publicly available on the website of 
the Department of Defense.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered dependent'' means a dependent of an 
individual who--
(A) is a covered individual;
(B) initiated a transfer of education benefits to 
such dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 
38, United States Code; and
(C) did not complete the years of service in the 
Armed Forces necessary for such dependent to commence 
use of such benefits in accordance with such section.
(2) The term ``covered individual'' means an individual 
who, during the period beginning on August 24, 2021, and ending 
on January 10, 2023, was involuntarily or voluntarily separated 
from an Armed Force solely on the basis of the refusal of such 
individual to receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

Subtitle H--Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education

SEC. 571. EXTENSION OF NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING SERVICES PROGRAM FOR 
MILITARY FAMILIES.

Section 1781(d)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``three years after the date of the enactment of this 
subsection'' and inserting ``December 22, 2029''.

SEC. 572. PILOT PROGRAM TO INCREASE PAYMENTS FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES IN 
HIGH-COST AREAS.

Section 1798 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsection 
(d) and (e), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
subsection:
``(c) Pilot Program for Grants to Increase Infant and Toddler 
Capacity in High-cost Areas.--(1) The Secretary of Defense may 
establish a pilot program to provide grants to eligible providers 
seeking to expand the capacity of such providers to provide care for 
infants and toddlers.
``(2) A grant awarded under the pilot program established under 
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) be in an amount determined by the Secretary, but in 
no case more than 75 percent of the estimated cost of the 
expansion for which the grant is provided; and
``(B) require the recipient of a grant to--
``(i) make available not less than half of any 
additional capacity for infants and toddlers to 
children of members of the armed forces that results 
from the expansion for which a grant is awarded for the 
10-year period that begins on the date on which such 
expansion is completed; and
``(ii) certify that the recipient will not displace 
children enrolled on the date described in clause (i) 
who are not children of members of the armed forces to 
meet the requirement of clause (i).
``(3) The Secretary--
``(A) shall award grants under the pilot program 
established under paragraph (1) to not less than 10 eligible 
providers located in areas with high child care services costs 
or a significant lack of accessible child care services, as 
determined by the Secretary; and
``(B) may award grants under the pilot program established 
under paragraph (1) to eligible providers located in other 
areas as the Secretary considers appropriate.
``(4) Not later than one year after the establishment of the pilot 
program under this subsection, and semiannually thereafter until the 
date of the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall 
submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the 
pilot program that includes--
``(A) the number of eligible providers participating in the 
pilot program, disaggregated by location;
``(B) the number of additional infant and toddler 
enrollments at eligible providers made available under the 
pilot program, disaggregated by loacation;
``(C) the determination of the Secretary as to whether 
grants provided under the pilot program--
``(i) helped reduce child care costs for applicable 
military families;
``(ii) increased child care provider participation 
in the financial assistance available under this 
section; and
``(iii) increased access to infant and toddler care 
for military families;
``(D) the determination of the Secretary with respect to 
the feasibility of expanding the pilot program to all 
communities;
``(E) any challenges identified by the Secretary in 
carrying out the pilot program;
``(F) legislation or administrative action that the 
Secretary determines necessary to make the pilot program 
permanent; and
``(G) any other information the Secretary determines 
appropriate.
``(5) Not later than 90 days after the date of the termination of 
the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
congressional committees a report that includes--
``(A) the elements specified in subparagraphs (A) through 
(G) of paragraph (4); and
``(B) the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether to 
make the pilot program permanent.
``(6) The pilot program established under this subsection shall 
terminate on the date that is five years after the date on which such 
program is established.
``(7) In this subsection, the term `appropriate congressional 
committees' means--
``(A) the congressional defense committees;
``(B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate; and
``(C) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives.''.

SEC. 573. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES FOR IN-HOME CHILD CARE: INCLUSION OF AU 
PAIRS.

Section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 1791 note) is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``subsection (b)'' 
and inserting ``subsection (c)'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as 
subsections (c) through (f), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
subsection (b):
``(b) Au Pairs.--(1) The Secretary shall treat an au pair who is 
participating in the Au Pair program of the Department of State as an 
in-home child care provider who meets qualifications determined under 
subsection (a)(3)(B).
``(2) No State or local government may enact or enforce a law, 
regulation, rule, or requirement related to such Au Pair program that 
would impose an additional or different term or condition on a military 
family that is the host family for an au pair.''.

SEC. 574. MODIFICATIONS TO PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL 
ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR IN-HOME 
CHILD CARE.

(a) In General.--Section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 
116-283; 10 U.S.C. 1791 note) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as 
subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
subsection:
``(c) Direct Payments.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
Secretary of Defense shall provide financial assistance under 
the pilot program required by subsection (a) to members of the 
Armed Forces through monthly pay, direct deposit, or other form 
of direct payment to such members.
``(2) Payment to eligible providers.--The Secretary of 
Defense may provide financial assistance under the pilot 
program required by subsection (a) directly to an in-home child 
care provider with the written consent of the member of the 
Armed Forces receiving such financial assistance.''.
(b) Implementation Date.--The requirements of subsection (c) of 
section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, as added by subsection (a) of 
this section--
(1) except as provided in paragraph (2), shall apply to 
financial assistance under the pilot program established 
pursuant to such section provided on or after the date that is 
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2) shall not apply to financial assistance under such 
pilot program provided to an in-home child care provider 
pursuant to an agreement between the Secretary of Defense until 
the end of the term of such agreement if--
(A) the agreement is in effect on the date of the 
enactment of this Act; and
(B) the agreement provides that the Secretary will 
make direct payments to such provider.

SEC. 575. 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 2027 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 2027 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 2027 pursuant to section 301 and 
available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide 
activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, 
$10,000,000 shall be available for use by the Secretary of 
Defense to make payments to local educational agencies 
determined by the Secretary to have higher concentrations of 
military children with severe disabilities.
(3) Briefing.--Not later than March 31, 2027, the Secretary 
of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of 
the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the 
Department of Defense's evaluation of each local educational 
agency with higher concentrations of military children with 
severe disabilities and subsequent determination of the amounts 
of impact aid each such agency shall receive.

SEC. 576. POLICIES TO SUPPORT MILITARY FAMILIES SUBJECT TO COURT-
ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS.

(a) Policies Required.--Beginning not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall 
maintain a policy pursuant to which a member of an Armed Force under 
the jurisdiction of the Secretary who is a party to a court-ordered 
child custody arrangement may, at the discretion of the Secretary, 
receive--
(1) an exemption from orders for a permanent change of 
station or similar orders for a period of up to 24 months to 
enable that member to remain in geographic proximity to their 
child; and
(2) such other accommodations as the Secretary determines 
appropriate to promote family stability.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report on the policy required under 
subsection (a). The report shall include--
(1) a summary of the policy;
(2) the Secretary's plan for implementation of the policy; 
and
(3) an explanation of how policy meets the requirements of 
subsection (a) and otherwise promotes family stability among 
members of the Armed Forces.
(c) Secretary Concerned Defined.--In this section, the term 
``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given that term in section 
101(a) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 577. AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN MILITARY SPOUSES TO 
BECOME SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN DODEA SCHOOLS.

(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot 
program under which certain military spouses may become special 
education teachers in schools operated by the Department of Defense 
Education Activity.
(b) Eligibility.--A military spouse eligible to participate in such 
a pilot program is a military spouse who--
(1) is eligible for assistance under section 1784a of title 
10, United States Code; and
(2) has a bachelor's or graduate degree from an institution 
of higher education.
(c) Assistance.--Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall 
provide assistance under section 1784a of title 10, United States Code, 
to a participating military spouse to seek a certification or other 
credential as a special education teacher in the State in which the 
military spouse resides.
(d) Service Obligation.--As a condition of receiving assistance 
under subsection (c), a military spouse who participates in such a 
pilot program shall agree to serve as a special education teacher in a 
school operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity for a 
period of three years.
(e) State Agreements.--The Secretary may seek to enter into an 
agreement with a State government (or licensing body sanctioned by a 
State government) to expedite certification described in subsection 
(c).
(f) Report.--Not later than one year before the termination under 
subsection (g) of the authority to carry out a pilot program under this 
section, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
committees a report regarding such pilot program. Such report shall 
include the recommendation of the Secretary whether such authority 
should be extended or made permanent.
(g) Termination.--The authority under this section shall terminate 
five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``appropriate congressional committee'' means 
the following:
(A) The Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives.
(B) The Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.
(C) The Committee on Education and Workforce of the 
House of Representatives.
(2) The term ``institution of higher education'' has the 
meaning given such term in section 102 of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
(3) The term ``special education teacher'' has the meaning 
given such term in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).

SEC. 578. PILOT PROGRAM FOR PUSH-TEXT NOTIFICATIONS TO MEMBERS AND 
DEPENDENTS.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot 
program to be known as the ``Push-Text Initiative'' (in this section 
referred to as the ``pilot program'') to provide members of the Armed 
Forces, assigned to one or more military installations located outside 
of the United States, and the adult dependents of such members, with 
timely and relevant information via text message.
(b) Implementation.--Under the pilot program--
(1) a member of the Armed Forces assigned to a location 
participating in the pilot program, or the dependent of such a 
member, may elect to receive such information using all 
available text messaging contact information provided by such a 
member or dependent; and
(2) a member or dependent who elects to receive information 
under paragraph (1) may opt out of receiving text messages 
under the pilot program at any time.
(c) Covered Information.--Text messages transmitted under the pilot 
program shall include--
(1) information on employment opportunities for military 
spouses, career counseling, and related support programs;
(2) updates with respect to child care services available 
both on and off the installation, availability of child care, 
and child care fee assistance programs;
(3) information regarding general TRICARE program benefits, 
enrollment deadlines, and other health-related resources;
(4) notifications of changes in Department of Defense 
policies, regulations, or Federal laws that affect members or 
dependents of members; and
(5) any other information or resources that the Secretary 
considers relevant to the well-being of members and dependents 
of members.
(d) Report.--Not later than October 1, 2027, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
on the pilot program. Such report shall include--
(1) a description of how the pilot program was implemented, 
including the timeline, execution plan, and the official 
managing the pilot program;
(2) data on participation and usage, including the number 
of individuals who elected to participate, the rates of 
enrollment and disenrollment, and the frequency and types of 
messages transmitted;
(3) any observed benefits or outcomes of the pilot program, 
including feedback from participants;
(4) an analysis of the costs of operating the pilot program 
and any cost savings or efficiencies achieved by consolidating 
or scaling back other outreach efforts with respect to issues 
addressed by the pilot program; and
(5) the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to 
the feasibility and advisability of continuing or expanding the 
pilot program to the entire Department of Defense, including 
any proposed modifications to the program and an assessment of 
the anticipated costs, resource requirements, and potential 
benefits of Department-wide implementation.
(e) Termination.--The pilot program shall terminate on the day that 
is three years after the date on which the pilot program is 
established.

Subtitle I--Decorations and Awards

SEC. 581. GOLD STAR SURVIVOR: DEFINITION PRESCRIBED BY SECRETARY OF 
DEFENSE.

(a) Definition Prescribed by Secretary of Defense.--Section 1126 of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (d)(1), by 
striking ``as the Secretaries concerned shall jointly specify in 
regulations for purposes of this section'' and inserting ``as the 
Secretary of Defense prescribes in regulations''.
(b) Reference.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Under regulations''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2)(A) An individual eligible for a gold star lapel button under 
paragraph (1) may be referred to as a `gold star survivor', `member of 
a gold star family', or `gold star family member'.
``(B) All of the individuals eligible for a gold star lapel button 
under paragraph (1) because of the loss of the life of one member under 
any circumstances prescribed in subsection (a) may be referred to as a 
`gold star family'.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 626 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 
101 note) is amended by striking subsection (c).

SEC. 582. MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS: ACCESS TO ANY MILITARY 
INSTALLATION; LIAISON.

(a) Access.--Section 1134a of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Access.--A person whose name is entered on the Army, Navy, 
Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll shall be issued a common 
access card (or successor identification) that grants such person 
unaccompanied access to any military installation and the Pentagon.''.
(b) Liaison.--Chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 1134a the following new section:
``Sec. 1134b. Medal of honor liaison
``(a) Establishment.--There is in the Department of Defense a Medal 
of Honor Liaison, appointed by the Secretary of Defense, who shall 
serve as liaison to MOH recipients.
``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Medal of Honor Liaison include the 
following:
``(1) To serve as a primary point of contact in the 
Department for MOH recipients and their families.
``(2) To coordinate efforts within the Department, across 
the armed forces, and with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
and other Federal entities regarding MOH recipients.
``(3) To coordinate replacement of military decorations 
under section 1135 of this title for MOH recipients.
``(4) To standardize protocol regarding MOH recipients 
across the armed forces.
``(5) To perform public affairs outreach regarding MOH 
recipients.
``(6) To make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense 
regarding service on active duty by MOH recipients, including 
in combat.
``(c) MOH Recipient Defined.--In this section, the term `MOH 
recipient' means a person whose name is entered on the Army, Navy, Air 
Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll under section 1134a of this 
title.''.

SEC. 583. TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD THE 
DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE CROSS TO ISAAC ``IKE'' CAMACHO.

Section 592 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60) is amended, in the section heading, by 
striking the third word.

SEC. 584. AUTHORIZATION OF SERVICE RIBBON FOR A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL 
GUARD WHO PERFORMS HOMELAND DEFENSE DUTY.

(a) Ribbon Authorized.--The Secretary of the military department 
concerned may award a service ribbon to a member of the National Guard 
who performs duty in support of a homeland defense activity, as such 
term is defined in section 901 of title 32, United States Code.
(b) Design.--The ribbon shall be of an appropriate design approved 
by the Secretary of Defense.
(c) Issuance to Next-of-kin.--If the member is deceased, the 
Secretary of the military department concerned may issue such a ribbon 
to the next-of-kin of the member.
(d) Regulations.--The award of a ribbon under this section shall be 
subject to such regulations as the Secretaries of the military 
departments concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The 
Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under 
this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable.

SEC. 585. AUTHORIZATION FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO 
RAFAEL PERALTA FOR ACTS OF VALOR.

(a) Authorization.--Notwithstanding the time limitations specified 
in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, or any 
other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to 
persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to 
award the Medal of Honor, under section 8291 of such title, to Rafael 
Peralta for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
(b) Acts of Valor Described.-- The acts of valor described in this 
subsection are the actions of Rafael Peralta as a member of the Marine 
Corps on November 15, 2004, for which he was previously awarded the 
Navy Cross.

SEC. 586. AUTHORIZATION FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO 
ROBERT A. LODGE FOR ACTS OF VALOR.

(a) Authorization.--Notwithstanding the time limitations specified 
in section 9274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time 
limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons 
who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award the Medal of 
Honor under section 9271 of such title to Robert A. Lodge for the acts 
of valor described in subsection (b).
(b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor described in this 
subsection are the actions of Robert A. Lodge as a Major in the Air 
Force on May 10, 1972.

SEC. 587. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE CROSS 
FOR JAMES O. RATLIFF FOR ACTS OF VALOR DURING THE VIETNAM 
WAR.

(a) Waiver of Time Limitations.--Notwithstanding the time 
limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, 
or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain 
medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may 
award a Distinguished-Service Cross under section 7272 of such title to 
James O. Ratliff for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
(b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor described in this 
subsection are the actions of James O. Ratliff on June 18, 1968, as a 
member of the Army during a combat mission near the village of Ap Go 
Cong during the Vietnam War.

SEC. 588. AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD THE DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE CROSS TO 
JOSEPH P. LYNCH FOR ACTS OF VALOR AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMY 
DURING THE VIETNAM WAR.

(a) Waiver of Time Limitations.--Notwithstanding the time 
limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, 
or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain 
medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of the 
Army may award the Distinguished-Service Cross under section 7272 of 
such title to Joseph P. Lynch for the acts of valor in described in 
subsection (b).
(b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor described in this 
subsection are the actions of Joseph P. Lynch on April 17, 1968, as a 
member of the Army, during a combat mission near Khe Sanh, Republic of 
Vietnam, for which he was previously awarded the Silver Star.

SEC. 589. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO THOMAS 
J. GRASSO FOR ACTS OF VALOR DURING OPERATION FREEDOM'S 
SENTINEL.

It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Secretary of Defense should review the acts of 
valor of Thomas J. Grasso as a Sergeant First Class in the Army 
during Operation Freedom's Sentinel to determine whether to 
recommend to the President to award Thomas J. Grasso the Medal 
of Honor for such acts of valor; and
(2) subject to the enactment of legislation to waive the 
time limitations in section 7274 of title 10, United States 
Code, the President should award the Medal of Honor to Thomas 
J. Grasso for such acts of valor if the Secretary so 
recommends.

SEC. 589A. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO 
RETIRED COLONEL PHILIP J. CONRAN FOR ACTS OF VALOR IN 
LAOS DURING THE VIETNAM WAR.

It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Secretary of Defense should review the acts of 
valor of Philip J. Conran on October 6, 1969, as a member of 
the Air Force, during a combat mission in the Savannakhet 
Province of Laos to determine whether to recommend to the 
President to award Philip J. Conran the Medal of Honor for such 
acts of valor; and
(2) subject to the enactment of legislation to waive the 
time limitations specified in section 9274 of title 10, United 
States Code, the President should award the Medal of Honor to 
Philip J. Conran for such acts of valor if the Secretary so 
recommends.

Subtitle J--Other Matters and Miscellaneous Reports

SEC. 591. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS FOR CERTAIN MILITARY 
ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM.

Section 2564a of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in 
subsection (a)(1)(B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
``, during the one-year period following the veteran's date of 
separation,''.

SEC. 592. EXPANDED GOALS OF AUTHORIZED PROGRAM REGARDING THE NATIONAL 
SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM.

The Secretary of Defense shall seek to amend any agreement entered 
into by the Secretary pursuant to section 539 of the Servicemember 
Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159) to include promoting security at 
the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.

SEC. 593. LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PROCUREMENT IN GUAM COMMISSARIES.

(a) Designation of Liaison.--The Director of the Defense Commissary 
Agency shall designate an official within the Defense Commissary Agency 
responsible for liaising with farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food 
producers in Guam for the purpose of assisting those persons in doing 
business with the Defense Commissary Agency and increasing the 
availability of locally produced food products in commissaries located 
in Guam.
(b) Plan to Increase Local Procurement.--
(1) Plan required.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense 
Commissary Agency shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a plan to increase the volume of locally grown 
produce sold in commissaries located in Guam.
(2) Elements.--The plan required under paragraph (1) 
shall--
(A) identify barriers to procuring locally grown 
produce from producers in Guam;
(B) describe steps the Defense Commissary Agency 
will take to improve outreach, contracting, 
distribution, and procurement opportunities for 
producers in Guam;
(C) establish measurable benchmarks and timelines 
for increasing the amount of locally grown produce sold 
in commissaries located in Guam; and
(D) include a goal that not less than 15 percent of 
all produce sold in commissaries located in Guam be 
locally sourced from Guam producers.
(c) Report on Implementation.--Not later than two years after the 
date of the submission of the plan required under subsection (b), the 
Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of the 
plan, including--
(1) the percentage of produce sold in commissaries located 
in Guam that is locally sourced;
(2) a description of progress made toward achieving the 
goal described in subsection (b)(2)(D);
(3) any challenges encountered in implementing the plan; 
and
(4) recommendations for legislative or administrative 
action to further increase procurement from producers in Guam.

SEC. 594. SUBMISSION OF REVIEW OF OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF ARMY AND 
MARINE CORPS GROUND COMBAT UNITS.

(a) Submission to Congress.--Not later than seven days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to Congress the complete, unredacted review of operational 
effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps ground combat units that is the 
subject of the memorandum issued by the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Personnel and Readiness on December 18, 2025, relating to ``Review of 
the Operational Effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps Ground Combat 
Units''.
(b) Comptroller General Review.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report reviewing--
(1) the review submitted to Congress under subsection (a); 
and
(2) any actions taken by the Secretary of Defense in 
response to the review.

TITLE VI--MILITARY COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS

Subtitle A--Bonus and Incentive Pays

SEC. 601. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CERTAIN EXPIRING BONUS AND SPECIAL PAY 
AUTHORITIES.

(a) Authorities Relating to Reserve Forces.--Section 910(g) of 
title 37, United States Code, relating to income replacement payments 
for reserve component members experiencing extended and frequent 
mobilization for active duty service, is amended by striking ``December 
31, 2026'' and inserting ``December 31, 2027''.
(b) Title 10 Authorities Relating to Health Care Professionals.--
The following sections of title 10, United States Code, are amended by 
striking ``December 31, 2026'' and inserting ``December 31, 2027'':
(1) Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer 
candidate accession program.
(2) Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of education 
loans for certain health professionals who serve in the 
Selected Reserve.
(c) Authorities Relating to Nuclear Officers.--Section 333(i) of 
title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking ``December 31, 
2026'' and inserting ``December 31, 2027''.
(d) Authorities Relating to Title 37 Consolidated Special Pay, 
Incentive Pay, and Bonus Authorities.--The following sections of title 
37, United States Code, are amended by striking ``December 31, 2026'' 
and inserting ``December 31, 2027'':
(1) Section 331(h), relating to general bonus authority for 
enlisted members.
(2) Section 332(g), relating to general bonus authority for 
officers.
(3) Section 334(i), relating to special aviation incentive 
pay and bonus authorities for officers.
(4) Section 335(k), relating to special bonus and incentive 
pay authorities for officers in health professions.
(5) Section 336(g), relating to contracting bonus for 
cadets and midshipmen enrolled in the Senior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps.
(6) Section 351(h), relating to hazardous duty pay.
(7) Section 352(g), relating to assignment pay or special 
duty pay.
(8) Section 353(i), relating to skill incentive pay or 
proficiency bonus.
(9) Section 355(h), relating to retention incentives for 
members qualified in critical military skills or assigned to 
high priority units.
(e) Authority to Provide Temporary Increase in Rates of Basic 
Allowance for Housing.--Section 403(b) of title 37, United States Code, 
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (7)(E), relating to an area covered by a 
major disaster declaration or containing an installation 
experiencing an influx of military personnel, by striking 
``December 31, 2026'' and inserting ``December 31, 2027''; and
(2) in paragraph (8)(C), relating to an area where actual 
housing costs differ from current rates by more than 20 
percent, by striking ``December 31, 2026'' and inserting 
``December 31, 2027''.

SEC. 602. AUTHORIZING BOARD CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE PAY FOR MEDICAL 
OFFICERS WITH DOCTORAL DEGREES.

Section 335(c)(2) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``, or holds a doctoral degree that the Secretary concerned 
determines appropriate,'' after ``is board certified''.

SEC. 603. ONE-TIME CORRECTIVE INCREASE AND ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS FOR 
CERTAIN SPECIAL AND INCENTIVE PAYS FOR MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES; CLARIFICATION OF SPECIAL AND INCENTIVE PAY 
AUTHORITIES FOR MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS.

(a) Adjustments.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 19 of title 37, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
section:
``Sec. 1017. Adjustments to amounts of special and incentive pays
``(a) Initial Increase.--Effective on January 1 of the first year 
that begins after the date of the enactment of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall 
increase the amount of each covered special and incentive pay (rounded 
to the nearest dollar) for members of the armed forces by the greater 
of--
``(1) the percentage by which the CPI for the base quarter 
of the preceding year exceeds the CPI for the base quarter 
preceding the last statutory or administrative increase date 
for such covered special and incentive pay; and
``(2) the percentage by which the average rate of basic pay 
for members of the armed forces under section 203(a) of this 
title in effect on such January 1 exceeds the average rate of 
basic pay for members of the armed forces under such section 
203(a) that was in effect on the last statutory or 
administrative increase date for such covered special and 
incentive pay.
``(b) Recurring Increase.--Effective on January 1 of the second 
year that begins after the date of the enactment of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, and each January 1 
thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall increase the amount of each 
covered special and incentive pay (rounded to the nearest dollar) for 
members of the armed forces by the greater of--
``(1) the percentage by which the CPI for the base quarter 
of the preceding year exceeds the CPI for the base quarter of 
the year before the preceding year; and
``(2) the percentage by which the rate of basic pay for 
members of the armed forces under section 203(a) of this title 
is increased on such January 1 from the rate of basic pay for 
such members in effect the preceding year.
``(c) Relationship to Limits of Amounts in Law.--The Secretary 
shall increase the amount of each covered special and incentive pay in 
accordance with subsection (a) or (b) notwithstanding any limitation on 
the maximum amount of such pay specified in any other provision of law.
``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `base quarter' for any year is the three-
month period ending on September 30 of such year.
``(2) The term `covered special and incentive pay' means--
``(A) a bonus, incentive, or special pay payable 
under chapter 5 of this title; and
``(B) the allowance payable under section 427 of 
this title.
``(3) The term `CPI' means the Consumer Price Index for All 
Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of 
the Department of Labor.
``(4) The term `last statutory or administrative increase 
date' means the date of the most recent adjustment to an amount 
of pay that--
``(A) reflects a revision based on objective 
economic indicators or an increase to basic pay for 
members of the armed forces; or
``(B) was made by Act of Congress.''.
(2) Publication of one-time adjustments.--Not later than 
December 31 of the year of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Defense shall publish in the Federal Register a 
table that identifies--
(A) each covered special and incentive pay (as 
defined in section 1017 of title 37, United States 
Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section);
(B) the last statutory or administration increase 
date (as defined in such section 1017) of each such 
pay;
(C) the amount of increase of such pay after the 
application of subsection (a) of such section 1017; and
(D) the total amount of such pay after the 
application of such subsection (a).
(b) Clarification of Special and Incentive Pay Authorities for 
Members of Reserve Components.--Section 357 of title 37, United States 
Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``special or incentive pay'' and inserting 
``bonus, incentive, or special pay''; and
(2) by striking ``if the Secretary concerned'' and all that 
follows and inserting a period.

SEC. 604. PAYMENT OF MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF AVIATION INCENTIVE PAY TO 
AVIATION OFFICERS WITH MORE THAN 8 YEARS OF AVIATION 
SERVICE; ENHANCEMENT OF RETENTION INCENTIVES AVAILABLE TO 
AVIATION OFFICERS.

(a) Payment of Maximum Amount of Aviation Incentive Pay to Officers 
With More Than 8 Years of Aviation Service.--Section 334(c) of title 
37, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``subject to 
paragraph (5),'' before ``aviation incentive''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) Maximum amount for officers with more than 8 years of 
aviation service.--An officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, 
Marine Corps, or Space Force who is entitled to aviation 
incentive pay under subsection (a) and has completed more than 
8 years of aviation service shall receive the maximum monthly 
amount of such pay under paragraph (1)(A).''.
(b) Enhancement of Air Force Rated Officer Retention Demonstration 
Program.--
(1) Eligible officers.--Subsection (b)(2) of section 604 of 
the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 37 U.S.C. 301b note) is 
amended--
(A) by striking ``and not less than one year''; and
(B) by striking ``under section 653 of title 10, 
United States Code''.
(2) Written agreements.--Subsection (c)(1) of such section 
is amended--
(A) by striking ``four years'' and inserting ``one 
year''; and
(B) by striking ``under section 653 of title 10, 
United States Code''.
(3) Retention incentives.--Subsection (d) of such section 
is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
following new paragraph (1):
``(1) Flexibility of assignment and duty locations.--Under 
the demonstration program required under subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall offer to a rated officer described in 
subsection (b), to the maximum extent practicable (as 
determined by the Secretary)--
``(A) assignment to the duty location of the rated 
officer's preference, including consecutive assignments 
to the same duty location;
``(B) the opportunity to perform a staff assignment 
that does not require flying remotely, such that the 
officer may avoid relocation or remain in active flying 
status; and
``(C) the opportunity to transition indefinitely to 
a non-combat aviation service position.'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
following new paragraph (2):
``(2) Aviation bonus.--
``(A) In general.--Under the demonstration program 
required under subsection (a), notwithstanding section 
334(c) of title 37, United States Code, the Secretary 
may pay to a rated officer described in subsection (b) 
an aviation bonus not to exceed an average annual 
amount of $100,000.
``(B) Payment of maximum amount.--The Secretary--
``(i) shall ensure the maximum amount 
payable under subparagraph (A) is offered to 
any rated officer described in subsection (b) 
who executes a written agreement under 
subsection (c) to remain on active duty for one 
or more years after the completion of the 
active duty service obligation of the officer; 
and
``(ii) may not vary the amount of an 
aviation bonus offered to an officer based on 
the active duty service commitment the officer 
has remaining at the time of offer.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(4) Aligning total force incentives.--The Secretary shall 
ensure that an offer under this subsection to a rated officer 
described in subsection (b) includes--
``(A) contract length options equal to or shorter 
than contract length options offered by the Air 
National Guard and the Air Force Reserve; and
``(B) an aviation bonus under paragraph (2) in an 
amount that is equal to or exceeds the amounts offered 
by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.''.
(4) Extension of demonstration project.--Subsection (g) of 
such section is amended by striking ``2028'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 605. EXPANSIONS OF AUTHORITIES TO CONTRACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE 
SENIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS.

(a) Expansion of Authority to Contract With Members Ineligible for 
Advanced Training.--Section 2103a(a) of title 10, United States Code is 
amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``who has 
completed successfully the first year of a four-year Senior Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps course and''.
(b) Contracting Bonus: Increased Maximum Bonus; Expansion of 
Training Covered by Contract.--Section 336 of title 37, United States 
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting 
``$15,000''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``field training or a 
practice cruise under section 2104(b)(6)(A)(ii) of title 10'' 
and inserting ``training requirements prescribed by the 
Secretary concerned''.

SEC. 606. RETROACTIVE GRANTING OF WAIVERS FOR AVIATION INCENTIVE PAY.

(a) Mandatory Waiver.--Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary of 
the Navy shall--
(1) waive the requirements relating to months of 
operational flight for the receipt of aviation incentive pay 
under section 334 or 357 of title 37, United States Code, for 
any officer who--
(A) was assigned to a tactical air control squadron 
during the period beginning on September 1, 2018, and 
ending on January 1, 2025;
(B)(i) submitted a request to waive such 
requirements during such period that was denied; or
(ii) did not submit a request for a waiver of such 
requirements during such period; and
(C) who the Secretary of the Navy determines would 
have qualified for a waiver of such requirements under 
the criteria applicable to requests for such a waiver 
at that time, provided that the Secretary shall 
consider as qualified for a waiver an officer who 
accumulated not less than 72 months of creditable 
operational or proficiency flying duty as of--
(i) in the case of an officer described in 
paragraph (1)(B)(i), the date of the submission 
of a request for such a waiver; and
(ii) in the case of an officer described in 
paragraph (1)(B)(ii), the date on which such 
officer was determined ineligible for aviation 
incentive pay under section 334 or 357 of title 
37, United States Code, due to the failure to 
meet the requirements relating to months of 
operational flight;
(2) apply the waiver required by paragraph (1) for each 
officer as of--
(A) in the case of an officer described in 
paragraph (1)(B)(i), the date of such request; and
(B) in the case of an officer described in 
paragraph (1)(B)(ii), the date on which such officer 
was determined ineligible for aviation incentive pay 
under section 334 or 357 of title 37, United States 
Code, due to the failure to meet the requirements 
relating to months of operational flight; and
(3) provide each such officer aviation incentive pay under 
those sections in the amounts such officer would have received 
had the waiver been granted and applied on such date.
(b) Review of Flying Duty Policies.--
(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (c), if the 
Secretary of the Navy has reason to believe that the process 
for certifying operational or proficiency flying duty for 
members of the Navy or Marine Corps is not being carried out 
correctly, the Secretary shall conduct a review of such 
process, including all flying duty policies, procedures, and 
determinations, and take such corrective actions as the 
Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) Status of aviation incentive pay.--If the Secretary 
conducts a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not 
make a determination that an officer is ineligible for aviation 
incentive pay under section 334 or 357 of title 37, United 
States Code, due to failure to meet the requirements relating 
to months of operational flight until the completion of such 
review.
(3) Submission.--If the Secretary conducts a review under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees the results of the review.
(c) Limitations.--
(1) Appropriations required.--Payments under subsection (a) 
and corrective action under subsection (b) in a fiscal year may 
only be made using amounts appropriated in advance specifically 
for such payments or such corrective action under such 
subsection in such fiscal year.
(2) Matter of payments.--Payments under subsection (a) and 
corrective action under subsection (b) shall be made on a pro 
rata basis if the amounts appropriated for such payments or 
such corrective action are less than the total amount that 
would be paid for such payments or such corrective action.
(3) Amounts of payments.--The total amount of funding 
obligated for payments under subsection (a) and corrective 
action under subsection (b) may not exceed the amount 
specifically appropriated for providing payments or taking such 
corrective action during the period of availability of such 
amount.

Subtitle B--Allowances

SEC. 611. BASIC NEEDS ALLOWANCE: EXCLUSION OF BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR 
HOUSING FROM THE CALCULATION OF GROSS HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF 
AN ELIGIBLE MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES.

Section 402b(k)(1)(B) of title 37, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``in'' and all that follows through 
``portion of''; and
(2) by striking ``that the Secretary concerned elects to 
exclude'' and inserting ``paid to such member''.

SEC. 612. BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING: PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO MAKE 
CERTAIN TEMPORARY INCREASES.

(a) Area Covered by a Major Disaster Declaration or Containing an 
Installation Experiencing an Influx of Military Personnel.--Subsection 
(b) of section 403 of title 37, United States Code, is amended, in 
paragraph (7)--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``Subject to 
subparagraph (E), an'' and inserting ``An''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (E).
(b) Area Where Actual Housing Costs Differ From Current Rates by 
More Than 20 Percent.--Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph 
(8), by striking subparagraph (C).

SEC. 613. TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENT TO A RATE OF THE BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR 
HOUSING FOR MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES: LOWER 
THRESHOLD; PERMANENT AUTHORITY.

Section 403(b)(8) of title 37, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``20 percent'' and 
inserting ``15 percent''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (C).

SEC. 614. MODIFICATIONS TO COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE IN THE CONTINENTAL 
UNITED STATES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, 
MARINE CORPS, AND SPACE FORCE.

Section 403b of title 37, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following new 
subsection:
``(i) Special Rule for Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 
Corps, and Space Force.--This section shall be applied for members of 
the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force as follows:
``(1) Subsection (a) shall be applied by substituting 
`shall pay' for `may pay'.
``(2) Subsection (c) shall be applied by substituting for 
the second and third sentences the following: `The threshold 
percentage shall be three percent, except that the 
administering Secretaries may prescribe a higher threshold 
percentage to be applied for a fiscal year when it is necessary 
to do so in order to ensure that the total amount of the 
payments of the cost-of-living allowance made to members of the 
uniformed services under this section for such fiscal year does 
not exceed the total amount available to all uniformed services 
for that fiscal year for paying such allowance.'
``(3) The Secretary concerned may exclude general officers 
(as defined in section 101(b) of title 10) and flag officers 
(as defined in such section) from members who are eligible to 
receive a cost-of-living allowance under this section.''.

SEC. 615. PAYMENT OF COSTS TO SHIP BREAST MILK OF A MEMBER PERFORMING 
CERTAIN DUTY.

(a) Authority.--Section 453 of title 37, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(j) Costs to Ship Breast Milk.--(1) The Secretary concerned shall 
pay directly, or reimburse a covered member for, the costs for shipping 
expressed breast milk of the covered member to be used by the infant 
child of such member because the infant is separated from the member by 
reason of a qualifying circumstance.
``(2) The costs paid or reimbursed by the Secretary concerned with 
respect to a covered member for a single qualifying event may not 
exceed $1,000.
``(3) A covered member shall be eligible for a payment or 
reimbursement under paragraph (1) during the period in which the member 
is eligible for breastfeeding support pursuant to chapter 55 of title 
10.
``(4) In this subsection:
``(A) The term `covered member' means a member of the armed 
forces serving on active duty or inactive duty training.
``(B) The term `qualifying circumstance' means, with 
respect to a covered member, any of the following:
``(i) The covered member is performing temporary 
duty pursuant to orders.
``(ii) The covered member is undergoing a permanent 
change of station, regardless of whether the tour of 
duty is an accompanied or unaccompanied tour of duty.
``(iii) The covered member is performing annual 
training duty.
``(iv) The covered member is performing inactive-
duty training.''.
(b) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) prescribe regulations to carry out subsection (j) of 
section 453 of title 37, United States Code, as added by 
subsection (a) of this section, in a manner that ensures parity 
with relevant existing programs of the Department of Defense; 
and
(2) issue implementing guidance by not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Subtitle C--Leave

SEC. 621. ACCRUAL OF LEAVE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

Section 701(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``2\1/2\ calendar days'' and inserting ``3\1/2\ calendar 
days''.

SEC. 622. ACCUMULATION OF LEAVE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Accumulation of Leave for Members of the Armed Forces.--Section 
701 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (b), (e), and (g);
(2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (f), (h), (i), 
(j), (k), (l), and (m) as subsections (b) through (j), 
respectively;
(3) in sub

[Text truncated for length — see the official source above for the complete bill.]