S. 4784

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4784 Reported in Senate (RS)]

<DOC>

Calendar No. 436
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4784

[Report No. 119-127]

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 SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 15, 2026

Mr. Wicker, from the Committee on Armed Services, reported the 
following original bill; which was read twice and placed on the 
calendar

_______________________________________________________________________

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.
Sec. 4. Budgetary effects of this Act.
DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS

TITLE I--PROCUREMENT

Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations

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

Sec. 111. Multiyear procurement authority for Infantry Squad Vehicle 
program.
Sec. 112. Inclusion of Army National Guard in Army Arctic strategy and 
force structure.
Subtitle C--Navy Programs

Sec. 121. Modification and extension of procurement authorities for 
certain amphibious shipbuilding programs.
Sec. 122. Funding for refueling and complex overhauls of the U.S.S. 
John C. Stennis and U.S.S. Harry S. Truman.
Sec. 123. Vessel construction manager and commercial design and 
construction requirements for cable laying 
and repair ships.
Sec. 124. Conveyance of F-14D Tomcat aircraft from the Navy to the U.S. 
Space and rocket center commission in 
Huntsville, Alabama.
Sec. 125. Prohibition on destruction or scrapping of World War II-era 
aircraft.
Sec. 126. Procurement authority for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft 
program.
Subtitle D--Air Force Programs

Sec. 131. Modification of inventory requirements for Air Force fighter 
aircraft.
Sec. 132. Multiyear procurement authority for F-35 aircraft.
Sec. 133. Multiyear procurement authority for F-15EX aircraft.
Sec. 134. MQ-9 aircraft.
Sec. 135. Airborne warning and control system aircraft.
Sec. 136. Limitation on availability of funds pending submission of 
report on acquisition strategy for Airborne 
Command Post capability.
Sec. 137. Mobility capabilities strategic plan.
Sec. 138. Extension of requirement and prohibition related to C-130 
aircraft.
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION

Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations

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

Sec. 211. Improving the requirement for an alternative test and 
evaluation pathway for designated defense 
acquisition programs.
Sec. 212. Development, test, evaluation, demonstration, and transition 
to production of alternative low-cost 
weapon systems.
Sec. 213. Modification to the advisory role of the JASON scientific 
advisory group.
Sec. 214. Modified and streamlined process for developing, negotiating, 
and concluding certain international 
agreements.
Sec. 215. Repeal of authority relating to temporary hiring of students 
and university faculty.
Sec. 216. Limitation on availability of funds for Test Resource 
Management Center containerized 
instrumentation programs pending report on 
a common architecture for unmanned maritime 
test instrumentation.
Sec. 217. Limitation on availability of funds for Under Secretary of 
Defense for Research and Engineering 
travel.
Sec. 218. Limitation on availability of funds for Integrated Combat 
Systems of the Department of the Navy.
Sec. 219. Limitation on the use of travel funds for the Under Secretary 
of Defense for Research and Engineering.
Sec. 220. Codification of Department of Defense Research Security 
Program.
Sec. 221. Codification of Department of Defense Science, Technology, 
and Innovation Board.
Sec. 222. Alternative programs to expand inventory of air defense 
interceptors.
Sec. 223. Improvements to personnel management authority to attract 
experts in science, engineering, and 
certain other disciplines at Defense 
Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Sec. 224. Extension of limitation on availability of funds for 
fundamental research collaboration with 
certain academic institutions.
Subtitle C--Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 231. Assessment framework for future quantum computing programs.
Sec. 232. Execution of the Additive Manufacturing for Rocket Propellant 
systems.
Sec. 233. Report on emerging technology and cognitive warfare.
Sec. 234. Department of Defense electronics requirements study.
TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations

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

Sec. 311. Modifications to Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group.
Sec. 312. Prioritization of deployment of expeditionary solid waste 
disposal systems.
Sec. 313. Authorization of sustainable aviation fuel procurement.
Sec. 314. Grid resiliency and energy redundancy.
Sec. 315. Mandatory grid impact and infrastructure power requirements 
for enhanced use leases.
Sec. 316. Storage capacity enhancements.
Sec. 317. Revision of policy on use of open-air burn pits not 
controlled by Department of Defense.
Sec. 318. Assessment of energy supplied to installations and 
operational forces of the Department of 
Defense.
Sec. 319. Requirement of notice on updates to public dashboard on 
remediation of perfluoroalkyl and 
polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 320. Revisions to technical assistance for public participation in 
defense environmental restoration 
activities.
Sec. 320A. Study on contracting process of Department of Defense for 
remediation of perfluoroalkyl and 
polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 320B. Initiation of remedial actions with respect to 
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl 
substances.
Subtitle C--Logistics and Sustainment

Sec. 321. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations on 
exercises and wargames in the Indo-Pacific 
region.
Sec. 322. Integration of unmanned systems into the Installation 
Physical Security Program.
Sec. 323. Guidance regarding governance structure of organic industrial 
base of the Army.
Sec. 324. Extension of deadline for designation of roles and 
responsibilities relating to sustainment 
and readiness of certain naval surface 
vessels.
Sec. 325. Acquisition and sustainment strategy for spare parts for low 
mission capable aircraft.
Sec. 326. Helicopter support for Kwajalein Atoll and Ronald Reagan 
Space and Missile Test Range, Marshall 
Islands.
Sec. 327. Capital expenditure write-offs for Department of Defense 
depots and arsenals.
Sec. 328. Modification of requirements relating to production in 
factories or arsenals owned by the United 
States.
Subtitle D--Reports

Sec. 341. Report on strategy to maintain and upgrade conventional 
munitions storage facilities.
Sec. 342. Risk assessment of air traffic control systems of Department 
of Defense.
Subtitle E--Other Matters

Sec. 351. Modification of depots for which minimum capital investment 
is required.
Sec. 352. Implementation of Department of Defense Inspector General 
recommendations relating to evaluation of 
management of canine welfare under military 
working dog program.
Sec. 353. Prohibition on operation of connected vehicles of concern on 
military installations and other property 
of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 354. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of 
the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 355. Limitation on use of travel funds for Secretary of the Air 
Force until briefing on West Lab Project at 
Lincoln Laboratory.
Sec. 356. Naming of certain assets of the Department of Defense in the 
Commonwealth of Virginia.
Sec. 357. Administrative requirements for Military Aviation and 
Installation Assurance Clearinghouse.
TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS

Subtitle A--Active Forces

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

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

Sec. 421. Military personnel.
TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY

Subtitle A--Officer Personnel Policy

Sec. 501. Notification requirements for delayed promotions.
Sec. 502. Temporary withholding of officer nominations and promotion 
recommendations.
Sec. 503. Enhanced authority for early discharges.
Sec. 504. Officer retirement determinations.
Sec. 505. Retirement of regular Navy warrant officers and Marine Corps 
Marine Gunner warrant officers for years of 
service.
Sec. 506. Authority to improve retention for permanent professors of 
the United States Army War College.
Sec. 507. Congressional notification of relief or early departure of 
certain general and flag officers.
Subtitle B--Reserve Component Management

Sec. 511. Clarification on computation of total years of service.
Sec. 512. Authorized strengths for Navy Reserves and Marine Corps 
Reserves on full-time reserve component 
duty.
Sec. 513. National Guard military technician (dual status) conversions 
and phase-out.
Sec. 514. Study and analysis for enhanced maritime surge maintenance, 
repair, and production capacity.
Subtitle C--General Service Authorities and Military Records

Sec. 521. Remote personnel processing in the military departments.
Sec. 522. Repeal of sunset of authority relating to non-medical 
counseling services for military families.
Sec. 523. Guidance on public disclosure of personally identifiable 
information for certain members of the 
Armed Forces.
Sec. 524. Prohibition on reduction in the number of personnel assigned 
to a service review agency.
Sec. 525. Reauthorization of temporary authority to develop and provide 
additional recruitment incentives.
Sec. 526. Relief for former service members requesting review of 
discharge or dismissal on the basis of 
post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic 
brain injury related to combat or military 
sexual trauma.
Sec. 527. Modification of whistleblower protections.
Sec. 528. Authority for collection of personally identifiable 
information regarding prospective recruits.
Sec. 529. Modification of service obligations for cadets obtaining 
employment as professional athletes.
Sec. 529A. Requirement of equal opportunity, racial neutrality, and 
exclusive use of merit in military 
personnel actions.
Sec. 529B. Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs 
or activities, and males entering privacy 
spaces, at the military service academies 
that are designated for women or girls.
Sec. 529C. Modification of provisions related to diversity, equity, and 
inclusion.
Sec. 529D. Sex-neutral occupational performance standards.
Subtitle D--Military Justice and Other Legal Matters

Sec. 531. Wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images.
Sec. 532. Expansion of victim access to Court of Appeals for the Armed 
Forces.
Sec. 533. Technical amendment to completion of appellate review under 
article 57 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice.
Sec. 534. Review of courts-martial records.
Sec. 535. Authority of special trial counsel to enter into pretrial 
agreements with respect to certain offenses 
occurring before effective date of military 
justice reforms.
Sec. 536. Clarification of court of criminal appeals review of 
sentencing.
Sec. 537. Updating subpoena authority for military investigations.
Sec. 538. Extension of Special Victims' Counsel services to domestic 
violence victims.
Sec. 539. Treatment of hazing under Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Sec. 539A. Notification of the issuance or termination of military 
protective orders to victims of domestic 
violence or sexual assault.
Sec. 539B. Military domestic violence emergent housing policy.
Sec. 539C. Annual report on findings of the Department-wide review of 
the military legal system.
Sec. 539D. Clarification of authority to order to active-duty certain 
persons subject to the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice for matters relating to 
offenses during specified periods incident 
to inactive-duty training.
Sec. 539E. Inapplicability to retired members of punitive articles 
affecting political speech.
Subtitle E--Member Education, Training, and Transition

Sec. 541. Limitation on authority to reorganize the Senior Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps.
Sec. 542. Discharge of midshipmen for unsatisfactory conduct or 
inaptitude.
Sec. 543. Modification to program on encouragement of postseparation 
public and community service.
Sec. 544. Limited authority to waive time-in-grade requirement for 
service academy graduates detailed as 
students at law schools.
Sec. 545. Elimination of the right of cadets to automatic 
reexamination.
Sec. 546. Revision to decision timeframe for expedited transfers at the 
military service academies.
Sec. 547. Establishment of program to promote participation of foreign 
students in the Senior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps.
Sec. 548. Designation of senior official for military-to-civilian 
transition.
Sec. 549. Payment of tuition for off-duty training or education.
Sec. 549A. Improvement of transition of medics in the Armed Forces to 
the civilian workforce in health care 
occupations.
Sec. 549B. Standards and requirements for institutions of higher 
learning seeking to participate in 
Department of Defense education programs.
Sec. 549C. Government copyright for work produced at Defense Security 
Cooperation University.
Sec. 549D. Promoting the use of standardized testing at military 
service academies and DoDEA schools.
Sec. 549E. Department of Defense-wide hate symbol policy and recruiter 
and workforce training requirement.
Subtitle F--Military Family Readiness and Dependents' Education

PART I--Dependents' Education

Sec. 551. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit 
dependents of military and civilian 
personnel.
Sec. 552. Educational technologists at Department of Defense Education 
Activity schools.
PART II--Child Care and Related Matters

Sec. 555. Expansion of eligible child care providers for Department of 
Defense programs.
Sec. 556. Standardized reporting on Department of Defense child care 
readiness.
Sec. 557. Update to pay system for child and youth programs operated by 
nonappropriated fund instrumentalities.
PART III--Other Matters

Sec. 561. Department of Defense Fellowship Program for Military 
Spouses.
Sec. 562. Consideration in member assignments process of colocation of 
members and civilian employee spouses.
Sec. 563. Review of Exceptional Family Member Program.
Sec. 564. Improved counseling and access to information relating to 
foster care for military families.
Sec. 565. Reporting on gaps between senior and junior enlisted security 
forces that could hinder effective 
oversight and leadership at Protection 
Level One locations.
Subtitle G--Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Sec. 571. Update of guidance and evaluation of Junior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps instructor pay scale.
Sec. 572. Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs in 
Department of Defense Education Activity 
schools.
Subtitle H--Decorations and Other Awards, Miscellaneous Reports, and 
Other Matters

Sec. 581. Authorization for award of the Distinguished-Service Cross to 
Isaac ``Ike'' Camacho for acts of valor in 
Vietnam.
Sec. 582. Authorization for award of the Distinguished-Service Cross 
for Joseph P. Lynch for acts of valor in 
the Republic of Vietnam.
Sec. 583. Submission to Congress of information for consideration of 
certain military awards.
Sec. 584. Medal of Honor review procedures and reconsideration and 
upgrade requirements.
Sec. 585. Time limitations.
Sec. 586. Production of award files.
TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS

Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances

Sec. 601. Modification of reimbursement of expenses relating to travel 
for inactive-duty training and muster duty.
Sec. 602. Fiscal year 2027 increase in military basic pay.
Sec. 603. Reimbursement of costs of long commutes for members assigned 
to remote or isolated installations in 
areas without affordable housing.
Subtitle B--Special and Incentive Pay

Sec. 611. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay 
authorities.
Sec. 612. Increase in maximum amount of aviation bonus.
Sec. 613. Authorization of board certification incentive pay for 
veterinary comparative medicine officers.
Sec. 614. Modification of bonus authority for Senior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps cadets and midshipmen.
Sec. 615. Increase in maximum amounts of hostile fire pay and imminent 
danger pay.
Sec. 616. Medical providers qualified to recertify catastrophic 
injuries or illnesses qualifying members 
for special compensation.
Subtitle C--Commissary and Exchange Benefits

Sec. 621. Authorized patrons of commissary and exchange stores.
Sec. 622. Modification of operating expenses of commissary stores.
Sec. 623. Pilot program on access of civilian employees to commissary 
stores.
Subtitle D--Other Matters

Sec. 631. Authority for shipment and storage of privately owned 
vehicles of members moving between 
authorized locations.
Sec. 632. Reimbursement of guardianship costs incurred as a result of 
relocations.
Sec. 633. Provision of counseling on housing for members of the Armed 
Forces.
Sec. 634. Special priority travel authorization for personnel stationed 
at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo 
Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 635. Program to assist members in obtaining personal driver's 
licenses.
Sec. 636. Student loan relief for members of Selected Reserve.
Sec. 637. Enhancement of Air Force rated officer retention 
demonstration program.
Sec. 638. Pilot program on career intermissions for certain Air Force 
fighter aircrew.
TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE

Subtitle A--TRICARE and Other Health Care Benefits

Sec. 701. Digital system for beneficiary assistance at military medical 
treatment facilities and through managed 
care support contractors.
Sec. 702. Expansion of access to dental care for certain dependents.
Sec. 703. Expansion of eligibility for hearing aids to include children 
of retired members of the Uniformed 
Services enrolled in family coverage under 
TRICARE Select.
Sec. 704. Evaluation of inclusion of additional accrediting bodies for 
purposes of qualifications for licensure of 
mental health professionals under TRICARE 
Program.
Sec. 705. Improvement of provider directory accuracy for specialty care 
providers under the TRICARE program.
Sec. 706. Modification of requirement to provide start-up time for 
certain TRICARE contractors.
Sec. 707. Corrections to pilot program for supplemental coverage 
relating to cancer.
Sec. 708. Coverage of cranial orthotic devices for deformational 
plagiocephaly under TRICARE program.
Sec. 709. Technical amendments to the Public Health Service Act.
Sec. 710. Licensure of mental health professionals in TRICARE Program.
Sec. 711. Requirements relating to wellness checks for health and 
welfare of certain members of the Armed 
Forces.
Sec. 712. Requirement to offer medical chaperones during sensitive 
medical examinations.
Sec. 713. Pilot program on reciprocal access to health care facilities, 
personnel, and services of Department of 
Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 714. Medical screening for members of the Armed Forces who served 
at data masked or classified locations.
Sec. 715. Medical testing and related services for firefighters of 
Department of Defense.
Subtitle B--Health Care Administration

Sec. 721. Development of capability prototype on secure access to 
health record for members of the Armed 
Forces.
Sec. 722. Inventory and annual catchment area assessment of military-
civilian health care partnerships.
Sec. 723. Requirement for review before actions to downsize, realign, 
or reduce scope of services at military 
medical treatment facilities.
Sec. 724. Policy on provider notification to commanders regarding 
imminent risk of suicide for members of the 
Armed Forces.
Sec. 725. Authority over Defense Health Program.
Sec. 726. Enterprise Revenue Cycle Improvement Initiative.
Sec. 727. Notification to licensing and medical boards of States in 
case of investigation or misconduct.
Sec. 728. Additional review of disclosure requirements under processes 
and forms relating to health care provider 
credentialing and privileging of Department 
of Defense.
Sec. 729. Expansion of Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record.
Sec. 730. Pilot program on modernization of drug testing using voice-
based risk assessment.
Subtitle C--Combat and Operational Health Support

Sec. 741. Establishment of Joint Disease and Non-Battle Injury 
Surveillance and Readiness System.
Sec. 742. Preservation of dedicated aeromedical evacuation capability 
of Medical Service Corps of the Army.
Sec. 743. Establishment of partnership program between United States, 
Indo-Pacific region, and Arctic region for 
military trauma care, disease and non-
battle injury, health systems support, and 
research.
Sec. 744. Aerial transport and Department of Defense-wide capability 
for high-consequence infectious diseases.
Sec. 745. Requirement for annual large-scale combat casualty estimation 
report.
Sec. 746. Report on the organization, performance, and standardization 
of emergency medical services within the 
Department of Defense.
Sec. 747. Expansion of health care license portability for medical 
providers of the National Guard.
Sec. 748. Joint forces medical capabilities development and 
standardization.
Sec. 749. Expansion of authorities to enable interoperability among 
military health care professionals of the 
United States and partner countries.
Sec. 750. Task force on international agreements for Indo-Pacific 
medical partnerships.
Sec. 751. Pilot program for Indo-Pacific regional medical data sharing.
Subtitle D--Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 761. Review of chaperone policies within facilities of the Defense 
Health Agency.
Sec. 762. Unfunded priorities report of the Defense Health Agency.
Sec. 763. Evaluation of certain research related to menopause, 
perimenopause, or mid-life women's health.
Sec. 764. Notification of material failure at military medical 
treatment facilities affecting patient 
care.
Sec. 765. Study on military health system.
Sec. 766. Establishment of Warfighter Performance Optimization 
Initiative, Total Force Fitness.
Sec. 767. Military Family Limb Loss and Limb Difference Support 
Program.
Sec. 768. Briefing on primary care provided at military medical 
treatment facilities on installations of 
the Air Force.
Sec. 769. Assessment of access, fairness, and transparency under 
TRICARE pharmacy benefits program.
Sec. 770. Comptroller General review of influenza vaccine requirements 
of Department of Defense.
TITLE VIII--ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED 
MATTERS

Subtitle A--Acquisition Policy and Management

Sec. 801. Multi-year procurement for certain munitions.
Sec. 802. Limitation on availability of funds pending report on and 
revisions of software acquisition pathway 
implementation.
Sec. 803. Report on multiyear procurement.
Sec. 804. Modifications to technical data rights.
Sec. 805. Accountability and training for defense acquisition.
Subtitle B--Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, 
and Limitations

Sec. 811. Consolidation and rationalization of restrictions on 
procurement from certain foreign countries.
Sec. 812. Requirements for information relating to supply chain risk.
Sec. 813. Limitations on certain missile contracts or other agreements.
Sec. 814. Limitations on the centralized commercial item capability.
Sec. 815. Limitations relating to capital distributions for defense 
contractors.
Sec. 816. Prohibition of procurement of molybdenum, gallium, or 
germanium from non-allied foreign nations 
and authorization for production from 
recovered material.
Sec. 817. Other transaction authority reporting.
Sec. 818. Limitation on procurement of cut flowers and cut greens.
Sec. 819. Audit and mitigation of covered cellular modules in the 
Department of Defense systems and 
infrastructure.
Sec. 820. Improving transparency of foreign influence on Department of 
Defense contractors.
Sec. 821. Reporting of price increases.
Sec. 822. Late submission of cost and pricing data as invalid defense 
to contract price reductions for defective 
cost or pricing data.
Subtitle C--Industrial Base Matters

Sec. 831. Establishment of the Supply Chain Risk Management Integration 
Cell.
Sec. 832. Expansion of reverse engineering authority for prototype 
projects.
Sec. 833. Competition requirement for certain munitions.
Sec. 834. Analyses of certain activities for action to address sourcing 
and industrial capacity.
Sec. 835. Regulations applicable to wearing optional combat boots.
Sec. 836. Report on domestic nonavailability determinations granted for 
critical materials.
Sec. 837. Limitation on availability of funds pending information on 
the small unmanned aircraft system 
industrial base.
Sec. 838. Energetics industrial base roadmap.
Sec. 839. Supply chain, capability, and capacity study of high-demand 
items in the textile industrial base.
Sec. 840. Pilot program on providing subsidies for combat boots.
Sec. 841. Cross-functional team for the textile industrial base.
Sec. 842. Assessing and addressing risk related to adversarial capital.
Sec. 843. Modifications to requirement for public reporting of Chinese 
military companies operating in the United 
States.
Sec. 844. Amendments to requirements pertaining to printed circuit 
boards.
Sec. 845. Report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a 
strategic partnership on defense industrial 
priorities between the United States and 
Israel.
Sec. 846. Prohibition on the use of Chinese-manufactured optical fiber 
by the Department of Defense.
Sec. 847. Promoting the United States drone industrial base.
Sec. 848. Pilot program for domestic antimony and copper production for 
defense applications.
Sec. 849. Full accountability for Chinese military companies.
Subtitle D--Small Business Matters

Sec. 861. Department of Defense Mentor-Protege Program.
Sec. 862. APEX Accelerator funding.
Sec. 863. Test program for negotiation of comprehensive small business 
subcontracting plans.
Sec. 864. Application of the bona fide place of business to certain 
contracts.
Subtitle E--Other Matters

Sec. 871. Technical corrections related to National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 
provisions.
Sec. 872. Limitation on availability of funds pending implementation of 
certain requirements relating to munitions.
Sec. 873. Repeal of amendments providing for submission by subcontract 
offeror of recent price history in 
satisfaction of cost or pricing data 
requirements.
Sec. 874. Competitive procedures for certain pharmaceutical contracts.
Sec. 875. Enhancement of defense supply chain resilience and secondary 
source qualification.
Sec. 876. Limitation pending Army conformance with portfolio 
acquisition executive requirements.
Sec. 877. Procurement of medical countermeasures for overseas personnel 
of the Department of Defense for acute 
radiation syndrome and thermal burns.
Sec. 878. Procurements on behalf of the Department of Defense by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs for 
planning, design, and construction 
projects.
Sec. 879. Leasing of vessels, aircraft, and combat vehicles.
Sec. 880. Prohibition on modems or routers acquisitions involving 
entities owned or controlled by China.
Sec. 881. Prohibition on television acquisitions involving entities 
owned or controlled by China.
Sec. 882. Prohibition for defense contractors providing sensitive 
information related to synthetic biology to 
foreign entities of concern.
Sec. 883. Reporting on contractor operations related to China.
Sec. 884. Ensuring Department of Defense contractor compliance with 
disability hiring goals.
TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

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

Sec. 901. Economic Defense Unit.
Sec. 902. Extension of pilot program on capital assistance of Office of 
Strategic Capital.
Sec. 903. Requirement for professional code of conduct for certain 
Department of Defense positions.
Sec. 904. Redesignation of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and 
Readiness; reorganization of Assistant 
Secretaries of Defense.
Sec. 905. Responsibility for cyber matters in Office of Secretary of 
Defense.
Subtitle B--Combatant Commands

Sec. 911. Unified combatant command for Africa.
Sec. 912. Unified combatant command for the Middle East and Central 
Asia.
Sec. 913. Unified combatant command for Europe.
Sec. 914. Unified combatant command for North America.
Sec. 915. Unified combatant command for Central America, South America, 
and the Caribbean.
Sec. 916. Unified combatant command for the Indo-Pacific Region.
Sec. 917. Establishment of United States Robotic and Autonomous Systems 
Command.
Subtitle C--Other Department of Defense Organization and Management 
Matters

Sec. 921. Organization of responsibilities relating to unmanned 
systems.
Sec. 922. Composition of cross-functional team for emerging threat 
relating to anomalous health incidents; 
reports.
Sec. 923. Comptroller General review of Anomalous Health Incidents 
Cross-Functional Team.
Sec. 924. Establishment of Center for the Study of the National Guard.
Sec. 925. Civil-Military Coordination Center.
Sec. 926. Modifications to unmanned aircraft system definitions for 
Joint Interagency Task Force 401.
Sec. 927. Maximizing funding efficiency for homeland defense.
Sec. 928. Prohibition on the reduction of funding for foreign language 
training for members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 929. Records retention requirement.
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subtitle A--Financial Matters

Sec. 1001. General transfer authority.
Sec. 1002. Department of Defense financial statement audit readiness, 
reporting relief, and related reforms.
Sec. 1003. Expansion of requirements for submittal to Congress of 
reports and justification books.
Sec. 1004. Financial statements: opening balances for audit purposes.
Sec. 1005. Prohibition on provision of support to Department of 
Homeland Security.
Subtitle B--Naval Vessels

Sec. 1011. Design and construction of new Global-class auxiliary 
general oceanographic research ships.
Sec. 1012. Limitation on use of funds in the National Defense Sealift 
Fund to purchase certain used foreign 
constructed vessels.
Sec. 1013. Modifications to vessel construction managers for the 
construction of certain Navy vessels.
Sec. 1014. Development of industrial base for distributed submarine and 
surface vessel shipbuilding.
Sec. 1015. Report and briefing on submarine tender requirements and 
capacity.
Sec. 1016. Increase in minimum number of amphibious warfare ships.
Sec. 1017. Prohibition on retiring and decommissioning oceanographic 
research vessels of the Navy.
Sec. 1018. Supervisors of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair.
Sec. 1019. Construction of vessels in foreign shipyards.
Sec. 1020. Limitation on authority of the Secretary of the Navy to 
change vessel names.
Subtitle C--Counterterrorism

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

Sec. 1031. Prohibition on use of funds to support entertainment 
projects with ties to the Government of the 
People's Republic of China.
Sec. 1032. Waiver authority for limitation on live fire trauma 
training.
Sec. 1033. Prohibition on availability of funds for removal of Army 
prepositioned stocks from Europe.
Sec. 1034. Implementation of National Transportation Safety Board 
recommendations for Department of Defense.
Sec. 1035. Modification of support of special operations for irregular 
warfare.
Sec. 1036. Designation of southwest land border activities, support, 
and operations as named operation.
Subtitle E--Studies and Reports

Sec. 1041. Threat assessment regarding unmanned aircraft systems at or 
near the international borders of the 
United States.
Sec. 1042. Extension of Afghanistan War Commission.
Sec. 1043. Extension of briefing requirement regarding civil 
authorities at the Southwest border.
Sec. 1044. Drone posture review.
Sec. 1045. Quarterly reports on unmanned aerial system incursions over 
military installations, sensitive sites, 
and the southern border.
Sec. 1046. Report on progress on implementation of Department of 
Defense Instruction on civilian harm 
mitigation and response.
Sec. 1047. Report on transfer of property by Department of Defense.
Sec. 1048. Oversight of Department of Defense rules of engagement.
Sec. 1049. Strategy to address intelligence-gathering shortcomings in 
area of responsibility of United States 
Africa command.
Subtitle F--Equity Investments and Related Matters

Sec. 1051. Authority for equity investments by Office of Strategic 
Capital.
Sec. 1052. Ownership review for equity investments.
Sec. 1053. Notifications with respect to debt and equity investments.
Sec. 1054. Modifications to authorities of Industrial Base Fund.
Sec. 1055. Briefings on Economic Defense Unit; limitation on use of 
funds.
Sec. 1056. Approval authority for expenditures from Industrial Base 
Fund.
Sec. 1057. Quarterly briefings on Business Operators for National 
Defense (BOND) Program.
Subtitle G--Other Matters

Sec. 1061. Extension of admission to Guam, Wake Island, and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands for certain H-2B nonimmigrants.
Sec. 1062. Notification to congressional defense committees of combat 
wounded in action.
Sec. 1063. Americas Defense Initiative.
Sec. 1064. Briefings on homeland defense.
Sec. 1065. Independence of Stars and Stripes.
Sec. 1066. Identification, assessment, and mitigation of critical 
defense sites.
Sec. 1067. Administrative support for commissions.
Sec. 1068. Requirement to assign conventional names to critical 
munitions.
Sec. 1069. Technical corrections to National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2026.
Sec. 1070. Development of cognitive warfare strategy.
Sec. 1071. Notification requirements for sensitive military operations.
Sec. 1071A. Declassification guidance for Department of Defense 
original classification authorities.
Sec. 1072. Post-government employment restrictions applicable to 
certain senior military officers and senior 
civilian employees of the Department of 
Defense.
Sec. 1073. Repeals of existing reporting requirements.
Sec. 1074. Report and briefing on Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple 
Award Contract Territorial Integrity of the 
United States contract.
Sec. 1075. Documentation of verbal approval of requests for assistance.
Sec. 1076. Increase of the Working Capital Fund, Capital Investment 
Program threshold.
Sec. 1077. National Guard Rural Revival and Modernization Plan.
Sec. 1078. Redesignation of the Department of Defense as the Department 
of War.
Sec. 1079. Service-wide enterprise strategy for human performance.
Sec. 1080. Records preservation processes for certain at-risk Afghan 
allies.
Sec. 1081. Prohibition on covered transactions involving prediction 
market contracts.
Sec. 1082. Prohibition on use of prediction markets by personnel of the 
Department of Defense.
Sec. 1083. Ban on bets on military operations.
Sec. 1084. Universal guidance on remote and isolated installation 
designations.
Sec. 1085. Declassification of information concerning United States 
personnel classified as prisoner of war or 
missing in action during certain conflicts.
Sec. 1086. Requirement for markings on lethal military platforms.
Sec. 1087. Extension of National Defense Strategy Commission.
Sec. 1088. Prohibition on use of funds for transfer of individuals 
located at Camp As Sayliyah.
Sec. 1089. Analysis of force requirements for alternative warfighting 
scenarios.
Sec. 1090. Guidance on the treatment of claims under the HAVANA Act.
Sec. 1091. Assessment of Department of Defense phosphate supply chain 
vulnerabilities; related land exchange 
authorization.
Sec. 1092. Plan for domain awareness at the southern land border.
Sec. 1093. Prohibition on implementation of any policy that alters the 
requirements for chaplains to display 
visible officer rank on military uniforms.
TITLE XI--CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MATTERS

Sec. 1101. Prevailing rate determinations for defense industrial base.
Sec. 1102. Job grading system for prevailing rate employees at defense 
industrial base facilities.
Sec. 1103. Probationary period for civilian personnel of the United 
States Cyber Command.
Sec. 1104. Enhanced authority for transfers between cyber excepted 
service and competitive service.
Sec. 1105. Removal of Direct Support Activities from personnel 
limitation on the Office of the Secretary 
of Defense.
Sec. 1106. Prohibition on the use of funds for carrying out a hiring 
freeze, reduction in force, or hiring delay 
without cause at a public shipyard.
Sec. 1107. Prohibition on the use of funds for carrying out certain 
hiring freezes, reductions in force, and 
hiring delays.
Sec. 1108. Disclosure of telework, remote work, and exemptions for 
return-to-in-person-work requirements in 
Department of Defense vacancy 
announcements.
Sec. 1109. Pilot program to retain high-performing supervisors and 
managers within the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1110. Congressional notification of certain changes to civilian 
workforce of Department of Defense.
TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS

Subtitle A--Assistance and Training

Sec. 1201. Authority to provide assistance to military forces of 
Jordan.
Sec. 1202. Modification of authority to provide defense institution 
capacity building for friendly foreign 
countries.
Sec. 1203. Modification of authority to build capacity.
Sec. 1204. Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Initiative.
Sec. 1205. Redesignation of Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical 
Training School as Special Boat Training 
Command.
Sec. 1206. Extension of Defense Operational Resilience International 
Cooperation Pilot Program.
Sec. 1207. Feasibility report on multinational jungle warfare exercises 
in area of responsibility of United States 
Southern Command.
Sec. 1208. Redesignation of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies as 
the James M. Inhofe Center for Africa 
Security Studies.
Sec. 1209. Notification of intent to decrease United States Armed 
Forces presence in North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization member country.
Subtitle B--Matters Relating to the Middle East

Sec. 1211. Assistance to Lebanese Armed Forces for countering Hezbollah 
and other terrorist groups.
Sec. 1212. Extension of authority for reimbursement of certain 
coalition nations for support provided to 
United States military operations.
Sec. 1213. Extension and modification of authority to provide 
assistance to vetted Syrian groups and 
individuals.
Sec. 1214. Extension and modification of authority to provide 
assistance to counter the Islamic State of 
Iraq and Syria.
Sec. 1215. Modification of United States-Israel subterranean operations 
cooperation.
Sec. 1216. Modification of United States-Israel cooperation to counter 
unmanned systems in all warfighting 
domains.
Sec. 1217. United States-Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, 
Unified Research, and Enhanced Security 
(FUTURES) Act of 2026.
Subtitle C--Matters Relating to Europe and the Russian Federation

Sec. 1221. Extension of prohibition on availability of funds relating 
to sovereignty of the Russian Federation 
over internationally recognized territory 
of Ukraine.
Sec. 1222. Oversight of United States military posture in Europe.
Sec. 1223. Intelligence support for Ukraine.
Sec. 1224. United States-Ukraine Strategic Defense Innovation Working 
Group.
Sec. 1225. Notification of gray zone activities by the Russian 
Federation against North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization allies.
Sec. 1226. Extension and modification of Ukraine Security Assistance 
Initiative.
Sec. 1227. Synchronization of defense readiness with North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization allies.
Sec. 1228. Co-development and co-production program with Germany for 
certain munitions.
Sec. 1229. Report and assessment relating to United States force 
posture adjustments in Europe.
Subtitle D--Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific Region

Sec. 1231. Extension and modification of designation of senior official 
for Department of Defense activities 
relating to, and implementation plan for, 
the AUKUS partnership.
Sec. 1232. Extension and modification of Pacific Deterrence Initiative.
Sec. 1233. Extension, modification, and redesignation of Taiwan 
Security Cooperation Initiative.
Sec. 1234. Updates to National Industrial Security Program Operating 
Manual regarding AUKUS.
Sec. 1235. Oversight of United States military posture on the Korean 
Peninsula.
Sec. 1236. Indo-Pacific Regional Sustainment Framework.
Sec. 1237. Extension of annual report on military power of the People's 
Republic of China.
Sec. 1238. Strategy for crisis management in South China Sea.
Sec. 1239. Master plan for facility requirements to support rotational 
force presence in the Philippines.
Sec. 1240. Master plan for infrastructure requirements to support 
rotational force presence in Australia.
Sec. 1241. Extension of pilot program to develop young civilian defense 
leaders in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sec. 1242. Extension of pilot program to improve cyber cooperation with 
covered foreign military partners in 
Southeast Asia.
Sec. 1243. Extension of authority to transfer funds for Bien Hoa dioxin 
cleanup.
Sec. 1244. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of 
the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 1245. Report on Japanese counterstrike capabilities.
Sec. 1246. Strategy for cyber cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sec. 1247. Extension and modification of Indo-Pacific Maritime Security 
Initiative.
Sec. 1248. Annual assessment of contribution of certain artificial 
intelligence chips to military capabilities 
of the People's Republic of China.
Sec. 1249. Modification of authorization of sales to Australia of in-
service Virginia Class submarines to 
provide for sale of additional in-service 
submarine in lieu of new construction 
submarine.
Sec. 1250. War Reserve Stock Program for Taiwan.
Sec. 1251. Sense of Congress on defense alliances and partnerships in 
the Indo-Pacific region.
Subtitle E--Other Matters

Sec. 1261. Western Hemisphere strategy.
Sec. 1262. Enhanced cooperation in North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
Sec. 1263. Report on capabilities and illicit activities of cartels.
Sec. 1264. Report on threats to United States interests in Africa.
Sec. 1265. Reports on Arctic and High North defense integration.
Sec. 1266. Briefing on military and intelligence presence of Cuba in 
the Western Hemisphere.
Sec. 1267. Continuation of Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel.
Sec. 1268. Plan to enhance defense cooperation with Morocco.
Sec. 1269. Extension of Public Law 115-68 and related security 
cooperation programs.
Sec. 1270. Modification of requirements for Department of Defense 
Regional Centers for Security Studies.
TITLE XIII--COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION

Sec. 1301. Cooperative Threat Reduction Funds.
TITLE XIV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS

Subtitle A--Military Programs

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

Sec. 1411. Amendments to Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling 
Act.
Sec. 1412. Pilot program on public-private partnerships for recycling 
strategic and critical materials.
Sec. 1413. Inclusion of recovery and recycling of strategic and 
critical materials in national emergency 
planning assumptions for National Defense 
Stockpile.
Subtitle C--Other Matters

Sec. 1431. Extension of authority for Joint Department of Defense-
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
Facility Demonstration Fund.
Sec. 1432. Extension of Department of Defense-Department of Veterans 
Affairs Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund.
Sec. 1433. Modifications to Advisory Council.
TITLE XV--SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND INTELLIGENCE 
MATTERS

Subtitle A--Space Activities

Sec. 1501. Modification of acquisition and operation of space systems 
for space warfighting and control.
Sec. 1502. Modification of special authority for provision of space 
launch support services to increase space 
launch capacity.
Sec. 1503. Extension of indirect cost limitations and reporting 
requirements for space launch activities on 
a military installation.
Sec. 1504. Replacement of Space Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral 
Space Force Station.
Sec. 1505. Integration of space weather into space domain awareness and 
operations.
Sec. 1506. Delivery of Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack 
Characterization System.
Sec. 1507. Acquisition of space-based tactical data capability.
Sec. 1508. Space Launch Enterprise billet sufficiency review and 
alignment plan.
Sec. 1509. Flexibility for Department of Air Force to implement 
acquisition structure for optimal support 
of new portfolio acquisition executive 
system within Space Force.
Sec. 1510. Arctic connectivity and downlink resiliency initiative.
Subtitle B--Nuclear Forces

Sec. 1511. Prohibition on reduction of intercontinental ballistic 
missiles of the United States.
Sec. 1512. Exception for below-threshold modifications of nuclear 
missiles to limitation on modification of 
major items of equipment scheduled for 
retirement or disposal.
Sec. 1513. Procurement authority for certain parts of intercontinental 
ballistic missiles, reentry vehicles, and 
associated equipment.
Sec. 1514. Limitation on availability of funds pending submission of 
the strategy to sustain the Minuteman III 
intercontinental ballistic missile and 
maximize end of life margin.
Sec. 1515. Integration of ICBM maintenance equipment into the LGM-30G 
weapon system designation.
Sec. 1516. Contract authority for intercontinental ballistic missiles, 
replacement equipment, and reentry vehicle 
test equipment and components.
Sec. 1517. Modification to strategy to sustain Minuteman III 
intercontinental ballistic missile and 
maximize end-of-life margin.
Sec. 1518. Modifications to portfolio management framework for nuclear 
forces.
Sec. 1519. Modifications to reports on nuclear force reductions.
Sec. 1520. Modifications to biennial report on the plan for the nuclear 
weapons stockpile, nuclear weapons complex, 
nuclear weapons delivery systems, and 
nuclear weapons command and control system.
Sec. 1521. Multipolar nuclear deterrence strategy and theater-range 
nuclear capabilities.
Subtitle C--Missile Defense

Sec. 1531. Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system and Israeli 
cooperative missile defense program co-
development and co-production.
Sec. 1532. Enduring operational capability for the Guam Defense System 
Command and Control Facility.
Sec. 1533. Further limitation on availability of funds pending 
independent analysis of space-based missile 
defense capability.
Sec. 1534. Modification of Golden Dome missile defense system annual 
reporting.
Sec. 1535. Limitation on availability of funds pending submission of 
the briefing on sea-based launch platforms 
for ballistic missile defense targets.
Sec. 1536. Comprehensive integrated air and missile defense sensor 
coverage of Guam.
Sec. 1537. Repeal of requirement for Government Accountability Office 
to review and assess missile defense 
acquisition programs.
Sec. 1538. Improvements to air and missile defense acquisition.
Subtitle D--Other Matters

Sec. 1541. Sense of the Senate, Inspector General review, and 
restoration and remediation plans for 
United States Army, Kwajalein Atoll, and 
the Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test 
Range.
Sec. 1542. Limitation on the reallocation of funds for the Ronald 
Reagan Space and Missile Test Range and 
United States Army Garrison Kwajalein 
Atoll.
Sec. 1543. Notifications with respect to relocating Department of 
Defense systems out of certain spectrum 
frequencies.
Sec. 1544. Annual briefing on Department of Defense activities 
associated with participation in the 
International Telecommunication Union World 
Radio Conference.
Sec. 1545. Report on efforts to counter foreign espionage and 
intellectual property theft targeting 
defense assets.
Sec. 1546. Department of the Air Force electronic warfare roadmap.
Sec. 1547. Using operational electronic intelligence assets to engage 
high-value targets.
TITLE XVI--CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A--Matters Relating to Cyber Operations and Cyber Forces

Sec. 1601. Independent study on the authorities and organizational 
structure of the principal cyber advisors.
Sec. 1602. Funding for reserve component support to cyber-peculiar 
operations.
Sec. 1603. Amendment of annual reporting requirements on support for 
United States Cyber Command.
Sec. 1604. Scaling cyberspace access generation and maintenance 
capabilities.
Sec. 1605. Cyber operational readiness assessments of the Department of 
Defense information network.
Sec. 1606. Independent study on United States Cyber Command 
organization and resourcing.
Sec. 1607. Modification to quarterly reporting for cyber operations.
Sec. 1608. Repeal of authority to use operations and maintenance funds 
for cyber-peculiar development.
Sec. 1609. Strategy for integration of National Guard physical range 
capabilities into cyber testing activities.
Sec. 1610. Updated cyber readiness reporting methodology.
Sec. 1611. Expansion of entities included in coordination between 
United States Cyber Command and private 
sector.
Subtitle B--Matters Relating to Department of Defense Cybersecurity and 
Information Technology

Sec. 1621. Improving reserve component network account continuity.
Sec. 1622. Reducing administrative burden in the Department of Defense 
risk management framework implementation.
Sec. 1623. Science, Technology, and Innovation Board study on software-
as-a-service in classified networks.
Sec. 1624. Streamlining Department of Defense governance process for 
cross-domain solution approvals.
Sec. 1625. Data center infrastructure strategy and roadmap for military 
installations.
Sec. 1626. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification assessment grants 
for small businesses and new entrants.
Sec. 1627. Harmonization of Department of Defense security boundaries 
to enable reciprocity.
Sec. 1628. Expansion of cyber scholarship program to include 
operational technology.
Sec. 1629. Limitation on availability of funds for Alpha-1 Development 
Activities.
Sec. 1630. Limitation on the use of funds for information systems 
development.
Sec. 1631. Post-quantum cryptography adoption.
Sec. 1632. Improvements to high-performance computing roadmap.
Sec. 1633. Pilot program on Department of Defense partnerships with 
institutions of higher education recognized 
in the National Centers of Academic 
Excellence in Cybersecurity program for 
Cyber Research.
Sec. 1634. Insider threat reporting and voluntary guidance for large 
artificial intelligence contractors.
Sec. 1635. Requirement for memoranda of agreement regarding 
vulnerability disclosure and prohibition on 
procurement from IT providers who share 
cyber vulnerabilities with countries of 
concern.
Sec. 1636. Strategy for artificial intelligence-accelerated 
vulnerability discovery and remediation.
Sec. 1637. Ensuring competition in artificial intelligence procurement.
Sec. 1638. Phishing resistant authentication for defense.
Subtitle C--Data and Artificial Intelligence

Sec. 1641. Establishing an ecosystem for use of artificial intelligence 
agents at scale and speed.
Sec. 1642. Security standards and framework for Department of Defense 
agents.
Sec. 1643. Assessment of generative artificial intelligence platform 
impact on workforce acumen.
Sec. 1644. Demand forecast model for artificial intelligence.
Sec. 1645. Strategy and governance for adversarial artificial 
intelligence.
Sec. 1646. Inclusion of alternative models in Department of Defense 
generative artificial intelligence 
platform.
Sec. 1647. Policy and guidance related to autonomous weapon systems and 
artificial intelligence capabilities 
acquisition.
Sec. 1648. Update to the Department of Defense data strategy and 
implementation plan.
Sec. 1649. Assessment of artificial intelligence effects on warfighter 
skill retention and operational readiness.
Sec. 1650. Derived sourcing requirements for artificial intelligence 
outputs.
Sec. 1651. Improvements regarding guidance and prohibition on use of 
certain artificial intelligence.
Sec. 1652. Artificial intelligence functional bill of materials.
Sec. 1653. Requirements for human oversight of use of force by the 
Department of Defense.
Sec. 1654. Biosecurity procurement requirements for covered artificial 
intelligence models.
Sec. 1655. Prototyping secure artificial intelligence data centers.
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 and modification of authority to carry out certain 
fiscal year 2022 projects.
Sec. 2106. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 
projects.
Sec. 2107. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2024 
projects.
Sec. 2108. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 
project at Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Sec. 2109. 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 and modification of authority to carry out certain 
fiscal year 2024 projects.
Sec. 2206. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2026 
project at Pacific Missile Range Facility 
Barking Sands, Hawaii.
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 family housing improvement projects.
Sec. 2309. 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 Program

Sec. 2801. Modification of master plans for major military 
installations.
Sec. 2802. Prohibition on use of repair projects to expand footprint of 
existing facilities or infrastructure.
Sec. 2803. Increase of authority for Indo-Pacific posture unspecified 
military construction projects.
Sec. 2804. Use of certain amounts for electrical or infrastructure 
upgrades on Barbers Point, Hawaii.
Sec. 2805. Temporary adjustment of unspecified minor military 
construction requirements.
Sec. 2806. Modification of authority for transactions other than 
contracts and grants for purposes of 
facility construction or repair.
Subtitle B--Military Housing

Sec. 2821. Exclusion of window opening control devices from requirement 
for window fall prevention devices in 
military family housing units.
Sec. 2822. Health and safety requirements for military housing.
Sec. 2823. Expansion of protection from reprisal or retaliation against 
tenants of privatized military housing 
units who report housing-related issues.
Sec. 2824. Transparency and strategic planning for housing.
Sec. 2825. Development and implementation of minimum health and safety 
standards for military family housing.
Sec. 2826. Treatment of nondisclosure agreements with respect to 
privatized military housing.
Sec. 2827. Improvement of privatized military housing complaint 
database.
Sec. 2828. Requirement relating to any reprogramming request relating 
to funding for housing or facilities of 
Department of Defense.
Subtitle C--Land Conveyances

Sec. 2841. Land conveyance, Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Tennessee.
Sec. 2842. Land conveyance, Army Reserve Center, Opelika, Alabama.
Sec. 2843. Report on land withdrawal at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
Sec. 2844. Report on necessary modifications to military land 
withdrawal of Fallon Range Training 
Complex, Nevada.
Sec. 2845. Land exchange, Camp Pike and Camp Joseph T. Robinson, 
Arkansas.
Sec. 2846. Removal of conditions on use of certain land conveyed to the 
State of Indiana.
Sec. 2847. Review and report on conveyance of Lambert St. Louis 
International Airport.
Sec. 2848. Review and report on conveyance of Joint Base Elmendorf-
Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska.
Subtitle D--Other Matters

Sec. 2861. Authority of combatant commands to recover and reinvest 
operational energy cost savings.
Sec. 2862. Energy control requirements for electrical infrastructure 
upgrades.
Sec. 2863. Modification of calculation of minimum capital investment 
for facilities sustainment, restoration, 
and modernization.
Sec. 2864. Requirements relating to leasing of land in Hawaii.
Sec. 2865. Department of Defense Laboratory Facility Investment 
Program.
Sec. 2866. Consideration of modular construction methods for military 
construction projects with protective 
design elements.
Sec. 2867. Standardized methodology for basing decisions for the Air 
Force.
Sec. 2868. Pilot program on replacement of substandard chillers or 
facilities that support subsistence 
resiliency.
Sec. 2869. Department of Defense pilot program for development and use 
of online real estate inventory tool.
Sec. 2870. Transfer of amounts for development of Ford Island, Hawaii, 
and electrical upgrades and Barbers Point, 
Hawaii.
Sec. 2871. Expansion of defense community infrastructure pilot program 
to include installations of the Coast 
Guard.
Sec. 2872. Plan on remediation of certain equipment and computational 
facilities owned or controlled by a foreign 
adversary.
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. Delegation of authorities to Administrator for Nuclear 
Security.
Sec. 3112. Protection of Office of Secure Transportation vehicles and 
equipment from unmanned aircraft.
Sec. 3113. Authorization to establish public-private partnerships for 
nuclear effects testing.
Sec. 3114. Limitation on availability of funds pending submission of 
report on restoration of a domestic uranium 
enrichment capability.
Sec. 3115. Briefing on activities by the Director for Cost Estimating 
and Program Evaluation.
Sec. 3116. Modification to selected acquisition reports requirement.
Sec. 3117. Modification to the program for acceleration of replacement 
of cesium blood irradiation sources.
Sec. 3118. Briefings on nuclear-related autonomous or remotely-piloted 
aircraft incursions.
Sec. 3119. Conceptual and construction design.
Sec. 3120. Annual public workshops and Nuclear Science Advisory 
Committee reviews.
Sec. 3121. Limitation on use of funds until certain criteria are met.
Sec. 3122. Continuation of National Nuclear Security Administration pay 
and performance system.
Subtitle C--Other Matters

TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD

Sec. 3201. Authorization.
DIVISION D--FUNDING TABLES

Sec. 4001. Authorization of amounts in funding tables.
TITLE XLI--PROCUREMENT

Sec. 4101. PROCUREMENT.
TITLE XLII--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION

Sec. 4201. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION.
TITLE XLIII--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Sec. 4301. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.
TITLE XLIV--MILITARY PERSONNEL

Sec. 4401. MILITARY PERSONNEL.
TITLE XLV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS

Sec. 4501. OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS.
TITLE XLVI--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 4601. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION.
TITLE XLVII--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS

Sec. 4701. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS.

SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL DEFENSE COMMITTEES.

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

SEC. 4. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF THIS ACT.

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

DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS

TITLE I--PROCUREMENT

Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations

SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 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. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR INFANTRY SQUAD VEHICLE 
PROGRAM.

(a) Authority for Multiyear Procurement.--Subject to section 3501 
of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Army may enter 
into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning with fiscal year 2027, 
for the procurement of Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISV), including 
associated components, spare parts, and support equipment.
(b) Conditions.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that any 
contract entered into under subsection (a)--
(A) provides for savings compared to annual 
procurement;
(B) includes appropriate termination provisions to 
protect the interests of the United States; and
(C) complies with all requirements of section 3501 
of title 10, United States Code.
(2) Duration.--A contract entered into under subsection (a) 
shall cover a period of not more than five fiscal years.
(c) Advance Procurement.--The Secretary may include in a contract 
entered into under subsection (a) provisions for economic order 
quantity purchases of long-lead items to achieve cost efficiencies.

SEC. 112. INCLUSION OF ARMY NATIONAL GUARD IN ARMY ARCTIC STRATEGY AND 
FORCE STRUCTURE.

(a) Inclusion in Strategic Planning.--The Secretary of the Army 
shall ensure that the Army National Guard is fully integrated into the 
implementation and future iterations of the document entitled 
``Regaining Arctic Dominance: The U.S. Army in the Arctic'' (or any 
successor strategy).
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of 
the Army shall carry out the following activities:
(1) Identify specific Army National Guard units with 
existing cold-weather capabilities or geographical proximity to 
the Arctic Circle to be designated as Arctic-capable or Arctic-
focused.
(2) Establish a modernization roadmap to ensure that Army 
National Guard units designated for Arctic missions are 
suitably equipped with mission-critical equipment such as 
Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) gear, over-snow 
vehicles, and specialized communication equipment.
(3) Expand participation of Army National Guard units in 
multi-component Arctic exercises, including Northern Edge and 
Arctic Edge, to validate interoperability, as possible.
(c) Report Required.--Not later than June 30, 2027, 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 specific roles, 
missions, and resource requirements identified for the Army National 
Guard within the Army's Arctic strategy.

Subtitle C--Navy Programs

SEC. 121. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF PROCUREMENT AUTHORITIES FOR 
CERTAIN AMPHIBIOUS SHIPBUILDING PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.--Section 129 of the James M. Inhofe National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 136 
Stat. 2448), as most recently amended by section 121 of the 
Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 
1804), is further amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``up to five'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by inserting ``, advance construction, or 
economic order quantities'' after ``advance procurement 
across programs''; and
(B) by inserting ``, spare parts, and major shore-
based spares'' after ``systems and subsystems''; and
(3) in subsection (f), by striking ``September 30, 2026'' 
and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (g)(2) of such section 129 is 
amended by striking ``section 4251(d)'' and inserting ``section 
4251(e)''.

SEC. 122. FUNDING FOR REFUELING AND COMPLEX OVERHAULS OF THE U.S.S. 
JOHN C. STENNIS AND U.S.S. HARRY S. TRUMAN.

Section 123(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 133 Stat. 1234) is amended by striking 
``six years'' and inserting ``eight years''.

SEC. 123. VESSEL CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN AND 
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR CABLE LAYING AND REPAIR 
SHIPS.

(a) Vessel Construction Manager.--If the Secretary of the Navy 
seeks to acquire one or more cable laying and repair ships, the 
Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate 
vessel construction manager pursuant to which the vessel construction 
manager shall seek to enter into a contract for the construction of 
such ships.
(b) Design Standards and Construction Practices.--The Secretary of 
the Navy shall ensure that ships procured under subsection (a)--
(1) use a design based on nondevelopmental vessels with 
commercial design standards; and
(2) to the maximum extent practicable, are constructed 
using commercial construction practices.

SEC. 124. CONVEYANCE OF F-14D TOMCAT AIRCRAFT FROM THE NAVY TO THE U.S. 
SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER COMMISSION IN HUNTSVILLE, 
ALABAMA.

(a) Authority.--The Secretary of the Navy (in this section referred 
to as the ``Secretary'') 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 and to 3 surplus F-14D Tomcat 
aircraft, (Bureau Numbers 164341, 164602, 159437), which are excess to 
the operational requirements of the Navy.
(b) Form of Conveyance.--The conveyance under subsection (a) shall 
be made by means of a conditional deed of gift.
(c) 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.
(d) 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-14D aircraft; and
(B) the Secretary has sufficient intellectual 
property rights to convey;
(3) a condition that the Secretary shall provide excess 
spare parts to make one of the F-14D aircraft flyable or able 
to complete a static display, provided that any part 
transferred is from existing Navy stock, with no items being 
procured 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.
(e) 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.
(f) 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; and
(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.
(g) Conveyance at No Cost to the United States.--The conveyance of 
an aircraft under subsection (a) shall be made at no cost to the United 
States. Any costs associated with such conveyance, costs of determining 
compliance with terms of the conveyance, and costs of operation and 
maintenance of the aircraft conveyed shall be borne by the Commission.
(h) Clarification of Liability.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, upon the conveyance of ownership of the aircraft 
under subsection (a), the United States shall 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 transfer and use of the aircraft under 
subsection (a) is subject to all applicable Federal and State laws and 
regulations, including--
(1) the Arms Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.);
(2) the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4811 
et seq.);
(3) International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 C.F.R. 
120 et seq.);
(4) Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. 730 et 
seq.);
(5) Foreign Assets Control Regulations (31 C.F.R. 500 et 
seq.); and
(6) chapter 37 of title 18, United States Code (commonly 
known as the ``Espionage Act'').

SEC. 125. PROHIBITION ON DESTRUCTION OR SCRAPPING OF WORLD WAR II-ERA 
AIRCRAFT.

(a) Prohibition.--The Secretary of Defense may not destroy, 
dismantle, scrap, cannibalize, or otherwise render permanently 
inoperable any aircraft that--
(1) was manufactured prior to December 31, 1945; and
(2) is in the custody or administrative control of the 
Department of the Navy as of the date of the enactment of this 
Act.
(b) Authorized Dispositions.--Aircraft described in subsection (a) 
may only be--
(1) retained in the inventory of the Department of the 
Navy;
(2) transferred to an eligible entity; or
(3) deaccessioned under a plan approved by the Secretary of 
Defense that supports the long-term preservation of such 
aircraft, consistent with guidelines described in the committee 
report accompanying this Act.
(c) Waiver Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may waive the 
prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis only if--
(1) the aircraft is determined by qualified personnel of 
the Department of the Navy or another eligible entity to be 
beyond practical restoration or preservation;
(2) no eligible entity expresses interest in accepting the 
aircraft during the one-year period following the publication 
of public notice of the availability of the aircraft for 
transfer;
(3) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense 
committees written notification and justification of the 
waiver; and
(4) a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date of 
such submission.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Aircraft.--The term ``aircraft'' includes fixed-wing 
and rotary-wing manned aircraft.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) the National Naval Aviation Museum, the 
National Museum of the Marine Corps, or another 
official Department of Defense museum; or
(B) a Federal department or agency, nonprofit 
institution, or museum, with demonstrated indoor 
preservation and public display capabilities.

SEC. 126. PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR E-2D ADVANCED HAWKEYE AIRCRAFT 
PROGRAM.

(a) Authority for Block Buy Contract.--Subject to the availability 
of appropriations for such purposes, the Secretary of the Navy may 
procure twelve or more E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft during fiscal 
years 2027 through 2029 by entering into one block buy contract.
(b) Advance Procurement and Economic Order Quantities.--The 
Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, beginning 
in fiscal year 2027, for advance procurement and economic order 
quantities of components and material associated with the aircraft for 
which authorization to enter into a block buy contract is provided 
under subsection (a).
(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.

Subtitle D--Air Force Programs

SEC. 131. MODIFICATION OF INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR FORCE FIGHTER 
AIRCRAFT.

(a) In General.--Subsection (i) of section 9062 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(i)(1) The Secretary of the Air Force shall--
``(A) during the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and 
ending on October 1, 2035, maintain a total aircraft inventory 
of fighter aircraft of not less than 1,800 aircraft; and
``(B) maintain a total aircraft inventory of combat-coded 
fighter aircraft of not less than 1,369 aircraft by December 
31, 2030.
``(2) In this subsection:
``(A) The term `attrition reserve' means aircraft procured 
and held specifically to replace anticipated aircraft losses 
resulting from peacetime accidents (mishaps) or wartime 
attrition.
``(B) The term `backup aircraft inventory' means aircraft 
authorized in addition to the primary mission aircraft 
inventory to allow for scheduled and unscheduled depot-level 
maintenance, modifications, inspections, and repair without 
reducing the combat-ready fleet.
``(C) The term `combat-coded' with respect to an aircraft 
means an aircraft that is--
``(i) assigned to a combat-designated operational 
squadron or unit for the performance of its wartime 
mission;
``(ii) formally categorized within the Department 
of the Air Force inventory management system as primary 
mission aircraft inventory, backup aircraft inventory, 
or attrition reserve; and
``(iii) resourced and maintained to provide 
immediate operational capacity and the necessary 
organic depth required to sustain combat mission 
effectiveness through modernization cycles, scheduled 
and unscheduled maintenance, and combat attrition.
``(D) 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.
``(E) 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.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 2026.

SEC. 132. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR F-35 AIRCRAFT.

(a) Multiyear Procurement Authority.--Subject to section 3501 of 
title 10, United States Code, except as provided in this section, the 
Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more multiyear contracts for 
the procurement of F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C aircraft.
(b) Findings Requirements.--
(1) In general.--A contract described in subsection (a) is 
deemed to meet the requirements of section 3501(a) of such 
title.
(2) Request.--Section 3501(i)(2) of such title shall not 
apply for purposes of this section.
(3) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
Congress a report with respect to contracts described in 
subsection (a) containing preliminary findings of the agency 
head described in paragraphs (1) through (6) of section 3501(a) 
of such title, together with the basis for such findings.
(c) Advance Procurement.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may enter into 
one or more contracts for advance procurement of key components 
of F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C aircraft in economic order 
quantities.
(2) Certification.--The Secretary of Defense shall include 
in any certification submitted under section 3501(i)(3) of such 
title a description of the specific components the Secretary 
intends to procure under the authority provided by paragraph 
(1).

SEC. 133. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR F-15EX AIRCRAFT.

(a) Multiyear Procurement Authority.--Subject to section 3501 of 
title 10, United States Code, except as provided in this section, the 
Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more multiyear contracts for 
the procurement of F-15EX aircraft.
(b) Findings Requirements.--
(1) In general.--A contract described in subsection (a) is 
deemed to meet the requirements of section 3501(a) of such 
title.
(2) Request.--Section 3501(i)(2) of such title shall not 
apply for purposes of this section.
(3) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
Congress a report with respect to contracts described in 
subsection (a) containing preliminary findings of the agency 
head described in paragraphs (1) through (6) of section 3501(a) 
of such title, together with the basis for such findings.
(c) Certification.--The Secretary of Defense may not exercise the 
authority provided by subsection (a) until the Secretary submits to 
Congress a certification that the contractor concerned has the ability 
to increase production to achieve the objective inventory goal of not 
less than 268 F-15EX aircraft by 2035.
(d) Advance Procurement.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may enter into 
one or more contracts for advance procurement of key components 
of F-15EX aircraft in economic order quantities.
(2) Certification.--The Secretary of Defense shall include 
in any certification submitted under section 3501(i)(3) of such 
title a description of the specific components the Secretary 
intends to procure under the authority provided by paragraph 
(1).

SEC. 134. MQ-9 AIRCRAFT.

(a) Limitation on Divestment.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
Secretary of the Air Force may not divest, retire, or otherwise 
reduce the inventory of MQ-9 aircraft below the baseline 
inventory level until September 30, 2031.
(2) Exception.--
(A) In general.--Any reduction in the inventory of 
MQ-9 aircraft resulting from combat loss, attrition, or 
other unplanned damage shall not be considered 
divestment or other reduction for purposes of paragraph 
(1).
(B) Restoration.--The Secretary of the Air Force 
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, take actions 
to restore the inventory of MQ-9 aircraft to the 
baseline inventory level following any reduction in 
inventory described in subparagraph (A).
(C) Notification.--Not later than 30 days after any 
reduction in inventory described in subparagraph (A), 
the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a notification that 
includes the following:
(i) A description of the circumstances 
resulting in the combat loss, attrition, or 
other unplanned damage of the aircraft.
(ii) An assessment of the impact of such 
reduction in inventory on operational 
capability.
(iii) A plan, if any, to replace the 
aircraft or otherwise mitigate the reduction in 
inventory.
(3) Baseline inventory level defined.--In this subsection, 
the term ``baseline inventory level'' means the total number of 
MQ-9 primary mission aircraft in the inventory of the Air Force 
as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Minimum Inventory Requirement.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall 
ensure that the total inventory of MQ-9 aircraft is not fewer 
than 180 aircraft on and after October 1, 2028.
(2) Inclusions.--The total inventory described in paragraph 
(1) may include a mix of all variants of MQ-9 aircraft.
(c) Analysis of Alternatives.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall, in 
consultation with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, 
conduct an analysis of alternatives for a medium-altitude 
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability to 
replace the MQ-9 aircraft.
(2) Evaluation.--The analysis required by paragraph (1) 
shall evaluate options that meet or exceed the operational 
capabilities provided by the MQ-9 aircraft as of the date of 
the analysis, including endurance, survivability, sensor 
capability, and mission flexibility.
(d) Report and Briefing.--Not later than December 1, 2027, the 
Secretary of the Air Force shall--
(1) submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
on the results of the analysis required by subsection (c); and
(2) provide a briefing to such committees on such results.

SEC. 135. AIRBORNE WARNING AND CONTROL SYSTEM AIRCRAFT.

Section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
``(o)(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary 
of the Air Force may not retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage 
or in backup aircraft inventory any E-3 aircraft if such actions would 
reduce the total aircraft inventory for such aircraft below 16.
``(B) If the Secretary of the Air Force procures enough E-7 
Wedgetail aircraft to accomplish the required mission load, the 
prohibition under subparagraph (A) shall not apply to actions taken to 
reduce the total aircraft inventory for E-3 aircraft to below 16 after 
the date on which such E-7 Wedgetail aircraft are delivered.
``(2) The Secretary of the Air Force may not pause, cancel, or 
terminate the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft program or prepare to pause, 
cancel, or terminate such program.''.

SEC. 136. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING SUBMISSION OF 
REPORT ON ACQUISITION STRATEGY FOR AIRBORNE COMMAND POST 
CAPABILITY.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise 
made available for fiscal year 2027 for operation and maintenance, Air 
Force, and available to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force 
for travel expenses, not more than 60 percent may be obligated or 
expended until the Secretary of the Air Force submits to the 
congressional defense committees the report required by section 154 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 
119-60; 139 Stat. 767).

SEC. 137. MOBILITY CAPABILITIES STRATEGIC PLAN.

(a) In General.--Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of 
the Air Force, in coordination with the Commander of the United States 
Transportation Command and in consultation with the commanders of the 
geographic combatant commands, shall submit to the Committee on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives a report that includes a comprehensive and detailed 
strategic plan for the development, acquisition, modernization, and 
integration of total force mobility capabilities of the Department of 
Defense through fiscal year 2047.
(b) Elements.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall include 
each of the following:
(1) An assessment of--
(A) contested operations across all domains over 
great distances;
(B) contested lines of communication extending from 
the United States to operational theaters;
(C) adversary capabilities designed to target 
United States mobility forces, mobility infrastructure, 
and logistics networks; and
(D) the requirement for mobility forces to operate 
in degraded, contested, and highly contested 
environments, including austere locations, battle-
damaged airfields, degraded runways, ramps, taxiways, 
and other runway-agnostic operating environments.
(2) An assessment of the current mobility force, 
including--
(A) the ability of Air Mobility Command to support 
the requirements of all of the Armed Forces in 
competition, crisis, and conflict;
(B) the ability of Air Mobility Command to support 
agility concepts for all of the Armed Forces 
simultaneously in conflict, including agile combat 
employment, multi-domain task force operations, 
expeditionary advanced base operations, and distributed 
maritime operations;
(C) the vulnerability of mobility forces, mobility 
infrastructure, and global logistics networks in 
contested environments; and
(D) the degree to which existing mobility 
capability and capacity meet homeland defense 
priorities, nuclear mission obligations, and 
simultaneous global operational demands.
(3) An identification of the attributes required of future 
mobility forces, including--
(A) secure beyond line-of-sight connectivity with--
(i) service and joint data links;
(ii) service and joint battle management 
networks; and
(iii) service and joint command and control 
networks;
(B) automation and autonomous aviation 
capabilities;
(C) the ability to operate across the full spectrum 
of threat environments;
(D) flexibility across the full scale of mobility 
missions, including--
(i) small and distributed missions;
(ii) tactical, operational, and strategic 
missions; and
(iii) oversized and large-volume movements;
(E) the ability to operate from runway-agnostic and 
degraded operating locations;
(F) fuel-resilient aviation concepts, including 
aircraft capable of operating on traditional fuels and 
emerging propulsion systems, such as electric, hybrid-
electric, and hydrogen;
(G) consideration of aircraft designed with open 
architecture enabling rapid integration of mission 
systems, including palletized effects, electronic 
warfare, battle management, and intelligence, 
surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities; and
(H) signature management capabilities that enable 
mobility aircraft to operate globally while maintaining 
operational security, including the ability to comply 
with international aviation safety requirements while 
limiting exposure of aircraft identity, position, and 
mission information through publicly accessible 
tracking systems or other unclassified means.
(4) An evaluation of future tanker capabilities, 
including--
(A) collaborative tanker aircraft supporting 
collaborative, distant, and distributed refueling 
operations in contested environments;
(B) penetrating low-observable tanker aircraft 
capable of operating in highly contested environments;
(C) low-signature tanker concepts, including 
blended-wing body tanker aircraft;
(D) tactical tanker aircraft capable of supporting 
distributed tanker and airlift operations;
(E) modernization of legacy tanker aircraft through 
connectivity and full automation;
(F) tanker aircraft designed with open architecture 
and multi-role capability enabling complementary 
missions, including electronic warfare, battle 
management, and intelligence, surveillance, and 
reconnaissance capabilities;
(G) opportunities to expand tanker capacity through 
commercial tanker constructs, including Government-
owned, contractor-operated models; and
(H) the establishment of a Civil Reserve Air Fleet 
tanker capability that would enable the commercial 
operation of tanker aircraft to provide immediate and 
dependable augmentation of United States tanker 
capacity.
(5) An evaluation of future airlift capabilities across 
mission scales, including--
(A) autonomous airlift platforms supporting small 
and tactical missions;
(B) the establishment of a distributed maneuver 
pool composed of autonomous and highly automated 
mobility platforms capable of supporting maneuvering 
units and distributed operations, with mobility 
capabilities owned or controlled by lower-echelon 
multi-service operational units and integrated into the 
broader mobility enterprise;
(C) improved and automated tactical and operational 
airlift capabilities supporting maneuver and 
distributed operations;
(D) new and improved strategic airlift capabilities 
supporting global force flow and theater reinforcement, 
including the development of a next-generation 
strategic airlifter to augment or replace the C-17 
aircraft and establishing a new standard for military 
airlift through improved capability, capacity, 
survivability, connectivity, automation, and 
operational flexibility;
(E) oversized and large-volume airlift systems, 
including plans to support current and future needs of 
the United States Space Force and other agencies;
(F) vertical takeoff and landing and short-field 
takeoff and landing airlift platforms supporting multi-
service agility and distributed operations;
(G) delivery systems, including automated airdrop, 
glider, towable, and hybrid aircraft logistics 
platforms; and
(H) opportunities to expand airlift capacity 
through commercial operation of strategic airlift 
aircraft, Civil Reserve Air Fleet participation, and 
service-based acquisition models, such as effects-as-a-
service.
(6) An assessment of command and control architecture 
required to support mobility operations in contested 
environments, including--
(A) the use of maneuver battle management using 
technologies such as artificial intelligence, 
algorithmic allocation systems, and advanced data 
architectures to integrate logistics, maneuver, and 
mobility operations across the Joint Force; and
(B) integration of distributed traditional air 
battle management capabilities within mobility forces.
(7) An assessment of opportunities to expand mobility 
capability and capacity through commercial aviation 
capabilities, including--
(A) the expansion of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet;
(B) the establishment of the Civil Reserve Air 
Fleet tanker capability;
(C) the commercial operation of excess, 
transitioned, or Government-owned strategic airlift and 
tanker aircraft;
(D) the use of service-based acquisition models 
such as mobility-as-a-service or effects-as-a-service; 
and
(E) the role of nonprime aviation companies in 
enabling the building of the future mobility 
enterprise.
(c) Form.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall be submitted 
in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

SEC. 138. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT AND PROHIBITION RELATED 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''.

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. IMPROVING THE REQUIREMENT FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TEST AND 
EVALUATION PATHWAY FOR DESIGNATED DEFENSE ACQUISITION 
PROGRAMS.

Section 218(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 10 U.S.C. 4171 note) is amended by 
striking ``relating to software and covered hardware'' and inserting 
``under the Software Acquisition Pathways pursuant to section 3603 of 
title 10, United States Code,''.

SEC. 212. DEVELOPMENT, TEST, EVALUATION, DEMONSTRATION, AND TRANSITION 
TO PRODUCTION OF ALTERNATIVE LOW-COST WEAPON SYSTEMS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and in 
coordination with secretaries of the military departments and the 
Director of the Missile Defense Agency, as the Secretary of Defense 
considers appropriate, develop, test, evaluate, demonstrate, and 
transition to production a portfolio of alternative, affordable, low-
cost weapon systems in each of the following categories:
(1) Hypersonic strike systems.
(2) Cruise missiles.
(3) Shoulder-launched missiles.
(4) Extended range munitions.
(5) Mid-range integrated air and missile defense 
interceptors.
(6) Exo-atmospheric interceptors.
(7) Short-range integrated air and missile defense 
interceptors.
(8) Medium-range air-to-air missiles.
(b) Requirements.--Programs carried out under paragraph (1) shall--
(1) employ innovative acquisition strategies, including 
rapid prototyping, digital engineering, modular open-system 
architectures, commercial-off-the-shelf components where 
feasible, and other cost-reduction initiatives to achieve 
significantly lower unit costs than current baseline systems 
while maintaining operationally relevant performance;
(2) prioritize expendable designs optimized for attritable, 
high-volume employment, compatibility with existing launch 
platforms, logistics infrastructure, and command-and-control 
networks, and the ability to complement existing programs of 
record;
(3) be designed to enable production at scale in 
significantly greater quantities than current program of record 
systems through the prioritization of manufacturing ease and 
speed;
(4) include technology maturation, risk reduction, flight 
testing, and transition planning to low-rate initial production 
no later than fiscal year 2030 for each category specified in 
subsection (a); and
(5) establish specific cost and performance targets through 
competitive analysis, market research, prototyping, and 
experimentation.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``alternative low-cost'' systems means weapon 
systems in the categories listed in subsection (a) that are 
designed to achieve unit procurement costs significantly lower 
than existing program of record systems while delivering the 
minimum requirements set forth by the Secretary.
(2) The term ``cruise missiles'' means turbojet-powered 
missiles designed for standoff precision strike against land or 
sea targets at ranges generally exceeding 250 nautical miles, 
with simplified guidance, propulsion, and airframe designs.
(3) The term ``exo-atmospheric interceptors'' means kinetic 
hit-to-kill interceptors designed for ballistic missile defense 
in the exo-atmosphere, with engagement ranges generally 
exceeding 300 nautical miles (or equivalent altitudes above 50 
nautical miles) and closing speeds of not less than Mach 8.
(4) The term ``extended range munitions'' means ground-
launched precision munitions designed for extended standoff 
strike at ranges generally exceeding 50 nautical miles.
(5) The term ``hypersonic strike systems'' means systems 
capable of Mach 5 or greater flight with maneuverability, 
designed for long-range precision strike against time-
sensitive, defended, or high-value targets at ranges generally 
exceeding 550 nautical miles.
(6) The term ``medium-range air-to-air missiles'' means 
guided missiles providing beyond-visual-range air-to-air 
intercept capability with diverse target-set engagement 
potential, performing intercepts at not less than 60 nautical 
miles and with a maximum speed of not less than Mach 3.
(7) The term ``mid-range integrated air and missile defense 
interceptors'' means interceptors optimized for integrated air 
and missile defense against cruise missiles, aircraft, and 
short- to medium-range ballistic missiles, with engagement 
ranges of not less than 30 nautical miles and speeds of not 
less than Mach 3.5.
(8) The term ``short-range integrated air and missile 
defense interceptors'' means interceptors for terminal defense 
against aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems, 
with engagement ranges of not less than five nautical miles and 
maximum speeds of not less than Mach 2.
(9) The term ``shoulder-launched missiles'' means man-
portable or vehicle-launched missiles providing fire-and-forget 
or command-guided anti-armor capability at ranges of not less 
than one nautical mile.

SEC. 213. MODIFICATION TO THE ADVISORY ROLE OF THE JASON SCIENTIFIC 
ADVISORY GROUP.

Section 222(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) is amended--
(1) paragraph (1), by striking ``Under Secretary of Defense 
for Acquisition and Sustainment'' and inserting ``Under 
Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Under Secretary of 
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment'' and inserting ``Under 
Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering'';
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``for all or a 
portion of the overhead costs incurred in support of 
the arrangement'' and inserting ``for the overhead and 
infrastructure costs needed to support delivery of 
JASON's technical assessments''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``a Federal 
agency that engages JASON'' and all that follows 
through the period at the end and inserting ``the 
Department of Defense may engage with another Federal 
agency that routinely uses JASON services to arrange 
for that agency to pay a proportional percentage of the 
total overhead and infrastructure costs needed to 
support delivery of JASON's technical assessments.''; 
and
(4) in paragraph (6), in the matter before subparagraph 
(A), by inserting ``until December 31, 2035'' after ``this 
Act''.

SEC. 214. MODIFIED AND STREAMLINED PROCESS FOR DEVELOPING, NEGOTIATING, 
AND CONCLUDING CERTAIN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall promulgate a 
modified and streamlined process for developing, negotiating and 
concluding international agreements relating to science and technology 
cooperation, including memoranda of understanding and project 
agreements.
(b) Elements.--The process promulgated under subsection (a) shall--
(1) comply with all other statutory requirements;
(2) delegate authority to the maximum extent practicable;
(3) minimize administrative tasks;
(4) eliminate duplicative reviews; and
(5) impose reasonable timelines for intra-Department of 
Defense coordination.

SEC. 215. REPEAL OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO TEMPORARY HIRING OF STUDENTS 
AND UNIVERSITY FACULTY.

Section 249 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 
4001 note) is repealed.

SEC. 216. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TEST RESOURCE 
MANAGEMENT CENTER CONTAINERIZED INSTRUMENTATION PROGRAMS 
PENDING REPORT ON A COMMON ARCHITECTURE FOR UNMANNED 
MARITIME TEST INSTRUMENTATION.

(a) Limitation.--Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this 
Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for containerized 
instrumentation programs of the Test Resource Management Center, not 
more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in consultation with 
the Director of the Test Resource Management Center and the Secretaries 
of the military departments, submits to the congressional defense 
committees the report described in subsection (b).
(b) Report on Common Architecture for Unmanned Maritime Test 
Instrumentation.--
(1) In general.--The report described in this subsection is 
a report that details the feasibility, advisability, and cost-
benefit analysis of establishing a common architecture for 
integrating unmanned systems to act as instrumentation 
platforms for telemetry, flight safety systems, and multi-modal 
data collection.
(2) Contents.--The report described in paragraph (1) shall 
include the following:
(A) A comparative evaluation of the total lifecycle 
costs, operational benefits, and limitations of 
alternative manned, containerized, and unmanned vessel 
instrumentation capabilities. Such evaluation shall 
include the following:
(i) A direct comparison of the Blue Water 
Instrumentation (BWI) program at Point Mugu Sea 
Range with containerized approaches such as the 
Broad Ocean Area Data Collection System 
(BOADCS) and the Mobile Open-System 
Architecture Instrumentation Containers 
(MOSAIC) program.
(ii) An analysis of scalability, 
adaptability, and agility, contrasting the 
unmanned systems model of Blue Water 
Instrumentation with the logistics and crewing 
demands of containerized systems.
(iii) A cost-per-event and cost-per-stream 
analysis for each approach, accounting for 
platform, personnel, logistics, and sustainment 
costs.
(B) An evaluation of whether distributed, unmanned 
platforms can meet or exceed the data collection 
requirements for the most stressing test scenarios, 
including hypersonic vehicle tracking, exoatmospheric 
intercepts, and terminal area data collection.
(C) A time-phased investment and transition 
strategy for making an unmanned architecture the 
primary approach for future maritime test 
instrumentation investments. The strategy shall 
identify specific legacy or containerized programs to 
be divested or consolidated to fund this transition.
(3) Form.--The report described in paragraph (1) shall be 
in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
(c) Definition of Containerized Instrumentation Program.--In this 
section, the term ``containerized instrumentation program'' means any 
program of the Test Resource Management Center that primarily relies on 
packaging test and evaluation instrumentation in roll-on and roll-off 
shipping containers for deployment on manned vessels, including--
(1) the Broad Ocean Area Data Collection System (BOADCS), 
which includes the Maritime Networked Telemetry Asset (MaNTA) 
system; and
(2) the Mobile Open-System Architecture Instrumentation 
Containers (MOSAIC) program.

SEC. 217. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF 
DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING TRAVEL.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise 
made available for fiscal year 2027 for Operation and Maintenance, 
Defense-wide, and available to the Office of the Under Secretary of 
Defense for Research and Engineering for travel purposes, not more than 
90 percent may be obligated or expended until the Directed Energy 
Working Group provides to the congressional defense committees a 
briefing as required by section 219(d)(6) of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 10 U.S.C. 
4205 note).

SEC. 218. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR INTEGRATED COMBAT 
SYSTEMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY.

(a) Limitation.--Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this 
Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for Integrated 
Combat Systems of the Department of the Navy, not more than 75 percent 
may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of 
the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees the 
certification required by subsection (c).
(b) Installation and Demonstration.--The Secretary of the Navy 
shall install and demonstrate, aboard one or more destroyers, an 
operational prototype of the warfighting data ecosystem that includes--
(1) a shipboard artificial intelligence data engine and 
sensor-integration layer that provides standardized application 
programming interfaces to shipboard sensors and enables cross-
modal data fusion and artificial intelligence-enabled detection 
and classification applications;
(2) a common shipboard graphics processing unit-centric 
compute and software platform that integrates data workflows 
across combat systems, command, control, communications, 
computers, and intelligence systems, and hull, mechanical, and 
electrical systems; and
(3) a commercially derived development and test pipeline, 
including software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop 
capabilities, that automate integration, verification, 
certification, and deployment of shipboard software on 
representative hardware.
(c) Certification.--After completion of the installation and 
demonstration required by subsection (b), the Secretary of the Navy 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a certification 
that the Secretary has installed and demonstrated the operational 
prototype of the warfighting data ecosystem as required by subsection 
(b).

SEC. 219. LIMITATION ON THE USE OF TRAVEL FUNDS FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY 
OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise 
made available for fiscal year 2027 for operations and maintenance, 
Defense-wide, and available for travel expenses for the Office of the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, not more than 
85 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the 
Secretary of Defense provides each of the following to the 
congressional defense committees:
(1) The strategy and plan required by section 236(e) of the 
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note).
(2) The report on ``Gaming, exercising, modeling, and 
simulation to support great power competition'' requested in 
Senate report 117-130 accompanying the James M. Inhofe National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-
263).

SEC. 220. CODIFICATION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RESEARCH SECURITY 
PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Chapter 305 of title 10, United States Code is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 4146. Department of Defense Research Security Program
``(a) Program Established.--The Secretary of Defense shall, in 
consultation with such other government organizations as the Secretary 
considers appropriate, establish a program to work with institutions of 
higher education that perform fundamental basic research activities--
``(1) to support protection of intellectual property, 
controlled information, key personnel, and information about 
critical technologies relevant to national security;
``(2) to limit undue influence, including through foreign 
talent programs, by countries to exploit United States 
technology within the Department of Defense research, science 
and technology, and innovation enterprise;
``(3) to support efforts toward development of domestic 
talent in relevant scientific and engineering fields; and
``(4) to prepare United States students studying abroad 
through the National Security Education Program of the 
Department or other similar undergraduate or post-graduate 
programs to recognize and protect themselves against 
recruitment or exploitation efforts by agents of a foreign 
power (as defined in section 101 of the Foreign Intelligence 
Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801)).
``(b) Institutions and Organizations.--
``(1) In general.--The program required by subsection (a) 
shall be developed and executed to the maximum extent 
practicable with institutions of higher education and other 
educational and research organizations conducting fundamental 
basic research for the Department of Defense, and aligned to 
the maximum extent practicable with similar efforts across the 
Federal Government.
``(2) Record of excellence.--In selecting institutions of 
higher education under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
prioritize selection of institutions of higher education that 
the Secretary determines demonstrate a record of excellence in 
industrial security in academia and in research and 
development.
``(c) Requirements.--The program required by subsection (a) shall 
include development of the following:
``(1) Information exchange fora and information 
repositories to enable awareness of security threats and 
influence operations being executed against the United States 
research, technology, and innovation enterprise, including 
support coordinating relevant elements of the Department of 
Defense and the rest of the Federal Government.
``(2) Training and other support for institutions of higher 
education to promote security and limit undue influence on 
institutions and personnel, including financial support for 
execution for such activities.
``(3) The capacity of government and academic institutions 
and institutions of higher education to assess whether 
individuals affiliated with Department of Defense programs have 
participated in or are currently participating in foreign 
talent programs or expert recruitment programs, or are 
otherwise being targeted for exploitation by an agent of a 
foreign power.
``(4) Opportunities to collaborate with defense researchers 
and research organizations in secure facilities to promote 
protection of critical information and strengthen defense 
against agents of foreign powers.
``(5) Regulations and procedures--
``(A) for government and academic organizations and 
personnel to support the goals of the program; and
``(B) that are consistent with policies that 
protect open and scientific exchange in fundamental 
research and coordinated to the maximum extent 
practicable with similar efforts across the Federal 
Government.
``(6) Policies to limit or prohibit funding provided by the 
Department of Defense for institutions of higher education or 
individual researchers who knowingly violate regulations 
developed under the program, including regulations relating to 
foreign talent programs.
``(7) Policies to limit or prohibit funding provided by the 
Department of Defense for institutions of higher education or 
individual researchers who knowingly conduct joint research 
activities or projects, co-author scholarly publications, 
technical reports, or research outputs, contract, or make other 
financial arrangements with entities or individuals employed by 
such entities in the list described in paragraph (9), which 
policies shall include--
``(A) use of such list as part of a risk assessment 
decision matrix during proposal evaluations, including 
the development of a question for proposers or broad 
area announcements that require proposers to disclose 
any joint research activities or projects, co-authored 
scholarly publications, technical reports, research 
outputs, or contractual or financial connections with 
such entities or individuals employed by such entities;
``(B) a requirement that the Department shall 
notify a proposer of suspected noncompliance with a 
policy issued under this paragraph and provide not less 
than 30 days to take actions to remedy such 
noncompliance;
``(C) the establishment of an appeals procedure 
under which a proposer may appeal a negative decision 
on a proposal if the decision is based on a 
determination informed by such list;
``(D) a requirement that each awardee of funding 
provided by the Department shall disclose to the 
Department any joint research activities or projects, 
co-authored scholarly publications, technical reports, 
research outputs, contract, or financial arrangement 
made with such an entity or individual employed by such 
entity during the period of the award; and
``(E) a requirement that each awardee of funding 
provided by the Department shall provide to the 
Department an annual certification of compliance with 
policies promulgated pursuant to this paragraph.
``(8) Initiatives to support the transition of the results 
of academic institution research programs into defense 
capabilities.
``(9)(A) A list of entities of the People's Republic of 
China, the Russian Federation, and other countries that--
``(i) have a history of improper technology 
transfer, intellectual property theft, or cyber or 
human espionage;
``(ii) operate under the direction of the armed 
forces or intelligence agency of the applicable 
country;
``(iii) are known--
``(I) to recruit foreign individuals for 
the purpose of transferring knowledge to 
advance military or intelligence efforts of a 
foreign government; or
``(II) to provide misleading information or 
otherwise attempt to conceal the connections of 
an individual or institution to a defense or an 
intelligence agency of the applicable country;
``(iv) pose a serious risk of improper technology 
transfer of data, technology, or research that is not 
published or publicly available; or
``(v) are on any of the following lists:
``(I) Any of the following lists maintained 
by the Bureau of Industry and Security of th 
Department of Commerce:
``(aa) The Entity List set forth in 
Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of title 
15, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(bb) The Universal List set forth 
in Supplement No. 6 of part 744 of that 
title.
``(cc) The Military-End User List 
set forth in Supplement No. 7 to part 
744 of that title.
``(dd) The Denied Persons List 
maintained pursuant to section 
764.3(a)(2) of that title.
``(II) The list of specially designed 
nationals and blocked persons maintained by the 
Office of Foreign Asserts Control of the 
Department of the Treasury (commonly referred 
to as the `SDN list').
``(III) The list of Chinese military 
companies operating in the United States 
required by 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).
``(IV) The lists of debarred parties 
maintained by the Directorate of Defense Trade 
Controls of the Department of State pursuant to 
section 38(g)(4)of the Arms Export Control Act 
(22 U.S.C. 2778(g))(4).
``(V) The list of telecommunications 
companies of the People's Republic of China 
described in section 889(f)(3) of the John S. 
McCain National Defense Authorizations Act of 
2019 (Public Law 115-232; 41 U.S.C. 3901 note 
prec.).
``(VI) The list of semiconductor companies 
of the People's Republic of China described in 
section 5949(i)(3) of the James M. Inhofe 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 41 U.S.C. 4713 
note).
``(VII) The list of biotechnology companies 
of concern maintained under section 851(f) of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 41 U.S.C. 
3901 note prec.).
``(VIII) The list of entities that produce 
or provide communications equipment or service 
on the list published by the Federal 
Communications Commission under section 2(a) of 
the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks 
Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 1601(a)).
``(IX) A list maintained under clause (i), 
(ii), (iv), or (v) of section 2(d)(2)(B) of the 
Act entitled `An Act to ensure that the goods 
made with forced labor in Xinjiang Autonomous 
Region of the People's Republic of China do not 
enter the United States market, and for other 
purposes'(Public Law 117-18; 22 U.S.C. 6901 
note), approved December 23, 2021 (commonly 
referred to as the `Uyghur Forced Labor 
Prevention Act').
``(B) The list described in subparagraph (A) shall be 
developed and continuously updated in consultation with the 
Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce, 
the Director of National Intelligence, United States 
institutions of higher education that conduct significant 
Department of Defense research or engineering activities, and 
other appropriate individuals and organizations.
``(10)(A) A list, developed and continuously updated in 
consultation with the National Academies of Science, 
Engineering, and Medicine and such Government agencies as the 
Secretary considers appropriate, of foreign talent programs 
that the Secretary determines pose a threat to the national 
security interests of the United States.
``(B) In developing and updating such list, the Secretary 
shall consider--
``(i) the extent to which a foreign talent program 
or an agent of a foreign power--
``(I) poses a threat to research funded by 
the Department of Defense; and
``(II) engages in, or facilitates, cyber 
attacks, theft, espionage, attempts to gain 
ownership of or influence over companies, or 
otherwise interferes in the affairs of the 
United States; and
``(ii) any other factor the Secretary considers 
appropriate.
``(11) Development of measures of effectiveness and 
performance to assess and track progress of the Department of 
Defense across the program, which measures shall include--
``(A) the evaluation of currently available data to 
support the assessment of such measures, including the 
identification of areas in which gaps exist that may 
require collection of completely new data, or 
modifications to existing data sets;
``(B) current means and methods for the collection 
of data in an automated manner, including the 
identification of areas in which gaps exist that may 
require new means for data collection or visualization 
of such data; and
``(C) the development of an analysis and assessment 
methodology framework to make tradeoffs between the 
measures developed under this paragraph and other 
metrics related to assessing undue foreign influence on 
the Department of Defense research enterprise, such as 
commercial due diligence, beneficial ownership, and 
foreign ownership, control, and influence.
``(d) Annual Reviews Required.--Not later than March 30, 2025, and 
each March 30 thereafter until December 31, 2040--
``(1) each head of a Department of Defense component that 
awards grants for research shall carry out a review of a 
representative sample of the research grants awarded by the 
respective component in the previous fiscal year to ensure that 
the component is awarding grants in compliance with the 
applicable policies of the Department; and
``(2) the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering shall carry out a separate review of a 
representative sample of the research grants awarded by such 
components in the previous fiscal year.
``(e) Procedures for Enhanced Information Sharing.--
``(1) Collection of information.--(A) Not later than 
October 1, 2020, for the purpose of maintaining appropriate 
security controls over research activities, technical 
information, and intellectual property, the Secretary shall, in 
conjunction with such public and private entities as the 
Secretary considers appropriate, establish streamlined 
procedures to collect appropriate information relating to 
individuals, including United States citizens and foreign 
nationals, who participate in defense research and development 
activities.
``(B) With respect to fundamental research programs, the 
academic liaison designated under subsection (h) shall 
establish policies and procedures to collect, consistent with 
the best practices of Government agencies that fund academic 
research, appropriate information relating to individuals who 
participate in fundamental research programs.
``(2) Protection from release.--The procedures required by 
paragraph (1) shall include procedures to protect such 
information from release, consistent with applicable 
regulations.
``(3) Reporting to government information systems and 
repositories.--The procedures required by paragraph (1) may 
include procedures developed, in coordination with such public 
and private entities as the Secretary considers appropriate, to 
report such information to existing Government information 
systems and repositories.
``(f) Periodic Reports.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than March 30, 2027, and not 
later than March 30 of each year thereafter until December 31, 
2040, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on the activities carried out under the 
program required by subsection (a), the periodic reviews 
conducted pursuant to subsection (d), and the waivers issued 
under section 4147 of this title.
``(2) Contents.--Each report submitted pursuant to 
paragraph (1) shall include the following:
``(A) A description of the activities conducted and 
the progress made under the program.
``(B) With respect to the periodic reviews 
conducted pursuant to subsection (d), the following:
``(i) The total number of research grants 
awarded by the Department in the fiscal year 
covered by the reviews.
``(ii) The number of reviews carried out 
pursuant to subsection (d)(1).
``(iii) The number of reviews carried out 
pursuant to subsection (d)(2).
``(iv) A description of the processes by 
which the heads of the components described in 
paragraph (1) of subsection (d) and the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering conducted the reviews under such 
subsection.
``(v) An assessment of issues identified 
during the reviews carried out under subsection 
(d), including a list of grants that were 
identified as having not been awarded in 
compliance with applicable policies of the 
Department of Defense.
``(C) The findings of the Secretary with respect to 
the program.
``(D) Such recommendations as the Secretary may 
have for legislative or administrative action relating 
to the matters described in subsection (a), including 
actions relating to foreign talent programs.
``(E) Identification and discussion of the gaps in 
legal authorities that need to be improve to enhance 
the security of research institutions of higher 
education performing defense research.
``(F) A description of the actions taken by such 
institutions to comply with such best practices and 
guidelines as may be established by under the program.
``(G) A description of the status of the measures 
of effectiveness and performance described in 
subsection (c)(11) for the period covered by such 
report, including an analytical assessment of the 
impact of such measures on the goals of the program.
``(H) With respect to waivers described in 
paragraph (1), the following:
``(i) The terms and contents of any waivers 
issued under section 4147 of this title in the 
period covered by the report;
``(ii) any trends in--
``(I) the number of waivers issued 
under such section over time; and
``(II) the types of contracts to 
which such waivers pertain; and
``(iii) the processes used by the Secretary 
to verify that covered institutions (as defined 
in such section) are in compliance with the 
requirements of such section.
``(3) Form.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall 
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
annex.
``(g) Publication of Updated Lists.--
``(1) Submittal to congress.--Not later than January 1, 
2021, and annually thereafter until December 31, 2032, the 
Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees 
the most recently updated lists described in paragraphs (9) and 
(10) of subsection (c).
``(2) Form.--Each list submitted under paragraph (1) shall 
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
annex.
``(3) Public availability.--Each list submitted under 
paragraph (1) shall be published on a publicly accessible 
website of the Department of Defense in a searchable format.
``(4) Intervening submittal and publication.--The Secretary 
may submit and publish an updated list described in paragraph 
(1) more frequently than required by that paragraph, as the 
Secretary considers necessary.
``(h) Designation of Academic Liaison.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, acting through the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, 
designate an academic liaison with principal responsibility for 
working with the academic and research communities to protect 
Department-sponsored academic research of concern from undue 
foreign influence and threats.
``(2) Qualification.--The Secretary shall designate an 
individual under paragraph (1) who is an official of the Office 
of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering 
with experience--
``(A) working in security, counterintelligence, or 
academic research environments; and
``(B) with complex managerial tasks.
``(3) Duties.--The duties of the academic liaison 
designated under paragraph (1) shall be as follows:
``(A) To serve as the liaison of the Department 
with the academic and research communities.
``(B) To execute initiatives of the Department 
relating to the protection of Department-sponsored 
academic research of concern from undue foreign 
influence and threats, including the program required 
by subsection (a).
``(C) To conduct outreach and education activities 
for the academic and research communities on undue 
foreign influence and threats to Department-sponsored 
academic research of concern.
``(D) To coordinate and align academic security 
policies with Department component agencies, the Office 
of Science and Technology Policy, the intelligence 
community, and such Federal agencies as the Secretary 
considers appropriate.
``(E) To the extent practicable, to coordinate with 
the intelligence community to share, not less 
frequently than annually, with the academic and 
research communities unclassified information, 
including counterintelligence information, on threats 
from undue foreign influence.
``(F) Any other related responsibility, as 
determined by the Secretary in consultation with the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering.
``(i) Designation of Chief Research Security Officers.--
``(1) In general.--Each institution of higher education 
that receives Department of Defense funding and more than 
$50,000,000 in total Federal research funding annually shall 
designate at least one senior official to serve as the 
institution's Chief Research Security Officer.
``(2) Qualifications and duties.--Each Chief Research 
Security Officer designated under (h) shall--
``(A) be a Vice President for Research, Chief 
Research Officer, or another designated senior official 
at the institution with responsibility for research 
administration, compliance, or institutional security, 
as determined appropriate by the institution; and
``(B) serve as the principal institutional officer 
and primary point of contact with the Department of 
Defense, and other appropriate Federal authorities on 
matters relating to research security associated with 
Department of Defense-funded research, including undue 
foreign influence, cybersecurity pertaining to such 
research, insider risk, and related threats.
``(3) Eligibility for department of defense security 
clearances and training.--(A) The Chief Research Security 
Officer shall be eligible for sponsorship for an appropriate 
personnel security clearance for purposes of Department of 
Defense-funded research security, as determined by the 
Secretary of Defense.
``(B) The Secretary of Defense, acting through the 
appropriate Department of Defense security and 
counterintelligence authorities, and in coordination with other 
appropriate Federal intelligence agencies, shall establish 
processes--
``(i) to facilitate the sponsorship, adjudication, 
and issuance of appropriate personnel security 
clearances for Chief Research Security Officers, 
including through Department of Defense security 
clearance processes;
``(ii) to provide threat-related training, 
briefings, and information, including classified 
briefings as appropriate, related to risks to 
Department of Defense-funded research; and
``(iii) to ensure that information shared is 
relevant, timely, and provided solely for defensive, 
awareness, and protective purposes.
``(4) Scope and limitations.--(A) Information shared 
pursuant to this section shall be limited to information 
necessary to protect Department of Defense-funded research and 
associated research activities.
``(B) Nothing in this section shall be construed--
``(i) to require institutions of higher education 
to conduct classified research;
``(ii) to reclassify or otherwise restrict 
fundamental research;
``(iii) to impose new export control, 
classification, or security requirements on research 
that is otherwise unrestricted under applicable law or 
policy; or
``(iv) to infringe upon academic freedom, freedom 
of expression, or other lawful academic activities.
``(5) Alignment with existing department of defense 
research security requirements.--The requirements of this 
section shall be implemented consistent with Department of 
Defense research security policies and programs, including 
National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (relating to 
supported research and development national policy), issued 
January 2021, applicable Department of Defense directives and 
instructions, and guidance issued by the Office of Science and 
Technology Policy, as relevant to Department of Defense-funded 
research.
``(j) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `agent of a foreign power' has the meaning 
given such term in section 101 of the Foreign Intelligence 
Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801).
``(2) The term `institution of higher education' has the 
meaning given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
``(3) The term `intelligence community' has the meaning 
given such term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 
1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
``Sec. 4147. Prohibition on contracts between certain foreign entities 
and institutions of higher education conducting 
Department of Defense-funded research
``(a) Prohibition.--Beginning on January 1, 2028, a covered 
institution may not enter into a contract with a covered nation or a 
foreign entity of concern.
``(b) Waivers.--
``(1) Authority.--Subject to the provisions of this 
subsection and subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may, 
pursuant to a request submitted under paragraph (2) of this 
subsection, issue a waiver of the prohibition set forth in 
subsection (a).
``(2) Submission.--(A)(i) A covered institution that 
desires to enter into a contract with a foreign entity of 
concern or a covered nation may submit to the Secretary of 
Defense, not later than 120 days before the institution enters 
into such a contract, a request to waive the prohibition set 
forth in subsection (a) with respect to such contract.
``(ii) A waiver request submitted by a covered institution 
under clause (i) shall include--
``(I) the complete and unredacted text of the 
proposed contract for which the waiver is being 
requested, and if such original contract is not in 
English, a translated copy of the text into English (in 
a manner that complies with subsection (e)); and
``(II) a statement that--
``(aa) is signed by the President or 
compliance officer of the institution 
designated in accordance with subsection (f); 
and
``(bb) includes information that 
demonstrates that such contract is for the 
benefit of the institution's mission and 
students and will promote the security, 
stability, and economic vitality of the United 
States.
``(B)(i) A covered institution that has entered into a 
contract pursuant to a waiver issued under this section, the 
term of which is longer than the 1-year waiver period and the 
terms and conditions of which remain the same as the proposed 
contract submitted as part of the request for such waiver, may 
submit, not later than 120 days before the expiration of such 
waiver period, a request for a renewal of such waiver for the 
remainder of the contract term, but not to exceed a 4-year 
period (which shall include any information requested by the 
Secretary).
``(ii) If a covered institution fails to submit a request 
under clause (i) or is not granted a renewal under such clause, 
such institution shall terminate such contract on the last day 
of the original 1-year waiver period.
``(3) Waiver issuance.--The Secretary of Defense--
``(A) not later than 60 days before a covered 
institution enters into a contract pursuant to a waiver 
request under paragraph (2)(A), or before a contract 
described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) is renewed pursuant to 
a renewal request under such paragraph, shall notify 
the covered institution--
``(i) if the waiver or renewal will be 
issued by the Secretary; and
``(ii) in a case in which the waiver or 
renewal will be issued, the date on which the 
1-year waiver period starts;
``(B) may only issue a waiver under this subsection 
to a covered institution if the Secretary of Defense 
determines that the contract for which the waiver is 
being requested will both--
``(i) benefit the institution's mission and 
students; and
``(ii) promote the security, stability, and 
economic vitality of the United States; and
``(C) shall, when making the determination 
described in subparagraph (B)(ii), base such 
determination on the following factors:
``(i) The reasons for which the foreign 
entity of concern or covered nation has been so 
designated, and why those reasons do not apply 
to the contract for which waiver is being 
sought.
``(ii) The foreign entity of concern or 
covered nation's history of involvement with 
covered institutions.
``(iii) The degree to which such a contract 
could provide access to information or 
technology which could materially benefit the 
national security of a covered nation or harm 
the national security of the United States.
``(4) Notification to congress.--Not later than 15 calendar 
days prior to issuing a waiver under this subsection, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of 
the House of Representatives written notice of the intent of 
the Secretary to issue such waiver together with a 
justification for such waiver.
``(5) Application of waivers.--A waiver issued under this 
subsection to a covered institution with respect to a contract 
shall only--
``(A) waive the prohibition under subsection (a) 
for a 1-year period, or for the remainder of the term 
of the contract, but not to exceed 4 years; and
``(B) apply to the terms and conditions of the 
proposed contract submitted as part of the request for 
such waiver.
``(c) Contracts Prior to Date of Enactment.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of a covered institution 
that entered into contract with a covered nation or foreign 
entity of concern prior to January 1, 2028, and which contract 
remains in effect on such date, the Secretary shall notify the 
congressional defense committees within 90 days of enactment of 
this section.
``(2) Renewal.--A covered institution that has entered into 
a contract described in paragraph (1), the term of which is 
longer than the waiver period described in subparagraph (B) of 
such paragraph and the terms and conditions of which remain the 
same as the contract submitted as part of the request required 
under subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, may submit a request 
for renewal of the waiver issued under such paragraph in 
accordance with subsection (c)(2)(B).
``(d) Designation During Contract Term.--In the case of a covered 
institution that enters into a contract with a foreign source that is 
not a covered nation or a foreign entity of concern but which, during 
the term of such contract, is redesignated as a covered nation or 
foreign entity of concern, such institution shall terminate such 
contract not later than 120 days after the Secretary notifies the 
covered institution of such designation or immediately requests a 
waiver.
``(e) Translation Requirement.--Any information required to be 
disclosed under this section with respect to a contract that is not in 
English shall be translated, for purposes of such disclosure, by a 
person that is not an affiliated entity or agent of the covered nation 
or foreign entity of concern involved with such contract.
``(f) Compliance Officer.--Each covered institution applying for a 
waiver under subsection (c), shall identify a compliance officer, who 
shall--
``(1) be a current employee or legally authorized agent of 
such institution; and
``(2) be responsible, on behalf of such institution, for 
personally certifying--
``(A) compliance with the prohibition under this 
section; and
``(B) the truth and accuracy of any information 
contained in such a waiver request.
``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term 
`contract' means--
``(i) any agreement or memorandum of understanding 
for the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of 
property or services by or from a covered nation or 
foreign entity of concern; or
``(ii) any affiliation, agreement, or similar 
transaction with a covered nation or foreign entity of 
concern that involves the use or exchange of the name, 
likeness, time, services, or resources of a covered 
institution.
``(B) The term `contract' does not include--
``(i) an agreement solely or primarily for the 
purposes of conducting a study-abroad program wherein 
students at covered institutions in the United States 
travel to a covered nation to study;
``(ii) short-term, ancillary agreements such as 
employment contracts for visiting professorships or 
sponsored travel or visas of foreign nationals employed 
by institutions of higher education, excluding those 
affiliated with foreign entities of concern;
``(iii) an arms-length agreement for the 
acquisition by purchase, lease, or barter of property 
or services for the covered institution from a foreign 
entity of concern; or
``(iv) an agreement pertaining to a pre-existing 
campus or other satellite facility of a covered 
institution located in a covered nation or a joint 
facility of a covered institution and another entity 
located in a covered nation, including assignment or 
license of a trademark or copyright related to the 
name, likeness, mascot or similar image, unless that 
facility could provide access to information or 
technology which could materially benefit the national 
security of a covered nation or harm the national 
security of the United States.
``(2) The term `covered institution' means an institution 
of higher education that conducts research funded by the 
Department of Defense.
``(3) The term `covered nation' has the meaning given that 
term in section 4872(d) of this title.
``(4) The term `foreign entity of concern' means any person 
or entity on any of the following lists:
``(A) Any of the following lists maintained by the 
Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of 
Commerce:
``(i) The Entity List set forth in 
Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of title 15, Code 
of Federal Regulations.
``(ii) The Unverified List set forth in 
Supplement No. 6 part 744 of that title.
``(iii) The Military End-User List set 
forth in Supplement No. 7 to part 744 of that 
title.
``(iv) The Denied Persons List maintained 
pursuant to section 764.3(a)(2) of that title.
``(B) The list of specifically designated nationals 
and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign 
Assets Control of the Department of Treasury (commonly 
referred to as the `SDN list').
``(C) The list of Chinese military companies 
operating in the United States required by 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).
``(D) The lists of debarred parties maintained by 
the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the 
Department of State pursuant to section 38(g)(4)of the 
Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778(g)(4)).
``(E) The list of telecommunications companies of 
the People's Republic of China described in section 
889(f)(3) of the John S. McCain National Defense 
Authorizations Act of 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 41 
U.S.C. 3901 note prec.).
``(F) The list of semiconductor companies of the 
People's Republic of China described in section 
5949(i)(3) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year2023 (Public Law 117-
263; 41 U.S.C. 4713 note).
``(G) The list of biotechnology companies of 
concern maintained under section 851(f) of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public 
Law 119-60; 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.).
``(H) The list of entities that produce or provide 
communications equipment or service on the list 
published by the Federal Communications Commission 
under section 2(a) of the Secure and Trusted 
Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 
1601(a)).
``(I) A list maintained under clause (i), (ii), 
(iv), or (v) of section 2(d)(2)(B) of the Act entitled 
`An Act to ensure that the goods made with forced labor 
in Xinjiang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic 
of China d o not enter the United States market, and 
for other purposes', approved December 23, 2021 (Public 
Law 117-18; 22 U.S.C. 6901 note) (commonly referred to 
as the `Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act').
``(5) The term `institution of higher education' has the 
meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).''.
(b) Conforming Repeals.--The following sections are hereby 
repealed:
(1) Section 1277 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 50 U.S.C. 1914).
(2) Section 1286 of the John S. McCain National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 
U.S.C. 4001 note).
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1062(b)(2) of the William M. 
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 2241 note) is amended by striking 
``subsection (g) of section 1286 of the John S. McCain National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C. 2358 note), as 
amended by section 1299C of this Act,'' and inserting ``section 4146(h) 
of title 10, United States Code,''.

SEC. 221. CODIFICATION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, 
AND INNOVATION BOARD.

Subchapter I of chapter 303 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 4068. Department of Defense Science, Technology, and Innovation 
Board
``(a) Advisory Board Established.--The Secretary of Defense shall, 
acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering, establish and maintain a Science, Technology, and 
Innovation Board (in this section referred to as the `Board') for the 
purposes set forth in subsection (b).
``(b) Purpose.--
``(1) In general.--The purpose of the Board is to advise, 
in response to taskings, the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy 
Secretary of Defense, the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Research and Engineering, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff, and the other Under Secretaries of the Department of 
Defense on matters relating to science, technology, research, 
engineering, manufacturing, acquisition process, and other 
matters that are of special interest to the Department of 
Defense.
``(2) Matters of concern to the board; identification of 
technologies.--The Board shall--
``(A) be concerned with the pressing and complex 
technology problems facing the Department of Defense in 
such areas as research, engineering, and manufacturing; 
and
``(B) ensure the identification of new technologies 
and new applications of technology in those areas to 
strengthen national security.
``(c) Charter.--The Board shall maintain a public charter 
describing its functions, which shall be updated periodically as the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering considers 
necessary.
``(d) Agency Providing Support; Staff.--
``(1) In general.--The Board shall report to the Secretary 
of Defense through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research 
and Engineering.
``(2) Executive director and support staff.--The Under 
Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall provide 
the Board with an Executive Director and the necessary support 
staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the Board and its 
ad hoc task forces.
``(3) Compliance officer.--The Board shall have a 
designated Federal officer to ensure compliance of the Board 
with all Department of Defense policies and procedures and 
relevant Federal regulations.
``(4) Detailees and liaisons.--The Board may accept 
detailees from the military departments or components of the 
Department of Defense to serve as Armed Forces liaisons to the 
Board and support Board activities.
``(e) Membership.--
``(1) Composition.--The Board shall be composed of not more 
than 50 members as full board members, who shall be eminent 
authorities in the fields of science, technology, innovation, 
and other matters germane to scientific, technological, and 
innovation topics of special interest to the Department of 
Defense.
``(2) Terms.--(A) The appointment of Board members shall be 
approved by the Department of Defense Appointing Authority for 
a term of service of one to four years, with annual renewals, 
in accordance with Department of Defense policy and procedures.
``(B) No member, unless approved by the Department of 
Defense Appointing Authority, may serve more than two 
consecutive terms of service on the Board, including its 
subcommittees, unless a waiver is approved by the Under 
Secretary.
``(3) Leadership.--The Department of Defense Appointing 
Authority shall appoint the leadership of the Board from among 
the members of the Board, in accordance with Department of 
Defense policy and procedures, for a term of service of one to 
two years, with annual renewal, which shall not exceed the term 
of a member's appointment to the Board.
``(4) Compensation of members.--Except for reimbursement 
for official Board-related travel and per diem, members of the 
Board members shall serve without compensation.
``(f) Subcommittees, Task Forces, Panels, or Working Groups.--
``(1) In general.--(A) When necessary and consistent with 
the Board's mission, the Board may establish subcommittees, 
task forces, panels, or working groups (hereafter referred to 
as `subcommittees') to support Board activities.
``(B) The establishment of subcommittees shall be based 
upon a written determination, which shall include terms of 
reference, by the Department of Defense Appointing Authority or 
the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, as 
the Board's sponsor.
``(2) FACA and compliance.--All subcommittees operate in 
accordance with chapter 10 of title 5 (commonly known as the 
`Federal Advisory Committee Act'), governing Federal statutes 
and regulations, and Department of Defense policy and 
procedures.
``(3) Operations.--(A) A subcommittee shall not work 
independently of the Board and shall report all of its 
recommendations and advice solely to the Board for its thorough 
deliberation and discussion at a properly noticed and open 
Board meeting, unless the meeting must be closed in accordance 
with one or more of the exemptions found in section 552b of 
title 5.
``(B) A subcommittee has no authority to make decisions and 
recommendations, orally or in writing, on behalf of the Board.
``(4) Appointment to subcommittees.--Individual 
appointments to serve on subcommittees, which are separate and 
distinct from appointments to the Board itself, shall be 
approved by the Department of Defense Appointing Authority for 
a term of service of one to four years, with annual renewals, 
in accordance with Department of Defense policy and procedures.
``(g) Frequency of Meetings.--The Board shall meet not less 
frequently than four times each year on a quarterly basis to update the 
Secretary and senior leadership on the activities of the Board.''.

SEC. 222. ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS TO EXPAND INVENTORY OF AIR DEFENSE 
INTERCEPTORS.

(a) Alternative Programs Required.--The Under Secretary of Defense 
for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Secretaries 
of the military departments, shall explore, establish, and carry out 
efforts to increase the inventory of air defense interceptors by 
pursuing each of the following pathways:
(1) Cost-reduction initiatives for existing missile 
systems, including value engineering, design-for-
manufacturability improvements, and supply-chain efficiencies.
(2) Delivery of technical data packages on a contract-
manufacturing basis to additional manufacturers, including 
manufacturers in the commercial sector, consistent with 
applicable technical data rights or agreements with the 
technical data owners.
(3) Sourcing of interceptors from allies and partners and 
the exploration of opportunities to establish or expand 
domestic production lines for such interceptors, including 
through co-production, licensed manufacturing, or foreign 
military sales arrangements.
(4) Performance of market research across industry and the 
Department of Defense science and technology reinvention 
laboratories to identify critical components for air defense 
interceptors and to support the rapid integration, testing, and 
qualification of a new or modified interceptor design.
(b) Report Required.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report describing--
(1) the specific activities conducted under each of the 
pathways required by subsection (a);
(2) for each pathway, the potential improvements in unit 
cost, schedule, and production volume that could be achieved, 
as compared to any identified impacts on the performance, 
reliability, or other capabilities of the affected missile 
systems; and
(3) the Secretary's recommended path or paths forward, 
including any legislative or budgetary proposals necessary to 
implement or expand successful efforts.

SEC. 223. IMPROVEMENTS TO PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY TO ATTRACT 
EXPERTS IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND CERTAIN OTHER 
DISCIPLINES AT DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY.

Section 4092(b)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by striking the semicolon and inserting ``, of which not more than 40 
of the 140 positions may be occupied concurrently by 2 individuals, for 
a period not to exceed 90 days, for the purposes of accommodating 
recruitment cycles and managing personnel rotations, and any such 
concurrent occupancy shall be counted as a single position against the 
total number of positions set forth in this subparagraph;''.

SEC. 224. EXTENSION OF LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR 
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH COLLABORATION WITH CERTAIN ACADEMIC 
INSTITUTIONS.

Section 238(a) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 
118-159), as amended by section 215 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60), is amended 
by striking ``or fiscal year 2026'' and inserting ``, fiscal year 2026, 
or fiscal year 2027''.

Subtitle C--Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

SEC. 231. ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR FUTURE QUANTUM COMPUTING PROGRAMS.

(a) Framework Required.--Not later than June 15, 2027, the 
Secretary of Defense shall, in coordination with the Under Secretary of 
Defense for Research and Engineering and the Under Secretary of Defense 
for Acquisition and Sustainment, develop a framework for assessing the 
development or acquisition of future quantum computing systems, 
algorithms, or hybrid-quantum computing services informed by the 
practices developed under the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
(b) Requirements.--In developing the framework required under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall leverage the work products, 
insights, and lessons learned from the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative 
to help programs, technical developers, or source selection evaluators 
assess the following:
(1) The ability of a system, algorithm, or service to 
achieve mission-relevant capability for the Department of 
Defense.
(2) Risks and the sufficiency of risk mitigation steps in 
developing or acquiring a relevant system, algorithm, or 
service.
(3) Timelines, technical enabling infrastructure, user 
requirements, doctrinal or employment conceptual needs, and 
training needs associated with the development or acquisition 
of a system, algorithm, or service.
(c) Issuance of Policy Guidance.--Not later than December 1, 2027, 
the Secretary shall issue policy guidance to the Department regarding 
the use of the assessment framework required under subsection (a).

SEC. 232. EXECUTION OF THE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR ROCKET PROPELLANT 
SYSTEMS.

(a) Program of Record Determination.--Not later than 60 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall 
submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a 
determination confirming whether the Additive Manufacturing for Rocket 
Propellant systems should be formally established as a program of 
record.
(b) Briefing Requirement.--Not later than April 15, 2027, the 
Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
briefing on Army efforts relating to Additive Manufacturing for Rocket 
Propellant systems, including its procurement funding, and integration 
strategies.

SEC. 233. REPORT ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND COGNITIVE WARFARE.

(a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, in coordination 
with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and 
the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, submit 
to the congressional defense committees a report on the implications of 
emerging technologies to support Department of Defense cognitive 
warfare.
(b) Contents.--The report submitted pursuant to subsection (a) 
shall include the following:
(1) An identification and assessment of emerging 
technologies that have current or near-term application to 
cognitive warfare and operations in the information environment 
of the Department of Defense, including artificial intelligence 
and machine learning tools, synthetic media generation, 
analytical tools, including narrative intelligence, and 
neuroscience-based influence technologies.
(2) An assessment of how adversaries of the United States, 
including China and Russia, are researching, developing, or 
employing such technologies in support of cognitive warfare 
objectives.
(3) An assessment of how allies and partners of the United 
States, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, are 
researching, developing, or employing such technologies in 
support of cognitive warfare objectives.
(4) An assessment of opportunities for the Department of 
Defense to leverage the defense industrial base, academic 
research institutions, and allied and partner countries in 
accelerating the development and fielding of relevant cognitive 
warfare technologies, including recommendations for public-
private partnership mechanisms and international cooperation 
agreements.
(5) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
appropriate.

SEC. 234. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ELECTRONICS REQUIREMENTS STUDY.

(a) Agreement.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall seek to 
enter into an agreement with an organization the Secretary 
considers qualified, to perform the services covered by this 
section.
(2) Timing.--The Secretary shall seek to enter into the 
agreement described in paragraph (1) such that the services 
covered by this section are completed before the date that is 
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Study.--Under an agreement between the Secretary and an 
organization under subsection (a), the organization shall carry out a 
comprehensive study analyzing current and future electronics 
requirements for defense systems, with particular emphasis on 
electronic warfare capabilities and semiconductor packaging solutions.
(c) Elements.--The study carried out under subsection (b) shall 
include the following:
(1) Current state assessment.--An assessment that 
includes--
(A) a system-level analysis of electronics needs 
and core functions across existing defense platforms;
(B) documentation of current operational 
requirements, including--
(i) electronic warfare systems' parallel 
target acquisition capabilities;
(ii) threat differentiation and 
classification requirements; and
(iii) counter-electronic warfare response 
timeframes and performance specifications;
(C) a catalog and categorization of existing 
technology implementations by type and application; and
(D) an assessment of current semiconductor 
packaging functions and their relationship to system 
performance.
(2) Technology landscape analysis.--An analysis that 
includes engagement with semiconductor industry experts, 
including Intel Corporation and other leading manufacturers--
(A) to map system-level requirements to 
semiconductor-level specifications;
(B) to identify current technology gaps and 
limitations; and
(C) to analyze existing supply chain dependencies 
and vulnerabilities.
(3) Future requirements definition.--Development of a 
definition of future requirements that includes--
(A) a survey of stakeholders to identify desired 
future capabilities and performance targets;
(B) next-generation electronics requirements across 
multiple domains;
(C) scalability requirements and capability 
roadmaps; and
(D) documentation of emerging technology scenarios.
(4) Modular architecture framework.--Development of a 
framework that includes--
(A) recommendations for standardized, modular 
electronics building blocks;
(B) interface specifications to enable 
interoperable capabilities;
(C) a framework for aggregate demand forecasting;
(D) strategies for mitigating diminishing 
manufacturing sources and material shortages; and
(E) upgrade pathways that minimize system-wide 
impacts.
(d) Report.--
(1) In general.--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 on the findings of 
the organization with whom the Secretary entered into a 
contract under subsection (a) with regards to the study carried 
out under subsection (b).
(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following:
(A) The findings described in paragraph (1).
(B) An implementation roadmap with timeline and 
resource requirements.
(C) Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
(3) Form.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall 
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
annex.

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. MODIFICATIONS TO ADVANCED NUCLEAR TRANSITION WORKING GROUP.

Section 319 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``The Assistant 
Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and 
Environment'' and inserting ``The Assistant Secretary of 
Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological 
Defense Policy and Programs''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``The Assistant 
Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and 
Biological Defense Policy and Programs'' and inserting ``The 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and 
Environment''.

SEC. 312. PRIORITIZATION OF DEPLOYMENT OF EXPEDITIONARY SOLID WASTE 
DISPOSAL SYSTEMS.

The Secretary of Defense shall prioritize deployment of 
expeditionary solid waste disposal systems to contingency locations 
where open air burn pits remain in use, including Ar Riyan (Owen), 
Yemen, and other locations where members of the Armed Forces face 
elevated exposure risk due to the absence of feasible waste disposal 
alternatives.

SEC. 313. 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. 314. GRID RESILIENCY AND ENERGY REDUNDANCY.

Section 2911(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (13) as 
paragraphs (10) through (14), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new 
paragraph (9):
``(9) The value of establishing operational redundancy in 
both the primary procurement sourcing of energy and the 
specific physical categories of energy utilized to support 
critical mission infrastructure, ensuring the continuous 
availability of independent baseload generation capacities in 
the event of commercial or regional utility disruption.''.

SEC. 315. MANDATORY GRID IMPACT AND INFRASTRUCTURE POWER REQUIREMENTS 
FOR ENHANCED USE LEASES.

(a) Requirements.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any 
enhanced use lease executed, extended, or renewed under section 2667 
and 2662 of title 10, United States Code, for purposes of 
infrastructure, facility modernization, or energy production of the 
Department of Defense shall include a comprehensive, formalized 
assessment of localized grid impacts and infrastructure power demands.
(b) Elements of Assessment.--The assessment required under 
subsection (a) shall explicitly document and discuss the following:
(1) The projected net effects of the proposed enhanced use 
lease on the stability, capacity, and reliability of the 
surrounding local commercial electric grid, including potential 
impacts on voltage regulation, transmission congestion, and 
utility-scale baseline capacity.
(2) The total peak and baseline electrical power required 
to fully sustain and operate all new infrastructure, 
facilities, or capabilities constructed on the leased property 
under the enhanced use lease.

SEC. 316. STORAGE CAPACITY ENHANCEMENTS.

(a) Plan Required.--
(1) In general.--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 
Transportation Command, the Director of the Defense Logistics 
Agency, and the Secretary of each military department, shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive 
master plan to expand, harden, and optimize bulk storage 
capacity at strategic locations worldwide.
(2) Elements of the plan.--The plan required under 
paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:
(A) The establishment of theater-specific minimum 
operational storage capacity floors for all types of 
fuel used by the Department of Defense, including any 
high-priority strategic nodes capable of sustaining 
critical mission essential tasks for a minimum period 
of time determined by the Department without external 
replenishment.
(B) A program and engineering assessment to 
construct hardened, semi-buried, underground, 
distributed, or geologic storage infrastructure and 
modular fueling nodes designed to withstand kinetic, 
cyber, and environmental threats.
(C) A strategy to transition from single, large-
scale vulnerable bulk fuel hubs to decentralized and 
redundant storage networks within individual 
installation footprints to mitigate single points of 
failure.
(b) Congressional Submission.--
(1) Submission of master plan.--Upon completion of the plan 
required under subsection (a), and not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit the master plan to the congressional 
defense committees.
(2) Form of report.--The plan submitted under paragraph (1) 
and any accompanying project list shall be submitted in 
unclassified form, but may include a classified annex to 
protect specific operational readiness thresholds and 
vulnerability profiles of designated strategic locations.

SEC. 317. REVISION OF POLICY ON USE OF OPEN-AIR BURN PITS NOT 
CONTROLLED BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the policy of the Department 
of Defense governing the use of open-air burn pits consistent with the 
findings and recommendations contained in the report by the Inspector 
General of the Department of Defense dated July 11, 2024, and entitled 
``Management Advisory: Non-DoD Solid Waste Burning At or Near DoD-
Occupied Sites'' (DODIG-2024-107).

SEC. 318. ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY SUPPLIED TO INSTALLATIONS AND 
OPERATIONAL FORCES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the Commander of the United States Transportation Command and the 
Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a comprehensive assessment of the 
current status, sourcing, and security of all forms of energy supplied 
to installations and operational forces of the Department of Defense.
(b) Elements of Assessment.--The assessment required under 
subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) A complete accounting of the geographic origin and 
supply chain pathways of all forms of energy, including 
hydrocarbons, purchased by the Department of Defense, 
explicitly identifying any direct or indirect reliance on 
foreign energy sources.
(2) An evaluation of the systemic vulnerabilities within 
current energy supply lines of the Department, including single 
points of failure and military installations reliant on single-
source commercial transmission or entities backed by a foreign 
country.
(3) An inventory of current on-site energy storage 
capacities, including an assessment of whether existing 
capacities meet baseline operational requirements.
(4) An assessment of potential disruptions to energy 
supplies of the Department under various kinetic and cyber 
conflict scenarios.

SEC. 319. REQUIREMENT OF NOTICE ON UPDATES TO PUBLIC DASHBOARD ON 
REMEDIATION OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL 
SUBSTANCES.

Section 322 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 10 U.S.C. 2701 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``removal'' and 
inserting ``remedial'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
subsection (c):
``(c) Notice of Updates to Dashboard.--Not less frequently than 
semiannually, the Secretary shall provide prompt notice to regional 
offices of the Environmental Protection Agency, appropriate State and 
local authorities, restoration advisory boards established under 
section 2705(d) of title 10, United States Code, and the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives of 
updates to the dashboard under subsection (b).''; and
(4) in subsection (d)(1), as redesignated by paragraph (2), 
by striking ```removal',''.

SEC. 320. REVISIONS TO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN 
DEFENSE ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.

The Secretary of Defense shall modify section 203.4 of title 32, 
Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulations, to increase the 
limitation on the combined sum of purchase orders for technical 
assistance for public participation in defense environmental 
restoration activities under that section for an installation of the 
Department of Defense to a combined sum of purchase orders not to 
exceed $1,000,000 or, during any one year, the lesser of $100,000 or 1 
percent of the total projected environmental restoration cost-to-
complete of the installation.

SEC. 320A. STUDY ON CONTRACTING PROCESS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR 
REMEDIATION OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL 
SUBSTANCES.

(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall 
conduct a study evaluating the cleanup and acquisition processes used 
by the Department of Defense as of the date of the enactment of this 
Act relating to remediation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl 
substances resulting from activities of the Department of Defense.
(b) Elements.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall assess--
(1) the extent to which the Department has identified and 
developed requirements for remediation of perfluoroalkyl and 
polyfluoroalkyl substances across military installations where 
cleanup may be needed by the Department, including any 
fragmentation of requirements across military installations;
(2) the extent to which the Department has analyzed the 
effectiveness of acquisition strategies and contracting 
approaches used to procure technologies and services for the 
remediation of such substances;
(3) whether the cleanup and acquisition strategies of the 
Department account for the current state of remediation 
technologies for such substances;
(4) whether the Department reviews the effectiveness of 
technologies previously employed at installations of the 
Department and considers the findings from such reviews when 
approaching future remediation efforts; and
(5) any risks, gaps, or inefficiencies in the approach 
taken by the Department to remediate such substances, and any 
opportunities to improve speed, affordability, and outcomes.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief the 
congressional defense committees on the study conducted under 
subsection (a), with a report to follow at a mutually agreed upon time.

SEC. 320B. INITIATION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS WITH RESPECT TO 
PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.

(a) Initiation of Remedial Actions.--
(1) In general.--To the extent that it is consistent with 
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and any other 
applicable law, and except as provided in paragraph (2), not 
later than two years after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Defense shall initiate interim remedial 
actions with respect to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl 
substances at not fewer than 50 covered sites.
(2) Exception.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may initiate interim 
remedial actions with respect to perfluoroalkyl and 
polyfluoroalkyl substances at fewer than 50 covered 
sites only if the Secretary cannot find enough covered 
sites meeting the factor specified under section 
300.415(b)(2)(i) of title 40, Code of Federal 
Regulations, or successor regulations.
(B) Report.--If the Secretary utilizes the 
exception under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress a report verifying that the 
Secretary assessed each covered site and was unable to 
find a sufficient number of covered sites meeting the 
factor specified in such subparagraph.
(b) Timely Completion of Ongoing Actions.--The Secretary shall 
ensure the timely completion of interim remedial actions at 
installations of the Department of Defense that are ongoing as of the 
date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Covered Site Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered 
site''--
(1) means, of the 723 installations of the Department 
assessed for use or potential use of perfluoroalkyl and 
polyfluoroalkyl substances set forth in the publication of the 
Department dated March 31, 2025, the installations at which the 
estimated remedial investigation or feasibility study end date 
is delayed as compared to the date specified for such site in 
the similar publication of the Department dated December 2024; 
and
(2) shall be interpreted consistent with the Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 
(42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and any other applicable law.

Subtitle C--Logistics and Sustainment

SEC. 321. IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPTROLLER GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON 
EXERCISES AND WARGAMES IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION.

(a) Implementation Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees and the 
Comptroller General of the United States a plan to address the 
following recommendations made by the Comptroller General:
(A) Recommendations 16 through 20 in the report 
entitled ``Weapon Systems Maintenance: DOD Needs 
Enhanced Assessments and Exercises to Prepare for an 
Indo-Pacific Conflict''(GAO-26-107710C).
(B) Recommendations 7 through 11 in the report 
entitled ``Fuel Supply: DOD Is Not Prepared for a 
Contested Environment in the Indo-Pacific''(GAO-25-
107216C).
(C) Recommendations 7 and 8 in the report entitled 
``Force Structure: Army and Marine Corps Face 
Challenges Developing New Multi-Domain Units''(GAO-24-
106266C).
(D) Recommendations 1 and 2 in the report entitled 
``Military Readiness: Actions Needed to Ensure the 
Reserve Component Will Be Ready to Rapidly Respond to a 
Potential Conflict''(GAO-26-107579C).
(2) Identification of recommendations to be implemented.--
Each plan under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to 
each recommendation described in such paragraph that the 
Secretary concerned has implemented or intends to implement--
(A) a summary of actions that have been taken or 
will be taken to implement the recommendation; and
(B) a schedule, with specific milestones, for 
completing implementation of the recommendation.
(3) Identification of recommendations not to be 
implemented.--Each plan under paragraph (1) shall include the 
following:
(A) An identification of any recommendation 
described in such paragraph that the Secretary 
concerned does not intend to implement.
(B) A discussion of the reasons not to implement 
each such recommendation.
(C) A description of alternative actions taken or 
intended to be taken to address the matters identified 
by the Comptroller General.
(b) Implementation Report.--Not later than one year after 
submission by the Secretary concerned of the plan under subsection (a), 
the Secretary concerned shall carry out activities to implement the 
plan and provide a report to the congressional defense committees and 
the Comptroller General of the United States on the following:
(1) The specific maintenance and repair objectives 
developed for exercises and wargames in the Indo-Pacific 
region.
(2) Guidance on incorporating fuel storage and delivery 
missions into live exercises.
(3) With respect to the Army and the Marine Corps, the 
specific sustainment and transportation objectives in exercises 
for multi-domain units of the Army and the Marine Corps in the 
Indo-Pacific region.
(4) With respect to the Army and the Air Force, the 
specific realistic and accurate assessments conducted to 
evaluate the ability of relevant reserve component units of the 
Army and the Air Force to build the required readiness to meet 
contingency response missions.
(c) Secretary Concerned Defined.--In this section, the term 
``Secretary concerned'' means--
(1) the Secretary of Defense, with respect to actions taken 
by the United States Indo-Pacific Command;
(2) the Secretary of the Army, with respect to actions 
taken by the Army;
(3) the Secretary of the Air Force, with respect to actions 
taken by the Air Force; and
(4) the Secretary of the Navy, with respect to actions 
taken by the Navy and the Marine Corps.

SEC. 322. INTEGRATION OF UNMANNED SYSTEMS INTO THE INSTALLATION 
PHYSICAL SECURITY PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Army, in coordination with 
the heads of relevant organizations of the Department of Defense, shall 
develop a plan for integrating unmanned aerial systems into the 
Installation Physical Security Program to expand physical security 
monitoring capabilities for installations and facilities of the 
Department of the Army within the United States.
(b) Elements.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall include 
the following:
(1) A proposal for the development and implementation of a 
cost-effective, scalable solution to physical security of 
installations of the Department of the Army that employs 
unmanned aerial systems to identify and monitor potential 
threats to such installations.
(2) An identification of one installation to potentially 
host the initial development of the integration required under 
such subsection and two locations for additional activities 
related to such integration, including the criteria used to 
determine proposed locations, which shall--
(A) serve as potential demonstration locations for 
installation defense architecture that utilizes 
autonomous threat detection and small unmanned aerial 
system deployment for purposes of persistent 
surveillance; and
(B) be chosen based on geographical diversity and 
the strategic importance of such installation and 
locations to the overall security infrastructure of the 
Army.
(3) A comprehensive breakdown of the full costs of the 
integration required under such subsection, including--
(A) initial capital expenditure for system 
implementation;
(B) the cost of deploying unmanned aerial systems, 
sensors, and other related infrastructure at all 
organic industrial base sites operated by the 
Department of the Army in the United States;
(C) estimated operation and maintenance costs;
(D) a detailed funding schedule with expenditures 
projected across the period covered by the most recent 
future-years defense program submitted to Congress 
under section 221 of title 10, United States Code (as 
of the date of the plan); and
(E) identification of potential cost-saving 
opportunities from the proliferation of small unmanned 
aerial systems and other sensors for installation 
security purposes across the installation footprint of 
the Army.
(4) An assessment of the viability of funding and 
sustaining the integration required under such subsection 
across the period covered by the most recent future-years 
defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of 
title 10, United States Code (as of the date of the plan), 
considering--
(A) the financial impact relative to existing 
security infrastructure budgets of the Army, including 
potential impact on force structure or equipment 
procurement costs;
(B) the cost-benefit analysis of upgrading existing 
systems versus implementing new technologies at each 
selected location; and
(C) identification of technological or policy 
challenges or barriers to implementing small unmanned 
aerial system-based persistent monitoring solutions 
across the footprint of the Army in the United States.
(5) A list of any additional authorities, appropriations, 
or other resources necessary to ensure the success of the 
integration required under such subsection.
(c) Submittal to Congress.--Not later than September 1, 2027, the 
Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a completed version of 
the plan developed under subsection (a).

SEC. 323. GUIDANCE REGARDING GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF ORGANIC INDUSTRIAL 
BASE OF THE ARMY.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall establish and 
publish guidance regarding updated governance of the organic industrial 
base of the Army.
(b) Elements of Guidance.--The guidance required under subsection 
(a) shall do the following:
(1) Clearly delineate how decisions regarding resourcing 
and site operations that are currently overseen by the United 
States Army Materiel Command and workload and acquisition 
requirements that are currently overseen by the Assistant 
Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and 
Technology will be reconciled to ensure the efficient 
functioning of the organic industrial base of the Army.
(2) Clearly delineate the relationship of the organic 
industrial base of the Army with the Army Sustainment Command 
and the Joint Energetics Transition Office.
(3) Establish, maintain, and disseminate, not less 
frequently than annually, to all leadership responsible for 
sites of the organic industrial base of the Army a 
comprehensive plan for the type and quantity of production and 
repair activities that will occur at each site, which shall--
(A) account for the current and projected needs of 
the Army, other military departments, and foreign 
partners;
(B) be coordinated with other production and repair 
activities across the Department of Defense;
(C) fulfill the requirements of section 351 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 
(Public Law 119-60); and
(D) cover not less than the next three years of 
production or repair activities.
(4) Establish an updated resourcing model for the organic 
industrial base of the Army that--
(A) is focused on reducing the production costs at 
each site of the organic industrial base of the Army to 
ensure such costs are competitive with other similar 
facilities;
(B) describes any modifications to the Army Working 
Capital Fund resulting from such model; and
(C) describes any use of direct appropriations to 
fund overhead or other costs resulting from such model.
(5) Oversee and implement ongoing modernization efforts of 
the Army, including by establishing, maintaining, and 
disseminating a comprehensive plan that--
(A) accounts for modernization needs across all 
sites of the organic industrial base of the Army;
(B) includes the criteria used to allocate 
modernization funds across those sites; and
(C) shall be submitted to the congressional defense 
committees not less frequently than annually.
(6) Not later than 30 days after any decision that will 
decrease the workload of a site of the organic industrial base 
of the Army by 10 percent or more, notify the congressional 
defense committees of such decision, which shall include an 
explanation for the decrease and a plan to shift other work 
required by the Army to the site in order to maintain workforce 
capability.
(c) Organic Industrial Base of the Army Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``organic industrial base of the Army'' means the arsenals, 
ammunition plants, activities, and depots of the Army.

SEC. 324. EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR DESIGNATION OF ROLES AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO SUSTAINMENT AND READINESS OF 
CERTAIN NAVAL SURFACE VESSELS.

Section 8698(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in 
the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``the date that is 
one year after the date of the enactment of this section'' and 
inserting ``January 31, 2028''.

SEC. 325. ACQUISITION AND SUSTAINMENT STRATEGY FOR SPARE PARTS FOR LOW 
MISSION CAPABLE AIRCRAFT.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish an 
acquisition and sustainment strategy for aircraft spare parts, 
applicable to any covered aircraft platform, to maximize competition 
and expand the defense industrial base supply chain for sustainment.
(b) Diminishing Manufacturing Sources.--In carrying out the 
strategy established under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense 
shall--
(1) identify spare parts of any covered aircraft platform 
that is subject to diminishing manufacturing sources or 
material shortages;
(2) prioritize such parts for competitive resourcing; and
(3) incorporate lifecycle obsolescence planning into 
sustainment strategies for all covered aircraft platforms.
(c) Procurement.--In carrying out the strategy established under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall competitively source spare parts 
identified under subsection (b) by enabling the use of--
(1) reverse engineering;
(2) advanced manufacturing;
(3) additive manufacturing; and
(4) digital engineering and technical data package 
development.
(d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report that includes--
(1) a list of covered aircraft platforms;
(2) mission capable rates for each such platform;
(3) actions taken to expand competition and qualify 
additional vendors;
(4) contract obligations awarded to small business concerns 
pursuant to this section; and
(5) measurable changes in aircraft availability 
attributable to actions under this section.
(e) Covered Aircraft Platform Defined.--In this section, the term 
``covered aircraft platform'' means any fixed-wing or rotary-wing 
aircraft operated by the Department of Defense with--
(1) a fleet-wide full mission capable rate of 50 percent or 
less during the preceding fiscal year; or
(2) a critical mission capable rate of 40 percent or less 
for primary mission aircraft inventory, as determined by the 
Secretary concerned.

SEC. 326. HELICOPTER SUPPORT FOR KWAJALEIN ATOLL AND RONALD REAGAN 
SPACE AND MISSILE TEST RANGE, MARSHALL ISLANDS.

(a) Provision of Rotary Wing Assets.--Not later than 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall 
ensure that a sufficient quantity of rotary wing assets, including air 
and maintenance crews, spares and support equipment, and any other 
mission critical personnel or material, necessary to support all 
planned test events, installation maintenance requirements, and 
personnel movement or evacuation contingencies are located on Kwajalein 
Atoll and available for mission support and tasking by the Army at 
Kwajalein Atoll and the Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test Range, 
Marshall Islands.
(b) Requirement Fulfillment Options.--To implement the requirements 
under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army may--
(1) consistent with section 2571 of title 10, United States 
Code, coordinate with the Secretary of the Air Force to obtain 
excess UH-1N Huey light-lift utility helicopters and any 
associated spares and equipment from Air Force Global Strike 
Command as the Air Force divests those aircraft in support of 
its transition to the MH-139 Grey Wolf;
(2) obtain new or excess UH-72 Lakota light utility 
helicopters and any associated spares and equipment from the 
Army Aviation Center of Excellence as the Army transitions 
those aircraft in from the training fleet; or
(3) obtain rotary wing assets for the purposes described in 
subsection (a) via other means, if--
(A) such assets fulfill the capability and timeline 
availability requirements described in such subsection; 
and
(B) the Secretary of the Army provides a written 
certification to the congressional defense committees 
not later than 30 days prior to the end of the 90-day 
period specified in such subsection of the intent of 
the Secretary to pursue such other means and that such 
means will fulfill the requirements of such subsection.
(c) Long Term Capability Sustainment Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a plan outlining 
the enduring approach of the Army to providing rotary wing 
assets for mission support and tasking by the Army at Kwajalein 
Atoll and the Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test Range, 
Marshall Islands.
(2) Elements.--The plan required under paragraph (1) shall 
include, at a minimum, the following:
(A) An identification of the rotary wing assets to 
be made available over the next 5, 10, and 15 years.
(B) An initial acquisition strategy for any assets 
not already in the inventory of the Army, as 
applicable.
(C) A detailed lifecycle sustainment plan for any 
rotary wing assets provided for mission support and 
tasking by the Army at Kwajalein Atoll and the Ronald 
Reagan Space and Missile Test Range, Marshall Islands.
(D) A projection of anticipated costs over the 
upcoming future-years defense program submitted to 
Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States 
Code, for providing the capabilities described in 
subsection (a).
(E) Such other matters or recommendations as the 
Secretary of the Army considers relevant.

SEC. 327. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WRITE-OFFS FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
DEPOTS AND ARSENALS.

(a) Write-offs.--With respect to any depot or arsenal of the 
Department of Defense, the Secretary of Defense may write-off or 
eliminate any internal Department accounting charges, such as remaining 
depreciation or internal debt from an account of a military department 
or the Department associated with capital assets that do not generate 
revenue due to mission realignments directed by the Federal Government.
(b) Recovery of Revolving Fund Cash Outlay.--Any write-off 
conducted under subsection (a) shall be done in a manner such that any 
previous revolving fund cash outlay is recovered.
(c) Application of Authority.--The authority under subsection (a) 
applies only to financial balances within the accounts of a military 
department or the Department of Defense, not to payments owned to 
commercial contractors.
(d) Delegation.--The Secretary of Defense may delegate the 
authority under subsection (a) to the Secretary of a military 
department.

SEC. 328. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO PRODUCTION IN 
FACTORIES OR ARSENALS OWNED BY THE UNITED STATES.

Section 7532 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(a) In 
General.--The Secretary'';
(2) in subsection (a), as designated by paragraph (1), by 
striking ``, so far as those factories or arsenals can make 
those supplies on an economical basis'' and inserting ``when it 
is economical to do so''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Certification To Use Other Facilities.--
``(1) In general.--If the Secretary of the Army chooses to 
make munitions or weapons systems outside the organic 
industrial base of the Army, the Secretary, acting through the 
Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and 
Technology, or any successor official, shall certify that--
``(A) the choice will not undermine the capacity of 
sites of the organic industrial base of the Army within 
the continental United States to produce munitions or 
weapons systems to meet requirements of the Department 
of Defense and foreign allies or partner nations of the 
United States;
``(B) due consideration was given to whether it was 
in the interest of ensuring adequate workloads at sites 
of the organic industrial base of the Army to establish 
the capability to produce the munition or weapons 
system at such a site;
``(C) preference was given to a production facility 
within the continental United States; and
``(D) a site in the organic industrial base of the 
Army was not deemed ineligible for production solely 
because the munition or weapons systems is not 
currently being made at the site and consideration was 
given to the feasibility of increasing capability at 
such a site to allow it to meet the production need.
``(2) Explanation.--If the Secretary of the Army cannot 
make the certification required under paragraph (1) with 
respect to a choice described in that paragraph, not later than 
30 days before such choice is finalized, the Secretary of the 
Army shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the 
congressional defense committees an explanation for why such 
choice is in the interest of the national security of the 
United States.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `economical' means providing a cost 
comparable to that of other viable production options while 
also--
``(A) efficiently and quickly meeting the needs of 
the Army and the Department of Defense; and
``(B) addressing the needs of the Army to 
effectively and efficiently balance workload across the 
organic industrial base of the Army to maintain the 
health of the organic industrial base.
``(2) The term `organic industrial base of the Army' means 
any operational arsenal, ammunition plant, activity, or depot 
of the Army.''.

Subtitle D--Reports

SEC. 341. REPORT ON STRATEGY TO MAINTAIN AND UPGRADE CONVENTIONAL 
MUNITIONS STORAGE FACILITIES.

(a) Report Required.--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 strategy of the 
Department of Defense to maintain and upgrade conventional munitions 
storage facilities (both in the continental United States and outside 
the continental United States) in order to ensure the safe, effective, 
and long-term storage of current and future conventional munitions 
inventories.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include 
the following:
(1) A comprehensive description of the current strategy and 
practices of the United States Army Materiel Command for 
maintaining, repairing, and upgrading conventional munitions 
storage facilities, including any ongoing or planned 
investments in infrastructure modernization.
(2) A detailed assessment of the current condition of all 
conventional munitions storage facilities, including--
(A) the percentage or proportion of facilities at 
each installation of the Department of Defense that 
meet applicable standards of the Department of Defense, 
the Department of the Army, and industry for 
conventional munitions storage;
(B) the percentage or proportion of storage 
capacity currently housing obsolete, outdated, or 
operationally irrelevant munitions; and
(C) an identification of the funds necessary to 
invest in sustained conventional munitions readiness.
(3) An evaluation of the sufficiency of climate-controlled 
storage facilities to support the full execution of 
conventional munitions acquisition, storage, and prepositioning 
plans, including the ability to preposition stocks at 
installations outside the continental United States in support 
of requirements of the commanders of the combatant commands, 
including by specifically addressing projected shortfalls (by 
location and capacity) and any associated risks to conventional 
munitions readiness.
(4) A strategy for coordinating conventional munitions 
storage requirements and facility modernization priorities 
across the Department of Defense, including mechanisms to align 
storage needs with service-specific and theater-specific 
operational plans.
(5) A detailed plan to ensure that adequate storage 
facilities are available under conventional munitions 
procurement planned under the Munitions Acceleration Council of 
the Department of Defense in conditions that preserve the 
effectiveness of such munitions.
(c) Form of Report.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be 
submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex if 
necessary to protect sensitive operational or force-protection 
information.

SEC. 342. RISK ASSESSMENT OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS OF DEPARTMENT 
OF DEFENSE.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a risk 
assessment to evaluate the air traffic control systems owned and 
operated by any entity of the Department of Defense and operated within 
the airspace of the United States and develop a modernization plan to 
update those systems.
(b) Elements.--The assessment required by subsection (a) shall be 
comprehensive across all branches of the Armed Forces and shall--
(1) review the air traffic control systems assessed by the 
Department in the report dated December 2018 and entitled, 
``Report to Congress on Air Traffic Control Facilities'' and 
assess any new systems implemented after the date of such 
report;
(2) assess the status, as of the date of the assessment 
under subsection (a), of the functionality for the air traffic 
control systems specified in paragraph (1), including--
(A) an assessment of facility condition;
(B) an assessment of technology and equipment 
condition;
(C) an identification of deficiencies in conditions 
assessed under subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(D) the cost of addressing such deficiencies; and
(E) a timeline for addressing such deficiencies;
(3) identify the ongoing investments by the Department to 
modernize air traffic control systems;
(4) assess the progress made in implementing modernization 
investments to such systems, including--
(A) barriers or challenges to such implementation;
(B) existing mitigation strategies; and
(C) recommendations for authorities, resources, or 
policy changes; and
(5) assess system compatibility and modernization alignment 
with efforts by the Department of Transportation and the 
Federal Aviation Administration to modernize the air traffic 
control system of the United States through the ``Brand New Air 
Traffic Control System''.
(c) Submittal of Assessment and Plan.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit 
to the congressional defense committees the assessment and plan 
required under subsection (a).
(d) Annual Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the 
status of modernizing the air traffic control systems used by the 
Department.

Subtitle E--Other Matters

SEC. 351. MODIFICATION OF DEPOTS FOR WHICH MINIMUM CAPITAL INVESTMENT 
IS REQUIRED.

Section 2476(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(J) Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky.
``(K) Sierra Army Depot, California.
``(L) Hawthorne Army Depot, Nevada.''.

SEC. 352. IMPLEMENTATION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSPECTOR GENERAL 
RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO EVALUATION OF MANAGEMENT OF 
CANINE WELFARE UNDER MILITARY WORKING DOG PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, and except as provided in subsection (b), the 
Secretary of the Air Force shall implement each recommendation of the 
Inspector General of the Department of Defense contained in the report 
dated February 17, 2026, and entitled, ``Evaluation of the DoD Military 
Working Dog Program's Management of Canine Welfare'' (DODIG-2026-057).
(b) Non-implementation Reporting Requirement.--If the Secretary of 
the Air Force elects to not implement a recommendation specified under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall, not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that 
includes a justification for such election.

SEC. 353. PROHIBITION ON OPERATION OF CONNECTED VEHICLES OF CONCERN ON 
MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND OTHER PROPERTY OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Prohibition Phase I.--
(1) In general.--After July 1, 2027, no connected vehicle 
designated under paragraph (2) may be operated on a military 
installation or on any other property of the Department of 
Defense.
(2) Designated vehicles.--A connected vehicle is designated 
under this paragraph if it is prohibited under part 791 of 
title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
regulations).
(b) Prohibition Phase II.--
(1) In general.--After January 1, 2029, no connected 
vehicle designated under paragraph (2) may be operated on a 
military installation or on any other property of the 
Department of Defense.
(2) Designated vehicles.--A connected vehicle is designated 
under this paragraph if it is--
(A) designated under subsection (a)(2); and
(B) determined by the Secretary of Defense, 
pursuant to the process established in the 
implementation plan under subsection (c)--
(i) to be designed, developed, 
manufactured, or supplied by a person or 
persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to 
the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign 
entity of concern; and
(ii) to pose--
(I) an undue risk of sabotage to or 
subversion of the information and 
communications technology and services 
of a military installation;
(II) an undue risk of catastrophic 
effects on the security or resiliency 
of defense critical infrastructure; or
(III) an unacceptable risk to the 
national security of the United States 
or the security and safety of United 
States persons.
(3) Publication of list.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall publish and 
maintain on a publicly available website of the 
Department a list of connected vehicles designated 
under paragraph (2).
(B) Annual review.--Not less frequently than 
annually, the Secretary shall review the list required 
under subparagraph (A) and shall make such additions, 
subtractions, supplements, or amendments to the list as 
the Secretary determines appropriate.
(C) Explanation of removals.--Any review under 
subparagraph (B) that removes a vehicle from the list 
under subparagraph (A) shall include a written 
explanation of the basis for such removal.
(c) Implementation Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than April 1, 2027, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees an implementation plan for carrying out the 
prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b).
(2) Elements.--The implementation plan under paragraph (1) 
shall include--
(A) identification of the lead office within the 
Department of Defense responsible for implementing and 
overseeing this section, and an assessment of personnel 
and funding required to sustain that office to meet the 
requirements of annual reviews conducted under 
subsection (e);
(B) a verification mechanism through which military 
installations will identify connected vehicles 
designated under subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) that are 
seeking access to the installation, including an 
evaluation of vehicle registration database and point-
of-entry screening, as well as consultation with State 
motor vehicle authorities;
(C) the analytical process and criteria through 
which the lead office will designate connected vehicles 
under subsection (b)(2), including methodology for 
assessing ownership and supply chain relationships to 
foreign entities of concern and the risk factors under 
subparagraph (B)(ii) of such subsection, incorporating 
existing Federal rules and interagency coordination; 
and
(D) an assessment of the impact on individuals with 
authorized access to military installations, including 
military retirees, military families, and civilian 
employees, and measures to balance security 
requirements with minimizing the burden on such 
individuals and minimizing the impact to readiness of 
the Armed Forces.
(d) Notice.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall provide not 
less than 180 days notice before a prohibition under subsection 
(a) or (b) takes effect with respect to any newly designated 
vehicle under such subsection, during which period individuals 
with authorized access to a military installation who own or 
operate such a vehicle may continue to access the installation.
(2) Form.--The Secretary shall provide notice under 
paragraph (1) by publication on a publicly available website of 
the Department of Defense and by such other means as the 
Secretary determines appropriate to reach affected individuals.
(e) Certification.--The prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) 
shall take effect only upon the submission by the Secretary of Defense 
of a certification to the congressional defense committees that the 
Department of Defense has--
(1) the resources, personnel, and screening mechanisms in 
place to enforce the prohibition at military installations; and
(2) in the case of a prohibition under subsection (b), the 
resources, personnel, and analytical capacity in place to 
conduct the designation review process under paragraph (3)(B) 
of such subsection on an ongoing basis.
(f) Notification if Unable to Certify.--
(1) In general.--If the Secretary of Defense is unable to 
make a certification under subsection (e) with respect to a 
prohibition under subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and 
the House of Representatives a notification of that fact, 
including--
(A) an explanation of why the Secretary is not 
ready to implement the relevant prohibition;
(B) an identification of the steps the Secretary 
has taken to prepare for implementation of such 
prohibition;
(C) an identification of the additional steps that 
remain before the Secretary is ready to implement such 
prohibition; and
(D) a timeline for each step to be carried out 
under subparagraph (C).
(2) Timing.--The Secretary shall submit the notifications 
required under paragraph (1)--
(A) with respect to the prohibition under 
subsection (a), not later than July 1, 2027, and not 
less frequently than every 180 days thereafter; and
(B) with respect to the prohibition under 
subsection (b), not later than January 1, 2029, and not 
less frequently than every 180 days thereafter.
(g) Waiver.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may waive a 
prohibition under subsection (a) or (b) with respect to a 
military installation, category of installations, or class of 
connected vehicles upon a determination that operational 
requirements or national security considerations warrant such 
waiver, and may delegate such waiver authority to such 
officials or commanders as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives of any waiver issued under paragraph (1) not 
later than 30 days after issuance of the waiver, including a 
rationale for the waiver.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Connected vehicle.--The term ``connected vehicle'' has 
the meaning given that term in section 791.301 of title 15, 
Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulations.
(2) Defense critical infrastructure.--The term ``defense 
critical infrastructure'' has the meaning given the term 
``critical infrastructure of the Department of Defense'' in 
section 1650(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note).
(3) Foreign entity of concern.--The term ``foreign entity 
of concern'' has the meaning given that term in section 9901 of 
the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651).
(4) Military installation.--The term ``military 
installation'' has the meaning given that term in section 
2801(c) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 354. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TRAVEL EXPENSES OF 
THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.

(a) In General.--Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this 
Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for operation and 
maintenance, defense-wide, and available for the Office of the 
Secretary of Defense for travel expenses, not more than 25 percent may 
be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense carries out the 
following:
(1) Complies with the requirements of section 1067 of the 
Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 
Stat. 2071).
(2) Submits to the congressional defense committees the 
procedures for notifications relating to Department of Defense 
sensitive activities required by section 130g of title 10, 
United States Code.
(3) Submits to the congressional defense committees, the 
Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, and the 
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of 
Representatives a certification that the requirements of 
section 430e of title 10, United States Code, have been 
implemented.
(4) Submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives the unredacted 
investigation, including relevant supporting documents, 
directed by the Commander of the United States Special 
Operations Command on January 20, 2026.
(5) Submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives unredacted civilian 
harm investigations, including all relevant supporting 
documents, for the strikes on the Ras Isa Port in Yemen on 
April 17, 2025, the Ayn Wadi Barracks Warehouses in Yemen on 
April 28, 2025, a residence in Yemen on April 6, 2025, and the 
Minab girls school in Iran on February 28, 2026.
(6) Submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives the report relating to 
allied and partner support to Ukraine required by section 1243 
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 
(Public Law 118-31; 137 Stat. 460), as amended by section 1245 
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 
(Public Law 119-60; 139 Stat. 1104).
(7) Provides to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives unedited video of 
strikes conducted against designated terrorist organizations in 
the area of responsibility of the United States Southern 
Command.
(b) Reports Required.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, and every 30 days thereafter until 
the Secretary submits the matters specified in subsection (a), 
the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees a report detailing the 
status of funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or 
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for operation and 
maintenance, defense-wide, and available for the Office of the 
Secretary of Defense for travel expenses.
(2) Elements.--At a minimum, each report required by 
paragraph (1) shall specify the amounts available, obligated, 
and expended for travel expenses.

SEC. 355. LIMITATION ON USE OF TRAVEL FUNDS FOR SECRETARY OF THE AIR 
FORCE UNTIL BRIEFING ON WEST LAB PROJECT AT LINCOLN 
LABORATORY.

Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or 
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for operation and 
maintenance, Air Force, and available for travel expenses for the 
Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, not more than 85 percent may 
be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of the 
Air Force provides to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives an unclassified briefing on--
(1) the status of the West Lab Project at the Lincoln 
Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 
including planning and construction timelines and milestones as 
of the date of the briefing;
(2) the resources needed to complete the West Lab Project, 
disaggregated by phase of construction and fiscal year when 
funds are needed;
(3) with respect to delays of the West Lab Project--
(A) the causes of any such delay;
(B) the impact of any additional delays on the cost 
and schedule of construction of such project; and
(C) the impact of delays on the activities and 
projects funded by the Department of Defense at the 
Lincoln Laboratory; and
(4) the plan of the Secretary of the Air Force to award a 
construction contract for the rest of the West Lab Project by 
not later than June 2027, with construction to be completed by 
June 2029.

SEC. 356. NAMING OF CERTAIN ASSETS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IN THE 
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA.

(a) Naming of Assets in Virginia.--Not later than 30 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act the Secretary of Defense shall 
implement the naming recommendations for assets of the Department of 
Defense in the Commonwealth of Virginia that were adopted by the 
Commission.
(b) Prohibition Relating to Overriding Recommendations.--The 
Secretary of Defense may not change the name of an asset described in 
subsection (a) to any name other than the name required under such 
subsection.
(c) Commission Defined.--In this section, the term ``Commission'' 
means the commission established under section 370(b) of the William M. 
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).

SEC. 357. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR MILITARY AVIATION AND 
INSTALLATION ASSURANCE CLEARINGHOUSE.

(a) In General.--Section 183a of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
``(h) Timelines.--(1) For any project for which the Secretary of 
Defense determines, based on the preliminary review conducted under 
subsection (c), that the proposed action may have an adverse impact on 
operations and readiness of the armed forces, the Secretary shall 
complete the review under subsection (d), conduct any mitigation 
discussions the Secretary determines appropriate, and issue a final 
determination consistent with subsections (c) and (e), including 
whether the proposed project would result in an unacceptable risk to 
the national security of the United States, not later than 180 days 
after the date on which the Clearinghouse receives the relevant notice, 
filing, or request for review, unless the applicant agrees in writing 
to an extension.
``(2) For any project for which the Secretary of Defense 
determines, based on the preliminary review conducted under subsection 
(c), that the proposed action does not have an adverse impact on 
operations and readiness of the armed forces, the Secretary shall issue 
a final determination consistent with subsections (c) and (e), 
including whether the proposed project would result in an unacceptable 
risk to the national security of the United States, not later than five 
days after completion of the preliminary review.
``(3) The Secretary may not extend, restart, or otherwise delay a 
deadline established under this subsection based on requests for 
additional information, recharacterization of previously identified 
issues, ongoing mitigation discussions, or the absence of an executed 
mitigation agreement.
``(4) For purposes of this subsection, a notice, filing, or request 
for review shall be deemed received by the Clearinghouse on the earlier 
of--
``(A) the date on which the Clearinghouse actually receives 
such notice, filing, or request; or
``(B) the date that is 60 days after the applicant provides 
notice to the Clearinghouse that it has submitted to a Federal 
agency information sufficient to initiate review under this 
section.
``(5) Failure to meet any deadline under this subsection shall 
constitute an unreasonable delay.
``(6) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to modify or 
alter the substantive standards or national security authorities 
applicable under this section, but only to establish procedural 
requirements governing the timing and completion of review by the 
Department of Defense.''.
(b) Applicability.--With respect to a project described in 
subsection (h)(1) of section 183a of title 10, United States Code, for 
which the relevant notice, filing, or request for review was submitted 
before the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
comply with the requirements under such subsection by not later than 
the later of--
(1) 180 days after the date on which the Military Aviation 
and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse received and 
recorded the relevant notice, filing, or request for review; or
(2) 90 days 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 for any reserve component are released from 
active duty during any fiscal year, the end strength prescribed for 
such fiscal year for the Selected Reserve of such reserve component 
shall be increased proportionately by the total authorized strengths of 
such units and by the total number of such individual members.

SEC. 412. END STRENGTHS FOR RESERVES ON ACTIVE DUTY IN SUPPORT OF THE 
RESERVES.

(a) In General.--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, 10,649.
(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.
(b) Adherence to Agreements With States.--In executing these 
authorizations for fiscal year 2027, the Department of Defense--
(1) shall adhere to any agreements made with states as a 
result of releveling efforts or manning studies; and
(2) may use authorized variance authority to meet these 
requirements.

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

(a) In General.--The minimum number of military technicians (dual 
status) as of the last day of fiscal year 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, 
20,037.
(2) For the Army Reserve, 5,870.
(3) For the Air National Guard of the United States, 
10,824.
(4) For the Air Force Reserve, 6,450.
(b) Limitation on Number of Temporary Military Technicians (dual 
Status).--The number of temporary military technicians (dual status) 
employed under the authority of subsection (a) may not exceed 25 
percent of the total authorized number specified in such subsection.
(c) Limitation.--Under no circumstances may a military technician 
(dual status) employed under the authority of this section be coerced 
by a State into accepting an offer of realignment or conversion to any 
other military status, including as a member of the Active, Guard, and 
Reserve component. If a military technician (dual status) declines to 
participate in such realignment or conversion, no further action will 
be taken against the individual or the individual's position.

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

During fiscal year 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.

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 Personnel Policy

SEC. 501. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DELAYED PROMOTIONS.

Section 624(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following: 
``In the case of an officer whose promotion is delayed pursuant 
to this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall notify the 
congressional defense committees of such delay not later than 
30 days after the date on which the delay is imposed. Such 
notification shall include--
``(A) the reason for the delay, including a description of 
any adverse information or basis for concern;
``(B) the anticipated duration of the delay;
``(C) the status of any review or investigation associated 
with the delay; and
``(D) such other information as the Secretary considers 
appropriate.''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``, unless it is 
impracticable to give such written notice before the effective 
date of the appointment, in which case such written notice 
shall be given as soon as practicable''.

SEC. 502. TEMPORARY WITHHOLDING OF OFFICER NOMINATIONS AND PROMOTION 
RECOMMENDATIONS.

(a) Authority.--Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of 
Defense, the Secretary may temporarily withhold the forwarding or 
processing of an officer nomination or promotion recommendation for not 
more than 30 days.
(b) Disposition.--Upon expiration of the period under subsection 
(a), the Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) forward the nomination or recommendation for further 
processing;
(2) take appropriate action to permanently remove the 
officer from consideration due to a substantiated finding of 
misconduct; or
(3) provide a written determination to the Secretary 
concerned, including the basis for continued withholding, to 
justify an extension under subsection (c).
(c) Extension and Notification.--Any withholding that exceeds 30 
days shall be accompanied by written notification to the Committee on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives, including a detailed explanation of the basis 
for such continued withholding.
(d) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
limit the authority of the President to remove an officer from a 
promotion list under section 629 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 503. ENHANCED AUTHORITY FOR EARLY DISCHARGES.

Section 580a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``October 1, 2015, and ending on October 1, 2019'' and 
inserting ``October 1, 2025, and ending on October 1, 2030''.

SEC. 504. OFFICER RETIREMENT DETERMINATIONS.

(a) Conditional Retirements Pending Investigations, Adverse 
Actions, and Other Administrative Actions.--
(1) Elimination of limitation on reduction or waiver of 
requirement for officers under investigation or pending 
misconduct.--Section 1370 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) by striking paragraph (4); and
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (5) 
through (7) as paragraphs (4) through (6), 
respectively; and
(B) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``subsection 
(b)(6)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(5)''.
(2) Administrative actions.--Subsection (d) of such section 
is amended--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking 
``Pending Investigation or Adverse Action'' and 
inserting ``Pending Investigation, Adverse Action, or 
Other Administrative Action'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``or other administrative 
action'' after ``adverse personnel action''; 
and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``highest permanent grade of satisfactory 
service'' and inserting ``highest grade of 
satisfactory service'';
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``or other administrative 
action'' after ``adverse personnel action''; 
and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``highest permanent grade of satisfactory 
service'' and inserting ``highest grade of 
satisfactory service'';
(D) by striking paragraph (3); and
(E) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph 
(3).
(b) Limitation on Determinations of Unsatisfactory Service.--
(1) Regular commissioned officers.--Section 1370 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection 
(h); and
(B) by inserting after subsection (f) the following 
new subsection:
``(g) Limitation on Determinations of Unsatisfactory Service.--(1) 
The Secretary concerned, or the Secretary of Defense, as the case may 
be, may not make a determination that an officer has not performed 
satisfactory service for purposes of this section unless the officer is 
the subject of credible adverse information.
``(2) For the purposes of this subsection, adverse information is 
any substantiated finding or conclusion from an officially documented 
investigation or inquiry. To be credible, the information must be 
resolved and supported by a preponderance of the evidence. To be 
adverse, the information must be derogatory, unfavorable, or of a 
nature that reflects clearly unacceptable conduct, integrity, or 
judgment on the part of the individual.''.
(2) Officers entitled to retired pay for non-regular 
service.--Section 1370a of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended--
(A) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection 
(i); and
(B) by inserting after subsection (g) the following 
new subsection:
``(h) Limitation on Determinations of Unsatisfactory Service.--(1) 
The Secretary concerned, or the Secretary of Defense, as the case may 
be, may not make a determination that an officer has not performed 
satisfactory service for purposes of this section unless the officer is 
the subject of credible adverse information.
``(2) For the purposes of this subsection, adverse information is 
any substantiated finding or conclusion from an officially documented 
investigation or inquiry. To be credible, the information must be 
resolved and supported by a preponderance of the evidence. To be 
adverse, the information must be derogatory, unfavorable, or of a 
nature that reflects clearly unacceptable conduct, integrity, or 
judgment on the part of the individual.''.
(3) Selected reserve of the ready reserve.--Section 12741 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following new subsection:
``(e) Limitation on Determinations of Unsatisfactory Service.--(1) 
The Secretary concerned may not make a determination that a person has 
not performed satisfactory service for purposes of this section unless 
the person is the subject of credible adverse information.
``(2) For the purposes of this subsection, adverse information is 
any substantiated finding or conclusion from an officially documented 
investigation or inquiry. To be credible, the information must be 
resolved and supported by a preponderance of the evidence. To be 
adverse, the information must be derogatory, unfavorable, or of a 
nature that reflects clearly unacceptable conduct, integrity, or 
judgment on the part of the individual.''.

SEC. 505. RETIREMENT OF REGULAR NAVY WARRANT OFFICERS AND MARINE CORPS 
MARINE GUNNER WARRANT OFFICERS FOR YEARS OF SERVICE.

Section 1305(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``33 years'' and 
inserting ``35 years''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) In the case of a regular Navy warrant officer in the grade of 
chief warrant officer, W-4, or a Marine Corps Marine Gunner warrant 
officer in such grade, the officer shall be retired 60 days after the 
date on which the officer completes 32 years of total active 
service.''.

SEC. 506. AUTHORITY TO IMPROVE RETENTION FOR PERMANENT PROFESSORS OF 
THE UNITED STATES ARMY WAR COLLEGE.

(a) Appointment of Professors of the United States Army War 
College.--Section 7153(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``branches and as professors'' and 
inserting ``branches, as professors''; and
(2) by inserting ``, and professors of the United States 
Army War College'' before the period at the end.
(b) Appointments, Grades, and Leaves of Absence for Permanent 
Professors of the United States Army War College.--Chapter 723 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new section:
``Sec. 7219. Permanent Military Professors of the United States Army 
War College: appointments, grades, and leaves of absence
``(a) Appointments.--The permanent military professors of the 
United States Army War College shall be appointed by the President, by 
and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
``(b) Grades and Promotions.--A permanent military professor of the 
United States Army War College, who has served as such a professor for 
more than six years, has the grade of colonel. However, a permanent 
military professor appointed from the Regular Army has the grade of 
colonel after the date when the officer completes six years of service 
as a professor, or after the date on which the officer would have been 
promoted had the officer been selected for promotion from among 
officers in the promotion zone, whichever is earlier. All other 
permanent military professors have the grade of lieutenant colonel.
``(c) Leaves of Absence.--The Commandant of the United States Army 
War College may grant a leave of absence for the period of the 
suspension of the ordinary academic studies, without deduction of pay 
or allowances, to a military professor, associate professor, assistant 
professor, instructor, or other officer of the United States Army War 
College.''.
(c) Rates of Pay for Permanent Professors of the United States Army 
War College.--Section 203 of title 37, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting ``the United States Army War College,'' after ``the United 
States Military Academy,'' both places it appears.
(d) Retirement of Permanent Professors.--
(1) Retirement of permanent professors of the united states 
army war college.--Section 7320(b)(1) of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting ``and the United States 
Army War College'' before the period at the end.
(2) Mandatory retirement age for permanent professors of 
the united states army war college.--Section 1252 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and the 
United States Army War College'' after ``at 
academies''; and
(B) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph:
``(4) An officer who is a permanent professor of the United 
States Army War College.''.

SEC. 507. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF RELIEF OR EARLY DEPARTURE OF 
CERTAIN GENERAL AND FLAG OFFICERS.

Chapter 35 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at 
the end the following new section:
``Sec. 606. Notification of relief or early departure of certain 
general and flag officers
``(a) Covered Officer Defined.--In this section, the term `covered 
officer' means an officer serving in the grade of general, admiral, 
lieutenant general, or vice admiral in--
``(1) a position of importance and responsibility under 
section 601 of this title; or
``(2) any other position designated by the Secretary of 
Defense for purposes of this section.
``(b) Notice Required.--Not later than 5 days after the relief, 
removal, reassignment, resignation, retirement, request for retirement, 
or other separation from position of a covered officer before the 
expected completion of service in that position, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives written notice of such action.
``(c) Early Departure.--For purposes of this section, a covered 
officer shall be considered to separate from a position before the 
expected completion of service in that position if the officer departs 
before--
``(1) the date of a publicly announced or officially 
scheduled change of command, retirement, reassignment, or end 
date for a tour of duty;
``(2) the date on which a successor is scheduled to assume 
the position; or
``(3) if no such date has been established, 24 months after 
the officer assumed the position.
``(d) Applicability to Resignation or Retirement.--The notice 
requirement under subsection (b) applies regardless of whether the 
resignation, retirement, or request for retirement--
``(1) was initiated by the Department or by the officer;
``(2) occurred in lieu of relief, removal, or reassignment; 
or
``(3) occurred without a formal written direction to depart 
the position.
``(e) Contents of Notice.--A notice under subsection (b) shall 
include--
``(1) the name, grade, and position of the covered officer;
``(2) the effective date of the action;
``(3) the nature of the action, including whether the 
action was a relief, removal, reassignment, resignation, 
retirement, request for retirement, or other departure;
``(4) whether the action was initiated by the Department or 
by the officer;
``(5) a statement of the stated basis for the action; and
``(6) whether any investigation, command inquiry, Inspector 
General review, or other fact-finding has been initiated in 
connection with the action.
``(f) Detailed Report.--Not later than 30 days after submitting a 
notice under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the committees specified in subsection (b) a detailed report on the 
action, which may be submitted in whole or in part in classified form 
consistent with subsection (g), including--
``(1) a statement of the basis for the action signed by the 
Secretary of Defense, or by the Secretary of the military 
department concerned if designated by the Secretary of Defense;
``(2) any findings of investigation, command inquiry, 
Inspector General review, or other fact-finding completed as of 
the date of the report;
``(3) whether the covered officer was afforded an 
opportunity to provide a written statement for inclusion in the 
report, and any such statement if provided;
``(4) a certification by the Secretary of Defense whether 
the action was taken principally on the basis of misconduct, 
performance, loss of confidence, force management, 
reorganization, or other legitimate military or civilian 
leadership considerations, and not principally in retaliation 
for the good-faith provision, in the course of official duties, 
of military, operational, intelligence, readiness, legal, or 
risk assessments to civilian or military superiors; and
``(5) whether the Joint Staff, the Secretary of the 
military department concerned, the Chief of Staff of the Army, 
the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the Marine 
Corps, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Chief of Space 
Operations, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, or the 
commander of the combatant command concerned recommended the 
action.
``(g) Classified Annex.--If the Secretary of Defense determines 
that any information required under subsection (e) or (f) cannot be 
provided in unclassified form without harm to national security, the 
Secretary may submit such information in classified form, provided 
that--
``(1) the Secretary submits concurrently an unclassified 
notice or report containing the maximum amount of information 
that may be provided in unclassified form; and
``(2) the classified submission is provided as a classified 
annex to the notice or report otherwise required under this 
section.
``(h) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the constitutional authority of the President as 
Commander in Chief or the authority of the Secretary of Defense to 
assign, reassign, or relieve officers. The exercise of such authority 
shall remain subject to the notification and reporting requirements of 
this section.''.

Subtitle B--Reserve Component Management

SEC. 511. CLARIFICATION ON COMPUTATION OF TOTAL YEARS OF SERVICE.

Section 14706 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)--
(A) by striking ``while in a program'' and 
inserting ``while participating in a service-approved 
program''; and
(B) by striking ``, but only'' and all that follows 
through ``such a degree'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``other than a student 
status'' and all that follows through the period at the end and 
inserting ``a capacity other than such officer's participation 
in the service-approved program of advanced education.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Service-approved Program Defined.--In this section, the term 
`service-approved program' means a service-approved educational delay 
of active duty, active guard and reserve, or selected reserve service 
for a graduate of a pre-commissioning program, including a Senior 
Reserve Officer Training Corps program, in order attend an advanced 
education program to obtain a professional degree that would be 
required for appointment, designation, or assignment to a professional 
specialty in such military service.''.

SEC. 512. AUTHORIZED STRENGTHS FOR NAVY RESERVES AND MARINE CORPS 
RESERVES ON FULL-TIME RESERVE COMPONENT DUTY.

(a) Navy Reserve Officers.--Section 12011(a)(2) of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by striking the table and inserting the 
following:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of officers who may be serving
in the grade of:
``Total number of members of Navy Reserve serving on full-time reserve --------------------------------------
component duty: Lieutenant
Command Command Captain
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,000 917 467 151
11,000 988 489 164
12,000 1,056 509 175
13,000 1,123 529 186
14,000 1,189 549 197
15,000 1,253 568 208
16,000 1,142 555 203
17,000 1,195 565 213
18,000 1,246 575 223
19,000 1,291 585 233
20,000 1,334 595 242
21,000 1,364 603 250
22,000 1,384 610 258
23,000 1,400 615 265
24,000 1,410 620 270''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(b) Navy Reserve Senior Enlisted Members.--Section 12012(a) of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking those parts of the 
table pertaining to the Navy Reserve and inserting the following:

``Navy Reserve:
10,000 355 160
11,000 381 173
12,000 404 187
13,000 427 202
14,000 444 216
15,000 458 231
16,000 447 221
17,000 459 234
18,000 471 247
19,000 483 260
20,000 495 273
21,000 507 286
22,000 519 299
23,000 531 312
24,000 540 325''.

(c) Marine Corps Reserve Senior Enlisted Members.--Section 12012(a) 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking those parts 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''.

SEC. 513. NATIONAL GUARD MILITARY TECHNICIAN (DUAL STATUS) CONVERSIONS 
AND PHASE-OUT.

(a) Conversion Authority.--Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary 
of Defense may convert a National Guard military technician (dual 
status) position filled by an individual employed under section 709 of 
title 32, United States Code, to either of the following:
(1) A position filled by an individual employed under 
section 3101 of title 5, United States Code, or sections 1601, 
1762, and 10508 of title 10, United States Code.
(2) A position filled by an individual who is performing 
Active Guard and Reserve duty under section 328 of title 32, 
United States Code, unless prohibited by section 
101(d)(6)(B)(iv) of title 10, United States Code.
(b) Transfer Authority.--In addition to the conversion authority 
under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may, with agreement by 
the applicable State Governor, for the purpose of reducing the number 
of National Guard military technician (dual status) positions, provide 
a State with funding for a non-Federal position for an individual 
employed in such position. Any such funding shall be provided through a 
cooperative agreement entered into with the State Governor under 
section 6305 of title 31, United States Code.
(c) Consent of Employee to Conversion or Transfer.--The Secretary 
of Defense may not convert a position under subsection (a) or transfer 
a position under subsection (b) that is not vacant without the written 
consent of the individual filling the position being converted or 
transferred.
(d) Re-employment.--An individual filling a military technician 
(dual status) position that is converted to Active Guard and Reserve 
duty under subsection (a)(2), waives any re-employment entitlement 
under section 4314 of title 38, United States Code, to another National 
Guard military technician (dual status) position but may assert re-
employment rights to a civilian position employed under section 3101 of 
title 5, United States Code, or sections 1601, 1762, and 10508 of title 
10, United States Code if a similar position is reasonably available.
(e) Adjustment to End Strength Requirements.--(1) Whenever a 
military technician (dual status) position is converted under the 
authority in subsection (a)(2), the applicable statutory annual end 
strength limitation for Active Guard and Reserve personnel within the 
Army and Air National Guards of the United States in accordance with 
section 115 of title 10, United States Code, shall be increased 
accordingly.
(2) Whenever a military technician (dual status) position converted 
under subsection (a)(2), the applicable statutory annual minimum end 
strength required for National Guard military technician (dual status) 
within the Army and Air National Guard of the United States in 
accordance with section 115 of title 10, United States Code, shall be 
decreased accordingly.
(f) National Guard Bureau Personnel.--Section 10508(b)(1) of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``sections 1601 and 
1762 of title 10,'' before ``or section 328 of title 32''.
(g) Maintenance and Repair Duties.--Section 328(b) of title 32, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting ``maintaining and repairing 
supplies issued to the National Guard or the Armed Forces,'' before 
``and training the reserve components''.
(h) Hiring Freeze.--Beginning on October 1, 2028, no individual may 
be newly hired or employed, or rehired or reemployed, as a National 
Guard military technician (dual status) under section 709 of title 32, 
United States Code.
(i) Termination of Authority.--Section 709 of title 32, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following subsection:
``(k) Termination of Authority.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2), this 
section shall cease to be in effect as of October 1, 2038.
``(2) The Secretary of Defense may, with agreement by the 
applicable State governor, authorize the continued employment of 
military technicians (dual status) to the extent necessary to ensure 
adequate State disaster response capabilities within such States.
``(3) The termination of authority under this subsection shall not 
affect the employment, rights, and benefits of individual employees 
who, as of such date, are within three years of earning an unreduced 
Federal civilian annuity.''.
(j) Military Technician (dual Status) End Strengths.--(1) Section 
115(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``each 
reserve component of the Army and Air Force'' and inserting ``the Army 
Reserve and the Air Force Reserve''.
(2) The amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall take effect on 
October 1, 2038.
(k) Definition of Military Technician (dual Status).--Section 
10216(a)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``or section 709(b) of title 32'' before the semicolon.
(l) Prohibition on Use of Department of Defense Funding for 
National Guard Military Technician (dual Status) Compensation.--Subject 
to the provisions of section 709(k) of title 32, United States Code, 
funds appropriated for the Department of Defense may not be used for 
compensation of any individual employed as a National Guard military 
technician (dual status) after October 1, 2048.
(m) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``military technician (dual status)'' has the 
meaning given such term in section 709(a) of title 32, United 
States Code.
(2) The term ``State'' includes the District of Columbia, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

SEC. 514. STUDY AND ANALYSIS FOR ENHANCED MARITIME SURGE MAINTENANCE, 
REPAIR, AND PRODUCTION CAPACITY.

(a) Requirement.--The Secretary of the Navy shall conduct a 
feasibility study and business case analysis to evaluate the 
requirements necessary to expand and optimize existing Navy Reserve 
maintenance programs, including the Navy Reserve Engineering Duty 
Officer (NR EDO) Program 29 and the SurgeMain program, to provide 
enhanced maritime surge maintenance, repair, and production capacity.
(b) Report.--The Secretary of the Navy shall submit a report to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the results of the feasibility study and business case analysis 
required by subsection (a) not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, which addresses the following elements:
(1) An assessment of the expansion and optimization of 
existing Navy Reserve maintenance capabilities, including the 
Navy Reserve Engineering Duty Officer Program 29 and the 
SurgeMain construct, and the associated end-strength 
requirements for supporting both public and private shipyards 
without degrading current fleet readiness support.
(2) An evaluation of the integration of advanced industrial 
skillsets into existing Reserve ratings and designators.
(3) An analysis of the utilization of existing funding 
mechanisms, including established Navy Reserve training 
authorities.
(4) An evaluation of public-private vocational and 
technical training partnerships to support workforce 
development and reduce the need for the Navy to independently 
develop new training pipelines.
(5) An assessment of a legal and operational framework to 
allow Navy Reserve personnel to support production and 
maintenance backlogs at private shipyards holding Department of 
Defense contracts, including an assessment of labor relations, 
collective bargaining considerations, potential impacts on 
civilian overtime, recruitment, and retention, and requirements 
to ensure Reserve personnel supplement rather than displace 
skilled private-sector workers.
(6) Identification of statutory, regulatory, funding, 
manpower, and other barriers associated with implementation and 
recommendations for necessary legislative or policy relief.
(c) Definition.--In this section, the term ``SurgeMain program'' 
means the Navy Reserve Surge Maintenance program.

Subtitle C--General Service Authorities and Military Records

SEC. 521. REMOTE PERSONNEL PROCESSING IN THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.

(a) Requirement for Remote Personnel Processing.--
(1) In general.--Each Secretary of a military department 
shall implement capabilities to enable the remote in-processing 
and out-processing of covered personnel.
(2) Elements.--The capabilities required under paragraph 
(1) shall, at a minimum--
(A) permit covered personnel to complete in-
processing and out-processing requirements remotely, 
including through the use of electronic forms and 
digital signatures;
(B) reduce the number of hours required for in-
processing and out-processing associated with a 
permanent change of station, separation, or retirement; 
and
(C) provide covered personnel and commanders with 
timely electronic access to records related to such 
processing.
(b) Briefings.--Not later than September 30, 2027, and annually 
thereafter through September 30, 2030, each Secretary of a military 
department shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the 
implementation of subsection (a), including--
(1) a description of capabilities implemented;
(2) metrics on time required for in-processing and out-
processing before and after implementation;
(3) any challenges or limitations in execution; and
(4) plans, if any, to expand or improve such capabilities.
(c) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(1) Covered personnel.--The term ``covered personnel'' 
includes members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of 
the military department.
(2) In-processing.--The term ``in-processing'' means the 
administrative activities that covered personnel undertake 
pursuant to a permanent change of station.
(3) Out-processing.--The term ``out-processing'' means the 
administrative activities that covered personnel undertake 
pursuant to a permanent change of station, separation from the 
Armed Forces, or end of employment with the military 
department.

SEC. 522. REPEAL OF SUNSET OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO NON-MEDICAL 
COUNSELING SERVICES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES.

Section 1781(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (4); and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).

SEC. 523. GUIDANCE ON PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE 
INFORMATION FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Guidance Required.--Not later than March 1, 2027, the Secretary 
of Defense shall issue or update guidance regarding the public release 
of personally identifiable information of members of the Armed Forces 
in administrative announcements made through official public affairs 
channels, including announcements related to command selections, 
promotion selections, and board results.
(b) Elements.--The guidance required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) establish appropriate safeguards to mitigate security 
and counterintelligence risks associated with the public 
disclosure of personally identifiable information;
(2) account for the unique risks to members assigned to 
sensitive, specialized, or high-risk units, including members 
of special operations forces;
(3) provide standards, as appropriate, for the review and 
approval of information prior to public release; and
(4) ensure consistency in the application of such 
safeguards across the military departments.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the Secretary of Defense or the 
Secretaries of the military departments to determine what information 
may be publicly released in accordance with applicable law and policy.

SEC. 524. PROHIBITION ON REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONNEL ASSIGNED 
TO A SERVICE REVIEW AGENCY.

(a) Personnel Limitation.--Section 1559 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``December 31, 2025'' 
and inserting ``December 31, 2031'';
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Baseline Number.--The baseline number for a service review 
agency under this section is the number of military and civilian 
personnel assigned to that agency as of January 1, 2026.''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting ``and the Secretary 
of the Navy Council of Review Boards (formerly known as the 
Navy Council of Personnel Boards)'' after ``Board of Correction 
for Naval Records''.

SEC. 525. REAUTHORIZATION OF TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP AND PROVIDE 
ADDITIONAL RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES.

Section 522(h) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 10 U.S.C. 503 note) is amended by 
striking ``December 31, 2025'' and inserting ``December 31, 2028''.

SEC. 526. RELIEF FOR FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS REQUESTING REVIEW OF 
DISCHARGE OR DISMISSAL ON THE BASIS OF POST-TRAUMATIC 
STRESS DISORDER OR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY RELATED TO 
COMBAT OR MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA.

Section 1552(h) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(3) As a result of its review under paragraph (2), a board 
established under subsection (a)(1) may--
``(A) grant a claimant's request to upgrade the 
characterization of a discharge or dismissal;
``(B) grant a claimant's request to correct the following 
for a discharge or dismissal: the narrative reason for 
separation, the separation code, and the re-enlistment code; 
and
``(C) deny any part of the claimant's application for 
relief after liberal consideration of the evidence of record.
``(4) If a claimant described in paragraph (1) requests retirement 
or separation for physical disability as defined by chapter 61 of this 
title, the board established under subsection (a)(1) shall review such 
request under the evidentiary standards established by the Department 
of Defense for current service members in the Disability Evaluation 
System. If the claimant submits multiple bases or requests for relief, 
the board shall review any eligible requests for relief that do not 
involve retirement or separation for physical disability as defined by 
chapter 61 this title, under the liberal consideration standard 
established in paragraph (2).''.

SEC. 527. MODIFICATION OF WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS.

Section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by adding at the end the 
following new clauses:
``(vi) The conducting of, or a threat to order, a 
retaliatory security clearance review.
``(vii) The conducting of, or a threat to order, a 
retaliatory psychiatric examination, mental health evaluation, 
psychological assessment, or other medical testing or 
examination.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (k); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new 
subsection:
``(j) Inapplicability of Nondisclosure Agreements.--No 
nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement shall be construed as limiting 
or otherwise affecting the rights and protections provided under this 
section.''.

SEC. 528. AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE 
INFORMATION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE RECRUITS.

(a) Collection of Prospective Recruit Information; Digital 
Collection.--The Secretary concerned may collect Prospective Recruit 
Information with respect to prospective recruits for the Armed Forces 
who are at least 17 years of age for the purpose of enhancing 
marketing, advertising, and outreach to possible prospective recruits 
for recruitment for service in the Armed Forces. In the case of any 
such prospective recruit, such information may only be collected--
(1) with the express consent of the prospective recruit; or
(2) in the case of a prospective recruit who is 17 years of 
age, with parental consent.
(b) Responsible Person.--The process for obtaining consent under 
subsection (a) shall be carried out so that--
(1) the person whose consent is requested is provided 
information before such consent is obtained that outlines the 
purpose of the collection, the authority for the collection, 
routine uses to be made of the collection and the effects on 
the individual, if any, of not providing all or any part of the 
requested information, consistent with section 552a of title 5, 
United States Code; and
(2) the person has the opportunity to establish consent 
preferences.
(c) Consent.--Consent may be granted, and Prospective Recruit 
Information may be collected, under subsection (a) through a military 
recruiting digital website or platform. The collection of Prospective 
Recruit Information may be accomplished by the use of cookies or 
similar technology.
(d) Prospective Recruit Information.--
(1) Maintenance of information.--Prospective Recruit 
Information pertaining to any person may not be maintained for 
more than 3 years after the date the information pertaining to 
such person is first collected under this section.
(2) Privacy.--The maintenance of information collected 
under this subsection is subject to subchapter II of chapter 35 
of title 44 and section 552a of title 5.
(e) Prospective Recruit Information Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``Prospective Recruit Information'' means, with respect to a 
prospective recruit for the Armed Forces, the following:
(1) Name, mailing address, physical address, email address, 
mobile/cell phone number, and home phone number (if any).
(2) Age, sex, household composition, education level, birth 
date, marital status, and military/veteran status.
(3) Information about browser types, connected devices, 
cookie data, and usage metadata.
(4) Unique identifiers such as IP addresses and social 
media handles.
(5) Fitness activity data.
(6) Such other data elements as determined necessary for 
effective recruiting, as provided in regulations prescribed by 
the Secretary of Defense and maintained in accordance with the 
applicable system of records notice of the department 
concerned.
(f) Sunset.--The authority established under subsection (a) shall 
terminate on December 31, 2031.

SEC. 529. MODIFICATION OF SERVICE OBLIGATIONS FOR CADETS OBTAINING 
EMPLOYMENT AS PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES.

(a) Authority.--
(1) United states military academy.--Section 7448 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (5) to 
read as follows:
``(5)(A) That the cadet may not obtain employment as a 
professional athlete under this paragraph until 2 years after 
graduating from the Academy, except as otherwise authorized by 
the Secretary under subparagraph (B).
``(B) The Secretary may authorize not more than 10 cadets 
during any academic year to obtain employment as a professional 
athlete before completing the active-duty service obligation 
otherwise required under this subsection.
``(C) The Secretary may waive the numerical limitation 
under subparagraph (B) and authorize participation for more 
than 10 graduates in a fiscal year if the Secretary determines 
that--
``(i) such a waiver is in the national interest; 
and
``(ii) participation by additional graduates will 
provide significant recruiting, retention, public 
affairs, or strategic benefit to the Armed Forces.
``(D) A cadet authorized under subparagraph (B) shall--
``(i) accept an appointment as a commissioned 
officer in an appropriate reserve component, as 
determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) serve in the Selected Reserve in an 
appropriate status, grade, and assignment, as 
determined by the Secretary; and
``(iii) participate in recruiting, retention, 
public affairs or other activities that strategically 
benefit the armed forces, as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(E) The Secretary shall prescribe the period of obligated 
service required under this paragraph, except that such 
obligated service shall be served in the Selected Reserve for a 
period of not more than 10 years.
``(F) Upon completion of employment as a professional 
athlete, or upon termination of authorization under this 
paragraph, the Secretary may require the officer to serve on 
active duty for such period as the Secretary determines 
appropriate, except that the combined period of service 
required under subparagraph (E) and this subparagraph may not 
exceed 10 years.
``(G) If an officer authorized under this paragraph is 
unable or unwilling to satisfy the service obligations required 
under this paragraph, and is determined by the Secretary 
concerned to be ineligible for further military service, the 
Secretary may require the officer to reimburse the United 
States for all or a portion of the cost of the education 
provided by the Academy, under such terms and conditions as the 
Secretary may prescribe.'';
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Subject 
to paragraph (4), the Secretary'' and inserting 
``The Secretary''; and
(ii) by striking paragraph (4); and
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking paragraph (2); and
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and 
(4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively.
(2) United states naval academy.--Section 8459 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (5) to 
read as follows:
``(5)(A) That the midshipman may not obtain employment as a 
professional athlete under this paragraph until 2 years after 
graduating from the Academy, except as otherwise authorized by 
the Secretary under subparagraph (B).
``(B) The Secretary may authorize not more than 10 
midshipmen during any academic year to obtain employment as a 
professional athlete before completing the active-duty service 
obligation otherwise required under this subsection.
``(C) The Secretary may waive the numerical limitation 
under subparagraph (B) and authorize participation for more 
than 10 graduates in a fiscal year if the Secretary determines 
that--
``(i) such a waiver is in the national interest; 
and
``(ii) participation by additional graduates will 
provide significant recruiting, retention, public 
affairs, or strategic benefit to the Armed Forces.
``(D) A midshipman authorized under subparagraph (B) 
shall--
``(i) accept an appointment as a commissioned 
officer in an appropriate reserve component, as 
determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) serve in the Selected Reserve in an 
appropriate status, grade, and assignment, as 
determined by the Secretary; and
``(iii) participate in recruiting, retention, 
public affairs or other activities that strategically 
benefit the armed forces, as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(E) The Secretary shall prescribe the period of obligated 
service required under this paragraph, except that such 
obligated service shall be served in the Selected Reserve for a 
period of not more than 10 years.
``(F) Upon completion of employment as a professional 
athlete, or upon termination of authorization under this 
paragraph, the Secretary may require the officer to serve on 
active duty for such period as the Secretary determines 
appropriate, except that the combined period of service 
required under subparagraph (E) and this subparagraph may not 
exceed 10 years.
``(G) If an officer authorized under this paragraph is 
unable or unwilling to satisfy the service obligations required 
under this paragraph, and is determined by the Secretary 
concerned to be ineligible for further military service, the 
Secretary may require the officer to reimburse the United 
States for all or a portion of the cost of the education 
provided by the Academy, under such terms and conditions as the 
Secretary may prescribe.'';
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Subject 
to paragraph (4), the Secretary'' and inserting 
``The Secretary''; and
(ii) by striking paragraph (4); and
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking paragraph (2); and
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and 
(4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively.
(3) United states air force academy.--Section 9448 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (5) to 
read as follows:
``(5)(A) That the cadet may not obtain employment as a 
professional athlete under this paragraph until 2 years after 
graduating from the Academy, except as otherwise authorized by 
the Secretary under subparagraph (B).
``(B) The Secretary may authorize not more than 10 cadets 
during any academic year to obtain employment as a professional 
athlete before completing the active-duty service obligation 
otherwise required under this subsection.
``(C) The Secretary may waive the numerical limitation 
under subparagraph (B) and authorize participation for more 
than 10 graduates in a fiscal year if the Secretary determines 
that--
``(i) such a waiver is in the national interest; 
and
``(ii) participation by additional graduates will 
provide significant recruiting, retention, public 
affairs, or strategic benefit to the Armed Forces.
``(D) A cadet authorized under subparagraph (B) shall--
``(i) accept an appointment as a commissioned 
officer in an appropriate reserve component, as 
determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) serve in the Selected Reserve in an 
appropriate status, grade, and assignment, as 
determined by the Secretary; and
``(iii) participate in recruiting, retention, 
public affairs or other activities that strategically 
benefit the armed forces, as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(E) The Secretary shall prescribe the period of obligated 
service required under this paragraph, except that such 
obligated service shall be served in the Selected Reserve for a 
period of not more than 10 years.
``(F) Upon completion of employment as a professional 
athlete, or upon termination of authorization under this 
paragraph, the Secretary may require the officer to serve on 
active duty for such period as the Secretary determines 
appropriate, except that the combined period of service 
required under subparagraph (E) and this subparagraph may not 
exceed 10 years.
``(G) If an officer authorized under this paragraph is 
unable or unwilling to satisfy the service obligations required 
under this paragraph, and is determined by the Secretary 
concerned to be ineligible for further military service, the 
Secretary may require the officer to reimburse the United 
States for all or a portion of the cost of the education 
provided by the Academy, under such terms and conditions as the 
Secretary may prescribe.'';
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Subject 
to paragraph (4), the Secretary'' and inserting 
``The Secretary''; and
(ii) by striking paragraph (4); and
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking paragraph (2); and
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and 
(4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively.
(b) Regulations.--Each Secretary concerned shall prescribe 
regulations to carry out this section and the amendments made by this 
section, including eligibility criteria, performance standards, and 
procedures for monitoring compliance.

SEC. 529A. 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 promotions, nominative assignments, command 
selection, and military and civil schooling selection shall be based 
exclusively on individual merit, fitness, capability, and performance.
(b) Consideration of Certain Attributes Prohibited.--Consideration 
of an individual's sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin in any 
military personnel action described in subsection (a) 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. 529B. PROHIBITION ON PARTICIPATION OF MALES IN ATHLETIC PROGRAMS 
OR ACTIVITIES, AND MALES ENTERING PRIVACY SPACES, AT THE 
MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES THAT ARE DESIGNATED FOR WOMEN 
OR GIRLS.

(a) In General.--
(1) Prohibition on participation.--The Secretary of Defense 
shall ensure that the United States Military Academy, the 
United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force 
Academy, and all primary and secondary schools under the 
control of the Department of Defense, including the Department 
of Defense Education Activity Schools, do not permit a person 
enrolled at such an Academy or school whose sex is male to 
participate in an athletic program or activity that is 
designated for women or girls.
(2) Privacy in women's spaces.--The Secretary of Defense 
shall ensure that the United States Military Academy, the 
United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force 
Academy, and all primary and secondary schools under the 
control of the Department of Defense, including the Department 
of Defense Education Activity Schools--
(A) designate each multi-occupancy restroom or 
changing room in a facility under its control for the 
exclusive use of males or females and take reasonable 
steps to prevent individuals from using a restroom or 
changing room designated for the opposite sex;
(B) if only one restroom or changing room exists in 
a facility under its control, clearly designate that 
restroom or changing room for the sole use by the sex 
of the team or group using the facility at the time; 
and
(C) provide students the option to be housed in 
permanent sleeping quarters only with persons of the 
same sex at any student housing facilities under its 
control or during any academy or school-sponsored 
trips.
(b) Rules of Construction.--
(1) Participation.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to prohibit the United States Military Academy, the 
United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force 
Academy, and all primary and secondary schools under the 
control of the Department of Defense, including the Department 
of Defense Education Activity Schools, from permitting males to 
train or practice with an athletic program or activity that is 
designated for women or girls so long as no female is deprived 
of a roster spot on a team or sport, opportunity to participate 
in a practice or competition, scholarship, admission to an 
educational institution, or any other benefit that accompanies 
participating in the athletic program or activity.
(2) Restrooms and changing rooms.--Nothing in this section 
shall be construed to prohibit the United States Military 
Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air 
Force Academy, and all primary and secondary schools under the 
control of the Department of Defense, including the Department 
of Defense Education Activity Schools, from--
(A) establishing single-occupancy restrooms, 
changing rooms, or permanent sleeping quarters;
(B) allowing individuals to enter a restroom or 
changing room designated for the opposite sex--
(i) to perform custodial services or 
maintenance;
(ii) to render medical assistance;
(iii) to provide childcare, disability 
support, or age-appropriate parental assistance 
in Department of Defense Education Activity 
School environments;
(iv) to provide services or render aid 
during a natural disaster, a declared 
emergency, or when necessary to prevent a 
serious threat to good order or safety; or
(v) to provide coaching or athletic 
training during athletic events by coaching 
staff in changing rooms, provided that the 
individual ensures that no person of the 
opposite sex is in a state of undress prior to 
entering the room; or
(C) utilizing temporary co-ed sleeping arrangements 
necessary for training exercises, deployments, or other 
operational environments.
(c) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``athletic programs and activities'' includes 
all programs or activities that are provided conditional upon 
participation with any athletic team;
(2) the term ``changing room'' means a locker room, shower 
room, or other area designated for individuals to change 
clothing;
(3) the term ``female'' means an individual who naturally 
has, had, will have, or would have, but for a congenital 
anomaly or intentional or unintentional disruption, the 
reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, 
and utilizes eggs for fertilization;
(4) the term ``male'' means an individual who naturally 
has, had, will have, or would have, but for a congenital 
anomaly or intentional or unintentional disruption, the 
reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, 
and utilizes sperm for fertilization;
(5) the term ``restroom'' means a room that includes one or 
more toilets or urinals;
(6) the term ``sex'' means an individual's biological sex, 
either male or female; and
(7) the term ``sleeping quarters'' means a room with a bed 
in which more than one individual is housed overnight.

SEC. 529C. MODIFICATION OF PROVISIONS RELATED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND 
INCLUSION.

(a) Diversity Requirements for Selection Boards.--Title 10, United 
States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 573(b), by striking the last sentence;
(2) in section 612(a)(1), by striking the last sentence; 
and
(3) in section 14102(b), by striking the last sentence.
(b) Pronoun Policy Repeal.--Section 986 of title 10, United States 
Code, is repealed.
(c) Human Relations Training.--Section 2001(a)(1)(B) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``include'' and all that 
follows through the period at the end and inserting ``include honor, 
excellence, courage, and commitment.''.

SEC. 529D. SEX-NEUTRAL OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

Section 543 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 1994 (Public Law 103-160; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``gender-neutral'' 
and inserting ``sex-neutral'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Gender 
Neutrality'' and inserting ``Sex Neutrality'';
(B) by striking ``that is open to both male and 
female members of the Armed Forces'' and inserting ``in 
the Armed Forces'';
(C) in paragraph (1), by striking ``on the basis of 
gender'' and inserting ``on the basis of sex'';
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as 
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively;
(E) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following 
new paragraph:
``(2) shall ensure that any member of the Armed Forces who 
meets the occupational standards for such occupational career 
field shall be eligible for qualification, assignment, and 
continuance in that occupational career field without 
differential standards or evaluation on the basis of sex;'';
(F) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by 
subparagraph (D), by striking ``gender quota'' and 
inserting ``sex quota''; and
(G) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by 
inserting ``men or'' before ``women'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking 
``Physical'' and inserting ``Occupational''; and
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``physical requirements 
for'' and inserting ``requirements for 
technical, tactical, cognitive, and physical 
abilities, including'';
(ii) by striking ``strength and endurance'' 
and inserting ``strength, endurance,'';
(iii) by striking ``physical requirements 
as'' and inserting ``requirements as'';
(iv) by striking ``gender-neutral 
occupational standard'' and inserting ``sex-
neutral occupational standard'';
(v) by striking ``(in the case of a career 
designator that is open to both male and female 
members of the Armed Forces)''; and
(vi) by striking ``gender-neutral basis'' 
and inserting ``sex-neutral basis'';
(4) in subsection (c), by striking ``gender-neutral 
occupational standard'' and inserting ``sex-neutral 
occupational standard'';
(5) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
(6) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
subsection:
``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to prohibit the Secretary from revising occupational 
performance standards, where such standards are based on validated 
operational requirements and applied on a sex-neutral basis.''; and
(7) in subsection (e)(1), as redesignated by paragraph 
(4)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Gender-
neutral'' and inserting ``Sex-neutral''; and
(B) by striking ``gender-neutral occupational 
standard'' and inserting ``sex-neutral occupational 
standard''.

Subtitle D--Military Justice and Other Legal Matters

SEC. 531. WRONGFUL BROADCAST OR DISTRIBUTION OF INTIMATE VISUAL IMAGES.

(a) Analysis Regarding Potential Removal of Military Mission or 
Environment as Required Element of Offense.--The Secretary of Defense, 
in coordination with the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice, 
shall analyze the feasibility and advisability of amending section 
917a(a) of title 10, United States Code, (article 117a(a) of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice) to remove paragraph (4) (relating to 
requiring as an element of the offense, ``conduct [that has] a 
reasonably direct and palpable connection to a military mission or 
military environment'').
(b) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2027, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives a report detailing the results of the 
analysis conducted under subsection (a) and any associated 
recommendations.

SEC. 532. EXPANSION OF VICTIM ACCESS TO COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ARMED 
FORCES.

Section 806b of title 10, United States Code (article 6b of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)(3), by striking subparagraph (C); and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Review by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.--(1) The 
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces may review all decisions or 
dispositions taken by a Court of Criminal Appeals pursuant to a 
petition filed by the victim of an offense under this chapter under 
subsection (e) and on good cause shown.
``(2) The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces shall take action 
only with respect to matters of law.
``(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 21 days after the earlier of--
``(A) the date on which the victim is notified of the 
decision or disposition of the Court of Criminal Appeals on a 
petition pursuant to subsection (e); and
``(B) the date on which a copy of the decision or 
disposition 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 830(a) 
or 832 of this title (article 30(a) or 32) or during trial.
``(4) Review of any decision or disposition of the Court of 
Criminal Appeals on a petition for writ of mandamus described in this 
subsection 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.''.

SEC. 533. TECHNICAL 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 through the period at the end 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):
``(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) The petition for review is withdrawn by the 
accused.
``(C) The petition for review having been filed--
``(i) either--
``(I) the petition 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 is rejected 
by the Supreme Court;
``(III) such a petition is 
withdrawn by the petitioner; or
``(IV) review is otherwise 
completed in accordance with the 
judgment of the Supreme Court.''.

SEC. 534. 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 through the period 
at the end 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. 535. AUTHORITY OF SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL TO ENTER INTO PRETRIAL 
AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN OFFENSES OCCURRING 
BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE OF MILITARY JUSTICE REFORMS.

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 
committed 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. 536. 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 (10 U.S.C. 856 
note), 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. 537. UPDATING SUBPOENA AUTHORITY FOR MILITARY INVESTIGATIONS.

(a) Pre-referral Subpoenas for Electronic Communications.--Section 
830a(a)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code (article 30a(a)(1)(B) of 
the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking 
``warrants or orders'' and inserting ``warrants, orders, or 
subpoenas''.
(b) Authority to Issue Investigative Subpoenas Related to Wire and 
Electronic Communications.--Section 846(d)(3) of title 10, United 
States Code (article 46(d)(3) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), 
is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Warrant or 
order'' and inserting ``Warrant, order, or subpoena'';
(2) by striking ``may issue warrants or court orders'' and 
inserting ``may issue warrants, court orders, or investigative 
subpoenas''; and
(3) by striking ``as such warrants and orders'' and 
inserting ``as such warrants, orders, or subpoenas''.

SEC. 538. 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 a 
briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives on the implementation of policies and 
procedures to carry out the changes required pursuant to subsection 
(a).

SEC. 539. TREATMENT OF HAZING UNDER UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

(a) Analysis Required.--
(1) In general.--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 provide for one or more of the following changes:
(A) To establish hazing as a sentence modifier for 
offenses where hazing was present.
(B) To establish hazing as a lesser included 
offense under section 893 of title 10, United States 
Code (article 93 of the Uniform Code of Military 
justice; relating to cruelty and maltreatment).
(C) To establish another method of codifying hazing 
as a standalone punitive article of the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice.
(2) Hazing definition.--As part of the analysis conducted 
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall develop a proposed 
definition of the term ``hazing'' for purposes of such 
modifier, article, or alternative.
(b) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report on the results of the analysis under 
subsection (a), including a justification for any decision not to 
codify hazing as a punitive article under the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice.

SEC. 539A. NOTIFICATION OF THE ISSUANCE OR TERMINATION OF MILITARY 
PROTECTIVE ORDERS TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR 
SEXUAL ASSAULT.

Section 1567a of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and victims of 
domestic abuse or sexual assault'' after ``civilian law 
enforcement'';
(2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and, in a case 
involving domestic abuse or sexual assault, the victim or 
requesting individual,'' after ``appropriate civilian 
authorities''; and
(3) in subsection (c), by inserting ``and, in a case 
involving domestic abuse or sexual assault, the victim or 
requesting individual,'' after ``appropriate civilian 
authorities''.

SEC. 539B. MILITARY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EMERGENT HOUSING POLICY.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish and 
implement Department of Defense policy to require commanders, in 
response to domestic violence reports or complaints, to make an initial 
determination as to the credibility of the report or complaint. If the 
report is deemed credible, in consultation with the victim, the 
commander should--
(1) impose military protective orders; and
(2) whenever practicable, separate the victim and the 
alleged offender into separate housing;
(b) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Department of Defense shall provide a 
briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives concerning any additional authorities 
necessary to properly implement the policy referenced in subsection 
(a), as well as the establishment of a process to maintain emergent 
housing entitlements to basic allowance for housing or military housing 
units in support of domestic violence victims for up to 180 days.

SEC. 539C. ANNUAL REPORT ON FINDINGS OF THE DEPARTMENT-WIDE REVIEW OF 
THE MILITARY LEGAL SYSTEM.

(a) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than December 1, 2027, and 
annually thereafter by December 1 through 2031, the Secretary 
of Defense, acting through the General Counsel of the 
Department of Defense, shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a comprehensive report on the findings, 
recommendations, and implementation status of the Department-
wide review of the military legal system initiated pursuant to 
the Secretary of Defense memorandum dated May 8, 2026.
(2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following elements:
(A) A detailed summary of the reviews conducted by 
the special review panel established by the General 
Counsel, including a list of all final recommendations 
submitted to the Secretary during the preceding fiscal 
year.
(B) Details on the specific timeline, 
implementation status, and systemic changes executed or 
planned by the Department based on the panel's 
recommendations.
(C) An assessment of how any administrative, 
structural, or policy changes resulting from the review 
impact the statutory independence and authorities of 
the special trial counsel established under part I of 
subtitle D of title V of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-
81; 135 Stat. 1692).
(D) The specific metrics, criteria, and legal 
justifications used to differentiate ``operational'' 
military legal workloads from ``civilian'' workloads, 
alongside a quantification of any legal personnel or 
billets shifted from military to civilian oversight.
(E) A summary of the comparative data and criteria 
used by the Department to benchmark the military legal 
system against the Department of Justice and State 
criminal justice systems, including any findings on 
system efficiencies or deficiencies.
(F) An evaluation of how proposed changes affect 
the professional responsibility, rating chains, and 
statutory duty of the Judge Advocates General of the 
Armed Forces to provide independent legal advice.
(3) Form.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall be 
submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
annex if necessary.
(b) Briefing Requirement.--The Secretary of Defense shall brief the 
congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after 
implementing any changes based on the recommendations of the panel and 
review described in subsection (a)(1).

SEC. 539D. CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO ORDER TO ACTIVE-DUTY CERTAIN 
PERSONS SUBJECT TO THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE 
FOR MATTERS RELATING TO OFFENSES DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS 
INCIDENT TO INACTIVE-DUTY TRAINING.

(a) Persons Subject to UCMJ.--Section 802(d)(2)(B) of title 10, 
United States Code (article 2(d)(2)(B) of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice), is amended by inserting ``or during a period specified in 
subsection (a)(3)(B)'' after ``on inactive-duty training''.
(b) Jurisdiction to Try Certain Personnel.--Section 803(d) of such 
title (article 3(d) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is 
amended--
(1) by inserting ``or a period specified in section 
802(a)(3)(B) of this title (article 2(a)(3)(B))'' after ``a 
period of active duty or inactive-duty training''; and
(2) by striking ``of active-duty or inactive-duty 
training'' before the period at the end.

SEC. 539E. INAPPLICABILITY TO RETIRED MEMBERS OF PUNITIVE ARTICLES 
AFFECTING POLITICAL SPEECH.

Section 802 of title 10, United States Code (article 2 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``The following 
persons'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (e), 
the following persons'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new 
subsection:
``(e)(1) With respect to members to whom the provisions of this 
chapter are made applicable by paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (14) of 
subsection (a), except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, 
the provisions of subchapter X shall not be applicable to any--
``(A) conduct of such members which constitutes or pertains 
to political speech;
``(B) expressions pertaining to the actions, character, 
motivations, qualifications, or other attributes of government 
officials; or
``(C) statements of the law.
``(2) The exception under paragraph (1) shall not apply to a 
member--
``(A) to whom this chapter is applicable under a paragraph 
of subsection (a) other than one of the paragraphs referenced 
in paragraph (1) of this subsection; or
``(B) who is wearing a military uniform.''.

Subtitle E--Member Education, Training, and Transition

SEC. 541. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY TO REORGANIZE THE SENIOR RESERVE 
OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS.

(a) Limitations.--
(1) Briefing prior to reorganization.--The Secretary of the 
Army, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air 
Force may not reorganize a unit of the program of their 
respective military service until the date that is 90 days 
after the date on which the Secretary provides to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of 
Representatives a briefing with respect to the reorganization 
of such unit that includes the following:
(A) Each position of such unit to be eliminated.
(B) A risk analysis regarding the impact of the 
reorganization on officer accessions that justifies 
such reorganization.
(C) Anticipated cost savings or expenses to the 
United States.
(D) The number of members of the program affected 
by the reorganization, including the number of members 
who will have to travel to another educational 
institution to participate in the program after the 
reorganization.
(E) Any change to a scholarship awarded under 
section 2107 or 2107a of title 10, United States Code, 
due to the reorganization.
(2) Completion of commissioning requirements by current 
students.--The Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the 
Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force shall ensure that any 
reorganization of a unit of the program of their respective 
military service allows a member of the program receiving 
financial assistance under section 2107 or 2107a of title 10, 
United States Code, who is affected by such reorganization to 
complete any requirements for receiving a commission as an 
officer in the military service without the member being 
required to transfer to another educational institution.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The terms ``program'' and ``member of the program'' 
have the meanings given such terms in section 2101 of title 10, 
United States Code.
(2) The term ``reorganize'', with respect to a unit of the 
program, includes closing, restructuring, reclassifying, 
merging, or realigning.

SEC. 542. DISCHARGE OF MIDSHIPMEN FOR UNSATISFACTORY CONDUCT OR 
INAPTITUDE.

Section 8462 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Superintendent of the Naval 
Academy'' and all that follows through ``report of the 
facts--'' and inserting ``Secretary of the Navy may 
discharge a midshipman from the Naval Academy and from 
the naval service--'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking 
``Superintendent'' and inserting ``Secretary''; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Academic Board 
unanimously determines'' and inserting ``Secretary 
determines''; and
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) The authority of the Secretary under subsection (a) may be 
delegated to the Superintendent of the Naval Academy.''.

SEC. 543. MODIFICATION TO PROGRAM ON ENCOURAGEMENT OF POSTSEPARATION 
PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE.

(a) Modification of Applicability of Repealed Section.--Section 
553(c)(2) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 132 Stat. 1773) is amended by 
striking ``The repeal made under paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``The 
amendments made by this section''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect as if included in the enactment of the John S. McCain 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 
115-232).

SEC. 544. LIMITED AUTHORITY TO WAIVE TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT FOR 
SERVICE ACADEMY GRADUATES DETAILED AS STUDENTS AT LAW 
SCHOOLS.

Section 2004 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``Not more than 25 
officers and enlisted members from each military department'' 
and inserting ``Not more than 35 members from each military 
service''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Officers and 
enlisted members''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(2) The Secretaries of the military departments are authorized to 
waive the time in service minimum of two years in subsection 
(b)(1)(A)(i) for up to five officers who are graduates of the United 
States Military Academy established under section 7431 of title 10, 
United States Code, up to five officers who are graduates of the Air 
Force Academy established under section 9431 of title 10, United States 
Code, and up to five officers who are graduates of the Naval Academy 
established under section 8451 of title 10, United States Code, 
respectively.''.

SEC. 545. 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) by striking subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
(3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated, by striking 
``the course'' and inserting ``a course''.
(b) United States Air Force Academy.--Section 9451 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
(3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated, by striking 
``the course'' and inserting ``a course''.
(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. 546. REVISION TO DECISION TIMEFRAME FOR EXPEDITED TRANSFERS AT THE 
MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES.

(a) United States Military Academy.--Subsection (e)(2)(C)(i) of 
section 7461 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``72 hours'' each place it appears and inserting ``five calendar 
days''.
(b) United States Naval Academy.--Subsection (e)(2)(C)(i) of 
section 8480 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``72 hours'' each place it appears and inserting ``five calendar 
days''.
(c) United States Air Force Academy.--Subsection (e)(2)(C)(i) of 
section 9461 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``72 hours'' each place it appears and inserting ``five calendar 
days''.

SEC. 547. 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. 548. 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 appropriate experience 
in military personnel policy, transition assistance, veterans' affairs, 
or related matters.
``(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 Under 
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on policies, 
operations, and programs and activities relating to the 
transition of members;
``(B) assisting 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 principal coordinator for military-to-
civilian transition policy within 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 
described under subsection (1); and
(B) the implementation of the roles, 
responsibilities, and authorities of such official.

SEC. 549. PAYMENT OF TUITION FOR OFF-DUTY TRAINING OR EDUCATION.

(a) Authority.--Section 2007 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and institution 
fees'' after ``Payment of tuition'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``or expenses'' and 
inserting ``, expenses, or institution fees''; and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``or expenses'' each 
place it appears and inserting ``, expenses, or institution 
fees''.
(b) Increase in Per-semester-hour Cap.--The Secretary of Defense 
may prescribe regulations increasing the per-semester-hour cap for 
tuition assistance offered by the military services to not more than 
$350 per semester-hour.
(c) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on Off-Duty and Voluntary Education and 
Training Account (``Accounts'') outcomes.
(2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following elements:
(A) Fiscal, volume, compliance, and distribution 
metrics.
(B) Metrics linking investment in the Accounts to 
outcomes including educational attainment, recruitment/
retention, mission readiness, and transition readiness.
(C) An analysis of compliance with sections 2005, 
2006a, and 2007 of title 10, United States Code.
(D) An analysis of the severability of annual 
ceiling requirements from per-semester-hour caps under 
part 68 of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 549A. IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF MEDICS IN THE ARMED FORCES TO 
THE CIVILIAN WORKFORCE IN HEALTH CARE OCCUPATIONS.

(a) Recommendations Required.--The Secretary of Defense, in 
consultation with each of the States (through the Defense-State Liaison 
Office of the Department of Defense), the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of 
Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with respect to matters 
concerning the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the 
Department of the Navy), shall develop recommendations to improve the 
transition of medics serving in the Armed Forces into the civilian 
workforce in health care occupations, including as certified nurse 
aides, licensed practical nurses, or medical assistants.
(b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary 
of Defense shall--
(1) identify any barriers--
(A) to improving the ability of the Secretary to 
determine and communicate how the military credentials 
and experience of a medic separating from the Armed 
Forces translate to credentialed civilian employment in 
health care occupations;
(B) that exist to the standardization among the 
Armed Forces of military medic credentials and 
experience and the alignment of such credentials and 
experience to credentialed civilian employment in 
health care occupations;
(C) that exist to ensuring members of the Armed 
Forces with military medic credentials and experience 
have earned the equivalent civilian credential prior to 
separation from the Armed Forces in addition to 
receiving their military credentials;
(D) to the increased establishment and uptake of 
accelerated or bridge programs to assist separating 
members of the Armed Forces in translating military 
credentials and experience into civilian health care 
credentials and employment;
(E) to increasing the availability and 
accessibility of preparatory activities under the 
SkillBridge program established under section 1143(e) 
of title 10, United States Code, in the health care 
sector for members of the Armed Forces preparing for 
separation, to include--
(i) the approval timeline for separating 
members to participate in SkillBridge programs 
in the health care sector; and
(ii) requirements to return to their duty 
station for out-processing; and
(F) to providing information on civilian health 
care credentials and employment under the Transition 
Assistance Program to medics separating from the Armed 
Forces, including information on State-by-State 
licensing and credentialing; and
(2) consider the potential impact of--
(A) clarification by States through legislation, 
actions of State licensing boards, or actions of State 
credentialing boards of the civilian equivalents of 
certain military credentials and experience in health 
care;
(B) implementation, including through State-
provided incentives, of accelerated programs to bridge 
military medic credentials and experience with civilian 
health care credentials and licenses;
(C) financial support or incentives by States to 
increase the availability and accessibility of such 
programs;
(D) requiring the military departments to align 
military health care credentials with civilian 
equivalents; and
(E) tracking and reporting, in consultation with 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of 
Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with 
respect to matters concerning the Coast Guard when it 
is not operating as a service in the Department of the 
Navy), the number of separated members of the Armed 
Forces with health care-related military credentials 
and experience who continue in the civilian health care 
sector, including the type of employment they pursue.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report containing--
(1) the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and
(2) a plan to implement those recommendations.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Medic.--The term ``medic'' means a member of the Armed 
Forces acting in a clinical health care-related occupation 
while serving in the Armed Forces.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, 
or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that have a 
Defense-State Liaison Office.
(3) Transition assistance program.--The term ``Transition 
Assistance Program'' means the program of the Department of 
Defense for pre-separation counseling, employment assistance, 
and other transitional services provided under sections 1142 
and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 549B. STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER 
LEARNING SEEKING TO PARTICIPATE IN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

(a) Prohibition on Categorical Restrictions.--Except as provided in 
subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may not, by any policy or 
other action--
(1) prohibit or otherwise restrict the Department of 
Defense or the military departments from permitting 
servicemembers to participate in an eligible program at an 
eligible institution of higher education, as a means to 
complete an eligible program, including any constituent 
subsidiary or subelement of such institution, regardless of the 
source of funds used by the member to pay tuition, fees, or 
related expenses; or
(2) deny covered funds to members of the Armed Forces who 
are otherwise eligible for such assistance, or deny covered 
support to any such member, on the basis that the member has 
applied to, enrolled in, attends, or has completed an eligible 
program at an eligible institution of higher education, 
including any constituent subsidiary or subelement of such 
institution.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered funds.--The term ``covered funds'' means any 
program, appropriation, or other authority of the Department of 
Defense to pay, reimburse, or otherwise provide financial 
assistance for education or training of members of the Armed 
Forces, including under section 2007 of title 10, United States 
Code, and any successor authority.
(2) Covered support.--The term ``covered support'' means 
any Department of Defense funding or facilitation of a member's 
participation in education or training conducted in whole or in 
part at an institution of higher education, whether full-time 
or part-time, other than professional military education 
programs conducted by the Department of Defense.
(3) Eligible institution of higher education defined.--The 
term ``eligible institution of higher education'' means an 
institution that--
(A) is accredited, and maintains accreditation in 
good standing, by an accrediting agency or association 
recognized by the Secretary of Education under part H 
of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1099b et seq.); and
(B)(i) operates a program authorized in section 
2006a(a) of title 10, United States Code; or
(ii) offers or administers an eligible program 
under paragraph (4).
(4) Eligible program.--The term ``eligible program'' 
means--
(A) an educational program authorized by law and 
established by the Department of Defense under which 
the Department is authorized to provide covered funds 
or covered support; or
(B) a fellowship, scholarship, degree, certificate, 
medical residency, grant, or other training or 
education program in which members of the Armed Forces 
are authorized to participate that is funded through--
(i) covered funds;
(ii) personal funds;
(iii) authorized outside fellowships, 
scholarships, or grants; or
(iv) any combination of sources described 
in clauses (i) though (iii).
(c) Limited Exceptions for Cause; Termination or Suspension of 
Institutional Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may restrict attendance 
under subsection (a)(1), or suspend or terminate the 
availability of covered funds or covered support under 
subsection (a)(2), with respect to an otherwise eligible 
institution of higher education if--
(A) the institution has materially failed to comply 
with specific terms of a memorandum of understanding, 
contract, or other educational partnership agreement 
applicable to the eligible program;
(B) the restriction, suspension, or termination is 
required to address a specific, articulable national 
security risk;
(C) the restriction, suspension, or termination is 
required by a provision of Federal law or is undertaken 
upon mutual written agreement between the Department 
and the institution; or
(D) the institution has been convicted of, or has 
been the subject of a final civil judgment that the 
institution violated--
(i) the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 
2751 et seq.) or regulations issued thereunder;
(ii) the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 
(50 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.) or regulations issued 
thereunder;
(iii) the International Emergency Economic 
Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) or 
regulations issued thereunder; or
(iv) Section 1831 of title 18, United 
States Code (economic espionage).
(2) Least disruptive means; prospective application.--Any 
action under paragraph (1) shall be narrowly tailored and 
implemented using the least disruptive means practicable, 
including to the maximum extent practicable, applying such 
action prospectively and permitting enrolled students to finish 
their current course of study.
(d) Notice.--In the event that the Secretary believes that a ``for 
cause'' exception has been triggered under subsection (c), the 
Secretary shall provide for the following:
(1) Not later than 90 days before the proposed termination 
date, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the 
affected institution written notification, including--
(A) the proposed termination date; and
(B) the factual basis for suspension or termination 
under subsection (c).
(2) The Secretary shall provide an opportunity for the 
institution to appeal or dispute the findings and cure any 
material deficiencies in the written notification within 30 
days of receipt of such notification. If at any point the 
institution demonstrates that they have cured the issue, the 
Secretary shall re-evaluate the suspension or termination and 
determine whether the institution has addressed the material 
deficiencies.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Participation in Department of Defense 
education programs and activities by institutions of higher education 
shall be determined based on institution-agnostic eligibility 
requirements and objective criteria. Nothing in this section shall be 
construed--
(1) to permit the Secretary to disqualify an institution of 
higher education from participating in Department of Defense 
education or training programs or activities on the basis of--
(A) an institution of higher education's First 
Amendment rights or its protection of student free 
speech and association rights under section 112 of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1011a.); or
(B) an institution of higher education's religious 
character or affiliation;
(2) to require the Secretary of Defense to approve any 
individual request for covered funds or covered support where 
the member or the institution of higher education does not meet 
program-wide, institution-agnostic eligibility or selection 
requirements;
(3) to restrict the Secretary's ability to establish 
institution-agnostic program guidelines, eligibility criteria, 
or funding caps on covered support programs that are not 
otherwise inconsistent with this section;
(4) to limit the ability of the Secretary of Defense or the 
Secretaries of the military departments from entering into 
program agreements with eligible institutions of higher 
education to carry out educational programs authorized in law; 
or
(5) create an entitlement for servicemembers to refuse 
orders otherwise issued in the due course of normal detailing 
processes or for military necessity.
(f) Exclusion.--The prohibitions in subsection (a) do not apply to 
an institution of higher education that operates for profit.

SEC. 549C. GOVERNMENT COPYRIGHT FOR WORK PRODUCED AT DEFENSE SECURITY 
COOPERATION UNIVERSITY.

Section 105(d)(2) of title 17, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(P) Defense Security Cooperation University.''.

SEC. 549D. PROMOTING THE USE OF STANDARDIZED TESTING AT MILITARY 
SERVICE ACADEMIES AND DODEA SCHOOLS.

(a) Military Service Academies.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that each of the Service Academies (as that term is defined in 
section 347(d) of title 10, United States Code) may satisfy any 
standardized testing requirement through scores from any of not fewer 
than three nationally recognized standardized assessments that are 
designed to evaluate college readiness and that measure, at a minimum, 
mathematics, reading, grammar and writing, and analytical reasoning 
skills. Such assessments may also evaluate critical and logical 
reasoning, comprehension of literary, historical, or philosophical 
texts, and other indicators of postsecondary readiness as determined 
appropriate by the Secretary.
(b) DODEA Schools.--The Director of the Department of Defense 
Education Activity shall ensure that students enrolled in the eleventh 
grade are offered the opportunity to take not fewer than three 
standardized assessments described in subsection (a).

SEC. 549E. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-WIDE HATE SYMBOL POLICY AND RECRUITER 
AND WORKFORCE TRAINING REQUIREMENT.

(a) Department-wide Policy Required.--Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
issue a Department-wide policy applicable to members of the Armed 
Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense that--
(1) prohibits the display, possession for display, or use 
of hate symbols 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 tattoos, brands, insignia, 
patches, apparel, or electronic imagery;
(2) establishes uniform minimum standards for identifying 
and addressing prohibited hate symbols across all military 
departments and defense agencies;
(3) requires each military department and defense agency to 
revise its regulations and instructions to comply with such 
policy; and
(4) provides procedures for review, waiver where 
appropriate, removal, or remediation consistent with applicable 
law.
(b) Hate Symbol Defined.--
(1) In general.--In this section, the term ``hate 
symbol''--
(A) means any symbol, image, insignia, emblem, 
tattoo, sign, coded designation, or other visual 
representation that, in context, would reasonably be 
understood as expressing, advocating, endorsing, or 
promoting hatred, unlawful discrimination, violent 
extremism, or supremacy directed against a protected 
class or group; and
(B) does not include the good-faith display or use 
of symbols for legitimate religious, cultural, 
historical, educational, artistic, intelligence, law 
enforcement, or investigative purposes where the 
circumstances do not reasonably indicate support for 
extremist ideology or unlawful discrimination.
(2) Considered factors.--In determining whether a symbol 
constitutes a hate symbol under this section, the Secretary of 
Defense shall consider--
(A) the historical and cultural meaning of the 
symbol;
(B) the manner, context, and location in which the 
symbol is displayed;
(C) whether the symbol is associated with extremist 
organizations or ideologies;
(D) whether the display would reasonably be 
interpreted as communicating support for hatred, 
discrimination, or violent extremism; and
(E) applicable constitutional, statutory, and 
religious accommodation protections.
(c) Identification Guidance.--The Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) develop and maintain supplemental guidance and 
reference materials, in consultation with subject matter 
experts, to assist commanders, supervisors, human resources 
personnel, and investigators in identifying hate symbols; and
(2) not less than every three years, review and, if 
necessary, update such guidance and reference materials in 
consultation with civil rights experts and organizations with 
recognized expertise in hate and extremist symbols.
(d) Training Requirement.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
incorporate instruction on the hate symbol policy and identification 
guidance into existing training programs for--
(1) members of the Armed Forces; and
(2) civilian employees of the Department of Defense;
(e) Implementation and Oversight.--
(1) Certification.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, each military department and 
defense agency shall certify compliance with the requirements 
under this section.
(2) Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall brief 
the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee 
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives on the 
implementation of this provision.

Subtitle F--Military Family Readiness and Dependents' Education

PART I--DEPENDENTS' EDUCATION

SEC. 551. CERTAIN ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES THAT BENEFIT 
DEPENDENTS OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL.

(a) Continuation of Authority to Assist Local Educational Agencies 
That Benefit Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces and Department 
of Defense Civilian Employees.--
(1) Assistance to schools with significant numbers of 
military dependent students.--Of the amount authorized to be 
appropriated for fiscal year 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, 
$20,000,000 shall be available for use by the Secretary of 
Defense to make payments to local educational agencies 
determined by the Secretary to have higher concentrations of 
military children with severe disabilities.
(3) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2027, the 
Secretary shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives on the Department's 
evaluation of each local educational agency with higher 
concentrations of military children with severe disabilities 
and subsequent determination of the amounts of impact aid each 
such agency shall receive.

SEC. 552. EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGISTS AT DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION 
ACTIVITY SCHOOLS.

(a) In General.--The Director of the Department of Defense 
Education Activity shall ensure that each school district of such 
Activity has, at a minimum, one staff member dedicated to facilitating 
educational technology and related matters.
(b) Duties.--A staff member described in subsection (a) shall, at a 
minimum--
(1) ensure classroom technologies meet policy requirements 
and the needs of students and teachers;
(2) assist administrators, curriculum teams, instructional 
support specialists, and teachers in developing and modeling 
learning opportunities to make the best use of technology in 
the classroom;
(3) assist in the implementation of technology integration; 
and
(4) perform other duties related to educational technology 
as assigned.
(c) Briefing Required.--Not later than February 1, 2028, the 
Director shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and 
the House of Representatives on--
(1) the implementation of subsections (a) and (b); and
(2) any recommendations for changes to policy or statutes 
to ensure that the Department of Defense Education Activity has 
sufficient staff and resources to support the use of beneficial 
technology in classrooms.

PART II--CHILD CARE AND RELATED MATTERS

SEC. 555. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBLE CHILD CARE PROVIDERS FOR DEPARTMENT OF 
DEFENSE PROGRAMS.

(a) Removal of Prior Service Requirement.--Section 1798(b) of title 
10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking the semicolon and 
inserting ``; and'';
(2) by striking paragraph (2); and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
(b) National Service Volunteers.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may seek to enter 
into an interagency partnership with a Federal agency with the 
ability to place individuals described in paragraph (2) in 
military child development centers in accordance with national 
service laws and with all the benefits accorded to such 
individuals under those laws.
(2) Individuals described.--An individual described in this 
paragraph is a participant, including a volunteer or national 
senior volunteer, under the national service laws who is 
trained in education services and is in compliance with hiring 
requirements for military child development centers.
(3) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms 
``participant'' and ``national service laws'' have the meanings 
given those terms in section 101 of the National and Community 
Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511)).

SEC. 556. STANDARDIZED REPORTING ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CHILD CARE 
READINESS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall standardize the 
collection and reporting of data related to child care capacity, 
workforce readiness, and waitlists across the Armed Forces and military 
installations.
(b) Required Data Elements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall, at a minimum, require the collection and reporting of 
data with respect to the following:
(1) Child care capacity and utilization, disaggregated by 
branch of the Armed Forces and military installation.
(2) Child care workforce staffing levels, vacancies, 
turnover rates, and compensation ranges, disaggregated by 
branch of the Armed Forces and military installation.
(3) Child care waitlists, disaggregated by--
(A) children that are currently at home with a 
parent;
(B) children that are currently being cared for by 
family members, friends, neighbors, or nannies;
(C) children that are currently receiving care 
through--
(i) a military child development center (as 
defined in section 1800 of title 10, United 
States Code) other than the center for which 
the children are on the waitlist;
(ii) a military family child care program, 
including identification of whether the program 
is supported by subsidies provided by the 
Department of Defense under section 1796 of 
title 10, United States Code; or
(iii) community-based child care, including 
identification of whether such care is 
supported by financial assistance provided by 
the Department through the Military Child Care 
in Your Neighborhood program under section 1798 
of title 10, United States Code;
(D) families requiring child care during 
nontraditional hours; and
(E) children for whom sufficient information is not 
available to categorize care status, including as a 
result of incomplete or self-reported data.
(4) Demand for child care by age cohort, with specific 
identification of the demand for child care for children under 
age 5.
(5) Utilization and attrition data for fee assistance 
programs.
(6) Geographic areas with persistent unmet child care 
needs.
(c) Analysis of Waitlist Data.--The Secretary shall--
(1) analyze data on child care waitlists collected under 
subsection (b), including--
(A) the extent of duplicate entries across military 
installations or child care programs; and
(B) the proportion of waitlist entries that--
(i) reflect unmet need for child care; and
(ii) reflect unmet preference for specific 
child care programs; and
(2) take steps to resolve discrepancies in such data, 
including duplicate waitlist entries and inclusion of children 
on waitlists who are receiving care.
(d) Regulations.--The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as 
are necessary to carry out this section.
(e) Briefings Required.--
(1) Initial briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall brief 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives on--
(A) existing systems and reporting practices used 
to track data related to child care capacity, workforce 
readiness, and waitlists;
(B) the quality, completeness, and limitations of 
data available as of the date of the briefing;
(C) actions underway to standardize data collection 
and reporting across the Department of Defense; and
(D) a plan, including timelines, to improve 
standardization of data collection and reporting.
(2) Recurring briefings.--Not later than December 31, 2027, 
and annually thereafter for three years, the Secretary shall 
brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives on--
(A) data collected under subsection (b);
(B) trends in child care capacity, workforce 
readiness, and unmet demand, disaggregated by branch of 
the Armed Forces and geographic region;
(C) actions taken to address identified gaps in 
child care availability, including actions taken by 
each branch of the Armed Forces and in each geographic 
region; and
(D) any recommendations for legislative or 
administrative action to improve collection and 
reporting of data related to child care capacity, 
workforce readiness, and waitlists.

SEC. 557. UPDATE TO PAY SYSTEM FOR CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS OPERATED BY 
NONAPPROPRIATED FUND INSTRUMENTALITIES.

(a) In General.--Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of 
Defense shall issue or revise policy relating to the pay system for 
employees of child and youth programs operated by nonappropriated fund 
instrumentalities to implement the requirements of section 589A of the 
Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-59; 10 U.S.C. 
1792 note).
(b) Elements.--The policy required to be issued or revised under 
subsection (a) shall--
(1) incorporate a revised staffing model for child 
development programs that includes positions--
(A) to facilitate classroom operations and provide 
direct support to staff of child development programs; 
and
(B) to coordinate and support the needs of children 
with special needs and provide direct support to 
personnel working with such children;
(2) modify the pay band structure and compensation rates to 
improve recruitment and retention of employees of child and 
youth programs described in subsection (a); and
(3) provide for the implementation of the policy as soon as 
practicable, subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``nonappropriated fund instrumentality'' has the meaning given 
that term in section 2488 of title 10, United States Code.

PART III--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 561. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FOR MILITARY 
SPOUSES.

Subchapter I of chapter 88 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 1784a the following new section:
``Sec. 1784b. Department of Defense Fellowship Program for Military 
Spouses
``(a) Establishment.--Not later than April 1, 2028, the Secretary 
of Defense shall establish a fellowship program for military spouses, 
to be known as the `Department of Defense Military Spouse Fellowship 
Program' (in this section referred to as the `Program'), to enhance 
career opportunities for military spouses and to support the readiness 
of military families.
``(b) Fellowships.--
``(1) In general.--Under the Program, a component of the 
Department of Defense selected by the Secretary under 
subsection (c)(1) shall provide to fellowships to military 
spouses.
``(2) Term and conditions.--A fellowship under the 
Program--
``(A) shall be for a term of not less than 12 
months and not more than 24 months;
``(B) may be full time or part time, with a 
preference for full time; and
``(C) may be an in-person or remote position.
``(3) Compensation.--A fellow under the Program shall be 
compensated at a rate of pay under the General Schedule under 
section 5332 of title 5 appropriate to the role of the fellow.
``(c) Administration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall--
``(1) select components of the Department of Defense to 
participate in the Program based on strategic workforce 
planning and demonstrated need;
``(2) ensure that fellowships offered by components of the 
Department of Defense selected under paragraph (1) are 
available across a range of grade levels and provide for a wide 
array of career fields and experiences; and
``(3) ensure that the Program has the funding and other 
resources to provide for not less than 500 full-time equivalent 
fellowships each year.
``(d) Responsibilities of Participating Components.--
``(1) In general.--A component of the Department of Defense 
selected under subsection (c)(1) to participate in the Program 
shall be responsible for--
``(A) providing a meaningful fellowship experience 
to fellows in the component, including through the 
provision of professional development and mentorship 
opportunities;
``(B) documenting the performance of fellows during 
the terms of their fellowships; and
``(C) subject to paragraph (2), making every effort 
to identify permanent positions within the component to 
which a fellow may be non-competitively converted at 
the end of the term of the fellowship.
``(2) Conversion to permanent positions.--The conversion 
under paragraph (1)(C) of a fellowship under the Program to a 
permanent position shall be contingent upon the performance of 
the fellow, the availability of a permanent position, and the 
availability of funding.
``(e) Military Spouse Defined.--In this section, the term `military 
spouse' means any individual who is married (within the meaning of 
section 7703 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), as of the first 
date on which the individual is employed by a component of the 
Department of Defense under this section, to a member of the uniformed 
services serving on active duty.''.

SEC. 562. CONSIDERATION IN MEMBER ASSIGNMENTS PROCESS OF COLOCATION OF 
MEMBERS AND CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE SPOUSES.

(a) In General.--Not later than March 1, 2028, the Secretary of 
Defense shall require each of the Armed Forces to have in place a 
policy for achieving, as a secondary consideration during the process 
of assigning members to duty stations, colocation of covered couples.
(b) Elements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall--
(1) ensure that, in assigning a member of the Armed Forces 
who is part of a covered couple to a duty station--
(A) the primary considerations are the member's 
current qualifications and ability to fill a valid 
mission requirement; and
(B) colocation is a secondary consideration, to 
maximize the opportunities for continued employment of 
the civilian employee of the Department of Defense 
through all flexibilities available;
(2) ensure civilian personnel policies and processes of the 
Department are updated to facilitate colocation; and
(3) provide resources, training, and additional 
flexibilities where appropriate to the Armed Forces and human 
resources managers of the Department to facilitate retention of 
civilian employees of the Department during permanent change of 
station moves of members of the Armed Forces who are part of a 
covered couple.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Civilian employee of the department of defense.--The 
term ``civilian employee of the Department of Defense''--
(A) means an employee (as defined in section 2105 
of title 5, United States Code) of the Department of 
Defense;
(B) includes--
(i) a nonappropriated fund instrumentality 
employee (as defined in section 1587(a) of 
title 10, United States Code); and
(ii) a temporary employee of the 
Department; and
(C) does not include an employee of a contractor of 
the Department of Defense.
(2) Colocation.--The term ``colocation'', with respect to a 
covered couple, means assigning the member of the Armed Forces 
to a duty location in a manner that results in the retention of 
the civilian employee of the Department of Defense at the same 
pay grade and in the same job series within any component of 
the Department, whether through remote work, alternate work 
site arrangements, a reassignment, or an internal transfer.
(3) Covered couple.--The term ``covered couple'' means a 
couple in which a member of the Armed Forces serving on active 
duty and a civilian employee of the Department of Defense are 
married to each other.

SEC. 563. REVIEW OF EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Not later than April 1, 2027, the Secretary of 
Defense shall initiate a review of how the Exceptional Family Member 
Program (in this section referred to as the ``Program'') affects 
assignment decisions, continuity of care, access to medical, behavioral 
health, and educational services, and retention and career progression 
of members across the Armed Forces.
(b) Elements.--The review required by subsection (a) shall--
(1) identify military installations where families with an 
individual in the Program face unavailable, limited, or 
difficult-to-access services;
(2) assess whether current assignment screening and 
coordination processes under the Program--
(A) are effectively ensuring that such families are 
assigned to locations where needed services are 
reasonably available; and
(B) adequately evaluate the availability, 
timeliness, and continuity of educational services and 
related supports required under an existing 
individualized education program, individualized family 
service plan, or other applicable educational 
accommodation for an individual in the Program, 
including whether families experience significant 
delays, gaps, or barriers in obtaining comparable 
services after relocation;
(3) evaluate the impact of enrollment of a family member in 
the Program on assignment opportunities, assignment stability, 
and readiness of members of the Armed Forces; and
(4) identify best practices across the military departments 
for improving continuity of care and assignment stability for 
families with an individual in the Program.
(c) Report Required.--Not later than April 30, 2028, the Secretary 
of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the results of the 
review that includes a corrective action plan describing steps--
(1) to improve assignment screening for families with an 
individual in the Program;
(2) to increase transparency regarding the availability of 
services at military installations;
(3) to improve how the Department of Defense assesses the 
availability of educational services at assignment locations 
and reduces disruptions in implementation of such services 
following a permanent change of station;
(4) to improve coordination among military treatment 
facilities, the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072 of 
title 10, United States Code), and civilian services providers; 
and
(5) to strengthen relocation support for families with an 
individual in the Program while moving between duty stations.

SEC. 564. IMPROVED COUNSELING AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION RELATING TO 
FOSTER CARE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES.

(a) Training for Counselors.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall require all 
counselors assigned to a Family Advocacy Program or Military 
and Family Life program at a military installation in the 
United States to be trained in the requirements and resources 
relating to foster care of the State in which the installation 
is located.
(2) Foster care liaisons.--A counselor who has received 
training under paragraph (1) shall be known as a ``foster care 
liaison''.
(b) Inclusion of Foster Care Information on Military OneSource.--
The Secretary shall require Military OneSource to include a mechanism 
for military families to obtain information on foster care, including 
the requirements and resources relating to foster care of each State.
(c) Collaboration With Administration for Children and Families.--
The Secretary may consult with the Administration for Children and 
Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to obtain 
resources relating to foster care for military families, including 
curricula for training under subsection (a).

SEC. 565. REPORTING ON GAPS BETWEEN SENIOR AND JUNIOR ENLISTED SECURITY 
FORCES THAT COULD HINDER EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT AND 
LEADERSHIP AT PROTECTION LEVEL ONE LOCATIONS.

Section 585 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 1759) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``through 2027'' and 
inserting ``through 2032''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph 
(10); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following 
new paragraph:
``(9) A description of gaps between senior and junior 
enlisted security forces personnel that could hinder effective 
oversight and leadership at each PL-1 location and actions 
needed to remedy such gaps.''.

Subtitle G--Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps

SEC. 571. UPDATE OF GUIDANCE AND EVALUATION OF JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' 
TRAINING CORPS INSTRUCTOR PAY SCALE.

(a) Update of Guidance.--Not later than January 1, 2027, the 
Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries concerned 
shall update Department of Defense issuances governing the Junior 
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program, including the 
applicable Department of Defense Instruction, to--
(1) reflect current statutory requirements relating to the 
minimum number of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps 
units, including any increases enacted in recent National 
Defense Authorization Acts, and the plan of the Secretary to 
achieve and sustain such minimums;
(2) an evaluation plan to assess the effects of the JROTC 
Standardized Instructor Pay Scale, or any successor pay system, 
on recruitment and retention of JROTC instructors, including 
the implementation and utilization of the temporary authority 
to provide bonuses to such instructors under section 546 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public 
Law 119-60; 10 U.S.C. 2031 note); and
(3) standardized metrics for measuring JROTC instructor 
recruiting outcomes and retention rates across the military 
services.
(b) Required Metrics.--The evaluation plan required under 
subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, metrics relating to--
(1) instructor vacancy rates and time-to-hire;
(2) retention rates and length of service;
(3) geographic variation in recruiting and retention 
outcomes, including high-cost-of-living areas, rural, urban, 
and geographically isolated locations;
(4) comparisons between outcomes under the legacy pay 
system and the JSIPS;
(5) the identification of recruiting efforts used to 
attract instructor applicants, including data on how applicants 
learned about available instructor positions;
(6) the number of applicants who begin, complete, or 
withdraw from the instructor hiring process, including the 
interview and background investigation stages;
(7) the number of applicants who accept or decline 
instructor position offers, including to the extent 
practicable, information on the reasons offers were declined;
(8) the number, amount, and distribution of bonuses 
provided to JROTC instructors under section 546 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-
60; 10 U.S.C. 2031 note), disaggregated by military department, 
geographic location, and instructor type, as well as any 
identified barriers to use of the authority; and
(9) any other matters the Secretary determines appropriate.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the issuance 
of the updated guidance under subsection (a), and annually thereafter 
for two years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a 
report that includes--
(1) a description of the updated guidance and 
implementation status;
(2) baseline data and metrics collected using the metrics 
developed under subsection (a);
(3) an assessment of the effects of the pay scale on 
recruitment and retention;
(4) an assessment of the effectiveness of the bonus 
authority authorized by section 546 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 10 
U.S.C. 2031 note) in improving recruitment and retention of 
JROTC instructors, including whether such authority should be 
modified, extended, or made permanent; and
(5) any recommendations for legislative or administrative 
action.

SEC. 572. JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS PROGRAMS IN 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY SCHOOLS.

(a) Requirement.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, by 
not later than October 1, 2027, each secondary school operated by the 
Department of Defense Education Activity that meets the eligibility 
requirements for establishment and maintenance of a Junior Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps unit under section 2031 of title 10, United 
States Code, establishes and maintains such a unit.
(b) Sustainable Enrollment Threshold.--The Secretary may waive the 
requirement under subsection (a) with respect to a school described in 
that subsection if the Secretary determines that the school will not be 
able to meet a threshold for enrollment in a Junior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps unit sufficient to sustain the viability of the unit 
over time.

Subtitle H--Decorations and Other Awards, Miscellaneous Reports, and 
Other Matters

SEC. 581. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE CROSS TO 
ISAAC ``IKE'' CAMACHO FOR ACTS OF VALOR IN VIETNAM.

Section 592 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 139 Stat. 899) is amended by striking 
``posthumous'' in the section heading.

SEC. 582. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE CROSS 
FOR JOSEPH P. LYNCH FOR ACTS OF VALOR IN THE REPUBLIC OF 
VIETNAM.

(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 the Republic of 
Vietnam described in subsection (b).
(b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor referred to in 
subsection (a) are the actions of Joseph P. Lynch on April 17, 1968, 
during a combat mission near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam for which he 
was previously awarded the Silver Star.

SEC. 583. SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS OF INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION OF 
CERTAIN MILITARY AWARDS.

(a) Army.--Section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) A time limitation under this section may not be waived unless 
the Secretary of the Army first submits to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and House of Representatives the unredacted 
package of information considered by the Secretary, including all 
relevant information relating to any reconsideration of an award.''.
(b) Navy.--Section 8298 of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) A time limitation under this section may not be waived unless 
the Secretary of the Navy first submits to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and House of Representatives the unredacted 
package of information considered by the Secretary, including all 
relevant information relating to any reconsideration of an award.''.
(c) Air Force.--Section 9274 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) A time limitation under this section may not be waived unless 
the Secretary of the Air Force first submits to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and House of Representatives the unredacted 
package of information considered by the Secretary, including all 
relevant information relating to any reconsideration of an award.''.

SEC. 584. MEDAL OF HONOR REVIEW PROCEDURES AND RECONSIDERATION AND 
UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Army.--Chapter 737 of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting after section 7274 the following new section:
``Sec. 7274a. Medal of Honor: review procedures; reconsideration and 
upgrade requirements
``(a) Review Responsibilities.--(1) The Secretary of the Army is 
responsible for establishing and maintaining procedures for the review 
of Medal of Honor recommendations submitted pursuant to this chapter, 
including recommendations submitted within statutory time limits under 
section 7274(b) of this title, recommendations lost or not acted upon 
due to inadvertence under section 7274(c) of this title, and 
recommendations submitted pursuant to section 1130 of this title upon 
request of a Member of Congress.
``(2) Each Medal of Honor recommendation forwarded by the Secretary 
of the Army to the Secretary of Defense shall--
``(A) include the recommendation of an independent board of 
review convened specifically to consider the award of the 
proposed Medal of Honor;
``(B) contain the recommendation of the Secretary of the 
Army;
``(C) include the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of 
the Army; and
``(D) contain incontestable proof that the member 
distinguished himself or herself in accordance with the 
requirements of section 7271 of this title.
``(3) Upon receipt of a Medal of Honor recommendation, the 
Secretary of Defense shall--
``(A) obtain the advisory recommendation of the Chairman of 
the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the merits of the nomination; and
``(B) for nominations submitted within the time limits 
prescribed by section 7274(b) of this title, or for actions 
arising from ongoing combat or military operations, obtain 
through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the advisory 
recommendation of the applicable combatant commander.
``(4) The Secretary of Defense shall include the Secretary's 
recommendation to the President for any Medal of Honor recommendation 
determined to satisfy the criteria in section 7271 of this title.
``(b)Standards for Reconsideration and Upgrade.--(1) 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, reconsideration of 
a previously reviewed Medal of Honor nomination, or upgrade of a 
previously approved award to the Medal of Honor, may be initiated only 
upon a showing of--
``(A) new, substantive, and material evidence that was not 
available at the time of the original recommendation and that 
was not previously considered by the awarding authority; or
``(B) material error or impropriety in the processing or 
adjudication of the original recommendation, including loss of 
substantiating documents or witness statements during original 
routing, clearly incorrect application of official policy, or 
substantiated discrimination based on race, sex, or religion, 
provided that any such conclusion is supported by a 
preponderance of the evidence.
``(2) Information that adds detail to facts already presented in 
the original recommendation, but is not new, substantive, or material, 
does not satisfy the requirement under paragraph (1)(A) for new, 
substantive, and material evidence.
``(3) Authority to determine whether the requirements of paragraph 
(1) have been satisfied is as follows:
``(A) The Secretary of Defense shall determine whether 
material error or impropriety existed in any prior award case 
adjudicated within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. This 
authority may not be delegated.
``(B) The Secretary of the Army shall determine whether 
material error or impropriety existed in any case previously 
adjudicated within the Department of the Army. This authority 
may not be delegated.
``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the President to award the Medal of 
Honor pursuant to section 7271 of this title or to modify the time 
limitations established in section 7274 of this title except as 
provided herein.''.
(b) Navy and Marine Corps.--Chapter 837 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting after section 8298 the following new 
section:
``Sec. 8299. Medal of Honor: review procedures; reconsideration and 
upgrade requirements
``(a) Review Responsibilities.--(1) The Secretary of the Navy is 
responsible for establishing and maintaining procedures for the review 
of Medal of Honor recommendations submitted pursuant to this chapter, 
including recommendations submitted within statutory time limits under 
section 8298 (a) of this title, recommendations lost or not acted upon 
due to inadvertence under section 8298(b) of this title, and 
recommendations submitted pursuant to section 1130 of this title upon 
request of a Member of Congress.
``(2) Each Medal of Honor recommendation forwarded by the Secretary 
of the Navy to the Secretary of Defense shall--
``(A) include the recommendation of an independent board of 
review convened specifically to consider the award of the 
proposed Medal of Honor;
``(B) contain the recommendation of the Secretary of the 
Navy;
``(C) include the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of 
the Navy; and
``(D) contain incontestable proof that the member 
distinguished himself or herself in accordance with the 
requirements of section 8291 of this title.
``(3) Upon receipt of a Medal of Honor recommendation, the 
Secretary of Defense shall--
``(A) obtain the advisory recommendation of the Chairman of 
the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the merits of the nomination; and
``(B) for nominations submitted within the time limits 
prescribed by section 8298(a) of this title, or for actions 
arising from ongoing combat or military operations, obtain 
through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the advisory 
recommendation of the applicable combatant commander.
``(4) The Secretary of Defense shall include the Secretary's 
recommendation to the President for any Medal of Honor recommendation 
determined to satisfy the criteria in section 8291 of this title.
``(b)Standards for Reconsideration and Upgrade.--(1) 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, reconsideration of 
a previously reviewed Medal of Honor nomination, or upgrade of a 
previously approved award to the Medal of Honor, may be initiated only 
upon a showing of--
``(A) new, substantive, and material evidence that was not 
available at the time of the original recommendation and that 
was not previously considered by the awarding authority; or
``(B) material error or impropriety in the processing or 
adjudication of the original recommendation, including loss of 
substantiating documents or witness statements during original 
routing, clearly incorrect application of official policy, or 
substantiated discrimination based on race, sex, or religion, 
provided that any such conclusion is supported by a 
preponderance of the evidence.
``(2) Information that adds detail to facts already presented in 
the original recommendation, but is not new, substantive, or material, 
does not satisfy the requirement under paragraph (1)(A) for new, 
substantive, and material evidence.
``(3) Authority to determine whether the requirements of paragraph 
(1) have been satisfied is as follows:
``(A) The Secretary of Defense shall determine whether 
material error or impropriety existed in any prior award case 
adjudicated within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. This 
authority may not be delegated.
``(B) The Secretary of the Navy shall determine whether 
material error or impropriety existed in any case previously 
adjudicated within the Department of the Navy. This authority 
may not be delegated.
``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the President to award the Medal of 
Honor pursuant to section 8291 of this title or to modify the time 
limitations established in section 8298 of this title except as 
provided herein.''.
(c) Air Force.--Chapter 937 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 9274 the following new section:
``Sec. 9274a. Medal of Honor: review procedures; reconsideration and 
upgrade requirements
``(a) Review Responsibilities.--(1) The Secretary of the Air Force 
is responsible for establishing and maintaining procedures for the 
review of Medal of Honor recommendations submitted pursuant to this 
chapter, including recommendations submitted within statutory time 
limits under section 9274(b) of this title, recommendations lost or not 
acted upon due to inadvertence under section 9274(c) of this title, and 
recommendations submitted pursuant to section 1130 of this title upon 
request of a Member of Congress.
``(2) Each Medal of Honor recommendation forwarded by the Secretary 
of the Air Force to the Secretary of Defense shall--
``(A) include the recommendation of an independent board of 
review convened specifically to consider the award of the 
proposed Medal of Honor;
``(B) contain the recommendation of the Secretary of the 
Air Force;
``(C) include the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of 
the Air Force; and
``(D) contain incontestable proof that the member 
distinguished himself or herself in accordance with the 
requirements of section 9271 of this title.
``(3) Upon receipt of a Medal of Honor recommendation, the 
Secretary of Defense shall--
``(A) obtain the advisory recommendation of the Chairman of 
the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the merits of the nomination; and
``(B) for nominations submitted within the time limits 
prescribed by section 9274(b) of this title, or for actions 
arising from ongoing combat or military operations, obtain 
through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the advisory 
recommendation of the applicable combatant commander.
``(4) The Secretary of Defense shall include the Secretary's 
recommendation to the President for any Medal of Honor recommendation 
determined to satisfy the criteria in section 9271 of this title.
``(b)Standards for Reconsideration and Upgrade.--(1) 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, reconsideration of 
a previously reviewed Medal of Honor nomination, or upgrade of a 
previously approved award to the Medal of Honor, may be initiated only 
upon a showing of--
``(A) new, substantive, and material evidence that was not 
available at the time of the original recommendation and that 
was not previously considered by the awarding authority; or
``(B) material error or impropriety in the processing or 
adjudication of the original recommendation, including loss of 
substantiating documents or witness statements during original 
routing, clearly incorrect application of official policy, or 
substantiated discrimination based on race, sex, or religion, 
provided that any such conclusion is supported by a 
preponderance of the evidence.
``(2) Information that adds detail to facts already presented in 
the original recommendation, but is not new, substantive, or material, 
does not satisfy the requirement under paragraph (1)(A) for new, 
substantive, and material evidence.
``(3) Authority to determine whether the requirements of paragraph 
(1) have been satisfied is as follows:
``(A) The Secretary of Defense shall determine whether 
material error or impropriety existed in any prior award case 
adjudicated within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. This 
authority may not be delegated.
``(B) The Secretary of the Air Force shall determine 
whether material error or impropriety existed in any case 
previously adjudicated within the Department of the Air Force. 
This authority may not be delegated.
``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the President to award the Medal of 
Honor pursuant to section 9271 of this title or to modify the time 
limitations established in section 9274 of this title except as 
provided herein.''.

SEC. 585. TIME LIMITATIONS.

(a) Consideration of Proposals for Decorations Not Previously 
Submitted in Timely Fashion.--Section 1130 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (f); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
subsections:
``(d) Proposals to be considered under this section must originate 
before the military service concerned operationalized a standardized, 
online, awards review process.
``(e)(1) An exception to the time limitations under this section 
shall be granted for a member or former member of the armed forces 
whose recommendation for a decoration could not be processed due to the 
classification of the details of the act, achievement, or service. In 
such cases, a recommendation for a decoration may be considered if it 
is submitted within three years of the date the information providing 
the necessary evidence is declassified.
``(2) For purposes of the exception under paragraph (1), the term 
'declassification' includes--
``(A) information released through the automatic 
declassification mechanisms established under Executive Order 
13526 (or any successor order), including the 10-year, 25-year, 
50-year, or 75-year automatic declassification timelines; and
``(B) information released through a Mandatory 
Declassification Review (MDR) or a request under section 552 of 
title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the `Freedom of 
Information Act').''.
(b) Review Determinations Regarding Certain Decorations.--Section 
1552 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (j); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (j).

SEC. 586. PRODUCTION OF AWARD FILES.

(a) Production of Files.--Not later than March 1, 2027, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the Senate and the House of Representatives the following 
information on all decorations awarded under the authorities of 
sections 7271, 7272, 7279, 8291, 8292, 8295, 9271, 9272, and 9279 of 
title 10, United States Code, between the January 1, 2025 and December 
31, 2026:
(1) Unredacted copies of all supporting documentation, 
material matters, and information considered by boards of 
review, the chain of command, and any party employed by the 
Department of Defense, including the Secretary of Defense, who 
evaluated the merits of, offered a recommendation about, or 
approved the decorations.
(2) Unredacted copies of all recommendations made by boards 
of review, the chain of command, and any party employed by the 
Department of Defense, including the Secretary of Defense, 
pertaining to the awarding of the decorations.
(3) For those decorations approved by the Secretary of 
Defense or the Secretaries of the military departments, a 
written justification of the basis for awarding such 
decoration.
(4) A description of the legal authority under which each 
of the decorations was awarded.
(b) Briefing.--Not later than March 1, 2027, the Secretary of 
Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives a briefing on each of the decorations 
awarded in (a) and whether any legal discrepancies or errors exist in 
the awarding of such decorations, along with a legislative proposal to 
correct any errors so identified.
(c) Prohibition on Use of Funds.--Of the funds authorized to be 
appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 
2027 for operation and maintenance, defense wide, and available for the 
Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel expenses, not more than 
90 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense 
has submitted all documentation for each award specified under 
subsection (a) to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and 
the House of Representatives.

TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS

Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances

SEC. 601. MODIFICATION OF REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES RELATING TO TRAVEL 
FOR INACTIVE-DUTY TRAINING AND MUSTER DUTY.

(a) In General.--Section 452(j)(1) of title 37, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``more than 50 miles'' and inserting ``to a 
permanent duty assignment location requiring one-way travel of more 
than 100 miles''.
(b) Effective Date.--Section 452(j) of title 37, United States 
Code, as amended by subsection (a), shall apply to travel on or after 
January 1, 2028.
(c) Conforming Repeal.--Section 623 of the Servicemember Quality of 
Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 1933) is amended by striking 
subsections (b) and (c).
(d) Report Required.--Not later than September 30, 2027, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report containing the following elements:
(1) The estimated marginal cost of implementation of 
subsection (j) of section 452 of title 37, United States Code, 
as amended by subsection (a), to the Department of Defense, 
and, for members of the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland 
Security, disaggregated by reserve component.
(2) The estimated total number of members of the Armed 
Forces who would be affected by implementation of such 
subsection (j).
(3) Any recommended change to such subsection in order to 
improve efficacy or implementation.
(4) Any other matter that the Secretary determines 
appropriate.

SEC. 602. FISCAL YEAR 2027 INCREASE IN MILITARY BASIC PAY.

(a) Waiver of Section 1009 Adjustment.--The adjustment to become 
effective during fiscal year 2027 required by section 1009 of title 37, 
United States Code, in the rates of monthly basic pay authorized 
members of the uniformed services shall not be made.
(b) Increase in Basic Pay.--Effective on January 1, 2027, the rates 
of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed services are 
increased by 3.6 percent.

SEC. 603. REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS OF LONG COMMUTES FOR MEMBERS ASSIGNED 
TO REMOTE OR ISOLATED INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WITHOUT 
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Section 453 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
``(j) Reimbursement of Costs of Long Commutes for Members Assigned 
to Remote or Isolated Installations in Areas Without Affordable 
Housing.--(1) The Secretary concerned may reimburse a member of the 
armed forces described in paragraph (2) for the costs described in 
paragraph (3).
``(2) A member is described in this paragraph if--
``(A) the duty station of the member is a remote or 
isolated installation (as defined in section 4705 of title 10);
``(B) the member lives more than 30 miles, or has a commute 
of longer than one hour, from the member's residence to the 
member's duty station; and
``(C) the member is unable to live closer to that duty 
station because of a lack of affordable housing and essential 
services near the duty station.
``(3) The costs described in this paragraph are--
``(A)(i) the average cost of fuel for the distance the 
member travels from the member's residence to the member's duty 
location; and
``(ii) a percentage, to be determined by the Secretary of 
Defense, of costs associated with maintenance and wear-and-tear 
on the vehicle of the member as a result of commuting; or
``(B) if available, the cost of taking public 
transportation from the member's residence to the member's duty 
location.
``(4) The Secretary of Defense shall establish guidelines for 
administering this subsection, including guidelines with respect to--
``(A) how a member can apply for reimbursement under this 
subsection; and
``(B) verification of--
``(i) the distance a member travels from the 
member's residence to the member's duty location, which 
may be accomplished through a combination of housing 
records and tools for measuring distance using the 
Global Positioning System; and
``(ii) the lack of affordable housing and essential 
services near the member's duty station.''.

Subtitle B--Special and Incentive Pay

SEC. 611. 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. 612. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF AVIATION BONUS.

Section 334(c)(1)(B) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``$50,000'' and inserting ``$60,000''.

SEC. 613. AUTHORIZATION OF BOARD CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE PAY FOR 
VETERINARY COMPARATIVE MEDICINE OFFICERS.

Section 335(c)(2) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``or holds a comparable qualifying Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 
degree, as determined by the Secretary concerned,'' after ``is board 
certified''.

SEC. 614. MODIFICATION OF BONUS AUTHORITY FOR SENIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' 
TRAINING CORPS CADETS AND MIDSHIPMEN.

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. 615. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF HOSTILE FIRE PAY AND IMMINENT 
DANGER PAY.

Section 351(b) of title 37, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$450'' and inserting 
``$600''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$275'' and inserting 
``$400''.

SEC. 616. MEDICAL PROVIDERS QUALIFIED TO RECERTIFY CATASTROPHIC 
INJURIES OR ILLNESSES QUALIFYING MEMBERS FOR SPECIAL 
COMPENSATION.

Section 439(b) of title 37, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``has been certified'' 
and inserting ``was initially certified'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
(4) and (5), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
paragraph (3):
``(3) has been recertified (if required), by a licensed 
physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, as in 
need of such assistance;''.

Subtitle C--Commissary and Exchange Benefits

SEC. 621. AUTHORIZED PATRONS OF COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE STORES.

(a) In General.--Chapter 54 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 1061 through 1066 as sections 
1062 through 1067, respectively; and
(2) by inserting before section 1062, as so redesignated, 
the following new section:
``Sec. 1061. Authorized patrons of commissary and exchange stores
``(a) Authorized Commissary Patrons.--
``(1) In general.--The following categories of individuals 
may access commissary stores:
``(A) Members of the uniformed services, as 
follows:
``(i) Members of the armed forces on active 
duty.
``(ii) Members of the National Guard and 
reserve components in any duty status under 
this title or title 32.
``(iii) Members of the commissioned corps 
of the Public Health Service.
``(iv) Members of the commissioned officer 
corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, including wage-marine personnel 
authorized under section 264 of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 
U.S.C. 3074) to access commissary stores.
``(v) Cadets and midshipmen of the United 
States Military Academy, the United States 
Naval Academy, the United States Air Force 
Academy, and the United States Coast Guard 
Academy.
``(B) Retired members of the uniformed services, as 
follows:
``(i) All members carried on the official 
retired lists of the uniformed services who are 
entitled to or eligible for retired or retainer 
pay.
``(ii) Retired wage-marine personnel of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
and its predecessor services.
``(iii) Retired officers and crews of the 
former Lighthouse Service.
``(C) Other former members of the uniformed 
services, as follows:
``(i) Veterans--
``(I) discharged or released from 
service in the armed forces under 
honorable conditions; and
``(II) who are hospitalized in 
facilities where commissary stores are 
available.
``(ii) Any other retired or former members 
or veterans expressly entitled under this title 
to access commissary stores.
``(D) Dependents (as defined in section 1072 of 
this title) of any individual described in subparagraph 
(A), (B), or (C), including surviving spouses and 
dependents of members or veterans described in 
subparagraph (B) or (C).
``(E) Civilian employees of the Department of 
Defense and nonappropriated fund instrumentality 
employees (as defined in section 1587(a) of this title) 
who are--
``(i) are assigned to a military 
installation--
``(I) outside the United States; or
``(II) in a commonwealth, 
territory, or possession of the United 
States; or
``(ii) are designated by the Secretary 
concerned as serving in a mission-critical 
occupation or a position experiencing a 
significant staffing shortage.
``(F) Subject to paragraph (3)(D), civilian 
employees of other Federal agencies when serving 
outside the United States, or in a commonwealth, 
territory, or possession of the United States, pursuant 
to a written support agreement authorized under section 
2470 of this title or other formal interagency 
agreement with the Department of Defense.
``(G) Subject to paragraph (3)(D), employees of 
United States nongovernmental organizations or firms 
working outside the United States, or in a 
commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United 
States, under contracts with the Department of Defense.
``(H) Civil service mariners of the Military 
Sealift Command and the Army Corps of Engineers.
``(I) Nuclear materials couriers (as defined in 
section 8331 of title 5).
``(2) Limited and temporary access categories.--In addition 
to the categories of individuals described in paragraph (1), 
the Secretary of Defense may authorize access to commissary 
stores for the following categories of individuals in the 
following circumstances:
``(A) Employees of the Defense Commissary Agency 
assigned to commissary stores within the United States, 
for personal, on-premise consumption during meals and 
authorized breaks within scheduled working hours.
``(B) Civilian officials of the Department of 
Defense appointed by the President who reside in 
Government quarters on military installations and 
family members of such officials who reside with such 
officials.
``(C) Officers and enlisted personnel of the 
military services of foreign countries when on duty 
with the United States armed forces or under reciprocal 
agreements.
``(D) Representatives and employees of the American 
National Red Cross, United Service Organizations, the 
United Seamen's Service, the Armed Services Young Men's 
Christian Association, and the Fisher House Foundation 
when assigned to duty with or in direct support of the 
armed forces--
``(i) outside the United States; or
``(ii) in a commonwealth, territory, or 
possession of the United States.
``(E) Personal agents designated in writing by the 
commander of a military installation to shop on behalf 
of individuals who are authorized to access commissary 
stores under this subsection.
``(F) Individuals or employees of entities granted 
temporary access, when such access is necessary to 
restore or sustain military operations, during--
``(i) federally declared disasters (as 
defined in section 1065 of this title); or
``(ii) humanitarian relief or other 
emergency operations.
``(G) Members of the armed forces who are 
involuntarily separated as a result of force reshaping 
during the two-year period following such separation.
``(H) Members of the armed forces who receive sole 
survivorship discharges described in section 1174(i) of 
this title during the two-year period following such 
separation.
``(3) Administration.--
``(A) Duration.--An individual is authorized to 
access commissary stores under this subsection for only 
so long as the qualifying status, employment, or 
assignment of the individual remains applicable or as 
otherwise provided by statute.
``(B) Exception.--This subsection does not 
authorize access to commissary stores in foreign 
countries where treaties or international agreements 
prohibit such access.
``(C) Limitations.--The authority under this 
subsection--
``(i) may not be used to establish a broad 
or permanent category of individuals authorized 
to access commissary stores other than a 
category specifically authorized by this 
subsection; and
``(ii) shall be implemented in a manner 
that ensures no additional funds are required 
to be appropriated.
``(D) Offsetting of costs of access for certain 
individuals.--In the case of an individual described in 
subparagraph (F) or (G) of paragraph (1), the Secretary 
of Defense may impose a fee or surcharge, or use 
another mechanism, as necessary to offset the 
administrative costs of providing the individual access 
to commissary stores.
``(E) Prohibition on expansion of access without 
approval of congress.--Except as expressly authorized 
by an Act of Congress, the Secretary of Defense, and 
any other official or employee of the Department of 
Defense, may not expand eligibility for access to 
commissary stores to any additional individual or 
category of individuals by regulation, policy, 
memorandum, or other administrative action.
``(b) Authorized Exchange System Patrons.--
``(1) In general.--The categories of individuals authorized 
to access commissary stores under subsection (a) are also 
authorized to access the military exchange system operated by 
the Department of Defense, including the Army and Air Force 
Exchange Service, the Navy Exchange Service Command, and the 
Marine Corps Exchange.
``(2) Other authorized patrons.--
``(A) Civilian employees; nuclear materials 
couriers.--Civilian employees of the Department of 
Defense and nonappropriated fund instrumentality 
employees (as defined in section 1587(a) of this 
title), and nuclear materials couriers (as defined in 
section 8331 of title 5), are authorized to access 
military exchange stores located in the United States 
and in the commonwealths, territories, or possessions 
of the United States, including for the purchase of 
tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
``(B) Veterans.--Veterans discharged or released 
from service in the armed forces under honorable 
conditions are authorized to access the online military 
exchange system, consistent with the policy of the 
Department of Defense in effect before the date of the 
enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2027 governing remote sales of the military 
exchange system.
``(C) Limitations.--Access to the military exchange 
system authorized under this paragraph does not--
``(i) include authorization to purchase 
military uniforms; or
``(ii) extend to any other programs, 
facilities, or services operated by 
nonappropriated fund activities of the 
Department of Defense for the morale, welfare, 
and recreation of members of the armed forces.
``(3) Duration.--An individual is authorized to access the 
military exchange system under this subsection for only so long 
as the qualifying status, employment, or assignment of the 
individual remains applicable or as otherwise provided by 
statute.
``(4) Prohibition on expansion of access without approval 
of congress.--Except as provided by paragraph (2)(C) or as 
expressly authorized by an Act of Congress, the Secretary of 
Defense, and any other officer or employee of the Department of 
Defense, may not expand eligibility for access to the military 
exchange system to any additional individual, or category of 
individuals by regulation, policy, memorandum, or other 
administrative action.
``(c) Temporary Authorizations.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may authorize 
temporary access to commissary stores and the military exchange 
system for a period of not more than one year for categories of 
individuals not covered by subsection (a) or (b) if--
``(A) those individuals are otherwise authorized to 
access military installations; and
``(B) the Secretary--
``(i) notifies the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives of the authorization; and
``(ii) includes in that notification a 
description of the categories of individuals 
authorized to access the military exchange 
system and the rationale for authorizing such 
access.
``(2) Renewals.--The Secretary is authorized to renew an 
authorization for temporary access provided under paragraph (1) 
for additional periods of not more than one year each if, for 
each renewal, the Secretary submits the notification required 
by paragraph (1)(B) not fewer than 60 days before the effective 
date of the renewal.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 54 of title 10, United States 
Code, as amended by subsection (a), is further amended--
(1) in section 1063(c), by striking ``section 1063'' and 
inserting ``section 1064'';
(2) in section 1065(c)(2), by striking ``section 1063(e)'' 
and inserting ``section 1064'';
(3) in section 1066(h)(1)(A), by striking ``section 
1063(e)'' and inserting ``section 1064''; and
(4) in section 1067(c)(1), by striking ``section 1063'' and 
inserting ``section 1064''.

SEC. 622. MODIFICATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES OF COMMISSARY STORES.

Section 2483 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following 
new paragraph:
``(8) Construction, repair, improvement, and maintenance of 
physical infrastructure (as defined in section 2484(h)(1)(B) of 
this title).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Limitations Relating to Military Construction.--Amounts used 
for construction under subsection (b)(8) shall be subject to the 
requirements and limitations under section 2805 of this title.''.

SEC. 623. PILOT PROGRAM ON ACCESS OF CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES TO COMMISSARY 
STORES.

(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot 
program to assess the feasibility of, demand for, and financial impact 
of extending access to commissary stores to civilian employees of the 
Department of Defense while maintaining the benefit of such access for 
members and retired members of the Armed Forces and their families.
(b) Eligible Employees.--Under the pilot program authorized by 
subsection (a), the Secretary may provide access to a commissary store 
selected for participation in the pilot program under subsection (c) to 
full-time civilian employees of the Department of Defense and 
nonappropriated fund instrumentality employees (as defined in section 
1587(a) of this title) who are assigned to a location within the 
vicinity of the military installation where the store is located.
(c) Selection of Stores.--The Secretary--
(1) may select up to 16 commissary stores within the 
continental United States to participate in the pilot program 
authorized by subsection (a); and
(2) in making selections under paragraph (1), shall ensure 
representation of diverse geographic regions and types of 
military installations.
(d) Fees.--The Secretary may impose a fee or surcharge, or use 
another mechanism--
(1) to offset the administrative costs of providing access 
to commissary stores to employees described in subsection (b); 
and
(2) to ensure that no additional amounts are required to be 
appropriated to carry out the pilot program authorized by 
subsection (a).
(e) Duration.--The Secretary may determine the duration of the 
pilot program authorized by subsection (a), except that the pilot 
program shall terminate not later than January 1, 2028.
(f) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the termination 
under subsection (e) of the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report evaluating--
(1) the number and categories of employees described in 
subsection (b) participating in the pilot program, including 
participation rates by military installation, grade, and 
employment type;
(2) the total volume of sales and patronage levels 
generated by those employees and the proportion of total 
commissary sales represented by the patronage of those 
employees;
(3) the gross and net revenue generated from sales to those 
employees;
(4) the disposition or use of any additional revenues, 
fees, or surcharges collected under the pilot program;
(5) the impact of the pilot program on the overall 
operating costs of commissary stores, including with respect to 
labor, supply chain, and inventory management;
(6) any observed or projected effects of the pilot program 
on the requirements of the Defense Commissary Agency for 
appropriations and the subsidies provided for the operations of 
commissary stores;
(7) the impact of the pilot program on infrastructure, 
security, parking, and utilities at commissary stores 
participating in the pilot program;
(8) the effect of the pilot program on access to and wait 
times at commissary stores, and customer satisfaction, for 
members of the Armed Forces;
(9) any operational challenges, staffing adjustments, or 
system modifications required to carry out the pilot program;
(10) any adjustments to procurement or contracting 
requirements associated with increased patronage resulting from 
the pilot program; and
(11) the overall feasibility, fiscal sustainability, and 
advisability of permanent or expanded access to commissary 
stores for civilian employees of the Department of Defense, 
including recommendations for any legislative or policy changes 
necessary to support such access.

Subtitle D--Other Matters

SEC. 631. AUTHORITY FOR SHIPMENT AND STORAGE OF PRIVATELY OWNED 
VEHICLES OF MEMBERS MOVING BETWEEN AUTHORIZED LOCATIONS.

Section 453(c)(4) of title 37, United States Code, is amended to 
read as follows:
``(4)(A) The Secretary of the military department concerned may 
authorize the shipment or storage of more than one privately owned 
vehicle for a member of the armed forces in connection with a temporary 
or permanent move between authorized locations.
``(B) The exercise of the authority provided by subparagraph (A) 
shall--
``(i) be subject to the availability of appropriations and 
operational requirements; and
``(ii) not be conditioned on the implementation of a 
Department of Defense-wide policy on shipment and storage of 
personally owned vehicles.''.

SEC. 632. REIMBURSEMENT OF GUARDIANSHIP COSTS INCURRED AS A RESULT OF 
RELOCATIONS.

Section 453 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
``(j) Reimbursement of Qualifying Guardianship Costs.--(1) From 
amounts otherwise made available for a fiscal year to provide travel 
and transportation allowances under this chapter, the Secretary 
concerned may reimburse a member of the uniformed services for 
qualified guardianship costs if--
``(A) the member relocates to a new jurisdiction or 
geographic area as the result of--
``(i) an assignment to a duty station;
``(ii) a reassignment, either as a result of a 
permanent change of station or permanent change of 
assignment, between duty stations;
``(iii) a transfer from a regular component of a 
uniformed service into the Selected Reserve of the 
Ready Reserve of a uniformed service, if the member is 
authorized a final move from the last duty station to 
the new jurisdiction or geographic area; or
``(iv) placement on the temporary disability 
retired list under chapter 61 of title 10; and
``(B) the movement of the member's dependents is authorized 
at the expense of the United States under this section as part 
of the relocation.
``(2)(A) Reimbursement provided to a member under this subsection 
for qualified guardianship costs may not exceed $1,000 in connection 
with each relocation described in paragraph (1).
``(3) No reimbursement may be provided under this subsection for 
qualified guardianship costs paid or incurred after December 31, 2029.
``(4) In this subsection, the term `qualified guardianship costs' 
means costs, including paperwork, travel, or court, legal, or other 
administrative fees, incurred by a member or the spouse of a member 
if--
``(A) a State appoints the member or spouse as the guardian 
of a minor child or an adult adjudicated to be in need of a 
guardian; and
``(B) the member or spouse needs to seek a new appointment 
in a new jurisdiction because of the member's relocation 
described in paragraph (1).''.

SEC. 633. PROVISION OF COUNSELING ON HOUSING FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
FORCES.

Section 992 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by adding at the end the 
following new subparagraph:
``(C) The Secretary concerned may, subject to the applicable 
requirements of this section, enter into contracts to provide 
counseling under this paragraph with individuals and organizations that 
provide counseling with respect to housing, including organizations 
that are certified under section 106(e) of the Housing and Urban 
Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x(e)).''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``and mortgages'' and 
inserting ``mortgages, and other financial products related to 
the purchase or lease of a primary residence (and information 
on fees related to such products)''.

SEC. 634. SPECIAL PRIORITY TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION FOR PERSONNEL 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) Special Priority for Travel to and From United States Naval 
Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.--(1) An individual eligible pursuant to 
subsection (c) for the travel program who is stationed at United States 
Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, may purchase transportation, at 
commercially competitive rates (as determined by the agency contracting 
for the transportation), for travel to and from Naval Station 
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, without regard to subsection (b).
``(2) An individual described in paragraph (1) shall have a 
priority for transportation under the travel program consistent with 
other official travelers, as determined by the Secretary.
``(3) Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, amounts collected 
under paragraph (1) shall be credited to the appropriate appropriation 
of the agency contracting for the transportation. Amounts so collected 
shall be credited to and merged with the funds in that appropriation 
and shall be available for the same period and purposes as the 
appropriation with which merged.''.

SEC. 635. PROGRAM TO ASSIST MEMBERS IN OBTAINING PERSONAL DRIVER'S 
LICENSES.

Chapter 101 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting after section 2015 the following new section:
``Sec. 2015a. Authority to assist members in obtaining State driver's 
licenses
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense may provide assistance 
to a member of the armed forces for expenses of obtaining, while 
serving in the armed forces, a personal driver's license under the laws 
of a State.
``(b) State Defined.--In this section, the term `State' means the 
several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the 
United States Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.''.

SEC. 636. STUDENT LOAN RELIEF FOR MEMBERS OF SELECTED RESERVE.

Section 16301(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``15 percent'' and inserting ``20 percent''.

SEC. 637. ENHANCEMENT OF AIR FORCE RATED OFFICER RETENTION 
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

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--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``and not less than 
one year''; and
(2) in subsection (d), by striking paragraph (1) and 
inserting the following:
``(1) Flexibility of assignment and duty locations.--Under 
the demonstration program required under subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable and 
consistent with the needs of the Air Force, offer a rated 
officer described in subsection (b)--
``(A) assignment to the duty location preferred by 
the officer, including consecutive assignments to the 
same duty location; or
``(B) the opportunity to perform a staff assignment 
that--
``(i) does not require the officer to 
relocate; or
``(ii) permits the officer to remain in an 
active flying status while performing such 
assignment.''.

SEC. 638. PILOT PROGRAM ON CAREER INTERMISSIONS FOR CERTAIN AIR FORCE 
FIGHTER AIRCREW.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a 
pilot program, under the authority provided by section 710 of title 10, 
United States Code, to permit officers in Air Force fighter aircrew 
career fields to take a one-time career intermission in order to 
evaluate whether targeted career intermissions reduce early separations 
and preserve experienced fighter aircrew subject-matter experts for air 
staff positions and leadership roles in the active component of the Air 
Force.
(b) Intermission Period.--An intermission under the pilot program 
established under subsection (a) shall be for a period of not less than 
4 months and not more than one year, as selected by the participant.
(c) Treatment of Aviation Bonuses.--
(1) Eligibility.--An officer described in subsection (a) 
may participate in the pilot program established under that 
subsection if the officer is subject to an active duty service 
obligation of not less than two years as of the beginning of 
the period of intermission of the officer under subsection (b). 
Participation in the pilot program shall not, by itself, 
disqualify an officer from eligibility for an aviation bonus 
under section 334(b) of title 37, United States Code.
(2) Suspension of payments.--Payment of an aviation bonus 
under section 334(b) of title 37, United States Code, to an 
officer shall be suspended during any period of intermission of 
an officer under the pilot program established under subsection 
(a).
(3) Resumption of payments.--Upon the return of an officer 
to active duty after an intermission under the pilot program 
established under subsection (a), payment of an aviation bonus 
under section 334(b) of title 37, United States Code, may 
resume for the remaining period of the agreement of the officer 
under paragraph (3) of that section, subject to the terms of 
the agreement.
(4) Tolling.--Any period of intermission under the pilot 
program established under subsection (a) shall not be counted 
toward the fulfillment of an agreement with respect to an 
aviation bonus under section 334(b) of title 37, United States 
Code.
(5) Other service obligations.--Except as provided in 
paragraph (4), an officer shall continue to satisfy any other 
active duty service obligation during a period of intermission 
under the pilot program established under subsection (a).
(d) Application of Career Intermission Program Authorities.--Except 
as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary shall carry out 
the pilot program established under subsection (a) in accordance with 
section 710 of title 10, United States Code.
(e) Termination.--The authority to carry out the pilot program 
under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after 
the date on which the pilot program is established.
(f) Reports Required.--Not later than one year after the 
establishment of the pilot program under subsection (a), and annually 
thereafter until termination of the pilot program under subsection (e), 
the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the implementation 
and effectiveness of the pilot program.

TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE

Subtitle A--TRICARE and Other Health Care Benefits

SEC. 701. DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR BENEFICIARY ASSISTANCE AT MILITARY MEDICAL 
TREATMENT FACILITIES AND THROUGH MANAGED CARE SUPPORT 
CONTRACTORS.

(a) Digital System for Access Assistance.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
establish a digital system under which a covered beneficiary 
who receives health care at a military medical treatment 
facility or through a managed care support contractor under the 
TRICARE program may electronically--
(A) file a complaint, raise awareness about an 
issue, or provide positive feedback relating to access 
to care at such military medical treatment facility or 
through such managed care support contractor; and
(B) view the status of such complaint or issue at 
any time, including the status of any interim or final 
action taken to address the complaint or issue.
(2) Process.--The Director of the Defense Health Agency 
shall develop a process to acknowledge receipt of complaints or 
issues under paragraph (1)(A) and specify a timeline for 
response to such complaints or issues.
(3) Transmittal to patient advocates.--Any complaint or 
issue filed under paragraph (1)(A) shall be promptly 
transmitted to an appropriate patient advocate of the 
Department of Defense.
(4) Military medical treatment facility complaints or 
issues.--Complaints or issues filed under paragraph (1)(A) with 
respect to a military medical treatment facility may be 
automatically aggregated and submitted to the Director of the 
Defense Health Agency on a quarterly basis.
(b) Report on Complaints Filed Under Digital System.--
(1) Submission.--Not later than March 1 of each year during 
the three-year period following the establishment of the system 
under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report on the total number of complaints or 
issues filed under such system.
(2) Elements.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall 
include, for each military medical treatment facility with 
respect to which a complaint or issue was filed under the 
system under subsection (a), the following:
(A) An identification of the most common access to 
care complaints or issues filed by covered 
beneficiaries with respect to such facility.
(B) A comparison of the number of complaints or 
issues filed regarding access to specialty care versus 
access to primary care.
(C) A comparison of the number of complaints or 
issues filed regarding access to women's health care 
versus access to health care that is not women's health 
care.
(D) A comparison of the number of complaints or 
issues filed regarding access to pediatric care versus 
access to non-pediatric care.
(E) A comparison of the number of complaints or 
issues filed regarding administrative hurdles to access 
to care versus other access to care issues.
(F) A summary of steps taken at such facility to 
reduce access to care complaints or issues by covered 
beneficiaries.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered beneficiary.--The term ``covered beneficiary'' 
means an individual enrolled in a health care plan under the 
TRICARE program and eligible to receive care at a military 
medical treatment facility.
(2) Managed care support contractor.--The term ``managed 
care support contractor'' means a health care organization 
contracted to provide care via a managed support contract in 
support of the health benefits under the TRICARE program.
(3) TRICARE program.--The term ``TRICARE program'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United 
States Code.

SEC. 702. EXPANSION OF ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE FOR CERTAIN DEPENDENTS.

Paragraph (2) of section 1077(c) of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended to read as follows:
``(2)(A) Dependents who are covered by a dental plan established 
under section 1076a of this title may be treated by postgraduate dental 
residents in a dental treatment facility of the uniformed services 
under a graduate dental education program accredited by the American 
Dental Association.
``(B) Treatment under subparagraph (A) shall be provided on a space 
available basis and only if the Secretary of Defense determines that 
adequate resources exist to provide such treatment.''.

SEC. 703. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEARING AIDS TO INCLUDE CHILDREN 
OF RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES ENROLLED IN 
FAMILY COVERAGE UNDER TRICARE SELECT.

Section 1077(a)(16)(B)(ii) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ``or TRICARE Select'' before the period at the 
end.

SEC. 704. EVALUATION OF INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL ACCREDITING BODIES FOR 
PURPOSES OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE OF MENTAL HEALTH 
PROFESSIONALS UNDER TRICARE PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall 
evaluate the feasibility and advisability of permitting reimbursement 
under the TRICARE program of certified mental health counselors who 
hold a masters or higher-level degree in counseling from a program that 
is accredited by a covered institution.
(b) Report.--Not later than July 1, 2027, the Director shall submit 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report on the evaluation conducted under subsection 
(a).
(c) Interim Final Rule.--If the report submitted under subsection 
(b) recommends permitting reimbursement of counselors with a degree 
from a program accredited by a covered institution, the Director shall 
issue an interim final rule implementing such recommendations not later 
than two years after submittal of the report.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered institution.--The term ``covered institution'' 
means any of the following:
(A) The Accrediting Commission for Community and 
Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and 
Colleges.
(B) The Higher Learning Commission.
(C) The Middle States Commission on Higher 
Education.
(D) The New England Association of Schools and 
Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher 
Education.
(E) The Southern Association of Colleges and 
Schools Commission on Colleges.
(F) The Western Association of Schools and Colleges 
Senior College and University Commission.
(G) The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education 
Schools.
(H) The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools 
and Colleges.
(I) The Accrediting Council for Independent 
Colleges and Schools.
(J) The Distance Education Accreditation 
Commission.
(K) The Council for Accreditation of Educator 
Preparation.
(L) The American Psychology Association.
(2) TRICARE program.--The term ``TRICARE program'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United 
States Code.

SEC. 705. IMPROVEMENT OF PROVIDER DIRECTORY ACCURACY FOR SPECIALTY CARE 
PROVIDERS UNDER THE TRICARE PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall--
(1) ensure that each managed care contract under the 
TRICARE program entered into after the date of the enactment of 
this Act includes requirements that the managed care 
contractor--
(A) conduct comprehensive outreach campaigns, to 
include electronic and non-electronic means, and mass 
email campaigns to network specialty care providers 
providing--
(i) information relating to penalties 
associated with inaccurate provider directory 
information;
(ii) resources for improving directory 
information; and
(iii) direct links for providers to update 
their directory information;
(B) make it a condition of joining the network 
managed by such contractor under the TRICARE program 
for specialty care providers to validate their provider 
directory information not less frequently than 
quarterly;
(C) ensure that when specialty care providers file 
for reimbursement, such providers are prompted to 
review and verify their directory accuracy;
(D) create a mechanism by which beneficiaries under 
the TRICARE program can report provider directory 
inaccuracy to the contractor;
(E) conduct random tests (not less frequently than 
monthly) encompassing all specialty care provider 
types, of the accuracy of information maintained by the 
contractor relating to specialty care providers; and
(F) not less frequently than monthly, submit to the 
Director the results of such random tests, 
disaggregated by each specialty care provider type, 
conducted during the month covered by the report; and
(2) develop financial penalties or other contractual 
remedies for inaccurate provider directory information under 
such contracts in accordance with the penalties or remedies 
imposed as of the date of the enactment of this Act under the 
T-5 Contract.
(b) Other Methods.--The Director shall carry out any other methods 
that the Director finds useful for the improvement of provider 
directory accuracy under the TRICARE program.
(c) Testing of Directory Information.--Not less frequently than 
twice each year during the three-year period following the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Defense Health 
Agency shall--
(1) conduct random tests, encompassing and disaggregating 
by all specialty care provider types, of the accuracy of 
information relating to specialty care providers contained in 
the provider directory under the TRICARE program; and
(2) submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing the 
findings of each random test.
(d) Briefings.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the 
following four years, the Director shall provide to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a briefing on progress in carrying out this 
section.
(2) Elements.--Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall 
include, at a minimum, the following:
(A) A description of the techniques that are most 
effective in improving accuracy of provider 
directories.
(B) An identification of the authorities or tools 
that the Defense Health Agency lacks for improving such 
accuracy.
(C) An identification of challenges specific to 
each specialty care provider type that limit such 
accuracy.
(D) An assessment of the impact of efforts of the 
Defense Health Agency towards improving such accuracy 
on providers either leaving the TRICARE program or on 
the willingness of non-network providers to join the 
TRICARE program.
(e) Comptroller General Review.--Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the 
following two years, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall--
(1) conduct a holistic review of provider directory 
accuracy under the TRICARE program, disaggregated by each 
specialty care provider type, to measure the progress of the 
Director towards meeting the existing requirements set forth by 
each managed care contractor under the TRICARE program, 
including by providing recommendations that would inform the 
development of the next managed care support contract 
competition; and
(2) submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review 
conducted under paragraph (1).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Random test.--
(A) In general.--The term ``random test'', with 
respect to specialty care providers, means conducting 
covert calls to offices of a random sample of such 
providers using phone numbers from the directory 
available under the TRICARE program with respect to 
such providers to confirm the accuracy of information 
contained in such directory.
(B) Special rule.--A random test may not be 
conducted with respect to the same sample of providers 
in consecutive tests.
(2) TRICARE program.--The term ``TRICARE program'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United 
States Code.

SEC. 706. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE START-UP TIME FOR 
CERTAIN TRICARE CONTRACTORS.

Section 1095c(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``nine months after the 
date of the award of the contract, but in no case later than 
one year after the date of such award'' and inserting ``one 
year after the date on which the transition period of 
performance begins under the contract to allow for adequate 
start-up time for an orderly transition''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``nine-month'' and 
inserting ``one-year'' each place it appears.

SEC. 707. CORRECTIONS TO PILOT PROGRAM FOR SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE 
RELATING TO CANCER.

Section 734 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``September 30, 2027'' 
and inserting ``January 31, 2028'';
(2) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph 
(1), by striking ``a publicly accessible internet website'' and 
inserting ``the public-facing website of the TRICARE program'';
(3) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``establish 
procedures to determine'' and inserting ``provide a method for 
verification of'';
(4) in subsection (e), by striking ``2026'' and inserting 
``2027''; and
(5) in subsection (g)(2), by inserting ``a health plan 
option under'' after ``enrolled in''.

SEC. 708. COVERAGE OF CRANIAL ORTHOTIC DEVICES FOR DEFORMATIONAL 
PLAGIOCEPHALY UNDER TRICARE PROGRAM.

Section 1079(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(21) Cranial orthotic devices (molding helmets) for 
deformational plagiocephaly may be provided as part of a 
reconstructive medical treatment.''.

SEC. 709. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.

(a) In General.--The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et 
seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2 (42 U.S.C. 201)--
(A) in paragraph (p), by striking ``means the Army, 
Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public 
Health Service, or Coast and Geodetic Survey; and'' and 
inserting ``has the meaning given such term in section 
101(a) of title 10, United States Code;'';
(B) in paragraph (q), by striking the period and 
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(r) The term `Defense Agency' has the meaning given such term in 
section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.''; and
(2) in section 543(e) (42 U.S.C. 290dd-2(e))--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or the Defense 
Agency responsible for military health care under 
chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code,'' after 
``Uniformed Services''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or the Defense 
Agency responsible for military health care under 
chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code'' after 
``Uniformed Services''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect as if included in the enactment of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328).

SEC. 710. LICENSURE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN TRICARE PROGRAM.

(a) Qualifications for TRICARE Certified Mental Health 
Counselors.--For purposes of determining whether a mental health care 
professional is eligible for reimbursement under the TRICARE program as 
a certified mental health counselor, an individual who holds a masters 
or higher-level degree in counseling from a program that is accredited 
by a covered institution shall be treated as holding such degree from a 
mental health counseling program or clinical mental health counseling 
program that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of 
Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Defense shall implement this 
section beginning not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
congressional defense committees a briefing on the plan of the 
Secretary to implement this section.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered institution.--The term ``covered institution'' 
means any of the following:
(A) The Accrediting Commission for Community and 
Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and 
Colleges.
(B) The Higher Learning Commission.
(C) The Middle States Commission on Higher 
Education.
(D) The New England Association of Schools and 
Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher 
Education.
(E) The Southern Association of Colleges and 
Schools Commission on Colleges.
(F) The Western Association of Schools and Colleges 
Senior College and University Commission.
(G) The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education 
Schools.
(H) The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools 
and Colleges.
(I) The Accrediting Council for Independent 
Colleges and Schools.
(J) The Distance Education Accreditation 
Commission.
(K) The Council for Accreditation of Educator 
Preparation.
(L) The American Psychology Association.
(2) TRICARE program.--The term ``TRICARE program'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United 
States Code.

SEC. 711. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO WELLNESS CHECKS FOR HEALTH AND 
WELFARE OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Wellness Checks.--
(1) Wellness checks required.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
issue such regulations, policies, and procedures as may 
be necessary to require that, whenever appropriate 
following a member of the Armed Forces sustaining any 
significant injury or illness or being on sick call, a 
wellness check is conducted to account for the health 
and welfare of such member.
(B) Significant injury or illness or sick call.--
For purposes of subparagraph (A), a member of the Armed 
Forces shall be considered to have sustained a 
significant injury or illness or to be on sick call if 
a medical professional recommends an absence of the 
member from regular duties for 24 hours or longer, such 
as placing the member on quarters or recommending 
convalescent leave.
(2) Methods of contact.--In conducting a wellness check for 
a member of the Armed Forces pursuant to paragraph (1), if the 
member does not respond to such check conducted via an 
electronic or telephone communication method, the individual 
conducting the check shall progress to an in-person method of 
contact.
(3) Result of failure to locate.--If, as a result of a 
wellness check conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) for a member 
of the Armed Forces, the individual conducting such check is 
unable to locate such member, the individual shall refer to the 
applicable regulations, policies, and procedures of the 
Department of Defense regarding the determination and reporting 
of such member as missing, absent unknown, absent without 
leave, or duty status-whereabouts unknown.
(b) Implementation by Unit Commanders.--In carrying out subsection 
(a), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each unit commander 
coordinates with the judge advocates assigned or attached to, or 
performing duty with, the unit under the command of such commander for 
assistance in the implementation of any regulation, policy, or 
procedure required under subsection (a) with respect to such unit.
(c) Additional Actions by Unit Commanders.--
(1) In general.--On a routine basis, each unit commander 
shall--
(A) review the requirements contained in the 
document titled ``Commander's Critical Information 
Requirements'', dated January 2020, or any successor 
document, to ensure such requirements--
(i) have been issued or updated during the 
three-year period preceding any such review;
(ii) reflect the medical issues or safety 
incidents of members of the Armed Forces that 
the commander deems sufficiently significant; 
and
(iii) have been distributed to the unit 
under the command of such commander; and
(B) host confidential wellness meetings with 
subordinate commanders at which such commanders may 
discuss with one or more medical officers assigned to 
such unit any significant injuries or illnesses 
affecting members of the Armed Forces serving in or 
with such unit.
(2) Wellness meetings.--Confidential wellness meetings 
under paragraph (1)(B) may be integrated with existing command, 
staff, or health-of-the-force synchronization meetings if the 
confidentiality of the medical and personal information a 
member of the Armed Forces is appropriately maintained.
(d) Training.--
(1) In general.--Each Secretary concerned, and the 
Secretary of Defense with respect to civilian personnel of the 
Department of Defense, shall ensure that training on the 
importance of accountability with respect to health and 
welfare, and the significant negative outcomes that may occur 
when accountability procedures fail, is integrated into 
existing command, leadership, and prevention training programs 
to the maximum extent practicable
(2) No need for separate training requirement.--A separate 
standalone training requirement is not required for purposes of 
carrying out paragraph (1).
(e) 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. 712. REQUIREMENT TO OFFER MEDICAL CHAPERONES DURING SENSITIVE 
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.

The Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a policy 
throughout the Department of Defense to require that a medical 
chaperone be offered and available to be present with a patient during 
any sensitive medical examination, as determined by the Secretary, 
conducted at a military medical treatment facility.

SEC. 713. PILOT PROGRAM ON RECIPROCAL ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, 
PERSONNEL, AND SERVICES OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND 
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs shall jointly carry out a pilot program to assess the 
feasibility and advisability of expanding reciprocal access to health 
care facilities, personnel, and services between the Department of 
Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (in this section 
referred to as the ``pilot program'').
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the pilot program are--
(1) to improve access to timely, high-quality health care 
for covered beneficiaries;
(2) to improve continuity of care for transitioning members 
of the Armed Forces and veterans;
(3) to reduce duplication of health care capacity and 
infrastructure;
(4) to enhance medical readiness and provider proficiency;
(5) to maximize the efficient use of medical facilities and 
personnel of the Federal Government; and
(6) to assess opportunities for future integration and 
coordination between the health care systems of the Department 
of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(c) Authorized Activities.--
(1) In general.--Under the pilot program, the Secretary of 
Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may authorize--
(A) coordinated referral and specialty care 
arrangements;
(B) integrated scheduling, credentialing, 
reimbursement, and care coordination processes; and
(C) the sharing and interoperability of electronic 
health records and related health information systems 
consistent with applicable privacy and security 
requirements.
(2) Priority.--Activities under the pilot program shall 
prioritize arrangements that cannot be readily achieved under 
sharing agreements in effect as of the date of the enactment of 
this Act due to administrative, eligibility, or systemic 
barriers.
(d) Pilot Sites.--
(1) Initial sites.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly designate not fewer 
than five and not more than 10 pilot sites.
(2) Selection criteria.--In selecting pilot sites under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs shall consider--
(A) geographic areas with overlapping medical 
infrastructure of the Department of Defense and the 
Department of Veterans Affairs;
(B) locations experiencing provider shortages or 
access challenges;
(C) locations with significant populations of 
transitioning members of the Armed Forces, former 
members of the Armed Forces, or veterans;
(D) locations where at least one of the local 
Federal facilities has the staff and operation capacity 
to take on the work of the pilot program;
(E) opportunities to improve medical readiness of 
the Armed Forces; and
(F) existing sharing agreements or integrated care 
models.
(3) Modification of pilot sites.--The Secretary of Defense 
and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may jointly add, remove, 
suspend, or modify pilot sites and services covered under the 
pilot program as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs jointly determine necessary based on 
performance, patient safety, operational requirements, 
beneficiary access, or other appropriate considerations if the 
Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
provide to the appropriate committees of Congress, not later 
than 30 days before adding, removing, suspending, or modifying 
any such site or service, a notification of such action.
(e) Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs shall jointly establish eligibility 
criteria and priority categories for participation in the pilot 
program.
(2) Priority.--In establishing criteria under paragraph 
(1), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall prioritize--
(A) transitioning members of the Armed Forces;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans 
residing in medically underserved areas;
(C) beneficiaries requiring specialty care with 
extended wait times;
(D) members of the Armed Forces and veterans 
receiving behavioral health care; and
(E) military families if reciprocal access would 
improve continuity or access to care for such families.
(f) Waiver of Administrative Requirements.--The Secretary of 
Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may waive or modify 
administrative requirements that would otherwise unnecessarily impede 
the operation of the pilot program, except requirements relating to 
patient safety, quality standards, or statutory eligibility for care.
(g) Data Collection and Performance Metrics.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs shall jointly establish metrics to evaluate 
the pilot program, including metrics relating to--
(A) patient access and wait times;
(B) quality of care and patient outcomes;
(C) patient satisfaction and care coordination;
(D) provider productivity and readiness impacts;
(E) cost and resource utilization;
(F) continuity of care for transitioning members of 
the Armed Forces;
(G) continuity of care for veterans receiving care 
under the pilot program at facilities other than 
facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs;
(H) electronic health record interoperability and 
information sharing; and
(I) comparison of use of the pilot program to use 
of sharing agreements for similar services under other 
authorities.
(2) Standardization.--The Secretary of Defense and the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that data collection 
under this subsection is standardized across pilot sites to the 
maximum extent practicable.
(h) Application of Authority.--The pilot program shall--
(1) build upon and not duplicate authorities under section 
8111 of title 38, United States Code; and
(2) apply only to the extent necessary to test enhanced 
reciprocal access to health care facilities, personnel, and 
services beyond sharing agreements in effect as of the date of 
the enactment of this Act.
(i) Briefings and Reports.--
(1) Initial briefing.--Not later than 120 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing regarding 
implementation plans for the pilot program.
(2) Annual briefings.--Not later than April 1 of each year 
during the duration of the pilot program, the Secretary of 
Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly 
provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a briefing 
regarding--
(A) pilot site performance;
(B) beneficiary participation;
(C) budgetary impacts;
(D) patient safety and quality metrics;
(E) any modifications to pilot sites or covered 
services; and
(F) legislative recommendations, if any.
(3) Interim report.--Not later than two years after 
commencement of operations under the pilot program at the first 
pilot site, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress an interim report on the results of the 
pilot program.
(4) Final report.--Not later than one year before the 
termination of the pilot program under subsection (k), the 
Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall jointly submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
a final report containing--
(A) an assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot 
program;
(B) recommendations regarding expansion, 
modification, or termination of the pilot program;
(C) an assessment of impacts on medical readiness 
of the Armed Forces and health care delivery for 
veterans; and
(D) any recommendations for legislative or 
administrative action.
(j) Voluntary Participation and Preservation of Existing 
Authorities.--
(1) Voluntary participation.--Participation in the pilot 
program by veterans shall be voluntary.
(2) Patient election.--A veteran eligible to participate in 
the pilot program may elect to receive care through--
(A) a facility of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs;
(B) a military medical treatment facility 
participating in the pilot program; or
(C) a community provider pursuant to applicable 
community care authorities of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs .
(3) No requirement to use department of defense 
facilities.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not require 
a veteran to receive care through a facility of the Department 
of Defense as a condition of eligibility for, or receipt of, 
care or services under laws administered by the Secretary.
(4) Patient notice.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall ensure that veterans eligible to participate in the pilot 
program receive clear notice regarding available health care 
options, including the availability of community care if 
otherwise authorized by law.
(5) No limitation on community care eligibility.--Nothing 
in this section may be construed to limit, alter, delay, or 
otherwise affect the eligibility of a veteran for care, 
services, or referrals furnished under the Veterans Community 
Care Program under section 1703 of title 38, United States 
Code, or any other authority available under laws administered 
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to receive care from non-
Department of Veterans Affairs providers.
(k) Duration.--The pilot program shall commence not later than one 
year after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall terminate 
five years after the commencement of operations of the pilot program at 
the first pilot site.
(l) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
Representatives.
(2) Covered beneficiary.--The term ``covered beneficiary'' 
has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, 
United States Code.
(3) Military medical treatment facility.--The term 
``military medical treatment facility'' means a facility of the 
Defense Health Agency, a military department, or another 
component of the Department of Defense providing health care 
services.
(4) Pilot site.--The term ``pilot site'' means any medical 
center, hospital, clinic, or other health care facility of the 
Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs 
that is participating in the pilot program.
(5) Reciprocal access.--The term ``reciprocal access'' 
means systematic, non-excess-capacity access with integrated 
operations, as opposed to access that is limited to excess 
capacity only.

SEC. 714. MEDICAL SCREENING FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO SERVED 
AT DATA MASKED OR CLASSIFIED LOCATIONS.

(a) Modification to Service Records.--Not later than January 1, 
2029, the Secretary of Defense shall modify the service records of 
covered members to include a check box or other method to signify that 
the covered member served at a covered location and would merit 
additional medical screening.
(b) Hazard Screening.--
(1) In general.--During a covered examination, a covered 
member shall receive--
(A) a screening to determine if such member served 
at a covered location at any time during service in the 
Armed Forces; and
(B) if such member served at such a location, 
additional exposure-specific medical screenings and 
evaluations to identify potential exposure to hazardous 
substances, radiation, or other harmful occupational 
and environmental hazards encountered during service in 
the Armed Forces, consistent with current clinical 
practice guidelines and recommendations of the 
Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
(2) Inclusions.--The screenings and evaluations required 
under paragraph (1) may include--
(A) a targeted assessment of medical histories;
(B) a physical examination;
(C) laboratory testing;
(D) imaging studies; and
(E) other diagnostic procedures that the Secretary 
determines are medically necessary.
(c) Documentation.--A health care provider shall document all 
exposures identified by the provider and the results of any screenings 
and evaluations conducted under subsection (b) in the permanent medical 
record of the relevant covered member and ensure that relevant exposure 
information is transmitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs upon 
separation or retirement of such member.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered examination.--The term ``covered examination'' 
means--
(A) a screening conducted by a health care provider 
of the Department of Defense for any covered member 
prior to a permanent change of station from a covered 
location; or
(B) any annual preventive health assessment of a 
covered member conducted by a health care provider of 
the Department.
(2) Covered location.--The term ``covered location'' 
means--
(A) a data masked or classified location; or
(B) a facility on the most recent list of 
facilities covered under the Energy Employees 
Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 
(42 U.S.C. 7384 et seq.) published in the Federal 
Register by the Secretary of Energy.
(3) Covered member.--The term ``covered member'' means a 
member of the Armed Forces currently serving on active duty.

SEC. 715. MEDICAL TESTING AND RELATED SERVICES FOR FIREFIGHTERS OF 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) Provision of Services.--During the annual periodic health 
assessment of each firefighter of the Department of Defense, or at such 
other intervals as may be indicated in subsection (b), the Secretary of 
Defense shall provide to the firefighter (at no cost to the 
firefighter) appropriate medical testing and related services to 
detect, document the presence or absence of, and prevent, certain 
cancers.
(b) Criteria.--Services required to be provided under subsection 
(a) shall meet, at a minimum, the following criteria:
(1) Breast cancer.--With respect to breast cancer 
screening, if the firefighter is a female firefighter--
(A) such services shall include the provision of a 
mammogram to the firefighter--
(i) if the firefighter is 40 years old to 
49 years old (inclusive), not less frequently 
than twice each year;
(ii) if the firefighter is 50 years old or 
older, not less frequently than annually; and
(iii) as clinically indicated (without 
regard to age); and
(B) in connection with the provision of a mammogram 
under subparagraph (A), a licensed radiologist shall 
review the most recent mammogram provided to the 
firefighter, as compared to prior mammograms so 
provided, and provide to the firefighter the results of 
such review.
(2) Colon cancer.--With respect to colon cancer screening--
(A) if the firefighter is 40 years old or older, or 
as clinically indicated without regard to age, such 
services shall include the communication to the 
firefighter of the risks and benefits of stool-based 
blood testing;
(B) if the firefighter is 45 years old or older, or 
as clinically indicated without regard to age, such 
services shall include the provision, at regular 
intervals, of visual examinations (such as a 
colonoscopy, CT colonoscopy, or flexible sigmoidoscopy) 
or stool-based blood testing; and
(C) in connection with the provision of a visual 
examination or stool-based blood testing under 
subparagraph (B), a licensed physician shall review and 
provide to the firefighter the results of such 
examination or testing, as the case may be.
(3) Prostate cancer.--With respect to prostate cancer 
screening, if the firefighter is a male firefighter, such 
services shall include the communication to the firefighter of 
the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screenings and the 
provision to the firefighter of a prostate-specific antigen 
test--
(A) not less frequently than annually if the 
firefighter--
(i) is 50 years old or older; or
(ii) is 40 years old or older and is a 
high-risk individual; and
(B) as clinically indicated (without regard to 
age).
(4) Other cancers.--Such services shall include routine 
screenings for any other cancer the risk or occurrence of which 
the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
has identified as higher among firefighters than among the 
general public, the provision of which shall be carried out 
during the annual periodic health assessment of the 
firefighter.
(c) Optional Nature.--A firefighter of the Department of Defense 
may opt out of the receipt of medical testing or a related service 
provided under subsection (a).
(d) Use of Consensus Technical Standards.--In providing medical 
testing and related services under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
use consensus technical standards in accordance with section 12(d) of 
the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (Public 
Law 104-113; 15 U.S.C. 272 note).
(e) Documentation.--
(1) In general.--In providing medical testing and related 
services under subsection (a), the Secretary--
(A) shall document the acceptance rates of such 
tests offered and the rates of such tests performed;
(B) shall document test results to identify trends 
in the rates of cancer occurrences among firefighters; 
and
(C) may collect and maintain additional information 
from the recipients of such tests and other services to 
allow for appropriate scientific analysis.
(2) Privacy.--In analyzing any information of an individual 
documented, collected, or maintained under paragraph (1), in 
addition to complying with other applicable privacy laws, the 
Secretary shall ensure the name and any other personally 
identifiable information of the individual is removed from such 
information prior to the analysis.
(3) Sharing with centers for disease control and 
prevention.--The Secretary may share data from any tests 
performed under subsection (a) with the Director of the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention, as appropriate, to increase 
the knowledge and understanding of cancer occurrences among 
firefighters.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Firefighter.--The term ``firefighter'' means someone 
whose primary job or military occupational specialty is being a 
firefighter.
(2) High-risk individual.--The term ``high-risk 
individual'' means an individual who--
(A) is African American;
(B) has at least one first-degree relative who has 
been diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age; or
(C) is otherwise determined by the Secretary to be 
high risk with respect to prostate cancer.

Subtitle B--Health Care Administration

SEC. 721. DEVELOPMENT OF CAPABILITY PROTOTYPE ON SECURE ACCESS TO 
HEALTH RECORD FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Capability Prototype.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop 
and implement a capability prototype that is interoperable with the 
electronic health record of the Department of Defense for active duty 
members of the Armed Forces who receive health care from the Defense 
Health Agency to digitally collect their medical records through a 
covered health record platform before separating from active duty.
(b) Contracts.--
(1) Authority.--The Secretary shall seek to enter into a 
contract using competitive procedures with an appropriate 
entity for the provision of the covered health record platform 
under the capability prototype under subsection (a).
(2) Notice of competition.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
issue a request for proposals for the contract 
described in paragraph (1).
(B) Open competition.--A request under subparagraph 
(A) shall be full and open to any contractor that has 
an existing covered health record platform.
(3) Selection.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award a contract 
to an appropriate entity pursuant to the request for proposals 
under paragraph (2) if at least one acceptable offer is 
submitted.
(c) Pilot Program on Use of Capability Prototype.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a pilot 
program under which the Secretary shall assess the feasibility 
and advisability of using the capability prototype developed 
under subsection (a) for a period of not less than 180 days.
(2) Selection of armed forces.--The Secretary shall select 
not less than one Armed Force in which to carry out the pilot 
program under paragraph (1).
(3) Termination or extension of use of capability 
prototype.--At the end of the period specified in paragraph 
(1), the Secretary shall survey all participants in the pilot 
program under such paragraph and, based on survey results, 
may--
(A) terminate the capability prototype developed 
and implemented under subsection (a);
(B) continue the capability prototype;
(C) expand the capability prototype; or
(D) implement the use of a covered health record 
platform in the Defense Health Agency throughout the 
uniformed services.
(d) Prohibition on New Appropriations.--No additional funds are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out the requirements of this 
section and such requirements shall be carried out using amounts 
otherwise authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense 
through the Joint Incentive Fund.
(e) Briefing Required.--Not later than April 1, 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 capability 
prototype developed and implemented under subsection (a).
(f) Covered Health Record Platform Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``covered health record platform'' means a health record platform 
that meets the following requirements:
(1) Has web-based and native mobile phone application 
capabilities.
(2) Has the capability to store and share records with the 
Department of Veterans Affairs or any other designated care 
provider.
(3) Has the capability to store records in the cloud.
(4) Does not have a requirement for integration to receive 
or share records.
(5) Has the capability to instantly share data based on a 
combination of access key and personal identifier.
(6) Has the capability to provide secure data storage and 
records transfer upon separation of a member of the Armed 
Forces from active duty.
(7) Does not require a business associate agreement with 
any party.
(8) Has secure data isolation with access controls.
(9) Has, at a minimum, data security that would require 
separate encryption for each document, relying on AES256 or 
better algorithm with keys encryption using RSA2048 or better 
algorithm, or any successor similar algorithm.

SEC. 722. INVENTORY AND ANNUAL CATCHMENT AREA ASSESSMENT OF MILITARY-
CIVILIAN HEALTH CARE PARTNERSHIPS.

(a) Centralized Inventory of Military-civilian Partnerships.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, acting through 
the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall develop and 
maintain a centralized inventory of military-civilian health 
care partnerships throughout the Department of Defense.
(2) Coordination.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
Director of the Defense Health Agency shall coordinate with the 
Secretary of each military department to ensure the inventory 
developed and maintained under such paragraph reflects 
partnerships established and maintained by the Defense Health 
Agency, the Uniformed Services University of the Health 
Sciences, and the military departments.
(3) Military department responsibilities.--
(A) In general.--Each Secretary of a military 
department shall develop and maintain an inventory of 
military-civilian health care partnerships under the 
jurisdiction of such Secretary.
(B) Inclusion in centralized inventory.--The 
inventories developed under subparagraph (A) shall be 
provided to the Director of the Defense Health Agency 
on a recurring basis, as determined by the Secretary of 
Defense, for inclusion in the centralized inventory 
under paragraph (1).
(C) Use of inventories.--The inventories maintained 
by the military departments under this paragraph shall 
be used to inform and update the centralized inventory 
maintained by the Defense Health Agency under paragraph 
(1).
(4) Elements.--The inventories required under this 
subsection shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(A) The type and purpose of each military-civilian 
health care partnership.
(B) Participating organizations, including civilian 
and other Federal partners.
(C) Geographic location and supported beneficiary 
population.
(D) Resources shared, including personnel, 
facilities, and funding.
(E) Duration and terms of the partnerships.
(F) Measures of performance and effectiveness of 
the partnerships.
(b) Annual Catchment Area Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Not less frequently than annually, the 
Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the 
Defense Health Agency, shall conduct a catchment area 
assessment of military-civilian health care partnerships and 
resource-sharing agreements of the Department of Defense.
(2) Use of inventory.--The catchment area assessment 
conducted under paragraph (1) shall be informed by the 
centralized inventory developed under subsection (a), including 
inputs provided by the military departments.
(3) Scope.--
(A) In general.--Each catchment area assessment 
conducted under paragraph (1) shall focus on the 
catchment area of a military medical treatment facility 
and other related organizations.
(B) Elements.--Each catchment area assessment 
conducted under paragraph (1) shall include the 
following:
(i) An assessment of the extent to which 
existing military-civilian health care 
partnerships fulfill the intended objectives of 
such partnerships, including access to care, 
quality, cost-effectiveness, and medical 
readiness.
(ii) An identification of gaps in care, 
redundancies, or underutilized resources.
(iii) An evaluation of whether individual 
partnerships should be expanded, reduced, or 
maintained.
(iv) An identification of opportunities to 
establish new partnerships or modify existing 
agreements.
(v) Consideration of regional health care 
capacity, including civilian and Federal health 
care providers.
(vi) An analysis of trends that may affect 
the performance or sustainability of military-
civilian health care partnerships.
(4) Metrics and benchmarks.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
establish standardized metrics and benchmarks to evaluate the 
performance and outcomes of military-civilian health care 
partnerships assessed under this subsection.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than April 1, 2027, and annually 
thereafter for the following five years, the Secretary of Defense shall 
provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House 
of Representatives a briefing containing the results of the most recent 
catchment area assessment conducted under subsection (b), which shall 
include the following:
(1) A summary of the centralized inventory developed and 
maintained under subsection (a).
(2) Key findings regarding the effectiveness of military-
civilian health care partnerships.
(3) An identification of any resources that are required to 
ensure effective military-civilian health care partnerships.
(4) Planned actions to expand, modify, or terminate 
military-civilian health care partnerships.
(5) Any recommendations for legislative or administrative 
action to improve military-civilian health care collaboration.
(d) Military-civilian Health Care Partnership Defined.--In this 
section, the term ``military-civilian health care partnership'' 
includes any agreement, contract, or arrangement between the Department 
of Defense and a non-Department entity for the provision, sharing, or 
coordination of health care services, personnel, training, or 
resources.

SEC. 723. REQUIREMENT FOR REVIEW BEFORE ACTIONS TO DOWNSIZE, REALIGN, 
OR REDUCE SCOPE OF SERVICES AT MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT 
FACILITIES.

Section 1073d of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Limitation on Actions to Downsize, Realign, or Reduce Scope 
of Services.--(1) The Secretary of Defense may not carry out any action 
initiated after the date of the enactment of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 to downsize, realign, or 
otherwise reduce the scope of services at a military medical treatment 
facility until the Secretary conducts a comprehensive review consistent 
with this subsection.
``(2) A review required under paragraph (1) with respect to an 
action relating to a military medical treatment facility shall include, 
at a minimum, the following:
``(A) An assessment of the capacity, capability, and 
readiness of local civilian health care providers to absorb 
affected beneficiary populations.
``(B) An assessment of the capacity, capability, and 
accessibility of facilities of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs in the relevant catchment area.
``(C) An evaluation of the impact on access to care for 
covered beneficiaries, including wait times, travel distances, 
and specialty care availability.
``(D) An analysis of the effects on medical readiness, 
including clinical workload necessary to sustain provider 
skills within the armed forces.
``(E) An assessment of risks to continuity of care, 
particularly for complex or chronic conditions.
``(F) Such other factors as the Secretary determines 
appropriate to ensure a complete understanding of impacts on 
beneficiaries and mission requirements.
``(3) The Secretary of Defense shall certify to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that the 
review required under this subsection has been completed prior to 
implementing any action described in paragraph (1) and shall include a 
summary of findings and a justification for the proposed action.
``(4) Not later than one year before conducting any action to 
downsize, realign, or otherwise reduce the scope of services at a 
military medical treatment facility, the Secretary of Defense shall 
have a consultative discussion regarding such action with the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives.''.

SEC. 724. POLICY ON PROVIDER NOTIFICATION TO COMMANDERS REGARDING 
IMMINENT RISK OF SUICIDE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Policy Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and 
implement a policy throughout the Department of Defense regarding the 
notification of commanders when a health care provider determines that 
a member of the Armed Forces is at imminent risk of suicide.
(b) Definition of Imminent Risk.--
(1) In general.--As part of the policy required under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a clear and 
standardized definition of ``imminent risk of suicide'' for 
purposes of the military health system.
(2) Elements of definition.--The definition required under 
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) be informed by evidence-based clinical 
standards and suicide risk assessment practices;
(B) account for the presence of suicidal ideation, 
intent, plan, access to means, and temporal proximity 
of potential self-harm;
(C) distinguish between acute, immediate risk and 
non-immediate or chronic suicide risk; and
(D) allow for the exercise of professional clinical 
judgment in individual cases.
(c) Elements.--The policy required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) establish clear and standardized criteria for 
determining when a member of the Armed Forces is at imminent 
risk of suicide, consistent with evidence-based clinical 
practices;
(2) require timely notification to the appropriate 
commander when such a determination is made, while ensuring 
that only the minimum necessary information is disclosed to 
protect the privacy of the member;
(3) define the roles and responsibilities of health care 
providers, commanders, and other relevant personnel in 
responding to such notifications;
(4) ensure that such notifications are made in a manner 
that supports the safety and well-being of the member, 
including coordination of appropriate interventions and support 
services;
(5) incorporate procedures to safeguard the confidentiality 
of protected health information consistent with section 552a of 
title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Privacy 
Act of 1974''), and applicable regulations of the Department of 
Defense;
(6) provide guidance on documentation and accountability 
for decisions relating to such notifications; and
(7) include mechanisms to ensure that such notifications do 
not result in inappropriate adverse personnel actions solely on 
the basis of a mental health condition.
(d) Training and Implementation.--The Secretary shall ensure that--
(1) health care providers within the military health system 
receive training on the policy developed under subsection (a), 
including criteria for determining imminent risk and procedures 
for notification of commanders;
(2) commanders receive training on appropriate responses to 
such notifications, including how to support members of the 
Armed Forces while maintaining good order and discipline; and
(3) health professionals within the military health system 
in patient care positions receive training on--
(A) how to respond when a member of the Armed 
Forces initiates the referral process under section 
1090b(e) of title 10, United States Code; and
(B) how to recognize signs indicating mental health 
distress and imminent risk of suicide.
(e) Coordination.--In developing the policy required under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with--
(1) the Director of the Defense Health Agency;
(2) the Surgeons General of the Armed Forces; and
(3) other relevant stakeholders, as determined appropriate 
by the Secretary.
(f) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a briefing that includes--
(1) a description of the policy developed under subsection 
(a);
(2) an assessment of implementation of such policy across 
the Armed Forces;
(3) a description of any identified challenges or barriers 
to such implementation; and
(4) recommendations for legislative or administrative 
action to improve suicide prevention efforts of the Department 
of Defense.

SEC. 725. AUTHORITY OVER DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM.

Section 1073 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
``(c) Authority.--The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health 
Affairs shall have authority over the entirety of the Defense Health 
Program.''.

SEC. 726. ENTERPRISE REVENUE CYCLE IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Director of 
the Defense Health Agency, shall implement an enterprise-wide revenue 
cycle improvement initiative (in this section referred to as the 
``Initiative'') to standardize revenue cycle management processes, 
strengthen governance and accountability, improve workforce capability, 
and increase the accuracy, timeliness, and yield of third-party 
collections and claims management across the military health system.
(b) Objectives.--The objectives of the Initiative are the 
following:
(1) To establish and implement standardized revenue cycle 
management processes, defined stage-by-stage accountability, 
and enterprise performance standards across all military 
medical treatment facilities.
(2) To improve the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness 
of clinical documentation, medical coding, charge capture, 
claims submission, and denial management, including through the 
use of advanced analytics, automation, and robotic process 
automation technologies as appropriate.
(3) To increase third-party collections yield and reduce 
preventable claim denials across the military health system.
(4) To strengthen the accuracy of medical readiness 
documentation, including documentation supporting deployment 
eligibility determinations, disability evaluation processing, 
and military provider clinical currency sustainment.
(5) To ensure interoperability with the GENESIS electronic 
health record platform of the military health system to support 
end-to-end revenue cycle operations and performance visibility.
(6) To establish enterprise workforce training and 
certification programs to improve revenue cycle competency 
across military medical treatment facilities.
(7) To provide actionable performance data and operational 
feedback to markets, networks, and military medical treatment 
facilities of the Defense Health Agency to improve 
accountability and outcomes.
(c) Elements.--In carrying out the Initiative, the Secretary 
shall--
(1) designate a senior official within the Defense Health 
Agency to serve as the enterprise revenue cycle improvement 
lead, with responsibility for implementation, performance 
oversight, and reporting;
(2) establish enterprise-wide revenue cycle performance 
standards and defined accountability for each stage of the 
revenue cycle, from patient scheduling through final 
collections;
(3) develop and implement enterprise performance metrics, 
including leading and lagging indicators, with escalation 
thresholds and corrective action requirements;
(4) implement workforce training and proficiency assessment 
programs for personnel performing revenue cycle functions 
across military medical treatment facilities;
(5) leverage existing investments in the GENESIS electronic 
health record platform of the military health system, existing 
analytics capabilities, and enterprise financial systems to 
support standardized revenue cycle operations; and
(6) incorporate advanced analytics, automation, and 
artificial intelligence capabilities, consistent with policies 
of the Department of Defense for responsible use of artificial 
intelligence, to support coding accuracy, denial prevention, 
charge capture, and revenue integrity.
(d) Implementation.--
(1) Application.--The Initiative shall apply to all 
military medical treatment facilities within the Defense Health 
Agency.
(2) Priority.--The Secretary shall prioritize initial 
implementation of the Initiative at facilities with the 
greatest opportunity for improvement in revenue cycle 
performance and third-party collections yield.
(3) Contracts and support.--The Secretary may enter into 
contracts or other agreements using available acquisition 
methods and competitive procedures, as appropriate, to obtain 
specialized expertise, technology capabilities, or 
implementation support necessary to carry out the Initiative.
(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to require the establishment of a new acquisition 
program or program management office for the purpose of revenue 
cycle management.
(e) Reporting.--
(1) Initial report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report describing--
(A) the baseline performance of military medical 
treatment facilities across key revenue cycle metrics, 
including days to final bill, clean claim submission 
rate, preventable denial rate, coding accuracy rate, 
and third-party collections yield;
(B) the enterprise revenue cycle governance 
structure established under the Initiative, including 
stage-by-stage accountability designations;
(C) implementation milestones and target dates for 
enterprise-wide deployment; and
(D) the allocation of funds authorized for the 
Initiative.
(2) Quarterly reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
submission of the initial report under paragraph (1), and 
quarterly thereafter for a period of not less than two years, 
the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report 
describing--
(A) progress in implementing the Initiative as 
compared to implementation milestones;
(B) performance improvements in the metrics 
identified under paragraph (1)(A) compared to the 
established baseline;
(C) the status of workforce training and 
certification programs;
(D) the impact of revenue cycle accuracy 
improvements on medical readiness documentation, 
including any identified effects on deployment 
eligibility determinations or disability evaluation 
processing; and
(E) challenges, risks, and recommendations for 
sustainment or expansion of the Initiative.
(f) Sunset.--This section shall terminate on the date that is three 
years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 727. NOTIFICATION TO LICENSING AND MEDICAL BOARDS OF STATES IN 
CASE OF INVESTIGATION OR MISCONDUCT.

(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after a covered event with 
respect to misconduct allegedly committed by a licensed medical 
professional of the Department of Defense, the Secretary of Defense 
shall notify the relevant State licensing and medical boards regarding 
such misconduct.
(b) Covered Event Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered 
event'', with respect to a licensed medical professional of the 
Department, means the date on which--
(1) an investigation that could lead to criminal charges is 
started into misconduct allegedly committed by such 
professional; or
(2) such professional is charged with misconduct.

SEC. 728. ADDITIONAL REVIEW OF DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS UNDER PROCESSES 
AND FORMS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDER CREDENTIALING 
AND PRIVILEGING OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

(a) In General.--Section 720 of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 10 U.S.C. 1094 note) is 
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
(c) and (d), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
subsection (b):
``(b) Additional Review Relating to Disclosure of Mental and 
Behavioral Health Conditions.--Not later than 180 days after 
implementing the centralized credential system established under 
subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall review all processes and forms 
relating to health care provider credentialing and privileging of 
covered applicants to--
``(1) identify questions, required disclosures, or other 
information required to be provided by the applicant that asks 
or requires the applicant to disclose mental, behavioral, 
psychological, or other related health conditions of the 
applicant, including requirements contained in--
``(A) applications for credentialing, peer 
reference, or competency assessment; and
``(B) employee manuals, guidance, and policies of 
the Department of Defense governing the requirements 
for credentialing, privileging, or employment of health 
care providers; and
``(2) review credentialing, peer reference, and competency 
assessment forms for health care providers and make a 
comparison across the military departments and the Defense 
Health Agency as applicable, including a review of--
``(A) which forms require disclosure of mental, 
behavioral, psychological, or other related health 
conditions; and
``(B) whether such disclosure of mental, 
behavioral, psychological, or other related health 
conditions include past and current diagnoses and 
treatment.''; and
(3) in subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
inserting after ``this Act,'' the following: ``and not 
later than one year after implementing the centralized 
credential system established under subsection 
(a)(2)'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``review required 
under subsection (a)'' and inserting ``reviews required 
under subsections (a) and (b)''; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``such review'' 
and inserting ``such reviews''.
(b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report containing the following:
(1) The findings of the review required under subsection 
(b) of section 720 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 10 U.S.C. 1094 note), 
as added by subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(2) A detailed plan outlining steps the Secretary has taken 
or will take pursuant to such review, including a timeline for 
completion of such steps.

SEC. 729. EXPANSION OF INDIVIDUAL LONGITUDINAL EXPOSURE RECORD.

(a) In General.--Section 996 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (i); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new 
subsections:
``(e) Inclusion of Family Member Exposures.--The Secretary may 
include in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record of a member of 
the armed forces exposures experienced by family members of such member 
during an accompanied tour while such member is serving on active duty, 
regardless of whether the location is in the continental United States, 
outside the continental United States, or a classified location.
``(f) Individual Access to Data and Updates or Corrections.--(1) 
The Secretary may provide to members of the armed forces, veterans, 
designated family members, and survivors password-protected access to 
view data within the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record to which 
the individual is authorized to view.
``(2) An individual may request an update or correction to any data 
included in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record that relates to 
the individual.
``(g) Toxic Exposure Capability.--The Secretary may modify the 
Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record to provide the capability to 
notify an individual of a potential toxic exposure of the individual in 
real time.
``(h) Preservation of Records After Death.--The Secretary may 
modify the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record to preserve records 
of an individual after the death of the individual for purposes of 
research, survivor benefits, and disease-cluster identification.''.
(b) Full Operating Capacity.--Not later than two years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record maintained 
under section 996 of title 10, United States Code, is at full operating 
capacity in accordance with the requirements and authorities under such 
section, as amended by subsection (a).
(c) Report.--Not later than January 1, 2028, the Secretary of 
Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House 
of Representatives a report detailing--
(1) whether the Secretary intends to implement subsections 
(e) through (h) of section 996 of title 10, United States Code, 
as added by subsection (a)(2); and
(2) if the Secretary does not intend to implement any such 
subsection, the recommendations of the Secretary with respect 
to the implementation of such subsection.

SEC. 730. PILOT PROGRAM ON MODERNIZATION OF DRUG TESTING USING VOICE-
BASED RISK ASSESSMENT.

(a) Pilot Program Required.--The Secretary of Defense shall carry 
out a pilot program at not more than five military installations, 
representing a combined total of not less than 40,000 and not more than 
50,000 active-duty members of the Armed Forces, to evaluate the use of 
voice-based risk assessment technology to support targeted drug 
testing.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the pilot program is to determine 
whether automated voice-based screening tools can improve the 
efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational readiness of the 
Department of Defense's drug testing programs by enabling risk-informed 
testing in place of universal urinalysis.
(c) Program Elements.--The pilot program shall--
(1) integrate voice-based automated screening technology 
capable of producing real-time, individualized risk assessments 
from simple yes/no questions;
(2) be executed as part of the Drug Demand Reduction 
Program of the Department of Defense;
(3) assess impacts on testing volume, cost savings, 
personnel time, and operational readiness;
(4) be conducted in a manner that protects individual 
privacy and complies with applicable law, Department policy, 
and applicable protections under section 552a of title 5, 
United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Privacy Act 
of 1974''); and
(5) only be conducted if the proposed voice-based automated 
screening technology or any other proposed screening technology 
is scientifically validated, peer-reviewed, and legally 
defensible as defined by the Secretary of Defense.
(d) Termination.--The Secretary of Defense shall determine when to 
terminate the pilot program established under this section.

Subtitle C--Combat and Operational Health Support

SEC. 741. ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT DISEASE AND NON-BATTLE INJURY 
SURVEILLANCE AND READINESS SYSTEM.

(a) Establishment.--Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 1110b the following new section:
``Sec. 1110c. Joint Disease and Non-Battle Injury Surveillance and 
Readiness System
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish and 
maintain a Joint Disease and Non-Battle Injury Surveillance and 
Readiness System (in this section referred to as the `Joint DNBI 
System') within the Defense Health Agency to provide standardized, 
interoperable, and real-time monitoring of disease and non-battle 
injury across the armed forces.
``(b) Applicability.--The Joint DNBI System shall apply to--
``(1) the regular components of the armed forces;
``(2) the reserve components of the armed forces when in 
Federal service; and
``(3) such other personnel of the Department of Defense as 
the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(c) Elements.--The Joint DNBI System shall--
``(1) standardize definitions, metrics, and reporting 
requirements for disease and non-battle injury of members of 
the armed forces;
``(2) integrate with the electronic health record systems 
of the Department of Defense;
``(3) integrate with readiness reporting systems and 
operational reporting platforms;
``(4) provide commanders and combatant commands with near-
real-time medical situational awareness;
``(5) incorporate environmental and occupational health 
surveillance data;
``(6) track lost duty days, medical evacuations, limited 
duty status, and other readiness impacts attributable to 
disease and non-battle injury;
``(7) integrate lessons learned with respect to infectious 
disease and preventive medicine, including through overseas 
medical laboratories and the Global Emerging Infectious 
Surveillance program, across the armed forces; and
``(8) ensure interoperability, as appropriate, with joint, 
interagency, and allied health surveillance systems.
``(d) Responsibilities.--
``(1) Secretary of defense.--The Secretary of Defense 
shall--
``(A) designate a senior official within the Office 
of the Secretary of Defense to oversee policy oversight 
with respect to the Joint DNBI System; and
``(B) ensure adequate resourcing and cybersecurity 
protections for such system.
``(2) Secretaries of the military departments.--Each 
Secretary of a military department shall--
``(A) implement standardized reporting procedures 
with respect to the Joint DNBI System;
``(B) ensure compliance with such system at all 
command levels; and
``(C) incorporate disease and non-battle injury 
metrics into readiness assessments.
``(3) Joint staff and combatant commanders.--The Joint 
Staff and the commanders of the combatant commands shall 
incorporate data from the Joint DNBI System into operational 
risk assessments and campaign planning.
``(4) Director of the defense health agency.--The Director 
of the Defense Health Agency shall--
``(A) develop the concept of operations for the 
Joint DNBI System; and
``(B) implement policy guidance from the Secretary 
of Defense and ensure such system achieves full 
operational capability.
``(e) Privacy and Civil Liberties.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that the Joint DNBI System complies with--
``(1) section 552a of title 5 (commonly known as the 
`Privacy Act of 1974');
``(2) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability 
Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191); and
``(3) all applicable cybersecurity and data protection 
requirements.
``(f) Annual Briefing.--Not later than March 1 of each year 
beginning in the first full fiscal year following implementation of the 
Joint DNBI System, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a briefing on trends in disease and non-battle injury 
and associated readiness impacts.
``(g) Sunset.--This section shall terminate on September 30, 2032.
``(h) Disease and Non-battle Injury Defined.--In this section, the 
term `disease and non-battle injury' means any medical condition not 
directly attributable to hostile action, including infectious disease, 
environmental exposure, occupational injury, training-related injury, 
heat or cold injury, and other non-combat-related conditions affecting 
readiness.''.
(b) Implementation Timeline.--The Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, issue implementing guidance for the Joint Disease 
and Non-Battle Injury Surveillance and Readiness System 
established under section 1110c of title 10, United States 
Code, as added by subsection (a);
(2) not later than 18 months after such date of enactment, 
achieve initial operating capability for such system; and
(3) not later than 36 months after such date of enactment, 
achieve full operating capability for such system.
(c) Initial Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report describing--
(1) progress of implementation of the Joint Disease and 
Non-Battle Injury Surveillance and Readiness System established 
under section 1110c of title 10, United States Code, as added 
by subsection (a);
(2) identified capability gaps with respect to such system; 
and
(3) resource requirements for such system.

SEC. 742. PRESERVATION OF DEDICATED AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION CAPABILITY 
OF MEDICAL SERVICE CORPS OF THE ARMY.

(a) In General.--The Medical Service Corps of the Army shall 
maintain a dedicated aeromedical evacuation capability, including 
personnel, training, doctrine, and aircraft specifically configured for 
aeromedical evacuation missions.
(b) Clarification of Authority.--The Secretary of the Army shall 
ensure that--
(1) the aviation branch of the Army has the authority to 
organize, train, and equip aviation assets in accordance with 
operational requirements; and
(2) the medical department of the Army, under the authority 
delegated to such department by the Surgeon General of the 
Army, has the authority for medical command and control, 
patient care responsibilities, and clinical standards for 
aeromedical evacuation operations.
(c) Elements of Capability.--The Secretary of the Army shall 
maintain the capability required under subsection (a)--
(1) in alignment with the sufficiency analysis of the 
Surgeon General of the Army;
(2) consistent with medical evacuation doctrine and 
operational planning assumptions of the Army; and
(3) in support of--
(A) the commanders of the combatant commands;
(B) contingency operations and operational plans;
(C) civil authorities;
(D) chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 
response force missions;
(E) humanitarian assistance and disaster response 
operations; and
(F) garrison emergency medical response operations 
at installations of the Department of Defense.
(d) Change in Structure.--
(1) In general.--The capability required under subsection 
(a) shall remain a distinct component within the Medical 
Service Corps of the Army and may not be restructured into 
general-purpose aviation elements or dual-use configurations 
without prior notification to the congressional defense 
committees, which shall--
(A) be accompanied by a formal risk assessment on--
(i) operational medical readiness of the 
Medical Service Corps; and
(ii) readiness of the Medical Service Corps 
to support the joint force and missions 
specified under subsection (c)(3); and
(B) contain a report that--
(i) is based on the force structure 
authorizations outlined in the most current 
Army Structure Message;
(ii) is informed by the most current Total 
Army Analysis approved by the Secretary of the 
Army; and
(iii) does not propose or assume any 
changes to the aircraft authorizations 
reflected in the documents specified in clauses 
(i) and (ii).
(2) Operational medical requirements and joint force 
needs.--Any adjustments made to the force structure of the 
aeromedical evacuation capability of the Army must account for 
operational medical requirements and joint force needs where 
the Surgeon General of the Army retains authority over the 
medical force structure, staffing, clinical oversight, and 
doctrinal development for aeromedical evacuation units.
(e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the date 
that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to prohibit augmentation of military patient movement 
operations with combatant, commercial, or allied assets in contingency 
or humanitarian operations, as determined necessary by the Secretary of 
Defense.

SEC. 743. ESTABLISHMENT OF PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM BETWEEN UNITED STATES, 
INDO-PACIFIC REGION, AND ARCTIC REGION FOR MILITARY 
TRAUMA CARE, DISEASE AND NON-BATTLE INJURY, HEALTH 
SYSTEMS SUPPORT, AND RESEARCH.

(a) In General.--Not later than June 1, 2027, the Secretary of 
Defense, working in coordination with the commanders of the appropriate 
combatant commands, shall seek to enter into a partnership with 
appropriate governmental counterparts in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic 
regions to establish a joint program focused on military trauma care 
and research.
(b) Elements.--The program required under subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
(1) The sharing of relevant lessons learned in combat 
casualty care derived from prior conflicts.
(2) The conduct of joint conferences, symposia, and 
professional exchange programs involving military medical 
professionals from the United States and partner nations in the 
Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.
(3) Collaboration on matters related to health policy, 
health administration, and medical logistics, including medical 
supplies and equipment, through structured knowledge exchanges.
(4) The conduct of joint research and development 
initiatives addressing the health effects of new and emerging 
weapons and methods of warfare.
(5) The establishment of agreements with military medical 
schools in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions to support 
reciprocal education programs under which--
(A) students of the Uniformed Services University 
of the Health Sciences receive specialized military 
medical instruction at participating military medical 
schools in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions; and
(B) military medical personnel from partner nations 
in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions receive 
specialized military medical instruction at the 
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 
consistent with section 2114(f) of title 10, United 
States Code.
(6) The provision of assistance to partner nations in the 
Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions to support the development, 
sustainment, and modernization of combat casualty care systems 
and programs.
(7) Coordination, through the Joint Trauma System of the 
Defense Health Agency, of trauma care doctrine, data 
collection, performance improvement, and clinical best 
practices with the armed forces and military medical services 
of partner nations in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions, in 
coordination with United States Indo-Pacific Command, United 
States Northern Command, and United States European Command.
(8) The provision of training to the armed forces of 
partner nations in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions in the 
following areas:
(A) Health effects and medical response related to 
chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and 
explosive weapons.
(B) Trauma care.
(C) Preventive medicine and infectious disease.
(D) Post-traumatic stress disorder.
(E) Suicide prevention.
(F) Traumatic brain injury.
(G) Medical and health intelligence.
(H) Health policy and administration.
(9) The maintenance of a list of critical medical supplies 
and equipment required to support program objectives and 
regional readiness.
(10) Such other activities or program elements as the 
Secretary of Defense determines appropriate to advance the 
purposes of this section.

SEC. 744. AERIAL TRANSPORT AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-WIDE CAPABILITY 
FOR HIGH-CONSEQUENCE INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary 
of Defense shall establish, sustain, and resource a program to provide 
for the safe, long-range aerial transport of personnel of the 
Department of Defense known to be or suspected of being infected by a 
high-consequence infectious disease.
(b) Aeromedical Evacuation Component of Infectious Disease Response 
Capability.--The program required under subsection (a) shall serve as 
the aeromedical evacuation component of a capability of the Department 
for high-consequence infectious disease response that supports 
independent military operations of the Department and integration with 
Federal, State, local, civilian, and academic partners.
(c) Program Requirements.--In establishing and sustaining the 
program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) develop and maintain curriculum and identify qualified 
instructors to train and certify military and civilian medical 
personnel on procedures associated with the safe, long-range 
aerial transport of patients with infectious diseases;
(2) establish and periodically update medical care 
standards, infection prevention and control measures, and 
operational safety protocols necessary to maximize patient 
survival and minimize infection risk to aircrew, medical 
personnel, and support personnel;
(3) serve as the joint force advocate and executive agent 
for aerial transport of personnel with high-consequence 
infectious diseases within the Department;
(4) establish standards, sustainment requirements, and 
lifecycle management processes for personal protective 
equipment, transport isolation systems, and associated medical 
equipment used in transporting infected patients;
(5) develop joint doctrine, concepts of operation, and 
medical force requirements necessary to support a Department-
wide high-consequence infectious disease capability, including 
patient movement, definitive care, and integration across the 
continuum of care;
(6) inform the organization, training, and equipping of 
specialized, organized teams capable of conducting high-
consequence infectious disease patient movement and care in 
operational, austere, and strategic environments;
(7) support interoperability and operational integration 
with Federal, State, local, civilian, and academic partners to 
enable coordinated response to tactical incidents, large-scale 
contingencies, and research activities related to emerging and 
future infectious disease threats; and
(8) identify capability gaps and support research, 
development, testing, and evaluation of medical 
countermeasures, transport systems, protective equipment, and 
operational procedures necessary to improve survivability, 
safety, and mission effectiveness in high-consequence 
infectious disease operations.
(d) Enterprise Doctrine and Oversight.--The Secretary shall develop 
and maintain doctrine and policy throughout the Department to guide the 
development, fielding, sustainment, and employment of high-consequence 
infectious disease response capabilities across the Department.

SEC. 745. REQUIREMENT FOR ANNUAL LARGE-SCALE COMBAT CASUALTY ESTIMATION 
REPORT.

(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to ensure that the 
Department of Defense, in coordination with the Joint Staff Surgeon and 
the Director of the Defense Health Agency, maintains accurate, 
comprehensive, and validated estimates of potential casualties in major 
combat ope

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