1. Short title

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

2. Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents

(a) Divisions - This Act is organized into 8 divisions as follows:

(1) Division A—Department of Defense Authorizations.

(2) Division B—Military Construction Authorizations.

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

(4) Division D—Funding Tables.

(5) Division E—Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

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

(7) Division G—Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025.

(8) Division H—Other Matters.

(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. Definitions.

Sec. 4. Budgetary effects of this Act.

Sec. 5. Joint explanatory statement.

Division A—Department of Defense Authorizations

Title I—Procurement

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.

Subtitle B—Army Programs

Sec. 111. Strategy for Army tactical wheeled vehicle program.

Sec. 112. Multiyear procurement authority for UH–60 Blackhawk aircraft.

Sec. 113. Authorization to initiate early production of future long-range assault aircraft.

Sec. 114. Limitation on availability of funds for the Next Generation Command and Control portfolio of capabilities of the Army.

Subtitle C—Navy Programs

Sec. 121. Modification to requirements for recapitalization of tactical fighter aircraft of the Navy Reserve.

Sec. 122. Modification to limitations on Navy medium and large unmanned surface vessels.

Sec. 123. Recapitalization of Navy waterborne security barriers; modification of prohibition on availability of funds for legacy waterborne security barriers.

Sec. 124. Contract authority for Ford-class aircraft carrier program.

Sec. 125. Contract authority for Columbia-class submarine program.

Sec. 126. Authority for advance procurement of certain components to support continuous production of Virginia-class submarines.

Sec. 127. Procurement authorities for Medium Landing Ships.

Sec. 128. Multiyear procurement authority for Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing Barges.

Sec. 129. Vessel construction managers for the construction of certain Navy vessels.

Sec. 130. Limitation on construction of Modular Attack Surface Craft.

Sec. 131. Limitation on availability of funds for TAGOS ship program.

Sec. 132. Inclusion of information on amphibious warfare ship spares and repair parts in Navy budget justification materials.

Subtitle D—Air Force Programs

Sec. 141. Modification of minimum inventory requirements for air refueling tanker aircraft.

Sec. 142. Modification of prohibition on retirement of F–15E aircraft.

Sec. 143. Extension of limitations and minimum inventory requirement relating to RQ–4 aircraft.

Sec. 144. Modification to annual report on Air Force tactical fighter aircraft force structure.

Sec. 145. Extension of requirements relating to C–130 aircraft.

Sec. 146. Extension of prohibition on certain reductions to B–1 bomber aircraft squadrons.

Sec. 147. Modification to minimum inventory requirement for A–10 aircraft.

Sec. 148. Preservation of retired KC–10 aircraft.

Sec. 149. Prohibition on certain reductions to inventory of E–3 airborne warning and control system aircraft.

Sec. 150. B–21 bomber aircraft program accountability matrices.

Sec. 151. Bomber aircraft force structure and transition roadmap.

Sec. 152. Requirement for an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap for the Air Force.

Sec. 153. Report on the F–47 advanced fighter aircraft program.

Sec. 154. Limitation on availability of funds pending report on acquisition strategy for Airborne Command Post Capability.

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

Sec. 161. Requirements relating to executive airlift aircraft.

Sec. 162. Amendments to prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made light detection and ranging.

Sec. 163. Prohibition on availability of funds for contract termination or production line shutdown for E–7A Wedgetail aircraft.

Sec. 164. Limitation on procurement of KC–46 aircraft pending certification on correction of deficiencies.

Sec. 165. Plan for open mission systems of F–35 aircraft.

Sec. 166. Annual GAO reviews of the F–35 aircraft program.

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. Modification to authority to award prizes for advanced technology achievements.

Sec. 212. Modification to mechanisms to provide funds to defense laboratories and other entities for research and development of technologies for military missions.

Sec. 213. Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 214. Modification to authority for acquisition, construction, or furnishing of test facilities and equipment.

Sec. 215. Extension of limitation on availability of funds for fundamental research collaboration with certain academic institutions.

Sec. 216. Modification of requirement for Department of Defense policies for management and certification of Link 16 military tactical data link network.

Sec. 217. Extension of authority for assignment to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of private sector personnel with critical research and development expertise.

Sec. 218. Alternative test and evaluation pathway for designated defense acquisition programs.

Sec. 219. Congressionally directed programs for test and evaluation oversight.

Sec. 220. Application of software innovation to modernize test and evaluation infrastructure.

Sec. 221. Review and alignment of standards, guidance, and policies relating to digital engineering.

Sec. 222. Catalyst Pathfinder Program.

Sec. 223. Modifications to defense research capacity building program.

Sec. 224. National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute.

Sec. 225. Advanced robotic automation for munitions manufacturing.

Sec. 226. Evaluation of additional test corridors for hypersonic and long-range weapons.

Sec. 227. Western regional range complex demonstration.

Sec. 228. Demonstration of near real-time monitoring capabilities to enhance weapon system platforms.

Sec. 229. Pilot program on modernized health and usage monitoring systems to address obsolescence in rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft.

Sec. 230. Prohibition on modification of indirect cost rates for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations.

Sec. 231. Limitation on availability of funds pending compliance with requirements relating to the Joint Energetics Transition Office.

Sec. 232. Limitation on availability of funds for realignment of research, development, test, and evaluation functions of Joint conventional armaments and ammunition.

Sec. 233. Limitation on use of funds for certain Navy software.

Sec. 234. Limitation on availability of funds for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering pending report on study results.

Subtitle C—Biotechnology Matters

Sec. 241. Support for research and development of bioindustrial manufacturing processes.

Sec. 242. Biotechnology Management Office.

Sec. 243. Bioindustrial commercialization program.

Sec. 244. Biotechnology supply chain resiliency program.

Sec. 245. Biological data for artificial intelligence.

Sec. 246. Department of Defense biotechnology strategy.

Sec. 247. Ethical and responsible development and deployment of biotechnology within the Department of Defense.

Sec. 248. Establishing biobased product merit guidance.

Subtitle D—Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 251. Modification of energetic materials strategic plan and investment strategy of Joint Energetics Transition Office.

Sec. 252. Extension of period for annual reports on critical technology areas supportive of the National Defense Strategy.

Sec. 253. Quarterly briefings on research, development, test, and evaluation laboratories and facilities.

Title III—Operation and Maintenance

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.

Subtitle B—Energy and Environment

Sec. 311. Inclusion of information about PFAS investigation and remediation in annual report on defense environmental programs.

Sec. 312. Elimination of preference for motor vehicles using electric or hybrid propulsion systems and related requirements of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 313. Modification of availability and use of energy cost savings.

Sec. 314. Requirement to support National Guard training on wildfire prevention and response.

Sec. 315. Modification of requirements relating to replacement of fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam.

Sec. 316. Modification to restriction on procurement or purchasing of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Sec. 317. Provision of alternative drinking water to households whose private drinking water is contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances from Department of Defense activities.

Sec. 318. Responsibilities of executive agent for installation and operational nuclear energy.

Sec. 319. Establishment of Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group.

Sec. 320. Department of Air Force program of record for commercial weather data.

Sec. 321. Pilot program on Navy installation nuclear energy.

Sec. 322. Strategy to accelerate remediation of contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Sec. 323.  Notification requirement with respect to nuclear power in Guam.

Sec. 324. Authority to use certain technologies to destroy or dispose of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Subtitle C—Logistics and Sustainment

Sec. 331. Modification of readiness report to include summary count of certain mishaps.

Sec. 332. Authority to provide supplies incidental to support and services for eligible non-Department of Defense organizations.

Sec. 333. Extension of authorization of depot working capital funds for unspecified minor military construction.

Sec. 334. Designation of senior officials responsible for integration of global contested logistics posture management.

Sec. 335. Modification of prohibition on contracts for performance of firefighting or security-guard functions.

Sec. 336. Responsibilities for oversight of certain defense personal property matters.

Sec. 337. Roles and responsibilities relating to sustainment and readiness of certain naval surface vessels.

Sec. 338. Strategy to improve infrastructure of certain depots of Department of Defense.

Sec. 339. Modification of report on improved oversight for implementation of Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Navy.

Sec. 340. Extension and modification of semiannual briefings on operational status of amphibious warship fleet.

Sec. 341. Maintenance inspection capabilities and requirements.

Sec. 342. Joint Strike Fighter sustainment.

Sec. 343. Depot-level maintenance coordination in multinational exercises.

Sec. 344. Proposed actions with respect to causes and effects of declining aircraft readiness rates.

Sec. 345. Technology enhancement for surface ship maintenance.

Sec. 346. Oversight requirements for contracts relating to relocation logistics for household goods.

Sec. 347. Integration of commercially available artificial intelligence capabilities into logistics operations.

Sec. 348. Pilot program on Army depot and arsenal workload sustainment.

Sec. 349. Limitation on use of funds to establish or expand Space Force Special Operations Component Command.

Sec. 350. Pilot program for data-enabled ground vehicle maintenance.

Sec. 351. Modernization of the organic industrial base of the Army.

Subtitle D—Matters Relating to Munitions

Sec. 361. Reporting requirements for Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirements and Out-Year inventory numbers.

Sec. 362. Inclusion of air and missile defense in Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement and Out-Year inventory numbers.

Sec. 363. Reports on munitions response projects at sites formerly used by the Department of Defense.

Sec. 364. Report on critical munitions required for simultaneous conflicts.

Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 371. Adjustment and diversification assistance for State and local governments affected by depot reductions.

Sec. 372. Authority to evacuate family pets and contract working dogs during noncombatant evacuations of foreign countries.

Sec. 373. Manned rotary wing aircraft safety.

Sec. 374. Establishment of Army museum system.

Sec. 375. Establishment of United States Navy Museum System.

Sec. 376. Establishment of Air Force and Space Force Museum System.

Sec. 377. Transportation of certain domestic animals by foreign air carriers.

Sec. 378. Minimum standards for military working dog kennels and facilities.

Sec. 379. Restroom access at military installations for certain transportation service providers.

Sec. 380. Use of expeditionary solid waste disposal systems by Department of Defense.

Sec. 381. Pilot program for contracted amphibious air resources for the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Sec. 382. Initiative to control spread of greater banded hornet in Guam.

Sec. 383. Reserve mobilization exercise to assess the capability of the Armed Forces to respond to a high-intensity contingency in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sec. 384. Limitation on transformation by the Army of primary helicopter training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

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; Reports

Sec. 421. Military personnel.

Sec. 422. Streamlining of total force reporting requirements.

Title V—Military Personnel Policy

Subtitle A—Officer Policy

Sec. 501. Space Force general officer management.

Sec. 502. Redistribution of general officers on active duty from the Air Force to the Space Force.

Sec. 503. Notification of removal of officers from selection board reports and promotion lists.

Sec. 504. Chaplains: career flexibility; detail as students at schools for education required for appointment.

Sec. 505. Temporary increase in fiscal year percentage limitation for reduction or waiver of service-in-grade requirement for general and flag officers to be retired in pay grades O-7 and O-8.

Sec. 506. Notice of removal of Judge Advocates General.

Sec. 507. Authority to waive prohibition on officers serving on successive selection boards for boards to consider officers for promotion to major general or rear admiral.

Sec. 508. Establishment of blast safety officer positions.

Subtitle B—Reserve Component Management

Sec. 511. Active and inactive transfers of officers of the Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard.

Sec. 512. National Guard: Active Guard and Reserve duty in response to a State disaster.

Sec. 513. Report on effect of equipment shortfalls on ability of National Guard to perform homeland defense activities.

Sec. 514. Report on National Guard sexual assault prevention and response training.

Sec. 515. Study and report on members of the reserve components: consideration of amount of time of service in activation; authority to waive limitation on release from active duty.

Subtitle C—General Service Authorities and Military Records

Sec. 521. Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record: codification; expansion.

Sec. 522. Women’s initiative teams.

Sec. 523. Honorary promotions on the initiative of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 524. Enhanced efficiency and service discretion for Disability Evaluation System reviews.

Sec. 525. Requirement of equal opportunity, racial neutrality, and exclusive use of merit in military personnel actions.

Sec. 526. Report on adequacy of reimbursement for costs of permanent change of station.

Subtitle D—Recruitment and Accession

Sec. 531. Recruiter access to secondary schools.

Sec. 532. Alternative service in areas of national interest by individuals denied enlistment.

Sec. 533. Medical accession standards for members of the Armed Forces.

Sec. 534. Clarifying the calculation of enlistments for persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level for the future servicemember preparatory course.

Sec. 535. Selective Service System: automatic registration.

Subtitle E—Member Training

Sec. 541. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor qualifications.

Sec. 542. Number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units.

Sec. 543. Requirements with respect to motorcycle safety training.

Sec. 544. Repeal of annual certifications related to the Ready, Relevant Learning initiative of the Navy.

Sec. 545. Mandatory training on government ethics and national security law.

Sec. 546. Temporary authority to provide bonuses to Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors.

Sec. 547. Pilot program for generative artificial intelligence and spatial computing for performance training and proficiency assessment.

Sec. 548. Limitation on authority to reorganize the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army.

Sec. 549. Accreditation of National Guard Marksmanship Training Center.

Subtitle F—Member Education

Sec. 551. Modification to maximum years of service for eligibility detail as a student at a law school.

Sec. 552. Inclusion of Space Force education programs in definitions regarding professional military education.

Sec. 553. Asynchronous instruction in distance education option for professional military education.

Sec. 554. Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies.

Sec. 555. Military service academy nominations.

Sec. 556. Modifications to alternative obligation for cadets and midshipmen.

Sec. 557. Modification to the designation of Members of the House of Representatives to the Boards of Visitors of Service Academies.

Sec. 558. Director of Admissions of the United States Naval Academy.

Sec. 559. Detail of members of the Space Force as instructors at Air Force Institute of Technology.

Sec. 559A. Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs or activities at the military service academies that are designated for women or girls.

Sec. 559B. Organization of Army War College.

Subtitle G—Military Justice and Other Legal Matters

Sec. 561. Qualifications for judge advocates.

Sec. 562. Ensuring the availability of legal advice to commanders.

Sec. 563. Analysis of potential modifications to the offense of wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Sec. 564. Revision to sexual assault prevention and response training guidance.

Sec. 565. Notification of military sex offenders at military installations.

Sec. 566. Analysis of the advisability of modifying the definition of abusive sexual contact under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Sec. 567. Analysis of the advisability of establishing a punitive article for child pornography-related offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Subtitle H—Career Transition

Sec. 571. Transition Assistance Program: amendments; pilot program; reports.

Sec. 572. Amendments to pathways for counseling in Transition Assistance Program.

Sec. 573. Improvements to information-sharing to support individuals retiring or separating from the Armed Forces.

Subtitle I—Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education

Sec. 581. Notification of suspected child abuse that occurs at a military child development center.

Sec. 582. Enrollment of children of certain American Red Cross employees in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.

Sec. 583. Ensuring access to DODEA schools for certain members of the reserve components.

Sec. 584. Authorization of dual or concurrent enrollment programs for students of Defense Dependent Schools.

Sec. 585. Restrictions on certain actions relating to DODEA schools and military child development centers.

Sec. 586. Extension of pilot program to provide financial assistance to members of the Armed Forces for in-home child care.

Sec. 587. Military OneSource: information regarding maternal health care.

Sec. 588. Assistance for deployment-related support of members of the Armed Forces undergoing deployment and their families beyond the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.

Sec. 589. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of military and civilian personnel.

Sec. 589A. Verification of reporting of eligible federally connected children for purposes of Federal impact aid programs.

Sec. 589B. Regulations on the use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

Sec. 589V. Management of special education in schools operated by Department of Defense Education Activity.

Sec. 589D. Pilot program to increase payments for child care services in high-cost areas.

Subtitle J—Decorations and Awards, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 591. Authorization for award of Medal of Honor to E. Royce Williams for acts of valor during the Korean War.

Sec. 592. Authorization for posthumous award of the distinguished-service cross to Isaac "Ike" Camacho for acts of valor in Vietnam.

Sec. 593. Compliance with travel charge card deactivation requirements.

Title VI—Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits

Subtitle A—Basic Pay and Retired Pay

Sec. 601. Codification of applicability to Space Force of certain pay and allowance authorities.

Sec. 602. Extension of enhanced authority for selective early retirement and early discharges.

Sec. 603. Extension of temporary early retirement authority.

Subtitle B—Bonus, Incentive, and Separation Pays

Sec. 611. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay authorities.

Sec. 612. Extension of authority to provide voluntary separation pay and benefits.

Sec. 613. Implementation of aviation incentive pay for members of reserve components.

Sec. 614. Reviews of designations of imminent danger pay areas.

Subtitle C—Allowances

Sec. 621. Modifications to calculation of basic allowance for subsistence for enlisted members.

Sec. 622. Family separation allowance: increase.

Sec. 623. Extending certain travel allowance for members of the Armed Forces assigned to Alaska.

Sec. 624. Improvements to basic allowance for housing.

Subtitle D—Leave

Sec. 631. Improved parental leave for members of the armed forces.

Sec. 632. Convalescent leave for cadets and midshipmen.

Subtitle E—Family and Survivor Benefits

Sec. 641. Annual review of financial assistance limits for child care and youth program services providers.

Sec. 642. Waiver of requirements for air transportation of deceased members of the Armed Forces when necessary to meet mission requirements.

Subtitle F—Defense Resale Matters

Sec. 651. Use of commissary stores: civilian employees of Military Sealift Command.

Sec. 652. Defense commissary system and exchange system: patronage; privatization.

Subtitle G—Other Benefits, Administrative Matters, Reports, and Briefings

Sec. 661. Inclusion of descriptions of types of pay on pay statements.

Sec. 662. Provision of information regarding relocation assistance programs for members receiving orders for a change of permanent station.

Sec. 663. Expansion of pilot program to increase access to food on military installations.

Sec. 664. Military compensation educational campaign.

Sec. 665. Designation of United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll as remote and isolated military installation.

Title VII—Health Care Provisions

Subtitle A—TRICARE and Other Health Benefits

Sec. 701. Reimbursement for travel expenses relating to specialty care for certain members of the Armed Forces and dependents.

Sec. 702. Authority to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations on a nonreimbursable basis to certain otherwise ineligible individuals.

Subtitle B—Health Care Administration

Sec. 711. Codification of position of Director of the Defense Health Agency.

Sec. 712. Military-civilian medical surge program.

Sec. 713. Modification of limitation on reduction of military medical manning end strength.

Sec. 714. Inclusion of additional requirements in notifications to modify scope of services provided at military medical treatment facilities.

Sec. 715. Military medical cooperation arrangements among Five Eyes countries.

Sec. 716. Licensure requirement for health-care professionals of partner countries.

Sec. 717. Plan for priority assignment of medical personnel of Department of Defense.

Sec. 718. Plan and report by Defense Health Agency relating to chiropractic clinics at military installations.

Sec. 719. Strategic infectious disease medical research plan.

Sec. 720. Review of disclosure requirements under processes and forms relating to health care provider credentialing and privileging of Department of Defense.

Subtitle C—Studies, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 731. Improvement of availability of care for veterans from facilities and providers of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 732. Prohibition on painful research on domestic cats and dogs.

Sec. 733. Pilot program on wastewater surveillance system of Department of Defense.

Sec. 734. Pilot program to assist certain members of the Armed Forces and dependents with additional supplemental coverage relating to cancer.

Sec. 735. Study on accreditation of military dental treatment facilities.

Sec. 736. Study on prevalence and mortality of cancer among military rotary-wing pilots and aviation support personnel.

Sec. 737. Study on psychological effects of and mental health effects of unmanned aircraft systems in combat operations.

Title VIII—Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters

Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and Management

Sec. 801. Assumption of uninsurable risk on certain contracts.

Sec. 802. Changes to certain documents.

Sec. 803. Pilot program for financing for covered activities.

Sec. 804. Multiyear procurement authority for covered systems and certain munitions.

Sec. 805. Addressing insufficiencies in technical data.

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

Sec. 811. Repeals of existing law to streamline the defense acquisition process.

Sec. 812. Modifications to current defense acquisition requirements.

Sec. 813. Modification to award amount for program to accelerate the procurement and fielding of innovative technologies.

Sec. 814. Additional amendments related to undefinitized contractual actions.

Sec. 815. Amendment to procurement of services data analysis and requirements validation.

Sec. 816. Modification of program and processes relating to foreign acquisition.

Sec. 817. Review of Department of Defense Instruction relating to conventional ammunition management.

Subtitle C—Provisions Relating to Workforce Development

Sec. 821. Improvements to public-private talent exchange.

Sec. 822. Modifications to requirements for the President of the Defense Acquisition University.

Sec. 823. Hiring authorities for Defense Civilian Training Corps.

Sec. 824. Increasing competition in defense contracting.

Sec. 825. Report on strengthening the Defense Acquisition University.

Sec. 826. Restructuring of performance evaluation metrics for the acquisition workforce.

Subtitle D—Provisions Relating to Supply Chains and Domestic Sourcing

Sec. 831. Applicability of Berry Amendment to procurement of certain seafood.

Sec. 832. Enhancement of defense supply chain resilience and secondary source qualification.

Sec. 833. Interim national security waivers for supply chain illumination efforts.

Sec. 834. Strategy to eliminate acquisition of optical glass from certain nations.

Sec. 835. Strategy to eliminate sourcing of computer displays from certain nations.

Sec. 836. Voluntary registration of compliance with covered sourcing requirements for covered products.

Sec. 837. Acceleration of qualification of compliant sources.

Sec. 838. Assessment of critical infrastructure owned by the Department of Defense dependent on foreign materials or components.

Subtitle E—Prohibitions and Limitations on Procurement

Sec. 841. Requirements relating to long-term concessions agreements with certain retailers.

Sec. 842. Prohibition on acquisition of advanced batteries from certain foreign sources.

Sec. 843. Application of national security waiver for strategic materials sourcing requirement to sensitive materials.

Sec. 844. Prohibition of procurement of molybdenum, gallium, or germanium from non-allied foreign nations and authorization for production from recovered material.

Sec. 845. Modifications to certain procurements from certain Chinese entities.

Sec. 846. Modifications to prohibition on contracting with persons that have fossil fuel operations with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy sector.

Sec. 847.  Prohibiting the purchase of photovoltaic modules or inverters from foreign entities of concern.

Sec. 848. Clarification of procurement prohibition related to acquisition of materials mined, refined, and separated in certain countries.

Sec. 849. Prohibition on procurement related to certain additive manufacturing machines.

Sec. 850. Phase-out of computer and printer acquisitions involving entities owned or controlled by China.

Sec. 851. Prohibition on contracting with certain biotechnology providers.

Subtitle F—Industrial Base Matters

Sec. 861. Amendments to the procurement technical assistance program.

Sec. 862. Repeal of limitations on certain Department of Defense Executive Agent authority.

Sec. 863. Special Operations Command Urgent Innovative Technologies and Capabilities Initiative.

Sec. 864. United States-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group.

Sec. 865. Improving the domestic textile and industrial base.

Sec. 866. Cybersecurity regulatory harmonization.

Sec. 867. Modifications to defense industrial base fund.

Subtitle G—Other Matters

Sec. 871. Modification to demonstration and prototyping program to advance international product support capabilities in a contested logistics environment.

Sec. 872. Contested logistics exercise requirement.

Sec. 873. Combatant command experimentation authority.

Sec. 874. Annual report on contract cancellations and terminations.

Sec. 875. Ability to withhold contract payments during period of pendancy of a bid protest.

Sec. 876. Indemnification of contractors against nuclear and unusually hazardous risks.

Sec. 877. Enhanced security strategy for procurement of private fifth-generation wireless technology.

Title IX—Department of Defense Organization and Management

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

Sec. 901. Prohibition of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 902. Directive authority for matters for which the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering has responsibility.

Sec. 903. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Armaments Cooperation.

Sec. 904. Modification to authorities of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.

Sec. 905. Modification of covered technology categories for Office of Strategic Capital.

Sec. 906. Additional authorities for Office of Strategic Capital.

Sec. 907. Defense Science Board study on optimal organizational structure for digital solution and software delivery.

Subtitle B—Other Department of Defense Organization and Management Matters

Sec. 911. Removal of members of Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commanders.

Sec. 912. Joint Interagency Task Force 401.

Sec. 913. Authority to establish regional outreach centers for the Defense Innovation Unit.

Sec. 914. Small-UAS Industrial Base Working Group.

Sec. 915. Temporary prohibition on disestablishment of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific.

Sec. 916. Limitation on availability of funds for modification or consolidation of geographic combatant commands.

Sec. 917. Limitation on availability of funds for the Army pending submittal of plan on the proposed integration of the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command.

Title X—General Provisions

Subtitle A—Financial Matters

Sec. 1001. General transfer authority.

Sec. 1002. Consolidation of reporting requirements relating to Department of Defense financial improvement and audit remediation plan.

Sec. 1003. Concurrent reporting date for annual update to Defense Business Systems Audit Remediation Plan and Department of Defense annual financial statements.

Sec. 1004. Amendments and repeals to budgetary display requirements.

Sec. 1005. Extension of audit requirement for Department of Defense components.

Sec. 1006. Reporting requirements for amounts made available pursuant to title II of Public Law 119–21.

Sec. 1007. Use of technology using artificial intelligence to facilitate audit of the financial statements of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2026.

Subtitle B—Counterdrug Activities

Sec. 1010. Support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime.

Subtitle C—Naval Vessels and Shipyards

Sec. 1011. Requirements for amphibious warfare ship force structure.

Sec. 1012. Definition of short-term work for purposes of Navy construction of combatant and escort vessels and assignment of vessel projects.

Sec. 1013. Navy Senior Technical Authority.

Sec. 1014. Overhaul, repair, and maintenance of vessels in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Sec. 1015. Allocation of certain operation and maintenance funds for Navy amphibious ship maintenance.

Sec. 1016. Metrics for basic and functional design for ship construction.

Sec. 1017. Authority for single award indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract for destroyer maintenance.

Sec. 1018. Limitation on availability of funds to retire or decommission oceanographic research vessels of the Navy.

Sec. 1019. Strategy for Navy investment in and support for the maritime industrial base.

Sec. 1020. Exemption of unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles from certain technical authority requirements.

Sec. 1021. Pilot program on use of automated shipbuilding technologies and capabilities.

Sec. 1022. Modification of authority to purchase used vessels under the National Defense Sealift Fund.

Subtitle D—Counterterrorism

Sec. 1031. Extension of authority for joint task forces to support law enforcement agencies conducting counter-terrorism activities.

Sec. 1032. 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. 1033. 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. 1034. 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. 1035. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or relinquish control of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

Sec. 1041. Modification of authority to provide assistance in support of Department of Defense accounting for missing United States Government personnel.

Sec. 1042. Senior leaders of the Department of Defense and other specified persons: authority to provide protection.

Sec. 1043. Modification of requirements relating to support of civil authorities by Armed Forces.

Sec. 1044. Authority of Secretary of Defense to enter into contracts to provide certain assistance to secure the southern land border of the United States.

Sec. 1045. Limitation on use of funds to relocate or otherwise remove the Maritime Industrial Base Program.

Sec. 1046. Limitation on retirement of Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems.

Sec. 1047. Authority to transfer T–37 aircraft to Arizona Aviation Historical Group.

Sec. 1048. Authorization of Eastern Regional Range Complex for multi-domain operations and robotic autonomous systems training, testing, and experimentation.

Sec. 1049. Limitation on use of funds for deactivation of Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades.

Sec. 1050.  Prohibition on use of live animals in Department of Defense live fire trauma training.

Sec. 1051. Prohibition on destruction or scrapping of World War II–era aircraft.

Sec. 1052. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 1053. Congressional notification of support for immigration enforcement operations.

Subtitle F—Studies and Reports

Sec. 1061. Notification of waivers under Department of Defense Directive 3000.09.

Sec. 1062. Modifications to authority for transfer and sale of certain surplus firearms, ammunition, and parts.

Sec. 1063. Extension of mobility capability requirements study.

Sec. 1064. Extension of briefing requirement regarding civil authorities at the Southwest border.

Sec. 1065. Extension of biennial assessments of Air Force Test Center.

Sec. 1066. Reports on installation of certain collision avoidance systems in military rotary-wing aircraft.

Sec. 1067. Cybersecurity and resilience annex in Strategic Rail Corridor Network assessments.

Sec. 1068. GAO review and report on biological weapons experiments on and in relation to ticks, tick-borne disease.

Sec. 1069. Briefings on expenditures or planned expenditures of funds allocated for exploration and development of existing Arctic infrastructure.

Sec. 1070. Semiannual report on Department of Defense operations at the southern land border.

Sec. 1071. Assessment on potential establishment of incubator programs for secure facilities and networks at universities.

Subtitle G—Other Matters

Sec. 1081. Extension of the National Commission on the Future of the Navy.

Sec. 1082. Federal agency support for Afghanistan War Commission.

Sec. 1083. Provision of contract authority to Afghanistan War Commission.

Sec. 1084. Reauthorization of Servicewomen’s Commemorative Partnership.

Sec. 1085. AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025.

Sec. 1086. Framework for reforming technology transfer and foreign disclosure policies.

Sec. 1087. Procurement and distribution of sports foods and dietary supplements to members of the Armed Forces assigned to the United States Special Operations Command.

Sec. 1088. Pilot program on enhanced use of advanced sensor networks to improve Air Force counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities for base defense.

Sec. 1089. Pilot program and other requirements for accelerating protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.

Sec. 1090. Process for complaints and investigations of transportation service providers and transportation officers.

Sec. 1091. Declassification of certain records relating to Tower 22 attack.

Sec. 1092. Updates and preservation of memorials to chaplains at Arlington National Cemetery.

Sec. 1093. Critical infrastructure compatibility tabletop exercise.

Sec. 1094. Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory.

Sec. 1095. Commission on the National Defense Strategy.

Title XI—Civilian Personnel

Sec. 1101. Prohibition on the use of funds from carrying out a hiring freeze, reduction in force, or hiring delay without cause at a public shipyard.

Sec. 1102. Living quarter allowance for Department of Defense civilian employees with permanent duty station in Guam.

Sec. 1103. Modification of temporary authority to appoint retired members of the armed forces to positions in the Department of Defense.

Sec. 1104. Revisions to limitations on pay for officers and crews of maritime vessels operated by or for the United States.

Sec. 1105. One-year extension of authority to waive annual limitation on premium pay and aggregate limitation on pay for Federal civilian employees working overseas.

Sec. 1106. One-year extension of temporary authority to grant allowances, benefits, and gratuities to civilian personnel on official duty in a combat zone.

Sec. 1107. Modifications to total force management requirements.

Sec. 1108. Definition of defense industrial base facility for purposes of direct hire authority.

Sec. 1109. Payment of retention bonuses to DOD civilian employees in Guam.

Sec. 1110. Amendments to title 5, United States Code.

Sec. 1111. Educational travel authority for dependents of certain employees.

Sec. 1112. Modification of direct hire authority for domestic defense industrial base facilities.

Sec. 1113. Cyber workforce recruitment and retention.

Sec. 1114. Public shipyard apprentice program.

Sec. 1115. Personnel management.

Title XII—Matters relating to foreign nations

Subtitle A—Assistance and training

Sec. 1201. Modification of authorities.

Sec. 1202. Modification of authority to build capacity of foreign security forces.

Sec. 1203. Modification of payment of costs for Regional Centers for Security Studies.

Sec. 1204. Modification to Irregular Warfare Center and Regional Defense Fellowship Program.

Sec. 1205. Modification of authority for Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School.

Sec. 1206. State partnership program selection analysis.

Sec. 1207. Enhancement of international biodefense capacity.

Subtitle B—Foreign military sales and related processes

Sec. 1211. Improvements to security cooperation workforce and defense acquisition workforce.

Sec. 1212. Modifications to foreign military sales processes.

Sec. 1213. Periodic review of FMS-only list.

Sec. 1214. Assessment and establishment of office to support the acquisition of specified non-program of record systems by foreign allies and partners.

Sec. 1215. Guidance for coordination of international arms transfers.

Subtitle C—Matters relating to the Middle East

Sec. 1221. Extension of authority for reimbursement of certain coalition nations for support provided to United States military operations.

Sec. 1222. Extension and modification of annual report on military power of Iran.

Sec. 1223. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to vetted Syrian groups and individuals.

Sec. 1224. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Sec. 1225. Counter-terrorism support.

Sec. 1226. Enhancing security partnership with Jordan and Lebanon.

Sec. 1227. Prohibition on funding to the Badr Organization.

Sec. 1228. Limitation on availability of funds for the Iraqi security forces.

Sec. 1229. Report on strategy for increasing membership in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement.

Sec. 1229A. Report on ISIS detention facilities in Syria.

Sec. 1229B. Report on United States force posture and activities in Syria.

Subtitle D—Matters relating to Israel

Sec. 1231. Extension and modification of United States-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.

Sec. 1232. Extension and modification of United States-Israel cooperation to counter unmanned systems in all warfighting domains.

Sec. 1233. Modification of certain temporary authorizations related to munitions replacement.

Sec. 1234. Research, development, test, and evaluation of emerging technologies to further the warfighting capabilities of the United States and certain partner countries.

Sec. 1235. Report on United States-Israel military exercises.

Subtitle E—Matters relating to Europe, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation

Sec. 1241. Modification and extension of annual report on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation.

Sec. 1242. Extension of prohibition on availability of funds relating to sovereignty of the Russian Federation over internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.

Sec. 1243. Extension and modification of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

Sec. 1244. Military intelligence support for Ukraine.

Sec. 1245. Report relating to allied and partner support to Ukraine.

Sec. 1246. Allied contributions to United States force posture on NATO’s eastern flank.

Sec. 1247. Baltic Security Initiative.

Sec. 1248. Modification of United States basing and training, and exercises in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries.

Sec. 1249. Oversight of United States military posture in Europe.

Sec. 1250. Report on United States deterrence and defense posture in the European region.

Subtitle F—Matters relating to the Indo-Pacific region

Sec. 1251. Extension of Pacific Deterrence Initiative.

Sec. 1252. Extension of Indo-Pacific extended deterrence education pilot program.

Sec. 1253. Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience.

Sec. 1254. Strategy to strengthen multilateral defense in the Indo-Pacific.

Sec. 1255. Sense of Congress on defense alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Subtitle G—Matters relating to Asia

Sec. 1261. Extension of pilot program to improve cyber cooperation with foreign military partners in Southeast Asia.

Sec. 1262. Preventing circumvention by Chinese military companies in third-party countries.

Sec. 1263. Inclusion on list of Chinese military companies of entities added to certain other lists.

Sec. 1264. Prohibition on use of funds to support entertainment projects with ties to the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

Sec. 1265. Modification of Taiwan security cooperation initiative.

Sec. 1266.  Joint program with Taiwan to enable fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities.

Sec. 1267. Extension of authority to transfer funds for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup.

Sec. 1268. Oversight of United States military posture on the Korean Peninsula.

Sec. 1269. Report on enhanced defense relations with the Philippines.

Sec. 1270. Modernizing the defense capabilities of the Philippines.

Subtitle H—Other matters

Sec. 1271. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 1272. Repeal of war-related reporting requirements for concluded operations.

Sec. 1273. Defending international security by restricting unacceptable partnerships and tactics.

Sec. 1274. Report regarding joint training with Mexico to counter transnational criminal organizations.

Title XIV—Other Authorizations

Subtitle A—Military Programs

Sec. 1401. Working capital funds.

Sec. 1402. Chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense.

Sec. 1403. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense-wide.

Sec. 1404. Defense Inspector General.

Sec. 1405. Defense Health Program.

Subtitle B—National Defense Stockpile

Sec. 1411. Modifications to Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.

Sec. 1412. Recycling for critical minerals.

Subtitle C—Other Matters

Sec. 1421. Extension of authorities for funding and management of joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund for Captain James A. Lovell Health Care Center, Illinois.

Sec. 1422. Beginning balances of the Defense Logistics Agency Working Capital Fund for audit purposes.

Sec. 1423. Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Title XV—Cyberspace-related Matters

Subtitle A—Cyber Operations

Sec. 1501. Planning, programming, and budget coordination for operations of cyber mission force.

Sec. 1502. Modification to reporting requirements for Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy.

Sec. 1503. Framework for integration of information technology technical debt assessment into annual budget process.

Sec. 1504. Department of Defense Data Ontology Governance Working Group.

Sec. 1505. Future force employment concepts development tabletop exercises.

Sec. 1506. Occupational resiliency of the Cyber Mission Force.

Sec. 1507. Prohibition on the elimination of certain cyber assessment capabilities for test and evaluation.

Sec. 1508. Prohibition on availability of funds to modify authorities of the Commander of United States Cyber Command.

Sec. 1509. Limitation on availability of funds for the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative.

Subtitle B—Cybersecurity

Sec. 1511. Secure mobile phones for senior officials and personnel performing sensitive functions.

Sec. 1512. Artificial intelligence and machine learning security in the Department of Defense.

Sec. 1513. Physical and cybersecurity procurement requirements for artificial intelligence systems.

Sec. 1514. Collaborative cybersecurity educational program.

Sec. 1515. Incorporation of artificial intelligence considerations into cybersecurity training.

Subtitle C—Information Technology and Data Management

Sec. 1521. Accountability of the Authorization to Operate processes.

Sec. 1522. Annual report on Department of Defense unified datalink strategy.

Subtitle D—Artificial Intelligence

Sec. 1531. Modification of high-performance computing roadmap.

Sec. 1532. Guidance and prohibition on use of certain artificial intelligence.

Sec. 1533. Artificial intelligence model assessment and oversight.

Sec. 1534. Digital sandbox environments for artificial intelligence.

Sec. 1535. Artificial Intelligence Futures Steering Committee.

Subtitle E—Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 1541. Modification to certification requirement regarding contracting for military recruiting.

Sec. 1542. Amendment to annual assessments and reports on assignment of certain budget control responsibility to Commander of the United States Cyber Command.

Sec. 1543. Study on reducing incentives for cyber attacks on defense critical infrastructure of the United States.

Sec. 1544. Integration of reserve component into cyber mission force.

Sec. 1545. Annual report on Mission Assurance Coordination Board activities.

Sec. 1546. Limitation on the divestment, consolidation, and curtailment of certain electronic warfare test and evaluation activities.

Title XVI—Space Activities, Strategic Programs, and Intelligence Matters

Subtitle A—Space Activities

Sec. 1601. Acquisition career path in the Space Force.

Sec. 1602. Noise mitigation regarding space launches.

Sec. 1603. Acquisition and operation of space systems for space warfighting and control.

Sec. 1604. Use of middle tier acquisition program for proliferated warfighter space architecture of Space Development Agency.

Sec. 1605. Rocket cargo test and demonstration.

Sec. 1606. Continuation of operation of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.

Sec. 1607. Study on establishing a tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking program of record.

Sec. 1608. Spaceport of the Future initiative and study on future space launch capacity.

Sec. 1609. Auxiliary payload for Next Generation Polar Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites.

Sec. 1610. Blast damage assessment guide for space vehicles at Air Force launch complexes.

Subtitle B—Defense Intelligence and Intelligence-Related Activities

Sec. 1621. Vendor support to clandestine activities.

Sec. 1622. Sensitive activities of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 1623. Codification of Department of Defense insider threat program.

Sec. 1624. Provision by Air Force of meteorological services for intelligence community.

Sec. 1625. Annual report on requests of combatant commands for remote sensing data.

Sec. 1626. Review and evaluation of extension of inactive security clearances.

Subtitle C—Nuclear Forces

Sec. 1631. Adjustment to responsibilities of Nuclear Weapons Council.

Sec. 1632. Prohibition on reduction of intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States.

Sec. 1633. Matters relating to the nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missile.

Sec. 1634. Adjustment to bomber aircraft nuclear certification requirement.

Sec. 1635. Organizational realignment with respect to Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Policy and Programs; limitation on availability of certain funds.

Sec. 1636. Matters relating to intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States.

Sec. 1637. Deep cleaning of launch control centers of the Air Force Global Strike Command.

Sec. 1638. Limitation on availability of funds pending notification of tasking authority delegation.

Sec. 1639. Limitation on availability of funds pending commencement of annual briefings on implementation of recommendations by the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States.

Sec. 1640. Limitation on availability of funds for compensation caps.

Sec. 1641. Strategy to sustain Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile and maximize end-of-life margin.

Sec. 1642. Matters relating to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Subtitle D—Missile Defense Programs

Sec. 1651. Modification to national missile defense policy to reflect Golden Dome for America policy.

Sec. 1652. Golden Dome missile defense system.

Sec. 1653. Amendments to technical authority of Director of Missile Defense Agency regarding integrated air and missile defense activities and programs.

Sec. 1654. Prohibition on privatized or subscription-based missile defense intercept capabilities.

Sec. 1655. Matters related to integrated air and missile defense capabilities to defend Guam.

Sec. 1656. Design and construction of missile instrumentation range safety vessels.

Sec. 1657. Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system and Israeli cooperative missile defense program co-development and co-production.

Sec. 1658. Limitation on authority to reduce sustainment for or halt operation of the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar.

Sec. 1659. Limitation on availability of funds pending independent analysis of space-based missile defense capability.

Sec. 1660. Assessment of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site.

Sec. 1661. Biennial assessments of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site.

Subtitle E—Matters Relating to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena

Sec. 1671. Briefings on intercepts of unidentified anomalous phenomena by North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command.

Sec. 1672. Elimination of duplicative reporting requirements relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena.

Sec. 1673. Accounting of security classification guides relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena.

Subtitle F—Matters Relating to Electromagnetic Warfare

Sec. 1681. Modification of functions of Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operational Lead for Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations to include dynamic spectrum sharing technologies.

Sec. 1682. Integration of electronic warfare into Tier 1 and Tier 2 joint training exercises.

Sec. 1683. Annual review of the Joint Electromagnetic Battle Management Software Program.

Sec. 1684. Support by the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing to EA–37B Compass Call aircraft.

Subtitle G—Other Matters

Sec. 1691. Cooperative threat reduction funds.

Sec. 1692. Prohibition on access to Department of Defense cloud-based resources by certain individuals.

Title XVII—Other Defense Matters

Sec. 1701. Technical and conforming amendments.

Sec. 1702. Copyright to a literary work produced by a civilian faculty member of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in the course of such employment: free use by the Federal Government.

Sec. 1703. Temporary authority for nonimmigrant construction workers on Wake Island.

Sec. 1704. Mapping and report on strategic ports.

Sec. 1705. Authorization of United States Coast Guard rotary aircraft work at Department of Defense depots.

Sec. 1706. Continual assessment of impact of international state arms embargoes on Israel and actions to address defense capability gaps.

Sec. 1707. Protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.

Title XVIII—Acquisition Reform

Subtitle A—Alignment of the Defense Acquisition System

Sec. 1801. Alignment of the defense acquisition system with the needs of members of the Armed Forces.

Sec. 1802. Establishment of the role of portfolio acquisition executive.

Sec. 1803. Amendments to life-cycle management and product support.

Sec. 1804. Adjustments to certain acquisition thresholds.

Sec. 1805. Modification to acquisition strategy.

Sec. 1806. Matters related to cost accounting standards.

Sec. 1807. Establishment of Project Spectrum.

Subtitle B—Requirements Process Reform

Sec. 1811. Modifications to Joint Requirements Oversight Council.

Sec. 1812. Ensuring successful implementation of requirements reform.

Subtitle C—Matters Relating to Commercial Products and Commercial Services

Sec. 1821. Modifications to relationship of other provisions of law to procurement of commercial products and commercial services.

Sec. 1822. Modifications to commercial products and commercial services.

Sec. 1823. Modifications to commercial solutions openings.

Sec. 1824. Limitation on required flowdown of contract clauses to subcontractors providing commercial products or commercial services.

Sec. 1825. Consumption-based solutions.

Sec. 1826. Exemptions for nontraditional defense contractors.

Sec. 1827. Clarification of conditions for payments for commercial products and commercial services.

Sec. 1828. Review of commercial products and commercial services acquisition approach.

Subtitle D—Improvements to Acquisition Programs

Sec. 1831. Modifications to procurement for experimental purposes.

Sec. 1832. Modifications to requirements for modular open system approach.

Sec. 1833. Bridging Operational Objectives and Support for Transition program.

Subtitle E—Modifications to Strengthen the Industrial Base

Sec. 1841. Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network.

Sec. 1842. Transition to advanced manufacturing for certain critical readiness items of supply.

Sec. 1843. Working group on the advanced manufacturing workforce.

Sec. 1844. Collaborative forum to address challenges to and limitations of the defense industrial base.

Sec. 1845. Facility clearance acceleration for members of defense industrial consortiums.

Sec. 1846. Improvements relating to advanced manufacturing.

Sec. 1847. Report on surge capacity in the defense industrial base.

Division B—Military Construction Authorizations

Sec. 2001. Short title.

Sec. 2002. Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by law.

Sec. 2003. Effective date.

Title XXI—Army Military Construction

Sec. 2101. Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2102. Family Housing.

Sec. 2103. Authorization of appropriations, Army.

Sec. 2104. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2021 project at Fort Gillem, Georgia.

Sec. 2105. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects.

Sec. 2106. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.

Sec. 2107. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at Smith Barracks, Germany.

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 fiscal year 2022 project at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

Sec. 2205. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects.

Sec. 2206. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.

Title XXIII—Air Force Military Construction

Sec. 2301. Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2302. Family Housing.

Sec. 2303. Authorization of appropriations, Air Force.

Sec. 2304. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2017 project at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

Sec. 2305. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 projects.

Sec. 2306. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2020 projects.

Sec. 2307. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects.

Sec. 2308. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.

Sec. 2309. Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2025 projects.

Title XXIV—Defense Agencies Military Construction

Sec. 2401. Authorized defense agencies construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2402. Authorized energy resilience and conservation investment program projects.

Sec. 2403. Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies.

Sec. 2404. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2019 project at Iwakuni, Japan.

Sec. 2405. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects.

Sec. 2406. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.

Sec. 2407. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2024 project at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

Sec. 2408. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2024 project at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Missouri.

Sec. 2409. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Sec. 2410. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Title XXV—International Programs

Subtitle A—North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program

Sec. 2501. Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2502. Authorization of appropriations, NATO.

Subtitle B—Host Country In-Kind Contributions

Sec. 2511. Republic of Korea funded construction projects.

Sec. 2512. Republic of Poland funded construction projects.

Title XXVI—Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities

Sec. 2601. Authorized Army National Guard construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2602. Authorized Army Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2603. Authorized Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2604. Authorized Air National Guard construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2605. Authorized Air Force Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.

Sec. 2606. Authorization of appropriations, National Guard and Reserve.

Sec. 2607. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.

Sec. 2608. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2023 project at Tucson International Airport, Arizona.

Title XXVII—Base Realignment and Closure Activities

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

Title XXVIII—Military Construction General Provisions

Subtitle A—Military Construction Programs

Sec. 2801. Modification to definition of military installation resilience.

Sec. 2802. Facility construction or repair: transactions other than contracts and grants.

Sec. 2803. Requirement for the military departments to develop and update a 20-year infrastructure improvement plan.

Sec. 2804. Improvements to water management and security on military installations.

Sec. 2805. Modification to assistance for public infrastructure projects and services.

Sec. 2806. Modifications to Defense Community Infrastructure Program.

Sec. 2807. Inclusion of demolition projects in Defense Community Infrastructure Program.

Sec. 2808. Supervision of military construction projects.

Sec. 2809. Authority to use accelerated design-build and progressive design-build procedures for military construction projects.

Sec. 2810. Extension of authority for temporary expanded land acquisition for equine welfare.

Sec. 2811. Extension of requirement for contract for obligation and execution of design funds for military construction projects.

Sec. 2812. Modification of pilot program on increased use of sustainable building materials in military construction to include sustainable building technologies identified by the Comptroller General of the United States.

Sec. 2813. Increase of maximum amount for certain replacement projects for damaged or destroyed facilities.

Sec. 2814. Multiyear contracting authority for certain military construction projects.

Sec. 2815. Guidance for military construction projects for innovation, research, development, test, and evaluation.

Sec. 2816. Authorization for cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts for certain Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program military construction projects.

Sec. 2817. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations relating to information sharing to improve oversight of military construction.

Subtitle B—Military Housing Reforms

Sec. 2821. Improvements to Department of Defense Housing Requirements and Market Analysis.

Sec. 2822. Improvements to annual reports on certain waivers for covered military unaccompanied housing.

Sec. 2823. Continuation and modification of certain reporting requirements with respect to privatized military housing.

Sec. 2824. Modification of certain requirements with respect to closure of maintenance work orders for privatized military housing.

Sec. 2825. Inclusion of additional landlord financial information in certain annual report on privatized military housing.

Sec. 2826. Application of certain authorities and standards to historic military housing and associated historic properties of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 2827. Improvement of administration of military unaccompanied housing.

Sec. 2828. Authority for unaccompanied housing project under pilot authority for use of other transactions for installation or facility prototyping.

Sec. 2829. Pilot program for emerging technologies for moisture control and mitigation.

Sec. 2830. Standardization of mold remediation guidelines across military departments.

Sec. 2831. Inspections by qualified home inspector of privatized and Government-owned military housing.

Sec. 2832. Plan to improve accuracy, integration, and interoperability of Department of Defense data with respect to real property, infrastructure, and military unaccompanied housing.

Subtitle C—Real Property and Facilities Administration

Sec. 2841. Modification of requirement with respect to minimum capital investment for facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization for military departments.

Sec. 2842. Authorization for monetary contributions to the conveyees of utility systems for infrastructure improvements.

Sec. 2843. Extension of authority to carry out Department of Defense pilot program for use of cost savings realized.

Sec. 2844. Department of Defense intergovernmental support agreements for ordnance disposal.

Sec. 2845. Inclusion of territories in certain intergovernmental support agreements for installation-support services.

Sec. 2846. Requirements relating to military installation closures and report on Army organic industrial base sites.

Sec. 2847. Department of Defense procedures with respect to planning coordination for grid resiliency on military installations.

Sec. 2848. Repeal of construction requirements related to antiterrorism and force protection or urban-training operations.

Sec. 2849. Repeal of pilot program authorizing overhead cost reimbursements from major range and test facility base users at certain Department of the Air Force installations.

Sec. 2850. Master plans for Service Academies.

Sec. 2851. Annual report on cost premium for construction of certain facilities.

Sec. 2852. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations relating to critical military housing supply and affordability.

Sec. 2853. Plan for deploying private fifth generation and future generation Open Radio Access Network architecture on Department of Defense military installations.

Subtitle D—Land Conveyances

Sec. 2861. Historical marker commemorating effects of radiation exposure at Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range.

Sec. 2862. Prohibition on development of a golf course at Greenbury Point Conservation Area At Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Maryland.

Sec. 2863. Extension of prohibition on joint use of Homestead Air Reserve Base with civil aviation.

Sec. 2864. Extension of sunset for land conveyance, Sharpe Army Depot, Lathrop, California.

Sec. 2865. Clarification of land conveyance, Fort Hood, Texas.

Sec. 2866. Extension of certain military land withdrawals and correction of certain land descriptions.

Sec. 2867. Land conveyance, former Curtis Bay Depot, Maryland.

Sec. 2868. Land conveyance, Sigsbee Park Annex, Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida.

Subtitle E—Modifications to Unspecified Minor Military Construction

Sec. 2871. Modifications to certain congressional notifications for certain military construction projects.

Sec. 2872. Modification to dollar threshold for notifications for certain military construction projects.

Sec. 2873. Transfer of defense laboratory modernization program authority to provision of law with respect to military construction projects for research, test, development, and evaluation.

Sec. 2874. Authority of a Secretary concerned to carry out certain unspecified minor military construction projects.

Subtitle F—Other Matters

Sec. 2881. Extension of Department of the Army Pilot Program for Development and Use of Online Real Estate Inventory Tool.

Sec. 2882. Expansion of exceptions to restriction on development of public infrastructure in connection with realignment of marine corps forces in Asia Pacific region.

Sec. 2883. Joint base facility management of Department of Defense.

Sec. 2884. Designation of official responsible for coordination of defense sites within area of responsibility of Joint Region Marianas.

Sec. 2885. Designation of Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test Range at Kwajalein Atoll.

Sec. 2886. Designation of Creech Air Force Base as a remote or isolated installation.

Sec. 2887. Pilot program on use of advanced manufacturing construction technologies at military installations.

Sec. 2888. Pilot program on procurement of utility services for installations of the Department of Defense through areawide contracts.

Sec. 2889. Consideration of modular construction methods for military construction projects with protective design elements.

Sec. 2890. Notice relating to contracts or other agreements to establish an enduring location in a foreign country.

Division C—Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations

Title XXXI—Department of Energy National Security Programs

Subtitle A—National Security Programs and Authorizations

Sec. 3101. National Nuclear Security Administration.

Sec. 3102. Defense environmental cleanup.

Sec. 3103. Other defense activities.

Sec. 3104. Nuclear energy.

Subtitle B—Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations

Sec. 3111. Organization and codification of provisions of law relating to atomic energy defense activities.

Sec. 3112. Plutonium pit production capacity.

Sec. 3113. Stockpile responsiveness and rapid capabilities programs of the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Sec. 3114. Protection of certain nuclear facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.

Sec. 3115. Extension of authority for appointment of certain scientific, engineering, and technical personnel.

Sec. 3116. Notification of cost overruns for certain Department of Energy projects.

Sec. 3117. Appropriate scoping of artificial intelligence research within the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Subtitle C—Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 3121. Modification to reporting requirements with respect to nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship, management, and responsiveness plan.

Sec. 3122. Assessment of the National Nuclear Security Administration Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project.

Sec. 3123. Department of Energy report on expansion of other transaction authorities for National Nuclear Security Administration.

Sec. 3124. Office of Environmental Management program-wide performance metrics for reducing risk.

Sec. 3125. Office of Environmental Management integrated radioactive waste disposal planning and optimization.

Sec. 3126. Prohibition relating to reclassification of high-level waste.

Sec. 3127. National security positions within the Department of Energy.

Sec. 3128. Consultation requirement with respect to transfer to private entities of plutonium or plutonium materials; report.

Title XXXII—Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

Sec. 3201. Authorization.

Title XXXIV—Naval Petroleum Reserves

Sec. 3401. Authorization of appropriations.

Title XXXV—Maritime Administration

Sec. 3501. Authorization of appropriations for Maritime Administration.

Division D—Funding Tables

Sec. 4001. Authorization of amounts in funding tables.

Title XLI—Procurement

Sec. 4101. Procurement.

Title XLII—Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation

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

Title XLIII—Operation and Maintenance

Sec. 4301. Operation and maintenance.

Title XLIV—Military Personnel

Sec. 4401. Military personnel.

Title XLV—Other Authorizations

Sec. 4501. Other authorizations.

Title XLVI—Military Construction

Sec. 4601. Military construction.

Title XLVII—Department of Energy National Security Programs

Sec. 4701. Department of Energy National Security programs.

Division E—Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Sec. 5001. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 5002. Definitions.

Title I—Organization and operations

Subtitle A—Management and consular affairs

Sec. 5111. Under Secretary for Management.

Sec. 5112. Office of Medical Services.

Sec. 5113. Assistant Secretary for Administration.

Sec. 5114. Bureau of Administration.

Sec. 5115. Office of the Historian.

Sec. 5116. Chief information officer for diplomatic technology.

Sec. 5117. Bureau of Diplomatic Technology.

Sec. 5118. Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs.

Sec. 5119. Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Sec. 5120. Sense of Congress regarding modernization and realignment of consular systems.

Sec. 5121. Fee for use of diplomatic reception rooms.

Subtitle B—Human resources

Sec. 5131. Assistant Secretary for Human Resources.

Sec. 5132. Bureau of Human Resources.

Sec. 5133. Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellowship Program.

Sec. 5134. Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program.

Sec. 5135. Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program.

Sec. 5136. Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program.

Sec. 5137. Matters relating to the Foreign Service Institute.

Sec. 5138. Fees for use of the George P. Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center.

Subtitle C—Political affairs

Sec. 5141. Under Secretary for Political Affairs.

Sec. 5142. Congressional notification regarding changes to bureau jurisdiction.

Sec. 5143. Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic.

Sec. 5144. Ambassador-at-Large for the Indian Ocean region.

Sec. 5145. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Sec. 5146. Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Sec. 5147. Director of the Office of Multilateral Affairs in Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Sec. 5148. Countering PRC Influence Fund Unit.

Sec. 5149. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

Sec. 5150. Bureau of African Affairs.

Sec. 5151. Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs.

Sec. 5152. Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

Sec. 5153. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs.

Sec. 5154. Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.

Sec. 5155. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Sec. 5156. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Sec. 5157. Office of Haitian Affairs.

Sec. 5158. Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Sec. 5159. Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.

Sec. 5160. Countering Russian Influence Fund Unit.

Sec. 5161. Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs.

Sec. 5162. Bureau of International Organization Affairs.

Subtitle D—Other matters

Sec. 5171. Periodic briefings from Bureau of Intelligence and Research.

Sec. 5172. Support for congressional delegations.

Sec. 5173. Notification requirements for authorized and ordered departures.

Sec. 5174. Strengthening enterprise governance.

Sec. 5175. Establishing and expanding the Regional China Officer program.

Sec. 5176. Report on China’s diplomatic posts.

Sec. 5177. Notification of intent to reduce personnel at covered diplomatic posts.

Sec. 5178. Foreign affairs manual changes.

Title II—Workforce matters

Sec. 5201. Report on vetting of Foreign Service Institute language instructors.

Sec. 5202. Training limitations.

Sec. 5203. Language incentive pay for civil service employees.

Sec. 5204. Options for comprehensive evaluations.

Sec. 5205. Job share and part-time employment opportunities.

Sec. 5206. Promoting reutilization of language skills in the Foreign Service.

Title III—Information security and cyber diplomacy

Sec. 5301. Post Data Pilot Program.

Sec. 5302. Authorization to use commercial cloud enclaves overseas.

Sec. 5303. Reports on technology transformation projects at the Department.

Sec. 5304. Commercial spyware.

Title IV—Public diplomacy

Sec. 5401.  Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy.

Sec. 5402. Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Sec. 5403. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Sec. 5404. Foreign information manipulation and interference strategy.

Sec. 5405. Repeal of limitation on use of funds for international expositions.

Title V—Diplomatic security

Sec. 5501. Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security.

Sec. 5502. Special agents.

Sec. 5503. Modification of congressional notification requirement relating to embassy reopening.

Sec. 5504. Counter-intelligence training for certain diplomatic security agents.

Sec. 5505. Expansion of counter-intelligence personnel security program to include nonsecurity staff.

Sec. 5506. Report on security conditions in Damascus, Syria, required for the reopening of the United States diplomatic mission.

Sec. 5507. Embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic installations return to standards report.

Sec. 5508. Reauthorization of overtime pay for protective services.

Title VI—Miscellaneous

Sec. 5601. Submission of federally funded research and development center reports to Congress.

Sec. 5602. Quarterly report on diplomatic pouch access.

Sec. 5603. Report on utility of instituting a processing fee for ITAR license applications.

Sec. 5604. HAVANA Act payment fix.

Sec. 5605. Establishing an inner Mongolia section within the United States Mission in China.

Sec. 5606. Report on United States Mission Australia staffing.

Sec. 5607. Extensions.

Sec. 5608. Updating counterterrorism reports.

Division F—Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Sec. 6001. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 6002. Definitions.

Sec. 6003. Explanatory statement.

Title LXI—Intelligence Activities

Sec. 6101. Authorization of appropriations.

Sec. 6102. Classified schedule of authorizations.

Sec. 6103. Intelligence Community Management Account.

Title LXII—Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System

Sec. 6201. Authorization of appropriations.

Title LXIII—Intelligence Community Matters

Sec. 6301. Restriction on conduct of intelligence activities.

Sec. 6302. Increase in employee compensation and benefits authorized by law.

Sec. 6303. Notice of impact of diplomatic and consular post closings on intelligence community.

Sec. 6304. Unauthorized access to intelligence community property.

Sec. 6305. Annual survey of analytic objectivity among officers and employees of elements of the intelligence community.

Sec. 6306. Annual training requirement and report regarding analytic standards.

Sec. 6307. Prohibiting discrimination in the intelligence community.

Sec. 6308. Estimate of cost to ensure compliance with Intelligence Community Directive 705.

Sec. 6309. Plan for implementing an integrated system spanning the intelligence community for accreditation of sensitive compartmented information facilities.

Sec. 6310. Reforms relating to inactive security clearances.

Title LXIV—Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness

Sec. 6401. Short title.

Sec. 6402. Modification of responsibilities and authorities of the Director of National Intelligence.

Sec. 6403. Plan for optimized staffing of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Sec. 6404. National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center.

Sec. 6405. Termination of Office of Engagement.

Title LXV—Matters Relating to Elements of the Intelligence Community

Subtitle A—Central Intelligence Agency

Sec. 6501. Guidance on novel and significant expenditures for purposes of notification under the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949.

Sec. 6502. Improvements to security of Central Intelligence Agency installations.

Sec. 6503. Annual Central Intelligence Agency workplace climate assessment.

Sec. 6504. Chaplain Corps and Chief of Chaplains of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Sec. 6505. Technical amendment to procurement authorities of Central Intelligence Agency.

Subtitle B—Elements of Department of Defense

Sec. 6511. Counterintelligence briefings for members of the Armed Forces.

Subtitle C—Federal Bureau of Investigation

Sec. 6521. Notice of counterintelligence assessments and investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of candidates for or holders of Federal office.

Sec. 6522. Notification of material changes to policies or procedures governing terrorist watchlist and transnational organized crime watchlist.

Sec. 6523. Annual report on United States persons on the terrorist watch list.

Sec. 6524. Annual report on Federal Bureau of Investigation case data.

Title LXVI—Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies

Subtitle A—Artificial Intelligence

Sec. 6601. Artificial Intelligence security guidance.

Sec. 6602. Artificial intelligence development and usage by intelligence community.

Sec. 6603. Application of artificial intelligence policies of the intelligence community to publicly available models hosted in classified environments.

Sec. 6604. Prohibition on use of DeepSeek on intelligence community systems.

Subtitle B—Biotechnology

Sec. 6611. Senior officials for biotechnology.

Sec. 6612. Plan on enhanced intelligence sharing relating to foreign adversary biotechnological threats.

Sec. 6613. Enhancing biotechnology talent within the intelligence community.

Sec. 6614. Enhanced intelligence community support to secure United States biological data.

Sec. 6615. Ensuring intelligence community procurement of domestic United States production of synthetic DNA and RNA.

Sec. 6616. Strategy for addressing intelligence gaps relating to China’s investment in United States-origin biotechnology.

Subtitle C—Other matters

Sec. 6621. Enhancing intelligence community technology adoption metrics.

Sec. 6622. Report on identification of intelligence community sites for advanced nuclear technologies.

Sec. 6623. Strategy on intelligence coordination and sharing relating to critical and emerging technologies.

Title LXVII—Matters Relating to Foreign Countries

Subtitle A—Matters Relating to China

Sec. 6701. Modification of annual reports on influence operations and campaigns in the United States by the Chinese Communist Party.

Sec. 6702. Intelligence sharing with allies on Chinese Communist Party efforts in Europe.

Sec. 6703. Prohibition on intelligence community contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing.

Sec. 6704. Report on the wealth of the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.

Sec. 6705. Assessment and report on investments by the People’s Republic of China in the agriculture sector of Brazil.

Sec. 6706. Identification of entities that provide support to the People’s Liberation Army.

Sec. 6707. Mission manager for the People’s Republic of China.

Sec. 6708. National Intelligence Estimate of advancements in biotechnology by the People’s Republic of China.

Subtitle B—Other Matters

Sec. 6711. Improvements to requirement for monitoring of Iranian enrichment of uranium-235.

Sec. 6712. Policy toward certain agents of foreign governments.

Sec. 6713. Extension of intelligence community coordinator for Russian atrocities accountability.

Sec. 6714. Plan to enhance intelligence support to counter foreign influence intended to continue or expand the conflict in Sudan.

Sec. 6715. Review of information relating to actions by foreign governments to assist persons evading justice.

Sec. 6716. National Intelligence Estimate on the Western Hemisphere.

Sec. 6717. Plan to enhance counternarcotics collaboration, coordination, and cooperation with the Government of Mexico.

Sec. 6718. Requirements with respect to duty to warn former senior officials and other United States persons.

Title LXVIII—Reports and Other Matters

Sec. 6801. Modification and repeal of reporting requirements.

Sec. 6802. Revisions to congressional notification of intelligence collection adjustments.

Sec. 6803. Declassification of intelligence and additional transparency measures relating to the COVID–19 pandemic.

Sec. 6804. Classified intelligence budget justification materials and submission of intelligence community drug control resource summary.

Sec. 6805. Requiring penetration testing as part of the testing and certification of voting systems.

Sec. 6806. Standard guidelines for intelligence community to report and document anomalous health incidents.

Division G—Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

Sec. 7001. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 7002. Definitions and directions.

Sec. 7103. Automatic execution of conforming changes.

Title LXXI—Coast Guard

Subtitle A—Authorization of appropriations

Sec. 7101. Authorization of appropriations.

Sec. 7102. Authorized levels of military strength and training.

Subtitle B—Accountability

Sec. 7111. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects.

Sec. 7112. Major acquisitions.

Sec. 7113. Quarterly acquisition brief requirements.

Sec. 7114. Overdue reports.

Sec. 7115. Requirement for Coast Guard to provide analysis of alternatives for aircraft.

Sec. 7116. Oversight of funds.

Sec. 7117. Regular polar security cutter updates.

Sec. 7118. Annual plan for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific; feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of operation blue pacific.

Sec. 7119. Annual plan for Coast Guard operations in the Caribbean.

Sec. 7120. Prohibition on submission to Congress of slideshow presentations.

Title LXXII—Organization, Authorities, Acquisition, and Personnel of the Coast Guard

Subtitle A—Authorities

Sec. 7201. Reorganization of chapter 3.

Sec. 7202. Public availability of information.

Sec. 7203. Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management.

Sec. 7204. Agreements.

Sec. 7205. Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones.

Sec. 7206. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions.

Sec. 7207. Coast Guard access to Department of the Treasury fund.

Subtitle B—Acquisition

Sec. 7211. Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators.

Sec. 7212. Acquisition improvements.

Sec. 7213. Restriction on acquisition, procurement, or construction of vessels in foreign shipyards.

Sec. 7214. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard.

Sec. 7215. Great Lakes icebreaking.

Sec. 7216. Briefing on deployment of special purpose craft–heavy weather second generation (SPEC-HWX II) vessels in Pacific Northwest.

Sec. 7217. Report on 87-foot patrol boat fleet.

Sec. 7218. Procurement of tactical maritime surveillance systems.

Subtitle C—Personnel

Sec. 7221. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare.

Sec. 7222. Deferred retirement and retention in active duty status for health professions officers.

Sec. 7223. Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process.

Sec. 7224. Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations.

Sec. 7225. Family leave policies for Coast Guard.

Sec. 7226. Modifications to career flexibility program.

Sec. 7227. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury.

Sec. 7228. Authority for certain personnel; command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska; improved prevention of and response to hazing and bullying.

Sec. 7229. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers.

Sec. 7230. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards.

Sec. 7231. Behavioral health.

Sec. 7232. Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska.

Sec. 7233. Tuition assistance and advanced education assistance pilot program.

Sec. 7234. Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard remote locations.

Sec. 7235. Notification.

Subtitle D—Coast Guard Academy

Sec. 7241. Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard Academy; consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense; room reassignment.

Sec. 7242. Modification of Board of Visitors.

Sec. 7243. Coast Guard Academy Cadet Advisory Board.

Sec. 7244. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations.

Sec. 7245. Policy on hazing.

Sec. 7246. Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy.

Sec. 7247. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight.

Sec. 7248. Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security.

Sec. 7249. Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy.

Sec. 7250. Required posting of information.

Sec. 7251. Installation of behavioral health and medical privacy rooms.

Sec. 7252. Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Subtitle E—Reports and Policies

Sec. 7261. Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including Fentanyl, overdoses.

Sec. 7262. Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking.

Sec. 7263. Plan for joint and integrated maritime operational and leadership training for United States Coast Guard and Taiwan Coast Guard administration.

Sec. 7264. Aids to navigation.

Sec. 7265. Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hanger.

Sec. 7266. Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems.

Sec. 7267. Report on Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

Sec. 7268. Report on and expansion of Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

Sec. 7269. Annual report on administration of sexual assault forensic examination kits.

Sec. 7270. Report on Coast Guard personnel skills.

Sec. 7271. Report on Coast Guard search and rescue operations.

Sec. 7272. Report on East Rockaway Inlet navigation.

Sec. 7273. Responsible property ownership and tracking.

Sec. 7274. Study on effects of oceanographic, weather, and coastal conditions on Coast Guard missions.

Sec. 7275. Parental leave surge staffing program.

Sec. 7276. Modification of strategy to improve quality of life at remote units.

Sec. 7277. Retention of certain records.

Sec. 7278. Temporary installation of restroom facilities for Training Center Cape May medical facility.

Sec. 7279. Childhood protection program.

Title LXXIII—Shipping and Navigation

Subtitle A—Merchant Mariner Credentials

Sec. 7301. Merchant mariner credentialing.

Sec. 7302. Nonoperating individual.

Subtitle B—Vessel Safety

Sec. 7311. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel.

Sec. 7312. Performance driven examination schedule.

Sec. 7313. Fishing safety training and research.

Sec. 7314. Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac.

Sec. 7315. Requirement to report sexual offenses.

Sec. 7316. Requirements for certain fishing vessels and fish tender vessels.

Sec. 7317. Study of amphibious vessels.

Sec. 7318. St. Lucie River railroad bridge.

Subtitle C—Ports

Sec. 7321. Ports and waterways safety.

Sec. 7322. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States.

Sec. 7323. Improving vessel traffic service monitoring.

Sec. 7324. Controlled substance onboard vessels.

Sec. 7325. Cyber-incident training.

Sec. 7326. Navigational protocols.

Sec. 7327. Anchorages.

Subtitle D—Matters Involving Uncrewed Systems

Sec. 7331. Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems.

Sec. 7332. Coast Guard training course.

Sec. 7333. NOAA membership on autonomous vessel policy council.

Sec. 7334. Technology pilot program.

Sec. 7335. Uncrewed systems capabilities report.

Sec. 7336. Medium unmanned aircraft systems capabilities study.

Sec. 7337. National Academy of Sciences report on uncrewed systems and use of data.

Sec. 7338. Unmanned aircraft systems.

Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 7341. Information on type approval certificates.

Sec. 7342. Clarification of authorities.

Sec. 7343. Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements.

Sec. 7344. Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region.

Sec. 7345. Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of making fishing gear.

Sec. 7346. Classification societies.

Sec. 7347. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals.

Sec. 7348. Offshore operations.

Sec. 7349. Port access routes.

Title LXXIV—Oil Pollution Response

Sec. 7401. Vessel response plans.

Sec. 7402. Use of marine casualty investigations.

Sec. 7403. Timing of review.

Sec. 7404. Online incident reporting system.

Sec. 7405. Investment.

Sec. 7406. Additional response assets.

Sec. 7407. International maritime oil spill response.

Title LXXV—Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Response

Subtitle A—Accountability Implementation

Sec. 7501. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms.

Sec. 7502. Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military.

Subtitle B—Misconduct

Sec. 7511. Covered misconduct.

Sec. 7512. Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct.

Sec. 7513. Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported covered misconduct.

Sec. 7514. Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct.

Sec. 7515. Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response.

Subtitle C—Other matters

Sec. 7521. Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons.

Sec. 7522. Development of policies on military protective orders.

Sec. 7523. Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses.

Sec. 7524. Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program.

Sec. 7525. Confidential reporting of sexual harassment.

Sec. 7526. Report on policy on whistleblower protections.

Sec. 7527. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database.

Sec. 7528. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence.

Sec. 7529. Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses.

Sec. 7530. Continuous vetting of security clearances.

Title LXXVI—Comptroller General Reports

Sec. 7601. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program.

Sec. 7602. Comptroller General study on vessel traffic service center employment, compensation, and retention.

Sec. 7603. Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness.

Sec. 7604. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities.

Sec. 7605. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure.

Sec. 7606. Comptroller General study on facility and infrastructure needs of Coast Guard stations conducting border security operations.

Sec. 7607. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing.

Sec. 7608. Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy.

Sec. 7609. Comptroller General study on athletic coaching at Coast Guard Academy.

Sec. 7610. Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process.

Sec. 7611. Comptroller General review of Coast Guard Investigative Service.

Title LXXVII—Amendments

Sec. 7701. Amendments.

Division H—Other Matters

Title LXXXI—Financial Services Matters

Sec. 8101. Defense Production Act of 1950 extension.

Sec. 8102. Review of and reporting on national security sensitive sites for purposes of reviews of real estate transactions by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

Sec. 8103. Disclosures by directors, officers, and principal stockholders.

Sec. 8104. Study and report.

Title LXXXII—Judiciary Matters

Sec. 8201.  Authority of Marshal of the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Police.

Sec. 8202. PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 reauthorization.

Sec. 8203. Trauma kit standards.

Sec. 8204. Inclusion of certain retired public safety officers in the public safety officers’ death benefits program.

Sec. 8205. Honoring our fallen heroes.

Title LXXXIII—Foreign Affairs Matters

Subtitle A—Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2025

Sec. 8301. Short title.

Sec. 8302. Findings.

Sec. 8303. Sense of the Congress.

Sec. 8304. Support for Taiwan admission to the IMF.

Sec. 8305. Testimony requirement.

Subtitle B—BUST Fentanyl Act

Sec. 8311. Short title.

Sec. 8312. International Narcotics Control Strategy Report.

Sec. 8313. Study and report on efforts to address fentanyl trafficking from the people’s republic of china and other relevant countries.

Sec. 8314. Amendments to the Fentanyl Sanctions Act.

Sec. 8315. Prioritization of identification of persons from the People’s Republic of China.

Sec. 8316. Expansion of sanctions under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act.

Sec. 8317. Imposition of sanctions with respect to agencies or instrumentalities of foreign states.

Sec. 8318. Annual report on efforts to prevent the smuggling of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico.

Sec. 8319. Responding to crime and corruption in Haiti.

Sec. 8320. Rule of construction regarding the use of military force.

Subtitle C—Western Balkans democracy and prosperity

Sec. 8331. Short title.

Sec. 8332. Findings.

Sec. 8333. Sense of Congress.

Sec. 8334. Definitions.

Sec. 8335. Sanctions relating to the Western Balkans.

Sec. 8336. Democratic and economic development and prosperity initiatives.

Sec. 8337. Promoting cross-cultural and educational engagement.

Sec. 8338. Young Balkan Leaders Initiative.

Sec. 8339. Supporting cybersecurity and cyber resilience in the Western Balkans.

Sec. 8340. Relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

Sec. 8341. Reports on Russian and Chinese malign influence operations and campaigns in the Western Balkans.

Subtitle D—Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025

Sec. 8351. Short title.

Sec. 8352. Designation of a foreign country as a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention.

Sec. 8353. Congressional Report on components related to hostage affairs and recovery.

Sec. 8354. Rule of construction.

Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 8361. National registry of Korean American divided families.

Sec. 8362. Sense of Congress on Russia's illegal abduction of Ukrainian children.

Sec. 8363. Supporting the identification and recovery of abducted Ukrainian children.

Sec. 8364. Fairness in issuance of tactical gear to Diplomatic Security Service personnel.

Sec. 8365. Strategy for countering transnational criminal organizations in Mexico.

Sec. 8366. International nuclear energy.

Sec. 8367. Strategy to respond to global bases of the People’s Republic of China.

Sec. 8368. Disposition of weapons and materiel in transit from Iran to the Houthis in Yemen.

Sec. 8369. Repeal of Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.

Sec. 8370. Repeal of Authorizations for Use of Military Force relating to Iraq.

Title LXXXIV—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Subtitle A—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps

Sec. 8401. Title and qualifications of head of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; promotions of flag officers.

Sec. 8402. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel fleet.

Sec. 8403. Cooperative Aviation Centers.

Sec. 8404. Eligibility of former officers to compete for certain positions.

Sec. 8405. Alignment of physical disqualification standard for obligated service agreements with standard for veterans’ benefits.

Sec. 8406. Streamlining separation and retirement process.

Sec. 8407. Separation of ensigns found not fully qualified.

Sec. 8408. Repeal of limitation on educational assistance.

Sec. 8409. Disposal of survey and research vessels and equipment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Subtitle B—South Pacific Tuna Treaty matters

Sec. 8411. References to South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988.

Sec. 8412. Definitions.

Sec. 8413. Prohibited acts.

Sec. 8414. Exceptions.

Sec. 8415. Criminal offenses.

Sec. 8416. Civil penalties.

Sec. 8417. Licenses.

Sec. 8418. Enforcement.

Sec. 8419. Findings by Secretary of Commerce.

Sec. 8420. Disclosure of information.

Sec. 8421. Closed area stowage requirements.

Sec. 8422. Observers.

Sec. 8423. Fisheries-related assistance.

Sec. 8424. Arbitration.

Sec. 8425. Disposition of fees, penalties, forfeitures, and other moneys.

Sec. 8426. Additional agreements.

Subtitle C—Other Matters

Sec. 8431. North Pacific Research Board enhancement.

Title LXXXV—Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act of 2025

Subtitle A—General Matters

Sec. 8501. Secretary defined.

Sec. 8502. Severability.

Sec. 8503. Authorization of appropriations.

Sec. 8504. Sense of Congress.

Sec. 8505. Termination.

Subtitle B—Imposition of Sanctions

Sec. 8511. Imposition of sanctions.

Sec. 8512. Definitions.

Sec. 8513. Exception relating to importation of goods.

Subtitle C—Prohibition and notification on investments relating to covered national security transactions

Sec. 8521. Prohibition and notification on investments relating to covered national security transactions.

Subtitle D—Securities and Related Matters

Sec. 8531. Requirements relating to the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List.

Title LXXXVI—Securing the Airspace, Facilitating Emergency Response, and Safeguarding Key Infrastructure, Entertainment Venues, and Stadiums

Sec. 8601. Short title.

Sec. 8602. Drone countermeasures to protect public safety and critical infrastructure.

Sec. 8603. Use of grant funds for unmanned aircraft and counter unmanned aircraft systems.

Sec. 8604. Use of grant funds for unmanned aircraft.

Sec. 8605. Penalties.

Sec. 8606. Rulemaking and implementation.

Sec. 8607. Severability.

Title LXXXVII—DFC Modernization and Reauthorization Act of 2025

Sec. 8701. Short title.

Subtitle A—Definitions and Less Developed Country Focus

Sec. 8711. Definitions.

Sec. 8712. Less developed country focus.

Subtitle B—Management of Corporation

Sec. 8721. Structure of Corporation.

Sec. 8722. Board of Directors.

Sec. 8723. Chief Executive Officer.

Sec. 8724. Chief Risk Officer.

Sec. 8725. Chief Development Officer.

Sec. 8726. Chief Strategic Officer.

Sec. 8727. Officers and employees.

Sec. 8728. Development Finance Advisory Council.

Sec. 8729. Strategic Advisory Group.

Sec. 8730. Five-year strategic priorities plan.

Sec. 8731. Development finance education.

Sec. 8732. Internships.

Sec. 8733. Independent accountability mechanism.

Subtitle C—Authorities Relating to the Provision of Support

Sec. 8741. Equity investment.

Sec. 8742. Special projects.

Sec. 8743. Terms and conditions.

Sec. 8744. Termination.

Subtitle D—Other Matters

Sec. 8751. Operations.

Sec. 8752. Corporate powers.

Sec. 8753. Maximum contingent liability.

Sec. 8754. Performance measures, evaluation, and learning.

Sec. 8755. Annual report.

Sec. 8756. Publicly available project information.

Sec. 8757. Notifications to be provided by the corporation.

Sec. 8758. Limitations and preferences.

Title LXXXVIII—Other Matters

Sec. 8801. Pilot program for sound insulation repair and replacement.

Sec. 8802. Alignment of timing of updates of strategic plan with updates to National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing.

Sec. 8803. Lumbee Fairness Act.

Sec. 8804. Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, Virginia.

Sec. 8805. Briefing on implementation of Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 with respect to veterans in the Freely Associated States.

Sec. 8806. Disinterment of remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas.

3. Definitions

In this Act:

(1) In divisions A through D, the term "this Act" refers to divisions A through D.

(2) The term "congressional defense committees" has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.

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.

5. Joint explanatory statement

The joint explanatory statement regarding this Act, printed in the House section of the Congressional Record on or about December 10, 2025, by the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, shall have the same effect with respect to the implementation of this Act as if it were a joint explanatory statement of a committee of conference.

A Department of Defense Authorizations -

I Procurement

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.

Subtitle B—Army Programs

Sec. 111. Strategy for Army tactical wheeled vehicle program.

Sec. 112. Multiyear procurement authority for UH–60 Blackhawk aircraft.

Sec. 113. Authorization to initiate early production of future long-range assault aircraft.

Sec. 114. Limitation on availability of funds for the Next Generation Command and Control portfolio of capabilities of the Army.

Subtitle C—Navy Programs

Sec. 121. Modification to requirements for recapitalization of tactical fighter aircraft of the Navy Reserve.

Sec. 122. Modification to limitations on Navy medium and large unmanned surface vessels.

Sec. 123. Recapitalization of Navy waterborne security barriers; modification of prohibition on availability of funds for legacy waterborne security barriers.

Sec. 124. Contract authority for Ford-class aircraft carrier program.

Sec. 125. Contract authority for Columbia-class submarine program.

Sec. 126. Authority for advance procurement of certain components to support continuous production of Virginia-class submarines.

Sec. 127. Procurement authorities for Medium Landing Ships.

Sec. 128. Multiyear procurement authority for Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing Barges.

Sec. 129. Vessel construction managers for the construction of certain Navy vessels.

Sec. 130. Limitation on construction of Modular Attack Surface Craft.

Sec. 131. Limitation on availability of funds for TAGOS ship program.

Sec. 132. Inclusion of information on amphibious warfare ship spares and repair parts in Navy budget justification materials.

Subtitle D—Air Force Programs

Sec. 141. Modification of minimum inventory requirements for air refueling tanker aircraft.

Sec. 142. Modification of prohibition on retirement of F–15E aircraft.

Sec. 143. Extension of limitations and minimum inventory requirement relating to RQ–4 aircraft.

Sec. 144. Modification to annual report on Air Force tactical fighter aircraft force structure.

Sec. 145. Extension of requirements relating to C–130 aircraft.

Sec. 146. Extension of prohibition on certain reductions to B–1 bomber aircraft squadrons.

Sec. 147. Modification to minimum inventory requirement for A–10 aircraft.

Sec. 148. Preservation of retired KC–10 aircraft.

Sec. 149. Prohibition on certain reductions to inventory of E–3 airborne warning and control system aircraft.

Sec. 150. B–21 bomber aircraft program accountability matrices.

Sec. 151. Bomber aircraft force structure and transition roadmap.

Sec. 152. Requirement for an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap for the Air Force.

Sec. 153. Report on the F–47 advanced fighter aircraft program.

Sec. 154. Limitation on availability of funds pending report on acquisition strategy for Airborne Command Post Capability.

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

Sec. 161. Requirements relating to executive airlift aircraft.

Sec. 162. Amendments to prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made light detection and ranging.

Sec. 163. Prohibition on availability of funds for contract termination or production line shutdown for E–7A Wedgetail aircraft.

Sec. 164. Limitation on procurement of KC–46 aircraft pending certification on correction of deficiencies.

Sec. 165. Plan for open mission systems of F–35 aircraft.

Sec. 166. Annual GAO reviews of the F–35 aircraft program.

A Authorization of Appropriations

101. Authorization of appropriations

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

B Army Programs

111. Strategy for Army tactical wheeled vehicle program

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

112. Multiyear procurement authority for UH–60 Blackhawk aircraft

(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 the fiscal year 2027 program year, for the procurement of UH–60 Blackhawk aircraft.

(b) Condition for out-year contract payments - A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.

(c) Authority for advance procurement - The Secretary of the Army may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2026, for advance procurement associated with the aircraft for which authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of economic order quantities of material and equipment for such aircraft when cost savings are achievable.

113. Authorization to initiate early production of future long-range assault aircraft

(a) Authorization - The Secretary of the Army may enter into contracts, in advance of full-rate production, for the procurement of future long-range assault aircraft as part of an accelerated low-rate early production effort for such aircraft.

(b) Objectives - In carrying out the early production effort described in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army shall pursue the following objectives:

(1) To expedite delivery of future long-range assault aircraft operational capability to the warfighter.

(2) To maintain momentum and learning continuity between test article completion and full production ramp-up.

(3) To stabilize and retain the specialized workforce and industrial base supporting future assault aircraft, including critical suppliers and production facilities.

(4) To mitigate cost escalation risks and improve program affordability across the life cycle.

(c) Considerations - In executing the authority provided by subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1) prioritize program continuity, cost-efficiency, and workforce retention across the supply chain for tiltrotor aircraft;

(2) ensure that aircraft procured as part of the early production effort described in subsection (a) incorporate lessons learned from test article evaluations;

(3) maintain flexibility in design to accommodate future upgrades through the modular open systems architecture and digital backbone;

(4) ensure that the program completes a rigorous developmental test flight campaign prior to delivering the platform to the operational forces; and

(5) ensure that the program completes a rigorous operational test and evaluation prior to entering into full rate production.

(d) Briefing to Congress - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing detailing—

(1) the implementation plan and timeline for the procurement and early production effort described in subsection (a);

(2) the status of industrial base readiness and supply chain coordination in support of such early production effort; and

(3) estimated long-term cost savings and operational benefits expected to be derived from such early production effort.

114. Limitation on availability of funds for the Next Generation Command and Control portfolio of capabilities of the Army

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of the Army for the Army’s Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) portfolio of capabilities, not more than 50 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of the Army submits to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:

(1) The Army’s detailed funding plans for current and new procurements for experimentation and final fielding for its tactical network, and a cost and capability assessment of current and proposed solutions.

(2) Testing and fielding plans for any new procurements for such network, including an explanation of—

(A) how any new programs meet the resiliency requirements specified in section 168 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1251); and

(B) how any new programs will utilize NSA High Assurance certified encryption and decryption.

(3) Plans to integrate existing programs of record with new programs of record and plans to ensure all systems are interoperable with both fielded systems of the Army and the systems of foreign partners.

(4) Plans to complete a developmental test campaign and a formal operational test and evaluation prior to fielding new capabilities to the operational forces for use other than for experimentation.

C Navy Programs

121. Modification to requirements for recapitalization of tactical fighter aircraft of the Navy Reserve

Section 127 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1806) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

(c) Covered F–18 aircraft defined - In this section, the term "covered F–18 aircraft" means—

(1) the eight F/A–18E/F Super Hornet aircraft procured using funds authorized and appropriated for the Navy during fiscal year 2023; or

(2) in lieu of an aircraft described in paragraph (1), any Block II or newer F/A–18E/F tactical fighter aircraft that—

(A) has a minimum of 2,000 flight hours of service-life remaining airframe flight time prior to the need for a required high flight-hour inspection and Service Life Modification process; and

(B) is included in the Naval Aviation Master Aviation Plan and designated for the Navy Reserve.

(d) Master aviation plan - In conjunction with the activities required under this section, the Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that the Naval Aviation Master Aviation Plan remains up-to-date and relevant with respect to aviation units of the Navy Reserve.

122. Modification to limitations on Navy medium and large unmanned surface vessels

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

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

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

(2) The electrical generation and distribution system.

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

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

(e) Definitions - In this section:

(1) Covered program - The term "covered program" means a program for—

(A) medium unmanned surface vessels; or

(B) large unmanned surface vessels.

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

123. Recapitalization of Navy waterborne security barriers; modification of prohibition on availability of funds for legacy waterborne security barriers

Section 130 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1665), as most recently amended by section 123 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1805), is further amended—

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

(2) in subsection (a)—

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

(B) by striking "through 2025" and inserting "through 2026";

(3) by striking subsection (b);

(4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively;

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

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

(d) Recapitalization -

(1) Plan submission -

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

(B) Elements - The plan required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following:

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

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

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

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

(2) Implementation - The Secretary of the Navy shall complete implementation of the plan required by paragraph (1) by not later than September 30, 2027.

124. Contract authority for Ford-class aircraft carrier program

(a) Contract authority - The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than two Ford-class aircraft carriers.

(b) Authority for advance procurement and economic order quantity - The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for advance procurement, advance construction, and material and equipment in economic order quantities associated with the procurement of the Ford-class aircraft carriers for which contracts are authorized under subsection (a).

(c) Use of incremental funding - With respect to a contract entered into under subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary of the Navy may use incremental funding to make payments under the contract.

(d) Liability - Any contract entered into under subsection (a) or (b) 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 any contract entered into shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated to the contract at time of termination.

125. Contract authority for Columbia-class submarine program

(a) Contract authority - The Secretary of the Navy may enter into a contract, beginning with fiscal year 2026, for the procurement of up to five Columbia-class submarines.

(b) Incremental funding - With respect to a contract entered into under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy may use incremental funding to make payments under the contract.

(c) Funding and 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 any contract entered into shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated to the contract at time of termination.

126. Authority for advance procurement of certain components to support continuous production of Virginia-class submarines

(a) In general - The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, prior to ship authorization, for the advance procurement of covered components for Virginia-class submarines, including procurement of such components in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.

(b) Funding and 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 to the Federal Government for termination of the contract shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated for the contract at the time of termination.

(c) Budget requests - In the budget justification materials submitted in support of the budget of the Department of Defense (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy shall include a separate budget display identifying the amounts requested pursuant to this section set forth by the specific program, project, or activity under the Virginia-class submarine program for which such funds are requested.

(d) Covered components defined - In this section, the term "covered components" means the following components for Virginia-class submarines:

(1) Propulsion plant equipment.

(2) Diesel Systems and associated components.

(3) Castings, forgings, and tank structures.

(4) Air flasks.

(5) Payload tubes.

(6) Major valves and associated components.

(7) Hatches.

(8) Steering and dive components.

(9) Major pumps and motors.

(10) Snorkel mast and components.

(11) Torpedo tubes.

(12) Atmosphere control equipment.

(13) Bulkheads, decks, and associated equipment.

(14) SONAR arrays and associated components.

(15) Electrical components, penetrators, and associated equipment.

(16) Commodity material in support of manufacturing.

127. Procurement authorities for Medium Landing Ships

(a) Contract authority -

(1) In general - The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than 15 Medium Landing Ships.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(e) Termination - The authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into contracts under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2029.

128. Multiyear procurement authority for Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing Barges

(a) Authority for multiyear procurement - Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2026 program year, for the procurement of Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing Barges and associated material.

(b) Authority for advance procurement - The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2026, for advance procurement associated with the barges for which authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of economic order quantities of material and equipment for such barges when cost savings are achievable.

(c) Availability of funds and termination 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.

129. Vessel construction managers for the construction of certain Navy vessels

(a) Medium Landing Ships -

(1) In general - After the award of the lead ship of the Medium Landing Ship program, the Secretary of the Navy shall seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate vessel construction manager pursuant to which the vessel construction manager shall seek to enter into one or more contracts for the construction of not more than 8 additional landing ships under the program.

(2) Requirements for additional ships - The additional landing ships authorized to be constructed under paragraph (1) shall be nondevelopmental items constructed using a design that is—

(A) the same as the design of the lead ship; or

(B) derived from such design.

(3) Lead ship defined - In this subsection, the term "lead ship" means the first landing ship procured as a commercial or nondevelopmental item as authorized under section 128(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1807).

(b) Light replenishment oilers - The Secretary of the Navy shall seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate vessel construction manager pursuant to which the vessel construction manager shall seek to enter into one or more contracts for the construction of light replenishment oilers (TAO–L).

(c) Auxiliary and support vessels - The Secretary of the Navy may enter into agreements with an appropriate vessel construction manager pursuant to which the vessel construction manager shall seek to enter into one or more contracts for the construction of any auxiliary vessel or support vessel of the Department of the Navy.

(d) Design standards and construction practices - The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that vessels procured through subsections (b) and (c) by the Secretary are, to the maximum extent practicable, constructed using commercial design standards and commercial construction practices that are consistent with the best interests of the Federal Government.

130. Limitation on construction of Modular Attack Surface Craft

The Secretary of the Navy may not enter into a contract or other agreement that includes a scope of work, including priced or unpriced options, for the construction, advance procurement, or long-lead material for Modular Attack Surface Craft Block 0 until the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that such vessels will be purpose-built unmanned vessels engineered to operate without human support systems or operational requirements intended for crewed vessels.

131. Limitation on availability of funds for TAGOS ship program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

132. Inclusion of information on amphibious warfare ship spares and repair parts in Navy budget justification materials

(a) In general - In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of the Defense budget for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code), the Secretary of the Navy shall include information on the costs of spare parts and repair parts for amphibious warfare ships in the materials for other procurement, Navy.

(b) Amphibious warfare ship defined - In this section, the term "amphibious warfare ship" has the meaning given that term in section 8062(h) of title 10, United States Code.

D Air Force Programs

141. Modification of minimum inventory requirements for air refueling tanker aircraft

(a) Minimum inventory requirement - Section 9062(j) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking "a total aircraft inventory of air refueling tanker aircraft of not less than 466 aircraft." and insertinga total aircraft inventory of air refueling tanker aircraft—

(A) of not less than 466 aircraft during the period ending on September 30, 2026;

(B) of not less than 478 aircraft during the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2027;

(C) of not less than 490 aircraft during the period beginning on October 1, 2027, and ending on September 30, 2028; and

(D) of not less than 502 aircraft beginning on October 1, 2028.

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking "below 466" and inserting "below the applicable level specified in paragraph (1)".

(b) Retention within aircraft inventory - Such section is further amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking "paragraph (2)" and inserting "paragraphs (2) and (3)";

(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and

(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:

(3) In the case of a KC–135 aircraft that is replaced in the aircraft inventory by a KC–46 aircraft, the Secretary of the Air Force may reassign the KC–135 aircraft to any Air Refueling Wing that has the capacity to expand its aircraft inventory to include such reassigned aircraft. In determining whether an Air Refueling Wing has the capacity to so expand its inventory, the Secretary shall consider, among other things, the capacity of the Air Refueling Wing to man the additional aircraft and support pilot training requirements for the additional aircraft.

(c) Prohibition on reduction of KC–135 aircraft in primary mission aircraft inventory of the reserve components -

(1) In general - None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to reduce the number of KC–135 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory within the reserve components of the Air Force.

(2) Primary mission aircraft inventory defined - In this subsection, the term "primary mission aircraft inventory" has the meaning given that term in section 9062(i)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code.

142. Modification of prohibition on retirement of F–15E aircraft

(a) In general - Subsection (l) of section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(l)

(1) During the covered period, the Secretary of the Air Force may not retire more than a total of 51 F–15E aircraft as follows:

(A) From the beginning of the covered period through the end of fiscal year 2026, the Secretary may not retire any F–15E aircraft.

(B) In fiscal year 2027, the Secretary may not retire more than 21 F–15E aircraft.

(C) In fiscal year 2028, the Secretary may not retire more than 30 F–15E aircraft.

(2) During the covered period the Secretary of the Air Force may not—

(A) reduce funding for unit personnel or weapon system sustainment activities for retained F–15E aircraft in a manner that presumes future congressional authority to divest such aircraft; or

(B) keep an F–15E aircraft (other than an aircraft identified for retirement under paragraph (1)) in a status considered excess to the requirements of the possessing command and awaiting disposition instructions (commonly referred to as "XJ" status).

(3) In this subsection, the term "covered period" means the period beginning on the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 and ending on September 30, 2030.

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

(1) in the section heading, by striking Prohibition on retirement of F–15E aircraft and;

(2) by striking subsection (a); and

(3) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (a) and (b), respectively.

143. Extension of limitations and minimum inventory requirement relating to RQ–4 aircraft

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

144. Modification to annual report on Air Force tactical fighter aircraft force structure

Section 9062a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking "2029" and inserting "2030"; and

(2) by striking "consultation" and inserting "coordination".

145. Extension of requirements relating to C–130 aircraft

(a) Extension of minimum inventory requirement - Section 146(a)(3)(B) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2455), as most recently amended by section 145(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1810), is further amended by striking "2025" and inserting "2026".

(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 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1810), is further amended by striking "2025" and inserting "2026".

(c) Report requirement - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the following:

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

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

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

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

146. Extension of prohibition on certain reductions to B–1 bomber aircraft squadrons

Subsection (d)(1) of section 133 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1574), as most recently amended by section 146 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1810), is further amended by striking "September 30, 2026" and inserting "September 30, 2030".

147. Modification to minimum inventory requirement for A–10 aircraft

(a) In general - Section 134(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2038) is amended by striking "96 A–10 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory until a period of 90 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the report under subsection (e)(2)" and inserting "93 A–10 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory until October 1, 2026".

(b) Prohibition on retirement -

(1) In general - During the period beginning on October 1, 2025 and ending on September 30, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force may not—

(A) reduce funding for unit personnel or weapon system sustainment activities for A–10 aircraft in a manner that presumes future congressional authority to divest such aircraft;

(B) keep an A–10 aircraft in a status considered excess to the requirements of the possessing command and awaiting disposition instructions (commonly referred to as "XJ" status); or

(C) decrease the total aircraft inventory of A–10 aircraft below 103 aircraft.

(2) Exception - The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to individual A–10 aircraft that the Secretary of the Air Force determines, on a case-by-case basis, to be no longer mission capable and uneconomical to repair because of aircraft accidents, mishaps, or excessive material degradation and non-airworthiness status of certain aircraft.

(c) Briefing required - Not later than March 31, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of A–10 aircraft inventory and the proposed plan for divesting all A–10 aircraft prior to fiscal year 2029. The briefing shall cover, at a minimum, the following:

(1) The number of A–10 Total Aircraft Inventory aircraft disaggregated by Combat Coded Aircraft, Primary Mission Aircraft Inventory, Backup Aircraft Assigned, Attrition Reserve, tail number, and location.

(2) The planned divestment date of each such aircraft.

(3) The detailed plan for how and when the Secretary proposes to proceed with divestment of aircraft for each A–10 unit prior to fiscal year 2029.

(4) The aircraft transition plan for replacing A–10 aircraft with new or existing replacement aircraft in each unit that is divesting of the A–10 aircraft, which shall include an explanation of—

(A) how the Secretary plans to minimize adverse personnel impacts within such units, including adverse impacts with respect to retention, currency, proficiency, qualifications, certifications, and training; and

(B) how the Secretary plans to minimize or eliminate any scheduling gap that may occur with respect to a unit divesting from the A–10 aircraft and transitioning to a new or existing replacement aircraft.

(5) The information and content format that was provided in the briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives by the Headquarters Air Force, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (HAF/A8), on February 13, 2023, titled "A–10 Divestment Placemats".

(6) Any other information the Secretary determines relevant.

148. Preservation of retired KC–10 aircraft

(a) In general - The Secretary of the Air Force shall preserve each retired KC–10 aircraft in the same storage condition in which such aircraft was preserved as of September 30, 2025.

(b) Authority to dispose of preserved aircraft - A KC–10 aircraft preserved under subsection (a) may be disposed of in accordance with chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code.

149. Prohibition on certain reductions to inventory of E–3 airborne warning and control system aircraft

(a) Prohibition - None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage or in backup aircraft inventory any E–3 aircraft if such actions would reduce the total aircraft inventory for such aircraft below 16.

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

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

150. B–21 bomber aircraft program accountability matrices

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

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

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

(b) Matrices described - The matrices described in this subsection are the following:

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

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

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

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

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

(ii) software quality metrics.

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

(i) manufacturing readiness levels through level 8;

(ii) touch labor hours; and

(iii) scrap, rework, and repair.

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

(i) percent complete;

(ii) time on condition;

(iii) sorties; and

(iv) test points.

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

(i) mean time to repair;

(ii) operational availability;

(iii) mission capable; and

(iv) cost per flying hour.

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

(i) main operating base setup;

(ii) training system deliveries;

(iii) depot maintenance; and

(iv) technology data packages.

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

(A) Air vehicle.

(B) Propulsion.

(C) Mission systems.

(D) Vehicle subsystems.

(E) Air vehicle software.

(F) Systems engineering.

(G) Program management.

(H) System test and evaluation.

(I) Support and training systems.

(J) Contract fee.

(K) Engineering changes.

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

(M) Government testing.

(c) Semiannual update of matrices -

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

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

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

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

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

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

151. Bomber aircraft force structure and transition roadmap

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

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

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

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

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

(4) An update on—

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

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

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

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

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

152. Requirement for an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap for the Air Force

(a) In general - Not later than October 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive roadmap detailing the strategic plan for the development, acquisition, modernization, and integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the Air Force.

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

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

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

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

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

(A) artificial intelligence;

(B) machine learning;

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

(D) autonomous or remotely piloted platforms.

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

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

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

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

153. Report on the F–47 advanced fighter aircraft program

(a) In general - Not later than March 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the F–47 advanced fighter aircraft program.

(b) Elements - The report required under subsection (a) shall include following:

(1) A description of the F–47 aircraft program, including system requirements, employment concepts, and projected costs, schedule, and funding requirements over the period covered by the program objective memorandum process for fiscal years 2028 through 2034.

(2) The acquisition strategy for the F–47 program of record, including consideration of implementing a middle tier acquisition pathway or major capability acquisition pathway (as such terms are defined in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.85, titled "Major Capability Acquisition" and issued on August 6, 2020 (or a successor instruction)).

(3) A proposed fielding strategy for the F–47 aircraft, including—

(A) estimated force structure requirements;

(B) strategic basing considerations;

(C) an estimate of military construction requirements;

(D) an estimate of personnel training requirements; and

(E) a strategy for integrating units of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve into F–47 fighter aircraft operations, including planned force structure, association, training, and mobilization models.

(c) Form - The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.

154. Limitation on availability of funds pending 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 2026 for operation and maintenance, Air Force, and available to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for travel expenses, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, submits to the congressional defense committees a report on the acquisition strategy of the Air Force to maintain the Airborne Command Post capability, including—

(1) options to expand production of the C–130J–30 Super Hercules aircraft to provide additional airframes to preserve the Airborne Command Post capability; and

(2) an outline of the future relationship of the Airborne Command Post capability with the Secondary Launch Platform–Airborne effort.

E Defense-wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters

161. Requirements relating to executive airlift aircraft

(a) Analysis of alternatives -

(1) In general - The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall conduct an analysis of alternatives to identify potential solutions for the recapitalization of the executive airlift aircraft fleets of the Armed Forces. In conducting such analysis, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to identify aircraft solutions that have capabilities comparable to the capabilities of commercial passenger aircraft in terms of range.

(2) Timeline - The Secretary of Defense shall—

(A) initiate the analysis of alternatives required under paragraph (1) not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(B) complete such analysis not later than April 1, 2026.

(3) Report - Not later than 60 days after completing the analysis of alternatives required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the results of the analysis.

(b) Responsibilities -

(1) In general - Section 120(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(A) by striking paragraph (2);

(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and

(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraphs:

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall establish standards for prioritizing access to executive aircraft controlled by the Secretaries of the military departments among authorized users of such aircraft within the Federal Government.

(3) The Secretary of Defense shall assign a career appointee (as that term is defined in section 3132(a) of title 5) in the Senior Executive Service of the Department of Defense to coordinate the efficient tasking of executive aircraft controlled by the Secretaries of the military departments and compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and guidance relating to such aircraft, including the standards established under paragraph (2). The career appointee shall, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, have knowledge and experience relating to executive aircraft, including familiarity with the executive aircraft fleets controlled by the Secretaries of the military departments and procedures for the prioritization of executive aircraft users.

(2) Timelines - The Secretary of Defense shall—

(A) establish the standards required by paragraph (2) of such section 120(b) (as amended by this section) not later than December 1, 2025; and

(B) assign the career appointee required by paragraph (3) of such section 120(b) (as amended by this section) not later than January 1, 2026.

162. Amendments to prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made light detection and ranging

Section 164 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking "shall not operate" and inserting "may not operate,";

(B) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

(1) covered LiDAR technology; or

(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting "covered" before "LiDAR technology";

(2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);

(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:

(e) Mitigation of risk of use of covered LiDAR technology -

(1) Strategy required - The Secretary of Defense shall develop a strategy to mitigate the risk to the Department of Defense of the use of covered LiDAR technology by defense contractors and subcontractors (at any tier).

(2) Elements - In developing the strategy required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

(A) publish a list of covered LiDAR companies in the Federal Register;

(B) conduct an assessment of the potential risks to the Department associated with the use of covered LiDAR technology by defense contractors, including an assessment of the severity and likelihood of occurrence of each such risk and a prioritization of such risks; and

(C) solicit input from defense contractors and subcontractors (at any tier) to identify effective approaches to reducing or eliminating use of covered LiDAR technology by such contractors and subcontractors.

(3) Implementation - Not later than June 1, 2027, the Secretary shall implement the strategy required by paragraph (1). Such strategy shall actively monitor risk mitigation measures related to the use of covered LiDAR technology by defense contractors based on the assessment conducted and the input received under paragraph (2).

(4) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:

(3) The term "covered LiDAR technology" means LiDAR technology and any related services and equipment—

(A) manufactured by a covered LiDAR company;

(B) uses operating software developed in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or

(C) uses network connectivity or data storage located in a covered foreign country or administered by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country.

163. Prohibition on availability of funds for contract termination or production line shutdown for E–7A Wedgetail aircraft

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended—

(1) to terminate the mid-tier acquisition rapid prototype contract for the E–7A aircraft; or

(2) to terminate the operations of, or to prepare to terminate the operations of, a production line for the E–7A aircraft.

164. Limitation on procurement of KC–46 aircraft pending certification on correction of deficiencies

(a) Limitation - The Secretary of Defense may not accept or take delivery of covered KC–46 aircraft in excess of the maximum quantity specified in subsection (c) until the Secretary—

(1) certifies to the congressional defense committees that the Secretary has developed and is implementing a plan of corrective actions and milestones to resolve all Category 1 deficiencies identified with respect to KC–46 aircraft; and

(2) submits such plan to such committees, which shall include—

(A) an estimate of the total amount of funds required to complete implementation of the plan;

(B) realistic event-driven schedules to achieve the objectives of the plan; and

(C) a schedule risk assessment to a minimum of 80 percent confidence level.

(b) Form - The plan described in subsection (a)(2) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.

(c) Maximum Quantity - The maximum quantity of covered KC–46 aircraft specified in this subsection is 188 aircraft.

(d) Covered KC–46 Aircraft Defined - In this section, the term "covered KC–46 aircraft" means new production KC–46 aircraft the procurement of which is fully funded by the United States.

165. Plan for open mission systems of F–35 aircraft

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

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

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

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

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

(4) Enable the rapid upgrade of onboard processors.

(5) Leverage a Federal Government reference architecture.

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

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

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

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

(c) Report -

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

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

166. Annual GAO reviews of the F–35 aircraft program

(a) Annual reviews and reports - Not later than March 1, 2026, and not later than March 1 of each year thereafter through March 1, 2030, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

(1) complete a review of the F–35 aircraft program; and

(2) submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the review.

(b) Elements - Each review and report under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of—

(1) the cost, scope, and schedule of the F–35 aircraft program and its subprograms;

(2) the status of the efforts of the Department of Defense to modernize the F–35 aircraft; and

(3) such other matters relating to the F–35 aircraft program as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

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. Modification to authority to award prizes for advanced technology achievements.

Sec. 212. Modification to mechanisms to provide funds to defense laboratories and other entities for research and development of technologies for military missions.

Sec. 213. Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 214. Modification to authority for acquisition, construction, or furnishing of test facilities and equipment.

Sec. 215. Extension of limitation on availability of funds for fundamental research collaboration with certain academic institutions.

Sec. 216. Modification of requirement for Department of Defense policies for management and certification of Link 16 military tactical data link network.

Sec. 217. Extension of authority for assignment to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of private sector personnel with critical research and development expertise.

Sec. 218. Alternative test and evaluation pathway for designated defense acquisition programs.

Sec. 219. Congressionally directed programs for test and evaluation oversight.

Sec. 220. Application of software innovation to modernize test and evaluation infrastructure.

Sec. 221. Review and alignment of standards, guidance, and policies relating to digital engineering.

Sec. 222. Catalyst Pathfinder Program.

Sec. 223. Modifications to defense research capacity building program.

Sec. 224. National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute.

Sec. 225. Advanced robotic automation for munitions manufacturing.

Sec. 226. Evaluation of additional test corridors for hypersonic and long-range weapons.

Sec. 227. Western regional range complex demonstration.

Sec. 228. Demonstration of near real-time monitoring capabilities to enhance weapon system platforms.

Sec. 229. Pilot program on modernized health and usage monitoring systems to address obsolescence in rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft.

Sec. 230. Prohibition on modification of indirect cost rates for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations.

Sec. 231. Limitation on availability of funds pending compliance with requirements relating to the Joint Energetics Transition Office.

Sec. 232. Limitation on availability of funds for realignment of research, development, test, and evaluation functions of Joint conventional armaments and ammunition.

Sec. 233. Limitation on use of funds for certain Navy software.

Sec. 234. Limitation on availability of funds for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering pending report on study results.

Subtitle C—Biotechnology Matters

Sec. 241. Support for research and development of bioindustrial manufacturing processes.

Sec. 242. Biotechnology Management Office.

Sec. 243. Bioindustrial commercialization program.

Sec. 244. Biotechnology supply chain resiliency program.

Sec. 245. Biological data for artificial intelligence.

Sec. 246. Department of Defense biotechnology strategy.

Sec. 247. Ethical and responsible development and deployment of biotechnology within the Department of Defense.

Sec. 248. Establishing biobased product merit guidance.

Subtitle D—Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 251. Modification of energetic materials strategic plan and investment strategy of Joint Energetics Transition Office.

Sec. 252. Extension of period for annual reports on critical technology areas supportive of the National Defense Strategy.

Sec. 253. Quarterly briefings on research, development, test, and evaluation laboratories and facilities.

A Authorization of Appropriations

201. Authorization of appropriations

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

B Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations

211. Modification to authority to award prizes for advanced technology achievements

(a) Authority - Subsection (a) of section 4025 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after "the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment," the following: "the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit,".

(b) Maximum amount of award prizes - Subsection (c) of such section is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1) by striking "$10,000,000" and inserting "$20,000,000";

(2) in paragraph (2) by striking "$1,000,000" and inserting "$2,000,000"; and

(3) in paragraph (3) by striking "$10,000" and inserting "$20,000".

(c) Congressional notification threshold - Subsection (g)(1) of such section is amended by striking "$10,000,000" and inserting "$20,000,000".

212. Modification to mechanisms to provide funds to defense laboratories and other entities for research and development of technologies for military missions

Section 4123 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the section heading, by inserting and test organizations after defense laboratories;

(2) by inserting "or test organization" after "laboratory" each place it appears;

(3) in subsection (a)(3), by inserting "or test organizations" after "laboratories"; and

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

(d) Test organization defined - In this section, the term "test organization" means a test organization of the Major Range and Test Facility Base specified in Department of Defense Directive 3200.11 or any successor directive.

213. Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense

(a) Making permanent and improving pilot program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense - Chapter 305 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

4145. Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense

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

(b) Eligible centers - For purposes of the program, the eligible centers are—

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

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

(3) the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency;

(4) the Defense Innovation Unit; and

(5) the Strategic Capabilities Office.

(c) Definition of responsible officials concerned - For purposes of this section, the term "responsible official concerned" means—

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

(2) the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, with respect to matters concerning the Navy and the Marine Corps; or

(3) the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, with respect to matters concerning the Air Force and the Space Force;

(4) the Deputy Secretary of Defense, with respect to matters concerning the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Defense Innovation Unit, and the Strategic Capabilities Office, and any other matters not covered by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).

(d) Participation in program -

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

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

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

(i) facility management, construction, and repair;

(ii) business operations;

(iii) personnel management policies and practices; and

(iv) intramural and public outreach; and

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

(2) Implementation - The head of an eligible center shall implement each method proposed under paragraph (1) unless such method is disapproved in writing by the responsible official concerned within 60 days of receiving the proposal from the eligible center.

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

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

214. Modification to authority for acquisition, construction, or furnishing of test facilities and equipment

(a) Jointly funded projects - Section 4174 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking "A contract of a military department" and inserting "A covered contract"; and

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

(d)

(1) In a case in which research, developmental, or test facilities and equipment described in this section are used to support multiple contracts or programs across different military departments, other elements of the Department of Defense, other Federal agencies outside the Department of Defense, or eligible non-Federal entities, a jointly funded project may be established.

(2) Under a jointly funded project, the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary’s designee) shall enter into a written agreement with each entity participating in the project. Each such agreement shall, at a minimum, address the following:

(A) Cost sharing arrangements, including the proportion of total project costs to be borne by each entity.

(B) Allocation of access to the facilities and equipment, including prioritization procedures in cases of competing demands.

(C) Management and oversight responsibilities, including the designation of a lead agency.

(D) Ownership and intellectual property rights related to the facilities, equipment, and any resulting data or inventions.

(E) Dispute resolution mechanisms.

(3) A non-Federal entity, including a private company, academic institution, or non-profit organization, may participate in a jointly funded project under this subsection only if the Secretary of Defense determines such participation is in the national security interest and consistent with applicable laws and regulations.

(4) The Secretary of Defense shall issue regulations to implement this subsection. Such regulations shall include specific criteria for evaluating proposed jointly funded projects, standardized agreement templates, and procedures for ensuring the transparency and accountability of such projects.

(e) This section applies to contracts funded using funds appropriated or otherwise made available for—

(1) research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology funds designated as budget activity 1 (basic research), budget activity 2 (applied research), and budget activity 3 (advanced technology development) (as those budget activity classifications are set forth in volume 2B, chapter 5 of the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DOD 7000.14–R)); and

(2) operation and maintenance, to the extent that such funds are used to support activities authorized under this section.

(f) In this section, the term "covered contract" means—

(1) a contract of a military department; or

(2) a contract for a jointly funded project as described subsection (d).

(b) Regulations required - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue or revise regulations (as necessary) to implement the amendments made by subsection (a).

215. Extension of limitation on availability of funds for fundamental research collaboration with certain academic institutions

Section 238(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1842) is amended by inserting "or fiscal year 2026" after "fiscal year 2025".

216. Modification of requirement for Department of Defense policies for management and certification of Link 16 military tactical data link network

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

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

(2) in paragraph (2), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking "training, and large-scale exercises." and inserting "regular training, and large-scale exercises. Under such processes, approval of Link 16 operations shall be presumed and denial of Link 16 operations shall be accompanied with substantiated evidence demonstrating compromise of safety due to electromagnetic interference."; and

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

217. Extension of authority for assignment to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of private sector personnel with critical research and development expertise

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

(b) Technical amendment - Subsection (f)(2) of such section is amended by striking "section 2302" and inserting "section 3014".

218. Alternative test and evaluation pathway for designated defense acquisition programs

(a) Authority - The Secretary of Defense shall establish an alternative test and evaluation pathway as described in subsection (b) for covered programs to enhance agility, accelerate delivery of capabilities, and ensure data-driven decisionmaking, while maintaining independent oversight of evaluation outcomes.

(b) Elements - The pathway required by subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) For each covered program, the Secretary of the military department concerned, through its service test activities, shall—

(A) develop and implement a unified test and evaluation strategy that aligns developmental testing and operational testing to a single set of test objectives that build system understanding throughout the test program to more effectively support capability delivery within rapid prototyping and iterative updates with early and continuous operational feedback;

(B) develop and implement a test data strategy that includes—

(i) collection of raw data from system components during test events and operational activities, including submission of industry-derived data from their development and testing evolutions;

(ii) evaluation criteria to assess the mission effects and suitability of the system based on the data to be collected, including from live-fire test events, if applicable;

(iii) a process for independently validating industry-derived data, if needed;

(iv) provision of resources for automated data collection, storage, and access; and

(v) automated analytics tools to assess performance trends, reliability, and maintenance needs;

(C) incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, best practices such as—

(i) hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate system integration;

(ii) continuous data collection from prototypes and fielded systems to refine designs and update lifecycle costs;

(iii) testing subsystem prototypes throughout system development to assess their contribution to the mission effect of the fielded system; and

(iv) integration of supporting or complementary data from digital twins or other model-based systems engineering tools;

(D) define general test and evaluation objectives and data needs while allowing detailed execution plans to evolve based on test results and emerging requirements, avoiding rigid milestone-driven schedules; and

(E) ensure all raw test data and associated analytics are owned by the Federal Government, stored in accessible repositories, and available to authorized Department entities, including the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, throughout the program lifecycle.

(2) Each such covered program shall be exempt from—

(A) any requirement in law, regulation, or policy, including Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02 or other policies, to develop and submit a test and evaluation master plan, as long as a unified test and evaluation strategy and test data strategy are implemented, as required by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1);

(B) any requirement in law, regulation, or policy to conduct any milestone-specific operational test event, such as the requirement in section 4171 of title 10, United States Code, to conduct initial operational test and evaluation; and

(C) any other test and evaluation documentation or approval process that the Secretary determines is inconsistent with the agile and iterative nature of this pathway.

(c) Role of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation - For each covered program designated for oversight by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall—

(1) provide independent evaluation of test data across all phases of the program lifecycle, including—

(A) assessing the sufficiency of the program’s test and evaluation strategy and data strategy to demonstrate military effectiveness;

(B) evaluating whether the program collects and analyzes sufficient raw data, learns from test results at a pace relevant to operational needs, and converges on military effectiveness based on data trends;

(C) identifying deficiencies in test and evaluation strategies that risk system performance, suitability, or survivability; and

(D) providing continuous oversight through ongoing analysis of test data;

(2) have unrestricted access to all raw test data, data repositories, and analytics maintained by the military departments for the covered program;

(3) not require of the covered program—

(A) any specific test plan, execution method, or documentation format, or any pre-approval of test and evaluation activities, as a condition of testing, data collection, or evaluation; or

(B) any Director of Operational Test and Evaluation-approved test and evaluation master plan or other pre-execution documentation under existing policies; and

(4) include in the annual report required under section 139(h) of title 10, United States Code, a summary of the adequacy of data strategies, rates of learning, and risks that aligns with the evaluation processes established in this section.

(d) Guidance required - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall issue guidance to implement the alternative test and evaluation pathway under this section, including standards for data strategies and modern testing practices and procedures to support evaluation by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation under subsection (c).

(e) Report - Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of this section, including an assessment of the effectiveness of the pathway in accelerating capability delivery and improving system performance and any recommendations for expanding or modifying the pathway.

(f) Covered program defined - In this section, the term "covered program" means the following:

(1) A defense acquisition program that the Secretary of Defense designates, on or after the date on which guidance is issued under subsection (d), for use of the alternative test and evaluation pathway under this section.

(2) A defense acquisition program relating to software and covered hardware initiated on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

219. Congressionally directed programs for test and evaluation oversight

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

(1) command and control and data integration architecture for layered integrated missile defense of the homeland;

(2) the Joint Fires Network; and

(3) the Cryptographic Modernization Program.

(b) Alternative pathway - For any effort under subsection (a) assigned to the software acquisition pathway pursuant to section 3603 of title 10, United States Code, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall assess the effort in accordance with the alternative test and evaluation pathway established by section 218 of this Act.

220. Application of software innovation to modernize test and evaluation infrastructure

(a) Establishment of digital test and evaluation environment -

(1) Program - The Director of the Test Resource Management Center, in coordination with the officials specified in paragraph (4), shall establish and maintain a digital test and evaluation environment for developmental and operational testing of warfighting capabilities.

(2) Requirements - The digital test and evaluation environment required under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) incorporate commercially-derived data management, analysis, and operations software tools to enable rapid test and evaluation;

(B) enable real-time and iterative data collection, management, analysis, and feedback loops across the life cycle of tested systems;

(C) provide secure environments for testing systems with operational security sensitivities; and

(D) use a modular open system approach (as defined in section 4401 of title 10, United States Code) to ensure the environment can be accessed by multiple vendors and is interoperable with multiple data sources, data formats, and digital tools.

(3) Use of software acquisition pathway - In procuring software and covered hardware (as defined in section 3603 of title 10, United States Code) for the digital test and evaluation environment required under paragraph (1), the Director of the Test Resource Management center shall use a software acquisition pathway described in section 3603 of title 10, United States Code.

(4) Officials specified - The officials specified in this paragraph are—

(A) the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit;

(B) the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; and

(C) each chief of a covered Armed Force.

(b) Pilot program to accelerate test -

(1) In general - The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit and the Director of the Test Resource Management Center, in coordination with the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall jointly carry out a pilot program to determine how commercial software can be used to accelerate and improve testing efforts—

(A) to accelerate continuous integration and continuous testing of warfighting capabilities by applying industry best practices and tooling for scalability, advanced analysis, and data sharing; and

(B) to enable continuous and iterative testing throughout capability design, development, engineering, and fielding.

(2) Reports required - The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit and the Director of the Test Resource Management Center, in coordination with the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall—

(A) not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the congressional defense committees an interim report that includes an implementation plan for the pilot program under paragraph (1); and

(B) following submittal of the report under subparagraph (A), but not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the committees a report on the progress of the pilot program, which shall include a description of—

(i) the metrics used to measure the performance of commercial software under the program;

(ii) the initial findings of the program; and

(iii) based on such findings, any identified roadblocks or limitations to using commercial software and digital tools for accelerated testing.

(3) Termination - The authority to carry out the pilot program under this subsection shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(c) Covered armed force defined - In this section, the term "covered Armed Force" means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

221. Review and alignment of standards, guidance, and policies relating to digital engineering

(a) Review required -

(1) In general - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department, in coordination with the officials specified in subsection (c), shall complete a comprehensive review of the standards, guidance, and policies relating to digital engineering within the covered Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary.

(2) Elements - Each review under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the covered Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, the following:

(A) A review of the reference architectures, standards, and best practices for the use of digital engineering tools (including digital twins and digital threads) as in effect at the time of the review, including standards for the use of such tools at all stages of program design, development, and testing.

(B) Identification of the current standards guiding the use of such digital engineering tools, at all stages of program design, development, and testing.

(C) Assessment of—

(i) the extent to which the use of such standards and related governance structures is consistent across the covered Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned; and

(ii) the level of interoperability of such standards across such Armed Forces.

(D) Identification of best practices for digital engineering within each such Armed Force.

(E) Recommendations for improvements to the use of digital engineering tools in each such Armed Force.

(b) Development of standard reference architecture -

(1) In general - Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of a military department completes the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop and implement a standard reference architecture to guide the use of, and best practices for, digital engineering for program design, development, and testing within each covered Armed Force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary. Each reference architecture shall include—

(A) a framework and clear requirements for developing and deploying digital engineering tools across program lifecycles;

(B) defined standards for data management and modeling; and

(C) consideration for either consensus-based standards or nonconsensus-based standards, depending on what is determined to be in the best interests of the government based on the ability to adopt such standards quickly and prevent technology vendor lock.

(2) Periodic review - Not less frequently than once every three years following implementation of the standard reference architecture required under paragraph (1), but ending on September 30, 2034, each Secretary of a military department shall—

(A) conduct periodic reviews of the reference architecture to ensure it effectively addresses advancements in technology and evolving operational needs; and

(B) if necessary, modify the reference architecture to address such advancements and needs.

(3) Approval and certification required - Before a reference architecture may be implemented under this subsection, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall—

(A) review and approve the reference architecture; and

(B) submit certification of such approval to the Secretary of the military department concerned.

(4) Recommendations for further standardization - Based on the reviews conducted under paragraph (3), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall—

(A) identify and develop recommendations regarding areas in which further standardization of reference architectures across the covered Armed Forces may be feasible; and

(B) submit such recommendations to the Secretaries of the military departments.

(c) Officials specified - The officials specified in this subsection are the following:

(1) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

(2) The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

(3) The Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.

(d) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The term "covered Armed Forces" means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

(2) The term "reference architecture" means an authoritative source of information about a specific subject area that guides and constrains the instantiations of multiple architectures and solutions, as described in the guidance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense titled "Reference Architecture Description", dated June 2010, or any successor to such guidance.

222. Catalyst Pathfinder Program

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

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

(2) integrates soldiers into the problem identification process and early-stage development efforts to ensure technical solutions are meeting soldier needs and enhancing lethality.

(b) Activities - In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall—

(1) establish activities at select divisions of the Army to accelerate the incorporation of soldier insights into capability development;

(2) establish policies that streamline collaboration between soldiers, Army Transformation and Training Command, research universities, and small businesses;

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

(4) promote transition of successful program projects to Army programs.

(c) Inclusion in future-years defense program - The program shall be treated as a research, development, test, and evaluation activity in the Army’s input to the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code.

223. Modifications to defense research capacity building program

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

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

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

(b) Definitions - In this section:

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

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

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

224. National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute

(a) In general - The Secretary of Defense may establish one or more National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institutes (referred to in this section as "Institutes") at eligible host institutions.

(b) Institute described - A National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute referred to in subsection (a) is an artificial intelligence research institute that—

(1) is focused on a cross-cutting challenge or foundational science for artificial intelligence systems in the national security and defense sector;

(2) establishes partnerships among public and private organizations, including, as appropriate, Federal agencies, institutions of higher education, including community colleges, nonprofit research organizations, Federal laboratories, State, local, and Tribal governments, and industry, including the Defense Industrial Base and startup companies;

(3) has the potential to create an innovation ecosystem, or enhance existing ecosystems, to translate Institute research into applications and products used to enhance national security and defense capabilities;

(4) supports interdisciplinary research and development across multiple institutions of higher education and organizations; and

(5) supports workforce development in artificial intelligence related disciplines in the United States.

(c) Financial assistance authorized -

(1) In general - The Secretary of Defense may award financial assistance to an eligible host institution, or consortia thereof, to establish and support one or more Institutes.

(2) Use of funds - Financial assistance awarded under paragraph (1) may be used by an Institute for—

(A) managing and making available to researchers accessible, curated, standardized, secure, and privacy protected data sets from the public and private sectors for the purposes of training and testing artificial intelligence systems and for research using artificial intelligence systems with regard to national security and defense;

(B) developing and managing testbeds for artificial intelligence systems, including sector-specific test beds, designed to enable users to evaluate artificial intelligence systems prior to deployment;

(C) conducting research and education activities involving artificial intelligence systems to solve challenges with national security implications;

(D) providing or brokering access to computing resources, networking, and data facilities for artificial intelligence research and development relevant to the Institute’s research goals;

(E) providing technical assistance to users, including software engineering support, for artificial intelligence research and development relevant to the Institute’s research goals;

(F) engaging in outreach and engagement to broaden participation in artificial intelligence research and the artificial intelligence workforce; and

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

(3) Duration - Financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall be awarded for a five-year period, and may be renewed for not more than one additional five-year period.

(4) Application for financial assistance - An eligible host institution or consortia thereof seeking financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(5) Competitive, merit review - In awarding financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall use a competitive, merit-based review process.

(6) Collaboration - In awarding financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense may collaborate with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government with missions that relate to or have the potential to be affected by the national security implications of artificial intelligence systems.

(7) Limitation - No financial assistance authorized in this section shall be awarded to an entity outside of the United States. All recipients of financial assistance under this section, including subgrantees, shall be based in the United States and shall meet such other eligibility criteria as may be established by the Secretary of Defense.

(d) Definition - In this section, the term "eligible host institution" means—

(1) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)) in the United States that conducts research sponsored by the Department of Defense; or

(2) a senior military college (as defined in section 2111a(f) of title 10, United States Code).

225. Advanced robotic automation for munitions manufacturing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(c) Coordination - In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army shall coordinate with the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition and other relevant components of the Department of the Army.

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

(1) the progress made under the program;

(2) lessons learned; and

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

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

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

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

(2) requirements for continental test ranges, including—

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

(B) scheduling and availability;

(C) safety;

(D) end strength;

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

(F) launch locations;

(G) impact areas; and

(H) such other characteristics as the Secretary considers appropriate; and

(3) potential enhancements to existing Federal Government facilities needed to enable use of these facilities by the Department of Defense for testing and research of hypersonic systems.

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

(c) Definitions - In this section:

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

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

227. Western regional range complex demonstration

(a) Demonstration required - The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a demonstration project under which the Secretary—

(1) interconnects ranges or training sites in the western States; and

(2) uses such interconnected ranges and sites as a joint multi-domain kinetic and non-kinetic testing and training environment for the military departments.

(b) Use of existing ranges and capabilities - In carrying out the project under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall use ranges, testing sites, and related capabilities that are in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act.

(c) Activities - The range complex established under subsection (a) shall be capable of facilitating testing and training in the following:

(1) Electromagnetic spectrum operations.

(2) Electromagnetic warfare.

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

(4) Joint All Domain Command and Control (commonly known as "JADC2").

(5) Information warfare, including—

(A) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;

(B) offensive and defensive cyber operations;

(C) space operations;

(D) psychological operations;

(E) public affairs; and

(F) weather operations.

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

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

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

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

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

(f) Western State defined - In this section, the term "western State" means a State located west of the Mississippi River.

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

228. Demonstration of near real-time monitoring capabilities to enhance weapon system platforms

(a) Demonstration - Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the service acquisition executives, shall carry out a demonstration to equip selected weapon system platforms with onboard, near real-time, end-to-end serial bus and radio frequency monitoring capabilities to detect cyber threats and improve maintenance efficiency.

(b) Phases - The Secretary of Defense shall implement the demonstration under subsection (a) in phases as follows:

(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—

(A) select not fewer than three weapon system platforms for initial participation in the demonstration, prioritizing the MH–60R and MQ–9 aircraft fleets and using the priorities identified under section 1559 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note); and

(B) complete the initial deployment of monitoring capabilities to such platforms.

(2) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall extend monitoring capabilities to the complete fleets of selected platforms and complete initial data collection and analysis from all participating platforms.

(c) Report required -

(1) In general - Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the demonstration conducted pursuant to subsection (a).

(2) Contents - The report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) The effectiveness of the monitoring capabilities with respect to—

(i) cyber threat detection;

(ii) maintenance efficiency; and

(iii) operational readiness and mission capable rates.

(B) Specific recommendations regarding—

(i) whether near real-time monitoring capabilities should be implemented across additional Department weapon system platforms;

(ii) if additional implementation is recommended, which specific weapon system platforms should receive priority for such implementation, along with the estimated costs and funding requirements;

(iii) an analysis of the advisability of developing a program for implementing such capabilities, including potential risks, benefits, and trade-offs; and

(iv) proposed metrics for measuring successful implementation and operational effectiveness.

(3) Form of report - The report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

229. Pilot program on modernized health and usage monitoring systems to address obsolescence in rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft

(a) Establishment - Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of the Navy may establish and carry out a pilot program to evaluate commercially available, next-generation Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (referred to in this section as "HUMS") technologies intended to address obsolescence issues affecting legacy HUMS currently installed on Army and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft.

(b) Objectives - In conducting the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of the Navy shall assess whether modernized HUMS technologies—

(1) effectively mitigate obsolescence risks associated with legacy HUMS systems;

(2) enhance the operational readiness, availability, and sustainment of Army and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft; and

(3) deliver advanced predictive analytics capabilities, reducing maintenance burden and lifecycle costs.

(c) Duration - The pilot program shall be carried out for a period not exceeding one year.

(d) Report - Not later than 90 days after completion of the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report summarizing—

(1) the pilot program results, including effectiveness in addressing obsolescence, improving predictive maintenance, and enhancing readiness and aircraft availability; and

(2) recommendations regarding broader adoption of evaluated HUMS technologies across the Army and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft fleet.

230. Prohibition on modification of indirect cost rates for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations

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

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

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

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

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

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

231. Limitation on availability of funds pending compliance with requirements relating to the Joint Energetics Transition Office

(a) Limitation - Of the funds described in subsection (b), not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense—

(1) establishes a Joint Energetics Transition Office as required under section 148 of title 10, United States Code;

(2) provides that Office with the staff and other resources necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c) of such section; and

(3) submits to the congressional defense committees the reports required under subsections (b) and (c) of section 241 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 208).

(b) Funds described - The funds described in this subsection are funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense and available for travel expenses for any of the following:

(1) The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

(2) The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

232. Limitation on availability of funds for realignment of research, development, test, and evaluation functions of Joint conventional armaments and ammunition

(a) Limitation - None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to disestablish, or modify the duties assigned to, an organization responsible (as of the date of the enactment of this Act) for research, development, test, and evaluation functions of Joint conventional armaments and ammunition until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the report required under subsection (b) is submitted to the congressional defense committees.

(b) Report required - Not later than November 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following with respect to the proposed realignment of functions described in subsection (a):

(1) An explanation of whether Army personnel, including contractors, would be required to relocate to a new location and if so an estimate of how many personnel would relocate and to what locations.

(2) An explanation of whether the Army expects to build new facilities and infrastructure at new locations to accomplish the research, development, test, and evaluation functions of Joint conventional armaments and ammunition and, if so, identification of—

(A) what new facilities and infrastructure would have to be constructed; and

(B) where such facilities and infrastructure would be constructed.

(3) A detailed estimate of the costs of relocating personnel and equipment and constructing new facilities and infrastructure.

(4) A detailed explanation of the efficiencies, if any, that the Army expects to realize by realigning the research, development, test, and evaluation functions of Joint conventional armaments and ammunition.

233. Limitation on use of funds for certain Navy software

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available may be obligated or expended to develop, procure, or operate the autonomy baseline manager or the common control system of the Navy for a proposed unmanned surface vessel program unless, with respect to that program—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

234. Limitation on availability of funds for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering pending report on study results

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and available to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for travel expenses, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Under Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the report required by section 245(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1850).

C Biotechnology Matters

241. Support for research and development of bioindustrial manufacturing processes

Section 215 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 4841 note) is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as subsections (e) through (g), respectively; and

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

(d) Funding - Funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for research, development, test, and evaluation may be used to carry out the activities described in subsection (c), including the design and construction activities described in subsection (c).

242. Biotechnology Management Office

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

(1) be the senior official for biotechnology issues;

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

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

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

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

(1) Maintaining and executing the Defense Biotechnology Strategy required by section 246, including development and execution of a long-term research, development, acquisition, and sustainment roadmap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) Sunset - This section shall terminate on September 30, 2030.

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

243. Bioindustrial commercialization program

(a) In general - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense may establish a program to support the expansion of the domestic capacity for bioindustrial manufacturing of critical biomanufactured products at a commercial level through awards to entities for establishing, upgrading, and retooling of bioindustrial manufacturing facilities.

(b) Awards -

(1) In general - An entity seeking an award under the program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(2) Competitive awards - The Secretary shall make each award under the program to an entity in a competitive manner.

(3) Award criteria - In selecting entities to receive awards under the program, the Secretary shall consider the following criteria:

(A) The potential of the technology of such entity to improve domestic resilience and protect critical supply chains with biomanufactured products.

(B) How the technology of such entity could help meet the demand for the capabilities required by the next generation of warfighters.

(C) The ability of the bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such entity is seeking such award to be repurposed and the range of products that such bioindustrial manufacturing facility is capable of producing.

(D) Whether the bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such entity is seeking such award supports the goal of wide geographic distribution of bioindustrial manufacturing facilities across the United States.

(E) Whether the bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such entity is seeking such award is located in geographic proximity to sources of input materials for the production of critical biomanufactured products or areas with established biomanfuacturing capabilities.

(F) Such additional considerations that the Secretary deems appropriate.

(4) Use of award funds - A recipient of an award under the program may use funds received under such award for the establishment, upgrading, or retooling of one or more bioindustrial manufacturing facilities to produce critical biomanufactured products, including the development of business or technical plans related to such establishment, upgrading, or retooling.

(c) Oversight - If the Secretary establishes the program, the Secretary shall establish reporting requirements for recipients of awards under the program which shall include requirements for periodic reports on the following:

(1) The progress of the recipient in establishing, upgrading, or retooling the bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such recipient received such award.

(2) The estimated timeline and funding requirements for the recipient to begin biomanufacturing at the bioindustrial manufacturing facility described in paragraph (1).

(3) The products, including the critical biomanufactured products, that are or will be produced at the bioindustrial manufacturing facility described in paragraph (1).

(4) The progress of the recipient in entering into an agreement with the Department of Defense or an element thereof to provide critical biomanufactured products that are or will be produced at the bioindustrial manufacturing facility described in paragraph (1) once such bioindustrial manufacturing facility begins biomanufacturing.

(d) Reports to Congress -

(1) Initial report - Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the plan of the Secretary for allocating amounts appropriated to the Department of Defense to fund the program.

(2) Annual reports - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the activities under the program, including the following:

(A) A list of the awards made under the program as of the date on which the report is submitted, including, for each such award—

(i) the name of the entity that received the award;

(ii) the location of the bioindustrial manufacturing facility with respect to which such entity received the award;

(iii) the amount of the award, disaggregated by the initial amount of the award and any additional amounts provided under the award;

(iv) an explanation of the criteria supporting making the award to such entity, including a description of any notable technologies of such entity relevant to the award;

(v) if applicable, an explanation of the rationale for providing additional amounts under the award; and

(vi) to the extent practicable, an explanation of the effects of the award.

(B) An identification of amounts available to the Department of Defense for making awards under the program as of the date on which the report is submitted and an explanation of any plans for the use of such amounts.

(C) An explanation of the communication between the Secretary and entities seeking an award under the program regarding requirements and timelines for such awards.

(D) An explanation of how the establishment, upgrading, or retooling of the bioindustrial manufacturing facilities for which awards were made under the program aligns with priorities and needs of the Department of Defense and national security.

(e) Sunset -

(1) In general - Except as provided by paragraph (2), this section shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(2) Extension - The Secretary may change the date on which this section terminates to a date that is later than the date on which this section would terminate under paragraph (1) if the President determines that the continuation of the program is necessary to meet national economic and national security needs and transmits that determination, and that later date, to the congressional defense committees.

(f) Definition of biomanufacturing - In this section, the term "biomanufacturing" means the utilization of biological systems to develop new and advance existing products, tools, and processes at commercial scale.

244. Biotechnology supply chain resiliency program

(a) Authorization -

(1) In general - The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of relevant Defense Agencies, may establish and implement a program (referred to in this section as the "Program") to develop and scale within the laboratories of the military departments, and transition from the laboratories of the military departments, biotechnology-based technologies and capabilities (including products such as chemicals, materials, and fuels) that are relevant to the mission of the Department of Defense and support the resilience, sustainability, and responsiveness of the defense supply chain.

(2) Activities - Under the Program, the Secretary of Defense may carry out the following activities:

(A) Conduct an assessment of supply chain vulnerabilities in the Department of Defense.

(B) Direct the laboratories of the military departments to establish mechanisms to collaboratively—

(i) conduct applied research, including experimentation, advanced technological development, advanced component development, and rapid prototyping in bioindustrials, biomanufacturing, and related disciplines to support defense missions;

(ii) develop, prototype, test, and transition biologically derived materials and products to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and vulnerable supply chains;

(iii) upgrade, expand, or construct physical and digital infrastructure, including laboratory facilities, of the Department and its partners to support bioindustrial research, development, testing, prototyping, and production;

(iv) as needed, enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, or other transactions with relevant Federal entities and non-Federal entities, such as commercial entities, research institutions, and academic organizations, to execute the activities under this subparagraph (B); and

(v) support education, training, and workforce development initiatives to build and sustain a skilled bioindustrial and biomanufacturing workforce.

(C) Collaborate across the military departments, Defense Agencies, and other Federal entities to ensure alignment with national bioindustrial and supply chain strategies.

(D) Promote the development and utilization of next-generation feedstocks and processes in ways that support local economic growth.

(E) Modernize infrastructure through investment in facilities that enable rapid prototyping and advanced materials testing.

(F) Establish performance metrics and benchmarks to measure progress toward operational integration and transition to programs of record.

(3) Other considerations - In the event the Secretary of Defense carries out the Program, the Secretary shall—

(A) prioritize technologies and capabilities that address critical defense supply chain vulnerabilities and enhance military readiness, including technologies and capabilities necessary to—

(i) reduce logistics through field-enabled manufacturing of materials and deployable infrastructure components;

(ii) enhance performance through development of novel materials; or

(iii) improve cost efficiency of manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains;

(B) consult with representatives of industry, academia, and other Federal agencies with relevant expertise, to accelerate development and transitions; and

(C) ensure the Program supports the development and fielding of emerging technologies such as biotechnologies that provide operational and strategic advantages to the Armed Forces, including through—

(i) cross-service and public-private partnerships; and

(ii) applied research, pilot-scale production, and technology transition efforts focused on biomanufacturing and materials innovation.

(b) Reports -

(1) Submission - Not later than one year after commencing the Program, and biennially thereafter until the Program terminates under subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report detailing all activities carried out under the program. Each report shall include, to the extent applicable, the following:

(A) A summary of key research, development, and prototyping efforts initiated or continued during the year or years covered by the report, including technical objectives, anticipated defense applications, and funding.

(B) A list of significant partnerships or agreements executed with industry, academic institutions, and other Federal agencies, including the purpose, national security nexus, and funding level of each such partnership or agreement.

(C) An assessment of infrastructure enhancements undertaken to support bioindustrial development and scale-up, including facility modernization and equipment acquisition.

(D) An evaluation of program performance against established milestones or metrics, including progress toward the transition of technologies to operational use or acquisition programs.

(E) An identification of major technical, logistical, or policy challenges encountered, and actions taken to mitigate such challenges.

(2) Form - Each report under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.

(c) Sunset -

(1) In general - Except as provided in paragraph (2), the authority to carry out the Program shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(2) Extension - The Program may be continued after the termination date specified in paragraph (1) if, before such date, the President—

(A) determines that continuation of the Program is necessary to meet national economic or national security needs; and

(B) submits notice of such determination to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

245. Biological data for artificial intelligence

(a) AI accessibility to qualified biological data resources -

(1) In general - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement requirements that ensure qualified biological data resources created by research entirely funded by the Department of Defense are collected and stored in a manner that facilitates the use of such qualified biological data resources for advanced computational methods, including artificial intelligence.

(2) Elements - The requirements implemented under subsection (a) shall include the following:

(A) A definition of the term "qualified biological data resource" for the purposes of such requirements, which shall be based on one or more of the following criteria:

(i) The type of biological data generated.

(ii) The size of the dataset involved.

(iii) The amount of Federal funds awarded to the research that created such qualified biological data resource.

(iv) The level of sensitivity of the biological data generated.

(v) Any other factor determined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.

(B) Guidance on the metrics and metadata included under such requirements to indicate data quality, including usability, interoperability, and completeness.

(C) Requirements for tiered levels of cybersecurity safeguards and access controls for the storage of biological data.

(D) Exceptions to such requirements, including for biological data that may implicate national security.

(E) Requirements for the protection of the privacy of individuals.

(b) Consultation and considerations - In developing and implementing the requirements under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1) consult with the Secretaries of the military departments, the heads of the research laboratories of each of the Armed Forces, and relevant individuals and entities in the private sector and academia who have received funding for research from the Department of Defense to ensure that such requirements are not overly burdensome; and

(2) review and incorporate, to the extent the Secretary determines appropriate, existing Federal frameworks and standards for the use of qualified biological data resources for advanced computational methods.

246. Department of Defense biotechnology strategy

(a) In general - Not later than June 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies, including the future role that biotechnology will play in defense, and means to improve industry, interagency, and international relationships in this sector.

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

(1) How the Department of Defense will develop and expand a network of commercial facilities for the biomanufacture of products that are critical for defense needs.

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

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

(4) Review of how the Department could better incorporate military-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, tabletop exercises, or other net assessment analyses.

(5) The benefits and costs of issuing a research grand challenge, or a series of challenges, that focus on making biotechnology predictably engineerable and how the Department would implement such research grand challenge or series of challenges.

(6) Development of a biotechnology regulation science and technology program within the Department, including development of digital infrastructure to support simplified regulation and the development of biometrology tools.

(7) Updated plans and policies for intergovernmental support that the Department could provide in encouraging member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to aggregate demand and pool purchasing power for biotechnology products.

(8) Review of plans and guidance on how the Department can work to develop, integrate, and disseminate biotechnology research initiatives across member countries of NATO, and how the Department might coordinate with international stakeholders to utilize the combined research capabilities of such member countries to drive a biotechnology development approach.

(9) Review of the feasibility and advisability of using cloud computing methods to safely store biological data to include considerations related to cybersecurity, biosecurity, and data privacy.

(10) Development of a training program for all members of the Armed Forces, civilian employees of the Department, and contractors of the Department whose duties include—

(A) creating or deploying novel biotechnologies;

(B) analyzing, preparing for, or responding to biological threats; or

(C) planning, research and development, engineering, or testing and evaluation of systems regarding biotechnology.

247. Ethical and responsible development and deployment of biotechnology within the Department of Defense

(a) Requirement -

(1) Policies and guidelines - The Secretary of Defense shall issue policies and guidelines on the ethical and responsible development and deployment of biotechnology within the Department of Defense.

(2) Consultation - The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the policies and guidelines under paragraph (1) are developed in consultation with—

(A) the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering;

(B) the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; and

(C) individuals representing industry, academia, and civil society.

(3) Public availability - The Secretary of Defense shall make the policies and guidelines under paragraph (1) publicly available.

(b) Matters included - The policies and guidelines under subsection (a)(1) shall include the following:

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

(2) An assessment of whether, and to what extent, existing statutes, regulations, directives, manuals, or instructions limit the ability of the Department of Defense to provide guidelines for the ethical and responsible development of emerging biotechnology.

(3) Guidelines encouraging the safe use of biotechnology products under appropriate regulatory and other oversight processes.

(4) Policies relating to informed consent of members of the Armed Forces participating in the development of biotechnology products that have not received regulatory approval.

(5) Policies relating to whether, and under which conditions, uses of biotechnology that potentially result in irreversible or heritable characteristics are acceptable.

(6) Policies relating to the potential effects of biotechnologies on the environment.

(7) Policies relating to the compliance by and obligations of the Department of Defense with respect to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (commonly referred to as the "Biological Weapons Convention").

(8) Policies relating to human performance enhancement or augmentation.

(9) Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense determines relevant.

(c) Report -

(1) In general - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the policies and guidelines under subsection (a)(1), including the methodologies used to develop the policies and guidelines.

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

(3) Public availability - The Secretary of Defense shall make report required under paragraph (1) publicly available, except such publicly available version of the report may not include any classified annex provided under paragraph (2).

(d) Briefing - During the two-year period beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees an annual briefing on the implementation of the policies and guidelines under subsection (a)(1), including a description of any needed resources for such implementation.

248. Establishing biobased product merit guidance

(a) In general - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall develop and make publicly available guidance for private entities on how such entities can effectively demonstrate, validate, and verify that a biobased product of such entity provides capabilities meeting the requirements of the Department of Defense.

(b) Analysis - In developing the guidance required by subsection (a), the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall conduct an analysis of current military specifications for suitable product categories and make such analysis publicly available for use by private entities, such as in industry or academia. Such analysis shall include:

(1) Assessment of all current military specifications and identification of those that may—

(A) have existing biobased products that meet such specifications;

(B) could be met with biobased products with some modification; or

(C) have no military specification where a new one may be required.

(2) Assessment of current validation and verification processes related to military specifications to determine if modifications to such processes are needed to consider biobased product alternatives.

(3) Review of existing acquisition policy and practices related to procurement of materials meeting military specifications to determine if any changes to such processes are recommended to accommodate biobased products.

(c) Biobased product defined - In this section, the term "biobased product" means a product manufactured, produced, or developed through the application of living organisms to alter living or non-living materials.

D Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

251. Modification of energetic materials strategic plan and investment strategy of Joint Energetics Transition Office

Section 148(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking "; and" and inserting a semicolon;

(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and

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

(D) identifying raw material waste produced during the explosives manufacturing process and developing plans to reduce waste and optimize production.

252. Extension of period for annual reports on critical technology areas supportive of the National Defense Strategy

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

253. Quarterly briefings on research, development, test, and evaluation laboratories and facilities

(a) Required briefings - Not later than 90 days after the date of the of enactment of this Act, and every three months for two years thereafter, the Director of Science, Technology, and Test Resource Management of the Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the challenges facing Department of Defense research, development, test, and evaluation laboratories and facilities. Such briefings shall address the chronic institutional causes of underinvestment in such laboratories and facilities and how to improve investment in the future.

(b) Participants - The Director of Science, Technology, and Test Resource Management may include representatives from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering or a military department (as appropriate) in the briefings required by this section.

(c) Briefing elements - Each quarterly briefing should address—

(1) the funding trends and internal processes that are contributing to the underinvestment in such laboratories and facilities;

(2) the overall conditions of research, development, test, and evaluation infrastructure of the Department of Defense, including maintenance backlogs and modernization needs;

(3) how such infrastructure investments are weighed against other military construction requirements;

(4) the highest priority projects for research, development, test, and evaluation infrastructure, a justification for such priority, and any progress made towards funding any such priorities;

(5) options for improving the way such infrastructure is funded and managed, including the potential for public-private partnerships and public-public partnerships that could lessen the need for funding under the categories of military construction or operation and maintenance;

(6) an overview of the current state of the workforce for research, development, test, and evaluation, challenges in attracting and retaining top technical talent for such workforce and options for strengthening such workforce, including hiring authorities and effective recruitment campaigns; and

(7) limitations of existing policies or statutes that support the sustainment and modernization of research, development, test, and evaluation infrastructure.

III Operation and Maintenance

Title III—Operation and Maintenance

Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.

Subtitle B—Energy and Environment

Sec. 311. Inclusion of information about PFAS investigation and remediation in annual report on defense environmental programs.

Sec. 312. Elimination of preference for motor vehicles using electric or hybrid propulsion systems and related requirements of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 313. Modification of availability and use of energy cost savings.

Sec. 314. Requirement to support National Guard training on wildfire prevention and response.

Sec. 315. Modification of requirements relating to replacement of fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam.

Sec. 316. Modification to restriction on procurement or purchasing of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Sec. 317. Provision of alternative drinking water to households whose private drinking water is contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances from Department of Defense activities.

Sec. 318. Responsibilities of executive agent for installation and operational nuclear energy.

Sec. 319. Establishment of Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group.

Sec. 320. Department of Air Force program of record for commercial weather data.

Sec. 321. Pilot program on Navy installation nuclear energy.

Sec. 322. Strategy to accelerate remediation of contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Sec. 323. Notification requirement with respect to nuclear power in Guam.

Sec. 324. Authority to use certain technologies to destroy or dispose of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Subtitle C—Logistics and Sustainment

Sec. 331. Modification of readiness report to include summary count of certain mishaps.

Sec. 332. Authority to provide supplies incidental to support and services for eligible non-Department of Defense organizations.

Sec. 333. Extension of authorization of depot working capital funds for unspecified minor military construction.

Sec. 334. Designation of senior officials responsible for integration of global contested logistics posture management.

Sec. 335. Modification of prohibition on contracts for performance of firefighting or security-guard functions.

Sec. 336. Responsibilities for oversight of certain defense personal property matters.

Sec. 337. Roles and responsibilities relating to sustainment and readiness of certain naval surface vessels.

Sec. 338. Strategy to improve infrastructure of certain depots of Department of Defense.

Sec. 339. Modification of report on improved oversight for implementation of Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Navy.

Sec. 340. Extension and modification of semiannual briefings on operational status of amphibious warship fleet.

Sec. 341. Maintenance inspection capabilities and requirements.

Sec. 342. Joint Strike Fighter sustainment.

Sec. 343. Depot-level maintenance coordination in multinational exercises.

Sec. 344. Proposed actions with respect to causes and effects of declining aircraft readiness rates.

Sec. 345. Technology enhancement for surface ship maintenance.

Sec. 346. Oversight requirements for contracts relating to relocation logistics for household goods.

Sec. 347. Integration of commercially available artificial intelligence capabilities into logistics operations.

Sec. 348. Pilot program on Army depot and arsenal workload sustainment.

Sec. 349. Limitation on use of funds to establish or expand Space Force Special Operations Component Command.

Sec. 350. Pilot program for data-enabled ground vehicle maintenance.

Sec. 351. Modernization of the organic industrial base of the Army.

Subtitle D—Matters Relating to Munitions

Sec. 361. Reporting requirements for Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirements and Out-Year inventory numbers.

Sec. 362. Inclusion of air and missile defense in Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement and Out-Year inventory numbers.

Sec. 363. Reports on munitions response projects at sites formerly used by the Department of Defense.

Sec. 364. Report on critical munitions required for simultaneous conflicts.

Subtitle E—Other Matters

Sec. 371. Adjustment and diversification assistance for State and local governments affected by depot reductions.

Sec. 372. Authority to evacuate family pets and contract working dogs during noncombatant evacuations of foreign countries.

Sec. 373. Manned rotary wing aircraft safety.

Sec. 374. Establishment of Army museum system.

Sec. 375. Establishment of United States Navy Museum System.

Sec. 376. Establishment of Air Force and Space Force Museum System.

Sec. 377. Transportation of certain domestic animals by foreign air carriers.

Sec. 378. Minimum standards for military working dog kennels and facilities.

Sec. 379. Restroom access at military installations for certain transportation service providers.

Sec. 380. Use of expeditionary solid waste disposal systems by Department of Defense.

Sec. 381. Pilot program for contracted amphibious air resources for the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Sec. 382. Initiative to control spread of greater banded hornet in Guam.

Sec. 383. Reserve mobilization exercise to assess the capability of the Armed Forces to respond to a high-intensity contingency in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sec. 384. Limitation on transformation by the Army of primary helicopter training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

A Authorization of Appropriations

301. Authorization of appropriations

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

B Energy and Environment

311. Inclusion of information about PFAS investigation and remediation in annual report on defense environmental programs

Section 2711 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(1)(C)—

(A) by striking "sites; and" and inserting "sites, including information on the costs associated with investigating and remediating releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including—"; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new clauses:

(i) detailed information regarding the total potential cost to the Department of investigating and remediating such releases at all locations where investigation and remediation is expected to be funded by the Department; and

(ii) the cost-to-complete analysis required under subsection (d); and

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

(d) PFAS cost-to-complete analysis - The Secretary shall carry out an annual cost-to-complete analysis with respect to the most important contributors to the costs to the Department of investigating and remediating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances releases that—

(1) includes—

(A) an assessment of any changes in regulatory standards, treatment technologies, and site prioritization that could affect the cost to complete;

(B) examples of how modifying assumptions about contamination extent, remediation timelines, or emerging disposal methods could affect the cost to complete; and

(C) an identification of any funding shortfalls or other constraints that could affect the investigation and remediation of such contamination; and

(2) incorporates a risk and uncertainty analysis with respect to the effects of potential changes in the most important contributors to the costs to the Department to complete the known per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances sites, including—

(A) variability in the extent of such contamination based on ongoing site assessments, inspections, and investigations;

(B) shifts in regulatory requirements that could alter investigation and remediation strategies; and

(C) advances in technologies for the treatment and disposal such contamination that could reduce or increase long-term costs.

312. Elimination of preference for motor vehicles using electric or hybrid propulsion systems and related requirements of the Department of Defense

Chapter 173 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in section 2911(e)—

(A) by striking paragraph (4);

(B) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively;

(C) by striking paragraph (10); and

(D) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (15) as paragraphs (9) through (13), respectively; and

(2) in section 2922g(a), by striking "shall" and inserting "may".

313. Modification of availability and use of energy cost savings

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

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by striking "The amount" and inserting "(1) The amount";

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

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

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

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

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

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

(f) Operational energy cost savings defined - In this section, the term "operational energy cost savings" means the monetary savings achieved through measures to reduce energy expenditures relative to the amount that would have been necessary to sustain an equivalent level of capability in the absence of such measures.

314. Requirement to support National Guard training on wildfire prevention and response

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

315. Modification of requirements relating to replacement of fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam

Section 322 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 2661 note prec.) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)—

(A) by striking "October 1, 2023" and inserting "October 1, 2026"; and

(B) by striking "in excess of one part per billion of" and inserting "detectable";

(2) in subsection (c)—

(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;

(B) by striking "may not be used at any military installation on or after the earlier of the following dates" and inserting "may not be used at the following:"

(1) Any military installation that, as of the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, has transitioned to the use of a fluorine-free fire-fighting agent that meets the military specifications issued pursuant to subsection (a).

(2) Any other military installation on or after the earlier of the following dates:

(C) in subparagraph (A), as redesignated by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by striking "October 1, 2024" and inserting "October 1, 2026";

(3) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

(d) Exemptions - Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to firefighting foam for use—

(1) onboard oceangoing vessels, including use in pier-side inspection, testing, and maintenance;

(2) that is necessary to conduct testing to meet military specification qualification requirements and ensure quality standards of the inventory of the Department;

(3) in connection with the research, development, test, and evaluation of a fluorine-free fire-fighting agent;

(4) on naval nuclear submarine propulsion plants; or

(5) in any tactical vehicle, or equipment, that is incompatible with fluorine-free fire-fighting agents.

(4) in subsection (e)—

(A) in paragraph (1)—

(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting "the limitation under subsection (b) or" before "the prohibition"; and

(ii) in subparagraph (B)—

(I) in clause (ii), by inserting "or to maintain military readiness" after "safety";

(II) by striking clause (iii) and redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively; and

(III) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by striking "and does not require revision"; and

(B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking "Secretary of Defense" and inserting "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment".

316. Modification to restriction on procurement or purchasing of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances

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

(1) in subsection (a), by striking "if such equipment contains an intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substance or polyfluoroalkyl substance" and inserting "unless such equipment meets the specifications set forth in the most recently published edition of the National Fire Protection Associate 1970 standard, including by not containing any substance on the restricted substances list in excess of the maximum acceptable levels of such substance"; and

(2) in subsection (d)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking "does not contain intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances" and inserting "meets the specifications set forth in the most recently published edition of the National Fire Protection Associate 1970 standard, including by not containing any substance on the restricted substances list in excess of the maximum acceptable levels of such substance"; and

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking "does not contain intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances" and inserting "meets the specifications set forth in the most recently published edition of the National Fire Protection Associate 1970 standard, including by not containing any substance on the restricted substances list in excess of the maximum acceptable levels of such substance,".

317. Provision of alternative drinking water to households whose private drinking water is contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances from Department of Defense activities

(a) In general - Subject to subsections (b) and (c), on and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall offer alternative drinking water to a household if—

(1) the household is downgradient from a military installation;

(2) the household receives water from one or more private drinking water wells where contamination from detections of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances resulting solely from activities of the Department of Defense, as determined by the Secretary, carried out at such military installation has, at one point in time, exceeded the maximum contaminant level for such substances established by the Environmental Protection Agency; and

(3) as of the date of the enactment of this Act, another household located in the same community was eligible for alternative drinking water provided by the Secretary by reason of contamination from detections of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances resulting from activities of the Department carried out at the same military installation.

(b) Coordination with other authorities - The Secretary of Defense shall carry out this section in a manner that is consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the authorities of the Secretary under environmental law, including by prioritizing and coordinating the efforts of the Secretary under subsection (a) with other efforts to address releases of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid.

(c) Exception - The Secretary is not required to offer or provide alternative drinking water to a household under subsection (a) if—

(1) the household is part of a community, as determined by the Secretary, where all the households in the community that have been affected by contamination from detections of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances resulting from activities of the Department have been connected to a municipal drinking water distribution system; or

(2) the Secretary has otherwise taken action under the Comprehensive, Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) to reduce drinking water exposures, including by meeting the relevant Federal or State drinking water standards for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances.

(d) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The term "alternative drinking water" includes—

(A) provision of bottled water;

(B) connection to public water systems for members of the public using private wells; and

(C) provision of filtration systems for private residences.

(2) The term "Federal drinking water standard" means an enforceable Federal standard for drinking water, as described in section 121(d)(2)(A)(i) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9621(d)(2)(A)(i)).

(3) The terms "maximum contaminant level" and "public water system" have the meanings given those terms in section 1401 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f).

(4) The term "private drinking water well" means a drinking water well that is not a public water system and is not connected to a public water system.

(5) The term "State drinking water standard" means an enforceable State standard, in effect in that State, for drinking water, as described in section 121(d)(2)(A)(ii) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9621(d)(2)(A)(ii)).

318. Responsibilities of executive agent for installation and operational nuclear energy

(a) Executive agent - The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and the Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office of the Department of Defense, shall ensure that, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, there is designated an executive agent of the Department of Defense for installation and operational nuclear energy.

(b) Responsibilities - The responsibilities of the executive agent specified in subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) In coordination with the commanders of the combatant commands and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, assessing installation and operational nuclear energy needs.

(2) Consulting with project developers and other experts from the commercial nuclear industry, potential private owners and operators of nuclear reactors to be deployed at military installations, and other persons determined appropriate by the executive agent, to assess the technological capabilities, development status, costs, timelines, risks, and potential need for design evolution of nuclear reactors to meet the needs of the Department of Defense referred to paragraph (1).

(3) In coordination with the Secretary of Energy, the Secretaries of the military departments, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, assessing the technology readiness, licensability, deployability, operability, and maintainability of nuclear reactors with respect to potential deployment at military installations.

(4) In coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments, integrating technical and project resources across the Department of Defense for the use of nuclear reactors to meet the needs of the Department of Defense referred to in paragraph (1), including by developing a plan to aggregate the demand for, and the acquisition and deployment of, nuclear reactors across military installations and military departments.

(5) In coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission—

(A) evaluating the regulatory framework and other requirements applicable to the use of nuclear reactors to meet such needs; and

(B) establishing training programs and plans relating to the acquisition and operation of nuclear reactors to meet such needs.

(6) Identifying the timelines and resource requirements necessary for the acquisition and operation of nuclear reactors to meet such needs, including—

(A) any support necessary from the national laboratories of the Department of Energy; and

(B) any funding necessary to carry out interim pilot programs for the limited deployment of nuclear reactors until such timelines and resource requirements are met.

(7) Including resource requirements identified pursuant to paragraph (6), and any other resource requirements necessary to carry out this subsection, in applicable planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes of the Department of Defense, including by preparing, as applicable—

(A) a program objective memorandum for any new resource so required; and

(B) a budget justification for any new resource so required for inclusion in the budget materials submitted by the Secretary of Defense to Congress in support of the President’s annual budget request (submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code).

(8) Providing technical support for programs of the military departments relating to the deployment of nuclear reactors for installation energy resilience.

(c) Annual reports - Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter for a period of five years, the executive agent specified in subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the congressional defense committees a report describing the actions taken to implement this section during the one-year period ending on the date of the submission of such report.

(d) Plan for program of record -

(1) Submission - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the executive agent specified in subsection (a), shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to establish a program of record of the Department of Defense to meet installation and operational nuclear energy needs.

(2) Elements - The plan under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) An identification of requirements necessary for the establishment of the program of record specified in such paragraph.

(B) A budget estimate for such program of record through 2030 or through the conclusion of the five-year period following the first date on which a nuclear reactor is deployed at a military installation, whichever is later.

(C) A summary of actions taken to implement the responsibilities under subsection (b) and information derived as a result of such actions.

(D) Use cases for nuclear reactors, developed in coordination with the commanders of combatant commands with respect to installation and operational needs (including needs relating to the electrification of operational energy, elimination of fuel supply vulnerabilities, military installation resilience, sustainment of military installations, enablement of multi-domain operations, and advanced weaponry).

(E) An identification of the minimum potential number of military installations at which nuclear reactors would be necessary to deploy in order to establish a cost-effective program, and projected dates by which such nuclear reactors would achieve initial operational capability.

(F) An estimate of fuel requirements necessary to support the deployment of various models of nuclear reactors at military installations, to inform future acquisition planning.

(e) Compliance with applicable directive - The Secretary shall carry out this section in compliance with Directive 5101.01.

(f) Support within Department of Defense - In accordance with Directive 5101.01, the Secretary shall ensure that the military departments, the Defense Agencies, and other elements of the Department of Defense provide the executive agent specified in subsection (a) with the appropriate support and resources needed to perform the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the executive agent.

(g) Definitions - In this section—

(1) The term "Directive 5101.01" means Department of Defense Directive 5101.01, or any successor directive relating to the responsibilities of an executive agent of the Department of Defense.

(2) The terms "energy resilience" and "military installation resilience" have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

(3) The term "executive agent" has the meaning given the term "DoD Executive Agent" in Directive 5101.01.

(4) The term "installation and operational nuclear energy" means energy that is—

(A) generated by a utilization facility authorized pursuant to section 91b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2121(b)); and

(B) used exclusively for the purposes of providing—

(i) operational energy (as such term is defined in section 2924 of title 10, United States Code); or

(ii) the energy required for a military installation (as such term is defined in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code).

319. Establishment of Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group

(a) In general - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish an Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group (referred to in this section as the "working group").

(b) Membership - The Working Group shall be composed of the following members:

(1) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

(2) The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment.

(3) The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

(4) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

(5) The Joint Staff Director for Logistics, J4.

(6) The Principal Director for Energy Resilience of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

(7) The Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office.

(8) The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit.

(9) The heads of such other components of the Department of Defense, as determined by the Chair.

(c) Chair - The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs, or a designee, shall serve as the Chair of the Working Group.

(d) Duties - The duties of the Working Group shall include the following:

(1) To develop and execute a strategy to accelerate the procurement and fielding of commercial advanced nuclear capabilities, in compliance with laws, regulations, and agreements, and consistent with best practices.

(2) To identify and elevate the critical energy requirements of the combatant commands, United States military installations, and the infrastructure and mission capability needs of the combatant commands and military installations that may be addressed with advanced nuclear reactors.

(3) To connect the combatant commands and military installations with ongoing and planned efforts.

(4) To create an accelerated pathway to leverage advanced nuclear technologies to address operational gaps.

(5) To provide a forum for members of the Working Group to coordinate advanced nuclear demonstration and transition efforts, including by increasing opportunities and venues for government and commercial research and development, testing and evaluation, and procurement activities.

(6) To advocate for appropriate levels of resourcing within planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes to advance the development and use of nuclear energy technologies across the Department of Defense.

(7) To coordinate interagency activities and develop best practices on workforce development, regulatory pathways, licensing frameworks, access to fuel sources, safety and security standards, and decommissioning that currently hinder more rapid fielding of advanced nuclear reactors.

(8) To establish venues through which to engage commercial companies developing advanced reactors so as to review the technology readiness, timeline, and availability of reactor capabilities for defense applications.

(9) To inform and complete the briefings and reports required in subsection (f).

(e) Meetings - The Working Group shall meet at the call of the Chair and not less frequently than once per quarter.

(f) Report -

(1) In general - Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until 2029, the Chair shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the status of advanced nuclear projects, associated funding and requirements, planned program transitions, actions, and milestones of the Working Group, and other matters as determined by the Secretary of Defense and the Working Group during the preceding year.

(2) Contents - Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) A summary on the adequacy of existing energy storage and distribution systems to meet mission requirements in a contested or austere operating environment.

(B) An identification of the critical energy requirements of the combatant commands, United States military installations, and the infrastructure and weapons capabilities needs of the combatant commands and military installations that may be addressed with the use of microreactors or small modular reactors, including through expeditionary, transportable, stationary, space-based, or floating power plants.

(C) A list of prioritized potential use cases, including—

(i) base electric power;

(ii) power for operational systems in austere environments;

(iii) desalination or other water production systems;

(iv) synthetic fuel production;

(v) directed energy weapons;

(vi) artificial intelligence at the edge;

(vii) defense support of civil authorities;

(viii) humanitarian response; and

(ix) 3D/additive manufacturing.

(D) Recommendations for at least three pilot projects.

(3) Appropriate congressional committees - In this section, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

(g) Termination - The Working Group shall terminate on September 30, 2029.

320. Department of Air Force program of record for commercial weather data

(a) Establishment - Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a program of record of the Department of the Air Force to—

(1) acquire and use non-space based commercial weather data to—

(A) support operational weather forecasting; and

(B) enhance mission planning and execution in data-sparse and contested environments; and

(2) integrate such commercial weather data and related systems into meteorological and decision support frameworks of the Air Force.

(b) Submission to Congress - Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees, with respect to the program of record to be established under subsection (a), the following:

(1) A transition plan for the adoption of such program of record, including projected costs and funding requirements over the period covered by the program objective memorandum process for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

(2) An acquisition strategy for such program of record, including an outline of potential middle tier of acquisition pathways or major capability acquisition pathways (as such term is defined in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.85, titled "Major Capability Acquisition" and issued on August 6, 2020 (or successor instruction)).

(3) A budget justification for inclusion of such program of record in the budget materials submitted by the Secretary of Defense to Congress in support of the President’s annual budget request (submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code) for fiscal year 2027, to secure sustained funding.

321. Pilot program on Navy installation nuclear energy

(a) Pilot program required - Beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall initiate a ten-year pilot program at one or more naval installations for the purpose of determining how small modular reactors or mobile reactors could be used—

(1) to meet the installation energy needs of the Department of the Navy during the ten-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(2) to inform the development of concepts for the use of nuclear power facilities to support increased energy security for Navy and Marine Corps installations.

(b) Considerations -

(1) Selection of installations - In selecting naval installations for the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall consider whether an installation—

(A) has entered into, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, a memorandum of agreement with a private power provider or reactor technology vendor to explore the use of a small modular reactor or mobile reactor designed for standardized and scaleable production for installation energy requirements;

(B) contributes support to naval operations and readiness; and

(C) could be co-located with a data center.

(2) Selection of reactors - In selecting nuclear reactors for use in the pilot program required under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary shall consider—

(A) the type of fuel for advanced nuclear power production, with a preference for fuel that is resistant to high heat, such as tri-structural isotropic particle fuel;

(B) the capacity of the reactor, including that the needed capacity of the reactor is in the range of 20MW to 300MW; and

(C) whether the reactor includes a passive cooling system to ensure operational safety and sustainability.

(c) Program requirements - In carrying out the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall—

(1) assess and make recommendations regarding how to make available the facilities of a Navy or Marine Corps program selected for participation in the pilot program;

(2) ensure that the program includes a plan for refueling and end-of-life waste stream management;

(3) ensure that any reactor used in the program is resilient to grid interruption; and

(4) coordinate with the working group established by section 319 and the executive agent established by section 318 with respect to timing, sequencing of projects, and locations and to prevent duplication and conflicts between the pilot program and other pilot programs and nuclear initiatives of the Department of Defense.

(d) Contracts - The pilot program does not require the Secretary of the Navy to enter into any new contract, including an energy savings performance contract.

(e) Reporting requirements -

(1) Annual report - Not later than 30 days after the date of the initiation of the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes each of the following:

(A) A five-year funding plan for all Navy nuclear shore and installation power programs for the Navy, including nuclear efforts provided for in the context of the Navy Shore Energy Program and any identified funding shortfalls.

(B) An identification of authorities required and remaining barriers to the provision of nuclear power from a military installation to civilian energy grids.

(C) A review of lessons learned from related efforts conducted by the other military departments, the Defense Innovation Unit, and any other entities the Secretary considers relevant.

(D) An analysis of efforts taken by the Navy to use nuclear power on Navy installations to support data center power demands.

(E) Any other details the Secretary of the Navy considers relevant.

(2) Final report - Upon conclusion of the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, or include in the report required under section 2925 of title 10, United States Code, for the fiscal year during which the pilot program concludes, each of the following:

(A) An identification of the funding that would be required to convert the pilot program to a program of record.

(B) An identification of all available funding provided in the budget of the Navy for the fiscal year during which the report is submitted for nuclear power at Navy and Marine Corps installations.

(C) A list of all installations where the Secretary is considering the future use of nuclear power.

(f) Early termination - The Secretary of the Navy may terminate the pilot program before the expiration of the ten-year period referred to in subsection (a) if the Secretary provides notice of such early termination to the congressional defense committees.

322. Strategy to accelerate remediation of contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances

(a) Strategy - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy to accelerate the response efforts of the Department of Defense with respect to releases of perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances from the activities of the Department. Consistent with CERCLA, the strategy shall include—

(1) criteria that the Department uses to prioritize response actions on military installations and National Guard facilities based on relative risk to human health and the environment, including concentrations of releases of perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances, migration pathways, and proximity to receptors;

(2) timelines for completing each phase of the cleanup process under CERCLA with respect to such releases for each such military installation or National Guard facility;

(3) a plan for deploying additional technologies, personnel, or other resources to reduce delays to remediation efforts, including an identification of—

(A) the number of laboratories accredited by the environmental laboratory accreditation program of the Department to test for the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances; and

(B) the number of laboratories in the process of being so accredited; and

(4) benchmarks for evaluating the performance of each military department or Defense Agency in reducing the relative risk with respect to response efforts to address releases of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

(b) Public dashboard - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish on a publicly accessible website of the Department, an online dashboard that provides information on the actions of the Department, including each military department, addressing releases of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances from activities of the Department. The dashboard shall be updated on a semiannual basis and shall include a summary of—

(1) funding that has been obligated or expended address such releases, dissagregated by each military installation or National Guard facility with respect to which efforts are planned or underway;

(2) the status of response efforts to address such releases under the applicable phase of the cleanup process under CERCLA, including the status of any interim removal actions, at each such site;

(3) projected and actual timelines for the completion of response actions with respect to such releases at each such site; and

(4) points of contact for community engagement.

(c) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The terms "CERCLA", "National Guard facility", "removal", and "response" have the meanings given those terms in section 2700 of title 10, United States Code.

(2) The term "Defense Agency" has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.

323. Notification requirement with respect to nuclear power in Guam

(a) Notification - Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than one year before any date on which the Secretary carries out the placement of a permanent nuclear reactor in Guam, submit to Congress and the Governor of Guam a notification of such placement.

(b) Exception - Subsection (a) shall not apply to a nuclear reactor aboard a naval vessel.

(c) Nuclear reactor defined - In this section, the term "nuclear reactor" has the meaning given the term "advanced nuclear reactor" in section 951 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271).

324. Authority to use certain technologies to destroy or dispose of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances

(a) Authority - The Secretary of Defense may use technologies for the destruction or disposal of a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance that—

(1) are cost effective; and

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

(b) Guidance - The Secretary shall—

(1) issue guidance implementing the authority under subsection (a), including by setting forth technologies that the Secretary determines meet the criteria specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such subsection; and

(2) periodically review and revise such guidance, taking into account the development of new technologies.

C Logistics and Sustainment

331. Modification of readiness report to include summary count of certain mishaps

Section 482(b)(8) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "Class A, Class B, and Class C mishaps" and inserting "Class A and Class B mishaps, and a summary count of all Class C mishaps,".

332. Authority to provide supplies incidental to support and services for eligible non-Department of Defense organizations

Section 2012(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting ", including supplies incidental to such support and services," after "and services".

333. Extension of authorization of depot working capital funds for unspecified minor military construction

Section 2208(u)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "September 30, 2025" and inserting "September 30, 2027".

334. Designation of senior officials responsible for integration of global contested logistics posture management

(a) Designation of senior military department officials - Chapter 131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

2229b. Responsibility for contested logistics posture management

(a) In general - The Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Vice Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall be responsible for the integration of global contested logistics posture management. Such responsibilities shall include each of the following:

(1) Identifying vulnerabilities and risks across the Department of Defense enterprise for the core logistics capabilities of supply, maintenance operations, prepositioned stocks, deployment and distribution, health services support, engineering, logistics services, and operational service contracts.

(2) Developing and executing a strategy to mitigate the vulnerabilities and risks identified under paragraph (1).

(3) Integrating and deconflicting global contested logistics posture investment and management across the military departments, including with respect to—

(A) the locations of sites outside the continental United States at which stocks of supplies and equipment are stored as well as the composition of those stocks;

(B) the provision of adequate intra-theater sea and air capability to move material and personnel throughout the theater; and

(C) the monitoring and coordination of resourcing decisions by the military departments in support of operational plans and contingencies.

(b) Deputy management action group meetings - In carrying out the responsibilities under subsection (a)(1) and (2), the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Vice Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall co-chair at least two Deputy Management Action Group meetings each year, which shall be focused on contested logistics management and investment.

(c) Contested logistics posture strategy -

(1) The Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Vice Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with any other Department official identified by the Secretary, shall develop and implement a strategy for carrying out the responsibilities described in subsection (a).

(2) The strategy required under paragraph (1) shall include each of the following:

(A) A description of—

(i) the locations of sites outside the continental United States at which stocks of supplies and equipment are prepositioned as of the date of the strategy;

(ii) the status and disposition of such prepositioned stocks; and

(iii) the operational or contingency plan such stocks are intended to support.

(B) An identification of—

(i) any shortcomings associated with the sites and prepositioned stocks described in subparagraph (A) that must be addressed to optimally execute operational and contingency plans; and

(ii) any additional sites, infrastructure, or equipment that may be needed to address such shortcomings and support such plans.

(C) A description of any additional funding or other resources required—

(i) to address the shortcomings identified under subparagraph (B)(i); and

(ii) to provide for the additional sites, infrastructure, and equipment identified under subparagraph (B)(ii).

(D) A prioritized list of investment recommendations for each item described in subparagraph (C).

(E) An identification of each case in which the military department concerned lacks the authority or ability to access a location outside the United States for purposes of providing logistics support as required under operational and contingency plans, set forth separately by location.

(F) An assessment of any existing and projected threats to sites outside the continental United States that are expected to support such operational and contingency plans.

(3) The strategy required under paragraph (1) shall cover the period of two years following the date of the strategy and shall be updated on an biennial basis.

(d) Quarterly briefings - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and quarterly thereafter until December 31, 2031, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Vice Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, or their representatives, shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the execution of the responsibilities under subsection (a)(1) and (2), including updates on the development and implementation of the strategy required under subsection (c).

(e) Budget justification materials - The Secretary of Defense shall include in the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, a cumulative accounting of contested logistics investments represented in such budget and how such investments relate to the duties and responsibilities under subsection (a)(1) and (2).

(b) Deadline - The development of the strategy required under subsection (c) of section 2229b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall be completed by not later than January 31, 2027.

335. Modification of prohibition on contracts for performance of firefighting or security-guard functions

Section 2465(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking "for the performance of firefighting functions if the contract" and inserting "that";

(2) in subparagraph (B)—

(A) by striking "only";

(B) by striking "firefighting"; and

(C) by striking "by reason of a deployment".

336. Responsibilities for oversight of certain defense personal property matters

(a) Establishment - Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2636a the following new section:

2636b. Responsibilities for oversight of personal property transportation

(a) Responsibilities - Subject to subsection (b), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall assign to a single office or other organizational element within the Department of Defense the following responsibilities:

(1) Overseeing the activities and personnel of, and any other matter relating to, the following:

(A) Any office or other organizational element of a military department responsible for shipping baggage or household effects, scheduling or processing orders for such shipments, providing storage services for such baggage or household effects, or providing privately owned vehicle transportation services in connection with a permanent change of station, on behalf of members of the armed forces, including any personal property shipping office, joint or consolidated personal property shipping office, or personal property processing office of such military department.

(B) The Defense Personal Property Management Office, or any such successor office.

(2) Overseeing the adjudication of any claim filed with respect to the defense personal property program (including the adjudication of such claims under section 2636(a) of this title or section 3721 of title 31) and any other matter relating to such program.

(b) Exclusion - The responsibilities under subsection (a) may not be assigned to any combatant command or component thereof.

(c) Defense personal property program defined - In this section, the term "defense personal property program" means the program of the Department of Defense for managing the shipment of the baggage and household effects for members of the armed forces or civilian employees of the Department, or any such successor program.

(b) Briefing - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the plan and timeline for the implementation of section 2636b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). Such briefing shall include—

(1) an identification of the office or other organizational element within the Department of Defense to which the Secretary plans to assign the responsibilities specified in such section 2636b;

(2) details relating to any changes to requirements, authorities, or processes necessary to implement such section 2636b;

(3) an estimate of the resources required to implement such section 2636b;

(4) a plan to improve the business systems supporting the office or other organizational element identified pursuant to paragraph (1) with respect to the conduct of the responsibilities specified in such section 2636b;

(5) a plan to provide the necessary staffing and resourcing for such office or other organizational element with respect to the conduct of such responsibilities; and

(6) a plan for partnership with commercial service household goods providers.

(c) Regulations - Not later than 90 days after the date on which the briefing is provided under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to implement section 2636b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).

337. Roles and responsibilities relating to sustainment and readiness of certain naval surface vessels

Chapter 863 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

8698. Roles and responsibilities relating to sustainment and readiness of certain naval surface vessels

(a) Type commander leadership -

(1) Beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Navy shall—

(A) designate type commanders as the primary authorities responsible for the maintenance, repair, sustainment, and readiness of covered vessels; and

(B) ensure that regional maintenance centers act under the direction of, and in support of, type commanders with respect to such maintenance, repair, and sustainment.

(2) The responsibilities of each type commander under paragraph (1)(A) shall include—

(A) overseeing all maintenance and repair activities at private shipyards for covered vessels in the naval force of that type commander; and

(B) setting priorities and approving contracts for the maintenance and repair of such vessels.

(b) Maintenance and repair at private shipyards -

(1) Beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this section, for each covered vessel undergoing maintenance or repair at a private shipyard, the project manager concerned, the port engineer concerned, and the commanding officer of such vessel—

(A) may jointly determine the work to be performed during the overhaul period for the covered vessel, including by jointly adjusting priorities for such work consistent with the applicable budget and schedule for such maintenance or repair; and

(B) shall report directly to the type commander of the naval force to which the covered vessel belongs with respect to such maintenance or repair.

(2) Contracting officers of the Department of Defense shall manage contracts as necessary to ensure consistency with any determination or adjustment made pursuant to paragraph (1)(A).

(c) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The term "covered vessel" means a naval surface vessel that is not propelled or powered by a nuclear reactor.

(2) The term "port engineer concerned" means, with respect to a naval vessel, the technical expert on the condition of such vessel responsible for advising on repairs and related standards for such vessel.

(3) The term "project manager concerned" means, with respect to a naval vessel undergoing maintenance or repair, the individual responsible for overseeing the overhaul period with respect to such maintenance or repair.

(4) The term "regional maintenance center"—

(A) means an organization of the Navy that supports ship maintenance in a designated geographic region; and

(B) includes the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center in Nofolk, Virginia, the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center in San Diego, California, the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center in Mayport, Florida, and the Hawaii Regional Maintenance Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

(5) The term "type commander" means the flag officer in command of a naval surface force, such as the following:

(A) Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic.

(B) Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet.

338. Strategy to improve infrastructure of certain depots of Department of Defense

Section 359 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1323; 10 U.S.C. 2476 note) is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (c); and

(2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively.

339. Modification of report on improved oversight for implementation of Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Navy

Section 355(c)(2)(A) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 8013 note) is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: ", and the incorporation of digital infrastructure (including hardware, software, and cloud storage) and platforms into such program".

340. Extension and modification of semiannual briefings on operational status of amphibious warship fleet

Section 352 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 229) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking "September 30, 2026" and inserting "September 30, 2028"; and

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

(6) Details regarding the maintenance and service life extension plan for each operational amphibious warfare ship (as such term is defined in section 8062 of title 10, United States Code) within such fleet until the obligation and work limiting date for the construction contract for a replacement amphibious warship, as necessary to meet the requirements under subsection (b) of such section 8062.

341. Maintenance inspection capabilities and requirements

(a) Requirement - Subject to the requirements of subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that when the Department of Defense conducts maintenance of aviation critical safety items and mission critical parts, such maintenance—

(1) includes the use of a technical data requirement or organic or commercially available diagnostic tool, if such a requirement or tool is required and available; and

(2) is not conducted solely through visual inspection unless—

(A) no such requirement or tool is available; or

(B) only a visual inspection is required under a technical data requirement.

(b) Sustainment - The Secretary shall ensure that the acquisition of appropriate technical data requirements and diagnostic tools for the conduct of maintenance of aviation critical safety items and mission critical parts are planned as part of the sustainment of the systems containing such items and parts.

(c) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The term "aviation critical safety item" means any part, assembly, installation equipment, launch equipment, recovery equipment, or support equipment for an aircraft or aviation weapon system the failure, malfunction, or absence of which could cause—

(A) a catastrophic or critical failure resulting in the loss of or serious damage to the aircraft or weapon system;

(B) an unacceptable risk of personal injury or loss of life; or

(C) an uncommanded engine shutdown that jeopardizes safety.

(2) The term "corrosion" means the deterioration of a material or its properties, including non-metallic materials, due to a reaction of that material with the chemical environment.

(3) The term "diagnostic tool" means a non-destructive inspection tool capable of—

(A) detecting corrosion, cracks, component damage, adhesion failure, and standard wear and tear; and

(B) leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to build a predictive maintenance database when necessary to improve maintainability.

342. Joint Strike Fighter sustainment

(a) Requirements - By not later than September 30, 2028, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force, shall ensure that—

(1) sufficient wartime spares, support equipment, and depot level capabilities are projected to be available for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to—

(A) sustain F-35 Joint Strike Fighter operations for at least 90 days in the most stressing operational plan required of each such Secretary; and

(B) meet the fleet wide minimum readiness targets established by each such Secretary;

(2) each F-35 Joint Strike Fighter contractor has provided to the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary has validated as accurate, all information that is necessary for the Department of Defense to successfully complete the financial reporting and accountability requirements for F-35 property, including—

(A) the incorporation of information relating to the management and reporting of Government property that has been provided for contractor performance, as defined and agreed upon in the contract entered into by the contractor; and

(B) the remediation of all material weaknesses of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program identified in the Department of Defense Agency Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024 that are within the control and responsibility of the contractor; and

(3) spare parts for F-35 aircraft titled to the United States Government under the international system for managing such spare parts commonly referred to as the "global spares pool" are initially provisioned and catalogued with national stock numbers.

(b) Treatment of individual contracts - The information required under subsection (a)(2) may be provided on an individual contract basis.

(c) Waiver - The Secretary may waive a requirement under subsection (a) if the Secretary—

(1) determines that such waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and

(2) provides to the congressional defense committees notice of such determination, which shall include an identification of the concern of the Secretary, a remedial action plan, and a proposed timeline to meet the requirements of such subsection.

(d) Report - Not later than February 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program that includes a description of each of the following:

(1) The top scarce supply assets and plans to reach sustainable supply positions by not later than September 30, 2028.

(2) The readiness condition of afloat and deployment spares packages and efforts available to refresh outdated supplies and spares.

(3) The fiscal programming, by fiscal year, necessary to reduce deficient parts and depot capabilities to meet the joint strike fighter planning targets by not later than September 30, 2028.

(4) A plan, by fiscal year, to integrate the spare parts specified in subsection (a)(3) into the working-capital funds of the Department of the Air Force and Department of the Navy, respectively.

343. Depot-level maintenance coordination in multinational exercises

(a) In general - Each year, the Secretary of the Air Force shall incorporate in at least one multinational exercise conducted in the area of operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command—

(1) depot-level maintenance, repair, and sustainment considerations, including binational or multinational planning sessions with covered nations on—

(A) identifying opportunities to cooperate on depot-level maintenance and repair in ways that minimize transportation requirements in such area of operations and determining the authorities necessary to deliver the necessary joint capabilities;

(B) facilitating real-time coordination between the United States and covered nations to maintain munitions stock levels and resupply routes in the such area of operations;

(C) mutual recognition of airworthiness and maintenance certification between the United States and covered nations; and

(D) emergency tabletop exercises, such as when an aircraft of a covered nation breaks down on United States territory, and vice versa, in a contested logistics environment; and

(2) coordination with the Air Force Sustainment Center, including the participation of representatives of—

(A) the United States Indo-Pacific Command;

(B) United States Air Force Pacific;

(C) the United States Air Mobility Command; and

(D) the Air Force Sustainment Center.

(b) Report - Not later than 180 days after the date on which the first exercise is completed in accordance with subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report summarizing the lessons learned from carrying out such exercise. Such report shall include each of the following:

(1) A list of candidate systems for co-sustainment with covered nations.

(2) A list of depot-level repair workload opportunities to undertake with covered nations, including testing equipment or line replaceable units.

(3) Opportunities to incorporate industry partners from covered nations in depot-level maintenance repair activities, including through public-private partnerships.

(4) An identification of any potential logistical challenges that could arise with the host country, including with respect to workforce, housing, and location of workload.

(5) An identification of any potential impediments involving intellectual property or data rights between original equipment manufacturers and the Department of the Air Force or between the Department of the Air Force and named partner countries.

(6) An identification of any potential impediments related to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and related statutes.

(7) Any additional recommendations to Congress that would ease the facilitation of depot-level maintenance repair partnerships with covered nations, including changes to existing status of forces agreements.

(8) An analysis of current maintenance and repair capabilities and gaps in the organic industrial bases of covered nations.

(9) An assessment of the types of maintenance and repair activities (depot-level, preventative, corrective) that may be most appropriate for partnership with covered nations.

(c) Covered nation defined - In this section, the term "covered nation" means any of the following:

(1) The Commonwealth of Australia.

(2) Canada.

(3) Japan.

(4) New Zealand.

(5) The Republic of Korea.

(6) The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

(7) Any other nation designated a covered nation for the purposes of this section by the Secretary of the Air Force.

344. Proposed actions with respect to causes and effects of declining aircraft readiness rates

(a) Report on proposed actions - Not later than May 31, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the declining rates of aircraft readiness within the fleet of the Air Force (with an emphasis on fighter aircraft within such fleet) and factors contributing to that decline. Such report shall include, with respect to such aircraft—

(1) proposed actions to—

(A) reverse the declining rates of aircraft readiness;

(B) improve the effectiveness of aircraft sustainment, including by addressing maintenance backlogs, supply shortages of aircraft parts, and depot capacity constraints; and

(C) ensure more accurate readiness reporting; and

(2) recommendations for any relevant legislative actions.

(b) Implementation deadline - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall implement the proposed actions identified in the report required under subsection (a).

(c) Annual implementation reports - Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force implements the proposed actions under subsection (b), and annually thereafter for each of the subsequent three years, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the status of the implementation of such actions.

(d) Form of reports - Each report required to be submitted under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

345. Technology enhancement for surface ship maintenance

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

(b) Specified advanced technologies and processes - In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall prioritize the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) Cold spray repair for metal surface restoration.

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

(10) Automated nondestructive testing for robotic material evaluation.

(11) Autonomous underwater vehicles for hull inspection submersibles.

(12) Digital twin technology for virtual ship modeling.

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

(14) Modular maintenance platforms for standardized repair setups.

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

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

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

(18) Electrochemical corrosion mitigation for corrosion prevention systems.

(19) Smart pigging for internal pipe diagnostics.

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

(21) Plasma coating for durable surface protection.

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

(23) Portable diagnostics for handheld troubleshooting tools.

(c) Open qualification process -

(1) In general - The Secretary of the Navy shall establish a process under which non-government entities may submit proposals for the investigation, qualification, approval, integration, and full adoption under subsection (a) of advanced technologies or processes not specified in subsection (b).

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

(3) Proposal requirements - A proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of options to improve maintenance efficiency, safety, or cost-effectiveness.

(4) Qualification decision - In evaluating proposals pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Navy shall make decisions based on technical merit and the needs of the Navy.

(d) Third-party review -

(1) In general - The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall seek to enter into a contract with an appropriate independent third-party reviewer under which such reviewer shall assess any decision of the Secretary of the Navy not to select for qualification of approval an advanced technology or process included in a proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under subsection (c).

(2) Report to Congress - A contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall require the independent third-party reviewer to, not later than 90 days after the date of the decision concerned, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives an unaltered report that includes—

(A) an evaluation of the rationale of the Secretary in not selecting the technology or process;

(B) a statement of the agreement or disagreement of the reviewer with the decision and rationale of the Secretary; and

(C) recommendations, if applicable.

(e) Priority - The Secretary of the Navy may prioritize the investigation, qualification, approval, integration, and full adoption of advanced technologies and processes under this section based on operational needs, budget constraints, and compatibility with existing systems, if the Secretary includes justifications for such prioritization in the report required by subsection (g).

(f) Updates - If an advanced technology or process is adopted into contract requirements pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall update policies, specifications, guidance, and contracts, as necessary, to account for such adoption.

(g) Report required - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to Congress a report that includes detailed timelines for the qualification and approval of each advanced technology or process specified in subsection (b) and any additional advanced technologies or processes identified pursuant to the process established under subsection (c), including estimated implementation dates or justifications for non-pursuit.

346. Oversight requirements for contracts relating to relocation logistics for household goods

(a) Requirements - The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any covered contract includes the following oversight requirements:

(1) The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary a document summarizing the key terms and conditions of each subcontract relating to capacity, performance, or compliance with the requirements of the subcontract, which shall include the following:

(A) The guaranteed capacity of each subcontractor to perform the work required under the subcontract (including with respect to location, volume, and peak season commitment).

(B) Performance metrics and service level agreements applicable to each subcontractor.

(C) Provisions for monitoring and enforcing subcontractor performance.

(D) Termination clauses and penalties for noncompliance.

(E) Data sharing and security requirements.

(2) Each subcontractor shall provide to the prime contractor, upon request, certifications and copies of training completion relating to compliance with the requirements under the subcontract.

(3) The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary regular performance reports on each subcontractor, including metrics relating to on-time pickup, on-time delivery, damage claim rates, customer satisfaction, and compliance with the requirements of the subcontract.

(4) The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary a subcontractor management plan outlining the processes of the prime contractor for selecting, monitoring, and managing subcontractors, including a description of how the prime contractor ensures subcontractor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the requirements of the subcontract.

(5) The prime contractor shall maintain a comprehensive risk management plan that addresses potential disruptions to the performance of work by subcontractors of the prime contractor, such as financial instability, natural disasters, or labor disputes.

(6) Not less frequently than on a monthly basis for the duration of the covered contract, the prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary the subcontractor rating system used by the prime contractor, with current scoring results under such system.

(7) The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary the subcontractor rates for each move to be performed under the subcontract.

(8) The prime contractor shall establish clear escalation procedures for addressing subcontractor performance issues, including steps for resolving disputes, implementing corrective actions, and terminating non-performing subcontractors.

(9) The Federal Government may audit subcontractor records with reasonable notice to the prime contractor.

(10) The covered contract shall include a fixed-price line item for monthly overhead costs, separate from the rates associated with the costs of individual moves performed under the covered contract.

(11) The prime contractor shall establish a database that the Secretary may access on a real-time basis to ensure compliance with this section.

(b) Additional considerations - During the development of an acquisition strategy and execution strategy for any covered contract, the Secretary shall consider, in addition to the requirements under subsection (a), the following:

(1) Entering into a single contract pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation if the move to be performed under such contract would involve the use of a shipping lane that accounts for more than one percent of the total volume of permanent change of station moves and entering into a services contract if the move to be performed under such contract would not involve the use of such a lane.

(2) Tiered incentive awards for higher levels of capacity.

(c) Covered contract - In this section, the term "covered contract"—

(1) means a contract with an entity that provides relocation logistics for the household goods of members of the Armed Forces undergoing a permanent change of station (commonly referred to as a "single move manager"); and

(2) does not include a contract or other agreement for the relocation of a private vehicle owned or leased by a member of the Armed Forces.

347. Integration of commercially available artificial intelligence capabilities into logistics operations

(a) In general - The Secretary of Defense shall facilitate the integration of currently available and suitable commercial artificial intelligence capabilities specifically designed to assist with logistics tracking, planning, operations, and analytics into two relevant and suitable exercises of the Department of Defense to be conducted during fiscal year 2026.

(b) Commercial product -

(1) In general - The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the commander of the combatant command or commands overseeing the exercises selected under subsection (a), shall identify for each such exercise a commercially available artificial intelligence product that is specifically designed to address logistics needs of the Department of Defense and meets the critical data security protocols outlined in subsection (c).

(2) Capability of partner - In selecting a commercial product under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense and the commander of the combatant command or commands concerned shall—

(A) ensure that the commercial product acquired for such an exercise includes the provision of capability to respond to potential software changes in an agile and rapid manner to ensure seamless integration and adaptability during the exercise; and

(B) prioritize the consideration of a product provided by a small or nontraditional software focused firm.

(c) Data security - The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all necessary approvals are expedited to facilitate the secure use of data of the Department of Defense by commercial artificial intelligence providers during the exercises selected under subsection (a), including—

(1) compliance with applicable cybersecurity policies and regulations of the Department; and

(2) verification of measures to protect classified and sensitive information.

(d) Interim briefing - Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interim briefing that includes—

(1) identification of the specific exercises selected under subsection (a), including an identification of the combatant commanders participating in each such exercise and a point of contact within the combatant command responsible;

(2) identification of the specific commercial artificial intelligence capabilities integrated into the exercises, including the contractual mean or other agreement used to facilitate the use of such capabilities;

(3) notional timelines and resource needs for each exercise; and

(4) metrics to be used to assess the efficacy of such tools used in each exercise.

(e) Briefing - Not later than 30 days after the conclusion of an exercise selected under subsection (a), the commander of the combatant command overseeing the exercise shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes the following:

(1) An overview of the integration and use of commercial artificial intelligence capabilities during the exercise.

(2) An assessment of the effect of such technologies on unit readiness and operational success.

(3) Recommendations for further integration or development of artificial intelligence capabilities in future exercises and operations of the Department of Defense.

348. Pilot program on Army depot and arsenal workload sustainment

(a) Establishment of pilot program - Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program, to be known as the "Army Depot and Arsenal Workload Sustainment Pilot Program" (in this section referred to as the "pilot program"), under which the Secretary shall provide a preference to certain procurement actions and solicitations for the performance of work by non-government entities at covered depots.

(b) Preferences for procurement actions or solicitations -

(1) In general - Under the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall provide a preference to any procurement action or solicitation for the performance of work submitted by a non-government entity that includes, as part of such procurement action or solicitation, a proposal to enter into a public-private partnership with the Secretary under which the non-government entity will perform the work at covered depots.

(2) Further preference - In evaluating procurement actions and solicitations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give an additional preference to any such action or solicitation submitted by a non-government entity that proposes to use Department of Defense employees to perform the work at a covered depot under such action or solicitation.

(3) Regulations - Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the provision of preferences under this subsection.

(c) Report required -

(1) In general - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the activities carried out under the pilot program during that year, including a description of any operational challenges identified.

(2) Elements - The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) A breakout, by relevant budget accounts, of work performed at each covered depot during the year preceding the year during which the report is submitted, including work that was carried out directly and work that was carried out through public-private partnerships under the pilot program.

(B) An identification of the projected workload at each covered depot during the period covered by the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code.

(C) The capital investments projected in such future-years defense program to be made at each such covered depot to meet organic industrial base core logistics capabilities in accordance with section 2464 of title 10, United States Code.

(d) Duration - The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(e) Definitions - In this section, the term "covered depot" has the meaning given such term in section 2476(f) of title 10, United States Code.

349. Limitation on use of funds to establish or expand Space Force Special Operations Component Command

(a) In general - None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for Major Force Program 11 for the United States Special Operations Command may be obligated or expended to establish or expand a Space Force Special Operations Component Command until the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict and the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, in consultation with the Chief of Space Operations, jointly submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the report required by subsection (b).

(b) Report - The report required under this subsection shall include each of the following:

(1) An articulation of the requirement for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.

(2) A funding profile, across the future-years defense program submitted under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, for the establishment of a Space Force Special Operations Component Command, including a delineation of funds required under Major Force Program 2 and Major Force Program 11.

(3) A timeline and conditions for achieving initial and full operational capability for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.

(4) An identification of the military, civilian, and contractor personnel required for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command at initial and full operational capability.

(5) An identification of the facilities requirements for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command at initial and full operational capability.

(6) An explanation of how and when the Secretary of Defense and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict have documented approval for the establishment of a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.

(7) An explanation of the administrative and command relationships between a Space Force Special Operations Component Command and the United States Special Operations Command, United States Space Command, and the Space Force.

(8) Any other matters determined relevant by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict and the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command.

350. Pilot program for data-enabled ground vehicle maintenance

(a) In general - Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned with respect to a covered Armed Force, in consultation with the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense, shall establish in such covered Armed Force a pilot program under which the covered Armed Force shall use commercially available artificial intelligence technologies to improve the maintenance of ground vehicles performed by such covered Armed Force.

(b) Objectives - Under the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall—

(1) assess the feasibility and effectiveness of artificial intelligence-driven approaches in improving maintenance regimes for ground vehicles;

(2) assess the cost savings resulting from the use of artificial intelligence technology for the maintenance of ground vehicles; and

(3) identify and mitigate potential challenges and risks associated with the integration of artificial intelligence technology for modernized maintenance of ground vehicles, including cybersecurity concerns.

(c) Report - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned with respect to a covered Armed Force shall submit to Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the activities performed under the pilot program established under subsection (a) in such covered Armed Force.

(d) Termination - The authority to carry out a pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on January 1, 2029.

(e) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The term "covered Armed Force" means the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

(2) The term "Secretary concerned" has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code.

351. Modernization of the organic industrial base of the Army

(a) Authority to establish and operate - The Secretary of the Army shall accelerate the modernization of the organic industrial base of the Army to meet the requirements of the Army by ensuring additional production of materials, or expanded use of capabilities, as described in subsection (b).

(b) Materials and capabilities - The Secretary of the Army shall prioritize using or modifying existing facilities of the organic industrial base of the Army for the following purposes:

(1) Production of propellant.

(2) Production of any of 13 precursor chemicals used widely across the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition portfolio that are currently sourced solely from the People’s Republic of China.

(3) Production of any of the 300 chemicals identified as single point failures by the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition.

(4) Production of multiple calibers of ammunition.

(5) Development of methods for dual-use maintenance or production of vehicles and aircraft.

(6) Use of logistics.

(7) Production or use of any of the capabilities listed in paragraphs (1) through (6).

(8) Another capability that the Secretary of the Army certifies to the congressional defense committees is necessary to meet Army munitions and weapons requirements.

(c) Expedited production or expansion of capabilities - The Secretary shall expedite the production or expansion of any capabilities described under subsection (b) and shall use, to the fullest extent possible, existing environmental permits, security arrangements, and personnel required for the production of materials critical to Army munitions and weapons requirements.

(d) Report - Not later than one year 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 use of the authority under this section.

(e) Organic industrial base of the Army defined - In this section, the term "organic industrial base of the Army" means each depot listed in section 2476(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code.

D Matters Relating to Munitions

361. Reporting requirements for Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirements and Out-Year inventory numbers

Section 222c of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting " and including OPLANs for operations involving the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, and the Islamic Republic of Iran" after "(OPLAN)"; and

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

(9) The estimated aggregate demand from United States allies and partners.

(2) in subsection (e)—

(A) in paragraph (1)—

(i) by striking "number of years" and inserting "production level for each fiscal year"; and

(ii) by striking "rate requested for the fiscal year covered by the report" and inserting "end of the future years defense program";

(B) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and

(C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated—

(i) by striking "additional"; and

(ii) by striking "Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement for each munition by the end of the period covered by the most recent future-years defense program submitted to Congress pursuant to section 221 of this title." and inserting "production level specified in paragraph (1) for that fiscal year.";

(3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (h); and

(4) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsections:

(f) Inclusion in planning, programming, budgeting, and execution - The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the production levels specified in paragraph (1) are incorporated into the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process of the Department of Defense to align munitions procurement with the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement.

(g) Methodology - The estimate specified in subsection (c)(9)—

(1) shall be based on, at a minimum, relevant information set forth in letters of offer and acceptance issued with respect to foreign military sales of munitions authorized under chapter 2 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761 et seq.); and

(2) may be informed by—

(A) discussions held with allies and partners of the United States regarding future potential sales or transfers of munitions; and

(B) analyses of the United States Government regarding the variants of munitions that would most benefit the interests of the United States if sold or transferred to allies and partners of the United States.

362. Inclusion of air and missile defense in Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement and Out-Year inventory numbers

Section 222c(c) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 361, is further amended—

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (8) as paragraphs (6) through (9), respectively; and

(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5):

(5) Air and Missile Defense.

363. Reports on munitions response projects at sites formerly used by the Department of Defense

(a) In general - Not later than 30 days after the last day of each fiscal quarter that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act for a one-year period, and on a biannual basis thereafter until the termination date specified in subsection (c), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment, acting through the Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of munitions response projects, including at sites formerly used by the Department of Defense.

(b) Elements - Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include, for the period covered by the report, the following information:

(1) The number of new task order awards for munitions response projects at sites formerly used by the Department of Defense issued and the total dollar value of such awards.

(2) The number of optional tasks exercised as part of such projects and the total dollar value of such exercised tasks.

(3) The number of contract modifications or requests for equitable adjustment issued as part of such projects and the total dollar value of such modifications and adjustments.

(4) The number of active munitions response projects with contracts for which prior year funds have been returned.

(5) A list of active munitions response projects placed on hold for longer than one year and, for each such project, a summary of the reason for the hold, including delays related to regulatory agencies, rights-of-entry issues, Federal land manager actions, discrepancies in the number of subsurface anomalies between the statement of work and field conditions, or prioritization based on risk.

(6) A description of the overall challenges to executing the Military Munitions Response Program.

(c) Termination date - The termination date specified in this subsection is the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

364. Report on critical munitions required for simultaneous conflicts

(a) Report -

(1) In general - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that details the stockpiles of critical munitions required to fight simultaneous conflicts in different theaters of operation.

(2) Elements - The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

(A) An estimate of the number of each critical munition that would be required over the course of simultaneous conflicts in different theaters, modeled on the assumption that a contingency operation in any one of the western Pacific, Europe, Middle East, or Korean Peninsula theaters would increase the likelihood of a contingency operation in one or more other theaters and taking into consideration the prepositioning of stockpiles and the risk posed by moving critical munitions within such stockpiles out of each theater.

(B) An estimate of the number of days during such a simultaneous conflict before the current stockpiles of critical munitions of the United States would be exhausted by the United States Armed Forces.

(C) An estimate of the time required for the industrial base to replenish critical munition inventories during such a simultaneous conflict, taking into account the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement under section 222c of title 10, United States Code, and the results of the assessment conducted pursuant to section 1705 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2968) but not the assumptions required under the Department of Defense Instruction 3000.04, titled "DoD Munitions Requirements Process".

(D) An identification of the production requirements for each critical munition necessary to address any shortfall between—

(i) the production rates as of the date of the report; and

(ii) the production rates necessary to meet the number estimated under subparagraph (A).

(E) An assessment of the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine with respect to the rates at which munitions are consumed.

(F) An assessment of the projected munitions stockpiles of the military forces of the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, Iran, and the Democratic Republic of Korea, and forces affiliated with such military forces.

(G) An assessment of the projected stockpiles of munitions of relevant partners and allies of the United States in each theater and opportunities for such partners and allies to enhance contributions to such stockpiles for burden-sharing purposes.

(H) An assessment of the projected munitions requirements of such partners and allies in each theater with respect to munitions produced in the United States, including an analysis of how such requirements would affect the elements specified in subparagraphs (A) through (D).

(b) Plan -

(1) In general - Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to implement critical munitions requirements to fight simultaneous conflicts in the next budget cycle. Such plan shall include a description of such actions by industry, and arsenals and depots owned by the United States, that the Secretary determines would be necessary to meet such requirements.

(2) Waiver - The Secretary may waive the requirement for the submission of a plan under paragraph (1) if the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report with a justification for the decision not to implement the results of the report required by subsection (a)(2)(a) into the requirements process for the next budget cycle. The report shall include an assessment of the gap between current requirements for critical munitions and those requirements identified in the report required by subsection (a)(2)(a).

(c) Critical munitions defined - In this section, the term "critical munitions" includes munitions designated on the critical munitions list of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

E Other Matters

371. Adjustment and diversification assistance for State and local governments affected by depot reductions

(a) In general - Section 2391(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking "or" after "military installation resilience,";

(2) by inserting "or (G) by any action of the Department of Defense that negatively affects a covered depot (as such term is defined in section 2476(f) of this title)," after " the defense facility,"; and

(3) by striking "(C), or (F)" and inserting "(C), (F), or (G)".

(b) Report - Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes an identification of the amount of adjustment and diversification assistance anticipated to be provided pursuant to the amendment made by subsection (a) during fiscal year 2026 to State and local governments for each covered depot.

372. Authority to evacuate family pets and contract working dogs during noncombatant evacuations of foreign countries

Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

2653. Evacuation of family pets and contract working dogs during noncombatant evacuations of foreign countries

(a) Authority to evacuate - Subject to the limitations under subsection (b), in the event of a situation during which the Department of Defense evacuates noncombatants from a foreign country, the Secretary of Defense may enter into agreements with appropriate nonprofit entities under which such entities provide for the evacuation of—

(1) the family pets of citizens of the United States who are evacuated by the Department; and

(2) contract working dogs located in such country.

(b) Limitations - The limitations under this subsection are as follows:

(1) The Department of Defense is not responsible for providing veterinary care for a family pet or contract working dog by reason of the evacuation of the pet or dog pursuant to subsection (a).

(2) The Secretary may not exercise the authority under subsection (a) if the exercise of such authority would result in a reduction in the number of individuals who would otherwise be evacuated.

(3) The operator of a vehicle used for evacuation may refuse to evacuate a family pet or contract working dog if the operator determines that the evacuation would create a safety risk to other passengers or personnel.

373. Manned rotary wing aircraft safety

(a) In general - Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 372, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:

2654. Aircraft safety: requirements for certain highly trafficked domestic airspace

(a) Limitation on operation - Notwithstanding section 1046 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232, 49 U.S.C. 40101 note), except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of a military department may not authorize any manned rotary wing aircraft of the Department of Defense to operate a training mission in a covered airspace unless such aircraft, while being operated, is actively providing warning of the proximity of such aircraft to nearby commercial aircraft in a manner compatible with the traffic alert and collision avoidance system of such commercial aircraft.

(b) Waiver authority - The Secretary of a military department, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Transportation, may waive the limitation under subsection (a) with respect to the operation of an aircraft if that Secretary—

(1) determines that—

(A) such waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and

(B) a commercial aviation compatibility risk assessment has been conducted with respect to the operation of the aircraft pursuant to the waiver to mitigate the risk associated with such operation; and

(2) in the case of a waiver to be in effect for a period exceeding 30 days, submits to appropriate congressional committees notice of such waiver, including a copy of the applicable commercial aviation compatibility risk assessment specified in paragraph (1)(B).

(c) Limitation on delegation - The Secretary of a military department may not delegate the waiver authority under subsection (b) to an official whose rank is below a general or flag officer.

(d) Definitions -

(1) The term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

(2) The term "covered airspace" means the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area, as such term is defined in section 93.335 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.

(b) Reports on near misses -

(1) Initial report - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the number of near misses that aircraft of the Department have had with commercial aircraft during the 10-year period preceding such date of enactment.

(2) Annual report - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the number of near misses that aircraft of the Department have had with commercial aircraft during the previous fiscal year.

(3) Elements - Each report under this subsection shall include, with respect to each near miss covered under the report, the following:

(A) The date, time, and location of the near miss.

(B) A description of all aircraft involved in the near miss.

(C) Any changes to protocols, standard operating procedures, or policy, as appropriate, that were made based on the near miss.

(4) Form of report - Each report under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(5) Appropriate congressional committees defined - In this subsection, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

374. Establishment of Army museum system

Chapter 775 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

7715. Army museum system

(a) In general - The Secretary of the Army shall support a system of official Army museums within the United States Army Center of Military History. Such system shall include the National Museum of the United States Army and may contain other museums honoring individual installations, units, and branches, as designated by the Secretary of the Army, that meet criteria established under subsection (b).

(b) Criteria for designation - The Secretary of the Army shall establish criteria for designating museums of subsection (a) for inclusion in the Army museum system. Such criteria shall include—

(1) historical significance to Army operations, technology, or personnel;

(2) public accessibility and educational outreach programs; and

(3) alignment with the mission of the Army to preserve its heritage.

(c) Criteria for closure - The Secretary of the Army shall establish criteria for closing museums within the Army museum system. No museum within such system may be closed until—

(1) the Secretary of the Army submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate notice that includes—

(A) a plan for the preservation, storage, or alternate display of historical collections contained in the museum;

(B) how any issues relating to museum personnel will be resolved;

(C) an identification of any efforts to maintain museum operations through public-private partnerships; and

(D) an analysis of the cost to transport, consolidate, and preserve the historical collections contained in the museum; and

(2) a period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which such notice is received by such committees.

(d) Funding and support - Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary may enter into partnerships, including with nonprofit organizations, to enhance the financial sustainability and public engagement of the museums in the Army museum system.

375. Establishment of United States Navy Museum System

Chapter 861 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8617 the following new section:

8617A. United States Navy Museum System

(a) In general - The Secretary of the Navy shall support a system of official Navy museums, which shall collectively be known as the "United States Navy Museum System". Such system shall include the following museums:

(1) The National Museum of the United States Navy.

(2) The United States Naval Academy Museum.

(3) The Naval War College Museum.

(4) The Submarine Force Museum.

(5) The National Naval Aviation Museum.

(6) The USS Constitution Naval History and Heritage Command, Detachment Boston.

(7) The United States Navy Seabee Museum.

(8) The Puget Sound Navy Museum.

(9) The Naval Undersea Museum.

(10) The National Museum of the American Sailor.

(11) The Hampton Roads Naval Museum.

(12) Such other museums as may be designated by the Secretary of the Navy that meet criteria established under subsection (b).

(b) Criteria for designation - The Secretary of the Navy shall establish criteria for designating museums other than museums identified in paragraphs (1) through (11) of subsection (a) for inclusion in the United States Navy Museum System. Such criteria shall include—

(1) historical significance to naval operations, technology, or personnel;

(2) public accessibility and educational outreach programs; and

(3) alignment with the mission of the Navy to preserve its heritage.

(c) Criteria for closure - The Secretary of the Navy shall establish criteria for the closure of museums within the United States Navy Museum System. No museum within such system may be closed until—

(1) the Secretary of the Navy submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate notice that includes—

(A) a plan for the preservation, storage, or alternate display of historical collections contained in the museum;

(B) how any issues relating to museum personnel will be resolved;

(C) an identification of any efforts to maintain museum operations through public-private partnerships; and

(D) an analysis of the cost to transport, consolidate, and preserve the historical collections contained in the museum; and

(2) a period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which such notice is received by such committees.

(d) Funding and support - Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into partnerships, including with nonprofit organizations, to enhance the financial sustainability and public engagement of the museums in the United States Museum System.

376. Establishment of Air Force and Space Force Museum System

Chapter 979 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

9784. Air Force and Space Force Museum System

(a) In general - The Secretary of the Air Force shall support a system of official Air Force and Space Force museums within the Department of the Air Force. Such system shall include the National Museum of the United States Air Force and may contain other museums honoring individual installations, units, and branches, as designated by the Secretary of the Air Force, that meet criteria established under subsection (b).

(b) Criteria for designation - The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish criteria for designating museums of subsection (a) for inclusion in the Air Force and Space Force museum system. Such criteria shall include—

(1) historical significance to Air Force and Space Force operations, technology, or personnel;

(2) public accessibility and educational outreach programs; and

(3) alignment with the mission of the Air Force and Space Force to preserve the heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.

(c) Criteria for closure - The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish criteria for the closure of museums within the Air Force and Space Force museum system. No museum within such system may be closed until—

(1) the Secretary of the Air Force submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate notice that includes—

(A) a plan for the preservation, storage, or alternate display of historical collections contained in the museum;

(B) how any issues relating to museum personnel will be resolved;

(C) an identification of any efforts to maintain museum operations through public-private partnerships; and

(D) an analysis of the cost to transport, consolidate, and preserve the historical collections contained in the museum; and

(2) a period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which such notice is received by such committees.

(d) Funding and support - Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary may enter into partnerships, including with nonprofit organizations, to enhance the financial sustainability and public engagement of the museums in the Air Force and Space Force museum system.

377. Transportation of certain domestic animals by foreign air carriers

Section 40118 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsections (c) through (g) as subsections (d) through (h), respectively;

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

(c) Transportation of certain domestic animals by foreign air carriers -

(1) In general - This section does not preclude the transportation of a passenger and the property of such passenger by a foreign air carrier if—

(A) such passenger is a member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of the Department of Defense;

(B) such property includes at least 1 and not more than 3 domestic animals traveling with such passenger;

(C) such transportation is—

(i) between a place in the United States and a place outside the United States; or

(ii) between 2 places outside the United States; and

(D) no air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 is willing and able to provide such transportation.

(2) Responsibility of individual to cover certain costs - If the cost for the transportation of a passenger and property under paragraph (1) exceeds the cost that would have been owed had such transportation been provided by an air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102, the passenger shall be responsible for paying the difference between such amounts.

(3) Domestic animal defined - In this section, the term "domestic animal" means a domestic cat (Felis catus) or a domestic dog (Canis familiaris).

(3) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking "subsections (a) and (c)" and inserting "subsections (a) and (d)".

378. Minimum standards for military working dog kennels and facilities

(a) Establishment of Minimum Standards - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of each military department, veterinary experts, and military working dog program managers, shall establish minimum standards for kennels and other facilities used to house military working dogs. Such minimum standards shall include each of the following:

(1) Requirements for space and design to ensure each military working dog has sufficient space to stand, turn around, lie down comfortably, and engage in natural behaviors.

(2) Standards for environmental conditions to ensure adequate ventilation, temperature control, and protection from extreme weather conditions.

(3) Standards for sanitation and hygiene to ensure kennels and other facilities can be easily cleaned and disinfected.

(4) Requirements related to safety and security to prevent military working dogs from escaping and being injured and preventing access to kennels and other facilities by unauthorized individuals.

(5) Standards for access to veterinary care to address the routine and emergency medical care needs of military working dogs, either at a military veterinary treatment facility or through sufficient on-site veterinary capabilities.

(6) Requirements related to daily access to exercise areas.

(7) Required annual inspections to ensure compliance with such standards.

(8) Such other standards and requirements as the Secretary of Defense determines are appropriate.

(b) Implementation and Compliance -

(1) Existing facilities -

(A) Assessment - Not later than one year after the date of the establishment of the standards required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Executive Agent for the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program, shall ensure that each kennel and other facility used to house military working dogs under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense is assessed to determine the extent to which such kennel or facility is in compliance with such standards.

(B) Modification - Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Executive Agent, shall ensure that each such kennel and facility is modified to the extent required to comply with such standards.

(2) New Facilities - The Secretary, acting through the Executive Agent, shall ensure that any kennel or other facility used to house military working dogs under the jurisdiction of the Department that is constructed or renovated after the date of the enactment of this Act is in compliance with such standards before such kennel or facility is used to house such a military working dog.

(c) Waiver Authority - The Secretary of Defense may waive a specific requirement or standard developed under subsection (a), on a case-by-case basis, if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is required to provide for a temporary deployment or due to exigent circumstances. The Secretary may not issue a waiver under this subsection unless the Secretary—

(1) provides for the implementation of alternative measures to ensure the welfare of any dogs affected by the waiver; and

(2) submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing notice of the waiver, a justification for such waiver, and a description of the alternative measures provided under paragraph (1).

379. Restroom access at military installations for certain transportation service providers

(a) Restroom access - The Secretary of Defense shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that, with respect to each covered location, there is a restroom—

(1) located at or in close proximity to the covered location;

(2) to which any covered driver, while providing a transportation protective service involving the transport of sensitive cargo to or from the covered location on behalf of the Department of Defense, is authorized access;

(3) that to the extent practicable, provides for privacy, hand washing, accessibility, and gender-specific needs; and

(4) in the case of a portable restroom, that is vented and equipped with adequate lighting (which may be achieved through supplementation with a temporary lighting source, as necessary).

(b) Location - The location of a restroom under subsection (a)(1) may not be a location to which access by the covered driver would result in—

(1) a security risk, as determined by the Secretary;

(2) a health or safety risk to the covered driver; or

(3) a violation of any other regulation or policy of the Department.

(c) Notification of noncompliance - In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1) establish a process by which a covered driver may provide to the Secretary timely notification of any covered location with respect to which access to a restroom is not provided consistent with such subsection; and

(2) upon receiving such a notification, coordinate with the commander of the military installation concerned or other appropriate officer or employee of the Department to ensure such access is provided.

(d) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The terms "arms, ammunition, and explosives", "safe haven", "secure holding area", "secure holding location", and "transportation protective service" have the meanings given those terms in the publication of the United States Army Transportation Command issued October 4, 2024, and titled "Military Freight Traffic Unified Rules Publication-1 (MFTURP-1)", or any successor thereto.

(2) The term "commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning given that term in section 31101 of title 49, United States Code.

(3) The term "covered driver" means an operator of a commercial motor vehicle—

(A) authorized to provide a transportation protective service on behalf of the Department of Defense; and

(B) subject to requirements for qualifications and maximum hours of service under section 31502(b) of title 49, United States Code.

(4) The term "covered location" means a safe haven, secure holding area, or secure holding location at a military installation or other facility of the Department of Defense.

(5) The terms "facility" and "military installation" have the meanings given those terms in section 2801(c) of title 10, United States Code.

(6) The term "sensitive cargo" means—

(A) arms, ammunition, and explosives;

(B) classified material; or

(C) any other cargo, or category thereof, the Secretary of Defense determines sensitive for purposes of this section.

380. Use of expeditionary solid waste disposal systems by Department of Defense

(a) Expeditionary solid waste disposal systems -

(1) Authorized use - The Secretary of Defense may use expeditionary solid waste disposal systems for the destruction of covered materials.

(2) Equipping and availability of systems - Expeditionary solid waste disposal systems units deployed for use in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be—

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

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

(b) Prohibition on use of open-air burn pits to dispose of covered material - In addition to the prohibition on the disposal of certain wastes in open-air burn pits under section 317 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 10 U.S.C. 2701 note), the Secretary of Defense may not use open-air burn pits for the disposal of any covered material.

(c) Covered material defined - In this section, the term "covered material" means the following:

(1) Contraband or other property that is illegal to possess, including seized counterfeit materials and unauthorized military equipment.

(2) Classified equipment or materials.

381. Pilot program for contracted amphibious air resources for the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command

(a) Authority - The Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Navy and the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, may carry out a pilot program for the contracted operation of a fleet of commercial amphibious aviation resources to be made available to the commanders of the combatant commands and the commanders of other components of the Department of Defense for mission tasking within the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

(b) Fielding and adjudicating mission requests - The Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command shall establish a process to field and adjudicate mission requests pursuant to the pilot program under subsection (a) in a timely manner.

(c) Termination - The authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

382. Initiative to control spread of greater banded hornet in Guam

(a) In general - The Secretary of Defense shall enhance efforts to manage, control, and interdict the greater banded hornet on military installations in Guam.

(b) Authorized activities - The efforts required under subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) Carrying out science-based management and control programs to reduce the effect of the greater banded hornet on military installations and to prevent the introduction or spread of the greater banded hornet to areas where such hornet has not yet been established.

(2) Providing support for interagency and intergovernmental response efforts to control, interdict, monitor, and eradicate the greater banded hornet on military installations in Guam.

(3) Pursuing chemical, biological, and other control techniques, technology transfer, and best practices to support management, control, interdiction and, where possible, eradication of the greater banded hornet in Guam.

(4) Establishing an early detection and rapid response mechanism to monitor and deploy coordinated efforts if the greater banded hornet, or an other newly detected invasive alien species, is detected at new sites on military installations in Guam.

(5) Carrying out such other activities as the Secretary determines appropriate to manage, control, and interdict the greater banded hornet on military installations in Guam.

(c) Annual briefings - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for each of the next three years, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the implementation of this section, which shall include detailed information about the efforts of the Secretary to manage, control, and interdict the greater banded hornet on military installations in Guam.

383. Reserve mobilization exercise to assess the capability of the Armed Forces to respond to a high-intensity contingency in the Indo-Pacific region

(a) Indo-pacific mobilization and readiness study required - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall conduct a comprehensive joint mobilization and sustainment readiness study (modeled on the 1978 exercise referred to as "Nifty Nugget") to assess the capability of the Armed Forces to respond to a high-intensity contingency in the Indo-Pacific region.

(b) Elements of the study - The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1) An assessment of the ability to rapidly mobilize, deploy, and sustain active and reserve component forces in response to a conflict scenario involving the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, or similar Indo-Pacific flashpoint.

(2) An evaluation of strategic lift and sustainment capabilities across military departments, including maritime sealift, airlift, rail, road networks, and prepositioned stocks.

(3) Identification of critical logistics vulnerabilities, mobilization bottlenecks, and command and control challenges.

(4) Analysis of interagency coordination procedures and integration with civilian emergency support capabilities.

(5) An evaluation of joint and allied interoperability, with particular attention to coordination mechanisms with Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

(6) The civilian skills inventory described in subsection (c).

(c) Civilian skills inventory of the reserve component - As part of the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall conduct a civilian skills inventory of the reserve components of the Armed Forces to identify and assess the non-military qualifications and talents of reservists, including—

(1) foreign language proficiency and cultural expertise;

(2) advanced academic credentials, including master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and scientific research experience;

(3) industrial and technical skills, including cybersecurity, software development, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, and data science;

(4) critical infrastructure and emergency response expertise; and

(5) private-sector leadership and innovation experience relevant to defense mobilization and sustainment.

(d) Reporting requirements - Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—

(1) the results, findings, and recommendations of the mobilization and readiness study required under subsection (a);

(2) a summary of the civilian skills inventory of the reserve components conducted under subsection (c), including recommendations for how such skills can be leveraged to support contingency planning, civil-military integration, and surge operations;

(3) a comparative analysis of best practices by each Armed Force with respect to—

(A) mobilizing members of the reserve components for wartime or emergency augmentation;

(B) identifying, tracking, and using civilian-acquired skills of reservists; and

(C) executing logistical lift and sustainment operations, including Navy-led maritime port operations, Army-managed rail and overland transport, Air Force strategic airlift capacity, and Marine Corps expeditionary logistics; and

(4) an estimate of—

(A) the number of members of the reserve components who are likely to be available and required to reinforce forward-deployed active duty units during the first 30, 60, and 90 days of a major Indo-Pacific contingency; and

(B) the number of members of the reserve components required to support full-scale mobilization and logistics surge operations within the United States, including domestic transportation nodes, sustainment hubs, ports of embarkation, mobilization training centers, and other homeland support functions necessary to enable and sustain global operations.

384. Limitation on transformation by the Army of primary helicopter training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2026 for the Army may be obligated or expended to solicit proposals or award a contract for the implementation of any transformation of the Initial Entry Rotary Wing training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama, until—

(1) the completion of the Part 141 Helicopter Flight School Training Pilot proof of concept plan conducted by the Department of the Army and the Federal Aviation Administration, including—

(A) all three phases of Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training Phases 1 & 2 and Phase 3 Warfighter Tactical Training Phase; and

(B) the evaluation of the effectiveness of the training pilot, which shall include the results of six classes of eight students each (48 students total);

(2) the Secretary of the Army (in this section referred to as the "Secretary") has fully assessed and validated the outcomes of the training pilot, including with respect to cost, operational effectiveness, safety, and training efficacy;

(3) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report that includes a detailed description of the results of the training pilot and the rationale for any proposed changes to training systems or platforms resulting from such training pilot; and

(4) the Secretary provides to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes—

(A) an identification of the outcomes and findings of the training pilot referred to in paragraph (1);

(B) an assessment of the cost-effectiveness and operational and training readiness resulting from the training pilot;

(C) any recommendations for future procurement or contracting activity related to training initiatives similar to the training pilot; and

(D) the course of action proposed by the Secretary relating to any such transformation.

IV Military Personnel Authorizations

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; Reports

Sec. 421. Military personnel.

Sec. 422. Streamlining of total force reporting requirements.

A Active Forces

401. End strengths for active forces

The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for active duty personnel as of September 30, 2026, as follows:

(1) The Army, 454,000.

(2) The Navy, 344,600.

(3) The Marine Corps, 172,300.

(4) The Air Force, 321,500.

(5) The Space Force, 10,400.

B Reserve Forces

411. End strengths for Selected Reserve

(a) In general - The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for Selected Reserve personnel of the reserve components as of September 30, 2026, as follows:

(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 328,000.

(2) The Army Reserve, 172,000.

(3) The Navy Reserve, 57,500.

(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 33,600.

(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 106,300.

(6) The Air Force Reserve, 67,500.

(7) The Coast Guard Reserve, 8,500.

(b) End strength reductions - The end strengths prescribed by subsection (a) for the Selected Reserve of any reserve component shall be proportionately reduced by—

(1) the total authorized strength of units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component which are on active duty (other than for training) at the end of the fiscal year; and

(2) the total number of individual members not in units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component who are on active duty (other than for training or for unsatisfactory participation in training) without their consent at the end of the fiscal year.

(c) End strength increases - Whenever units or individual members of the Selected Reserve of any reserve component are released from active duty during any fiscal year, the end strength prescribed for such fiscal year for the Selected Reserve of such reserve component shall be increased proportionately by the total authorized strengths of such units and by the total number of such individual members.

412. End strengths for Reserves on active duty in support of the Reserves

Within the end strengths prescribed in section 411(a), the reserve components of the Armed Forces are authorized, as of September 30, 2026, the following number of Reserves to be serving on full-time active duty or full-time duty, in the case of members of the National Guard, for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components:

(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 30,845.

(2) The Army Reserve, 16,511.

(3) The Navy Reserve, 10,409.

(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 2,400.

(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 25,982.

(6) The Air Force Reserve, 6,218.

413. End strengths for military technicians (dual status)

(a) In general - The minimum number of military technicians (dual status) as of the last day of fiscal year 2026 for the reserve components of the Army and the Air Force (notwithstanding section 129 of title 10, United States Code) shall be the following:

(1) For the Army National Guard of the United States, 21,294.

(2) For the Army Reserve, 6,258.

(3) For the Air National Guard of the United States, 10,405.

(4) For the Air Force Reserve, 6,455.

(b) Limitation on number of temporary military technicians (dual status) - The number of temporary military technicians (dual status) under subsection (a) may not exceed 25 percent of the total number authorized under such subsection.

(c) Prohibition - A State may not coerce a military technician (dual status) to accept an offer of realignment or conversion to any other military status, including as a member on Active Guard and Reserve duty. No action may be taken against an individual, or the position of such individual, who refuses such an offer solely on the basis of such refusal.

414. Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty for operational support

During fiscal year 2026, the maximum number of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who may be serving at any time on full-time operational support duty under section 115(b) of title 10, United States Code, is the following:

(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 17,000.

(2) The Army Reserve, 13,000.

(3) The Navy Reserve, 6,200.

(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 3,000.

(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 16,000.

(6) The Air Force Reserve, 14,000.

C Authorization of Appropriations; Reports

421. Military personnel

(a) Authorization of appropriations - Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for military personnel, as specified in the funding table in section 4401.

(b) Construction of authorization - The authorization of appropriations in the subsection (a) supersedes any other authorization of appropriations (definite or indefinite) for such purpose for fiscal year 2026.

422. Streamlining of total force reporting requirements

(a) Repeal of annual report on military technicians - Section 115a of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (g).

(b) Incorporation of annual civilian personnel management report into annual defense manpower profile report -

(1) In general - Such section is further amended—

(A) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as subsections (e) through (g), respectively; and

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

(d)

(1) The Secretary shall include in each report under subsection (a) a detailed discussion of the management of the civilian workforce of the Department of Defense. The discussion shall include the matter specified in paragraph (2) for the civilian workforce of—

(A) the Office of the Secretary of Defense;

(B) the Defense Agencies;

(C) the Department of Defense Field Activities; and

(D) the military departments.

(2) Transfer - Paragraph (2) of section 129(c) of such title—

(A) is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—

(i) by striking "Each report under paragraph (1) shall contain" and inserting "The matter to be included in each discussion under paragraph (1)"; and

(ii) by striking "under the jurisdiction of the official submitting the report," and inserting "of each element of the Department of Defense named in such paragraph, is"; and

(B) is transferred to section 115a and inserted at the end of subsection (d) of such section, as added by paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) Conforming repeal of requirement for separate annual civilian personnel management report - Section 129 of such title is amended by striking subsection (c).

V Military Personnel Policy

Title V—Military Personnel Policy

Subtitle A—Officer Policy

Sec. 501. Space Force general officer management.

Sec. 502. Redistribution of general officers on active duty from the Air Force to the Space Force.

Sec. 503. Notification of removal of officers from selection board reports and promotion lists.

Sec. 504. Chaplains: career flexibility; detail as students at schools for education required for appointment.

Sec. 505. Temporary increase in fiscal year percentage limitation for reduction or waiver of service-in-grade requirement for general and flag officers to be retired in pay grades O-7 and O-8.

Sec. 506. Notice of removal of Judge Advocates General.

Sec. 507. Authority to waive prohibition on officers serving on successive selection boards for boards to consider officers for promotion to major general or rear admiral.

Sec. 508. Establishment of blast safety officer positions.

Subtitle B—Reserve Component Management

Sec. 511. Active and inactive transfers of officers of the Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard.

Sec. 512. National Guard: Active Guard and Reserve duty in response to a State disaster.

Sec. 513. Report on effect of equipment shortfalls on ability of National Guard to perform homeland defense activities.

Sec. 514. Report on National Guard sexual assault prevention and response training.

Sec. 515. Study and report on members of the reserve components: consideration of amount of time of service in activation; authority to waive limitation on release from active duty.

Subtitle C—General Service Authorities and Military Records

Sec. 521. Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record: codification; expansion.

Sec. 522. Women’s initiative teams.

Sec. 523. Honorary promotions on the initiative of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 524. Enhanced efficiency and service discretion for Disability Evaluation System reviews.

Sec. 525. Requirement of equal opportunity, racial neutrality, and exclusive use of merit in military personnel actions.

Sec. 526. Report on adequacy of reimbursement for costs of permanent change of station.

Subtitle D—Recruitment and Accession

Sec. 531. Recruiter access to secondary schools.

Sec. 532. Alternative service in areas of national interest by individuals denied enlistment.

Sec. 533. Medical accession standards for members of the Armed Forces.

Sec. 534. Clarifying the calculation of enlistments for persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level for the future servicemember preparatory course.

Sec. 535. Selective Service System: automatic registration.

Subtitle E—Member Training

Sec. 541. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor qualifications.

Sec. 542. Number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units.

Sec. 543. Requirements with respect to motorcycle safety training.

Sec. 544. Repeal of annual certifications related to the Ready, Relevant Learning initiative of the Navy.

Sec. 545. Mandatory training on government ethics and national security law.

Sec. 546. Temporary authority to provide bonuses to Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors.

Sec. 547. Pilot program for generative artificial intelligence and spatial computing for performance training and proficiency assessment.

Sec. 548. Limitation on authority to reorganize the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army.

Sec. 549. Accreditation of National Guard Marksmanship Training Center.

Subtitle F—Member Education

Sec. 551. Modification to maximum years of service for eligibility detail as a student at a law school.

Sec. 552. Inclusion of Space Force education programs in definitions regarding professional military education.

Sec. 553. Asynchronous instruction in distance education option for professional military education.

Sec. 554. Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies.

Sec. 555. Military service academy nominations.

Sec. 556. Modifications to alternative obligation for cadets and midshipmen.

Sec. 557. Modification to the designation of Members of the House of Representatives to the Boards of Visitors of Service Academies.

Sec. 558. Director of Admissions of the United States Naval Academy.

Sec. 559. Detail of members of the Space Force as instructors at Air Force Institute of Technology.

Sec. 559A. Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs or activities at the military service academies that are designated for women or girls.

Sec. 559B. Organization of Army War College.

Subtitle G—Military Justice and Other Legal Matters

Sec. 561. Qualifications for judge advocates.

Sec. 562. Ensuring the availability of legal advice to commanders.

Sec. 563. Analysis of potential modifications to the offense of wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Sec. 564. Revision to sexual assault prevention and response training guidance.

Sec. 565. Notification of military sex offenders at military installations.

Sec. 566. Analysis of the advisability of modifying the definition of abusive sexual contact under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Sec. 567. Analysis of the advisability of establishing a punitive article for child pornography-related offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Subtitle H—Career Transition

Sec. 571. Transition Assistance Program: amendments; pilot program; reports.

Sec. 572. Amendments to pathways for counseling in Transition Assistance Program.

Sec. 573. Improvements to information-sharing to support individuals retiring or separating from the Armed Forces.

Subtitle I—Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education

Sec. 581. Notification of suspected child abuse that occurs at a military child development center.

Sec. 582. Enrollment of children of certain American Red Cross employees in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.

Sec. 583. Ensuring access to DODEA schools for certain members of the reserve components.

Sec. 584. Authorization of dual or concurrent enrollment programs for students of Defense Dependent Schools.

Sec. 585. Restrictions on certain actions relating to DODEA schools and military child development centers.

Sec. 586. Extension of pilot program to provide financial assistance to members of the Armed Forces for in-home child care.

Sec. 587. Military OneSource: information regarding maternal health care.

Sec. 588. Assistance for deployment-related support of members of the Armed Forces undergoing deployment and their families beyond the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.

Sec. 589. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of military and civilian personnel.

Sec. 589A. Verification of reporting of eligible federally connected children for purposes of Federal impact aid programs.

Sec. 589B. Regulations on the use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

Sec. 589V. Management of special education in schools operated by Department of Defense Education Activity.

Sec. 589D. Pilot program to increase payments for child care services in high-cost areas.

Subtitle J—Decorations and Awards, Reports, and Other Matters

Sec. 591. Authorization for award of Medal of Honor to E. Royce Williams for acts of valor during the Korean War.

Sec. 592. Authorization for posthumous award of the distinguished-service cross to Isaac "Ike" Camacho for acts of valor in Vietnam.

Sec. 593. Compliance with travel charge card deactivation requirements.

A Officer Policy

501. Space Force general officer management

(a) Distribution of commissioned officers on active service in general officer grades - Section 525 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting "or the Space Force officer list" after "officer on the active duty list"; and

(B) in paragraph (5)—

(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking "officers in the grade of general" and inserting "officers on sustained duty orders in the grade of general";

(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking "officers in a grade above" and inserting "officers on sustained duty orders in a grade above"; and

(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking "officers in the grade" and inserting "officers on sustained duty orders in the grade"; and

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

(3) The limitations of this section do not apply to a Space Force general officer serving in a Space Force active status but not on sustained duty orders, and who is on active service for a period in excess of 365 days but not to exceed three years. Unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense, the number of Space Force general officers covered by this subsection and not serving in a joint duty assignment for purposes of chapter 38 of this title may not exceed two. Not later than 30 days after authorizing more than two Space Force general officers covered by this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the notification required in accordance with paragraph (2).

(b) Authorized strength of Space Force general officers on active service - Section 526 of such title is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting and of the Space Force after components;

(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting "or of the Space Force" after "a reserve component";

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

(D) The Secretary of the Air Force may authorize not more than two of the general officers authorized to serve in the Space Force under section 20110 of this title to serve on active service for a period of at least 180 days and not longer than 365 days.

(D) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting ", or a Space Force general officer in a Space Force active status not on sustained duty," after "a reserve component"; and

(2) in subsection (d)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking "officer; or" and inserting "officer;";

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; or"; and

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

(3) a Space Force officer in the grade of brigadier general or above who is pending transition off of sustained duty orders, but only during the 60-day period preceding the end date of such orders.

(c) Strength in grade: Space Force general officers in a Space Force active status not on sustained duty - Chapter 2003 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

20110. Strength in grade: Space Force general officers in a Space Force active status, not on sustained duty

(a) Authorized strength - The authorized strength of general officers in the Space Force serving in a Space Force active status but not on sustained duty is five.

(b) Exclusions - The following Space Force general officers shall not be counted for purposes of this section:

(1) Those counted under section 526 of this title.

(2) Those serving in a joint duty assignment for purposes of chapter 38 of this title, except that the number of officers who may be excluded under this paragraph may not exceed two.

(c) Permanent grade - A Space Force general officer may not be reduced in permanent grade because of a reduction in the number authorized under subsection (a).

(d) Temporary exclusion - The limitations of subsection (a) do not apply to an officer released from a joint duty assignment or other non-joint active service assignment, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date the officer departs the joint duty or other active service assignment. The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of the Air Force to extend the 60-day period by an additional 120 days, except that not more than three Space Force officers may be covered by an extension under this subsection at the same time.

502. Redistribution of general officers on active duty from the Air Force to the Space Force

Section 526(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (3), by striking "171" and inserting "168"; and

(2) in paragraph (5), by striking "21" and inserting "24".

503. Notification of removal of officers from selection board reports and promotion lists

(a) Regular components -

(1) Selection board reports - Section 618(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(3) The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the removal of the name of an officer from the report of a selection board by the President or the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), respectively, for any reason other than misconduct—

(A) not later than 30 days after the name of an officer is removed; and

(B) prior to submission to the Senate of a promotion list with respect to such report pursuant to section 624(c) of this title.

(2) Promotion lists - Section 629(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: "The President shall notify the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after removing the name of an officer from such list for any reason other than misconduct.".

(b) Reserve components - Section 14111(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(3) The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the removal of the name of an officer from the report of a selection board by the President or the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), respectively, for any reason other than misconduct—

(A) not later than 30 days after the name of an officer is removed; and

(B) prior to submission to the Senate of a promotion list with respect to such report pursuant to section 12203 of this title.

504. Chaplains: career flexibility; detail as students at schools for education required for appointment

(a) Career flexibility for chaplains - Subsection (a) of section 710 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by inserting

(1)

before "Each Secretary"; and

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

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), if the Secretary of a military department carries out a program under paragraph (1), such Secretary shall, pursuant to this section, inactivate a member who completes a detail under section 2004c of this title upon the completion of such detail for such period of time as the Secretary determines appropriate so such member may perform religious ministry that meets professional requirements for appointment as a chaplain in the military department concerned.

(b) Detail as students at schools for education required for appointment as a chaplain - Chapter 101 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2004b the following new section 2004c:

2004c. Detail as students at schools for education required for appointment as a chaplain: commissioned officers; certain enlisted members

(a) Detail authorized -

(1) The Secretary of each military department may detail commissioned officers and enlisted members of the armed forces as students at accredited colleges, universities, and schools of theology, located in the United States, for a period of training leading to a graduate degree that meets the educational requirements for appointment as a chaplain in the armed forces.

(2) Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary of a military department may fund educational expenses for members of the armed forces detailed under paragraph (1). Not more than 25 officers and enlisted members from each military department may commence such training in any single fiscal year.

(3) Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary of a military department may also detail members under paragraph (1) without funding any educational expenses. A member detailed pursuant to this paragraph shall not count against the limitation in paragraph (2).

(b) Eligibility for detail - To be eligible for detail under subsection (a), an officer or enlisted member must be a citizen of the United States and must—

(1)

(A) have served on active duty for a period of not less than two years nor more than eight years and be an officer in the pay grade O–3 or below as of the time the training is to begin; or

(B) have served on active duty for a period of not less than four years nor more than ten years and be an enlisted member in the pay grade E–5 or above as of the time the training is to begin;

(2) in the case of an enlisted member, meet all requirements for acceptance of a commission as a commissioned officer in the armed forces; and

(3) sign an agreement that unless sooner separated the officer or enlisted member will—

(A) complete the educational course of chaplaincy training; and

(B) if the Secretary of the military department concerned carries out a program under section 710 of this title—

(i) agree to be inactivated for a period of time under subsection (a)(2) of such section upon completion of a detail under this section; and

(ii) accept transfer or detail as a chaplain in the military department concerned upon completion of the period described in clause (i).

(c) Limitation on service credit - Notwithstanding section 533 of this title, a commissioned officer of the armed forces who completes a detail under this section may not be credited with more than four years of constructive service under such section 533 upon original appointment to the armed forces as a chaplain.

(d) Service obligation -

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the agreement of an officer or enlisted member under subsection (b) shall provide that the officer or enlisted member shall serve on active duty for two years for each year or part thereof of chaplaincy training completed under subsection (a), except that such agreement may not require more than a total of six years of service on active duty.

(2) The agreement of an officer or enlisted member under subsection (b) may authorize the officer or enlisted member to serve a portion of a service obligation on active duty and to complete the service obligation that remains upon separation from active duty in the Selected Reserve, in which case the officer or enlisted member shall serve three years in the Selected Reserve for each year or part thereof of the chaplaincy training of such officer or enlisted member under subsection (a) for any service obligation that was not completed before separation from active duty, except that such agreement may not require more than a total of nine years of service in the Selected Reserve.

(e) Selection of officers and enlisted members for detail - The Secretary of the military department concerned shall select officers and enlisted members for detail for chaplaincy training under subsection (a)—

(1) on a competitive basis;

(2) without regard to the duration of ordination or seminary requirements for the chaplaincy training in which an officer or enlisted member seeks to enroll; and

(3) based on the needs of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary.

(f) Relation of service obligations to other service obligations - Any service obligation incurred by an officer or enlisted member under an agreement entered into under subsection (b) shall be in addition to any service obligation incurred by such officer or enlisted member under any other provision of law or agreement, except that the total service obligation under this section and any other provision of law or agreement shall not exceed nine years.

(g) Expenses - Expenses incident to the detail of officers and enlisted members under this section shall be paid from any funds appropriated for the military department concerned.

(h) Failure to complete program - An officer or enlisted member who is dropped from a program of chaplaincy training to which detailed under subsection (a) for deficiency in conduct or studies, or for other reasons, may be required to—

(1) perform active duty in an appropriate military capacity in accordance with the active duty obligation imposed by regulations issued by the Secretary of Defense, except that in no case shall an officer or enlisted member be required to serve on active duty for any period in excess of one year for each year or part thereof he participated in the program; or

(2) repay the expenses incident to the detail of such officer or enlisted member and paid under subsection (f).

(i) Limitation on details - No agreement detailing an officer or enlisted member of the armed forces to a chaplaincy school may be entered into during any period in which the President is authorized by law to induct persons into the armed forces involuntarily. Nothing in this subsection shall affect any agreement entered into during any period when the President is not authorized by law to so induct persons into the armed forces.

(j) Reports - Not later than March 31, 2027, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the detail of commissioned officers and enlisted members of the armed forces under this section during the preceding fiscal year, including—

(1) the number of members of the armed forces detailed under this section, disagreggated by military department and religious faith of the members;

(2) the number of members of the armed forces who completed a detail under this section, disaggregated by military department and religious faith of the members;

(3) the number of members of the armed forces who have completed a detail under this section and been appointed as a chaplain in the armed forces, disaggregated by military department and religious faith of the members;

(4) the length of detail and total cost of participation, including pay, benefits, and educational expenses, for each member of the armed forces detailed under this section;

(5) a description of any barriers to participation in details under this section by religious faiths with lengthier or nontraditional formation requirements and any efforts by the Secretary to address any shortages of chaplains in the armed forces for particular religious faiths; and

(6) any recommendations of the Secretary for legislative or administrative changes to improve the equity, effectiveness, or fiscal management of the detail of members of the armed forces under this section.

505. Temporary increase in fiscal year percentage limitation for reduction or waiver of service-in-grade requirement for general and flag officers to be retired in pay grades O-7 and O-8

During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2027, subparagraph (C) of section 1370(b)(5) of title 10, United States Code, shall be applied by substituting "15 percent" for "10 percent".

506. Notice of removal of Judge Advocates General

(a) Army - Section 7037 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(f) If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days after the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.

(b) Navy - Section 8088 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(f) If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days after the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.

(c) Air force - Section 9037 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(g) If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days after the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.

507. Authority to waive prohibition on officers serving on successive selection boards for boards to consider officers for promotion to major general or rear admiral

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department may, during the three-year period following the date of the enactment of this Act, waive the limitation in section 612(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, in the case of a selection board that will consider officers for recommendation for promotion to the grade of major general or rear admiral if the Secretary of the military department determines that qualified officers on the active-duty list or Space Force officer list or otherwise authorized to serve on the board are not available in sufficient number to comprise that selection board.

508. Establishment of blast safety officer positions

(a) Establishment - Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall establish blast safety officer positions in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.

(b) Duties - Duties of a blast safety officer shall include the following, in accordance with standards established pursuant to section 735 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note):

(1) Overseeing the blast overpressure assessment and risk management program for members of the Armed Forces where activities present a potential blast overpressure exposure, including monitoring exposures, ensuring adherence to established risk management practices, and elevating risk decisions to commanders to ensure risks are appropriately managed and exposures are minimized.

(2) Ensuring that members of the Armed Forces with potential blast overpressure exposure receive training and education on associated health risks and mitigation protocols (including minimum safe distances).

(3) Overseeing the application of exposure controls, including personal protective equipment and engineering controls, and ensuring wearable sensors are employed for such members, with exposure data documented in the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System.

(4) Coordinating with occupational and environmental health professionals to ensure that blast exposed members receive appropriate medical surveillance follow‑up, with results documented, reported, and integrated into existing Department of Defense occupational and environmental health processes and systems.

(5) Maintaining blast overpressure exposure logs in the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System to inform long-term risk management and medical surveillance.

(6) Coordinating with range safety officers and personnel to integrate blast overpressure risk management into range safety programs, including range design, operation, and modification.

(c) Assignments - The Secretary of a military department concerned shall assign a blast safety officer to each component of an Armed Force where blast overpressure hazards are reasonably anticipated and in such a manner so as to ensure coverage across operational environments.

(d) Training; certification - A blast safety officer shall receive training and maintain a certification in blast safety.

B Reserve Component Management

511. Active and inactive transfers of officers of the Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard

Section 303 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(d)

(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army—

(A) an officer of the Army National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Army National Guard may be transferred from the active Army National Guard to the inactive Army National Guard; and

(B) an officer of the Army National Guard transferred to the inactive Army National Guard pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be transferred from the inactive Army National Guard to the active Army National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.

(2) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force—

(A) an officer of the Air National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Air National Guard may be transferred from the active Air National Guard to the inactive Air National Guard; and

(B) an officer of the Air National Guard transferred to the inactive Air National Guard pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be transferred from the inactive Air National Guard to the active Air National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.

512. National Guard: Active Guard and Reserve duty in response to a State disaster

(a) In general - Chapter 3 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 328 the following new section:

328a. Active Guard and Reserve duty: State disaster response duty

(a) Authority - The chief executive of a State who has declared an emergency in such State due to a disaster, may, with the consent of the Secretary of Defense, order a member of the National Guard of such State, who is performing Active Guard and Reserve duty pursuant to section 328 of this title, to perform duties in response to, or in preparation for, such disaster. Duty performed under this section shall be referred to as "State disaster response duty".

(b) Requirements - State disaster response duty performed pursuant to this section—

(1) shall be on a reimbursable basis, in accordance with subsection (c);

(2) may be performed to the extent that the performance of such duty does not interfere with the performance of the member’s primary Active Guard and Reserve duties of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, and training the reserve components; and

(3) shall not exceed a total of 14 days per member per calendar year, except that the Secretary of Defense may, if the chief executive so requests before the end of the 14th such day, authorize an extension of the duration of such duty, not to exceed an additional—

(A) 7 days, if the Secretary determines that such extension is appropriate; and

(B) 46 days if the Secretary determines that such duty is in support of the response to a catastrophic incident, as that term is defined in section 501 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 311).

(c) Reimbursement -

(1) The Secretary of the military department concerned shall charge a State for the fully burdened costs of manpower for each day of State disaster response duty performed pursuant to this section.

(2) Such charges shall be paid from the funds of the State of the requesting chief executive or from any other non-Federal funds.

(3) Any amounts received by a Secretary of a military department under this section shall be credited, at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, to—

(A) the appropriation, fund, or account used to pay such costs; or

(B) an appropriation, fund, or account available for the purposes for which such costs were incurred.

(4) If the State of the requesting chief executive is more than 90 days in arrears in reimbursing the Secretary of the military department concerned for State disaster response duty performed pursuant to this section, such duty may not be performed—

(A) unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense; and

(B) after the requesting chief executive obligates funds for the amount in arrears.

(d) Limitation of liability - While performing State disaster response duty under this section, a member of the National Guard is not an instrumentality of the United States with respect to any act or omission in carrying out such duty. The United States shall not be responsible for any claim or judgment arising from the use of a member of the National Guard under this section.

(e) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The term "Active Guard and Reserve duty" has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10.

(2) The term "State" has the meaning given such term in section 901 of this title.

(b) Regulations - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations under section 328a of such title, as added by subsection (a).

513. Report on effect of equipment shortfalls on ability of National Guard to perform homeland defense activities

Section 908(b) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(5) A description of the effect of any equipment shortfall on the ability of the National Guard of a State to perform a homeland defense activity.

514. Report on National Guard sexual assault prevention and response training

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than March 30 of each year thereafter through March 30, 2031, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report identifying the number of members of the National Guard who received sexual assault prevention and response training in the calendar year preceding the date of the report, disaggregated by State.

515. Study and report on members of the reserve components: consideration of amount of time of service in activation; authority to waive limitation on release from active duty

(a) Study - The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the recommendations of the Secretary regarding—

(1) consideration of the amount of time in service or on active duty of a member of a reserve component in making a determination to order the member to active duty; and

(2) the ability of a member of a reserve component to waive the limitation on release from active duty under section 12686(b) of title 10, United States Code.

(b) Elements - The study under subsection (a) shall address the following:

(1) In evaluating the suitability of a member of a reserve component to be ordered to active duty, whether to consider the amount of time of service—

(A) in the Armed Forces of such member;

(B) on active duty of such member; and

(C) on active duty by such member that would result in such member becoming eligible for retired pay or retainer pay under a purely military retirement system (other than the retirement system under chapter 1223 of such title).

(2) Whether to change the applicability of the waiver under section 12686(b) of such title from an order to active duty that specifies a period of less than 180 days to an order to active duty that specifies a period of less than 365 days.

(c) Use of information - In carrying out this section, the Secretary concerned may provide, to a person performing an evaluation described in subsection (b)(1), information on the relevant experience of a member, including the amount of time a member has performed duties relevant to the duty for which such member is being evaluated.

(d) Report - Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study under this section.

C General Service Authorities and Military Records

521. Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record: codification; expansion

(a) Expansion - Chapter 50 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

996. Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record

(a) Establishment - The Secretary of Defense shall maintain a data system that is a central web portal for exposure-related data that compiles, collates, presents, and provides available occupational and environmental exposure information to support the needs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such data system shall be referred to as the "Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record".

(b) Elements - The Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record includes the following elements:

(1) Service records of members of the armed forces.

(2) All data available to the Secretary regarding how, where, and when members of the armed forces have been exposed to various occupational or environmental hazards.

(3) Medical records of members relating to exposures described in paragraph (2), including diagnoses, treatment plans, and laboratory data.

(c) Service records - If a member is a member described in paragraph (2) of subsection (b), the Secretary shall include the data described in such paragraph in the service record of such member.

(d) Data sharing - The Secretary shall provide access to information in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record to the following:

(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(2) The Director of the Defense Health Agency, for use by health care providers, epidemiologists, and researchers of the Department of Defense.

(3) The Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs, for use by health care providers, epidemiologists, and researchers of such department.

(4) The Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department of Veterans Affairs, for use by personnel of such department regarding compensation and benefits for service-connected disabilities or death.

(e) Annual briefing -

(1) The Secretary of Defense shall submit, to the committees specified in paragraph (2), an annual briefing regarding the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, including an explanation of how the Secretary intends to include in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record data described in subsection (b)(2) in cases where part or all of such data is classified.

(2) The committees specified in this paragraph are the following:

(A) The Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.

(B) The Committee on Armed Services of House of Representatives.

(C) The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate.

(D) The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.

(b) Conforming amendment - Section 1171(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(2) The term "Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record" means the data system maintained under section 996 of title 10.

522. Women’s initiative teams

(a) In general - Chapter 50 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

997. Establishment of women’s initiative teams

(a) Establishment - The Secretary concerned shall establish a women’s initiative team in each of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force to identify and address barriers, if any, to the service, recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in those armed forces.

(b) Duties - Each women’s initiative team established under subsection (a) shall—

(1) identify and address issues, if any, that hinder service by women in the armed force in which such team is established;

(2) support the recruitment and retention of women in such armed force;

(3) recommend policy changes that support the needs of women members of such armed force; and

(4) foster a sense of community.

(c) Composition - Each women’s initiative team established under subsection (a) shall be composed of members of the armed force in which such team is established of a variety of ranks, backgrounds, and occupational specialities.

(d) Collaboration - A women’s initiative team established under subsection (a) shall work collaboratively with the leadership of the armed force in which such team is established and other stakeholders to carry out the duties described in subsection (b).

(b) Reports - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the date that is five years after such date, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the activities and progress of each women’s initiative team established under section 996 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). Each report shall include the following:

(1) A description of the structure, membership, and organizational alignment of each women’s initiative team.

(2) A summary of key activities and initiatives undertaken by each team.

(3) An assessment of the impact of such activities on improving conditions for women, including measurable outcomes where available.

(4) Recommendations for legislative or policy changes to further support the success of the teams.

523. Honorary promotions on the initiative of the Department of Defense

Section 1563a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in paragraph (1)—

(i) by striking "the Secretary may make an honorary promotion (whether or not posthumous) of a former" and inserting "the Secretary of a military department may make an honorary promotion, including a posthumous honorary promotion, of a former"; and

(ii) by striking "if the Secretary determines that the promotion is merited"; and

(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

(2) The honorary grade to which a member described in paragraph (1) is promoted shall be commensurate with such member’s contributions to the armed forces or the national defense.

(3) The Secretary of a military department is not authorized to make an honorary promotion under paragraph (1) solely on the basis that a member described in paragraph (1) was recommended for such promotion prior to separating from the armed forces.

(4)

(A) The Secretary of a military department is only authorized to make an honorary promotion under paragraph (1) upon receipt of a favorable recommendation by a board of at least three independent officers convened specifically for the purpose of reviewing the proposed honorary promotion.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, an officer is an independent officer if—

(i) the officer has no relationship with the former member or retired member of the armed forces whose proposed honorary promotion is the subject of review by the board on which such officer will serve under this paragraph; and

(ii) the officer has no personal interest in the proposed honorary promotion.

(2) in subsection (b), by striking "The Secretary" and inserting "The Secretary of a military department"; and

(3) in subsection (c), by striking " the Secretary" and inserting "the Secretary of the military department concerned".

524. Enhanced efficiency and service discretion for Disability Evaluation System reviews

(a) Secretarial discretion and statements of contention for appeals to physical evaluation board determinations of fitness for duty - Section 524 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended—

(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking "Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary" and inserting "The Secretary"; and

(2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: "The Secretary concerned may require submission of a statement of contention as part of the appeal submission.".

(b) Statements of contention for physical evaluation boards - Section 1214 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "if he demands it." and inserting "if the member demands it. The Secretary concerned may require submission of a statement of contention as part of the demand.".

525. Requirement of equal opportunity, racial neutrality, and exclusive use of merit in military personnel actions

Section 529C of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 501) is amended, in subsection (a), by striking "or a promotion" and inserting ", promotion, or command selection".

526. Report on adequacy of reimbursement for costs of permanent change of station

(a) Report required - Not later than March 31, 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 adequacy of reimbursements for expenses incurred by members of the Armed Forces undergoing a permanent change of station.

(b) Survey requirements - In preparing the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—

(1) conduct a comprehensive survey of not fewer than 10,000 members of the Armed Forces who complete a permanent change of station during fiscal year 2026 or 2027 that—

(A) collects detailed information on actual expenses incurred, both reimbursed and unreimbursed;

(B) includes options for members to upload receipts and documentation electronically, provided that such uploads are supplemental and optional;

(C) is designed to ensure statistical validity;

(D) achieves response rates sufficient to ensure representative samples from each military department and pay grade category; and

(E) includes questions regarding financial stress, debt incurrence, and impact on military retention decisions;

(2) conduct follow-up surveys with a subset of respondents to gather additional detail on specific cost categories;

(3) survey military spouses separately regarding employment-related costs and career impacts of permanent changes of station; and

(4) consult with military relief societies regarding financial assistance patterns and trends relating to permanent changes of station.

(c) Elements -

(1) Analysis of reimbursement categories -

(A) Analysis - For each of the categories described in subparagraph (B), the report required by subsection (a) shall include—

(i) an identification of all expenses intended to be covered;

(ii) an identification of related expenses that are not covered;

(iii) the average actual costs incurred by members of the Armed Forces for both covered and uncovered expenses, based on survey data from not fewer than 10,000 permanent changes of station conducted during fiscal years 2025 and 2026, accounting for peak and non-peak cycles;

(iv) a comparison of actual costs to reimbursement amounts;

(v) a justification for the inclusion or exclusion of specific expenses; and

(vi) recommendations for modifications to coverage or reimbursement rates.

(B) Categories - The categories described in this subparagraph are as follows:

(i) Dislocation allowance.

(ii) Temporary lodging expense and temporary lodging allowance.

(iii) Per diem allowances.

(iv) Monetary allowance in lieu of transportation.

(v) Personally procured move reimbursements.

(vi) Household goods shipment and storage entitlements.

(vii) Dependent travel allowances.

(viii) Pet transportation reimbursement.

(ix) Any other allowances or reimbursements related to permanent changes of station.

(2) Uncovered expense analysis - The report required under subsection (a) shall include an examination of expenses commonly incurred but not reimbursed, including—

(A) security deposits and advance rent payments;

(B) utility and telecommunication connection and disconnection fees;

(C) contract termination penalties;

(D) State vehicle registration and driver’s license fees;

(E) pet transportation costs;

(F) temporary storage beyond authorized limits;

(G) childcare registration for dependents; and

(H) replacement of household items damaged or unsuitable for new location.

(3) Financial impact assessment - The report required under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of the financial impact of permanent changes of station on members of the Armed Forces, including—

(A) average out-of-pocket expenses by pay grade;

(B) percentage of members incurring debt due to expenses related to a permanent change of station;

(C) impact on the emergency savings of members of the Armed Forces; and

(D) utilization rates of military relief society assistance for financial hardship relating to permanent changes of station.

(4) Methodology for future adjustments - The report required under subsection (a) shall include recommendations for establishing an annual review and adjustment process for reimbursements for costs relating to a permanent change of station that accounts for—

(A) inflation and cost-of-living changes;

(B) regional variations in moving costs, including those related to status of forces agreements, currency fluctuation, local housing markets, and pet importation or quarantine requirements;

(C) changes in typical household composition and needs; and

(D) emerging categories of relocation expenses.

(d) Disaggregation requirements - The report required by subsection (a) shall include all data disaggregated by—

(1) permanent changes of station within the continental United States;

(2) permanent changes of station from the continental United States to locations outside the continental United States;

(3) permanent changes of station from locations outside the continental United States to the continental United States;

(4) permanent changes of station between locations outside the continental United States;

(5) pay grade of the members undergoing a permanent change of station;

(6) family status of the member;

(7) distance between the permanent station from which the member is transferring to the permanent station to which the member is transferring;

(8) duty status of the member;

(9) whether the member participates in the Exceptional Family Member Program; and

(10) origin and destination installation.

(e) Data integration - The report shall, to the maximum extent practicable, incorporate and reconcile data from existing systems of the Department of Defense.

(f) Data privacy and custody -

(1) In general - The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all data collected to carry out this section remains under the custody and control of the Department of Defense.

(2) Use of contractors - The Secretary shall prohibit any contractor supporting implementation of this section from use of data collected to carry out this section other than for purposes of this section, including with respect to use in artificial intelligence model training, commercial applications, or other derivative purposes.

(g) Interim briefing - Not later than March 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interim briefing on preliminary findings and anticipated recommendations of the report required under subsection (a).

D Recruitment and Accession

531. Recruiter access to secondary schools

Section 503(c)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking clauses (i) through (iii) and inserting the following new clauses:

(i) shall provide to a military recruiter, for the purpose of recruiting students who are at least 17 years old, access—

(I) to the campus of a secondary school under the jurisdiction of such local educational agency; and

(II) that is equivalent to access provided to such campus to a prospective employer of such students, an institution of higher education, or another recruiter;

(ii) shall, upon the request of a military recruiter for the purpose described in clause (i), provide access to at least one in-person recruitment event (such as a career fair) per academic year; and

(iii) shall, upon the request of a military recruiter for the purpose described in clause (i), provide, not later than 30 days after receiving such request, access to secondary school student names, addresses, electronic mail addresses (which shall be the electronic mail addresses provided by the school, if available), and telephone and mobile phone listings, notwithstanding subsection (a)(5) of section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g).

532. Alternative service in areas of national interest by individuals denied enlistment

(a) In general - Section 504 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(c) Alternative service in areas of national interest -

(1) The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program to provide to an individual described in paragraph (2) information about opportunities to work in areas of national interest to the United States.

(2) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual who seeks to originally enlist in an armed force but is denied enlistment.

(3) In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

(A) identify job opportunities in the defense industrial base, cybersecurity or intelligence support, research and development in defense technologies, national emergency and disaster preparedness, or any other non-military field the Secretary considers in the national interests of the United States;

(B) provide available information about training or certification programs to obtain the skills necessary for such a job; and

(C) seek to enter into agreements with entities in the fields described in subparagraph (A).

(4) The Secretary of Defense shall annually submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the program required by this subsection. Such report shall include, with respect to the year preceding the date of the report, the following elements:

(A) The number of individuals described in paragraph (2) provided information described in paragraph (3)(A).

(B) The number of individuals described in paragraph (2) provided information described in paragraph (3)(B).

(C) The number of agreements described in paragraph (3)(C) into which the Secretary entered.

(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 regarding the implementation of subsection (c) of such section, as added by subsection (a) of this section.

533. Medical accession standards for members of the Armed Forces

Chapter 37 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

658. Medical accession standards for members of the armed forces

(a) Establishment of standards -

(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe uniform medical accession standards for the appointment, enlistment, or induction of individuals into the armed forces.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall make readily available and understandable to applicants for military service the medical accession standards established under paragraph (1), including an explanation of the process for a review or waiver of a medical disqualification under subsection (b).

(b) Process for review or waiver of medical disqualifications -

(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish a process for the review of medical disqualifications of persons seeking to become a member of the armed forces and for granting waivers of those medical disqualifications. Determinations shall be based on all available information regarding the medical condition and the operational needs of the military service concerned.

(2) The waiver process shall include criteria permitting waivers when such action is in the interests of national security, defined as a compelling governmental interest in accessing an individual whose service would directly support the Department’s warfighting capabilities.

(c) Reports -

(1) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report identifying—

(A) the number of persons disqualified from service as a member of the armed forces during the preceding calendar year due to medical history;

(B) the number and type of approvals granted under subsection (b) during the preceding calendar year; and

(C) any revisions to the medical accession standards established under subsection (a) or the waiver process established under subsection (b) since the preceding report.

(2) In any fiscal year in which the accession of a person into the Coast Guard is approved under the process established under subsection (b), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report identifying the information required under paragraph (1)(B) with respect to such member.

534. Clarifying the calculation of enlistments for persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level for the future servicemember preparatory course

Section 546 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 520 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(4) Effect of course graduation - The Secretary concerned may exclude from the population to be considered for purposes of determining the percentage limitations imposed by section 520(a) of title 10, United States Code, any enlisted person who has graduated from a future servicemember preparatory course established pursuant to this section with a score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test that is at or above the thirty-first percentile, provided that—

(A) the Armed Forces Qualifications Test score that is at or above the thirty-first percentile is obtained within the same fiscal year in which the individual was originally enlisted to serve on active duty; and

(B) such score is obtained during the period the individual was originally enlisted to serve on active duty, as determined by the Secretary concerned.

(2) in subsection (d)—

(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (8), respectively;

(B) by inserting before paragraph (3), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), the following new paragraphs:

(1) The percentage of nonprior service enlisted persons who scored below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test upon original enlistment.

(2) The percentage of nonprior service enlisted persons who scored below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test following graduation from the preparatory course or subsequent reclassification, as applicable.

(C) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking "prepatory" and inserting "preparatory".

535. Selective Service System: automatic registration

(a) Automatic registration - The Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.) is amended by striking section 3 (50 U.S.C. 3802) and inserting the following new section 3:

3. Technical and conforming amendments

(a)

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this title, every male citizen of the United States, and every other male person residing in the United States, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, shall be automatically registered under this Act by the Director of the Selective Service System.

(2) This section shall not apply to any alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101) for so long as such alien continues to maintain a lawful nonimmigrant status in the United States.

(b) Regulations prescribed pursuant to this section (a) may require—

(1) a person subject to registration under this section to provide, to the Director, information (including date of birth, address, social security account number, phone number, and email address) regarding such person;

(2) a Federal entity to provide, to the Director, information described in paragraph (1) that the Director determines necessary to identify or register a person subject to registration under this section; and

(3) the Director to provide, to a person registered under this section, written notification that—

(A) such person has been so registered; and

(B) if such person is not required to be so registered, the procedure by which such person may correct such registration.

(b) The Military Selective Service Act is further amended—

(1) in section 4 (50 U.S.C. 3803)—

(A) in subsection (a)—

(i) by striking "required to register" each place it appears and inserting "registered";

(ii) by striking "at the time fixed for his registration,"; and

(iii) by striking "who is required to register" and inserting "registered";

(B) in subsection (k)(2), in the matter following subparagraph(B), by striking "liable for registration" and inserting "registered";

(2) in section 6(a) (50 U.S.C. 3806(a))—

(A) in paragraph (1)—

(i) by striking "required to be";

(ii) by striking "subject to registration" and inserting "registered"; and

(iii) by striking "liable for registration and training" and inserting "registered and liable for training";

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking "required to be" each place it appears;

(3) in section 10(b)(3) (50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(3)) by striking "registration,";

(4) in section 12 (50 U.S.C. 3811)—

(A) in subsection (d)—

(i) by striking ", neglecting, or refusing to perform the duty of registering imposed by" and inserting "registration under"; and

(ii) by striking ", or within five years next after the last day before such person does perform his duty to register, whichever shall first occur";

(B) in subsection (e)—

(i) by striking "the Secretary of Health and Human Services" and inserting "Federal agencies";

(ii) by striking "by a proclamation of the President" and inserting "to be registered";

(iii) by striking "to present themselves for and submit to registration under such section"; and

(iv) by striking "by the Secretary"; and

(C) by striking subsection (g) (50 U.S.C. 3811(g)); and

(5) in section 15(a) (50 U.S.C. 3813(a)), by striking "upon publication by the President of a proclamation or other public notice fixing a time for any registration under section 3".

(c) Effective date - The amendments made by this section shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

E Member Training

541. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor qualifications

Section 2031(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(3) The Secretary concerned may not require an officer or noncommissioned officer described in paragraph (1)(B) to have completed more than 8 years of service as a member of the armed forces as a condition for approval by the Secretary to serve as an administrator or instructor in the program.

542. Number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units

(a) In general - Section 2031(i) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "support not fewer than 3,400, and not more than 4,000, units" and inserting "support not fewer than 3,600, and not more than 4,200, units".

(b) Effective date - The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2027.

(c) Repeal of superseded provision - Section 545 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159) is repealed.

543. Requirements with respect to motorcycle safety training

Chapter 21 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2009 the following new section:

2010. Requirements with respect to motorcycle safety training

The Secretaries of the military departments shall ensure that all beginner motorcycle safety training provided to members of the Armed Forces meets the motorcycle safety training requirements for licensing of the State in which the permanent station of the member receiving the training is located.

544. Repeal of annual certifications related to the Ready, Relevant Learning initiative of the Navy

Section 545 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. 8431 note prec.) is repealed.

545. Mandatory training on government ethics and national security law

(a) Annual training on government ethics and standards of conduct -

(1) In general - Beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of each military department shall ensure that all members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary are trained annually in government ethics and standards of conduct.

(2) Implementation plan - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act the Secretary of each military department shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation plan for carrying out the requirements of paragraph (1), including—

(A) resources and personnel required to provide the training required by paragraph (1);

(B) the curriculum for such training;

(C) the manner in which training will be provided and the mode of the delivery of such training; and

(D) any other matter related to such training the Secretary considers appropriate.

(b) Training on the law of armed conflict and rules of engagement - The Secretary of each military department shall ensure that all members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary are trained during the 90-day period that ends on the date of a mobilization or deployment on the following topics, as applicable:

(1) The law of armed conflict.

(2) Rules of engagement.

(3) Defense support for civil authorities.

(4) Standing rules for the use of force.

(5) The Code of Conduct for Members of the Armed Forces of the United States as prescribed in Executive Order 10631 or any successor Executive Order.

546. Temporary authority to provide bonuses to Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors

(a) In general - The Secretary concerned may pay to a member or former member of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary a one-time bonus of not more than $10,000 if the member or former member—

(1) agrees to be an instructor for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps under section 2031(d) of title 10, United States Code, in a position the Secretary concerned determines is difficult to fill; and

(2) serves as such an instructor for not less than one academic year.

(b) Briefing required - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination date described in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on—

(1) the use of the authority provided by subsection (a); and

(2) the effectiveness of bonuses provided under subsection (a) on increasing the number of instructors for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

(c) Termination - The authority provided by subsection (a) terminates on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(d) Secretary concerned defined - In this section, the term "Secretary concerned" has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

547. Pilot program for generative artificial intelligence and spatial computing for performance training and proficiency assessment

(a) Establishment - Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop and implement a pilot program to optimize the use of generative artificial intelligence and spatial computing for immersive training and assessment.

(b) Elements - The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall include—

(1) the development of content with respect to not less than 5 occupational specialties; and

(2) methods to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of generative artificial intelligence and spatial computing training methods in comparison to other training methods, particularly with respect to cost and time required to achieve training goals.

(c) Termination - The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is one year after the date of the establishment of the program.

(d) Report - Not later than 90 days after the termination of the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing the results of the pilot program, including an analysis of the effectiveness of the use of generative artificial intelligence and spatial computing for training and a description of any cost savings and savings in time required to achieve training goals.

548. Limitation on authority to reorganize the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army

(a) Briefing on reorganization plans - Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the plans of the Secretary of the Army with respect to reorganization of the program or individual units of the program. Such briefing shall include the following:

(1) The number of members of the program anticipated to be affected by such a reorganization at each educational institution.

(2) An identification of the requirements for members of the program who are members of a unit that will close or whose position within a unit will be eliminated to transfer to another unit of the program.

(3) An identification of alternative pathways for members of the program affected by a reorganization to be appointed as a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces.

(b) Limitations -

(1) Briefing prior to reorganization - The Secretary of the Army may not reorganize a unit of the program of the Army until the date that is 90 days after the date on which the Secretary, acting through the Army Cadet Command, 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 Army 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 shall ensure that any reorganization of a unit of the program of the Army 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 Army without the member being required to transfer to another educational institution.

(c) 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.

549. Accreditation of National Guard Marksmanship Training Center

(a) Accreditation - The Secretary of the Army may accredit the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center (hereinafter, "NGMTC"), located at Robinson Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas, as a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command institution.

(b) Validation - Upon accreditation, the Secretary may designate the Small Arms Weapons Expert and Squad Designated Marksman programs of instruction taught at NGMTC as Training Operations Management Activity validated, National Guard-centric courses.

(c) Additional skill identifier - The Secretary may award the Master Marksman Training additional skill identifier to members of the Army National Guard who successfully complete both programs specified in subsection (b).

(d) Briefing - Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a briefing regarding—

(1) the determination of the Secretary whether to use the authorities under subsections (a) through (c);

(2) any progress of the Secretary in integrating such programs into the Army Program Objective Memorandum; and

(3) the determination of the Secretary whether to establish a Modified Table of Organization and Equipment requirement associated with the additional skill identifier described in subsection (c) to ensure enduring demand and sustainment.

(e) Rule of construction - Nothing in this section shall be construed to transfer operational control, administrative authority, or ownership of the facility of the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center from the Army National Guard to the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the National Guard Bureau.

F Member Education

551. Modification to maximum years of service for eligibility detail as a student at a law school

(a) Modification - Section 2004(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (A)—

(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking "detailed pursuant to subsection (a)(1)" and inserting "with respect to whom the Secretary of a military department is providing funding for educational expenses in accordance with subsection (a)(2)"; and

(B) in clause (ii), by striking "eight years" and inserting "10 years"; and

(2) in subparagraph (B) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking "detailed pursuant to subsection (a)(2)" and inserting "with respect to whom the Secretary of a military department is not providing funding for educational expenses in accordance with subsection (a)(3)".

(b) Technical amendment - Section 2004(b)(3)(C) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in clause (i), by striking "subsection (a)(1)" and inserting "subsection (a)(2)"; and

(2) in clause (ii), by striking "subsection (a)(2)" and inserting "subsection (a)(3)".

552. Inclusion of Space Force education programs in definitions regarding professional military education

(a) Senior and intermediate level service schools - Section 2151(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(E) The Space Force Senior Level Education Program.

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

(E) The Space Force Intermediate Level Education Program.

(b) Budget requests for professional military education - Section 2162(d) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

(9) The Space Force Senior Level Education Program.

(10) The Space Force Intermediate Level Education Program.

553. Asynchronous instruction in distance education option for professional military education

Subsection (c)(1) of section 2154 of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 555 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1896), is amended by inserting "asynchronously and" after "course of instruction".

554. Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies

(a) Establishment - Section 2165(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (4), by inserting "(including a Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies)" after "The Institute for National Strategic Studies".

(b) Mission - The mission of the Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies established under such paragraph shall be to—

(1) prepare national security leaders to address the challenges of strategic deterrence and weapons of mass destruction through education, research, and outreach activities throughout the Federal Government;

(2) develop leaders with an understanding of strategic deterrence and the implications of weapons of mass destruction;

(3) in accordance with guidance provided by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, develop and provide appropriate curricula, learning outcomes, and educational tools relating to strategic deterrence and weapons of mass destruction for use at institutions that provide joint professional military education;

(4) serve as the primary institution within the Department of Defense for the study of strategic deterrence and weapons of mass destruction education in joint professional military education;

(5) design, develop, and implement studies and analyses to enhance understanding of—

(A) strategic deterrence;

(B) the threat of weapons of mass destruction to the security of the United States and globally; and

(C) responses to prevent, mitigate, or eliminate the threat in accordance with Department and national security policies and strategies; and

(6) provide expert support on strategic deterrence and weapons of mass destruction issues to the Secretary of Defense and other Federal Government leaders.

555. Military service academy nominations

(a) United States Military Academy - Section 7442(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "9 ranked or unranked alternates" and inserting "up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates".

(b) United States Naval Academy - Section 8454 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the section heading, by striking number and inserting appointment; numbers, territorial distribution; and

(2) in subsection (a), by striking "9 ranked or unranked alternates" and inserting "up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates".

(c) United States Air Force Academy - Section 9442(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "9 ranked or unranked alternates" and inserting "up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates".

556. Modifications to alternative obligation for cadets and midshipmen

(a) United States Military Academy - Section 7448(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking "three" and inserting "five".

(b) United States Naval Academy - Section 8459(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking "three" and inserting "five".

(c) United States Air Force Academy - Section 9448(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking "three" and inserting "five".

557. Modification to the designation of Members of the House of Representatives to the Boards of Visitors of Service Academies

(a) United States Military Academy - Section 7455(a)(8) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "one other member" and inserting "two other members".

(b) United States Naval Academy - Section 8468(a)(8) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "one other member" and inserting "two other members".

(c) United States Air Force Academy - Section 9455(a)(8) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "one other member" and inserting "two other members".

558. Director of Admissions of the United States Naval Academy

(a) In general - Chapter 853 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8451a the following new section:

8451b. Director of admissions

(a) Establishment and Appointment - There is a director of admissions of the Naval Academy. The director of admissions shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall perform such duties as the Superintendent of the Naval Academy may prescribe with the approval of the Secretary of the Navy.

(b) Grade -

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a person appointed as director of admissions of the Naval Academy has the regular grade of commander in the Navy or lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps.

(2) A person serving as director of admissions shall have the regular grade of captain in the Navy or colonel in the Marine Corps upon the earlier of—

(A) the date on which such person completes six years of service as the director of admissions; and

(B) the date on which such person would have been promoted had the person been selected for promotion from among officers in the promotion zone.

(c) Detail - The President may detail any officer of the Navy or the Marine Corps in a grade above lieutenant or captain, respectively, to perform the duties of director of admissions without appointing the officer as director of admissions. Such a detail does not affect the position of the officer on the active-duty list.

(b) Continuation of service of current director of admissions - Notwithstanding subsection (a) of section 8451b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, the person serving as the director of admissions of the Naval Academy on the date of the enactment of this Act—

(1) may serve as the director of admissions of the Naval Academy until the date on which—

(A) a director of admissions is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, in accordance with subsection (a) of such section 8451b; or

(B) the President details an officer to perform the duties of the director of admissions in accordance with subsection (c) of such section 8451b; and

(2) has the regular grade described in subsection (b) of such section 8451b.

559. Detail of members of the Space Force as instructors at Air Force Institute of Technology

(a) In general - Section 9414 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking the heading and inserting the following new heading:

9414. United States Air Force Institute of Technology: degree granting authority; faculty, reimbursement and tuition; acceptance of research grants

(2) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and

(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:

(e) Space Force faculty -

(1) The Secretary shall detail members of the Space Force as instructors at the United States Air Force Institute of Technology to provide instruction in areas that support the mission of the Space Force.

(2) The number of members of the Space Force detailed by the Secretary to the United States Air Force Institute of Technology as instructors during an academic year shall be equal to or greater than the product of—

(A) the total number of members of the Space Force divided by the total number of members of the Space Force and the Air Force; and

(B) the total number of instructors at the United States Air Force Institute of Technology.

(b) Report - Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of subsection (e) of section 9414 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, including—

(1) an identification of the number, academic specialties, and courses of instruction of the members of the Space Force detailed as instructors at the United States Air Force Institute of Technology; and

(2) an assessment of the contributions of those instructors to Space Force objectives.

559A. Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs or activities at the military service academies that are designated for women or girls

(a) In general - The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy do not permit a person enrolled at such an Academy whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls.

(b) Rule of construction - Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy from permitting males to train or practice with an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls so long as no female is deprived of a roster spot on a team or sport, opportunity to participate in a practice or competition, scholarship, admission to an educational institution, or any other benefit that accompanies participating in the athletic program or activity.

(c) Definitions - In this section—

(1) the term "athletic programs and activities" includes all programs or activities that are provided conditional upon participation with any athletic team; and

(2) the term "sex" means a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

559B. Organization of Army War College

The Secretary of the Army shall—

(1) incorporate the Army War College into the Army University; and

(2) direct the head of the Army War College to report to the head of the Army University.

G Military Justice and Other Legal Matters

561. Qualifications for judge advocates

(a) In general - Section 806 of title 10, United States Code (article 6 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (d) as subsections (b) through (e), respectively; and

(2) by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following new subsection:

(a)

(1) A member of the armed forces may only serve as a judge advocate if such member—

(A) is admitted to the practice of law before the highest court of a State, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia;

(B) maintains a license status that provides current eligibility to actively practice law before such court;

(C) is subject to the disciplinary review process of the jurisdiction in which such member maintains such a license status; and

(D) is in compliance with any other requirements of such jurisdiction to remain eligible to practice law in such jurisdiction.

(2) The Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps may suspend the authority of a judge advocate of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps, respectively, to perform legal duties if such judge advocate becomes noncompliant with the requirements of paragraph (1). A member of the armed forces who is suspended or disbarred from the practice of law within a jurisdiction may not perform legal duties.

(b) Conforming amendments -

(1) Trial counsel and defense counsel - Section 827(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 27(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended to read as follows:

(1) must be a judge advocate who is qualified under section 806(a)(1) of this title (article 6(a)(1)); and

(2) Special trial counsel - Section 824a(b)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code (article 24a(b)(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended to read as follows:

(A) is a judge advocate who is qualified under section 806(a)(1) of this title (article 6(a)(1)); and

562. Ensuring the availability of legal advice to commanders

Section 806(b) of title 10, United States Code (article 6(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as redesignated by section 561(a)(1) of this title, is amended—

(1) by striking "The assignment" and inserting

(1)

"The assignment"; and

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

(2) The assignment for duty of judge advocates pursuant to this subsection shall include qualified judge advocates in numbers sufficient to provide legal advice to all commanders responsible for planning and organizing military operations (including commanders of and within commands assigned to a combatant command or the United States element of the North American Aerospace Defense Command as established pursuant to sections 161 and 162 of this title) and all commanders authorized to convene courts-martial under sections 822 through 824 of this title (articles 22 through 24). The qualifications of judge advocates assigned to provide legal advice to commanders under this paragraph shall include—

(A) the qualifications set forth in subsection (a)(1); and

(B) any additional education, expertise, or experience determined to be necessary to fulfill the requirements of this paragraph by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force concerned, or in the case of the Marine Corps, by the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

563. Analysis of potential modifications to the offense of wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Section 569F of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1908) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ", in coordination with the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice," after "Secretary of Defense";

(B) in paragraph (1), by striking "and" at the end;

(C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);

(D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:

(2) analyze the feasibility and advisability of, and potential approaches to, modifying the offense of wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images under section 917a of title 10, United States Code (article 117a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)—

(A) to clarify its applicability to the nonconsensual distribution of digital forgeries (commonly known as "deepfakes"); and

(B) to include such other changes as are indicated in the amendment proposed by section 552 of the H.R. 3838, as engrossed in the House of Representatives on September 10, 2025; and

(E) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by striking "provide the results of such analysis to the Committees" and inserting "not later than December 31, 2026, submit a report on the results of the analyses required under paragraphs (1) and (2) to the Committees"; and

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), by striking "and" at the end;

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and

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

(3) the advisability of modifying section 917a of title 10, United States Code (article 117a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) in the manner described in subsection (a)(2) and such other approaches to the modification of such section (article) as the Secretary considers appropriate.

564. Revision to sexual assault prevention and response training guidance

(a) Revision requirement - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in coordination with the Director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office of the Department of Defense, shall revise sexual assault prevention and response training guidance to require that information on the resources of the Department of Veterans Affairs to address experiences with unwanted sexual behavior be included in the annual or periodic sexual assault prevention and response training that is administered to all members of the Armed Forces.

(b) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The term "unwanted sexual behavior" means any sexual contact or sexual interaction to which an individual does not or could not freely consent, including harassment, coercion, assault, or abuse.

(2) The term "sexual assault prevention and response training" means any training, instruction, or education provided pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 6495.02, Volume 2, or any successor guidance.

565. Notification of military sex offenders at military installations

(a) In general - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a policy to ensure that registered sex offenders who reside or work on military installations are identified to the respective military community, including, as necessary, through agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies.

(b) Report on designation of Department of Defense as jurisdiction under SORNA - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report assessing the advisability and desirability of designating the Department of Defense as a jurisdiction for purposes of notification requirements under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (title I of Public Law 109–248; 34 U.S.C. 20901 et seq.).

566. Analysis of the advisability of modifying the definition of abusive sexual contact under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

(a) Analysis required - The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice, shall analyze the advisability of modifying the definition of abusive sexual contact under section 920 of title 10, United States Code (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), to address the full range of harmful behaviors associated with sexual assault and to prevent misapplication of the offense to acts that are not inherently abusive.

(b) Report - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report detailing the results of the analysis under subsection (a) and any associated recommendations.

567. Analysis of the advisability of establishing a punitive article for child pornography-related offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

(a) Analysis required - The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice, shall analyze the feasibility and advisability of establishing a dedicated punitive article under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to address offenses relating to child pornography.

(b) Report - Not later than December 31, 2026, 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 under subsection (a) and any associated recommendations.

H Career Transition

571. Transition Assistance Program: amendments; pilot program; reports

(a) Provision of preseparation counseling: in-person to the extent practicable - Subsection (a) of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (2)—

(1) by inserting

(A)

before "In carrying"; and

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

(B) Preseparation counseling may be provided in person to the extent practicable. If the Secretary concerned determines that it is infeasible for a member to attend such counseling in person, such member may receive such counseling remotely, with online access to modules and reading materials.

(b) Tracking of timeliness - Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(C) The Secretary of Defense may implement a system to track how many, and what percentage of, members begin to receive preseparation counseling within time periods specified in this paragraph.

(c) Waiver for certain members of the reserve components - Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(D) The Secretary concerned may waive the requirement for preseparation counseling under paragraph (1) in the case of a member of the reserve components if—

(i) the member requests such a waiver;

(ii) the member received preseparation counseling during the period of three years preceding the date of such request; and

(iii) matters covered by such counseling, specified in subsection (b), have not changed since the member last received such counseling.

(d) Minimum amount of counseling regarding financial planning - Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (9)—

(1) by inserting (A) before "Financial";

(2) by inserting "and debt management," after "loans" ; and

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

(B) Individualized assistance regarding matters described in subparagraph (A).

(e) Website of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding programs for new veterans - Section 523 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(c) The Secretary shall maintain a publicly available website of the Department through which a veteran or dependent of a veteran may search by ZIP code for programs for—

(1) veterans who recently separated from active military, naval, air, or space service; or

(2) dependents of veterans described in paragraph (1).

(f) Pilot program for military spouses -

(1) Authority - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot program for spouses of members of the covered Armed Forces who are eligible to receive preseparation counseling under TAP.

(2) Voluntary basis - Participation in such a pilot program shall be on a voluntary basis.

(3) Curriculum - The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor, shall establish a curriculum based on TAP for such a pilot program. The Secretary of Defense shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives and the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives of such establishment

(4) Counseling - Counseling under such a pilot program shall—

(A) be tailored to the military spouse and family;

(B) be offered at least once per calendar quarter at each location selected under paragraph (5);

(C) be scheduled and delivered in a manner that maximizes accessibility for military spouses, including through flexible or alternative scheduling options; and

(D) include at least one hour regarding benefits and assistance available to military families and veterans from each department under the jurisdiction of the Secretaries specified in paragraph (3).

(5) Locations - The Secretary of Defense shall carry out such a pilot program at not more than five military installations. At least one such location shall be located outside the continental United States.

(6) Report - During the term of pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services and on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual report regarding the pilot program. Such report shall include elements the Secretary determines appropriate, including the recommendation of the Secretary whether the pilot program should be made permanent or expanded.

(7) Termination - Such a pilot program shall terminate three years after the Secretary of Defense establishes the pilot program.

(8) Definitions - In this subsection:

(A) The term "covered Armed Force" means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.

(B) The term "TAP" means the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.

(g) Annual report on TAP participation - 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 Committees on Armed Services and on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the Transition Assistance Program at five military installations, of various sizes, including at least one location outside the continental United States, where at least 250 members per year receive preseparation counseling under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code. Such report shall include the following elements with regards to the year preceding the date of such report, disaggregated by military installation:

(1) The number of members who have not accepted an offer of full-time employment or have not enrolled in a program of education or vocational training, who received fewer than five days of preseparation counseling under such section.

(2) The average period of time between when a member begins to receive preseparation counseling and the day the member separates, retires, or is discharged.

(3) The number of members who began but did not complete preseparation counseling, and, to the extent practicable, the reason for non-completion.

(4) The number of members assigned to each pathway under subsection (c) of such section.

572. Amendments to pathways for counseling in Transition Assistance Program

Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating subparagraph (M) as subparagraph (R); and

(2) by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following:

(M) Child care requirements of the member (including whether a dependent of the member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program).

(N) The employment status of other adults in the household of the member.

(O) The location of the duty station of the member (including whether the member was separated from family while on duty).

(P) The effects of operating tempo and personnel tempo on the member and the household of the member.

573. Improvements to information-sharing to support individuals retiring or separating from the Armed Forces

(a) Opt-out sharing - Section 570F of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 1142 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by striking "out the form to indicate an email address" and inserting the following: “out the form to indicate—

(1) an email address

(B) in paragraph (1), as designated by subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and";

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

(2) if the individual would like to opt-out of the transmittal of the individual’s information to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a).

(2) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

(d) Opt-out of information sharing - Information on an individual shall be transmitted to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a) unless the individual indicates pursuant to subsection (c)(2) that the individual would like to opt out of such transmittal.

(b) Storage and transfer of information - Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(e) Storage and transfer of information -

(1) In general - The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into memoranda of understanding or other agreements with the State veterans agencies described in subsection (a) to create or modify a Department system to store and transfer information under this section to information systems of such State veterans agencies.

(2) Compliance - The Secretary shall ensure that any agreement entered into under paragraph (1) is in compliance with—

(A) applicable provisions of law relating to privacy and personally identifiable information; and

(B) applicable policies relating to cybersecurity of Department information systems and State information systems.

(c) Limitation on use of information - Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(f) Limitation on use of information - Information transferred under this section may only be used by a State for the purpose of providing or connecting veterans to benefits or services as described in subsection (a).

I Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education

581. Notification of suspected child abuse that occurs at a military child development center

Section 1794 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(g) Notification of suspected child abuse -

(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations that require the director of a military child development center to notify a parent or guardian of a child who is the suspected victim of a covered incident not later than 24 hours after a child care employee at such military child development center learns of such covered incident.

(2) The requirement under paragraph (1) shall not apply if notification under such paragraph threatens the integrity of a law enforcement investigation of such covered incident.

(3) In this subsection, the term "covered incident" means alleged or suspected abuse or neglect of a child that occurs at a military child development center.

582. Enrollment of children of certain American Red Cross employees in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity

(a) Overseas schools - Section 1404(d)(1) of the Defense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 (20 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(D) Children of employees of the American Red Cross who—

(i) are performing, on a full-time basis, services for the Armed Forces, including emergency services; and

(ii) reside in an overseas area supported by a school of the defense dependents' education system.

(b) Certain domestic schools - Section 2164(i) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in the subsection heading, by striking in Puerto Rico and inserting in certain areas;

(2) in paragraph (1), by striking "in Puerto Rico" and inserting "in a territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States"; and

(3) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking "resides in Puerto Rico" and inserting "resides in a territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States where a program referred to in paragraph (1) is provided".

583. Ensuring access to DODEA schools for certain members of the reserve components

Section 2164 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(n) Eligibility of dependents of certain members of the reserve components -

(1) A dependent of a member described in paragraph (2) shall be eligible to attend a school established under this section at the military installation that is the permanent station of such member and such dependent shall automatically be granted enrollment at such school at the request of such member if there is sufficient space in the school to accommodate the dependent. In the event there is not sufficient space available at such school at the time the dependent seeks to enroll, the dependent shall be placed on a wait-list for enrollment in the school.

(2) A member described in this paragraph is a member of a reserve component performing active service pursuant to an order for accompanied permanent change of station.

584. Authorization of dual or concurrent enrollment programs for students of Defense Dependent Schools

Chapter 108 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2164b the following new section:

2164c. Authorization of dual or concurrent enrollment programs for students of Defense Dependent Schools

(a) In general - The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, may—

(1) enter into arrangements with institutions of higher education to provide students of Defense Dependent Schools with access to postsecondary course credit through dual or concurrent enrollment programs; and

(2) subject to subsection (b), provide financial assistance to students to cover the costs associated with such programs.

(b) Amount of assistance - The amount of financial assistance provided to an individual student under subsection (a)(2) may not exceed $1,500 per school year.

(c) Credit transferability - The Secretary of Defense shall, to the greatest extent practicable, ensure that the Department of Defense Education Activity, in facilitating dual or concurrent enrollment programs with institutions of higher education under this section—

(1) establishes articulation or credit transfer agreements that promote the transferability of academic credits earned by participating students; and

(2) prioritizes agreements with institutions that offer broad acceptance of such credits across degree programs.

(d) Institutional integrity - In entering into contracts or other agreements with institutions of higher education for purposes of dual or concurrent enrollment programs under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that such institutions have a program participation agreement in effect under section 487 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1094) and are not provisionally or temporarily certified.

(e) Preparation and informing families and educators - In implementing dual or concurrent enrollment programs under this section, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall do the following:

(1) Course sequence alignment - Design a sequence of courses for such programs to match the academic content standards and level of rigor of the corresponding postsecondary courses, in consultation and collaboration with—

(A) educators from Defense Dependent Schools serving the military-connected community;

(B) faculty members from institutions of higher education offering dual or concurrent enrollment programs; and

(C) the school advisory committee (or the equivalent advisory body) of each Defense Dependent School.

(2) Outreach and information dissemination - Establish outreach and awareness efforts targeted toward elementary and secondary school students, particularly those in the middle grades and their families, educators, school counselors, and principals, to provide—

(A) general information regarding the availability and benefits of dual or concurrent enrollment programs;

(B) guidance on eligibility requirements, academic expectations, and necessary preparatory coursework for such programs; and

(C) resources to support informed decisionmaking and successful student participation in such programs.

(f) Teacher certification - The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all dual or concurrent enrollment courses facilitated by the Department of Defense Education Activity are taught by—

(1) a postsecondary faculty member who—

(A) is employed by a two-year or four-year institution of higher education (which may include a community college); and

(B) meets the applicable postsecondary accreditation standards for instructional staff; or

(2) a classroom teacher employed by a local educational agency or by the Department of Defense Education Activity, who—

(A) is qualified to teach in accordance with applicable law; and

(B) has received training or certification to deliver the dual or concurrent enrollment course curriculum in alignment with the standards of the partnering institution of higher education.

(g) Additional requirements - In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the School Advisory Committees (or the equivalent advisory bodies) and Parent Teacher Associations of participating Defense Dependent Schools.

(h) Annual briefings -

(1) In general - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter for four years, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the status of the dual and concurrent enrollment programs authorized under this section.

(2) Elements - Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the period covered by the briefing—

(A) the number of students who participated in dual or concurrent enrollment programs authorized under this section;

(B) the total cost to the Department of Defense of providing such programs; and

(C) an explanation of—

(i) whether and to what extent such programs consisted of online classes or in-person instruction; and

(ii) the subjects taught in postsecondary classes taken by students participating in such programs.

(3) Disaggregation - The information required under paragraph (2) shall be set forth separately for each region served by the Department of Defense Education Activity.

(i) Definitions - In this section:

(1) The term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives.

(2) The term "Defense Dependent School" means—

(A) a school operated under the Defense Dependents’ Education System, as authorized under the Defense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 (20 U.S.C. 921 et seq.); or

(B) a Department of Defense domestic dependent elementary and secondary school, as authorized under section 2164 of this title.

(3) The term "dual or concurrent enrollment program" means a program offered by an arrangement between the Department of Defense Education Activity and an institution of higher education and through which a student enrolled in a Defense Dependent School who has not graduated from high school with a regular high school diploma is able to enroll in one or more postsecondary courses and earn credit that applies—

(A) toward completion of a postsecondary degree or recognized educational credential as described in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.); and

(B) toward completion of high school.

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

585. Restrictions on certain actions relating to DODEA schools and military child development centers

(a) Limitation on closure of DODEA schools - Chapter 108 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 584 is further amended by inserting after section 2164c the following new section: