S.Amdt. 6594Senate119th Congress (2025-2027)
S.Amdt. 6594
Sponsored by
Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM)
Submitted July 13, 2026
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Senate amendment submitted
July 13, 2026
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Submitted
SA 6594. Mr. LUJAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of subtitle G of title X, add the following: SEC. 1094. NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION ON EMERGING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. (a) Establishment.-- (1) In general.--There is hereby established, as of the date specified in paragraph (2), an independent commission in the legislative branch of the Federal Government to be known as the ``Congressional National Security Commission on Emerging Science and Technology'' (in this section referred to as the ``Commission''). (2) Date of establishment.--The date of the establishment referred to in paragraph (1) is the earlier of-- (A) 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; or (B) the first day of the first Congress that commences after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Membership.-- (1) Number and appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 12 members appointed as follows: (A) Three members appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, (after consultation with the Chairs of the Committee on Armed Services and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate), one of whom will be a member of the Senate and the other two will not. (B) Three members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, (after consultation with the ranking members of the Committee on Armed Services and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate), one of whom will be a member of the Senate and the other two will not. (C) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, (after consultation with the Chairs of the Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives), one of whom will be a member of the House of Representatives and the other two will not. (D) Three members appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, (after consultation with the ranking members of the Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives), one of whom will be a member of the House of Representatives and the other two will not. (2) Qualifications.--The members of the Commission who are not members of Congress and who are appointed under paragraph (1) (1) shall be individuals from private civilian life who are eligible to receive the appropriate security clearance to effectively execute their duties and who are recognized experts and have relevant professional experience in matters relating to-- (A) emerging science and technology research and development; (B) use of emerging science and technology by national policy makers and military leaders; (C) the implementation, funding, or oversight of the national security policies of the United States; (D) foreign affairs, the Armed Forces, or other relevant aspect of United States national security policy; (E) investment in emerging science and technology; (F) oversight and regulation of emerging science and technology products; or (G) the impact of science and technology on United States economic competitiveness and national security. (c) Chair and Vice Chair.-- (1) Chair.--The majority leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall jointly designate one member of the Commission to serve as Chair of the Commission. (2) Vice chair.--The minority leader of the Senate and the minority leader of the House of Representatives shall jointly designate one member of the Commission to serve as Vice Chair of the Commission. (3) Qualification.--The Chair of the Commission shall be a member of Congress who has been appointed to serve as a member of Commission, but the Vice Chair shall not be a Member of Congress. (d) Period of Appointment.--Appointments under subsection (b) shall have terms of appointment that are staggered in the following manner such that, starting two years after the date on which the Commission is established, one-third of the seats on the Commission will be appointed to the following: (1) The four members of the Senate and the House of Representatives appointed to serve on the Commission shall have a term of appointment that expires two years after the date on which the Commission is established. However, those seats may then be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, and thereafter the terms of all subsequent appointments shall last for four years from the date of the last expiration of that term. (2) The second appointment shall have a term of appointment which shall expire three years after the date on which the Commission is established. However, those seats may then be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, and thereafter the terms of all subsequent appointments shall last for four years from the date of the previous expiration of that term. (3) The third appointment shall have a term of appointment shall expire four years after the date on which the Commission is established. However, those seats may then be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, and thereafter the terms of all subsequent appointments shall last for four years from the date of the last expiration of that term. (e) Purpose.--The purposes of the Commission are-- (1) to examine and make recommendations with respect to emerging science and technology as they pertain to current and future national security missions and activities of the United States; (2) to ensure the position of the United States as a leading source of scientific innovation; and [[Page S3787]] (3) to evaluate and make recommendations with respect to the implications of emerging science and technology as they pertain to changes to the economy of the United States caused by the adoption of emerging science and technology. (f) Scope and Duties.-- (1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of paragraph (4), the Commission shall carry out a review of advances in emerging science and technology. In carrying out such review, the Commission shall consider the methods, means, and investments necessary to advance and secure the development of emerging science and technology by the United States to comprehensively address the national security and defense needs of the United States. (2) Scope of the review.--In conducting a review described in paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider the following: (A) Associated ethical, legal, social, and environmental considerations related to emerging science and technology as they will be used for future applications related to national security and defense. (B) Opportunities to strengthen and expand the domestic emerging technology sector. (C) Necessary adaptations to national defense strategies to address capabilities, risks, and disruptions arising from emerging technologies. (3) Additional matters for review.--The Commission may also consider at its discretion any matters that are referred to the Commission for examination by-- (A) either the Chair or Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; (B) either the Chair or Vice Chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; (C) either the majority leader or the minority leader of the Senate; (D) either the Chair or Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; (E) either the Chair or Ranking Member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and (F) either the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (4) Coordination with appropriate congressional committees.-- (A) In general.--In carrying out its duties under this subsection, the Commission shall work in close coordination with the appropriate congressional committees to identify, prioritize, and scope topics for review and shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees to ensure alignment with the national security priorities and oversight interests of such committees. (B) Ongoing engagement.--Throughout the conduct of any review under this subsection, the Commission shall provide regular updates to the appropriate congressional committees and shall solicit ongoing input to ensure that the work of the Commission remains responsive to the legislative and oversight needs of Congress. (C) Briefings.--Upon the request of the Chair or Ranking Member of any of the appropriate congressional committees, the Commission shall provide to the committee a briefing on the status, findings, or recommendations of any review underway or completed under this subsection. (D) Limitation.--The Commission shall not initiate a review of a topic under this subsection without first obtaining the approval of the Chair and Ranking Member of each of the appropriate congressional committees. (E) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this paragraph, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means-- (i) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; (ii) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; (iii) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and (iv) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. (g) Commission Reports and Recommendations.-- (1) Annual submittal.--Every year, not later than February 1, the Commission shall submit to Congress an annual report on the findings of the Commission and such recommendations that the Commission may have for legislative or administrative action. (2) Intermittent submittal.--The Commission may submit to Congress findings and recommendations throughout the year, as the members of the Commission and Executive Director of the Commission consider appropriate. (3) Statutory language.--Recommendations for legislative action submitted by the Commission under this subsection shall include proposed statutory language. (4) Form.--Each annual report submitted under paragraph (1) and other papers submitted under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include classified annexes. (h) Government Cooperation.-- (1) Cooperation.--In carrying out its duties, the Commission shall receive the full and timely cooperation of the Secretary of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies in providing the Commission with analysis, briefings, and other information necessary for the fulfillment of its responsibilities, subject to classified information security and access guidelines. (2) Liaison.--The Secretary of Defense shall designate at least one officer or employee of the Department of Defense to serve as a liaison officer between the Department and the Commission. (3) Detailees.--The Secretary of Defense and the heads of other departments and agencies of the Federal Government may provide, and the Commission may accept and employ, personnel detailed from the Department of Defense and such other departments and agencies, without reimbursement. (4) Facilitation.-- (A) Independent, nongovernmental institute.--Not later than 45 days after the Commission establishment date specified in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary of Defense may make available to the Commission the services of an independent, nongovernmental institute described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code, that has recognized credentials and expertise in national security and military affairs in order to facilitate the Commission's discharge of its duties under this section. (B) Federally funded research and development center.--On request of the Commission, the Secretary of Defense shall make available the services of federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) that are covered by sponsoring agreements of the Department of Defense in order to enhance the Commission's efforts to discharge its duties under this section. The Secretary of Defense shall, on a reimbursable basis, facilitate the Commission with entering into contracts with the federally funded research and development centers of the Commission's choice. (5) Expedition of security clearances.--(A) The Office of Senate Security and the Office of House Security shall ensure the expedited processing of appropriate security clearances under processes developed for the clearance of employees of the legislative branch of the Federal Government for any personnel appointed to the Commission by their respective offices of the Senate and House of Representatives and any personnel appointed by the Executive Director appointed under subsection (i). (B) The Washington Headquarters Services shall, consistent with its authority under Department of Defense Directive 5110.04 (relating to Washington Headquarters Services), or successor directive, coordinate with relevant departments and agencies of the executive branch of the Federal Government to ensure the expedited processing of appropriate security clearances for members and employees of the Commission. (i) Personnel Matters.-- (1) Status as federal employees.--Notwithstanding the requirements of section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, including the required supervision under subsection (a)(3) of such section, any member of the Commission who is not a member of Congress shall be considered to be an employee of the legislative branch of the Federal Government. (2) Executive director.--The Commission shall appoint and fix the rate of basic pay for an Executive Director in accordance with section 3161(d) of title 5, United States Code. (3) Pay.--The Executive Director may appoint and fix the rate of basic pay for additional personnel as staff of the Commission in accordance with section 3161(d) of title 5, United States Code. (4) Authority to procure personnel services.--The Commission may-- (A) procure the services of experts or consultants (or of organizations of experts or consultants) in accordance with the provisions of section 3109 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) pay in connection with such services travel expenses of individuals, including transportation and per diem in lieu of subsistence, while such individuals are traveling from their homes or places of business to duty stations. (5) Maximum daily pay rates.--The daily rate paid an expert or consultant procured pursuant to paragraph (1) may not exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. (6) Exemption.--Members of the Commission and employees of the Commission shall be exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.). (7) Pay.--The pay of each employee of the Commission and any member of the Commission who receives pay in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (j) Ethics.-- (1) Authority to accept gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services, goods, and property from non-Federal entities for the purposes of aiding and facilitating the work of the Commission. The authority in this paragraph does not extend to gifts of money. Gifts accepted under this paragraph shall be documented, and conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest shall be avoided. (2) Compliance by members of congress.--Subject to the authority in this section, members of the Commission who are members of Congress shall continue to comply with rules set forth by the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics of the House of Representatives. (3) Reporting.--For purposes of title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), each member of the Commission who is not a member of Congress and [[Page S3788]] each employee of the Commission shall be deemed to be an officer or employee of the Congress (as defined in section 109(13) of such title) and shall file any report required to be filed by such member or such employee (including by virtue of the application of subsection (g)(1)) under subchapter I of chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Ethics in Government Act of 1978'') with the Secretary of the Senate. (k) Legislative Advisory Committee.--The Commission shall operate as a legislative advisory committee and shall be exempt from section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Freedom of Information Act'') and chapter 10 of title 5 (commonly known as the ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''). The Commission may acquire information through whatever fora the Commissioners deem necessary to effectively execute their duties. (l) Provision of Services.--To the extent funds are available-- (1) the Commission shall acquire, or the Architect of the Capitol shall provide to the Commission (on a reimbursable basis) leased office space; and (2) the Commission may procure contracting services, administrative support, office supplies, and other administrative supplies and equipment for Commission use. (m) Use of Government Information.-- (1) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out its duties. Upon such request of the chair of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission. (2) Classified information.--Such information to be provided by a department or agency of the Federal Government shall include any classified information the Commission considers necessary to carry out its duties, but which shall be provided in a manner consistent with the protection of intelligence sources and methods and consistent with classified information security and access guidelines. The Executive Director of the Commission shall take care to protect classified information by limiting access only to those Commissioners and employees of the Commission who need access to such information and possess appropriate clearances. (3) Access to resources.--The Commission will have explicit access to all resources provided to congressional staff, including the Government Accountability Office, the Congressional Research Service, the Office of the Legislative Counsel, and the Congressional Budget Office. (n) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as Federal departments and agencies. (o) Removal of Members.--A member may be removed from the Commission for cause by the individual serving in the position responsible for the original appointment of such member under subsection (b)(1), provided that notice has first been provided to such member of the cause for removal and voted and agreed upon by three quarters of the members serving. A vacancy created by the removal of a member under this subsection shall not affect the powers of the Commission, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. (p) Data Privacy.--The Commission is deemed to be a Senate office for purposes of section 10 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2005 (2 U.S.C. 6628) and all Senate data, as defined in such section, of the Commission shall be subject to the protections provided to Senate data under such section. (q) Records.-- (1) In general.--The Executive Director of the Commission-- (A) may request the records, to the extent they exist, from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI), from the National Archives or from any other entity that may hold the records of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission and National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence; and (B) shall have authority to determine what records of the Commission shall be submitted to the National Archives of the United States. (2) Transfer of records from national security commission on emerging biotechnology.--The Executive Director of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology established by section 1091(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81) may transfer all records of that Commission to the Congressional Commission on Emerging Science and Technology, under such terms and restrictions on access and use as the Executive Director of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology may prescribe. (r) Sunset.--This section shall cease to have force or effect on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 1095. DEFINITION OF NATIONAL SECURITY FOR PURPOSES OF TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE. Section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(22) The term `national security' means the national defense and foreign relations of the United States and includes the security of the economy of the United States and the resilience of supply chains for economic activity in the United States.''. ______