S.Amdt. 6691

SA 6691. Mr. WICKER 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, add the following:

DIVISION E--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

TITLE LI--PROCUREMENT

Subtitle B--Army Programs

SEC. 5111. REPORT ON DIVESTITURE OF EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT
AVIATION BRIGADES.

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a report containing an
analysis of the rationale for the divestiture of
Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades, including the
operational, financial, and strategic justifications for such
divestiture.

Subtitle D--Air Force Programs

SEC. 5131. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR COUNTER
UNMANNED SYSTEMS RELATING TO THE DEFENSE OF
STRATEGIC ASSETS.

(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Department of the Air Force $50,000,000 for counter
unmanned systems relating to the defense of strategic assets.
(b) Offsets.--
(1) Offset 1.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by
this Act for BMD enabling programs (RDDW 0603890C, line 88)
is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
(2) Offset 2.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by
this Act for special programs--MDA (RDDW 0603891C, line 89)
is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
(3) Offset 3.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by
this Act for Atomic Energy Defense Activities, National
Nuclear Security Administration, Naval Reactors, 14-D-901
Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project, NRF is hereby
reduced by $40,000,000.

TITLE LII--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION

Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations

SEC. 5211. PILOT PROGRAM FOR ONE-WAY AND COUNTER-UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DRONE TESTBED.

(a) Pilot Program Authorized.--The Secretary of the Army
may establish a pilot program to test, evaluate, and
demonstrate the integration of approved munition payloads
with approved unmanned aircraft systems, including one-way
unmanned aircraft systems and counter-unmanned aircraft
system platforms.
(b) Purpose.--The purposes of the pilot program required by
subsection (a) shall are--
(1) to accelerate the integration of modular payloads onto
multiple drone platforms;
(2) to reduce time-to-field for lethal and non-lethal
drone-enabled munitions capabilities;
(3) to standardize payload-to-platform interfaces; and
(4) to support rapid prototyping, validation, and
transition of drone-enabled munitions into programs of
record.
(c) Location.--
(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary of the Army for
Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology shall determine the
location or locations at which the pilot program required by
subsection (a) is conducted.
(2) Considerations.--In selecting a location under
paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary shall consider--
(A) the availability of munitions and energetics subject-
matter expertise, including the interface of munitions with
drones;
(B) proximity to live fire testing range space and range
availability, prioritizing joint base facilities; and
(C) existing infrastructure capable of supporting rapid
prototyping, integration, and live-fire testing.
(d) Components.--The pilot program required by subsection
(a) may include--
(1) transition and integration of common Electronic Safe
and Arming Device designs;
(2) incorporation of the Picatinny Common Lethality
Integration Kit and the Small Universal Payload Interface;
(3) development and standardization of technology and
practices supporting payload-to-drone connectivity;
(4) prototyping, demonstration, and technology transfer of
munition systems integrated with unmanned aircraft systems;
and
(5) development of standardized drone interface
documentation and validated integration processes for
counter-unmanned aircraft system platforms, including
energetic payload applications.
(e) Coordination.--In carrying out the pilot program
required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate
with the Joint Capability Program Executive for Ammunition
and Energetics, Development Command (DEVCOM), relevant
program executive offices, and other Department of Defense
components as the Secretary considers appropriate.

Subtitle C--Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

SEC. 5231. NATIONAL SECURITY QUANTUM COORDINATION AND
COMPETITION.

(a) Office of Quantum Capabilities and Competition.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
establish or designate an office in the Department of Defense
to serve as the lead for all quantum

[[Page S3962]]

efforts of the Department relating to the following:
(A) Quantum technology research, including quantum sensing,
quantum computing, and quantum communications.
(B) Quantum technology development, including quantum
sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communications.
(C) Quantum technology application, including quantum
sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communications.
(D) Quantum technology policy, including quantum sensing,
quantum computing, and quantum communications.
(E) Such other quantum related efforts as the Secretary
considers appropriate.
(2) Designation.--The office established or designated
pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be known as the ``Department
of Defense Office of Quantum Capabilities and Competition''
(in this section the ``Office'').
(3) Primary mission.--The primary mission of the Office
shall be coordinating, leading, and directing quantum
technology efforts of the Department in order--
(A) to advance Department research efforts in quantum
technology;
(B) to develop quantum technology expertise that enables
advancements in United States national security capabilities;
(C) to aggressively pursue a national competitive advantage
in quantum technology, vis-a-vis other countries; and
(D) to develop quantum technologies that can be utilized
for real-world application by the Department of Defense or
other United States national security entities.
(b) Coordination With Other Quantum Efforts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, acting through the
Office, regularly coordinate with the heads of other Federal
departments and agencies that work on quantum science,
quantum technology, or quantum research.
(2) Quantum coordination office for national security.--
(A) In general.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall establish within the Office a subcomponent to
liaise with, share expertise with, and whenever feasible,
coordinate and, if necessary, deconflict efforts with other
relevant U.S. government entities pursuing efforts on quantum
science, quantum technology, or quantum research.
(B) Designation.--The subcomponent established pursuant to
subparagraph (A) shall be known as the ``Quantum Coordination
Office for National Security''.
(c) Triennial Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once
every three years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report on national
security quantum capabilities and competition.
(2) Contents generally.--Each report submitted pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall cover the following:
(A) The state of current quantum efforts within the
Department of Defense, including specific sections on quantum
sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communications.
(B) The state of current quantum efforts of adversarial and
competitor countries, including specific sections on quantum
sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communications.
(C) The state of current quantum efforts of any other
countries with advanced capabilities in quantum technology
and quantum science, including specific sections on quantum
sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communications.
(D) A comparison of the capabilities of the United States
and those of adversarial and competitor countries, as well as
any other countries with advanced capabilities in quantum
technology and quantum science.
(E) An assessment of capabilities of the United States
compared to those of China, Russia, and Iran, combined with
an assessment of how such countries (in addition to any other
countries the Secretary considers relevant) may utilize
quantum technology in a conflict against the United States or
allies and partners of the United States, including via
hybrid warfare.
(F) A realistic pathway forward, both short term (3 years)
and long term (10 years and beyond), for the United States to
compete with and outpace other countries in quantum
technology and quantum science in regard to national
security.
(3) Contents of initial report.--In addition to the matter
covered by paragraph (2), the first report submitted pursuant
to paragraph (1) shall include an annex on quantum
communication efforts that covers the following:
(A) The current state of United States national security
quantum communications technology and capabilities.
(B) A comparison of the national security quantum
communications technology and capabilities of the United
States compared to that of China, Russia, Iran, and such
other countries as the Secretary considers relevant.
(C) An immediate (2 years) and long-term (10 years and
beyond) plan--
(i) to close any gaps that may exist between national
security quantum communications technology and capabilities
of the United States and those of China, Russia, Iran, and
such other countries as the Secretary considers relevant; and
(ii) to outpace the quantum communications technology and
capabilities for China, Russia, Iran, and such other
countries as the Secretary considers relevant.
(4) Form.--Each report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1)
shall be submitted in classified form.
(5) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this
subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress''
means--
(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Select Committee
on Intelligence, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of
the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives.
(d) Protection of National Security.--The Secretary shall
carry out this section in accordance with all applicable
provisions of law and policies relating to classified
information and national security.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to require any action that is not consistent with a
provision of law or policy that was in effect on the day
before the date of the enactment of this Act.

TITLE LIII--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Subtitle E--Other Matters

SEC. 5351. IMPROVEMENT OF FIREFIGHTER STAFFING SHORTAGES AT
MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense may offer
compensation for firefighters of the Department of Defense at
military installations that is competitive with surrounding
local jurisdictions in order to improve recruitment and
retention of such firefighters.
(b) Removal of Limitation on Contracting for
Firefighters.--Section 2465 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``firefighting
or''; and
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``firefighting or''.

SEC. 5352. REPORT ON LIMITATIONS TO AGILE COMBAT EMPLOYMENT
MODEL AS A RESULT OF AGING OR INADEQUATE
INFRASTRUCTURE.

(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the
Senate and the House of Representatives a report analyzing
the readiness, status, and need for basic infrastructure of
locations intended for use of the Agile Combat Employment
model of the Department of the Air Force.
(b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) An assessment by the Secretary of the gap between
available infrastructure at potential sites versus needed new
infrastructure for the successful rollout of the Agile Combat
Employment model.
(2) Challenges to developing needed pre-positioned
infrastructure at austere sites that could be a part of such
model, including a list of the types of support
infrastructure most urgently needed at potential sites that
would be set to employ such model.
(3) An assessment of the condition of existing maintenance
facilities that are able to conduct complex aircraft repair
at potential sites that would employ such model, the
resourcing required to repair such facilities, and
limitations to maintaining such facilities at austere
locations causing them to fall into disrepair.
(4) A description of logistical challenges presented by the
current status of infrastructure at austere locations with
moving equipment, spare parts, and personnel needed for the
successful deployment of such model.

TITLE LV--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY

Subtitle C--General Service Authorities and Military Records

SEC. 5521. CORRECTION OF NATIONAL GUARD ACTIVATION ORDERS AND
PERSONNEL RECORDS ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN
CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS.

(a) Identification of Affected Personnel.--Not later than
90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chief of the
National Guard Bureau and the Secretary of the Air Force,
shall identify members of the Air National Guard whose
activation orders, deployment records, pay, allowances, tax
documentation, or other personnel records were adversely
affected by transitions between named military operations
conducted during 2025 and 2026, including Operation Southern
Spear, Operation Absolute Resolve, Operation Spartan Shield,
and Operation Epic Fury.
(b) Correction of Records.--The Secretary of Defense shall
take such actions as may be necessary to--
(1) ensure that official military personnel records
accurately reflect the dates and locations of service
performed in support of each named operation, including
correct mission attribution records, deployment
documentation, operational duty-location records, and other
activation or mobilization records for personnel identified
pursuant to subsection (a);
(2) correct any pay, allowance, entitlement, tax-exclusion
eligibility, or debt-related discrepancies resulting from
inaccurate or incomplete activation or deployment records;
and
(3) ensure that no member experiences a loss of eligibility
for any Federal benefit, entitlement, or service-connected
determination, including benefits administered by the

[[Page S3963]]

Department of Veterans Affairs, as a result of inaccuracies
described in subsection (a).
(c) Report and Briefing.--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 and provide
a briefing on the implementation of this section. Such report
shall include--
(1) the number of personnel identified under subsection
(a);
(2) the status of corrections made pursuant to subsection
(b);
(3) any unresolved issues affecting pay, allowances, tax
records, personnel records, deployment histories, or other
military records;
(4) an assessment of the factors that caused activation-
order discrepancies, personnel-record inaccuracies, pay and
entitlement errors, debt assessments, tax-reporting issues,
and other administrative deficiencies associated with
transitions between named military operations during 2025 and
2026, including Operation Southern Spear and Operation Epic
Fury;
(5) an assessment of any limitations within the Department
of Defense regulations, policies, personnel systems, orders-
management systems, funding authorities, or administrative
processes that contributed to such discrepancies and
deficiencies;
(6) a description of actions taken or planned to ensure
timely correction of activation orders, deployment records,
pay records, tax documentation, and other affected personnel
records; and
(7) an assessment of whether additional authorities are
required to ensure accurate and timely correction of National
Guard and Reserve activation and deployment records.

Subtitle E--Member Education, Training, and Transition

SEC. 5541. FOOD INSECURITY AMONG MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
TRANSITIONING OUT OF ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE.

(a) Study; Education and Outreach Efforts.--
(1) Study.--The Secretary of Defense shall, in conjunction
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and other Federal
officials, as appropriate, conduct a study to identify the
means by which members of the Armed Forces are provided
information about the availability of Federal nutrition
assistance programs as they transition out of active duty
service.
(2) Education and outreach efforts.--The Secretary of
Defense, working with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and
other Federal officials, as appropriate, shall increase
education and outreach efforts to members of the Armed Forces
who are transitioning out of active duty service,
particularly those members identified as being at-risk for
food insecurity, to increase awareness of the availability of
Federal nutrition assistance programs and eligibility for
those programs.
(3) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall--
(A) 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 results of the study
conducted under paragraph (1); and
(B) publish such report on the website of the Department of
Defense.
(b) Working Group.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of
Agriculture, shall establish a working group to address,
across the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans
Affairs, and the Department of Agriculture, coordination,
data sharing, and evaluation efforts on underlying factors
contributing to food insecurity among members of the Armed
Forces transitioning out of active duty service (in this
subsection referred to as the ``working group'').
(2) Membership.--The working group be composed of--
(A) representatives from the Department of Defense, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of
Agriculture;
(B) other relevant Federal officials, including those
connected to veteran transition programs; and
(C) other relevant stakeholders as determined by the
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and
the Secretary of Agriculture.
(3) Report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the working group shall submit to
each congressional committee with jurisdiction over the
Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs,
and the Department of Agriculture a report on the
coordination, data sharing, and evaluation efforts described
in paragraph (1).
(B) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(i) An accounting of the funding each department referred
to in subparagraph (A) has obligated toward research relating
to food insecurity among members of the Armed Forces or
veterans.
(ii) An outline of methods of comparing programs and
sharing best practices for addressing food insecurity by each
such department.
(iii) An outline of--

(I) the plan each such department has to achieve greater
government efficiency and cross-agency coordination, data
sharing, and evaluation in addressing food insecurity among
members transitioning out of the Armed Forces; and
(II) efforts that the departments can undertake to improve
coordination to better address food insecurity as it impacts
members during and after their active duty service.

(iv) An identification of--

(I) any legal, technological, or administrative barriers to
increased coordination and data sharing in addressing food
insecurity among members transitioning out of the Armed
Forces; and
(II) any additional authorities needed to increase such
coordination and data sharing.

(v) Any other information the Secretary of Defense, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or the Secretary of
Agriculture determines to be appropriate.

Subtitle F--Military Family Readiness and Dependents' Education

SEC. 5551. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BEST PRACTICES GUIDE FOR
FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES.

(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
publish a Department-wide best practices guide for
individuals seeking to establish and operate a Family Child
Care home on a military installation.
(b) Consultation Requirement.--In developing the guide
required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall
consult with military departments, military installations,
Family Child Care program administrators, and established
Family Child Care providers operating under successful Family
Child Care programs across the Department of Defense to
identify and incorporate best practices, lessons learned, and
approaches that have demonstrated success in expanding
participation and reducing barriers to establishing and
operating Family Child Care homes.
(c) Required Elements.--The guide required under subsection
(a) shall include, at a minimum--
(1) an overview of the process for becoming a certified
Family Child Care provider;
(2) standardized information regarding training,
inspections, background checks, licensing, and certification
requirements;
(3) guidance regarding available financial assistance,
startup support, subsidies, grants, and reimbursement
opportunities;
(4) information on liability coverage, safety standards,
and emergency preparedness requirements;
(5) recommendations for reducing administrative barriers to
establishing Family Child Care homes; and
(6) any additional information the Secretary determines
appropriate to support prospective Family Child Care
providers.
(d) Public Availability.--The Secretary shall make the
guide required under subsection (a) publicly available on an
internet website of the Department of Defense in a searchable
and accessible format for military families.
(e) Service-specific Appendices.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall encourage
the Secretaries of the military departments to publish and
maintain service-specific appendices accompanying the guide
required under subsection (a).
(2) Contents.--A service-specific appendix under paragraph
(1) may include--
(A) service-specific policies or procedures;
(B) installation-level best practices;
(C) information regarding unique operational requirements
or child care demands within the military department
concerned;
(D) guidance regarding military housing considerations
related to Family Child Care homes; and
(E) points of contact and resources specific to the
military department concerned.
(f) Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees
regarding--
(1) actions taken to implement this section;
(2) efforts to improve awareness of Family Child Care
opportunities among military spouses and families;
(3) barriers identified in the establishment of Family
Child Care homes; and
(4) recommendations for legislative or administrative
action to improve military child care capacity.

SEC. 5552. REPORT ON STAFFING SHORTAGES IN PERSONNEL
SUPPORTING MILITARY FAMILIES.

(a) 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
staffing shortages among social workers, counselors, and
family advocacy personnel who provide assistance to military
families.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall
include--
(1) a description of the actions being taken by the
Department of Defense as of the date of the report to address
shortages described in subsection (a);
(2) an assessment of how the Department can improve efforts
to address such shortages; and
(3) a description of the challenges the Department faces
when a military family subject to child abuse proceedings
moves across State lines, including with respect to--
(A) transferring records; and
(B) the sharing of information between--
(i) the Department and State child welfare agencies; and

[[Page S3964]]

(ii) the commander concerned before the relocation of the
family and the commander concerned after that relocation.

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

SEC. 5581. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED-
SERVICE CROSS TO JAMES O. RATLIFF FOR ACTS OF
VALOR IN THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM.

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

TITLE LVI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS

Subtitle C--Commissary and Exchange Benefits

SEC. 5621. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE COUPONS TO JUNIOR
ENLISTED MEMBERS TO PURCHASE FOOD AT
COMMISSARIES.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense may conduct a
pilot program to assess the efficacy of providing junior
enlisted members of the Armed Forces a monthly coupon for use
in procuring food at commissaries.
(b) Selection of Installations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may conduct the pilot
program authorized by subsection (a) at 2 military
installations.
(2) Considerations.--In selecting installations for the
pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary
shall consider installations with--
(A) large numbers of enlisted members who live in
unaccompanied housing;
(B) the largest ratios of enlisted members to commissioned
officers;
(C) unaccompanied housing that provides access to
functioning kitchens that residents may use to prepare meals;
(D) commissaries that are experimenting with or expanding
their selection of nutritious and minimally processed ready-
made and easy-to-make food options;
(E) low rates of attendance at dining facilities;
(F) low customer satisfaction ratings for dining
facilities, including installations with complaints about
dining facilities submitted through the Interactive Customer
Evaluation system of the Department of Defense; and
(G) commissaries located within easily accessible distances
from unaccompanied housing.
(c) Coupons.--
(1) Amount.--The Secretary may determine the amount of the
coupons to be provided under the pilot program authorized by
subsection (a).
(2) Use.--
(A) In general.--A coupon provided under the pilot program
authorized by subsection (a) may be used only to purchase
food at commissaries.
(B) Exclusions.--A coupon provided under the pilot program
authorized by subsection (a) may not be used--
(i) to purchase alcoholic beverages or tobacco; or
(ii) to pay any deposit fee in excess of the amount of the
State fee reimbursement (if any) required to purchase any
food or food product contained in a returnable bottle or can,
without regard to whether the fee is included in the shelf
price posted for the food or food product.
(3) Supplement to other food assistance.--A coupon provided
to a member under the pilot program authorized by subsection
(a) shall be supplement and not supplant--
(A) the basic allowance for subsistence under section 402
of title 37, United States Code; and
(B) any program to provide meals or rations in kind for
which the member is eligible.
(d) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program
authorized by subsection (a) shall terminate not later than
one year after the pilot program commences.
(e) Report Required.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
termination under subsection (d) of the pilot program
authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall
submit to the congressional defense committees a report
detailing the results of the pilot program.
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include an assessment of the following:
(A) The use of coupons by members who received coupons
under the pilot program.
(B) The satisfaction of and feedback from such members
relating to the coupons.
(C) The impact of providing the coupons on--
(i) the rates at which such members used commissaries; and
(ii) the rates at which such members used dining facilities
on their installations.
(D) Historical rates of use of dining facilities on
installations and historical customer satisfaction metrics
for such facilities, including the number of complaints with
respect to such facilities submitted through the Interactive
Customer Evaluation system of the Department of Defense.
(E) The efficacy of the pilot program in--
(i) reducing food insecurity rates among junior enlisted
members;
(ii) increasing the availability of nutritious food options
for such members at commissaries; and
(iii) increasing the availability of nutritious food
options for such members generally, including such members
living in unaccompanied housing.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Coupon.--The term ``coupon'' means a voucher or
monetary benefit for a member of the Armed Forces that may be
used only at a commissary for the purchase of food.
(2) Food.--The term ``food'' means any food or food product
intended for home consumption, including a ready-made food
item.

TITLE LVII--HEALTH CARE

Subtitle D--Reports and Other Matters

SEC. 5761. REPORT AND BRIEFING ON IMPACT OF MILITARY SEXUAL
TRAUMA AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE ON
SUICIDAL IDEATION AND SUICIDE FOR MEMBERS OF
THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit
to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, the Committee
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and publish on a publicly available website a
report, and provide to such committees a briefing, on how
experiencing military sexual trauma or intimate partner
violence affects the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide
for members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
(b) Incorporation Into Clinical Practice Guidelines.--Not
later than one year after the publication of the report
required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall incorporate findings on
military sexual trauma and intimate partner violence,
including the results of the report, as risk factors for
suicide and suicidal ideation into the Department of Veterans
Affairs/Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guidelines
for Assessment and Management of Patients At Risk For
Suicide, or similar successor guidelines.

SEC. 5762. ESTABLISHMENT OF ANTIVENOM BANK.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Commanding General of the Medical Research and
Development Command of the Army shall establish and maintain
an antivenom bank.

SEC. 5763. CODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR JOINT DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL
FACILITY DEMONSTRATION FUND.

(a) In General.--Chapter 55 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:

``Sec. 1110c. Joint Medical Facility Demonstration Fund

``(a) Establishment.--There is established on the books of
the Treasury under the Department of Veterans Affairs a fund
to be known as the `Joint Department of Defense-Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund' (in
this section referred to as the `Fund' ).
``(b) Use of Amounts.--Amounts in the Fund shall be used to
facilitate the joint funding of designated combined Federal
medical facilities of the Department of Defense and the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
``(c) Transfers to Fund.--
``(1) In general.--Amounts may be transferred to the Fund
by the Secretary of Defense only from amounts first
authorized and appropriated on and after the date of the
enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2027 for the Department of Defense and by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs only from amounts first
authorized and appropriated on and after such date for the
Department of Veterans Affairs, as determined by a
methodology jointly established by the Secretary of Defense
and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that reflects the
mission-specific activities, workload, and costs of provision
of health care at the facilities of the Department of Defense
and the Department of Veterans Affairs, respectively.
``(2) Transfers of amounts from medical care collections.--
Amounts may be transferred to the Fund from medical care
collections under the following authorities for health care
provided at designated combined Federal medical facilities of
the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans
Affairs:
``(A) Section 1095 of this title.
``(B) Section 1729 of title 38.
``(C) The Act entitled `An Act to provide for the recovery
from tortiously liable third persons of the cost of hospital
and medical care and treatment furnished by the United
States' (Public Law 87-693; 42 U.S.C. 2651 et seq.; commonly
known as the `Federal Medical Care Recovery Act').''.
``(d) Availability of Amounts in Fund.--
``(1) In general.--Amounts transferred to the Fund under
subsection (c) shall be available to fund the operations of
designated combined Federal medical facilities of the
Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs,
including capital equipment, real property maintenance, and
minor

[[Page S3965]]

construction projects that are not required to be
specifically authorized by law under section 2805 of this
title or section 8104 of title 38.
``(2) Captain james a. lovell federal health care center.--
Amounts transferred to the Fund by the Secretary of Defense
under subsection (c) may be used for facility operations of
the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center,
consisting of the North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, the Navy Ambulatory Care Center, and supporting
facilities designated as a combined Federal medical facility
under an operational agreement covered by section 706 of the
Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4500).
``(3) Limitation.--The availability of amounts transferred
to the Fund under subsection (c)(2) shall be subject to the
provisions of section 1729A of title 38.
``(4) Period of availability.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B),
amounts transferred to the Fund under subsection (c) shall
remain available under this subsection until the end of the
first fiscal year beginning after the date of the transfer.
``(B) Exception.--Of the amount transferred to the Fund
under subsection (c) in a fiscal year, an amount not to
exceed two percent of such amount shall remain available
under this subsection until the end of the second fiscal year
beginning after the date of the transfer.
``(e) Executive Agreement.--
``(1) Fund administration.--
``(A) In general.--The Fund shall be administered in
accordance with an executive agreement between the Secretary
of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
``(B) Guidelines.--The executive agreement under
subparagraph (A) shall be consistent with section 706 of the
Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4500) and shall
provide for an independent review of the methodology
established under subsection (c)(1).
``(2) Financial reconciliation.--
``(A) In general.--The executive agreement between the
Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
under paragraph (1)(A) shall provide for the development and
implementation of an integrated financial reconciliation
process that meets the fiscal reconciliation requirements of
the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
``(B) Identification of contributions.--The process under
subparagraph (A) shall permit the Department of Defense and
the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify their fiscal
contributions to the Fund, taking into consideration
accounting, workload, and financial management
differences.''.
(b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 1704 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law
111-84; 123 Stat. 2571), as most recently amended by section
1421 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
(Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 2129), is repealed.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives a report indicating medical facilities of the
Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs
that either Secretary, or both, considers appropriate to be
designated as combined Federal medical facilities of the
Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

SEC. 5764. TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO STRIKE SECTION 704.

Section 704 of division A is hereby deemed to be stricken
from this Act.

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

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

SEC. 5811. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE FOR DELIVERY OF CERTAIN
INFORMATION UNDER DEFENSE CONTRACTS.

(a) Chapter 281 of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following new section:

``Sec. 3865. Specific performance for delivery of certain
information under defense contracts

``(a) Authority.--The Federal Government may bring an
action arising under a covered legal instrument entered into
by the Department of Defense in an appropriate district court
of the United States for an order of specific performance
requiring delivery of covered information in such format and
manner as the court determines appropriate and necessary. In
any such action, the court may determine the scope of the
Federal Government's rights in the covered information and
may order the correction or removal of any nonconforming or
improper markings on such information.''.
``(b) Conditions.--An action under subsection (a) may be
brought only if, with respect to covered information required
to be delivered under the covered legal instrument, the
contractor with which the Federal Government entered into the
covered legal instrument has not delivered, or refuses to
deliver, the covered information within 30 days of receipt of
a final decision issued by a contracting officer under
section 7103 of title 41 that requires the delivery of such
information to the Federal Government.
``(c) Effect of Appeal.--The pendency of any appeal, claim,
or action by the contractor challenging or seeking review of
the contracting officer's final decision under section 7103
of title 41, shall not preclude, stay, enjoin, or otherwise
affect an action brought by the Federal Government under this
section.
``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `covered information' means information that
is required by a covered legal instrument to be delivered or
otherwise provided to the Federal Government, and includes,
incorporates, or embodies intellectual property, technical
data, computer software, or computer software documentation.
``(2) The term `covered legal instrument' means a contract,
agreement, or other legal instrument.
``(3) The terms `deliver', `delivery', and `delivering'
include furnishing, providing, or making available in any
manner whatsoever.''.

SEC. 5812. PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE EVALUATION AND TRANSITION
OF UNSOLICITED DEFENSE CAPABILITY PROPOSALS.

(a) Establishment of Pilot Program.--Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to
improve the intake, evaluation, and disposition of
unsolicited proposals submitted to the Department of Defense.
(b) Elements.--The pilot program required under subsection
(a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) A common electronic means for submission of unsolicited
proposals to the Department of Defense.
(2) Standardized guidance regarding the information
required for review of such proposals.
(3) A requirement that the Department provide to an
offeror--
(A) notice of whether the proposal is complete not later
than 30 days after receipt; and
(B) a written disposition of the proposal, including a
brief explanation of the basis for rejection, referral, or
further consideration, not later than 90 days after the
proposal is determined to be complete.
(4) Procedures to ensure that, when an unsolicited proposal
is not appropriate for award or negotiation under subpart
15.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the proposal is
considered for referral, as appropriate, to another
acquisition pathway, including--
(A) a broad agency announcement;
(B) a commercial solutions opening or similar competitive
solicitation;
(C) a prize or challenge competition;
(D) a Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business
Technology Transfer topic, where appropriate; or
(E) market research or other consideration by a relevant
program office.
(5) Procedures to protect proprietary data and restrict
disclosure consistent with applicable law and regulation.
(c) Priority Consideration.--In carrying out the pilot
program, the Secretary shall provide priority consideration
to unsolicited proposals that the Secretary determines may
materially improve--
(1) production capacity;
(2) supply chain resilience;
(3) repair, maintenance, or sustainment capability;
(4) domestic manufacturing capability;
(5) cyber resilience; or
(6) cost or schedule performance for an existing or
anticipated defense requirement.
(d) Briefing and Report.--
(1) Not later than 180 days after the establishment of the
pilot program, the Secretary shall brief the congressional
defense committees on the implementation of the pilot
program.
(2) Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot
program is established, and annually thereafter for three
years, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional
defense committees a report on the pilot program, including--
(A) the number of unsolicited proposals received;
(B) the average time required for disposition;
(C) the number of proposals rejected, referred, or advanced
for negotiation or award;
(D) the number of proposals transitioned to another
acquisition pathway; and
(E) participation data, to the extent practicable,
regarding small business concerns, nontraditional defense
contractors, and mid-tier contractors.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to alter the requirements of subpart 15.6 of the
Federal Acquisition Regulation regarding the award of a
contract based on an unsolicited proposal or to authorize the
award of a sole-source contract in violation of otherwise
applicable law.

SEC. 5813. PROHIBITION ON THE PROCUREMENT AND OPERATION OF
COVERED UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered nation.--The term ``covered nation'' has the
meaning given the term in section 4872(f) of title 10, United
States Code.
(2) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign
entity'' means an entity that is--
(A) domiciled in a covered nation;

[[Page S3966]]

(B) subject to the influence or control of the government
of a covered nation, as determined by the Secretary of
Defense; or
(C) a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity described in
subparagraph (A) or (B).
(3) Covered unmanned ground vehicle system.--The term
``covered unmanned ground vehicle system'' means an unmanned
ground vehicle system manufactured or assembled by a covered
foreign entity.
(4) Unmanned ground vehicle system.--The term ``unmanned
ground vehicle system'' means a system that includes--
(A) a mechanical device, including a remote surveillance
vehicle, autonomous patrol technology, mobile robotics, or a
humanoid robot, that--
(i) is capable of locomotion, navigation, or movement on
the ground; and
(ii) operates at a distance from a human operator or
supervisor based on commands or in response to sensor data or
any combination thereof;
(B) the payload of the mechanical device described in
subparagraph (A); and
(C) any external device used to control the mechanical
device described in subparagraph (A).
(b) Prohibition on Procurement of Covered Unmanned Ground
Vehicle Systems.--Except as provided under subsection (e),
the Department of Defense may not procure any covered
unmanned ground vehicle system.
(c) Prohibition on Operation of Covered Unmanned Ground
Vehicle Systems.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (e),
beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Department of Defense may not
operate a covered unmanned ground vehicle system.
(2) Applicability to contracted services.--The prohibition
under paragraph (1) applies to any covered unmanned ground
vehicle system being used by the Department of Defense
through a contract for the services of the covered unmanned
ground vehicle system.
(d) Prohibition on Use of Federal Funds for Procurement or
Operation of Covered Unmanned Ground Vehicle Systems.--Except
as provided in subsection (e), beginning on the date that is
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, no
Federal funds awarded through a contract, grant, or
cooperative agreement of the Department of Defense, or
otherwise made available by the Department, may be used to
procure or in connection with the operation of a covered
unmanned ground vehicle system.
(e) Exemption to Prohibitions.--The Department of Defense
is exempt from the prohibitions under subsections (b), (c),
and (d) if--
(1) the procurement or operation of the covered unmanned
ground vehicle system is in the national interest of the
United States; and
(2)(A) the sole purpose for the procurement or operation
is--
(i) research, evaluation, training, testing, or analysis
for electronic warfare, information warfare operations,
cybersecurity, or the development of unmanned ground vehicle
system or counter-unmanned ground vehicle system technology;
or
(ii) conducting counter-terrorism or counterintelligence
activities, protective missions, or Federal criminal or
national security investigations, including forensic
examinations; or
(B) the covered unmanned ground vehicle system, as procured
or as modified after procurement but before operational use--
(i) can no longer transfer data to, or download data from,
a covered foreign entity; and
(ii) poses no national security cybersecurity risk as
determined by the Secretary of Defense.

Subtitle C--Industrial Base Matters

SEC. 5831. JOB CORPS SHIPBUILDING-DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE
PIPELINE ACT OF 2026.

(a) Alignment of Job Corps With the Defense Industrial
Base.--
(1) In general.--The National Imperative for Industrial
Skills program of the Department of Defense (or a successor
program) shall maximize the use of and expand on the
activities of Job Corps centers and registered apprenticeship
programs to train the skilled industrial workers that are
needed in the defense industrial base.
(2) Referral of military recruits to job corps.--Military
recruiters shall make each military recruit who is ineligible
to enlist in the military as a result of the requirements of
section 520 of title 10, United States Code, aware of the
opportunity to enroll in Job Corps and registered
apprenticeship programs in order to meet the standards for
enlistment or learn skills that can contribute to the defense
industrial base.
(3) Job corps trade realignment.--In order to address
shortages of skilled industrial workers in the defense
industrial base, the Secretary of Defense may, through the
National Imperative for Industrial Skills program (or a
successor program) and grants accepted by the Secretary of
Labor on behalf of a Job Corps center as provided in
accordance with section 158(f) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3208(f)), support the change
of trades offered at a Job Corps center, including at a Job
Corps transition hub at an existing center or at a new site
in close proximity to a shipyard or other defense industrial
base suppliers, to align with the needs of the defense
industrial base, including through investments in curricula
development, equipment, and facilities.
(4) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
(A) Enrollee; job corps; job corps center.--The terms
``enrollee'', ``Job Corps'', and ``Job Corps center'' have
the meanings given such terms in section 142 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3192).
(B) Job corps center operator.--The term ``Job Corps center
operator'' has the meaning given the term ``operator'' in
such section of such Act.
(C) Job corps transition hub.--The term ``Job Corps
transition hub'' means an advanced career training program
under section 148 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3198) that facilitates the onboarding and
retention of enrollees into successful careers in in-demand
industry sectors or occupations and registered apprenticeship
programs.
(D) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term
``registered apprenticeship program'' means an apprenticeship
program that is registered under the Act of August 16, 1937
(commonly known as the ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50
Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(b) Extension of Shipbuilding Special Incentive to the Job
Corps.--Section 8696 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by adding at the end the
following:
``(G) The Job Corps program established under section 143
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3193) or an individual Job Corps center operator as defined
in section 142 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3192).''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the
following:
``(H) Support for the statutory purposes of the Job Corps
program established under section 143 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3193).''.
(c) Job Corps Conforming Reforms.--
(1) Success in military recruitment as a graduate of job
corps.--Section 142(5) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3192(5)) is amended by inserting
``enlisted in the military with a score on the Armed Forces
Qualification Test that is above the thirty-first
percentile,'' before ``or completed''.
(2) Grants to job corps centers.--Section 158(f) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3208(f))
is amended--
(A) by striking the heading and inserting ``External
Funding'';
(B) by striking ``The Secretary may accept on behalf of the
Job Corps or individual Job Corps centers charitable
donations of cash'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary (or the Secretary of
Agriculture, as appropriate), on behalf of the Job Corps, or
a Job Corps center operator, on behalf of such center, may
accept grants and charitable donations of cash'';
(C) by inserting ``grants and'' before ``donations are'';
(D) by striking ``available for appropriate use'' and
inserting ``used exclusively''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Transfer of property.--Notwithstanding sections
501(b) and 522 of title 40, United States Code, any property
acquired by a Job Corps center shall be directly transferred,
on a nonreimbursable basis, to the Secretary.
``(3) Prohibition of offset using external funding.--An
operator that accepts a grant or charitable donation under
paragraph (1) may not use the grant or charitable donation to
fulfill the cost of any obligation imposed on the operator
under an agreement under section 147.
``(4) Prohibition on restrictions for job corps
placement.--A grant or charitable donation under paragraph
(1) may not include terms that restrict the placement or
employment options of an enrollee or graduate.
``(5) Public reporting.-- The Secretary shall publicly
disclose on annual basis a list of grants and charitable
donations received under paragraph (1), which shall include
the amount and source of each grant or charitable donation
and the Job Corps center that was designated as the
beneficiary of each grant or charitable donation.''.
(3) Local authority to realign trades.--Section 151 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3201) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Local Authority.--Subject to the limitations of the
budget approved by the Secretary for a Job Corps center, the
operator of a Job Corps center shall have the authority,
without prior approval from the Secretary, to--
``(1) hire staff and provide staff professional
development;
``(2) set terms and enter into agreements with Federal,
State, or local educational partners, such as secondary
schools, institutions of higher education, child development
centers, units of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
programs established under section 2031 of title 10, United
States Code, or employers; and
``(3) engage with and educate stakeholders (including
eligible applicants for the Job Corps) about Job Corps
operations, selection procedures, and activities.''.
(4) Streamlined enrollment of veterans and military
recruits into the defense industrial base.--

[[Page S3967]]

(A) In general.--Subsection (b) of section 144 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3194) is
amended--
(i) in the heading, by inserting ``and Certain Other Armed
Forces Members'' after ``Veterans''; and
(ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``or a member of the Armed Forces eligible for pre-separation
counseling of the Transition Assistance Program under section
1142 of title 10, United States Code,'' after ``a veteran''.
(B) Background check exemption.--Section 145(b) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3195(b))
is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting ``except with respect
to an individual described in paragraph (4),'' before ``the
individual''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Individuals exempted from background check.--An
individual described in this paragraph is--
``(A) an individual who is--
``(i)(I) a member of the Armed Forces eligible for pre-
separation counseling of the Transition Assistance Program
under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code; or
``(II) a veteran who left the Armed Forces not more than 90
days before the date on which the veteran applies to enroll
in the Job Corps; and
``(ii) not ineligible for retired pay as provided by
section 12740 of title 10, United States Code; or
``(B) a military recruit who--
``(i) is ineligible to enlist in the military as a result
of the requirements of section 520 of title 10, United States
Code; and
``(ii) not more than 90 days before the date on which the
recruit applies to enroll in the Job Corps, passed a
background check as part of the enlistment process.''.

SEC. 5832. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO WEARING OPTIONAL COMBAT
BOOTS.

(a) In General.--Not later than three years after the date
of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense
shall issue regulations, to take effect not more than one
year after issuance, to prohibit any member of the Armed
Forces who joins the Armed Forces after the date the
regulations are issued from wearing optional combat boots as
part of a required uniform unless the optional combat boots
are entirely manufactured in the United States and entirely
made of--
(1) materials grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in
the United States; and
(2) components that are manufactured entirely in the United
States and entirely made of materials described in paragraph
(1).
(b) Waiver.--The requirements of subsection (a) may be
waived if a member of the Armed Forces provides a medical
justification authorized by the commanding officer of such
member to wear optional combat boots as part of a required
uniform.
(c) Exception.--The requirements of subsection (a) shall
not apply to a member of the Armed Forces within a combat
arms military occupational specialty who is in a deployed
status.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``optional combat boots'', with respect to a
member of the Armed Forces, means combat boots not furnished
to such member of the Armed Forces by the Secretary of
Defense.
(2) The term ``required uniform'' means a uniform a member
of the Armed Forces is required to wear as a member of the
Armed Forces.

TITLE LX--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subtitle B--Naval Vessels

SEC. 6011. PRIORITIZATION AND BRIEFING ON READY RESERVE FORCE
MODERNIZATION.

(a) Prioritization of Design Requirements.--The Secretary
of the Navy and the Secretary of Transportation shall
prioritize the finalization of design requirements for new
Ready Reserve Force vessels.
(b) Briefing Required.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy,
in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, shall
provide a briefing to the appropriate congressional
committees on the following:
(1) The status of the sealift vessel design being developed
pursuant to section 3546 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (46 U.S.C.
57100 note).
(2) The plan and timeline for establishing a vessel
construction manager program for Ready Reserve Force new
construction, including--
(A) the anticipated procurement strategy;
(B) the vessel construction manager selection process; and
(C) criteria for shipyard selection.
(3) The funding profile required to execute the 10-ship
newbuild program authorized under section 2218(f) of title
10, United States Code, phased by fiscal year.
(4) The relationship between the newbuild program and the
ongoing used vessel procurement program, including how those
programs will be managed in parallel to maintain Ready
Reserve Force readiness during the transition period.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
(2) Ready reserve force.--The term ``Ready Reserve Force''
has the meaning given that term in chapter 571 of title 46,
United States Code.

SEC. 6012. PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF ADDITIVE AND ADVANCED
MANUFACTURING TO SUPPORT NAVAL SHIPBUILDING.

(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Navy shall conduct
a pilot program through which the Secretary shall expand the
use of additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing
technologies to address supply chain constraints, production
delays, and part shortages affecting naval shipbuilding and
ship repair.
(b) Design of Pilot.--The Secretary shall design the pilot
program to--
(1) identify shipbuilding components, replacement parts,
tooling, fixtures, and other items that are constrained by
limited suppliers, long lead times, obsolete production
methods, or foreign dependence;
(2) evaluate the use of additive manufacturing and advanced
manufacturing to produce such items in a manner that meets
applicable Navy technical, safety, cybersecurity, quality
assurance, and certification requirements;
(3) reduce schedule delays in ship construction,
maintenance, and repair caused by shortages of parts or
production capacity;
(4) strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity for naval
shipbuilding; and
(5) support the development of qualification standards and
repeatable certification pathways for additive manufactured
shipbuilding components.
(c) Implementation.--In carrying out the pilot program, the
Secretary shall--
(1) select not fewer than three classes of naval vessels
for participation in the pilot program;
(2) prioritize components and parts that have demonstrated
supply chain constraints, production bottlenecks, or
recurring availability issues;
(3) partner with public shipyards, private shipbuilders,
suppliers, and other entities within the domestic
shipbuilding industrial base;
(4) support University Affiliated Research Centers,
federally funded research and development centers, and other
qualified technical organizations with expertise in additive
manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, materials science, and
industrial base modernization;
(5) establish procedures for testing, qualification, and
certification of additive manufactured parts for naval use;
and
(6) ensure that any technical data, digital models, or
manufacturing processes developed under the pilot program are
managed to support long-term Navy sustainment and avoid
vendor lock-in.
(d) UARC Support.--The Secretary may enter into agreements
with University Affiliated Research Centers to provide
technical support for the pilot program, including support
for--
(1) identifying candidate parts and components suitable for
additive or advanced manufacturing;
(2) developing manufacturing processes and qualification
standards;
(3) conducting materials testing and performance
validation;
(4) assessing cybersecurity risks associated with digital
manufacturing files and production systems;
(5) supporting workforce development and training for
additive manufacturing in the naval shipbuilding industrial
base; and
(6) advising the Navy on how to scale successful
technologies across shipbuilding and ship repair programs.
(e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a report on the
implementation of the pilot program, including--
(1) the ship classes, shipyards, and industrial base
partners participating in the pilot program;
(2) the categories of parts or components selected for
additive manufacturing or advanced manufacturing;
(3) the extent to which the pilot program has reduced lead
times, production delays, costs, or supplier constraints;
(4) any barriers to qualification, certification,
cybersecurity, intellectual property, or technical data
rights;
(5) the role of University Affiliated Research Centers and
other technical organizations in supporting the pilot
program; and
(6) recommendations for expanding the use of additive and
advanced manufacturing across naval shipbuilding and ship
repair.
(f) Duration.--The authority under this section shall
terminate on December 31, 2032.

Subtitle E--Studies and Reports

SEC. 6021. REPORT ON NATIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF
DOMESTIC SUPPLY AND USE OF CRITICAL CHEMICALS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the House of Representatives a report assessing the national
security implications of the domestic supply and use of
critical chemicals that support petroleum refining and
related industrial processes.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall
include, at a minimum, the following:

[[Page S3968]]

(1) An assessment of the domestic production capacity and
supply chain for critical chemicals used in petroleum
refining and related manufacturing processes, and
identification of any significant irreplaceability and
dependencies on foreign sources or single-supplier
vulnerabilities.
(2) An evaluation of the role such chemicals play in
supporting the defense industrial base, including their
contribution to the production of fuels, materials, and other
inputs necessary for military operations and defense
manufacturing.
(3) An analysis of the extent to which domestic refining
capacity supporting military fuel requirements relies on
processes utilizing such chemicals, and the potential
operational or logistical impacts to the Department of
Defense if the availability or use of such chemicals were
significantly constrained.
(4) An assessment of risks to the infrastructure and supply
chains associated with the production, storage, and
transportation of such chemicals, including physical
security, cyber threats, and other potential disruption
scenarios.
(5) Recommendations for actions the Department of Defense
and other relevant Federal agencies could take to mitigate
risks to the supply of such chemicals, including
consideration of strategic stockpiling, diversification of
supply sources, or other measures to strengthen the
resilience of the defense industrial base.
(c) Critical Infrastructure Protection.--Information
provided by private sector entities for purposes of preparing
the report required by subsection (a) shall be treated as
protected critical infrastructure information under the
Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 671
et seq.) and shall be exempt from disclosure under section
552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the
``Freedom of Information Act'').
(d) Form.--
(1) In general.--The report required by subsection (a)
shall be submitted in unclassified form but shall include a
classified annex.
(2) Matters for unclassified portion.--The unclassified
portion of the report required by subsection (a) shall focus
on high-level strategic risks and policy recommendations,
ensuring that no information is released that could
jeopardize the operational security of the domestic
industrial base, including specific refining companies.
(3) Matters for classified annex.--Any site-specific
vulnerability assessments, granular production capacities of
individual refineries, or detailed transportation route
mappings for hazardous chemicals shall be included only in
the classified annex required by paragraph (1).

SEC. 6022. REPORT ON REQUIREMENTS FOR CASUALTY NOTIFICATION
OFFICERS AND CASUALTY ASSISTANCE OFFICERS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Deputy Secretary of Defense,
working in conjunction with the Secretaries of the military
departments, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report
assessing policies, training requirements, and certification
standards governing the casualty notification officers and
casualty assistance officers of each Armed Force.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a)
shall--
(1) identify opportunities to improve training,
standardization, and oversight of officers described in that
subsection; and
(2) make recommendations with respect to mechanisms for the
Department of Defense to solicit and receive voluntary
feedback from surviving family members to help inform
continuous improvement of casualty notification and
assistance programs.

SEC. 6023. PORT SHUAIBA DRONE ATTACK INSPECTOR GENERAL
REPORT.

(a) Inspector General Report.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector
General of the Department of Defense shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a report on the March 1,
2026, Iranian drone attack on United States forces in Port
Shuaiba, Kuwait, and its aftermath.
(b) Elements.--The report submitted under subsection (a)
shall include, with respect to events occurring shortly
before and after the attack described in such subsection and
related matters, the following:
(1) A description of the reason for moving members of the
103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to Port Shuaiba.
(2) A description of medical supplies provided by the Army
to the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), including
whether any requests for supplies were denied.
(3) A description of actions taken to ensure the physical
security of the Port Shuaiba facility.
(4) A timeline of the attack described in subsection (a).
(5) A review of medical care provided to members of the
Armed Forces injured in the attack described in subsection
(a), including whether they received proper diagnoses and
medical care for injuries such as traumatic brain injuries.
(6) An evaluation of whether Department of Defense
statements concerning the attack described in subsection (a)
and medical care provided to members of the Armed Forces
injured in the attack were consistent with information
provided to the public by the Department of Defense.
(c) Form.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a
classified annex.

SEC. 6024. ASSESSMENT OF NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL
MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES.

(a) In General.--Not later than March 31, 2027, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional
defense committees an assessment of the establishment of a
governance structure for coordinating the development of
national security-related medical countermeasures, similar to
the Operation Warp Speed Program, for nuclear, chemical and
biological medical countermeasures.
(b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a)
should include--
(1) recommendations to strengthen and improve the current
medical countermeasure capabilities, authorities, and command
structures of the Department of Defense;
(2) recommendations to improve and formalize interagency
coordination, support mechanisms, and supply chains necessary
for a robust national security medical countermeasure
enterprise; and
(3) any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines
necessary.

Subtitle G--Other Matters

SEC. 6031. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF VEHICLE AND AIRCRAFT MANIFEST
INFORMATION.

(a) In General.--Section 431 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19
U.S.C. 1431) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--Each of the following shall have a
manifest that complies with the requirements prescribed under
subsection (d):
``(1) Every vessel required to make entry under section 434
or obtain clearance under section 60105 of title 46, United
States Code.
``(2) Every aircraft required to make entry and obtain
clearance under section 644(a).
``(3) Every commercial vehicle arriving in or departing
from the United States that is--
``(A) transporting merchandise for importation into or
exportation from the United States; and
``(B) required to transmit advance electronic information
under section 343(a) of the Trade Act of 2002 (19 U.S.C.
1415(a)).''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``subparagraph (2)'' and all that follows through ``public
disclosure'' and inserting ``paragraph (2) or (3), when
included in a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft manifest, the
following information shall be available for public
disclosure'';
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``vessel, aircraft,
or carrier'' and inserting ``vessel, vehicle, or aircraft'';
and
(iii) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (F) and inserting
the following:
``(E) In the case of a vessel or aircraft--
``(i) the seaport or airport of loading; and
``(ii) the seaport or airport of discharge.
``(F) In the case of a vehicle, the port of entry.'';
(B) by amending paragraph (2)(B) to read as follows:
``(B)(i) The Secretary shall ensure that any personally
identifiable information of individuals, such as the
information described in clause (ii), is removed from any
manifest signed, produced, delivered, or electronically
transmitted under this section before access to the manifest
is provided to the public.
``(ii) The information described in this clause includes
the following:
``(I) Social Security numbers.
``(II) Passport numbers.
``(III) The following names and addresses appearing in the
manifest in the names and addresses associated with a
shipper, consignee, or notify party:
``(aa) Names of individuals who are end consumers.
``(bb) Residential addresses (excluding zip codes) that are
not primary addresses of a trade or business.
``(iii) Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to
permit the removal of the name, address, or identification
number of a business from a manifest signed, produced,
delivered or electronically transmitted under this
section.''.
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) In the case of a manifest required by subsection
(a)(3) for a vehicle departing from the United States, when
the manifest is provided to the Automated Commercial
Environment system of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall process the manifest
and provide the information in the manifest described in
paragraph (1) and not excluded from disclosure under
paragraph (2) to the appropriate parties.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to each vessel, vehicle, and
aircraft arriving in or departing from the United States on
or after the date that is 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 6032. NONDISCRIMINATION IN DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

Section 308(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5151(a)) is amended
by striking ``or economic status'' and inserting ``economic
status, or political affiliation''.

[[Page S3969]]

SEC. 6033. COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITY.

Section 210G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
124n) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Authority of the marshal of the united states supreme
court.--Notwithstanding section 46502 of title 49, United
States Code, or sections 32, 1030, 1367 and chapters 119 and
206 of title 18, United States Code, notwithstanding the laws
of any particular State, local, Tribal, or territorial
jurisdiction, and after completing the training required
under subsection (d)(4), the Marshal of the Supreme Court may
take and may authorize personnel with assigned duties that
include the security or protection of the Chief Justice or
any Associate Justice of the Supreme Court to take such
actions as are described in subsection (b)(1)(A) that are
necessary to detect, identify, monitor, or track a credible
threat that an unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft
poses to the safety or security of the Chief Justice or any
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on the grounds of the
Supreme Court, property leased for use by the Supreme Court,
or at the residence of the Chief Justice or any Associate
Justice.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting:
``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Marshal of the supreme court.--The Marshal of the
Supreme Court shall develop for the Supreme Court Police the
actions described in paragraph (1) in coordination with the
Secretary of Transportation.'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and the Attorney
General'' and inserting ``, the Attorney General, and the
Marshal of the Supreme Court''; and
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and the Attorney
General'' and inserting ``, the Attorney General, and the
Marshal of the Supreme Court'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Agency guidance.--The Secretary, the Attorney
General, and the Secretary of Transportation may prescribe
regulations and shall issue guidance in the respective areas
of the Secretary, the Attorney General, or the Secretary of
Transportation to carry out this section, including guidance
relating to actions carried out by any State, local, Tribal,
or territorial law enforcement or correctional agency under
this section.
``(B) Supreme court.--The Marshal of the Supreme Court
shall prescribe regulations and issue guidance, in
coordination with the Secretary, the Attorney General, and
the Secretary of Transportation, that are consistent with
regulations prescribed and guidance issued by the Secretary,
Attorney General, or Secretary of Transportation under
subparagraph (A).'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and the Attorney
General'' and inserting ``, the Attorney General, and the
Marshal of the Supreme Court''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and the Attorney
General'' and inserting ``, the Attorney General, and the
Marshal of the Supreme Court''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Marshal of the supreme court training and
certification.--The Marshal of the Supreme Court and any
personnel of the Marshal of the Supreme Court shall be
subject to the same training and certification requirements
relating to the detection, identification, monitoring, and
tracking of unmanned aircraft as personnel of the Department
of Homeland Security.'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``each Secretary, the Attorney General'' and inserting ``the
Secretary, the Attorney General, the Secretary of
Transportation, the Marshal of the Supreme Court'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``the Marshal of the Supreme Court,''
after ``the Attorney General,''; and
(ii) by striking ``determine'' and inserting
``determines'';
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--

(I) by inserting a comma after ``Security''; and
(II) by inserting ``the Supreme Court Police,'' after
``Justice,''; and

(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and the Department
of Justice'' and inserting ``, the Department of Justice, or
the Supreme Court Police''; and
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and the Department of
Justice'' and inserting ``, the Department of Justice, and
the Supreme Court Police'';
(5) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and the Attorney
General'' and inserting ``, the Attorney General, and the
Marshal of the Supreme Court'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``the Marshall of the Supreme Court,''
after ``the Attorney General,'' each place the term appears;
and
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``or the Department
of Homeland Security'' and inserting ``, the Department of
Homeland Security, or the Supreme Court Police''; and
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and the Attorney
General'' and inserting ``, the Attorney General, and the
Marshal of the Supreme Court'';
(6) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``or the Attorney
General'' and inserting ``, the Attorney General, or the
Marshal of the Supreme Court''; and
(7) in subsection (j), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Marshal of the united states supreme court.--The
authority of the Marshal of the Supreme Court to carry out
actions with respect to subsection (a)(3) shall terminate on
September 30, 2031.''.

SEC. 6034. LIST OF ENTITIES HOLDING FCC AUTHORIZATIONS,
LICENSES, OR OTHER GRANTS OF AUTHORITY AND
HAVING CERTAIN FOREIGN OWNERSHIP.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate national security agency.--The term
``appropriate national security agency'' has the meaning
given such term in section 9 of the Secure and Trusted
Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 1608).
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Communications Commission.
(3) Covered country.--The term ``covered country'' means a
country specified in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United
States Code.
(4) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means--
(A) the government of a covered country;
(B) an entity organized under the laws of a covered
country; and
(C) a subsidiary of an entity described in subparagraph
(B), regardless of whether the subsidiary is organized under
the laws of a covered country.
(b) Publication of List.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall
publish on the internet website of the Commission a list of
each entity--
(1) that holds a license issued by the Commission pursuant
to--
(A) section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 309(j)); or
(B) the Act of May 27, 1921 (47 U.S.C. 34 et seq.; commonly
known as the ``Cable Landing Licensing Act'') and Executive
Order 10530 (3 U.S.C. 301 note; relating to the performance
of certain functions vested in or subject to the approval of
the President); and
(2) with respect to which--
(A) a covered entity holds an equity or voting interest
that is required to be reported to the Commission under the
ownership rules of the Commission; or
(B) an appropriate national security agency has determined
that a covered entity exerts control, regardless of whether
such covered entity holds an equity or voting interest as
described in subparagraph (A).
(c) Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall issue rules
to obtain information to identify each entity--
(A) that holds any authorization, license, or other grant
of authority issued by the Commission (other than a license
described in subsection (b)(1)); and
(B) with respect to which a covered entity holds an equity
or voting interest that is required to be reported to the
Commission under the ownership rules of the Commission.
(2) Placement on list.--Not later than 1 year after the
Commission issues the rules required by paragraph (1), the
Commission shall place each entity described in such
paragraph on the list published under subsection (b).
(d) Annual Updates.--The Commission shall, not less
frequently than annually, update the list published under
subsection (b), including with respect to any entity required
to be placed on such list by subsection (c)(2).

SEC. 6035. TREATMENT OF EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE FOREIGN AGENTS
REGISTRATION ACT OF 1938.

(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the
``Preventing Adversary Influence, Disinformation, and
Obscured Foreign Financing Act of 2026'' or the ``PAID OFF
Act of 2026''.
(b) Treatment of Exemptions Under the Foreign Agents
Registration Act of 1938.--Section 3 of the Foreign Agents
Registration Act of 1938, as amended (22 U.S.C. 613), is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subsection (a), by inserting
``, except as provided in subsection (i)'' after
``principals''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Limitations.--The exemptions under subsections
(d)(1), (d)(2), and (h) shall not apply to any agent of a
foreign principal that is a corporate or government entity
that is owned or controlled by 1 or more of the identified
countries listed in clauses (i) through (v) of section
1(m)(1)(A) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of
1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(m)(1)(A)).''.
(c) Mechanism to Amend Definition of ``Country of
Concern''.--Section 1(m) of the State Department Basic
Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(m)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs
(7) and (8), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) Modification to definition of `country of concern'.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of State may, in
consultation with the Attorney General, propose the addition
or deletion of countries described in paragraph (1)(A).
``(B) Submission.--Any proposal described in subparagraph
(A) shall--

[[Page S3970]]

``(i) be submitted to the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the
Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary
of the House of Representatives; and
``(ii) become effective upon enactment of a joint
resolution of approval as described in subparagraph (C).
``(C) Joint resolution of approval.--
``(i) In general.--For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii),
the term `joint resolution of approval' means only a joint
resolution--

``(I) that does not have a preamble;
``(II) that includes in the matter after the resolving
clause the following: `That Congress approves the
modification of the definition of ``country of concern''
under section 1(m) of the State Department Basic Authorities
Act of 1956, as submitted by the Secretary of State on ____;
and section 1(m)(1)(A) of the State Department Basic
Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(m)(1)(A)) is amended
by ______