2026 Defense Bill: Military Spending, Weapons, and Security Rules

What to know

• The bill tells the Pentagon to build a missile defense system called Golden Dome to protect the whole United States.
• Men ages 18 to 26 would be signed up for the Selective Service using government data. They would not need to do anything themselves.
• The Defense Department could not use AI software from the Chinese company DeepSeek on government systems or contracts.
• The military could not buy batteries, computers, printers, or seafood from Chinese-linked sources. Some of these bans run through 2031.
• The bill closes Pentagon diversity, equity, and inclusion offices. Equal Employment Opportunity and disability offices would stay open.
• Families near military bases with tainted private wells could get clean water paid for by the Defense Department. The water must test above EPA limits for PFAS chemicals.

Heads up

28 buried provisions

Provisions we flagged do not match the bill's stated purpose, or repeat language from bills that did not pass on their own.

Section by section

1. Elimination of military preference for electric and hybrid vehicles

   Section 312 removes a rule that required the Department of Defense to prefer buying electric or hybrid vehicles for its fleet. It also removes related requirements tied to that preference. The Department will no longer be obligated to prioritize lower-emission vehicles when purchasing motor vehicles.

   Who this affects

   The Department of Defense and its vehicle procurement programs. It may also affect companies that sell electric or hybrid vehicles to the military.

   Tradeoff

   Removing the preference gives the military more flexibility in vehicle purchases, but it reduces the push toward lower-emission military vehicles.

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

2. Automatic registration for the Selective Service System

   Section 535 requires men to be automatically registered with the Selective Service System. Right now, men must sign up on their own, usually between ages 18 and 25. Under this change, the government would register eligible men automatically, using data it already has from other federal and state agencies. This means young men would no longer need to take any action to comply with the registration law.

   Who this affects

   Male U.S. citizens and immigrants who are required by law to register with the Selective Service, typically between ages 18 and 25.

   Tradeoff

   Automatic registration would reduce the number of men who miss the deadline by accident, but it also means the government collects and shares personal data about young men without them taking any direct action.

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   Sec. 535. Selective Service System: automatic registration.

3. Ban on live animals in military trauma training

   Section 1050 bans the Department of Defense from using live animals in live-fire trauma training. Live-fire trauma training teaches soldiers how to treat wounds caused by bullets or explosions. In the past, some training used live animals to create real injuries for practice. This section ends that practice. The ban applies to all branches of the military.

   Who this affects

   Military medical trainers and the soldiers they train. It also affects the animals that were previously used in these exercises.

   Tradeoff

   Ending live-animal use may make training more humane, but some argue it could reduce the realism of wound-care practice before combat.

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

4. Golden Dome missile defense system

   Section 1652 directs the Department of Defense to develop a missile defense system called Golden Dome for America. The system is meant to protect the entire United States from missile attacks. This builds on existing national missile defense policy, which Section 1651 updates to reflect the Golden Dome approach. The bill tasks the Pentagon with planning and building this new defense layer. Details on cost, timeline, and technology would be spelled out in related plans and reports.

   Who this affects

   U.S. residents and military, because it shapes how the country defends against missile threats. Defense contractors and the Pentagon workforce would be involved in building and operating the system.

   Tradeoff

   A broader missile defense system could increase protection against attacks, but designing and building it requires significant spending and could take many years to complete.

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   Sec. 1652. Golden Dome missile defense system.

5. Mold remediation guidelines for military housing

   Section 2830 requires the Department of Defense to create uniform mold remediation guidelines across all military departments. Right now, each branch of the military may handle mold problems differently. This section pushes for one shared standard so that all service members and their families get the same level of mold cleanup and prevention, no matter which branch they belong to.

   Who this affects

   Service members and their families who live in military housing, as well as the military departments responsible for maintaining that housing.

   Tradeoff

   Uniform standards may improve housing safety and consistency, but setting them up requires time, coordination, and possibly more spending across military departments.

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

6. Ban on DeepSeek software on intelligence community systems

   Section 6604 bans the use of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence tool developed by a Chinese company, on any systems owned or operated by the U.S. intelligence community. No agency within the intelligence community may run, install, or access DeepSeek on its devices or networks. The ban applies to all elements of the intelligence community, which includes agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and others.

   Who this affects

   Intelligence community agencies and their employees who use government-owned or government-operated computers and networks. It does not directly affect private citizens.

   Tradeoff

   The ban reduces potential security risks from foreign-developed AI software, but it also limits the intelligence community's ability to test or study that tool on its own systems.

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

7. Multiyear purchase contracts for UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters

   This section lets the Army sign multiyear contracts to buy UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. The contracts can start in fiscal year 2027. Multiyear contracts let the government buy several years of equipment in one deal. This usually lowers the price per unit because the manufacturer can plan production further ahead.

   Who this affects

   The U.S. Army and the companies that build UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. Taxpayers fund the purchases.

   Tradeoff

   Multiyear contracts can reduce the cost per helicopter, but they also commit the government to a purchase plan that is harder to change if needs or budgets shift.

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   the Secretary of the Army may enter into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2027 program year, for the procurement of UH-60 Blackhawk aircraft.

8. Early production of future long-range assault aircraft

   This section lets the Army sign contracts to start building its future long-range assault aircraft before full production is approved. The goal is to speed up delivery to troops, keep workers and factories employed, and save money over the life of the program. The Army must make sure lessons from test flights are included in these early aircraft. It also must finish full developmental and operational testing before moving to full production. Within 180 days of the law passing, the Army must brief Congress on its plan, the readiness of factories and suppliers, and expected cost savings.

   Who this affects

   Army aviation programs, defense contractors, and the specialized workforce building tiltrotor aircraft. Soldiers who will eventually use the aircraft are also affected by how quickly it is delivered.

   Tradeoff

   Starting production early can lower costs and keep skilled workers on the job, but it also risks spending money on aircraft that may need costly changes if testing reveals problems.

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   The Secretary of the Army may enter into contracts, in advance of full-rate production, for the procurement of future long-range assault aircraft as part of an accelerated low-rate early production effort for such aircraft.

9. Air Force refueling tanker minimum fleet size increase

   Section 141 raises the minimum number of air refueling tanker aircraft the Air Force must keep in its inventory. The floor stays at 466 planes through September 2026. It then steps up to 478 in fiscal year 2027, 490 in fiscal year 2028, and 502 starting in October 2028. When an older KC-135 tanker is replaced by a newer KC-46, the Air Force may move that KC-135 to another Air Refueling Wing if that wing has enough people and training capacity to support it. Finally, no fiscal year 2026 funds may be used to cut the number of KC-135 aircraft assigned as primary mission aircraft in the Air Force reserve components.

   Who this affects

   The Air Force and its reserve components. It also affects pilots, maintenance crews, and Air Refueling Wings that could receive reassigned KC-135 aircraft.

   Tradeoff

   Keeping more tanker aircraft in service supports refueling capacity but requires continued spending on older planes that the Air Force may prefer to retire.

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   of not less than 466 aircraft during the period ending on September 30, 2026; ``(B) of not less than 478 aircraft during the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2027; ``(C) of not less than 490 aircraft during the period beginning on October 1, 2027, and ending on September 30, 2028; and ``(D) of not less than 502 aircraft beginning on October 1, 2028.''

10. B-21 bomber program progress reports

    This section requires the Air Force to send Congress and the Government Accountability Office detailed tracking matrices for the B-21 bomber program. The first set of matrices must arrive with the President's fiscal year 2027 budget request. Updates must follow every six months after that. The matrices must cover program milestones, technology readiness, software progress, manufacturing, testing, reliability, and costs. Cost data must be broken down by category, such as air vehicle, engines, software, and fees. The GAO must review these matrices at least once a year and report back to Congress on any cost, schedule, or performance trends. A separate older reporting requirement from a 2017 defense law is removed by this section.

    Who this affects

    The Air Force, the defense contractor building the B-21, and congressional defense committees. Taxpayers and the public gain visibility into how the program is progressing.

    Tradeoff

    More frequent, detailed reporting gives Congress better oversight of a costly new bomber program, but it adds reporting work for the Air Force and the contractor.

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    Not less frequently than annually, the Comptroller General shall-- (1) review the sufficiency of each matrix received under this section; and (2) submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of such matrix, including by identifying cost, schedule, or performance trends.

11. Restrictions on buying more KC-46 tanker aircraft until defects are fixed

    The Defense Department may not accept delivery of more than 188 new KC-46 tanker aircraft that the U.S. fully paid for. To go beyond that number, the Secretary of Defense must first send Congress a plan to fix all Category 1 defects found on the KC-46. The plan must include a cost estimate, realistic event-driven schedules, and a schedule risk assessment at an 80 percent confidence level. The plan must be submitted in unclassified form, though it may include a classified section.

    Who this affects

    The Defense Department, Boeing as the KC-46 manufacturer, and members of the Air Force who rely on aerial refueling. Taxpayers fund these aircraft purchases.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gains oversight by tying future KC-46 purchases to a verified fix plan, but this could slow delivery of new tanker aircraft if the Pentagon takes time to meet the certification requirements.

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    The Secretary of Defense may not accept or take delivery of covered KC-46 aircraft in excess of the maximum quantity specified in subsection (c) until the Secretary-- (1) certifies to the congressional defense committees that the Secretary has developed and is implementing a plan of corrective actions and milestones to resolve all Category 1 deficiencies identified with respect to KC-46 aircraft

12. Alternative testing path for certain defense programs

    Section 218 creates a new, flexible way to test and evaluate certain Defense Department weapons programs. Instead of following a fixed schedule with required checkpoints, these programs can use a single, combined test plan that collects data continuously. Programs using this path are excused from several standard rules. For example, they do not have to hold a formal initial operational test event or submit a traditional test and evaluation master plan. The military department running the program must still collect raw data and make it available to an independent watchdog, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. That office keeps the right to review all data and report to Congress on whether testing is working. The Secretary of Defense must issue guidance within 180 days and report to Congress within three years on how well the new path is working.

    Who this affects

    Defense acquisition programs designated by the Secretary of Defense, especially new software and hardware programs. It also affects the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, military department test offices, and defense contractors who provide test data.

    Tradeoff

    Programs can move faster by skipping rigid test milestones, but independent oversight still exists through continuous data review rather than formal approval steps.

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    Each such covered program shall be exempt from-- (A) any requirement in law, regulation, or policy, including Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02 or other policies, to develop and submit a test and evaluation master plan... (B) any requirement in law, regulation, or policy to conduct any milestone-specific operational test event, such as the requirement in section 4171 of title 10, United States Code, to conduct initial operational test and evaluation

13. Catalyst Pathfinder Program: soldiers and universities working together

    This section tells the Army to create a new program by January 1, 2027. The program pairs Army units with research universities and small businesses. Soldiers work directly with researchers to identify problems and test early solutions. The goal is to make sure new technology actually meets what soldiers need in the field. The Army must set up activities at select divisions, write clear policies for cooperation, and form a board that includes people from research, testing, and universities. Successful projects should move into formal Army programs. The program must be listed as a research and development activity in the Army's budget plan sent to Congress.

    Who this affects

    Active Army soldiers and their units, research universities, and small businesses. Army acquisition and research offices are also involved.

    Tradeoff

    The program could speed up useful technology by involving soldiers early, but it requires new coordination structures and ongoing funding to work.

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    creates partnerships between operational units of the Army and research universities to provide a platform for university-based researchers and small businesses to collaborate directly with soldiers on innovative applied research and development

14. Robots in munitions manufacturing

    Section 225 directs the Army to run a program that brings robotic automation to munitions factories. These factories are owned by the government but run by private contractors. The program has five goals: design safe robotic systems that load, assemble, and pack munitions; increase production speed while reducing workers' contact with explosive materials; build secure digital systems that connect factory floors to larger military networks; train workers in robotics and advanced manufacturing; and test whether the robots can work across different types of munitions and factory sites. The Army must coordinate with the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition. By March 1, 2026, the Army must brief Congress on the program's progress, what was learned, and how robotic automation could be used more broadly across the defense industry.

    Who this affects

    Army munitions factory workers at government-owned, contractor-operated sites. Defense contractors running those facilities are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Robotic automation could speed up production and reduce worker exposure to dangerous materials, but it requires upfront investment and workforce retraining.

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    The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a program to support the maturation and expansion of robotic automation capabilities for munitions manufacturing at government-owned, contractor-operated production facilities.

15. Biotechnology Management Office

    This section directs the Secretary of Defense to set up a new Biotechnology Management Office within 120 days of the law's passage. A senior official with biotechnology experience must be picked within 90 days to run it. The office will report to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Its jobs include carrying out a Defense Biotechnology Strategy, updating policies for buying and using biotech products, coordinating with other government agencies and private partners, finding workforce gaps, and supporting public-private partnerships. The office must brief Congress within 30 days of the senior official being named. The office closes on September 30, 2030, unless extended.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Defense and its workforce are directly affected. Biotech companies, universities, and research partners may also work with the new office.

    Tradeoff

    Creating the office adds a new layer of coordination and oversight for military biotech programs, which could speed up adoption of new technologies but also adds administrative cost and complexity.

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    Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, with input from the senior official designated under subsection (a), charter and establish, under the authority, direction, and control of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, a Biotechnology Management Office to foster the development, acquisition, and sustainment of broad-based biotechnology capabilities for the Department.

16. Ethics rules for military use of biotechnology

    Section 247 requires the Secretary of Defense to write clear policies on the ethical and responsible use of biotechnology by the military. The policies must cover several topics. These include informed consent for troops involved in unapproved biotech experiments, rules on body changes that could be passed to future generations, effects on the environment, and compliance with the international Biological Weapons Convention. The policies must also address human performance enhancement. The Secretary must consult with industry, universities, and civil society while writing the rules. The finished policies must be posted publicly. Within one year, a report on those policies must go to Congress. The report may include a classified section, but the public version cannot. For two years after that, the Secretary must brief Congress annually on how the policies are being carried out.

    Who this affects

    Members of the Armed Forces, especially those in biotech research or experiments. Researchers, contractors, and the general public also have access to the published policies.

    Tradeoff

    Publishing clear ethical rules increases transparency and public trust, but it may also reveal information about military biotech programs that some officials would prefer to keep private.

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    Policies relating to informed consent of members of the Armed Forces participating in the development of biotechnology products that have not received regulatory approval.

17. Removing the Defense Department's preference for electric and hybrid vehicles

    This section changes two existing rules about Defense Department vehicles. First, it removes specific goals and requirements that directed the military to favor electric or hybrid vehicles when buying new motor vehicles. Second, it changes the word 'shall' to 'may' in a rule about buying such vehicles. Before this section, the military was required to prefer electric or hybrid vehicles in certain purchases. After this section, that preference is no longer required and the military has the option, but not the obligation, to choose them.

    Who this affects

    The Defense Department and the military branches that buy and manage vehicle fleets. It also affects vehicle manufacturers and dealers who sell to the government.

    Tradeoff

    Removing the requirement gives the military more flexibility in vehicle purchases, but it may slow adoption of lower-emission vehicles across the military fleet.

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    in section 2922g(a), by striking ``shall'' and inserting ``may''.

18. Alternative drinking water for households near military contamination

    This section requires the Department of Defense to offer safe drinking water to certain households near military bases. To qualify, a household must be located downhill from a military base, draw water from a private well, and have tested above the EPA's safety limit for two chemicals (PFOS and PFOA) due solely to military activity. A neighboring household in the same community must also have already been offered alternative water for the same reason. The Defense Secretary can provide bottled water, connect the home to a public water system, or install a filtration system. The duty does not apply if all affected homes in the community are already connected to a public water system, or if the military has already taken cleanup steps that meet federal or state drinking water standards.

    Who this affects

    Households that use private drinking water wells near military bases where PFOS and PFOA contamination from military activity has exceeded EPA safety limits.

    Tradeoff

    Affected households gain access to safer water at Defense Department expense, but only if contamination came solely from military activity and only if a neighbor already qualified, which may leave out some households.

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    the Secretary of Defense shall offer alternative drinking water to a household if-- (1) the household is downgradient from a military installation; (2) the household receives water from one or more private drinking water wells where contamination from detections of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances resulting solely from activities of the Department of Defense...has, at one point in time, exceeded the maximum contaminant level for such substances established by the Environmental Protection Agency

19. PFAS cleanup strategy and public tracking dashboard

    This section requires the Secretary of Defense to create a plan within 180 days to speed up cleanup of PFAS chemicals released by military activities. PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are man-made chemicals linked to health concerns. The plan must set priorities based on health risk, include timelines for each cleanup phase, and identify labs that can test for PFAS. Within one year, the Defense Department must also launch a public website dashboard. That dashboard will show how much money has been spent at each site, the status of cleanup work, expected completion dates, and who communities can contact. The dashboard must be updated every six months.

    Who this affects

    People living near military bases or National Guard facilities where PFAS chemicals have been released. It also affects the Defense Department, which must report its cleanup progress publicly.

    Tradeoff

    More public reporting and firm timelines could speed up cleanups and build community trust, but creating and maintaining the strategy and dashboard requires staff time and government resources.

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    Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish on a publicly accessible website of the Department, an online dashboard that provides information on the actions of the Department, including each military department, addressing releases of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances from activities of the Department. The dashboard shall be updated on a semiannual basis.

20. Oversight of military household moves

    Section 336 requires the Secretary of Defense to pick one office inside the Pentagon to oversee all military household moves. That office will manage baggage and furniture shipments when service members change duty stations. It will also oversee claims when belongings are lost or damaged. The Secretary must brief Congress within 180 days on which office will take the job and how it will be staffed and funded. Within 90 days after that briefing, the Secretary must write new rules to put the plan into action. Combat commands cannot be given this job.

    Who this affects

    Military service members and Defense Department civilian employees who move their household goods for a permanent change of station. It also affects the offices and contractors that currently handle those shipments.

    Tradeoff

    Putting one office in charge could make moves and claims more consistent, but it also concentrates responsibility in a single point that could become a bottleneck if understaffed.

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    the Secretary of Defense shall assign to a single office or other organizational element within the Department of Defense the following responsibilities: (1) Overseeing the activities and personnel of, and any other matter relating to... any personal property shipping office, joint or consolidated personal property shipping office, or personal property processing office of such military department.

21. New technology for Navy surface ship repairs

    This section tells the Secretary of the Navy to look into new technologies for repairing surface ships. The Secretary must test, approve, and use these tools as quickly as possible. A list of 23 specific technologies is named, including robots that detect weld flaws, drones that inspect hulls, 3D-printed parts, and artificial intelligence that predicts equipment failures. Companies outside the government can also submit ideas for other new tools. The Navy must review each outside proposal within 90 days. If the Navy rejects a proposal, an independent outside reviewer checks that decision and reports to Congress within 90 days. Within 180 days of the law passing, the Navy must send Congress a report with timelines for adopting each technology.

    Who this affects

    The U.S. Navy and its contractors are directly affected. Companies that make repair and maintenance technology may also be affected because they can submit proposals.

    Tradeoff

    Moving faster to adopt new technology could improve ship readiness and cut costs, but it may also require more upfront spending and time to test and qualify unfamiliar tools.

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    The Secretary of the Navy shall investigate, and, as feasible, qualify, approve, integrate, and fully adopt into contract requirements, advanced technologies and processes for Navy surface ship maintenance on an expedited timeline to enhance readiness, reduce costs, and address delays in maintenance and repair activities.

22. AI tools tested in two military logistics exercises

    Section 347 directs the Secretary of Defense to test commercial artificial intelligence (AI) tools in two military training exercises during fiscal year 2026. The tools must be designed to help with tracking supplies, planning, and other logistics tasks. The Defense Department must pick a commercial AI product for each exercise. The product must be able to update quickly during the exercise. The law gives preference to products from small or nontraditional software companies. All data used must meet the Defense Department's cybersecurity rules, and classified information must be protected. By March 1, 2026, the Secretary must brief Congress on which exercises were chosen, which AI tools were selected, timelines, and how success will be measured. Within 30 days after each exercise ends, the military commander in charge must brief Congress on how the AI performed, whether it helped readiness, and what should come next.

    Who this affects

    The Defense Department, military commanders running the two selected exercises, and commercial AI software companies (especially small or nontraditional firms) that want to sell logistics tools to the military.

    Tradeoff

    Testing commercial AI in real exercises could speed up military logistics, but it requires sharing sensitive Defense Department data with outside companies, which raises cybersecurity risk.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall facilitate the integration of currently available and suitable commercial artificial intelligence capabilities specifically designed to assist with logistics tracking, planning, operations, and analytics into two relevant and suitable exercises of the Department of Defense to be conducted during fiscal year 2026.

23. Military helicopter safety in busy airspace near Washington, D.C.

    This section requires military helicopters flying training missions in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area to broadcast their location in a way that commercial aircraft collision-warning systems can detect. The goal is to alert nearby commercial planes to the helicopter's presence. A military department secretary can waive this rule if national security requires it and a safety assessment has been done. Waivers lasting more than 30 days must be reported to Congress. Only a general or flag officer can approve a waiver. The section also requires the Defense Department to report to Congress on past near-miss incidents between military and commercial aircraft, then file annual reports through 2030.

    Who this affects

    Military helicopter crews flying training missions near Washington, D.C., and commercial airline passengers and crews in that airspace.

    Tradeoff

    Requiring collision-warning equipment on military helicopters improves safety for commercial aviation, but it may limit some training flexibility and could require equipment upgrades.

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    the Secretary of a military department may not authorize any manned rotary wing aircraft of the Department of Defense to operate a training mission in a covered airspace unless such aircraft, while being operated, is actively providing warning of the proximity of such aircraft to nearby commercial aircraft in a manner compatible with the traffic alert and collision avoidance system of such commercial aircraft.

24. Restroom access for military cargo drivers at secure locations

    Section 379 requires the Department of Defense to make sure truck drivers have access to a restroom when they deliver or pick up sensitive cargo at secure military sites. These drivers haul things like weapons, ammunition, and classified materials. The restroom must be near the drop-off or pickup spot. It must offer privacy, hand washing, and meet gender-specific needs. Portable restrooms must have ventilation and lighting. The restroom cannot be in a spot that creates a security, health, or safety risk. The Defense Department must also set up a way for drivers to report when no restroom is available. After getting a complaint, officials must work with the base commander to fix the problem.

    Who this affects

    Commercial truck drivers who are approved to transport sensitive military cargo, such as weapons and classified materials, to or from military bases and secure sites. Military installation commanders and Defense Department officials must carry out the new rules.

    Tradeoff

    Drivers get guaranteed restroom access, but the Defense Department must spend time and resources building a complaint process and updating access policies at many secure locations.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that, with respect to each covered location, there is a restroom-- (1) located at or in close proximity to the covered location; (2) to which any covered driver, while providing a transportation protective service involving the transport of sensitive cargo to or from the covered location on behalf of the Department of Defense, is authorized access

25. Military readiness study for an Indo-Pacific conflict

    Section 383 requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a large readiness study within one year. The study must look at whether the military can quickly mobilize and supply forces during a serious conflict in the Indo-Pacific region. It covers topics like sealift, airlift, logistics gaps, and coordination with allies such as Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. As part of the study, the military must also take a skills inventory of reserve members. That inventory looks at their civilian skills, such as foreign languages, cybersecurity, engineering, and emergency response. Within two years of the law passing, the Secretary must send Congress a full report. The report must estimate how many reserve members would be needed in the first 30, 60, and 90 days of a major conflict, and how many would support operations inside the United States.

    Who this affects

    Active duty and reserve military personnel, especially reservists whose civilian skills will be inventoried. Congress and defense planners will receive the findings.

    Tradeoff

    The study gives Congress detailed readiness data, but conducting it takes staff time and resources that could be used elsewhere.

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    the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall conduct a comprehensive joint mobilization and sustainment readiness study (modeled on the 1978 exercise referred to as ``Nifty Nugget'') to assess the capability of the Armed Forces to respond to a high-intensity contingency in the Indo-Pacific region.

26. Notice required when officers are removed from promotion lists

    This section requires the Defense Department to tell Congress whenever an officer's name is removed from a promotion list or selection board report. The notice must be given within 30 days of the removal. It also must be sent before the Senate receives the updated promotion list. This rule applies to both regular and reserve military officers. The notice requirement only covers removals for reasons other than misconduct. If misconduct is the reason, no notice to Congress is required under this section.

    Who this affects

    Military officers (regular and reserve) who are being considered for promotion. It also affects Congress, which gains the right to be notified of certain removals.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gets more visibility into promotion decisions, but the added reporting step could slow or complicate the promotion process for the Pentagon.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the removal of the name of an officer from the report of a selection board by the President or the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), respectively, for any reason other than misconduct-- (A) not later than 30 days after the name of an officer is removed; and (B) prior to submission to the Senate of a promotion list with respect to such report pursuant to section 624(c) of this title.

27. Military chaplain training program for active-duty service members

    This section creates a new program that lets the Army, Navy, and Air Force send active-duty officers and enlisted members to accredited colleges or theology schools to earn a graduate degree needed to become a military chaplain. Each military department may fund up to 25 members per year for this training. Members must be U.S. citizens with two to ten years of active service, depending on their rank. In return, they must agree to serve on active duty for two years for each year of training, up to six years total. They may also complete part of that obligation in the reserves instead. After finishing school, a member must also spend time performing religious ministry to meet professional chaplain requirements before formally becoming a chaplain. The Defense Secretary must report to Congress each year for five years on how the program is working, including costs, completion rates, and any barriers for religious groups with longer training paths.

    Who this affects

    Active-duty military officers (O-3 and below) and enlisted members (E-5 and above) who want to become chaplains. It also affects military departments that need more chaplains.

    Tradeoff

    The program can help fill chaplain shortages, but it commits service members to several extra years of active-duty or reserve service after their training is done.

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    Not more than 25 officers and enlisted members from each military department may commence such training in any single fiscal year.

28. National Guard disaster response duty

    This section creates a new type of duty called 'State disaster response duty.' When a state declares a disaster emergency, the state's governor can ask the Secretary of Defense for permission to redirect National Guard members who are already on full-time Active Guard and Reserve duty. Those members can then work on disaster response. The duty is limited to 14 days per member per year. The Secretary of Defense can extend it by 7 more days, or up to 46 more days if the disaster is classified as a catastrophic incident. The state must pay the full cost of the member's time. If a state falls more than 90 days behind on payments, the duty can be stopped. The federal government is not legally responsible for any harm caused by a member while performing this duty.

    Who this affects

    National Guard members already serving on full-time Active Guard and Reserve duty are affected. State governments that declare disasters are affected because they must pay the full cost.

    Tradeoff

    States gain more flexibility to use full-time Guard members during disasters, but they must pay all costs and bear legal responsibility for any harm those members cause.

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    shall not exceed a total of 14 days per member per calendar year, except that the Secretary of Defense may, if the chief executive so requests before the end of the 14th such day, authorize an extension of the duration of such duty

29. Automatic Selective Service registration

    This section changes how men are registered with the Selective Service System. Right now, men between 18 and 26 must sign up themselves. Under this change, the government would register them automatically. The Director of the Selective Service System would handle registration. Federal agencies could share personal information (like birth dates, addresses, and Social Security numbers) with the Director to make this work. Nonimmigrant aliens who are here legally would still be exempt. Registered people would get a written notice confirming their registration.

    Who this affects

    All male U.S. citizens and male residents between ages 18 and 26. Federal agencies that hold personal data on those individuals would also be involved.

    Tradeoff

    Automatic registration could increase compliance and reduce missed registrations, but it also means the government collects and shares personal data without requiring the individual to act.

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    every male citizen of the United States, and every other male person residing in the United States, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, shall be automatically registered under this Act by the Director of the Selective Service System.

30. Bonuses for Junior ROTC instructors in hard-to-fill positions

    Section 546 lets military department secretaries offer a one-time bonus of up to $10,000 to current or former service members who agree to teach in a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) unit that is hard to fill. The person must teach for at least one full academic year to receive the bonus. The authority to pay these bonuses lasts for five years from the date the law is enacted. Each year during that period, the Secretary of Defense must brief Congress on how many bonuses were paid and whether they helped bring in more instructors. After five years, the bonus authority ends.

    Who this affects

    Current and former military members who become JROTC instructors at hard-to-fill posts. High schools and communities hosting JROTC units that struggle to find qualified instructors.

    Tradeoff

    The bonuses could help fill vacant JROTC instructor positions, but the government spends up to $10,000 per new instructor hired under this program.

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    The Secretary concerned may pay to a member or former member of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary a one-time bonus of not more than $10,000 if the member or former member-- (1) agrees to be an instructor for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps under section 2031(d) of title 10, United States Code, in a position the Secretary concerned determines is difficult to fill; and (2) serves as such an instructor for not less than one academic year.

31. Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies

    This section creates a new Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies inside the National Defense University's Institute for National Strategic Studies. The center's job is to train national security leaders on nuclear deterrence and weapons of mass destruction threats. It will develop course materials for military education programs across the federal government. It will also study those threats and find ways to prevent or reduce them. The center will serve as the main place within the Defense Department for this type of education. It will provide expert advice to the Secretary of Defense and other top government officials.

    Who this affects

    Military officers and federal government officials who attend joint professional military education programs. Defense Department leadership who receive expert advice on nuclear and weapons of mass destruction policy.

    Tradeoff

    Creating a dedicated center focuses resources and expertise on deterrence education, but adds a new institutional structure within the Defense Department.

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    The mission of the Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies established under such paragraph shall be to-- (1) prepare national security leaders to address the challenges of strategic deterrence and weapons of mass destruction through education, research, and outreach activities throughout the Federal Government

32. Notification of suspected child abuse at military child care centers

    This section changes the law for military child development centers. It requires the Secretary of Defense to create rules that force the director of a military child care center to tell a parent or guardian within 24 hours if a child may have been abused or neglected at that center. The 24-hour notice rule can be skipped if telling the parent would hurt an active law enforcement investigation. The rule covers any suspected or alleged abuse or neglect that happens at the center.

    Who this affects

    Parents and guardians of children attending on-base military child development centers. It also affects center directors and child care employees at those facilities.

    Tradeoff

    Parents get faster notice when abuse is suspected, but the notification can be delayed to protect a law enforcement investigation.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations that require the director of a military child development center to notify a parent or guardian of a child who is the suspected victim of a covered incident not later than 24 hours after a child care employee at such military child development center learns of such covered incident.

33. Dual or concurrent enrollment programs for Defense Department school students

    Section 584 allows the Department of Defense to set up agreements with colleges and universities. These agreements let students at Defense Department schools take college-level courses while still in high school. Students can earn credits that count toward both high school graduation and a college degree. The Defense Department can give each student up to $1,500 per school year to help pay for these courses. Teachers must meet set qualifications to lead these classes. The Defense Department must work with school advisory committees and parents when setting up the programs. It must also make sure that colleges it partners with are fully accredited and in good standing. The Defense Department must try to ensure that credits students earn can transfer to other colleges. Starting one year after the law passes, the Defense Department must give Congress an annual briefing for four years on how the programs are working, including costs and student participation numbers.

    Who this affects

    Students attending Defense Department schools (on military bases in the U.S. and overseas), their families, and the teachers and colleges that partner with these schools.

    Tradeoff

    Students gain early access to college credits at little or no personal cost, but the program requires the Defense Department to spend money administering agreements, providing student financial assistance, and reporting to Congress each year.

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    The amount of financial assistance provided to an individual student under subsection (a)(2) may not exceed $1,500 per school year.

34. Cell phone rules for Pentagon-run schools

    This section requires the Secretary of Defense to update the rules on student cell phone use in all schools run by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA). The update must happen within 180 days of the law passing. The new rules must limit phone use as much as possible to reduce classroom disruptions. The rules must also be the same across every DODEA school worldwide. Within 60 days after the rules are finished, the Secretary must brief congressional Armed Services Committees. That briefing must cover research on how phones affect learning and social behavior, how the rules were made consistent across schools, what public school phone policies were considered, and any other relevant matters.

    Who this affects

    Students, teachers, and staff at DODEA schools, which serve children of military families and Defense Department civilians at installations in the U.S. and overseas.

    Tradeoff

    Stricter, uniform phone rules may reduce classroom disruptions, but some families and students may prefer local schools to have more flexibility in setting their own phone policies.

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    the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall update existing regulations on student use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools to prohibit disruption in the learning environment by minimizing the use of such mobile devices to the greatest extent practicable and to standardize such regulations across all DODEA schools.

35. Space Force pay and allowance rules added to existing law

    This section updates federal pay law to include Space Force members. Before this change, many pay and allowance rules only named regular military components and reserve components. The section adds Space Force members to those same rules. This covers basic pay, bonus pay, incentive pay, housing allowances, leave, and other benefits. It also adds a new reason members can earn bonuses: transferring into or out of the Space Force. The changes use two key terms: 'space force active status' (serving in the Space Force) and 'sustained duty' (a full-time Space Force assignment). Members on sustained duty are treated like regular active-duty troops. Members not on sustained duty are treated more like reservists.

    Who this affects

    Space Force members, both those on full-time 'sustained duty' and those serving in 'space force active status' without full-time duty. It also affects the military departments that administer pay.

    Tradeoff

    Giving Space Force members clear legal access to the same pay and benefits as other military members requires updating many existing code sections, which adds complexity to military pay law.

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    by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(6) transfers from a regular component or reserve component of an armed force to the Space Force or from the Space Force to a regular component or reserve component of another armed force, subject to the approval of the Secretary with jurisdiction over the armed force to which the member is transferring.''

36. Basic allowance for housing improvements

    This section makes two main changes to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which is the monthly payment that helps service members pay for housing. First, the Defense Department must create a clear public document explaining how BAH rates are calculated. This document must be updated at least once a year. When a service member moves, changes rank, or has a life event that affects their housing pay, they must receive this document and an explanation of what type of housing their BAH is meant to cover. Second, the Defense Department must hire an outside expert group to study whether BAH rates are fair in at least 15 different military housing areas. The study must look at commuting times, housing costs, and whether current BAH is enough. The study may also explore using artificial intelligence to improve how rates are set. The outside group cannot have been involved in real estate price-fixing. The study must be finished within three years of signing the contract. Congress gets annual briefings while the study runs and a final report within 120 days after it ends.

    Who this affects

    Active duty and uniformed service members who receive BAH. The study focuses on members in at least 15 selected military housing areas, including those with dependents and various ranks.

    Tradeoff

    Greater transparency and a modern study could lead to more accurate housing payments for service members, but the study takes up to three years and does not change BAH rates on its own.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall seek to improve transparency of the calculation of BAH by-- (1) developing a clear, accessible document that explains how rates of BAH are determined, including methodology and types of data sources used

37. Plain-language descriptions added to military pay statements

    This section requires the Secretary of Defense to add plain-English explanations to military pay statements. Each explanation must cover what a specific type of pay, allowance, or deduction is, the legal reason it exists, who qualifies for it, and when it might change or end. The information must be posted on a website that service members can access and print alongside their pay statement. The language must be easy to understand without any special knowledge of military finance or law. These requirements take effect 180 days after the law is enacted.

    Who this affects

    All active members of the U.S. Armed Forces who receive military pay statements. The Department of Defense is responsible for providing the explanations.

    Tradeoff

    Service members gain clearer information about their pay, but the Defense Department must spend time and money building and maintaining the new explanations and website resources.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall make available contemporaneously with each pay statement provided to a member of the Armed Forces, for each type of pay, allowance, and deduction listed on the statement, a brief and plain-language description of-- (1) the statutory or regulatory authority under which a pay, allowance, or deduction is made; (2) the purpose of a pay, allowance, or deduction; (3) the criteria for determining eligibility of members for a pay, allowance, or deduction; and (4) possible changes in the eligibility of the member for a pay, allowance, or deduction

38. Travel reimbursement for specialty care for active-duty troops and dependents

    Current law lets the military reimburse travel costs when a service member or dependent must travel more than 100 miles for specialty care. This section lowers that distance to 75 miles for active-duty members and their dependents. That means more families can get reimbursed for travel to specialty medical appointments. The Secretary of Defense must also brief Congress by March 1, 2026, on how many people this is expected to help, how much it will cost, and whether 75 miles is the right cutoff.

    Who this affects

    Active-duty service members and their dependents who travel to reach specialty medical care. It does not change rules for other military beneficiaries such as retirees.

    Tradeoff

    More families can get travel costs covered, but the government will spend more money on reimbursements.

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    ``(2) With respect to members of the armed forces on active duty and their dependents, the Secretary shall administer subsection (a) by substituting `75 miles' for `100 miles'.''

39. Priority assignment of medical staff to military clinics

    This section requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a plan by April 1, 2026. The plan must show how each military branch will assign active-duty doctors, dentists, and other medical staff to military treatment facilities. By September 1, 2026, each branch must start following the plan. The Defense Health Agency director and branch surgeons general must report yearly to Congress for five years. Those reports must cover staffing levels, shortfalls, budget gaps, and the quality of care at military clinics. If a branch falls behind, the Secretary of Defense can issue a directive demanding fixes within 90 days. If the branch still does not act, the Secretary must report the problem to Congress.

    Who this affects

    Active-duty military medical and dental personnel, patients who use military treatment facilities, and Defense Health Agency civilian and contractor staff.

    Tradeoff

    Placing more active-duty medical staff in military clinics may improve care for service members but could reduce the number of medical personnel available for field or combat deployments.

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    Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a plan for each military department to prioritize the assignment of active duty medical and dental personnel to military medical treatment facilities.

40. Ban on painful research using pet cats and dogs by the Defense Department

    This section stops the Department of Defense from doing or paying for painful research on domestic cats and dogs. Painful research means experiments rated in pain category D or E by the Department of Agriculture. There are two exceptions. First, physical exams, training, or studies involving service animals or military animals are still allowed. Second, the Secretary of Defense can issue a waiver if the research serves national security. Any waiver must be reported to Congress within 30 days, with details on costs, purpose, and recipients.

    Who this affects

    Domestic cats and dogs used in Defense Department research programs. It also affects researchers and contractors who conduct or receive funding for such studies.

    Tradeoff

    The ban protects animals from painful experiments, but the waiver process means some painful research could still happen if the Defense Secretary decides it is needed for national security.

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    the Secretary of Defense may not conduct, or support the conduct of, painful research on a domestic cat (Felis catus) or a domestic dog (Canis familiaris).

41. Study on cancer rates among military helicopter crew members

    Section 736 requires the Secretary of Defense to study cancer rates among military rotary-wing (helicopter) pilots and aviation support personnel. The study has two phases. First, the Secretary must check whether these service members get cancer more often, or die from it more often, than similar people in the general public. If the answer is yes, a second phase begins. That phase looks for possible causes, such as fuel fumes, electromagnetic fields from radar, burn pits, or contaminated water. Data must be sorted by race, gender, and age. The Secretary must brief Congress within one year on the first phase. If a second phase is done, a full report follows one year after that briefing.

    Who this affects

    Any person who served as helicopter aircrew or aviation support in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force on or after February 28, 1961, and who still receives military health care benefits.

    Tradeoff

    The study could identify health risks faced by veterans, but it takes time and resources, and action on any findings would require additional steps beyond this bill.

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    Under the initial phase of the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine whether there is an increased prevalence of, or increased rate of mortality caused by, cancer for covered individuals as compared to similarly aged individuals in the general population.

42. Pilot program for financing costs on defense contracts

    Section 803 lets the Secretary of Defense create a test program to see if interest and borrowing costs paid by defense contractors can count as allowable expenses on certain contracts. Right now, such financing costs are generally not reimbursable. Under this pilot, a contractor who borrows money to manage inventory, improve supply chains, or expand production capacity could include those interest costs in their contract charges. The costs must be reasonable and match market rates. The program ends for new contracts after December 31, 2029. Before starting it, the Pentagon must brief Congress. By February 15, 2028, the Pentagon must report on whether the program worked and whether to make it permanent.

    Who this affects

    Defense contractors and subcontractors who borrow money to build up inventory or expand production. It also affects taxpayers, who would ultimately pay those financing costs through defense contracts.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing financing costs as contract expenses could help contractors scale up production faster, but it also means the government pays more per contract to cover those borrowing costs.

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    The Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility, risks, and benefits of expanding contract cost principles and procedures of the Department of Defense to allow for financing costs incurred for a covered activity under a covered contract to be considered allowable and allocable as a direct or indirect cost for such covered contract.

43. Tracking and fixing gaps in military technical data

    Section 805 requires the Defense Department to build a digital system within 90 days to track technical data and software related to major weapons programs. The Department must review contracts to find out what technical data it already has, where it is stored, and whether it is properly labeled. If gaps are found, the Department must work with contractors to get the missing data. For data the contract never required, contractors can propose pricing using standard business methods such as income-based or market-based pricing. The Department must also set up escrow arrangements in case a contractor stops supporting a system. All records must be kept until the Department fully retires each system. Congress gets a briefing every 90 days until the review is done.

    Who this affects

    The Defense Department and defense contractors and subcontractors who hold technical data for major weapons programs.

    Tradeoff

    The government gains better access to data needed to maintain weapons systems at lower cost, but contractors may have to share proprietary technical information they currently control.

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    Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a digital system to track, manage, and enable the assessment of covered data related to covered systems, and to verify the compliance of contractors and subcontractors with contract requirements related to technical data for covered systems.

44. Hiring rules for Defense Civilian Training Corps graduates

    Section 823 adds new hiring rules for the Defense Civilian Training Corps program. Defense Department offices that partner with schools in the program can hire program members for a one-year job without the usual federal hiring process. Graduates can have that appointment renewed up to four times while waiting for a permanent job. After those renewals, the office can hire the graduate into a permanent civil service position. New hires start at the GS-9 pay grade. No more than 60 graduates per year can be hired this way. Their pay comes from the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account for up to four years. This authority ends on December 31, 2029. The Secretary of Defense must report to Congress each year on how this hiring authority is used.

    Who this affects

    Graduates of the Defense Civilian Training Corps program and Defense Department offices that partner with participating schools. Federal taxpayers fund the salaries through the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account.

    Tradeoff

    This path lets the Defense Department hire trained graduates faster by skipping standard federal hiring rules, but it limits the total number to 60 per year and expires in 2029.

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    The head of an element of the Department of Defense that partners with an institution participating in the program may, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, appoint a member of the program to a position in such element for a term of one year.

45. Ban on seafood from certain foreign countries in military purchases

    This section changes the Berry Amendment, a law that requires the military to buy American-made goods. The new rule says the military cannot buy seafood that comes from China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. This covers meals served on military bases, food served on Navy ships, and items sold in military stores called commissaries. The Secretary of Defense can make an exception if following this rule would create a serious problem, such as when a Navy ship is at sea or docked at a foreign port, or when a base is located outside the United States. The rule applies to any new contracts signed after this law takes effect.

    Who this affects

    Military members who eat in base dining halls or buy food in commissaries. Defense contractors and seafood suppliers who sell food to the military.

    Tradeoff

    The rule limits where the military can buy seafood, which may reduce options and raise costs, but it also reduces reliance on seafood from countries considered national security concerns.

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    Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to the procurement of seafood originating in a covered foreign country, including procurement for use in military dining facilities, galleys aboard United States naval vessels, and procurement for resale in commissary stores, notwithstanding the source of funds used for such procurement.

46. Interim waivers for supply chain violations found by contractors

    Section 833 lets contractors get a temporary waiver from the Defense Department when they find a rule-breaking part in their own supply chain and quickly report it. The waiver allows the contractor to deliver the finished military product and get paid, even though it contains a non-compliant part. To qualify, the contractor must find the problem on its own, not wait for the government to find it. The waiver must be approved in writing and sent to Congress within five days. The contractor must also create a plan to fix the problem and switch to a compliant supplier as soon as reasonably possible. The waiver program ends January 1, 2028. The Defense Department must brief Congress on how the waivers are being used in April 2026 and April 2027.

    Who this affects

    Defense contractors and subcontractors who discover sourcing violations in their supply chains. It also affects the military programs that receive the finished products.

    Tradeoff

    Contractors get protection from delivery delays and lost payments when they self-report problems, but the government accepts products that may contain parts from restricted foreign sources.

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    If a contractor, through the use of supply chain illumination efforts, discovers a noncompliant item in a supply chain and promptly discloses that discovery to the program manager responsible for such supply chain, the contractor shall be eligible for a waiver described in subsection (b) to deliver an end item subject to the requirements of this section.

47. Review and ban on military base store agreements with foreign-controlled retailers

    Section 841 requires the Secretary of Defense to review all long-term retail concession agreements on military bases. The review must find any agreements with stores controlled by a 'covered nation' (China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, or others deemed a risk). If such an agreement is found, the Secretary must end it within 30 days unless a waiver is granted. Going forward, the Defense Department may not enter into or renew long-term agreements with those stores on covered military bases. The Secretary must also brief Congress after the review is done.

    Who this affects

    Retailers controlled by foreign nations of concern that currently operate on U.S. military bases. It also affects military service members and their families who shop at those locations.

    Tradeoff

    Removing foreign-controlled retailers from military bases reduces a potential security risk, but it could reduce the number of shopping options available to military personnel and their families.

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    Except as provided by subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Defense may not renew, extend, or enter into a long-term concessions agreement with a retailer that is controlled by a covered nation to permit such retailer to operate or conduct business through a physical location on a covered military installation.

48. Ban on buying advanced batteries from foreign entities of concern

    This section bans the Defense Department from buying advanced batteries whose key parts come from a 'foreign entity of concern' (such as certain Chinese or Russian companies). The ban starts for new weapon programs in 2028, common batteries in 2029, and existing programs in 2031. There are some exceptions: batteries used in office phones or laptops, batteries bought for research, and batteries where at least 95 percent of part costs come from non-concern sources and no restricted technology was used. The Secretary of Defense can grant a one-year waiver if the needed batteries simply cannot be bought elsewhere at a reasonable cost. The Defense Department must also update its buying rules within 180 days and report to Congress every three years on progress.

    Who this affects

    Defense Department contractors and suppliers who make or sell batteries for weapons and military systems. It also affects any company linked to a foreign entity of concern that currently supplies battery parts to the U.S. military.

    Tradeoff

    The rule aims to reduce national security risks from foreign-controlled battery supply chains, but it could raise costs or cause delays if domestic or allied alternatives are not available in time.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall procure advanced batteries and cells whose functional cell components and technology, whether as end items or embedded within warfighting and support systems, are not owned, sourced, refined, or produced from a foreign entity of concern.

49. Phase-out of computers and printers from Chinese-linked companies

    Section 850 stops the Department of Defense from buying computers or printers made by certain Chinese-linked companies. The ban phases in gradually. Starting in 2026, at least 10 percent of purchases must avoid these companies. That share rises to 25 percent in 2027, then 50 percent in 2028, and reaches 100 percent by 2029. The ban also covers indirect purchases through subsidiaries. The rule applies to new, renewed, or extended contracts signed after the law takes effect. There is one exception: the military may still buy these products to test, study, or reverse-engineer them, as long as the devices are not used for regular operations.

    Who this affects

    Defense Department buyers and suppliers of computers and printers. Chinese-linked companies currently selling computers or printers to the military would lose that business over four years.

    Tradeoff

    The ban reduces potential security risks from Chinese-linked hardware, but it also limits supplier options and could raise costs or slow procurement while the military finds new sources.

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    in fiscal year 2029 and each fiscal year thereafter, not less than 100 percent of the total number of computers acquired by the Department and not less than 100 percent of the printers acquired by the Department comply with such prohibition

50. Identifying risky biotech companies tied to foreign adversaries

    This section tells the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to publish a list of 'biotechnology companies of concern' within one year. These are companies involved in biotech equipment or services that are controlled by, or working for, a foreign adversary government and pose a national security risk. The list is built using input from the Defense, Justice, Health, Commerce, State, and Homeland Security departments, plus intelligence agencies. Companies on the list get a notice and have 90 days to argue against being listed. OMB reviews their arguments before making the list public. The list must be updated at least once a year. Companies can ask to be removed if they no longer meet the criteria. The Director of National Intelligence must also report to Congress on risks from foreign governments collecting Americans' genetic and biological data. Federal purchasing rules (the Federal Acquisition Regulation) must be updated within one year to enforce these restrictions.

    Who this affects

    Foreign-owned or foreign-linked biotech companies selling equipment or services to the U.S. government are most directly affected. U.S. federal agencies that buy biotech products and services must also follow new purchasing rules.

    Tradeoff

    The rules aim to protect Americans' genetic data and national security, but they could limit the number of biotech suppliers available to federal agencies and raise procurement costs.

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    Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall publish a list of the entities that constitute biotechnology companies of concern based on a list of suggested entities that shall be provided by the Secretary of Defense in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director.

51. U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group

    This section tells the Secretary of Defense to form a working group within 90 days of the law passing. The group is called the United States-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group. It will study two things. First, it will look at how the U.S. and Israel could better connect their defense manufacturing industries. Second, it will look at whether it makes sense to add Israel to a formal category called the 'national technology and industrial base.' That category currently includes the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and it affects which foreign companies can bid on certain defense contracts. The group must protect sensitive information during its work. Within 120 days of forming, the group must report its findings to key congressional committees. The report must say whether adding Israel to that category is practical and advisable. It must also describe any U.S. funding or legal changes that would be needed. The report will be public but can include a classified section.

    Who this affects

    U.S. and Israeli defense contractors and manufacturers. Also affects the Defense Department, the State Department, and Congress.

    Tradeoff

    Closer defense industry ties with Israel could improve supply chains and cooperation, but it could also require new legal authorities, funding, and careful handling of sensitive technology.

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    the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall convene a working group to be known as the 'United States-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group' to study-- (1) the potential for greater integration of the defense industrial bases of the United States and Israel; and (2) the feasibility and advisability of including Israel in the national technology and industrial base

52. Cybersecurity rules for defense contractors simplified

    Section 866 requires the Department of Defense to clean up and simplify cybersecurity rules for defense contractors by June 1, 2026. Right now, different contracts can have different, and sometimes conflicting, cybersecurity requirements. This section tells the Defense Department to find and remove duplicate or one-off rules. It must create a process to review any new cybersecurity requirement before it is added to a contract. If a new rule is not already published in the Federal Register (the official government notice system), it must go through a central approval step that allows input from both inside and outside the government. The Defense Department's Chief Information Officer must then report to Congress each year for three years on the progress. Each report must list every contract where an unpublished cybersecurity rule was requested, and must explain whether the Secretary of Defense approved or rejected that rule and why.

    Who this affects

    Defense companies and contractors who must follow cybersecurity rules in their government contracts. It also affects Defense Department officials who write and manage those contracts.

    Tradeoff

    Simpler, more consistent rules could lower costs for contractors and reduce confusion, but creating a central approval process may slow down adding new cybersecurity protections when threats change quickly.

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    harmonize the cybersecurity requirements applicable to the defense industrial base across the Department of Defense; (2) reduce the number of such requirements that are unique to a specific contract or other agreement of the Department

53. Withholding contract payments during bid protests

    This section lets Defense Department contracting officers hold back up to 5 percent of payments to an existing contractor while that contractor is fighting a protest over a new contract bid. The Defense Department must update its contracting rules within 180 days to set up this process. If the Government Accountability Office later dismisses the protest because it has no reasonable legal or factual basis, and that dismissal becomes final, the contractor loses the withheld money entirely.

    Who this affects

    Defense contractors who file bid protests against new or follow-on contracts while still performing work under an existing contract with the Defense Department.

    Tradeoff

    The government gains a financial tool to discourage weak bid protests, but contractors risk losing withheld pay even if they believed their protest had merit.

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    payment amounts withheld under paragraph (1) from an incumbent contractor during a period of pendency resulting from a bid protest by such incumbent contractor shall be forfeited by the incumbent contractor upon the determination by the Comptroller General of the United States to dismiss such bid protest based on a lack of any reasonable legal or factual basis becoming a final determination.

54. Elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the Department of Defense

    This section removes several diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and positions from the Department of Defense (DoD). It repeals the role of Chief Diversity Officer. It ends the program on diversity in military leadership. It removes Inspector General oversight of DEI and extremist activity in the armed forces. It eliminates senior advisor positions for diversity and inclusion. Going forward, the DoD may not run DEI offices, hire chief diversity officers, publish DEI plans or surveys, create employee groups based on race or other identity categories, or buy DEI training courses. Two things are kept: Equal Employment Opportunity offices and offices that enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Who this affects

    Department of Defense employees, military personnel, and contractors who worked in or benefited from DoD DEI programs. Equal Employment Opportunity and disability accommodation offices are not affected.

    Tradeoff

    Supporters say removing these programs cuts bureaucracy and focuses the military on readiness; opponents say it reduces protections and support for service members from underrepresented groups.

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    the Secretary of Defense may not-- (A) maintain an office relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, or accessibility or any substantially similar office; (B) maintain or employ a chief diversity officer or a substantially similar officer;

55. Presidential notice required when removing military chiefs or combatant commanders

    This section adds a new rule to federal law. If the President removes or transfers a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or a combatant commander, before their normal term ends, the President must notify Congress within five days. The notice must include a reason for the removal or transfer. The rule covers both the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the officers who lead unified or specified combatant commands. It does not block any removal that is already allowed by other laws.

    Who this affects

    The President, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and combatant commanders are directly affected. Congress receives the required notice.

    Tradeoff

    The rule adds a reporting step that keeps Congress informed, but it does not limit the President's power to remove or transfer these military leaders.

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    If the President removes a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from office or transfers a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to another position or location before the end of the term of the member as specified in statute, the President shall, not later than five days after the removal or transfer takes effect, submit to Congress, including the congressional defense committees, notice that the member is being removed or transferred and a statement of the reason for the removal or transfer.

56. Small drone supply chain working group

    This section creates a working group inside the Defense Department. The group is called the Small-UAS Industrial Base Working Group. It must be set up by January 15, 2026. Its job is to study who makes small military drones and their parts inside the United States. The group will look at weak or foreign-dependent supply chains. It will recommend ways to fix those weaknesses, such as government purchases, public-private partnerships, or new factories on military property. The group must send an initial report to Congress by April 1, 2026, and then update reports every 180 days. The section also allows the Army to start a program called SkyFoundry. That program can only begin after the working group files its report and the Deputy Secretary of Defense certifies the program will lower costs and not hurt commercial drone makers.

    Who this affects

    Defense Department officials, military branches, and U.S. companies that make small drones or drone parts. Taxpayers fund the work and any resulting investments.

    Tradeoff

    Strengthening domestic drone production could reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, but government investments in new factories or purchases may cost more than buying from existing commercial sources.

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    Not later than January 15, 2026, the Deputy Secretary of Defense shall establish a working group to be known as the 'Small-UAS Industrial Base Working Group' ... to analyze the supplier base for small-UAS systems and recommend investments or other actions to improve such supplier base.

57. Army freeze on merging two commands until Congress gets a report

    This section blocks the Army from spending any fiscal year 2026 money to merge or reorganize the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command. The freeze stays in place until the Secretary of the Army sends a detailed report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. The report must cover several things. It must compare the current organization of both commands to the proposed merged structure. It must explain any changes to jobs, duty locations, or reporting chains. It must include a timeline for the merger. It must explain why the merger makes sense for the military mission. It must also assess how the merger could affect Army readiness in the short and long term and describe how the Army plans to address those risks.

    Who this affects

    The Army, its leadership, and the military personnel assigned to the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command are directly affected. Congress is also affected because it receives the required report before any merger action can move forward.

    Tradeoff

    The reporting requirement gives Congress more oversight before a major reorganization, but it also slows down a process the Army may view as needed to improve efficiency.

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    None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Army may be obligated or expended to take any action described in subsection (b) with respect to the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command...until the Secretary of the Army submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report regarding the proposed plan of the Secretary to integrate the Commands.

58. Automated shipbuilding technology pilot program

    This section tells the Navy to start a pilot program within 90 days. The program tests automated tools, like robotic welding and hull assembly machines, in shipbuilding. The Navy must pick at least one ship or submarine program to try out these tools. It will then check how well the tools work for tasks like plate preparation, welding, and block assembly. The goal is to build ships faster and reduce pressure on the workforce. The Navy must report results to Congress each year until the program ends.

    Who this affects

    The Navy, its shipbuilders, and the shipbuilding workforce are directly affected. Contractors and workers at naval shipyards would be part of testing and using the new tools.

    Tradeoff

    Automation could speed up ship construction and ease worker shortages, but setting up and adopting new technology takes time and money upfront.

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    the Secretary of the Navy shall establish a pilot program on the use of automated assembly technologies and capabilities in naval shipbuilding to reduce overall construction times and alleviate workforce constraints

59. Protection for former and retired Pentagon leaders

    This section lets the Secretary of Defense provide physical security to former or retired top Defense Department officials. To qualify, the official must have held one of the top leadership positions listed in the law. The official must also face serious, credible threats linked to work they did while at the Pentagon. Any decision to grant, deny, or end protection must be written down and based on a threat assessment from a law enforcement, security, or intelligence agency. The Secretary must review each person's protection at least every six months. Congress must be told about these decisions, usually within 15 days. If protection is being ended early, Congress gets 48 hours' notice. The protected person must get at least 90 days' notice before their protection is ended or not renewed.

    Who this affects

    Former and retired senior Defense Department officials who face credible threats from their past government work. It also affects military and civilian Pentagon staff who may be assigned to provide that protection.

    Tradeoff

    Extending protection to former officials adds a security benefit for people at risk but also adds costs and requires ongoing congressional oversight.

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    The Secretary of Defense, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary and in accordance with guidelines approved by the Secretary and the Attorney General, may authorize qualified members of the armed forces and qualified civilian employees of the Department of Defense to provide physical protection and personal security to a former or retired official who-- (1) previously served in a position identified in paragraphs (1) through (7); and (2) faces serious and credible threats arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense.

60. Ban on using live animals in military trauma training

    Starting on the day this law takes effect, the Department of Defense must stop using live animals in live-fire trauma training. This covers dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, and marine mammals. Instead, the military must replace them with advanced simulators, mannequins, cadavers, or human actors. The Secretary of Defense decides how much replacement is needed.

    Who this affects

    Military medical training programs that currently use live animals. Animals previously used in such training, and the personnel who conduct or plan trauma training.

    Tradeoff

    Live animals are removed from trauma training immediately, but the military must invest in simulators, mannequins, or other substitutes that may not fully match the realism of live tissue in every training scenario.

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    the Secretary of Defense shall-- (1) ensure that live animals, including dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, and marine mammals, are not used in any live fire trauma training conducted by the Department of Defense; and (2) in conducting such training, replace such live animals, to the extent determined necessary by the Secretary, with advanced simulators, mannequins, cadavers, or actors.

61. Collision avoidance systems in military helicopters

    This section requires the Secretary of Defense to study two types of safety technology for military helicopters. The first is a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System, which warns pilots of nearby aircraft. The second is Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast IN capability, which lets a helicopter receive location signals from other aircraft. Within 180 days of the law passing, the Secretary must send Congress two separate reports. Each report must cover the cost of adding the technology, how it would affect civilian airspace safety, what cockpit changes would be needed, and any effects on combat or training. If either system is not practical to install, the report must suggest similar alternatives.

    Who this affects

    Military helicopter pilots and crews who could benefit from better collision warnings. Civilians sharing airspace with military helicopters could also be affected.

    Tradeoff

    Adding collision avoidance systems could improve safety in shared airspace, but the studies must weigh the cost and any risk these systems could pose to combat or training operations.

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    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 House of Representatives a report on the feasibility of installing a traffic alert and collision avoidance system in each military rotary-wing aircraft.

62. Study on secure research facilities at universities

    This section tells the Secretary of Defense to study whether the Pentagon should set up secure, classified research programs at select U.S. colleges and universities. The study must look at whether the idea is practical and useful. It must also identify at least five schools that could qualify. The goals include speeding up the development of new defense technologies, increasing the number of people with security clearances, and building regional innovation centers. The Secretary must report the findings to Congress within 270 days of the law being signed. Schools in states that are currently underrepresented in defense research would get special consideration.

    Who this affects

    U.S. colleges and universities, especially those in states with less Pentagon research funding. It also affects researchers, private companies, and the Department of Defense.

    Tradeoff

    Building secure research facilities at universities could grow the defense technology workforce, but it requires careful vetting of schools and sharing of classified information in academic settings.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment on the feasibility, advisability, and potential benefits to the Department of Defense of establishing incubator programs for the development, operation, and sustainment of secure facilities and networks at the campuses of select institutions of higher education across the United States.

63. Sports foods and dietary supplements for Special Operations forces

    This section lets the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command buy and hand out sports foods and dietary supplements to Special Operations troops. The money must come from a specific Defense Department budget category called Major Force Program 11. All supplements must be certified by a third-party organization that the Department has reviewed for quality. Products must be free of banned ingredients. Troops can only receive these items from a credentialed registered dietitian or a medical clinician with prescribing authority, under a sports medicine doctor's oversight. This section does not replace regular dining facility food or morale and welfare programs. By September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense must report to Congress on whether this program should be expanded to all military branches.

    Who this affects

    Members of the U.S. Special Operations Command who may receive these products. Dietitians and medical staff who would distribute them.

    Tradeoff

    Troops get access to certified performance nutrition products, but the program adds oversight requirements and costs from a limited Defense budget account.

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    dietary supplements procured or distributed under this section are required to be certified by a non-Department third-party certifying organization that Operation Supplement Safety of the Department has vetted for end-product quality assurance

64. Complaint process for military freight shipping

    This section tells the commander of the U.S. Army Transportation Command to set up a formal complaint system for companies that ship military cargo. If a shipping company thinks a military transportation officer broke the rules, it can file a complaint. The process must include what information to submit, a timeline for a decision, and a way to appeal. If a violation is confirmed, a penalty is required. The commander can also override punishments placed on shipping companies, such as canceling or shortening a ban on their services. The section also requires regular training for officers and shipping companies on the rules and proper procedures. Finally, it updates the freight carrier registration program so users can easily tell if a company is a carrier or a broker, and requires a yearly audit to check that all approved shippers have valid operating authority.

    Who this affects

    Military transportation officers and private companies that ship cargo for the U.S. military through the Global Freight Management System.

    Tradeoff

    The new complaint and oversight process gives shipping companies more protection against unfair penalties, but it also adds administrative work for military transportation command staff.

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    The Commander of the United States Army Transportation Command shall develop a process through which a transportation service provider may submit a complaint to the Commander regarding possible violations of the Military Freight Traffic Unified Rules Publication or the Defense Transportation Regulations by Department of Defense transportation officers and transportation service providers regarding any military shipments that are required to be processed by the Global Freight Management System.

65. National defense review commission: structure and operations

    This section sets up an eight-member commission to review U.S. defense strategy. Each member is appointed by a different congressional leader, split evenly between both parties and both chambers. Members cannot be current federal employees or sitting members of Congress. The commission must hold its first meeting within 30 days of all members being appointed. Within one year, it must send the President and Congress a report covering threats to the U.S., military readiness, budget needs, gaps in military roles, and risks in the current defense strategy. It must also brief the Armed Services committees at the halfway point. The report must be public, but can include a classified section. The Department of Defense funds the commission. The commission shuts down 90 days after submitting its final report.

    Who this affects

    Congressional leaders who appoint members, the Department of Defense which funds the work, and the public who will receive the unclassified report.

    Tradeoff

    The commission provides an independent, bipartisan review of defense strategy, but it costs Defense Department funds and adds a new oversight body with broad information-gathering powers.

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    The Commission shall be composed of eight members, of whom-- (A) one shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (B) one shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; (C) one shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate; (D) one shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate...

66. Cyber workforce hiring and pay for the Department of Defense

    This section expands the Defense Department's ability to hire and keep cyber workers. It adds new job categories that qualify for special hiring rules. These include positions at combatant commands and agencies that support U.S. Cyber Command. It also adds up to 500 extra positions that are hard to fill and critical to cyber operations. The section also changes how pay is set for these workers. It allows the Defense Secretary to pay a cyber employee up to 150 percent of the top Executive Schedule Level I salary. That top rate is roughly $246,000, so the cap would be about $369,000. A shorter reporting period is also set, changing a review window from five years to three years.

    Who this affects

    Civilian cyber workers hired by the Defense Department and the agencies and commands that support U.S. Cyber Command.

    Tradeoff

    Broader hiring authority and higher pay may help fill hard-to-staff cyber roles, but it raises personnel costs for the federal government.

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    ``(v) up to 500 positions not otherwise described in clauses (i) through (iv) that the Secretary determines are hard-to-fill, highly skilled positions critical to cyberspace planning and operations in defense of, and which advance, U.S. national interests in collaboration with domestic and international partners.''

67. Navy shipyard apprentice program

    This section requires the Secretary of the Navy to start a new class of apprentices at each Navy shipyard in fiscal year 2026. Each class must have at least 100 apprentices. The Secretary must also include the cost of the 2027 apprentice classes in the budget materials sent to Congress as part of the normal yearly budget request process.

    Who this affects

    Workers entering Navy shipyard apprentice programs and the Department of the Navy, which must fund and plan the classes.

    Tradeoff

    The program creates new skilled trade jobs and builds shipyard workforce capacity, but it requires the Navy to fund at least 100 apprentice slots per shipyard each year.

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    During fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of the Navy shall induct, at each of the Navy shipyards, a class of not fewer than 100 apprentices.

68. Review of weapons items only sold through government-to-government channels

    This section requires the Secretary of State, working with the Secretary of Defense, to review a list of defense items that can only be sold to foreign countries through the government-run Foreign Military Sales program. Those items cannot currently be sold directly by U.S. companies to foreign buyers. The review must be finished within one year of the law taking effect, and then repeated every two years after that. The goal is to find items that could safely be opened up to direct commercial sales as well. Within 30 days of each review, a report must go to four congressional committees. The report must be unclassified but can include a classified annex. This section automatically ends five years after the law takes effect.

    Who this affects

    U.S. defense companies that want to sell weapons or defense services directly to foreign buyers, foreign governments seeking to purchase U.S. defense items, and the State and Defense Departments that manage arms sales.

    Tradeoff

    Opening more items to direct commercial sales could speed up deliveries and reduce costs, but it also reduces government oversight over sensitive weapons transfers.

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    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall complete a review of defense articles and defense services that are eligible to be provided under the foreign military sales program...but not eligible to be provided under direct commercial sales...in order to identify those articles and services that should also be eligible to be provided through such direct commercial sales.

69. Funding limits for Iraqi security forces

    This section holds back 25 percent of U.S. military funds for Iraqi security forces until the Secretary of Defense certifies that Iraq has met three conditions. First, Iraq must take verifiable steps to reduce the power of Iran-aligned militias that are not part of the official Iraqi military. Second, Iraq must strengthen the Prime Minister's command over those forces. Third, Iraq must investigate and punish militia members or soldiers who attack U.S. or Iraqi personnel or act illegally. The Secretary of Defense can waive this restriction for up to 180 days if national security requires it, but must notify Congress within 15 days. Funds for Kurdish Peshmerga forces are not affected by this hold.

    Who this affects

    The Government of Iraq, Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq, U.S. defense officials, and congressional defense committees. Kurdish Peshmerga forces are specifically excluded from the funding hold.

    Tradeoff

    Withholding funds pressures Iraq to act against Iran-aligned militias, but it may also slow aid to Iraqi security forces that work alongside the United States.

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    Not more than 75 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Iraqi security forces... may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees a certification that the Government of Iraq has taken credible steps--

70. U.S.-Israel cooperation on countering drones and unmanned systems

    This section updates a program where the U.S. and Israel work together to counter drones and other unmanned vehicles. The program is expanded from just aerial drones to unmanned systems in all combat areas, including land and sea. Allowed activities now include joint research, shared training exercises, and working with defense companies to build and test new systems. Funding is raised from $55 million to $70 million. The program is also extended two years, running through December 31, 2028. The Defense Department must now assign the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate as the lead agency. It must also send Congress an annual report covering progress, partnerships with contractors, and plans for fielding new systems.

    Who this affects

    U.S. and Israeli military and defense researchers benefit directly. U.S. taxpayers fund the increased program budget.

    Tradeoff

    The higher funding and broader scope may speed up new anti-drone technology, but it also increases spending and requires ongoing reporting to Congress.

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    in paragraph (4), by striking ``$55,000,000'' and inserting ``$70,000,000''

71. Required notice before cutting intelligence support to Ukraine

    Section 1244 requires the Secretary of Defense to notify four congressional committees within 48 hours whenever the U.S. decides to pause, stop, or significantly reduce intelligence support to Ukraine. That support includes information sharing, intelligence analysis, and imagery collection used to help Ukraine's military operations. The notice must explain why the change is happening, how long it is expected to last, and what impact it will have on Ukraine's ability to fight. This requirement expires on December 31, 2027.

    Who this affects

    The Secretary of Defense must act. Congressional defense and intelligence committees receive the notices. Ukraine's military operations are also affected by any change in support.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gains faster oversight of intelligence decisions, but the executive branch must notify lawmakers quickly even in sensitive or fast-moving situations.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives a notification not later than 48 hours after a decision to pause, terminate, or otherwise restrict or materially downgrade intelligence support, including information, intelligence, and imagery collection authorized under title 10, United States Code, to the Government of Ukraine for the purpose of supporting military operations of the Government of Ukraine.

72. Baltic Security Initiative

    This section creates a new program called the Baltic Security Initiative. The Secretary of Defense must set it up and run it. The goal is to build stronger military ties with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The program aims to deter Russian aggression and support NATO defense plans. It focuses on specific military areas such as long-range missiles, air and missile defense, cyber protection, and special operations forces. The Secretary of Defense must send Congress a strategy report within 120 days of the law passing. Congress also states that the Baltic countries should spend at least as much on their own defense as the U.S. provides through this program. The program ends on December 31, 2028.

    Who this affects

    The U.S. Department of Defense and military forces of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are directly affected. U.S. taxpayers fund the program.

    Tradeoff

    The initiative deepens U.S. military cooperation in the Baltic region, which may strengthen deterrence against Russia but also commits U.S. defense resources and attention to that area until 2028.

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    the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Commander of United States European Command, shall establish and carry out an initiative, to be known as the 'Baltic Security Initiative', for the purpose of deepening security cooperation with the military forces of the Baltic countries.

73. Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience

    Section 1253 creates a new initiative called the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience. The Defense Department, working with the State Department, would lead this effort. The goal is to link the defense factories and supply chains of the U.S. with those of allied countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Named potential members include Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, the Philippines, and New Zealand. The initiative aims to boost weapons production, fix supply chain gaps, share research, and make it easier for allies to build weapons together. A senior Pentagon official at the Assistant Secretary level or above must be named to run it within 180 days. The Defense Department must report to Congress each year from 2027 through 2031. The program ends on December 31, 2030.

    Who this affects

    The U.S. military, defense contractors, and allied nations in the Indo-Pacific region. Taxpayers fund the effort through the Defense Department budget.

    Tradeoff

    Closer industrial ties with allies could strengthen supply chains and weapons output, but sharing sensitive defense technology and coordinating with foreign governments adds complexity and potential security risks.

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    The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall establish and maintain an initiative, to be known as the 'Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience'... to strengthen cooperation among the defense industrial bases of the United States and allied and partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

74. Ban on Defense funding for entertainment projects tied to Chinese government censorship

    This section stops the Department of Defense from using its funds to support any film, TV show, or other entertainment project if the Secretary of Defense has clear evidence that the project has agreed to, or is likely to agree to, Chinese government demands to cut or change content in ways that serve China's national interests. The ban covers both direct and indirect support. The Secretary of Defense can lift the ban by sending a written explanation to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, stating that granting the waiver is in the national interest of the United States.

    Who this affects

    Entertainment companies and projects that receive Pentagon support, such as those that get access to military equipment, personnel, or locations. It also affects Defense Department staff who coordinate with film and TV productions.

    Tradeoff

    The section limits Pentagon involvement in Hollywood projects linked to Chinese censorship demands, but it also reduces the military's ability to use entertainment partnerships for recruitment and public outreach unless a waiver is granted.

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    None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for the Department of Defense may be used to knowingly provide active and direct support to any film, television, or other entertainment project if the Secretary of Defense has demonstrable evidence that the project has complied or is likely to comply with a demand from the Government of the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party...to censor the content of the project in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People's Republic of China.

75. Modernizing the Philippines military with U.S. financing

    This section sets up a program to help the Philippines upgrade its military. The U.S. Secretary of State can offer direct loans up to $1 billion and loan guarantees up to $1 billion to the Philippines for buying weapons and military equipment. Loans must be repaid within 17 years, with up to one year before principal payments begin. On top of loans, the section authorizes up to $500 million per year in grants through a program called Foreign Military Financing for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. At least $500,000 each year must go to training programs. The Secretary of State must submit an annual spending plan starting March 1, 2026, and annual reports on progress for four years. The reports must cover what defense capabilities the Philippines needs, such as coastal defense, air defense, and cybersecurity. Congress must be notified before any of the authorized money is spent.

    Who this affects

    The Philippines government and its armed forces receive the loans, loan guarantees, and grants. U.S. taxpayers back the loans and grants.

    Tradeoff

    The program strengthens a key U.S. alliance in the Pacific and helps the Philippines defend itself, but it commits up to $2.5 billion in grants over five years and up to $2 billion in loan exposure that U.S. taxpayers ultimately guarantee.

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    there are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of State for Foreign Military Financing grant assistance for the Philippines not more than $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

76. Travel funds withheld until Pentagon submits overdue reports

    This section limits how much of the Pentagon's travel budget can be spent in fiscal year 2026. No more than 75 percent of the Office of the Secretary of Defense's travel funds may be used until the Secretary of Defense hands over six overdue plans and reports to Congress. Those documents cover Taiwan's defense needs, U.S. military posture in the Indo-Pacific, extended deterrence for South Korea, U.S.-Japan-South Korea cooperation, a possible weapons stockpile for Taiwan, and a cyber cooperation program with Southeast Asian partners. Once all six documents are submitted, the remaining 25 percent of travel funds becomes available.

    Who this affects

    The Office of the Secretary of Defense is directly affected, as its travel spending is capped. Congress and allied nations (Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian partners) benefit from receiving the required reports.

    Tradeoff

    Withholding travel funds creates pressure to deliver the reports, but it also limits the Secretary of Defense's ability to conduct official travel until those documents are submitted.

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    not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense submits-- (1) the multi-year plan to fulfill the defensive requirements of the military forces of Taiwan, also known as the ``Taiwan Security Assistance Roadmap''

77. Recycling program for critical minerals

    This section tells the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to grow a Defense Logistics Agency program that recovers and reuses strategic and critical materials. By March 1, 2026, the agency must brief Congress on a plan for that expansion. The briefing must list which stockpile materials are in shortage and will be added to the program first, describe the resources needed, name any barriers to growth, and share lessons learned from recycling optical-grade germanium that could help expand the program to other materials.

    Who this affects

    The Defense Logistics Agency and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment must carry out this work. The goal is to reduce U.S. dependence on outside sources of strategic materials.

    Tradeoff

    Expanding recycling and reuse of critical materials could reduce the need to buy them from foreign suppliers, but it requires new resources and may face technical or logistical barriers.

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    the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on a plan for expansion of the Program which shall include-- (1) a list of strategic and critical materials that are determined to be in shortfall in the National Defense Stockpile

78. Mental health support for Cyber Mission Force members

    This section requires two senior Defense officials to launch an initiative within one year. The goal is to place behavioral health professionals at the locations where Cyber Mission Force members work. Each mental health professional must hold a security clearance high enough to treat the service members at that site. The initiative runs for at least three years. During those three years, officials must brief Congress every year on how the program is going. The briefings must cover clearance status, the types of mental health issues being treated, problems with the program, and efforts to make sure service members know help is available.

    Who this affects

    Members of the U.S. Cyber Mission Force and United States Cyber Command. It also affects the behavioral health professionals who would be assigned to those locations.

    Tradeoff

    Adding cleared mental health staff at cyber units improves access to care, but hiring and clearing enough professionals for those positions takes time and money.

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    behavioral health professionals are assigned to the operating locations of United States Cyber Command and the Cyber Mission Force; and (2) each such professional holds the security clearance necessary to provide treatment to the members of the Armed Forces assigned at such duty locations.

79. Secure phones for senior Defense Department officials

    This section requires the Defense Department to provide secure mobile phones to senior officials and employees who handle sensitive national security work. Within 90 days of the law taking effect, all such phones and phone services must meet stronger cybersecurity standards. Those standards include encrypting all calls and data, hiding or rotating device identifiers to prevent tracking, and continuously monitoring the phones. Within 180 days, the Defense Secretary must report to Congress on the contracts signed, which employees qualify, and the total cost.

    Who this affects

    Senior Defense Department officials and employees with sensitive national security duties. Taxpayers fund the cost of the upgraded phones and services.

    Tradeoff

    Stronger phone security can reduce the risk of hacking or tracking, but it also adds contract and procurement costs for the government.

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    Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each wireless mobile phone the Department of Defense provides to a senior official of the Department or any other employee of the Department who performs sensitive national security functions...are acquired under contracts or other agreements that require the enhanced cybersecurity protections described in subsection (b).

80. Collaborative cybersecurity education program

    This section directs the Secretary of Defense to create a program that works with colleges and universities to build cybersecurity education. The program sets curriculum standards and teaches cybersecurity skills. It promotes community outreach and shares best practices across schools. The Secretary must consult with several federal agencies, including the NSA, FBI, and National Science Foundation, to avoid overlap with other government education efforts. Schools that meet the program's standards can earn a formal designation in cyber defense, cyber operations, or cyber research. Each year, the Secretary must report to Congress on how well the program is working and compare its benefits to its costs. The program cannot use new money beyond what is already approved.

    Who this affects

    College and university students and faculty, Defense Department civilians and military members who need a skilled cyber workforce, and academic institutions seeking federal recognition for cybersecurity programs.

    Tradeoff

    The program could help build a larger, better-trained cyber workforce, but participating schools may face costs and administrative burdens to meet the required standards.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out program under which the Secretary shall seek to collaborate with academic institutions to develop cybersecurity educational programs at such institutions, including by establishing curriculum standards, developing competencies in cybersecurity at such institutions, promoting community outreach regarding participation in such educational programs, integrating best practices across such educational programs, and advancing solutions to challenges in addressing educational needs with respect to cyber.

81. Ban on certain AI tools for the Defense Department

    This section bans the use of AI made by the Chinese company DeepSeek and by a company called High Flyer from all Defense Department systems, devices, and contracts. The ban takes effect within 30 days of the law passing. Defense contractors working on Pentagon contracts must also stop using this AI within 30 days. The Secretary of Defense can also issue guidance to ban other AI tools from companies that pose a national security risk. A waiver is allowed for specific cases, such as research, testing, counterterrorism, or critical mission needs. When a waiver is granted, the Secretary must take steps to reduce any related risks.

    Who this affects

    Defense Department employees and military personnel who use AI tools. Companies that hold Pentagon contracts and currently use DeepSeek or High Flyer AI products.

    Tradeoff

    The ban limits potential security risks from foreign AI, but it could restrict access to certain tools that contractors or researchers may currently rely on.

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    not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall require the exclusion and removal of covered artificial intelligence from the systems and devices of the Department of Defense.

82. Artificial Intelligence Futures Steering Committee

    This section creates a high-level committee inside the Defense Department called the Artificial Intelligence Futures Steering Committee. The Secretary of Defense must set it up by April 1, 2026. It is led by the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The committee includes top military and civilian officials from all branches. Its job is to study advanced AI systems, including ones that could reach artificial general intelligence. It must track where AI technology is heading, study how adversaries might use it, and plan how the military could safely adopt it. The committee must keep humans in control of key decisions and look at ways to counter enemy AI threats. It meets at least once every three months. A report with findings goes to Congress by January 31, 2027, and the unclassified part must be made public. The committee ends on December 31, 2027.

    Who this affects

    Defense Department leaders, military branches, and Congress. Indirectly, it affects any future decisions about how the military uses advanced AI systems.

    Tradeoff

    Creating the committee adds oversight and planning around powerful AI, but the committee sunsets in 2027, which limits how long that oversight lasts.

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    Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a steering committee on advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.

83. Study on using Reserve Forces in cyber operations

    This section tells the Secretary of Defense to study how Reserve military members can be better used in the Cyber Mission Force. The study must be done by October 1, 2026. It must look at which cyber missions fit Reserve skills, how to organize Reserve units alongside active-duty cyber teams, what training is needed, and what barriers currently block Reserves from joining cyber operations. The study must also look at activating individual Reserve members for specific cyber tasks instead of calling up whole units. Within 30 days of finishing the study, the Secretary must send a full report with findings and recommendations to Congress.

    Who this affects

    Reserve component military personnel who have civilian technology or cybersecurity skills. It also affects active-duty Cyber Mission Force commanders and planners.

    Tradeoff

    Using Reservists with civilian cyber skills could expand the military's cyber workforce, but building the training and support systems to integrate them takes time and money.

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    Not later than October 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a study on the appropriate framework for structuring and organizing, including training and preparing, the reserve component personnel and units to be employed within the Cyber Mission Force for cyberspace operations.

84. Space Force officer promotion requirements

    This section sets new rules for promoting Space Force officers to the rank of brigadier general (one-star general). Before an officer can be considered for that promotion, they must have completed two specific job assignments. One assignment must involve acquisition work (buying equipment and systems). The other must involve operations work. The Secretary of the Air Force must write these rules within one year of the law passing. The rules will apply to promotion decisions made on or after January 1, 2035. The Secretary must also report those written rules to the Armed Services Committees of both the Senate and the House.

    Who this affects

    Space Force officers seeking promotion to brigadier general. It also affects the Secretary of the Air Force, who must write and report new promotion rules.

    Tradeoff

    Requiring both acquisition and operations experience may produce more well-rounded generals, but it could slow some officers' careers if the needed assignments are hard to get.

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    an officer on the Space Force officer list is not considered for promotion to the grade of brigadier general unless the officer has completed-- (1) a duty assignment with a command or other organization that has responsibility for acquisition matters; and (2) a duty assignment with a command or other organization that has responsibility for operations.

85. Blast damage assessment guide for Air Force launch sites

    This section requires the Secretary of the Air Force to publish a safety guide within one year. The guide will cover blast damage from liquid oxygen and methane fuels at Air Force launch sites. Within 30 days of publishing, the Secretary must notify Congress and give lawmakers a briefing on the guide's contents. The Secretary can delay the one-year deadline once if there is a national security reason or if the timeline is not practical. To use that delay, the Secretary must tell Congress when the guide will actually be published instead.

    Who this affects

    Air Force officials who manage launch complexes, and space launch operators (government and commercial) who use those sites.

    Tradeoff

    The guide adds a safety standard for launch sites, but the one-time waiver means the deadline could slip if the Secretary decides the timeline is not workable.

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    Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall publish a liquid oxygen and methane blast damage assessment guide for space launch vehicles at Air Force launch complexes.

86. Minimum intercontinental ballistic missile inventory requirement

    This section requires the Air Force to keep at least 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) ready to launch at all times. It also requires at least 450 missiles to be spread across 150 or more launch sites at three bases: F.E. Warren in Wyoming, Malmstrom in Montana, and Minot in North Dakota. For fiscal year 2026, no Defense funds may be used to lower the number of deployed ICBMs below 400 or to reduce their alert level. Exceptions are allowed for routine maintenance, safety and reliability work, and the ongoing switch from the older Minuteman III missile to the newer Sentinel missile.

    Who this affects

    The Air Force and the Department of Defense must follow these rules. The requirement also affects future administrations or officials who might otherwise choose to reduce the U.S. ICBM force.

    Tradeoff

    Locking in a minimum missile count limits flexibility for arms control negotiations or cost-cutting decisions, but it also prevents unilateral reductions without congressional approval.

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    The Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain a total inventory of intercontinental ballistic missiles sufficient to ensure that not fewer than 400 such missiles are operationally available.

87. Keeping Minuteman III missiles ready until replacement arrives

    This section requires the Secretary of the Air Force to send Congress a strategy each year for keeping the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) working safely. The strategy must cover aging parts, test results, performance problems, and how many missiles remain. It must also show all funding for the Minuteman III as specific budget lines and estimate how much money is needed to keep the missiles running until the newer LGM-35A Sentinel missile reaches full use. A separate official, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, must review each strategy within 45 days and report back to Congress on whether the plan is enough, what needs are unfunded, and what risks exist.

    Who this affects

    The U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense are required to act. Members of Congress receive the reports. Ultimately, the U.S. nuclear deterrent force and the public are affected.

    Tradeoff

    Regular reporting gives Congress more oversight and may catch problems early, but it creates new reporting workloads for military officials each year.

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    the Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Under Secretary, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy, with respect to the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles... to address aging components and maximize the end-of-life margin.

88. U.S. funding for Israeli missile defense systems

    This section allows up to $200 million in U.S. defense funds to go to Israel for three missile defense programs. Up to $60 million goes to the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system. Up to $40 million goes to the David's Sling weapon system. Up to $100 million goes to the Arrow 3 interceptor program. All three programs require co-production, meaning U.S. companies must build a share of the parts. David's Sling and Arrow 3 each require at least 50 percent of parts to be made in the United States. Israel must also match U.S. funds on a one-for-one basis for David's Sling and Arrow 3. Before money is sent, a senior Pentagon official must certify to Congress that production milestones are met and risks are assessed. Congress must be notified at least 30 days before funds are sent.

    Who this affects

    U.S. defense contractors who may produce parts for these systems, the Israeli government, and U.S. taxpayers who fund the programs.

    Tradeoff

    The U.S. shares missile defense technology and funding with an ally, and U.S. industry gets manufacturing work, but the government commits up to $200 million in defense funds.

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    not more than $60,000,000 may be provided to the Government of Israel to procure components for the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system through co-production of such components in the United States by industry of the United States.

89. Electronic warfare required in major joint training exercises

    From 2026 through 2030, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must include both offensive and defensive electronic warfare in the military's largest joint training exercises (called Tier 1 and Tier 2). Each exercise must also include a simulated enemy force based on a current intelligence picture of that adversary's electronic warfare abilities. The Chairman can skip this requirement for a specific exercise if electronic warfare is not relevant to its goals, or if including it would cost too much or is not technically possible. Each year, the Chairman must brief Congress on which exercises are planned and share results from the prior year's exercises, including lessons learned and how electronic warfare fit into the overall combat plan.

    Who this affects

    The U.S. military, especially the Joint Chiefs of Staff and units that participate in large joint training exercises. Congress receives yearly briefings on the results.

    Tradeoff

    Building electronic warfare into major exercises makes training more realistic, but it adds cost and complexity, and the Chairman can waive the requirement if it is too expensive or not practical.

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    During fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall require the integration of offensive and defensive electronic warfare capabilities into Tier 1 and Tier 2 joint training exercises.

90. Temporary work visas for construction workers on Wake Island

    This section lets foreign workers apply for a special temporary work visa to help build, repair, or renovate military facilities on Wake Island. The visa lasts up to three years. These workers do not count against the normal yearly cap on such visas. Workers must stay on Wake Island, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or nearby U.S. Pacific territories. If a worker travels to other parts of the United States, their visa is canceled. Workers already lawfully admitted to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands may also work on Wake Island projects. This authority runs from the date the law is enacted through December 31, 2030.

    Who this affects

    Foreign construction workers seeking jobs on Wake Island military projects, and the contractors or subcontractors who hire them.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing these workers helps fill construction labor needs for a remote military base, but it creates an exception to standard visa caps and residency rules.

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    An alien, if otherwise qualified, may seek admission to the United States as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)), notwithstanding the requirement of such section that the service or labor be temporary, for a period of up to 3 years, to perform a service or labor pursuant to a contract or subcontract related to construction, repairs, or renovations connected to, supporting, or associated with, a military installation on Wake Island.

91. Study on China's control over strategic ports worldwide

    This section requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to study how China is gaining control over important ports around the world. The study covers which ports matter to the U.S., which companies and government actors are involved, and what tools China uses, including a shipping logistics software called LOGINK. Within one year, the two secretaries must report their findings to several congressional committees. The report must list ports controlled by China and by the U.S., identify security and economic risks, and suggest a strategy to protect key ports from Chinese control. The strategy must name existing legal powers, any new powers needed, estimated costs, and funding sources including private investment and public loans. The report can include a classified section for sensitive details.

    Who this affects

    U.S. government agencies, allied countries, private port investors, and shipping companies. Indirectly, it affects any business or nation that relies on global seaports for trade.

    Tradeoff

    The study could lead to stronger U.S. port security and strategy, but producing the report, replacing Chinese-linked products, and securing alternative investments would cost money and take time.

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    a study of-- (A) strategic ports; (B) the reasons such ports are of interest to the United States; (C) the activities and plans of the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to expand its control over strategic ports outside of the People's Republic of China

92. Annual reporting and oversight for military counter-drone activities

    This section requires the Department of Defense to produce yearly reports on how it detects and counters drones near military facilities. Each report must include data on how many drones were detected, tracked, or disabled. It must also note any privacy or civil liberties violations by personnel. The report must state whether any targeted drone was doing something protected by the First Amendment. An interagency committee made up of the Defense Secretary, the Attorney General, and the head of the Federal Aviation Administration must meet at least three times a year to share information. Their discussions and decisions must also be summarized in a yearly report to Congress. All reports must be published in a public, unclassified form, though a secret section can be added. The entire counter-drone authority under this section ends on December 31, 2030.

    Who this affects

    Military and federal agency personnel who run counter-drone programs. Members of the public whose drones may be detected, disabled, or destroyed near military sites.

    Tradeoff

    More public reporting and oversight increases transparency and civil liberties protections, but publishing details about counter-drone methods could help bad actors avoid detection.

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    Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted and published in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

93. Creation of portfolio acquisition executive role

    Section 1802 creates a new official called a 'portfolio acquisition executive' in the military. This person oversees a group of related defense programs, called a portfolio. They have authority over budgets, plans, and day-to-day execution of those programs across the full life of each system. Program managers report directly to this new official. The portfolio acquisition executive reports to a higher official called the component or service acquisition executive. The new role replaces what was previously called 'program executive officer' throughout defense law. The official must connect regularly with actual users of military equipment to get feedback. They can also stop or change programs that are over budget, behind schedule, or no longer needed. The law requires dedicated staff and resources, and bars the use of shared or split-duty arrangements except in writing.

    Who this affects

    Military departments and their acquisition workforces are directly affected. Defense contractors and program managers who previously reported to program executive officers will now report to portfolio acquisition executives.

    Tradeoff

    Centralizing authority under one official may speed decisions and improve accountability, but it also concentrates more power in fewer hands, which could reduce oversight of individual programs.

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    A portfolio acquisition executive is the senior acquisition official designated by the component acquisition executive or the service acquisition executive of the military department concerned, as applicable, to lead a portfolio of capabilities, with authority for plans, budgets, and execution of programs assigned to the portfolio, including life-cycle management.

94. Weapon system maintenance, readiness, and life-cycle support rules

    This section updates rules for how the military keeps major weapons working over their full lifespan. It sets new experience requirements for 'product support managers,' the people responsible for keeping weapons systems ready. For example, a manager overseeing a major defense program must have at least eight years of logistics experience. The section also requires each military branch to regularly check whether its major weapons are meeting readiness goals. If a system fails to meet those goals for two years in a row, the branch must report the reasons to Congress and lay out a fix. A formal written plan must be made for each covered system, covering costs, spare parts, training, maintenance, and intellectual property. The Defense Department must also keep a database of actual operating and support costs for major weapons systems.

    Who this affects

    Military personnel and civilian managers who oversee weapons programs. Taxpayers and members of Congress who fund and oversee defense spending.

    Tradeoff

    More reporting and experience requirements could improve readiness and accountability, but they also add administrative work and could slow down the assignment of managers to open positions.

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    Before being assigned to a position as product support manager, a person-- (1) shall have completed all life-cycle logistics certification and training requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Defense; ... (A) a product support manager of a major defense acquisition program, shall have at least eight years of experience in life-cycle logistics, at least two years of which were performed in a systems program office or similar organization;

95. Updates to defense acquisition dollar thresholds

    Section 1804 raises several dollar limits used in defense buying rules. These limits had not been updated in decades and were set in 1980 or 1990 dollars. The section updates them to 2024 dollars. For example, a program counts as a 'major system' only if it costs more than $275 million, up from the old $115 million limit. The threshold for being called a 'major defense acquisition program' rises from $300 million to $1 billion. The dollar amount at which contractors must submit detailed cost and pricing data rises from $2 million to $10 million. The limit above which the government must explain why it skipped competitive bidding rises from $10 million to $100 million in some cases.

    Who this affects

    Defense contractors, subcontractors, and military purchasing offices that buy goods or services for the U.S. armed forces.

    Tradeoff

    Raising the thresholds reduces paperwork and oversight burdens on contractors and the Pentagon, but it also means fewer contracts will face the detailed reviews and competitive bidding rules that help catch waste or overpricing.

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    in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$115,000,000 (based on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)'' and inserting ``$275,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024 constant dollars)''

96. Project Spectrum: online help for small defense contractors

    This section creates a program called Project Spectrum inside the Department of Defense. The program offers small and medium-sized businesses an online platform with digital tools, training, and resources. The goal is to help these businesses understand and follow the rules of the defense contracting system. The program must work with several defense offices, including the cybersecurity and counterintelligence offices. By April 1, 2026, program leaders must set up performance measures covering cybersecurity and foreign influence risks. By May 1, 2026, they must brief Congress on those measures. The program ends on December 31, 2031.

    Who this affects

    Small and medium-sized businesses that already have or want to get defense contracts. Defense offices that oversee cybersecurity, acquisition, and counterintelligence are also involved.

    Tradeoff

    The program gives small contractors free help to meet complex defense rules, but it costs the government money to build and run the platform until 2031.

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    The Director of the Office of Small Business Programs of the Department of Defense shall establish and maintain a program to be known as ``Project Spectrum'' to provide to covered entities an online platform of digital resources, training, and services that increase awareness of, and facilitate compliance with, the requirements of the defense acquisition system.

97. Exemptions for nontraditional defense contractors

    Section 1826 removes several standard Pentagon contracting rules for companies that are not traditional defense suppliers. These companies are called nontraditional defense contractors. They would no longer need to follow certain reporting, accounting, and cost-tracking rules normally required in Defense Department contracts. A senior official can waive this exemption in writing if there is a good reason. One or more of the dropped rules can also be added back if the official explains why doing so serves the government. If a waiver is issued, the Pentagon must notify Congress within 60 days and explain what steps were taken to avoid needing the waiver.

    Who this affects

    Nontraditional defense contractors selling products or services to the Pentagon. It also affects Defense Department contracting officials who manage these agreements.

    Tradeoff

    Removing these rules may make it easier for new companies to work with the Pentagon, but it also reduces the financial oversight and reporting the government normally uses to check costs and contractor performance.

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    products and services provided by nontraditional defense contractors (as defined in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code) shall be exempt from the following requirements

98. Review of how the Defense Department buys commercial goods and services

    This section tells the Secretary of Defense to take a close look at how the Department of Defense buys products and services that are available on the open market. The review must cover existing policies, training programs, and audit practices. It must also look at a central office that decides whether a product counts as a 'commercial' item, and check whether that office is slow or has a backlog. The review should find what is stopping workers from buying commercial items, and spot delays in writing new rules. Within 180 days of the law being signed, the Secretary must send Congress a report. That report must describe what the review found, what steps are already being taken to fix problems, and what Congress itself could do to help the Department buy more commercial goods and services.

    Who this affects

    Defense Department staff who manage contracts and purchases. Companies that sell commercial products or services to the military.

    Tradeoff

    Buying commercial items can save time and money, but expanding what counts as 'commercial' could reduce oversight and price checks on contractors.

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    The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive review of the approach of the Department of Defense to acquiring commercial products and commercial services.

99. Workforce working group for advanced defense manufacturing

    Section 1843 requires the Secretary of Defense to set up a working group within 180 days. The group will study worker shortages in advanced manufacturing jobs tied to defense. Members will come from an existing Pentagon additive manufacturing group and a new collaborative industry forum. The group must identify which jobs are short-staffed and what skills those jobs need. It must also recommend training programs, apprenticeships, internships, and public-private partnerships to recruit and keep workers. Within one year, the Secretary must send Congress a report covering those recommendations, steps already taken, and a suggestion on whether to keep or end the working group.

    Who this affects

    Workers interested in advanced manufacturing careers, defense contractors, and the Pentagon's own manufacturing workforce are all affected. Training programs, apprenticeships, and internships could open new paths for students and mid-career workers.

    Tradeoff

    The working group could help close defense manufacturing gaps, but it adds a reporting requirement and coordination burden on the Department of Defense with no guaranteed funding for the recommended programs.

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    Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a working group to identify opportunities to address workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense industrial base.

100. Report on defense contractor surge capacity

     This section requires two Pentagon officials to submit a report to Congress by March 1, 2026. The report must look at rules and policies that stop or discourage defense contractors from building up extra production capacity. That extra capacity is called 'surge capacity,' meaning the ability to quickly make more weapons or equipment in a crisis. The report must identify rules that push contractors to cut that capacity, including a specific federal rule about idle facilities. It must also cover steps already taken under a 2025 executive order to remove such barriers. Finally, it must include findings from an earlier industrial mobilization exercise required by a 2023 law.

     Who this affects

     Defense contractors who make weapons or military equipment, and the Pentagon offices that oversee buying and pricing.

     Tradeoff

     Keeping surge capacity costs money for contractors during peacetime, but not having it could slow military production in a crisis.

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     the term ``surge capacity'' mean the ability of contractors in the defense industrial base to rapidly increase production capacity to meet increased demand for defense articles and defense services

101. Extension of Navy and Marine Corps 2023 construction project deadlines

     This section gives more time to complete certain Navy and Marine Corps construction projects that were first approved in 2023. Those projects include engine test cell work in Florida, missile storage in Hawaii, an aircraft maintenance hangar in Nevada, a gear repair facility in North Carolina, and two recruit barracks in South Carolina. Each of these projects was originally set to expire under the 2023 law. This section keeps the spending authority alive until October 1, 2026, or until a new law authorizes military construction funds for fiscal year 2027, whichever comes later.

     Who this affects

     U.S. Navy and Marine Corps installations in Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Military personnel and contractors tied to those construction projects are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Extending the deadlines lets these projects move forward without losing their funding authority, but it also means previously approved funds remain tied up in projects that have not yet been completed.

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     the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2201 of that Act (136 Stat. 2975), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2026, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2027, whichever is later.

102. Air Force construction projects authorized for fiscal year 2026

     Section 2301 lets the Secretary of the Air Force build or buy property at specific U.S. and overseas Air Force bases. Inside the United States, projects are approved at 22 locations across 15 states. The largest single amount is $497 million at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota receives $378 million, and Hill Air Force Base in Utah receives $250 million. Outside the United States, six locations in five countries receive funding. The largest overseas amount is $253 million at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. All spending must stay within the dollar limits shown in the tables and in the broader funding table found in Section 4601 of the bill.

     Who this affects

     Military personnel, civilian workers, and contractors at the listed Air Force and Space Force installations. Communities near those bases may also see economic activity from construction.

     Tradeoff

     Approving these construction projects improves Air Force facilities and readiness, but commits large amounts of federal money that could be spent on other priorities.

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     the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table

103. Military construction projects for defense agencies

     This section gives the Secretary of Defense permission to build or buy property at military bases inside and outside the United States. Inside the U.S., projects are spread across 15 locations in states like North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. The largest single amount is $500 million for NSA Texas. Outside the U.S., projects are planned in Germany and the United Kingdom, with $433.6 million going to Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the UK. A separate part of this section funds energy conservation projects at bases in California, Guam, Massachusetts, and other states, plus sites in Germany and Japan. The total spending allowed cannot go above the amount listed in a separate funding table in the bill.

     Who this affects

     Military personnel, civilian workers, and contractors at the listed U.S. and overseas bases. Taxpayers fund the construction through authorized appropriations.

     Tradeoff

     These projects upgrade military facilities and energy systems, but they commit large amounts of federal money that cannot be redirected once authorized.

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     the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2401 and 2402 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.

104. South Korea and Poland funded military construction projects

     This section covers two groups of military construction projects. First, South Korea will pay for seven projects at U.S. military bases on its soil. These include a new runway at Camp Humphreys ($180 million), a hospital repair at Gimhae Air Base ($86 million), and other facility upgrades totaling about $453 million. Second, Poland will pay for eight projects at U.S. military sites in Poland. These include a barracks and dining facility at Powdiz ($199 million), combined aerial port facilities at Wroclaw Air Base ($111 million), and other projects totaling about $504 million. The U.S. Secretary of Defense is allowed to accept these construction projects because both countries are required to make these contributions under existing agreements.

     Who this affects

     U.S. military personnel stationed in South Korea and Poland. Taxpayers in South Korea and Poland who fund these projects.

     Tradeoff

     The U.S. gets upgraded military facilities at no direct cost to American taxpayers, but the projects still serve U.S. strategic interests and tie the military to those host countries.

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     Pursuant to agreement with the Republic of Korea for required in-kind contributions, the Secretary of Defense may accept military construction projects for the installations or locations in the Republic of Korea

105. New flexible contracts for military facility construction and repair

     Section 2802 gives military department heads a new way to hire companies for building or repairing military facilities. Instead of a standard contract or grant, they can use a more flexible agreement called a 'transaction.' These deals can cover planning, design, engineering, testing, and actual construction. If a company used this flexible agreement and successfully finished a usable facility, the military can give that same company a follow-up production deal without holding a new competition. Before using this authority, the military must notify Congress at least 14 days in advance and explain why the standard process was not used. The Defense Secretary must also report to Congress every six months on how this authority is being used, including costs, timelines, and lessons learned.

     Who this affects

     Military departments and Defense agencies that build or repair facilities. Private companies that seek construction contracts with the military.

     Tradeoff

     The flexible agreements can speed up construction and reduce red tape, but they also allow follow-on contracts without competition, which reduces competitive bidding.

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     the Secretary concerned may enter into transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants) to carry out repair and construction projects for facilities, including the planning, design, engineering, prototyping, piloting, and execution of such repair and construction projects.

106. Water management and security at military bases

     This section requires the Department of Defense to take a risk-based approach to water management at all military bases. The Secretary of Defense must build a system to assess water risks at every base. That system looks at water sources, supply connections, total water use, infrastructure age, drought risks, and legal water rights. The three highest-risk bases in each military branch must get action plans to fix problems. Bases in dry regions must also look at reusing non-drinking water and switching to low-water landscaping with native plants. The Secretary must brief Congress within 180 days and then every year after that on progress, costs, and any agreements affecting a base's water supply.

     Who this affects

     All U.S. military installations, especially those in drought-prone or water-stressed areas. The Department of Defense, each military department secretary, and congressional defense committees are also directly involved.

     Tradeoff

     Improving water security at bases could protect military readiness, but conducting detailed assessments, building new infrastructure, and updating landscaping will cost money and staff time.

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     The Secretary of Defense shall adopt a risk-based approach to water management and water security for each military installation.

107. Multiyear contracts for military construction projects

     This section lets each military department secretary sign multiyear contracts for authorized military construction projects. To use this authority, the secretary must list the projects in the defense budget submitted to Congress. The secretary must also certify in writing that the multiyear contract will cost at least 10 percent less than a one-year contract. The contract cannot be awarded until 14 days after that certification is sent to Congress. Any payments owed in future years only go through if Congress provides the money for those years. The section also allows advance purchasing of materials when that saves money. Only projects already in the long-term defense spending plan and using standardized, repeatable designs qualify.

     Who this affects

     Military departments seeking to build facilities on bases, and contractors who bid on those projects. Taxpayers fund these projects through defense appropriations.

     Tradeoff

     Multiyear contracts can lower construction costs but lock the government into longer commitments, meaning future Congresses have less flexibility to change or cancel spending.

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     A Secretary of a military department desiring to award a multiyear contract under the authority of this section shall-- (A) submit to the congressional defense committees a certification that such contract will result in cost savings of at least ten percent compared to a similar one-year contract

108. Improvements to annual reports on waivers for military unaccompanied housing

     This section updates the law that covers waivers for military barracks (called unaccompanied housing). Right now, the military can get waivers when barracks do not meet privacy and layout rules. This section adds health and safety rules to that waiver system. It also requires more detail in the annual reports sent to Congress. The new reports must include a timeline for fixing problems, a cost estimate for repairs, any needed increase to housing allowances for troops displaced by repairs, and an update on actions taken after a 2023 Government Accountability Office report that found poor living conditions in military barracks. Secretaries of each military branch must certify they followed the waiver rules and found all barracks that fall short of standards.

     Who this affects

     Service members living in military barracks (unaccompanied housing). It also affects the secretaries of each military branch, who must certify compliance and report costs to Congress.

     Tradeoff

     More detailed reporting gives Congress better oversight of barracks conditions and repair costs, but it also adds more administrative work for the military departments.

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     ``(1) The term `covered health and safety standard' means the minimum health and safety criteria applicable to covered military unaccompanied housing established by the Secretary of Defense and may include standards relating to mold, ventilation, fire safety, or other related habitability conditions necessary to ensure safe occupancy.''

109. Independent home inspections for military housing

     Section 2831 requires the Secretary of Defense to set up a new inspection program for military housing. The program must use independent, qualified home inspectors who have no ties to the government or to companies that own or manage military housing. Each year, inspectors must check at least 5 percent of all privatized and government-owned military housing units. Every inspection must cover HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, structural condition, water damage, mold, and indoor air quality. The Defense Secretary must submit a plan to Congress by February 1, 2026, explaining how the program will work. Annual reports on inspection results are due each March from 2027 through 2032.

     Who this affects

     Military service members and their families living in privatized or government-owned housing on military bases. It also affects private companies that own or manage that housing, since inspectors must be independent from them.

     Tradeoff

     Requiring independent annual inspections adds oversight and may catch housing problems sooner, but it also adds program costs and contracting workload for the Department of Defense.

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     a qualified home inspector shall annually inspect not less than five percent of privatized military housing and Government-owned military housing units. Such inspection shall include, at a minimum-- (1) an evaluation of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity of the privatized military housing and Government-owned military housing units; and (2) an inspection for signs of water intrusion, visible and nonvisible mold, microbial contamination, and other indoor air quality concerns.

110. Master plans for military service academy infrastructure

     This section requires the Army, Navy, and Air Force secretaries to each create a master plan for their service academies (such as West Point and the Naval Academy). Each plan must list infrastructure in poor or failing condition and outline how to fix or replace it within five years. Plans must also identify historic buildings, assess risks from energy disruptions, extreme weather, cybersecurity threats, and clean water shortages. All plans must be finished by September 30, 2027. Each secretary must brief Congress within 180 days of the law's passage on the timeline for completing the plans. The finished plans must be sent to Congress within 30 days of completion, or by December 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

     Who this affects

     The three military service academies and the military department secretaries who oversee them. Cadets and midshipmen who live and train at those facilities could also be affected by resulting infrastructure improvements.

     Tradeoff

     Requiring detailed master plans adds planning work and could lead to large construction costs, but it may help the military fix aging and unsafe facilities at the academies before problems worsen.

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     Each Secretary of a military department shall develop a master plan for each Service Academy under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to comprehensively address infrastructure requirements of such Service Academy.

111. Historical markers for radiation exposure near Trinity nuclear test site

     This section requires the Air Force and Army to place historical markers at Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Each marker must explain what the Manhattan Project was and what it aimed to do. It must describe how the secret nature of the 1945 Trinity nuclear test led nearby communities to unknowingly breathe in or contact radioactive material. The markers must also honor the resilience of New Mexico communities during and after World War II. Within one year of the law passing, the two secretaries must brief Congress on how they carried out these requirements.

     Who this affects

     Communities in New Mexico that were downwind of the 1945 Trinity nuclear test. Visitors and the public who access these two military installations.

     Tradeoff

     The markers provide public acknowledgment of past harm to local communities, but placing them on active military bases limits how many people can easily see them.

     Show the exact bill text

     A historical marker described in subsection (a) shall commemorate the effects of radiation exposure on communities in New Mexico as a result of the Manhattan Project and the nuclear test conducted at the Trinity Site.

112. Pilot program for advanced manufacturing construction at military bases

     This section orders the Defense Department to start a five-year pilot program. The program tests new advanced manufacturing construction methods, such as 3D printing or automated building, at one or more military bases. Each military branch must take part. A single official will manage the program and set rules for how projects are done. The program will track cost, speed, and quality. It will also build a shared catalog of approved technologies and share lessons across the military. The Defense Department must report to Congress after 18 months and again within 180 days after the program ends.

     Who this affects

     Military construction programs and the bases chosen for the pilot. Defense contractors who build on military bases may also be affected.

     Tradeoff

     The program could lower construction costs and speed up building on military bases, but it requires upfront spending and staff time to run the pilot and produce reports.

     Show the exact bill text

     Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through each Secretary of a military department, shall carry out a pilot program relating to the use of advanced manufacturing construction technologies for military construction projects

113. Modular construction review for military building projects

     This section tells the Secretary of Defense to consider using modular construction when planning military building projects that need blast-hardened or ballistic-hardened materials. Modular construction means building parts of a project in a factory off-site, then shipping them to the base for assembly. Within 180 days of the law passing, the Secretary must send Congress a report. The report must cover current rules on modular construction, a cost comparison between modular and traditional methods, and effects on how long construction takes and long-term costs. The report must also list possible uses for modular methods and any limits on using them.

     Who this affects

     The Department of Defense and its construction planners are directly affected. Military bases that need blast-hardened or ballistic-hardened buildings could see changes in how those projects are designed and built.

     Tradeoff

     Modular construction may lower costs and speed up timelines, but it may not always meet the specific protective design needs of military facilities.

     Show the exact bill text

     In determining the requirements for a proposed military construction project with protective design elements, the Secretary of Defense shall consider the use of modular construction methods along with other construction methods to determine the most effective method for such military construction project to meet mission needs.

114. Management structure for the nuclear security enterprise

     Section 6103 requires the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), called the Administrator, to set up a formal management structure for the country's nuclear security enterprise. It also creates a new advisory council called the National Nuclear Security Administration Council. This council is made up of the directors of the national security labs and nuclear weapons production facilities. The council can advise the Administrator on science, operations, planning, and priorities. It can also send written recommendations to the Administrator or the Secretary of Energy. The Administrator or Secretary must respond in writing within 60 days, explaining whether they will act on each recommendation and why. The section also states that it does not reduce the Secretary of Energy's existing authority over national security programs.

     Who this affects

     The Administrator for Nuclear Security and the directors of national labs and weapons facilities are directly affected. Indirectly, all workers and programs within the nuclear security enterprise are affected.

     Tradeoff

     The council gives lab and facility directors a formal voice in decisions, but the Administrator and Secretary keep final authority and can decline any recommendation.

     Show the exact bill text

     The Council shall be composed of the directors of the national security laboratories and the nuclear weapons production facilities... Not later than 60 days after the date on which any recommendation under paragraph (3) is received, the Administrator or the Secretary, as the case may be, shall respond to the Council with respect to whether such recommendation will be implemented and the reasoning for implementing or not implementing such recommendation.

115. Establishment of Center for Security Technology, Analysis, Response, and Testing

     This section creates a new office called the Center for Security Technology, Analysis, Response, and Testing inside the nuclear security enterprise. The Administrator for Nuclear Security must set it up. The center will give expert advice on security tools and systems. It will help create security standards and testing methods. It will gather and share lessons learned about security. It will support inspections at nuclear sites. It will train security workers and promote their professional growth. It will also handle group purchasing of security equipment for multiple nuclear facilities.

     Who this affects

     Workers and managers at nuclear security facilities, including contractors who run those sites. Federal officials who oversee nuclear security policy and spending.

     Tradeoff

     Creating a central security office could improve consistency and cut costs through bulk buying, but it adds a new layer of administration inside the nuclear security enterprise.

     Show the exact bill text

     The Administrator for Nuclear Security shall establish within the nuclear security enterprise a Center for Security Technology, Analysis, Response, and Testing.

116. Nuclear weapons stockpile management program

     This section sets up a program run by the Secretary of Energy to manage, modernize, and replace weapons in the U.S. nuclear stockpile. The program has six goals: improve stockpile reliability, reduce the chance of resuming underground nuclear tests, keep weapons safe and secure, find the right future stockpile size, lower the risk of accidental detonation, and lower the risk of weapons falling into hostile hands. Any changes to the stockpile must match those goals and be cost-effective. Changes must also be certifiable without underground testing. The program must use existing expertise at nuclear security facilities and help build future expertise. Budget amounts for this program must be clearly listed in materials sent to Congress each year.

     Who this affects

     The Secretary of Energy, nuclear security enterprise workers, and the Department of Defense are directly involved. U.S. taxpayers fund the program, and all Americans are broadly affected by nuclear security decisions.

     Tradeoff

     Maintaining and modernizing the stockpile without underground testing preserves security but requires relying on laboratory-based methods that some experts say are less certain than live tests.

     Show the exact bill text

     The program shall have the following objectives: (1) To enhance the performance and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile of the United States. (2) To further reduce the likelihood of the resumption of underground nuclear weapons testing. (3) To maintain the safety and security of the nuclear weapons stockpile.

117. Reporting critical problems at nuclear labs and weapons facilities

     This section requires the head of any national security laboratory or nuclear weapons production facility to quickly report serious problems to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). A 'serious problem' is one that affects confidence in the safety or reliability of a nuclear weapon. The NNSA Administrator must then send that report, along with the Administrator's own comments, to Congress, the Secretaries of Energy and Defense, and the President within 10 days. The report must also be included in the annual nuclear stockpile assessment sent to the President and Congress each year.

     Who this affects

     Leaders of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities are required to act. Congress, the President, and senior Cabinet officials receive the reports.

     Tradeoff

     Faster reporting keeps officials informed about weapon safety problems, but it also means sensitive findings about nuclear weapon vulnerabilities are shared more widely, even if in classified form.

     Show the exact bill text

     In the event of a difficulty at a national security laboratory or a nuclear weapons production facility that has a significant bearing on confidence in the safety or reliability of a nuclear weapon or nuclear weapon type, the head of the laboratory or facility, as the case may be, shall submit to the Administrator a report on the difficulty.

118. Plutonium pit production requirements and oversight

     This section sets production goals for plutonium pits, which are the cores of nuclear warheads. The Department of Energy must produce at least 10 pits in 2024, rising to 80 per year by 2030. The Secretary of Energy must certify each year that programs and budgets are on track to meet those goals. If the certification is missed, a recovery plan must be submitted. The section also restricts expansion of a pit-recycling system called ARIES at Los Alamos until the lab can make at least 30 pits per year. Two main production sites are covered: one in New Mexico and one in South Carolina. Officials must report annually on production plans, risks, and any changes. The plutonium modernization program must follow Government Accountability Office best practices for scheduling and cost estimates.

     Who this affects

     The Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and contractors at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina are directly affected. Congress receives annual reports and certifications.

     Tradeoff

     Requiring higher pit production builds more warhead capacity, but it also requires large spending at multiple facilities and restricts flexibility at Los Alamos until production targets are first met.

     Show the exact bill text

     the Secretary of Energy shall ensure that the nuclear security enterprise-- (1) during 2021, begins production of qualification plutonium pits; (2) during 2024, produces not less than 10 war reserve plutonium pits; (3) during 2025, produces not less than 20 war reserve plutonium pits; (4) during 2026, produces not less than 30 war reserve plutonium pits; and (5) during 2030, produces not less than 80 war reserve plutonium pits.

119. Long-term plan for uranium supply for national security

     This section requires the Secretary of Energy to submit a plan to Congress every two years (through 2031) covering how the U.S. will meet its national security needs for uranium through 2070. The plan must list current uranium stockpiles by type and enrichment level. It must also identify future needs, note any shortfalls, and explore options like re-enriching depleted uranium. The plan must look at whether boosting domestic uranium enrichment could also help the commercial sector rely less on imports from adversary countries. The Government Accountability Office must review each plan and brief Congress within 180 days. The plan is submitted in unclassified form but may have a classified section.

     Who this affects

     The Department of Energy, Congress, uranium producers, and defense programs that rely on enriched uranium. Taxpayers may be affected if new enrichment capacity requires federal funding.

     Tradeoff

     Regular reporting improves oversight of long-term uranium supply, but producing detailed plans every two years adds work for the Department of Energy and related agencies.

     Show the exact bill text

     Not later than December 31 of each odd-numbered year through 2031, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for meeting national security requirements for unencumbered uranium through 2070.

120. Tritium production and recycling at Savannah River Site

     This section covers the government's tritium program. Tritium is a radioactive form of hydrogen used in nuclear weapons. The Secretary of Energy must run a program to produce enough tritium to meet U.S. nuclear weapons needs. Any new tritium production facility must be built at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. Almost all tritium recycling for weapons must also happen there. The only exception is Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, which may do tritium research, support a fusion defense program, and give technical help to the Savannah River Site. The Secretary must also modernize and consolidate the recycling facilities at Savannah River so they can handle all the tritium the nuclear weapons stockpile requires.

     Who this affects

     The Department of Energy and its contractors who build and operate nuclear weapons facilities. Residents near the Savannah River Site in South Carolina and Los Alamos in New Mexico are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Concentrating tritium work at one site can improve security and efficiency, but it also means a single location carries more risk and responsibility for a key part of the nuclear weapons program.

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     The Secretary shall locate any new tritium production facility of the Department of Energy at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina.

121. Replacing cesium blood irradiation devices in the U.S.

     This section sets a goal of eliminating all blood irradiation devices that use cesium chloride in the United States by December 31, 2027. The program is run by the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration. Participation is voluntary for device owners. The U.S. government can pay up to 50 percent of the cost to replace each device. It can pay up to 100 percent of the cost to remove and dispose of the old cesium sources. Replacement devices must be x-ray irradiators or other FDA-approved devices that reduce security risks compared to cesium chloride. The Administrator must report to Congress on how many devices exist, where they are, and a plan to replace them. A follow-up assessment is due by September 20, 2023, covering program costs, cost-effectiveness, and whether the 2027 goal is on track.

     Who this affects

     Hospitals, blood banks, and other facilities in the U.S. that own cesium chloride blood irradiation devices. Taxpayers fund up to half the replacement cost and the full disposal cost.

     Tradeoff

     The program reduces the risk of cesium chloride being misused as a radiological weapon, but it costs federal money and relies on voluntary participation, which could slow progress toward the 2027 goal.

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     The Administrator shall ensure that the goal of the covered programs is eliminating the use of blood irradiation devices in the United States that rely on cesium chloride by December 31, 2027.

122. Five-year nuclear nonproliferation management plan

     This section requires the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration (the Administrator) to create and update every year a five-year plan for programs that stop the spread of nuclear and radiological weapons. The plan must cover how each program works, what it accomplished, what gaps remain, and how it will be funded. Every other year, the Administrator must send Congress a brief summary of the plan. In the opposite years, a full detailed report is required. Both documents must be public, but can include a secret annex if needed. The plan must also include a threat assessment from the U.S. intelligence community and show how program activities match up against identified threats.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies working on nuclear security, especially the National Nuclear Security Administration. Members of Congress who oversee defense programs also receive the reports.

     Tradeoff

     More reporting gives Congress better oversight of nuclear security spending, but it also increases paperwork and staff time for the agencies involved.

     Show the exact bill text

     The Administrator shall develop and annually update a five-year management plan for activities associated with the defense nuclear nonproliferation programs of the Administration to prevent and counter the proliferation of materials, technology, equipment, and expertise related to nuclear and radiological weapons in order to minimize and address the risk of nuclear terrorism and the proliferation of such weapons.

123. Defense environmental cleanup technology programs

     Section 6177 creates three programs inside the Department of Energy. The first is called the Incremental Technology Development Program. It funds steady improvements to cleanup tools such as decontamination chemicals, remote sensors, and better packaging for waste. The government pays no more than 70 percent of project costs. Private partners cover the rest. The second is called the High-Impact Technology Development Program. It funds bigger, harder research into problems like removing waste from leaking tanks, treating radioactive liquids, and tracking underground contamination. Both programs require open competition and independent review before the government picks projects. The third is called the Environmental Management University Program. It connects universities, professors, and students with cleanup research. Students can receive multi-year research grants. Undergraduates can apply for summer internships. Workshops bring together government, academia, and industry. All three programs are run through the Office of Environmental Management.

     Who this affects

     Federal taxpayers who fund the programs. Private companies, universities, researchers, and graduate students who compete for grants and contracts. Communities near nuclear cleanup sites also have a stake in faster or better cleanup technology.

     Tradeoff

     Investing in new cleanup technology could lower long-term costs and speed up site cleanup, but it requires upfront federal spending and relies on private partners and universities producing useful results.

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     The Federal share of the costs of the development, demonstration, testing, permitting, and deployment of new technologies carried out under this paragraph shall be not more than 70 percent.

124. Planning for closure of nuclear defense facilities

     Section 6194 requires the Secretary of Energy to create a plan every four years, starting in 2025, for shutting down and cleaning up defense nuclear facilities that are no longer operating. The plan must list and rank these facilities by risk to health and the environment. It must also estimate cleanup costs and timelines for each site. A separate plan, due in 2025, requires the transfer of responsibility for these sites to the Office of Environmental Management by March 31, 2029. The Secretary must send the plan to Congress by March 31, 2025, and every four years after that. The reporting requirement ends after the report due by March 31, 2033.

     Who this affects

     Workers and communities near shuttered Department of Energy defense nuclear sites. Taxpayers fund the cleanup costs.

     Tradeoff

     Regular planning and reporting adds oversight and transparency, but creating and updating these plans requires staff time and government resources.

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     The Secretary of Energy shall, every four years beginning in 2025, develop and subsequently carry out a plan for the activities of the Department of Energy relating to the deactivation and decommissioning of nonoperational defense nuclear facilities.

125. Access restrictions for foreign visitors at nuclear security labs

     This section limits who can enter restricted areas at national security laboratories, nuclear weapons production sites, and naval nuclear propulsion facilities. Citizens or agents of China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran are banned from non-public areas. A background check is required before anyone from a country on the Department of Energy's sensitive countries list can enter. The Energy Secretary can grant a waiver for a person from one of the four named nations, but only after giving Congress 30 days notice and certifying that the visit serves national security, no classified data will be shared, other agencies have been consulted, and the background check found no military or intelligence ties to those nations. The ban on citizens of the four named nations took effect April 15, 2025. The section does not restrict U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or people taking part in international nuclear inspections or nonproliferation activities.

     Who this affects

     Citizens and agents of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran who seek access to U.S. nuclear facilities. It also affects Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration officials who manage facility access.

     Tradeoff

     Tighter access rules may reduce espionage risks at nuclear sites, but they can also slow or limit scientific cooperation with foreign researchers from those countries.

     Show the exact bill text

     With respect to an individual who is a citizen or agent of a covered foreign nation, the Secretary and the Administrator may not, except as provided in paragraph (2), admit such individual to any areas not accessible to the general public within a facility described in paragraph (3).

126. Protection of nuclear facilities from drones

     This section gives the Secretary of Energy the power to stop drones from threatening nuclear facilities that store special nuclear material. The Secretary can track, warn, jam, take control of, or even destroy a threatening drone. This applies to drones at any U.S. government-owned or contracted nuclear facility inside the United States or its territories. Any drone the Secretary seizes can be kept by the U.S. government. The Secretary of Energy must work with the Secretary of Transportation when setting rules under this section.

     Who this affects

     Drone operators who fly near covered nuclear facilities may have their aircraft tracked, jammed, seized, or destroyed. Workers and the public near those facilities are also affected by the security measures.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger security at nuclear sites is gained by giving the government broad power to intercept or destroy drones, which limits the normal protections drone owners have under federal law.

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     Notwithstanding any provision of title 18, the Secretary of Energy may take such actions described in subsection (b)(1) that are necessary to mitigate the threat...that an unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft poses to the safety or security of a covered facility or asset.

127. Whistleblower protection for Department of Energy defense workers

     This section requires the Secretary of Energy to create a whistleblower protection program. The program covers Department of Energy employees and contractor employees who work on defense activities. It protects workers who report violations of law, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or false statements to Congress. To be protected, a worker must follow security rules when sharing information. Reports can go to relevant congressional committees, the Inspector General, the FBI, or other approved government offices. The Inspector General must help workers understand how to make a safe report. If a worker believes they were fired, demoted, or punished for reporting, they can file a complaint with the Department's Office of Hearings and Appeals. That office investigates non-frivolous complaints and reports findings to the worker, any contractor involved, and the Secretary. If retaliation is confirmed, the Secretary must order corrective action. Contractors who refuse to comply can be taken to federal court. These protections are separate from and not limited by the existing Whistleblower Protection Act.

     Who this affects

     Department of Energy employees and contractor employees working on defense activities, as well as contractors who employ them.

     Tradeoff

     Workers gain legal protection and a formal process for reporting wrongdoing, but they must follow security procedures before disclosing classified information or they lose those protections.

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     The Secretary of Energy shall establish a program to ensure that covered individuals may not be discharged, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against as a reprisal for making protected disclosures.

128. Workforce restructuring plan for defense nuclear facilities

     When the Department of Energy decides to cut or change workers at a defense nuclear facility, the Secretary of Energy must write a plan for how to handle that change. The plan must account for how the facility is being reconfigured and the current nuclear weapons stockpile plan. Before making changes, workers and nearby communities must get at least 120 days notice. The plan should try to avoid layoffs by using retraining, early retirement, and attrition first. Workers who lose their jobs get hiring preference at other Energy Department positions. The department should help communities and workers with job placement, retraining, and relocation. The Secretary must submit the plan to Congress within 90 days of notifying workers, and must report to Congress every six months on local assistance provided.

     Who this affects

     Workers at Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities (such as national labs and weapons plants) and the communities where those facilities are located.

     Tradeoff

     The plan requires advance notice and worker support programs, which add time and cost to any workforce reduction, but also reduce sudden economic harm to workers and local communities.

     Show the exact bill text

     changes in the workforce at a Department of Energy defense nuclear facility-- (A) should be accomplished so as to minimize social and economic impacts; (B) should be made only after the provision of notice of such changes not later than 120 days before the commencement of such changes to such employees and the communities in which such facilities are located

129. Reporting nuclear criticality and serious incidents to Congress

     This section requires the Secretary of Energy or the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration to notify Congress within 15 days after a nuclear criticality incident at a covered facility. A covered incident is one that causes injury, death, or a full or partial shutdown of a facility. Each notice must describe what happened, why it happened, whether any facility was shut down, and what corrective steps were taken. The Secretary must also keep a running database of these incidents, including non-nuclear accidents that cause serious injury or death at covered facilities. Facility contractors must cooperate with reporting requirements in a timely way.

     Who this affects

     Workers and managers at nuclear security and defense environmental cleanup facilities are affected. Congressional defense committees and the House Energy and Commerce and Senate Energy and Natural Resources committees receive the notifications.

     Tradeoff

     Faster congressional notification improves oversight of nuclear safety, but it requires facility contractors and agency officials to gather and report accurate details quickly after a serious incident.

     Show the exact bill text

     The Secretary of Energy or the Administrator, as the case may be, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification of a nuclear criticality incident resulting from a covered program that results in an injury or fatality or results in the shutdown, or partial shutdown, of a covered facility by not later than 15 days after the date of such incident.

130. Construction cost limits and fund transfer rules for energy national security programs

     This group of sections sets rules for how the Department of Energy (DOE) spends money on construction and plant projects tied to national security. Small construction projects costing less than $10 million are called 'minor' projects and face lighter rules. Projects costing more than $5 million still require Congress to be notified 15 days before work starts. For larger projects, costs cannot go more than 25 percent over the approved amount without a 30-day waiting period and a report to Congress. The DOE Secretary can move money between programs, but only up to 5 percent of any single authorization, and Congress must be told within 30 days. Emergency projects can skip some design requirements, but Congress still gets a report first. Field office managers can shift up to $5 million once per year within defense cleanup or weapons programs, but not to cover cost overruns or items Congress has blocked.

     Who this affects

     The Department of Energy and its field offices are directly affected. Taxpayers who fund national security and nuclear programs are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     These rules give DOE some flexibility to move money and start urgent projects quickly, but they add reporting steps and waiting periods that can slow responses to changing needs.

     Show the exact bill text

     construction on a construction project which is in support of national security programs of the Department of Energy and was authorized by a DOE national security authorization may not be started, and additional obligations in connection with the project above the total estimated cost may not be incurred, whenever the current estimated cost of the construction project exceeds by more than 25 percent the higher of-- (1) the amount authorized for the project; or (2) the amount of the total estimated cost for the project as shown in the most recent budget justification data submitted to Congress.

131. Cost and schedule baselines for nuclear weapons and cleanup projects

     This section requires the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Energy to set formal cost and schedule baselines for several types of projects. These include nuclear weapon life extension programs, new nuclear weapon programs, major weapon alteration projects (costing over $800 million), large construction projects (over $65 million), and defense environmental cleanup projects (over $65 million). Each baseline must also include an estimated cost per warhead where applicable. Congress must be notified within 30 days of each baseline being set. If total costs grow beyond 125 percent of the baseline, or per-warhead costs exceed 150 percent, Congress must be notified within 30 days. Within 90 days of that notification, officials must tell Congress whether the project will continue or be terminated. If it continues, they must certify that a new baseline exists, that the project is necessary, and that proper management is in place. They must also submit a root-cause analysis explaining why costs grew.

     Who this affects

     Federal nuclear weapons program managers, the Department of Energy, and members of Congress who oversee defense spending. Taxpayers fund these projects, so cost overruns affect federal spending.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger oversight and transparency may catch cost overruns earlier, but the reporting and certification requirements add administrative steps that could slow project timelines.

     Show the exact bill text

     the Administrator or the Secretary, as applicable, shall notify the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after determining that the total cost for a project referred to in paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of subsection (a) will exceed an amount that is equal to 125 percent of the cost baseline established under subsection (a) for that project

132. Costs not allowed under Department of Energy national security contracts

     This section lists expenses that contractors cannot charge to the federal government under Department of Energy national security contracts worth more than $100,000. Forbidden charges include entertainment, sports tickets, meals for social events, alcohol, club memberships, donations, advertising, promotional items, and lobbying. Fines and penalties from breaking laws are also not allowed unless the contract specifically authorizes them. However, contractors can still charge for factual or technical information provided to Congress when Congress asks for it, along with related travel costs. The Secretary of Energy must issue rules to carry out this section.

     Who this affects

     Private contractors doing business with the Department of Energy on national security projects. Taxpayers benefit because certain costs cannot be billed to the government.

     Tradeoff

     Limiting allowable costs protects taxpayer money but adds compliance rules that contractors must track and follow.

     Show the exact bill text

     The following costs are not allowable under a covered contract: (1) Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any costs directly associated with such costs (such as tickets to shows or sports events, meals, lodging, rentals, transportation, and gratuities).

133. Supply chain risk authority for nuclear and national security systems

     Section 6327 gives the Secretary of Energy power to block or restrict contractors and suppliers when there is a significant risk that an adversary could tamper with nuclear weapons, national security systems, or related equipment. Before using this power, the Secretary must get a written risk assessment and confirm in writing that less restrictive steps would not work. The Secretary must then notify Congress within seven days. Courts cannot review these decisions. The Secretary can share with other agencies that face similar risks, but must keep the details confidential. This authority expires on December 31, 2028.

     Who this affects

     Defense and energy contractors who supply parts or services for nuclear weapons and national security systems. Companies can be banned from contracts for up to two years if the Secretary decides they pose a supply chain risk.

     Tradeoff

     The authority lets the government move quickly to protect sensitive systems from adversary tampering, but companies that are excluded have no right to challenge the decision in federal court.

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     ``(d) Limitation of Review.--No action taken by the Secretary under the authority under subsection (a) shall be subject to review in any Federal court.

134. Lab-directed research and development rules

     This part of the bill sets rules for how Department of Energy national security labs can spend money on their own research. Labs must use between 5 and 7 percent of their national security funds for this self-directed research. A separate rule caps spending at no more than 8 percent for contractor-run labs and 4 percent for nuclear weapons production plants. Funds meant for weapons activities or cleanup can only be used for this research if it supports those specific missions. Labs cannot use this money to pay for general overhead costs. Each year, the Secretary of Energy must send Congress a report on how these funds were spent and whether the spending supported the national security mission.

     Who this affects

     Government-owned, contractor-operated national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production plants. Congress and the Secretary of Energy oversee how funds are used.

     Tradeoff

     Allowing labs to direct a share of funds toward creative research can help attract scientific talent, but it reduces money available for specific, directed national security tasks.

     Show the exact bill text

     Of the funds provided by the Department of Energy to a national security laboratory for national security activities, the Secretary shall provide a specific amount, of not less than 5 percent and not more than 7 percent of such funds, to be used by the laboratory for laboratory-directed research and development.

135. University-based defense nuclear policy research program

     This section directs the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration (the Administrator) to create a group of universities and nonprofit organizations. The group would research and support U.S. nuclear policy. It would keep open databases on topics like arms control, nuclear deterrence, and foreign nuclear programs. It would also provide fellowships, scholarships, research internships, workshops, and grants to graduate students, academics, and policy specialists working on nuclear policy issues.

     Who this affects

     Graduate students, academics, and policy specialists who study nuclear policy topics. Universities and nonprofit organizations that join the research group.

     Tradeoff

     The program could build long-term expertise in nuclear policy, but it requires federal funding and the Administrator's time to set up and oversee the consortium.

     Show the exact bill text

     The Administrator shall carry out a program under which the Administrator establishes a policy research consortium of institutions of higher education and nonprofit entities in support of implementing and innovating the defense nuclear policy programs of the Administration.

136. Plutonium pit production capacity requirements

     This section sets minimum production targets for plutonium pits, which are the cores of nuclear warheads. It requires two specific facilities to each reach a set annual output. Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico must be able to produce at least 30 pits per year. The Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility in South Carolina must be able to produce at least 50 pits per year. These are capability floors, meaning each site must reliably reach those numbers. The section also makes small technical fixes to how the law's subsections are numbered and labeled.

     Who this affects

     The Department of Energy and its nuclear weapons facilities, mainly workers and contractors at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina.

     Tradeoff

     Setting firm production targets may increase the U.S. nuclear weapons manufacturing capacity, but it also requires sustained funding and resources at both sites to meet those goals.

     Show the exact bill text

     ensure that Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, has the capability to reliably produce no fewer than 30 war reserve plutonium pits annually; and ensure that the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility at the Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina, has the capability to reliably produce no fewer than 50 war reserve plutonium pits annually.

137. Limiting AI research at the nuclear security agency to its core mission

     This section adds a new rule for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which manages the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. It says that any money the NNSA receives for artificial intelligence (AI) research, programs, or related computer hardware can only be spent on the NNSA's nuclear security mission. The NNSA cannot use those funds for broader AI projects unrelated to nuclear security. However, the rule does not stop other parts of the Department of Energy or other federal agencies from building their own national security AI programs. It also allows the NNSA's labs and facilities to support outside AI programs, as long as they are fully reimbursed for all costs and as long as that support does not interfere with their nuclear security work.

     Who this affects

     The NNSA and its national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities are directly affected. Other federal agencies that might want to partner with NNSA labs for AI research are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Keeping NNSA AI spending focused on nuclear security may protect the core mission and budget, but it could limit collaboration on broader national security AI efforts unless full cost reimbursement is arranged.

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     Funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026, or any subsequent fiscal year, for the Administration for the purposes of conducting research and development of artificial intelligence technologies, executing a program to develop or manage the application of such technologies, or developing, acquiring, or sustaining any associated computing hardware or supporting infrastructure may only be used to support the nuclear security missions of the Administration.

138. Plutonium transfer rules and reporting

     This section sets new rules for moving plutonium or plutonium materials from federal stockpiles to private companies. Before any such transfer, the Secretary of Energy must consult with the Secretary of Defense. At least 30 days before the transfer, Congress must receive a detailed report. That report must describe the amount, type, age, condition, and location of the material, identify the private recipient, and list any costs to the government. The report must also include a written certification that the transfer will not hurt the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. One exception exists: the certification is not required for 34 metric tons of plutonium at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina that was already declared excess to defense needs.

     Who this affects

     The Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Defense, private companies seeking plutonium materials, and congressional defense committees.

     Tradeoff

     Adding consultation and reporting steps gives Congress and the Defense Department more oversight, but it could slow transfers that might have commercial or cleanup benefits.

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     The Secretary of Energy may not carry out any such transfer before the date on which such Secretary consults, pursuant to paragraph (1), with the Secretary of Defense with respect to the transfer.

139. Army ammunition procurement funding

     This section sets the funding amounts for buying ammunition for the U.S. Army. It covers a wide range of rounds, from small handgun cartridges to large 155mm artillery shells. It also funds mines, rockets, grenades, demolition materials, and support equipment. Most line items match the requested amounts. One change cuts grenade funding by $3 million. Another adds $250 million to modernize Army ammunition factories and production facilities.

     Who this affects

     U.S. Army soldiers who use these weapons and munitions. Defense contractors and workers at ammunition plants are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Boosting factory modernization funding could improve long-term production, but the overall budget still must be approved and may compete with other spending priorities.

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     028 GRENADES, ALL TYPES.. 56,530 53,530 Program decrease. [-3,000] ... 040 INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES 1,084,611 1,334,611 Modernization of [250,000] organic industrial base.

140. Navy and Marine Corps equipment and ship procurement adjustments

     This section lists the dollar amounts Congress sets for buying and upgrading Navy and Marine Corps equipment. It covers ships, aircraft, missiles, electronics, vehicles, and spare parts. Some items get more money than requested. For example, two extra Ship to Shore Connectors are added for $320 million. Reactor plant parts get $75 million more. The Marine Corps gets more Joint Light Tactical Vehicles for about $87 million extra. Other items get less money than requested. The Navy's electronic warfare system AN/SLQ-32 is cut by $200 million. Spares and repair parts for the Navy are cut by about $158 million. Overall, Navy shipbuilding goes up by about $5.1 billion from the original request, while other Navy procurement goes down by about $675 million.

     Who this affects

     This affects the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, defense contractors who build ships and equipment, and military personnel who use this equipment. Taxpayers fund all of these purchases.

     Tradeoff

     Adding money for new ships and certain weapons increases defense capability but raises total spending, while cuts to spare parts and some electronics save money but may affect readiness.

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     042 SHIP TO SHORE 320,000 CONNECTOR. Program increase-- [320,000] two additional SSCs.

141. Missile defense and Space Force procurement funding

     This section sets the dollar amounts the military can spend on buying specific weapons and equipment for fiscal year 2026. It covers Air Force missiles, bombs, and ammunition. It also covers Space Force satellites and launch systems. One notable change adds $714,564 thousand for extra THAAD missile defense interceptors. Another adds $400,000 thousand to maximize production of SM-3 IB missiles. Some programs got cuts, such as a $22,100 thousand decrease for Special Programs under missile procurement. The Space Force total stays at about $3.4 billion, while total procurement across all branches rises from about $152.8 billion to about $161.7 billion.

     Who this affects

     U.S. military branches, especially the Air Force and Space Force. Defense contractors who build missiles, satellites, and related systems are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     More funding for missile defense and satellite systems means more defense capacity, but it also means higher overall spending.

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     044 THAAD................ 523,125 1,237,689 Program increase: [714,564] THAAD additional quantities. 046 AEGIS BMD............ 400,000 Maximize SM-3 IB [400,000] production line.

142. Army research, development, test, and evaluation funding

     This section sets the Army's budget for research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) for fiscal year 2026. The total authorized amount is about $14.7 billion. The money is divided into several categories: basic research, advanced technology, component development and prototypes, system development and demonstration, management support, and operational system development. Some programs get more money than the base request. For example, the Blackhawk helicopter improvement program gets an extra $100 million. Some programs get less. For example, the Army Tactical Command and Control system is cut by about $74.8 million. New items added include things like deepfake image detection ($5 million), winter tire development ($6 million), and a next-generation electric aircraft program ($4 million).

     Who this affects

     This section affects Army program offices, defense contractors, and researchers who build and test military equipment and technology. It also affects military personnel who will eventually use these systems.

     Tradeoff

     More money for some new technologies and helicopter upgrades means cuts to other programs like tactical command software and training environment systems.

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     TOTAL RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, ARMY. .................................. 14,549,223 14,736,793

143. Navy and Marine Corps research and development funding table

     This section lists the research and development (R&D) budget for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. It covers four spending categories: Applied Research, Advanced Technology Development, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes, and System Development and Demonstration. Each line shows a program name, a base funding amount, and a final adjusted amount. Some programs get more money added, and some get cuts. Notable additions include $210 million for a nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile, $100 million for the Navy MACE program, and $12 million for quantum communications research. Notable cuts include removing all $84 million for Frigate Development and cutting $20 million from LCS Mission Modules. The total across all four categories runs into the tens of billions of dollars.

     Who this affects

     This section affects the Navy, Marine Corps, defense contractors, and research institutions that build or study military systems. It also affects taxpayers who fund these programs.

     Tradeoff

     Adding money to new technologies like hypersonic weapons and nuclear cruise missiles may speed up military readiness, but it also increases overall defense spending while some existing programs face cuts.

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     101 0105519N NUCLEAR-ARMED SEA-LAUNCHED CRUISE MISSILE (SLCM-N) SUPPORT. .................................. Restoration of full funding [210,000] for Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile.

144. Air Force research and development funding adjustments

     This section lists the money approved for Air Force research, development, testing, and evaluation programs. It covers everything from basic science research to building and testing new weapons. Some programs get more money than the Pentagon asked for. For example, the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program gets $1.2 billion added back, bringing it to about $3.8 billion. The E-7 radar aircraft gets $647 million added for continued development. Some programs get cuts. The Advanced Battle Management System loses $18 million. The KC-46A tanker program loses about $27 million due to delays. Programs for quantum computing, hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and drone aircraft also receive funding in this section.

     Who this affects

     Defense contractors, military researchers, and Air Force units that rely on these weapons and technology programs. Taxpayers fund all of it.

     Tradeoff

     Increasing funding for programs like the Sentinel ICBM and E-7 aircraft supports military readiness, but it raises total spending above the original budget request.

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     103 0605238F GROUND BASED STRATEGIC DETERRENT 2,647,563 3,847,563 EMD. .................................. Restoration of full funding [1,200,000] for Sentinel ICBM program EMD.

145. Air Force and Space Force research and development funding table

     This section lists the dollar amounts approved for Air Force and Space Force research, development, testing, and evaluation programs. Most programs receive the same funding as requested. A few get more or less. For example, the F-35 upgrade program (called C2D2) is cut by about $209 million due to delays. The C-17 cargo aircraft program gets $28 million more. The Space Development Agency's Tranche 3 satellite network gets $500 million more. A new polar missile warning satellite program gets about $475 million added. Some classified programs also receive adjustments.

     Who this affects

     Defense contractors, military program offices, and researchers who work on Air Force and Space Force weapons, satellites, and technology programs.

     Tradeoff

     Adding money to some programs and cutting others shifts limited research dollars between priorities, which can speed up some capabilities while slowing or reducing others.

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     153 0604840F F-35 C2D2......................... 1,182,094 979,394 .................................. Block 4 Delays................ [-208,700]

146. Defense-wide research and development funding table

     This section lists funding amounts for hundreds of defense research programs. Each row shows a program name, its original budget request, and the final approved amount. Some programs get more money than requested. Some get less. For example, Israel anti-tunneling cooperation gets an extra $80 million. Counter weapons of mass destruction advanced technology development is cut by $27 million. The chemical and biological defense engineering and manufacturing development program is cut by about $56 million. Small increases go to programs like high energy lasers, hypersonic testing, and cyber security. The table covers basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, prototypes, and management support.

     Who this affects

     Defense contractors, military research labs, and federal agencies that run these programs. Taxpayers fund all of it.

     Tradeoff

     More money for some research priorities means less money for others, and total spending rises above the original request by hundreds of millions of dollars.

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     Israel Anti-Tunneling [80,000] Cooperation. .................................. Israel Counter-UXS Program.... [70,000]

147. Operation and maintenance funding tables

     This section sets the authorized spending amounts for operating and maintaining the Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy, and related defense activities in fiscal year 2026. It lists hundreds of budget line items in thousands of dollars. Some items are funded at the exact level the president requested. Others are increased or decreased by Congress. For example, Army Junior ROTC gets $22 million more than requested. Army maneuver units get $3 million less. The Navy gets $80 million added for a Platform Supply Vessel pilot program. Unobligated balances (money left unspent from prior budgets) are also subtracted from several accounts.

     Who this affects

     Active Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and Navy units and personnel. It also affects defense contractors, military bases, and programs that receive funding from these accounts.

     Tradeoff

     Congress adds money to some programs it considers underfunded and cuts others, which shapes military readiness and priorities but reduces flexibility for the executive branch to spend as requested.

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     370 JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER 190,668 212,668 TRAINING CORPS............... Fully fund Army JROTC..... [22,000]

148. Operation and maintenance funding tables for Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Defense-Wide accounts

     This section lists how much money Congress approves for day-to-day military operations in fiscal year 2026. It covers the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, their reserve components, and defense-wide agencies. Each line shows a budget category, the original request, and the final approved amount. Some amounts were changed from the original request. For example, Navy Junior ROTC gets $36 million added to fully fund the program. Air Force Junior ROTC gets $80 million added. The Marine Corps and Air Force each get extra funds for operations in the Indo-Pacific region. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative gets $400 million added. Several accounts are cut, including a $540 million reduction of unspent Navy funds and a $52.5 million cut to the Defense Information Systems Agency. The numbers are in thousands of dollars.

     Who this affects

     Active duty, reserve, and National Guard members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force are affected, as well as defense agencies and programs like JROTC, security cooperation, and cyber operations.

     Tradeoff

     Adding funds to some programs, such as Indo-Pacific operations and JROTC, means cutting or removing unspent balances from other accounts to stay within overall spending limits.

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     430 JUNIOR ROTC................... 25,334 61,334 Fully fund Navy JROTC..... [36,000]

149. Military personnel funding levels for fiscal year 2026

     This section sets the total amount of money authorized for military personnel in fiscal year 2026. The original request was about $181.8 billion for military pay and benefits. Congress trimmed that by about $1.5 billion, citing historical unobligated balances (money previously approved but never spent). The final authorized amount is about $180.3 billion. On top of that, about $12.85 billion is authorized for the Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund, which covers health costs for retired service members who qualify for Medicare. The combined total authorized is about $193.15 billion, down from the $194.65 billion originally requested.

     Who this affects

     Active-duty military members and military retirees who receive pay, benefits, or health care funded through the Defense Department.

     Tradeoff

     Authorizing less than the full request saves money on paper, but it relies on the assumption that some prior-year funds went unspent and are still available.

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     Military Personnel Appropriations..... 181,803,137 180,304,537 Historical unobligated balances....... [-1,498,610] Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care 12,850,165 12,850,165 Fund Contributions................... TOTAL, Military Personnel........... 194,653,302 193,154,692

150. Military construction funding for Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force facilities

     This section lists construction and improvement projects at military bases around the world. It covers Navy and Marine Corps sites first, then Air Force sites. Each line names a base, a project, and two dollar amounts. The first amount is what was originally requested. The second is what the bill approves. Projects include dry docks, aircraft hangars, child development centers, weapons storage buildings, water treatment plants, dormitories, and training facilities. Locations range across the U.S. to Guam, Japan, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Some projects get the full requested amount. Others get less. A few get more than requested. Some projects are listed at zero dollars, meaning no new construction funds are approved in this bill for them.

     Who this affects

     Military personnel and their families living or working at the listed bases. Defense contractors who build or renovate military facilities.

     Tradeoff

     Approving this spending funds military readiness and housing, but it commits billions of federal dollars to construction projects across many locations.

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     Navy & Marine Corps Joint Base Pearl DRY DOCK 3 REPLACEMENT 553,720 492,720 Harbor-Hickam (INC).

151. Military construction spending table

     This section lists planned military construction projects across the United States and overseas. Each line names a location, a branch of service, and a project. Projects include new buildings, hangars, power systems, hospitals, training centers, and warehouses. Two dollar amounts appear for each project: the amount first proposed and the amount approved in this bill. Some projects were cut, some stayed the same, and some were added. The total approved spending across all military construction is about $17.5 billion. This covers the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard units, Reserve units, and defense-wide agencies. Projects are spread across dozens of states and several foreign countries including Germany, Japan, Guam, and the United Kingdom.

     Who this affects

     Military service members, civilian defense workers, and communities near military bases in the U.S. and abroad. Contractors who build and maintain military facilities are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Approving this spending funds needed military facilities and energy upgrades, but it commits about $17.5 billion in federal funds.

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     TOTAL MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 16,627,720 17,521,977

152. Military family housing and base realignment funding

     This section sets the spending amounts for military family housing across all branches for fiscal year 2026. It covers building new or replacement homes at bases in Belgium, Germany, Guam, Japan, Colorado, and Hawaii. It also covers day-to-day costs like maintenance, utilities, leasing, furnishings, and management of existing housing worldwide. Separate funding goes to intelligence agencies (DIA and NSA) for their housing needs. Two improvement funds get small amounts for administrative costs. Finally, the section funds base realignment and closure (BRAC) work for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defense-Wide accounts. The total for all military construction, family housing, and BRAC comes to about $19.7 billion as authorized, compared to the $18.9 billion originally requested.

     Who this affects

     Military service members and their families who live in government-provided or government-leased housing at U.S. bases in the United States and overseas. It also affects defense agency employees housed through DIA and NSA programs.

     Tradeoff

     Authorizing about $844 million more than the budget request adds housing capacity and base closure funding, but increases overall defense spending.

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     TOTAL FAMILY HOUSING 1,854,862 1,754,862 DEFENSE BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ... TOTAL MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, FAMILY HOUSING, AND BRAC 18,892,743 19,737,000

153. Under Secretary for Management at the State Department

     This section adds a formal law defining the role of the Under Secretary for Management at the State Department. The law lists what this official is responsible for. Those duties include managing people, buildings, technology, security, and consular services. Before this change, the role existed but was not fully defined in law. Now the law spells out the job in detail. The section also updates an existing law about protecting historic items in the State Department building. It requires the Secretary of State to act through the Under Secretary for Management on those matters.

     Who this affects

     The Under Secretary for Management at the State Department is directly affected. State Department employees and overseas diplomatic staff are also affected, since this official oversees their working conditions, health programs, and facilities.

     Tradeoff

     Putting the role in law gives it a clearer mandate and accountability, but it also locks in a specific structure that could be harder to adjust if the department's needs change.

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     ``(4) Under secretary for management.-- ``(A) In general.--There shall be in the Department of State, among the Under Secretaries authorized by paragraph (1), an Under Secretary for Management who shall assist the Secretary of State and the Deputy Secretary of State on matters related to the management and administration of the Department, and such other related duties as the Secretary may from time to time designate.

154. Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellowship Program

     Section 5133 creates a formal legal home for the Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellowship Program (VIP Fellowship Program) inside the State Department. The program gives veterans professional experience in diplomacy and international affairs. It is meant to help veterans move into public service careers in foreign affairs. The program also helps the State Department recruit workers with diverse skills and backgrounds. The State Department will run the program. It will work alongside other federal agencies and veteran-serving organizations to do so.

     Who this affects

     Military veterans who want careers in diplomacy or international affairs. The State Department and other federal agencies that take part in the program are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     The program opens a formal path for veterans to enter diplomatic careers, but it adds an ongoing administrative responsibility and coordination burden to the State Department.

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     The program required by subsection (a) shall-- (1) expand opportunities for veterans to gain professional experience in diplomacy, development, and international cooperation; (2) leverage the skills, leadership, and expertise of veterans to enhance the work of the Department and other participating agencies; and (3) support the transition of veterans into public service careers, particularly in foreign affairs.

155. Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic

     This section creates a new top U.S. diplomat focused only on the Arctic region. The President would nominate this person, and the Senate would confirm them. The Ambassador's main jobs include advancing U.S. interests in the Arctic, countering Russian and Chinese influence there, and coordinating with other federal agencies. A new "Arctic Watcher Program" would monitor military, economic, cyber, and political activity by foreign countries in the Arctic. The State Department must also add at least four new Regional China Officer and Russia Watcher positions in countries near the Arctic. Every year for ten years, the Secretary of State must send Congress a report on Russian and Chinese activities in the region. The Ambassador cannot make decisions about U.S. domestic policy, only foreign policy matters tied to the Arctic.

     Who this affects

     U.S. diplomats and federal agencies working on Arctic policy. Foreign governments, international organizations, and Arctic indigenous communities that interact with U.S. foreign policy.

     Tradeoff

     Creating the new position and expanding monitoring programs adds government costs and staffing, but gives the U.S. a dedicated diplomat to coordinate Arctic foreign policy and counter foreign influence.

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     There is authorized to be in the Department an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic who shall be responsible to the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, for-- (1) matters relating to the Arctic region; and (2) such other related duties as such the Secretary may from time to time designate.

156. Countering PRC Influence Fund Unit

     Section 5148 tells the Secretary of State to create a unit inside the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. The unit is called the Countering the PRC Influence Fund Unit, or CPIF Unit. It will have a Director, Deputy Director, and support staff. The Director must set annual goals, approve programs that directly counter harmful Chinese government activities, and brief Congress every three months. The Director must also give Congress a written list of approved projects each year. The unit can fund and oversee programs that work against things like covert information campaigns, political interference, economic coercion, and intellectual property theft by China or groups acting for China. The unit will shut down four years after the law is enacted.

     Who this affects

     U.S. diplomats and federal agencies involved in foreign policy. Foreign countries where China is seen as conducting harmful influence operations may also be affected.

     Tradeoff

     The unit adds focused diplomatic resources to counter Chinese influence, but it is temporary and its programs require ongoing Congressional oversight and coordination across many agencies.

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     The Secretary shall establish and maintain a Countering the PRC Influence Fund Unit (in this section referred to as the ``CPIF Unit'') in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

157. Countering Russian Influence Fund Unit

     This section creates a new unit inside the State Department called the Countering Russian Influence Fund Unit (CRIF Unit). The unit sits within the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. It is led by a Director and may include a Deputy Director and other staff. The Director sets annual priorities, approves programs, and oversees spending to counter harmful actions by Russia in Europe and Eurasia. The Director must brief Congress every three months on priorities and project selections, and must provide a written list of approved projects each year. The unit must also track whether its programs are working and report findings to Congress. The unit automatically shuts down four years after the law is enacted.

     Who this affects

     U.S. allies and partners in Europe and Eurasia who may benefit from programs that counter Russian influence. U.S. taxpayers fund the unit, and Congress receives regular oversight briefings.

     Tradeoff

     The unit gives the State Department a focused tool to counter Russian influence, but it adds new staff and spending, and it automatically ends in four years, which limits how long those programs can run.

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     The Secretary shall establish and maintain a Countering Russian Influence Fund Unit (in this section referred to as the ``CRIF Unit'') in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the Department.

158. Regional China Officer Program

     This section creates a new State Department program called the Regional China Officer (RCO) program. Up to $5 million per year is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to run it. The program would place at least 20 Foreign Service Officers at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. These officers would watch and report on China's activities in areas like trade, finance, technology, and the military. They would also advise U.S. embassy staff, allies, and host countries about what China is doing. A Director would be appointed within 90 days to run the program. At least two officers must be assigned to posts in each of seven world regions. The program has a five-year sunset, meaning it expires automatically unless renewed.

     Who this affects

     U.S. Foreign Service Officers who specialize in China, and allied and partner countries that would receive briefings from these officers. Taxpayers would fund up to $5 million per year for four years.

     Tradeoff

     The program adds focused expertise on China's global activities, but it costs up to $20 million over four years and must not increase the State Department's total staff count.

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     There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to the Department to expand the RCO program... not fewer than 20 forward-deployed Foreign Service Officers assigned to United States diplomatic or consular posts... who shall be responsible for monitoring and reporting on activities of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the region of his or her responsibility.

159. Reports on technology projects at the State Department

     This section requires the State Department to report to Congress every year for five years on any major technology projects it completes. A 'technology transformation project' covers things like AI tools, cybersecurity platforms, cloud services, and workflow software. Projects costing less than $1 million and routine updates are excluded. Each report must cover what the project aimed to do, which vendors were used, how much it cost versus the budget, and how many employees are actually using the system. If fewer than half of expected users adopt a system within six months, the Department must explain why and lay out a fix. The Department must also post a public summary online within 60 days of each report. In addition, the Government Accountability Office must review these reports every two years and tell Congress whether the projects met their goals and whether AI is being deployed responsibly.

     Who this affects

     The State Department and its employees, vendors who supply technology to the Department, and members of the public who can read the published summaries.

     Tradeoff

     More oversight and public transparency could improve how taxpayer money is spent on technology, but the reporting requirements add administrative work for Department staff.

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     The term 'technology transformation project' means any new or significantly modified technology deployed by the Department with the purpose of improving diplomatic, consular, administrative, or security operations.

160. Strategy to combat foreign information manipulation

     This section requires the Secretary of State to create a plan to fight foreign disinformation. The plan must be submitted to Congress within 90 days of the law passing. It must cover how the U.S. will study, expose, and counter false or misleading information spread by Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. It also requires working with allies, supporting independent media abroad, and coordinating across federal agencies. The plan must protect First Amendment rights of U.S. citizens. It must also block grants to groups doing partisan political activity inside the U.S. Separately, within 30 days, the Secretary must report on what steps the State Department has taken since a counter-disinformation unit was shut down, including a list of cancelled projects and an assessment of recent foreign disinformation campaigns.

     Who this affects

     U.S. diplomats and the State Department must create and carry out the strategy. Foreign audiences, independent media groups abroad, and allies are the intended beneficiaries of countering disinformation efforts.

     Tradeoff

     The strategy could strengthen U.S. efforts against foreign disinformation, but building guardrails to avoid influencing domestic politics adds complexity to grant-making and program design.

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     Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive strategy to combat foreign information manipulation and interference.

161. Havana Act payment rules update

     This section changes the Havana Syndrome payment law (called the HAVANA Act). It moves the start date for eligible injuries from January 1, 2016, back to September 11, 2001. That means more government employees hurt by suspected directed-energy attacks may qualify for payments. The section also adds three new spending rules. First, payments can only be made if Congress has already set aside money for them. Second, payments are given out on a first-come, first-served basis or split equally among eligible claimants. Third, total payments cannot exceed the amount Congress specifically approved.

     Who this affects

     U.S. government employees and others who may have suffered injuries from suspected directed-energy attacks between September 11, 2001, and January 1, 2016, who were previously excluded. It also affects how agencies manage and distribute these payments.

     Tradeoff

     Expanding the eligible period lets more people receive payments, but the new rules require Congress to approve funds in advance and cap total payouts, which could limit or delay how much each person receives.

     Show the exact bill text

     by striking ``January 1, 2016'' each place it appears and inserting ``September 11, 2001''

162. Notice required when U.S. embassies or consulates close

     This section adds a new rule to the National Security Act of 1947. When the State Department plans to close a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad for 60 days or more, it must notify the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense. That notice should come at least 30 days before the closure if possible. After receiving the notice, the Director of National Intelligence has 30 days to report to several congressional committees. That report must describe how the closure affects U.S. intelligence work. It must also say whether intelligence officials were consulted before the decision was made, and whether they raised any concerns or objections.

     Who this affects

     The State Department, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Defense, and several congressional committees are all required to act under this section. U.S. intelligence operations tied to affected overseas posts may also be impacted.

     Tradeoff

     Congress and intelligence leaders gain earlier warning about post closures, but this adds a reporting and coordination burden on the State Department and intelligence agencies.

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     The Secretary of State shall provide notice to the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense of any covered closure of a diplomatic or consular post. To the maximum extent practicable, the notice shall be provided at least 30 days before the date on which the covered closure occurs.

163. Shutdown of the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center

     This section closes the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center within 180 days of the law taking effect. The Director of National Intelligence must also eliminate the Center's director position. The work of stopping the spread of weapons and tracking biosecurity threats does not go away. Instead, it moves inside the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, where a new official is appointed to oversee it. Within 90 days, the Director must report to Congress on how the transition is going, who worked at the Center, and where those workers end up. After 180 days, any mention of the old Center in other laws will automatically refer to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence instead.

     Who this affects

     Staff currently assigned to the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center are directly affected, as their office closes and they may transfer, stay, or separate. The intelligence community as a whole is affected because oversight of counterproliferation and biosecurity work is reorganized.

     Tradeoff

     Closing the Center may reduce costs and consolidate management, but it removes a dedicated standalone office focused on weapons proliferation and biosecurity threats.

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     Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence shall terminate the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center, including such missions, objectives, staff, and resources of the Center, as is consistent with the provisions of this section and the amendments made by this section.

164. CIA drone countermeasures: powers, limits, and oversight

     This section gives the Director of the CIA the power to take action against drones that pose a credible safety or security threat near CIA or intelligence community facilities. Allowed actions include warning the drone operator, jamming or disrupting the drone's controls, seizing the drone, and using reasonable force to disable or destroy it. These actions can only last as long as needed to address the threat. The CIA must follow written guidance developed with the FAA and must notify the FAA within 24 hours of taking most counter-drone actions. Records collected during these operations must be deleted within 180 days unless an extension is justified and documented. Each time the CIA jams, seizes, or destroys a drone, the Director must sign a compliance certification kept for at least seven years. The CIA must also report to Congress every 90 days, covering what actions were taken, any property damage or injuries caused, and any violations of this law. Drones seized are subject to federal forfeiture rules, and people harmed by these actions may file tort claims against the government.

     Who this affects

     Drone operators who fly near CIA or intelligence community facilities are most directly affected. The general public is also affected because the section creates privacy protections and requires the CIA to report actions to Congress.

     Tradeoff

     Giving the CIA power to stop potentially dangerous drones near sensitive facilities comes with the risk of disrupting lawful flights, intercepting private communications, or damaging property, which is why the section requires oversight, certifications, and regular congressional reporting.

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     Use reasonable force, if necessary, to disable, damage, or destroy the unmanned aircraft system.

165. Annual CIA workplace climate survey on sexual assault and harassment

     This section requires the CIA Director to conduct a workplace survey at least once every year. The survey must be anonymous, so no employee can be identified from their answers. It focuses on two things: how common sexual assault and harassment are among CIA workers, and how well the agency responds to related complaints. Employees get a chance to share their views on the agency's response. After each survey, the Director must send the findings to specific congressional committees that oversee intelligence and defense spending.

     Who this affects

     CIA employees who take the anonymous survey, and the congressional committees that receive the findings. The CIA Director is responsible for running the survey and reporting results.

     Tradeoff

     The survey gives Congress and employees a regular, anonymous way to flag problems, but it relies on employees trusting that their answers will truly stay anonymous.

     Show the exact bill text

     ``(1) Requirement.--Not less frequently than once every 365 days, the Director shall-- ``(A) complete an Agency climate assessment-- ``(i) that does not request any information that would make an Agency employee or the position of an Agency employee identifiable; ``(ii) for the purposes of-- ``(I) preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment; and ``(II) examining the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment occurring among the Agency's workforce"

166. Ban on DeepSeek app on intelligence community systems

     This section requires the Director of National Intelligence to create rules for removing the DeepSeek app from national security computer systems. The rules cover systems run by intelligence agencies, their contractors, and other groups working on their behalf. The Director must publish the first set of rules within 60 days of the law passing. The rules must follow existing federal information security law. Exceptions are allowed for national security purposes and research, but those exceptions come with risk management requirements.

     Who this affects

     Intelligence community agencies and their contractors who use national security computer systems. It does not apply to agencies outside the intelligence community.

     Tradeoff

     Removing DeepSeek may reduce security risk from a foreign-developed app, but exceptions for research and national security work mean some use could still continue under controlled conditions.

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     The Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the other heads of the elements of the intelligence community, shall develop standards and guidelines for elements of the intelligence community that require the removal of any covered application from national security systems operated by an element of the intelligence community, a contractor to an element of the intelligence community, or another entity on behalf of an element of the intelligence community.

167. Blocking intelligence agencies from buying Chinese-made synthetic DNA and RNA

     This section requires the Director of National Intelligence to create a policy within 90 days. The policy bans intelligence agencies from buying products made with synthetic DNA or RNA unless the product is made almost entirely in the United States or an allied country. It also bans contracts with Chinese biotechnology companies or U.S. suppliers that are controlled by China, if those suppliers are judged to be a security risk. The Director can set up a waiver process so agency heads can get an exception, but only if they meet conditions the Director sets. Key terms like 'synthetic DNA or RNA' and 'Chinese biotechnology supplier' are defined in the section.

     Who this affects

     U.S. intelligence agencies that buy products made with synthetic DNA or RNA are affected. Chinese-owned or China-controlled biotechnology suppliers who currently sell to those agencies would lose access to those contracts.

     Tradeoff

     The policy reduces supply chain security risks from China, but it may raise costs or limit options if domestic or allied suppliers cannot fully meet intelligence agency needs.

     Show the exact bill text

     an element of the intelligence community may not-- (1) procure or obtain any product made using synthetic DNA or RNA unless-- (A) the final assembly or processing of the product occurs in the United States; (B) all significant processing of the product occurs in the United States; and (C) all or nearly all ingredients or components of the product are made and sourced in the United States or an allied nation

168. Ban on intelligence community contracts with Chinese military biotech companies

     This section bars U.S. intelligence agencies from signing, renewing, or extending contracts with certain Chinese companies involved in biotechnology. The ban covers companies on the official "Chinese military companies" list, their affiliates, and business partners. It also covers other biotech firms if the Director of National Intelligence decides they pose a national security risk. The Director must publish both a public and a classified list of banned companies. Contractors must certify that neither they nor their subcontractors work with any banned company. A waiver is allowed only if a procurement is essential for national security and no other source exists. Any waiver must be reported to Congress within 30 days. The ban has exceptions for overseas health care for U.S. employees and for publicly available human biological data. The section takes effect 60 days after the law is signed and expires after 10 years.

     Who this affects

     U.S. intelligence agencies and their contractors are affected. Chinese companies in biotechnology that do business with, or are affiliated with, Chinese military-linked firms are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     The ban reduces national security risk from Chinese military-linked biotech firms, but it may limit the options intelligence agencies have when buying certain specialized products or services.

     Show the exact bill text

     a head of an element of the intelligence community may not enter into, renew, or extend any contract for a product or service with-- (1) any entity listed on the 1260H list that is engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing activities

169. Duty to warn former officials about threats

     This section deals with threats against U.S. persons, especially former senior U.S. officials. It expresses Congress's concern about foreign governments, mainly Iran, plotting to kill or harm such people. When any intelligence agency decides it must warn a U.S. person inside the country about a threat, that agency must also immediately tell the FBI director. If the person being warned has government protection, the protectors must be told too. The FBI director must set up a system to keep written records of every warning given. Nothing in this section takes away any existing duty to warn.

     Who this affects

     Current and former U.S. officials and other U.S. persons inside the United States who face foreign threats. It also affects intelligence agencies and the FBI, which must coordinate and keep records.

     Tradeoff

     Faster, better-documented warnings could improve safety for threatened individuals, but it adds new coordination and record-keeping steps to an already complex process.

     Show the exact bill text

     If an element of the intelligence community determines pursuant to procedures established in accordance with Intelligence Community Directive 191 (or any successor directive) that such element has a duty to warn a United States person inside the United States of an impending threat and, after consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation when required, notifies such person or facilitates notification of such person by another party, the head of such element shall also immediately provide notice of the warning to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

170. Declassification of COVID-19 origin intelligence

     This section requires the Director of National Intelligence to act within 180 days of the law passing. Working with all intelligence agencies, the Director must review classified intelligence about how COVID-19 began. The review covers research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, gain-of-function research, coronavirus funding sources, and the possibility the virus came from animals. It also covers whether Chinese government officials blocked information sharing, pressured researchers or foreign governments, or promoted alternative origin stories. After the review, the Director must release a public version of the findings. Sensitive details about sources and methods can be removed. An unredacted version must also go to the congressional intelligence committees.

     Who this affects

     The Director of National Intelligence and all intelligence community agencies must carry out the review. The public and Congress will receive the results.

     Tradeoff

     Making this intelligence public increases transparency about COVID-19 origins, but some details may still be withheld to protect intelligence sources and methods.

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     perform a declassification review of intelligence relating to the origins of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), including-- (A) research conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology or any other medical or scientific research center within the People's Republic of China

171. Coast Guard funding authorization for fiscal years 2026 and 2027

     This section sets the dollar amounts Congress authorizes for the Coast Guard in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Operating costs are authorized at about $11.9 billion in 2026 and $13.5 billion in 2027. Acquisition and construction funding is set at about $3.65 billion in 2026 and $3.7 billion in 2027. Research and development funding is set at about $67.7 million in 2026 and $70 million in 2027. Retired pay and related benefits are authorized at about $1.06 billion in 2026 and $1.22 billion in 2027. These are authorization levels, meaning Congress approves the spending ceiling. Separate appropriations bills actually release the money.

     Who this affects

     The Coast Guard as an institution, its active and retired members, and their families who depend on benefits and pay. Taxpayers fund these amounts.

     Tradeoff

     Authorizing higher spending levels can support more Coast Guard operations and personnel, but it also increases the potential call on federal funds.

     Show the exact bill text

     ``(i) $11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026; and ``(ii) $13,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.''

172. Overdue Coast Guard reports to Congress

     This section adds a new law requiring the Coast Guard's top leader, the Commandant, to report to Congress on any required reports or briefings that are late. The first report is due within 60 days of the law passing. After that, a report is due every year by March 1. Each report must list every overdue item and how many days past due it is. It must also include a written plan for finishing the overdue work. It must name every federal official responsible for each overdue item and say how long that person has held the item. Finally, it must name the flag officer responsible for completing each item.

     Who this affects

     The Coast Guard Commandant and other federal officials responsible for producing required reports. Congress receives the information.

     Tradeoff

     This creates more transparency about Coast Guard reporting delays, but it also adds a new recurring reporting task for Coast Guard leadership.

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     Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, and not later than March 1 of each year thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of reports or briefings required under this chapter that have not been delivered to Congress.

173. Polar Security Cutter acquisition updates to Congress

     This section requires the Coast Guard Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations to report to Congress within 120 days on the status of buying new Polar Security Cutters. The report must cover the timeline, costs spent so far, updated cost estimates, risks of further delays, and what caused past cost overruns and delivery delays. After the report, the two officials must give Congress an in-person and written briefing every 90 days until the last cutter is fully operational. Each briefing must update the timeline, budget, and explain any new delays or added costs. On top of that, Congress must be notified within 3 business days whenever there is a significant change to the program's scope or funding.

     Who this affects

     The U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy, and members of Congress who oversee defense and transportation. Taxpayers who fund the Polar Security Cutter program are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Frequent reporting and briefings increase government transparency and congressional oversight, but they also add administrative work for the Coast Guard and Navy.

     Show the exact bill text

     Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the status of acquisition of Polar Security Cutters.

174. Coast Guard organizational restructuring and new leadership positions

     This section reorganizes Chapter 3 of the Coast Guard's laws. It renumbers and reorders existing sections into three subchapters: Organization, Positions, and Programs. It also makes several specific changes. First, it limits when the Commandant (top Coast Guard officer) can be reappointed, allowing it only during war or a national emergency declared by Congress. Second, it creates a new Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, who reports to the Commandant. Third, it adds a Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate, a senior legal officer assigned to advise the Commandant. Fourth, it creates a Special Advisor for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs, a senior civilian position focused on Coast Guard duties that affect Native American tribes and Native Hawaiians. Fifth, it formally establishes the Judge Advocate General and a Deputy Judge Advocate General roles with set terms, qualifications, and protections for giving independent legal advice. Finally, it requires flag officers and senior officials to complete a yearly training course on how Congress works.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard officers, senior civilian employees, the Commandant, and Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations that interact with the Coast Guard.

     Tradeoff

     These changes add oversight, new positions, and legal protections, but they also increase the Coast Guard's organizational complexity and may require additional staffing and budget.

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     There shall be in the Coast Guard a Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs... No officer or employee of the Coast Guard or the Department of Homeland Security may interfere with the ability of the Special Advisor to give direct and independent advice to the Secretary and the Commandant on matters related to this section.

175. Coast Guard public reporting on drug and migrant interdictions

     This section requires the Coast Guard to post public information about its interdiction operations. It must report how many drug seizures happened, what drugs were seized, and where. It must also report how many people were stopped, including how many were unaccompanied minors, and in which areas. The section clarifies that the Coast Guard does not have to collect new data just because of this rule. It also cannot be forced to release classified, law enforcement sensitive, or otherwise protected information.

     Who this affects

     The Coast Guard must report this data publicly. Members of the public, researchers, and journalists can use it to see where and how often the Coast Guard stops drug shipments and people at sea.

     Tradeoff

     More public information about Coast Guard operations increases transparency, but the law limits disclosure of sensitive or classified details, which may leave some information unavailable to the public.

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     ``(b) Contents.--In making information about interdictions publicly available under subsection (a), the Commandant shall include a description of the following: ``(1) The number of incidents in which drugs were interdicted, the amount and type of drugs interdicted, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred. ``(2) The number of incidents in which persons were interdicted, the number of persons interdicted, the number of those persons who were unaccompanied minors, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred.

176. Tsunami preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties

     This section requires the Coast Guard to create a specific tsunami safety plan for every Coast Guard property that sits inside a tsunami flood zone. The plans must be finished within one year of the law passing. Each plan must include evacuation routes, maps of flood zones, and instructions for people on the property. Plans for properties near the shore must be fully carried out within 15 minutes of detecting an earthquake or similar event. Every plan must be practiced at least once a year. Coast Guard staff and their families living on those properties must receive in-person training each year. The Coast Guard must also brief Congress within 14 months on the status of all plans.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard personnel, their families, and others located on Coast Guard properties in tsunami flood zones. It also involves coordination with state, tribal, and local emergency managers.

     Tradeoff

     Creating and practicing these plans adds work and cost for the Coast Guard, but it could reduce loss of life if a tsunami hits a Coast Guard facility.

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     Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop a location-specific tsunami preparedness plan for each property concerned.

177. Restriction on using foreign shipyards for Coast Guard vessels

     This section rewrites the law that governs where the Coast Guard can get its ships built. Under the new rule, the Coast Guard cannot lease, charter, or buy a vessel if a major part of its hull or superstructure was built in a foreign shipyard. There is one exception: the President can allow a foreign-built vessel if the President decides it is in the national security interest. Before any contract can be signed under that exception, the President must notify two specific congressional committees. The contract must then wait at least 30 days after Congress receives that notice. The President's notice must also include a written explanation of the national security reason and a summary of research showing that U.S. shipyards cannot meet the Coast Guard's needs.

     Who this affects

     The Coast Guard and U.S. shipyards are directly affected. Foreign shipbuilders who currently compete for Coast Guard contracts would face new limits.

     Tradeoff

     Keeping shipbuilding in the United States may protect domestic jobs and security, but it could raise costs or slow vessel delivery if U.S. shipyards cannot meet all needs.

     Show the exact bill text

     the Commandant may not lease, charter, or otherwise procure a vessel which contains a major component of the hull or superstructure constructed in a foreign shipyard.

178. Family leave for Coast Guard members

     This section updates family leave rules for Coast Guard members. It expands leave to cover reservists, not just active duty and enlisted members. It also adds long-term foster care as a qualifying reason for leave, alongside birth and adoption. The section allows leave to be taken after the usual one-year window if a member could not use it due to deployment, military education, or other approved reasons. The Secretary can decide when those exceptions apply.

     Who this affects

     Active duty Coast Guard members, enlisted members, and Coast Guard reservists who have a new child through birth, adoption, or long-term foster care placement.

     Tradeoff

     More members can take family leave in more situations, but the Secretary decides when exceptions are approved, which means outcomes may vary by circumstance.

     Show the exact bill text

     by striking "or adoption of a child" and inserting "or placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long term foster care"; (C) by striking "and enlisted members" and inserting ", enlisted members, and members of the reserve component"

179. Medical exam rights for Coast Guard members facing separation

     Section 7227 changes the rules for Coast Guard members who are being involuntarily separated from service. Before this change, a member could get a medical exam if they reported a sexual assault within the past 2 years. This section extends that window to 5 years. It also adds a new category: a member may now request an exam for any diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder linked to a sexual assault, not just PTSD or traumatic brain injury. The exam must be performed by a board-certified psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, or another approved health professional. A new rule requires that any member who receives a notice of involuntary separation must be told, at that moment, about their right to request this medical exam. The Coast Guard must also create a clear policy and share it with sexual assault response coordinators.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard members who have experienced sexual assault and are facing involuntary administrative separation from service.

     Tradeoff

     More members get access to medical review before separation, which may delay or complicate separation proceedings but also provides stronger health protections.

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     A member of the Coast Guard who has been sexually assaulted during the preceding 5-year period and who alleges, based on such sexual assault, the signs and symptoms of a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder...is provided the opportunity to request a medical examination to clinically evaluate such signs and symptoms.

180. Travel allowance for Coast Guard members stationed in Alaska

     This section requires the Coast Guard to create a policy that reimburses eligible members for airfare when they travel within the United States or its territories for personal reasons. To qualify, a member must be stationed in Alaska and get approval from an officer above the O-5 rank. The travel time counts as regular leave. Reimbursement cannot be denied once a superior authorizes the trip. If a member wants to travel somewhere other than their home of record or legal home state, they may need to explain why. In that case, the reimbursement is capped at what the same trip to their home of record would cost using government airfare rates. This policy runs from the date the law passes through at least December 31, 2029. By February 2027, the Coast Guard must brief Congress on how the program is working.

     Who this affects

     Active Coast Guard members assigned to duty locations in Alaska. Their commanding officers above O-5 rank are also involved in approving travel requests.

     Tradeoff

     Members in Alaska get help paying for personal travel home, but the reimbursement is capped at government airfare rates to the home of record, which may not cover the full cost of other destinations.

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     The Commandant shall implement a policy that provides for reimbursement to eligible members of the Coast Guard for the cost of airfare for such members to travel to a place within the United States or the territories of the United States at the request of such member during the period specified in subsection (h).

181. Coast Guard Academy misconduct reporting and cadet transfer rights

     This section updates how the Coast Guard Academy tracks and reports sexual assault, harassment, and related misconduct. Every year, the Academy superintendent must assess how well the Academy's policies are working. Every two years, the Academy must survey cadets and staff about misconduct incidents, including ones that were never reported. Starting one year after the law takes effect, the superintendent must send a detailed annual report to the Coast Guard Commandant each March through 2031. That report must cover the number of incidents, how cases were resolved, retaliation claims, trends over time, and plans to improve prevention. The Commandant then sends the report to Congress within 270 days and briefs lawmakers within 180 days after that. The section also gives cadets who say they were sexually assaulted the right to request a transfer to another military academy or ROTC program. The superintendent must act on that request within five calendar days and must approve it unless there are exceptional circumstances.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard Academy cadets, staff, and military personnel. Cadets who say they were victims of sexual assault or related offenses are directly affected by the new transfer rights.

     Tradeoff

     More detailed public reporting and faster transfer options for victims may improve accountability and safety, but they also add reporting workload for Academy leadership.

     Show the exact bill text

     The Commandant shall provide for timely consideration of and action on a request submitted by a cadet appointed to the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of an alleged sexual assault or other offense covered by section 920, 920c, or 930 of title 10 (article 120, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) for transfer to another military service academy or to enroll in a Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education.

182. Coast Guard Academy Cadet Advisory Board

     This section creates a new advisory board inside the Coast Guard Academy. The board is called the Coast Guard Academy Cadet Advisory Board. It must have at least 12 cadets as members. At least 3 cadets from each class year must be included. Cadets apply to join and are chosen by the Academy's Provost, working with the Superintendent. Members are picked based on who can best carry out the board's duties and who best represents the full student body.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard Academy cadets who apply and are selected to serve on the advisory board. The Academy's Provost and Superintendent are responsible for running the selection process.

     Tradeoff

     The board gives cadets a formal voice in Academy matters, but the Provost controls who is selected, which limits how independent the board can be.

     Show the exact bill text

     The Commandant shall establish within the Coast Guard Academy an advisory board to be known as the 'Coast Guard Academy Cadet Advisory Board'... The Advisory Board shall be composed of not fewer than 12 cadets of the Coast Guard Academy who are enrolled at the Coast Guard Academy at the time of appointment, including not fewer than 3 cadets from each class.

183. Electronic door locks for Coast Guard Academy cadet rooms

     This section requires the Coast Guard to install electronic locking mechanisms on every cadet bedroom at the Coast Guard Academy within two years. Each lock must record who enters the room, along with the date and time. Access is limited to the assigned cadets and specific authorized staff. The Superintendent must also write a security policy within one year. That policy must ban sharing access codes, set reset procedures for lost credentials, and include a testing schedule. Every new cadet must receive training on the locks within one day of arriving at the Academy.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard Academy cadets and Academy staff. Cadets gain stronger room security; staff must follow new access and record-keeping rules.

     Tradeoff

     Better physical security and accountability for cadets comes with the cost of installing, maintaining, and testing new electronic systems across the Academy.

     Show the exact bill text

     install an electronic locking mechanism for each room at the Coast Guard Academy within which 1 or more Coast Guard Academy cadets reside overnight; test each such mechanism not less than once every 6 months for proper function and maintained in proper working order; and use a system that electronically records the date, time, and identity of each individual who accesses a cadet room using an electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means

184. Required posting of safety and reporting information in Coast Guard Academy dorms

     This section requires the Coast Guard Commandant to post written information in every dorm building at the Coast Guard Academy. The posted information must cover four things. First, it must explain how cadets and officer candidates can report crimes, including harassment and sexual assault. Second, it must list contact information for the Coast Guard Investigative Service. Third, it must point to outside resources for wellness, medical services, and support related to behavioral health, civil rights, and sexual misconduct. Fourth, it must explain the rights cadets and officer candidates have when reporting incidents to the Coast Guard Investigative Service, civilian authorities, the Inspector General, or other agencies.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard Academy cadets and officer candidates who live in Academy dorms. Academy leadership is responsible for making sure the postings are in place.

     Tradeoff

     Posting this information gives cadets easier access to reporting options and support resources, but it places an ongoing compliance burden on Academy administrators to keep the information current and visible.

     Show the exact bill text

     The Commandant shall ensure that, in each building at the Coast Guard Academy that contains a dormitory or other overnight accommodations for cadets or officer candidates, written information is posted in a visible location with respect to-- (1) the methods and means by which a cadet or officer candidate may report a crime, including harassment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and any other offense

185. Rules for removing Coast Guard navigation markers

     This section requires the Coast Guard to create a formal process for removing permanent navigation aids, such as buoys and dayboards. The process must include public notice and steps to ensure safety is not harmed. Before removing aids, the Coast Guard must consult pilots, port operators, fishermen, ferry operators, tribal groups, and others. The section also orders reports to Congress on the condition of navigation aids on the Missouri River and in the Northeast and Northwest Coast Guard Districts. Separately, it pauses removals of aids in those districts for at least 180 days after a required report is submitted. It also requires a study on how much mariners depend on physical aids compared to GPS, and whether removing them would raise costs or risks.

     Who this affects

     Mariners, recreational boaters, commercial fishermen, ferry operators, port authorities, and coastal communities who rely on physical navigation aids in U.S. waterways.

     Tradeoff

     Keeping physical navigation aids costs money to maintain, but removing them without a formal process could raise accident risks for mariners who lack or lose access to GPS.

     Show the exact bill text

     The process established under subsection (a) shall include procedures-- to notify the public of any discontinuance of an aid to navigation described in that subsection; and to safeguard against any discontinuation that may compromise the safety of mariners or the public or hinder maritime operational readiness, including with respect to food security and maritime transportation.

186. Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps expansion

     Section 7268 has two parts. First, within 90 days of the law passing, the Coast Guard's top officer (the Commandant) must send Congress a report on the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program. The report must cover outreach efforts in areas that have no JROTC programs and in areas that have several. It must also include ideas for growing the program. Second, starting December 31, 2026, the Coast Guard must run at least 20 JROTC programs at all times. Within one year of the law passing, the Coast Guard must also give Congress a cost estimate for meeting that minimum number.

     Who this affects

     High school students who could join a Coast Guard JROTC program are affected, as are the schools that host the programs. Coast Guard officials must do the reporting and planning work.

     Tradeoff

     Requiring at least 20 programs could expand career awareness and recruiting for the Coast Guard, but it also commits the agency to ongoing costs that have not yet been fully estimated.

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     Beginning on December 31, 2026, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall maintain at all times a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Program with not fewer than 20 such programs.

187. Merchant mariner credentials and training updates

     This section makes several changes to the rules for merchant mariner licenses and documents. It adds a formal definition for 'merchant mariner credential' and 'nautical school program' to federal law. It lets U.S. noncitizen nationals (people from places like American Samoa) qualify for mariner credentials and serve on U.S. vessels, which was previously limited to citizens. It rewrites the qualification rules for deck department crew members, listing age, sea service, physical fitness, and exam requirements. It cuts the required sea service time for several crew ratings, for example reducing one requirement from 3 years to 18 months and another from 18 months to 12 months. It also creates a new training substitution system, where classroom days count for 2 sea-service days, lab days count for 4, and simulator days count for 6. The Coast Guard must put these rules in place quickly, without going through the normal federal rulemaking process.

     Who this affects

     People seeking merchant mariner licenses or crew credentials, U.S. noncitizen nationals (such as American Samoans) who want to work on U.S. vessels, and maritime training schools.

     Tradeoff

     Shorter sea service requirements and training substitutions make it faster and easier to earn credentials, but some may argue that less time at sea could affect crew readiness or safety.

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     Each shore-based training day in the form of classroom lectures may be substituted for 2 days of sea service requirements.

188. Performance-based inspection schedule for foreign vessels

     This section changes how often the Coast Guard must inspect foreign vessels operating in U.S. waters. Right now, inspections happen on a set annual schedule. This section lets the Coast Guard move to a "performance-driven" schedule, meaning safer vessels could be inspected less often. The Coast Guard must look at a vessel's past violations, detentions, accidents, flag state safety records, and other data before placing it on the new schedule. A vessel is not eligible if it was detained, cited for a proven violation, or had a serious casualty in the past 36 months. The Coast Guard cannot start this program until it completes a safety assessment recommended by the Government Accountability Office and confirms the new schedule is at least as safe as annual inspections. Results must be reported to Congress before the program begins. The section also lets the Coast Guard offer extra pay to attract and keep marine inspectors, and requires regular briefings to Congress on how the program is working.

     Who this affects

     Operators of foreign vessels inspected by the Coast Guard in U.S. waters, Coast Guard marine inspectors, and members of the public who use or travel near those vessels.

     Tradeoff

     Vessels with strong safety records may face fewer inspections, reducing costs and delays, but there is a risk that less frequent oversight could allow safety problems to go undetected.

     Show the exact bill text

     the Secretary may adopt a performance-driven examination schedule to which such vessels are to be examined and the frequency with which such examinations occur, including the frequency of examinations for each vessel. Such schedule shall be consistent with the Secretary's assessment of the safety performance of such vessels

189. Reporting requirements for harassment and sexual offenses on vessels

     This section updates the law covering how sexual offenses and harassment are reported on ships. It moves the word 'harassment' in the law so it stands on its own, separate from sexual harassment and assault. It also adds a formal definition of 'harassment' that covers unwelcome remarks or conduct based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, and similar categories. The conduct must meet extra conditions: it must affect a person's job or pay, or create a hostile work environment. The section also requires the Coast Guard to work with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission within one year. Together they must produce guidance for sailors, ship owners, and employers explaining workers' rights. They must also provide training about anti-discrimination laws.

     Who this affects

     Seafarers (sailors and crew members) working on U.S. vessels, vessel owners and operators, and employers of seafarers.

     Tradeoff

     Adding a formal definition and training requirements gives workers clearer protections, but it also creates new tasks and costs for the Coast Guard and vessel employers to comply with.

     Show the exact bill text

     ``(h) Harassment Defined.--In this section, the term `harassment' means-- ``(1)(A) unwelcome remarks about an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or other physical or physiological attribute, or other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct towards an individual based on 1 or more of those categories

190. Bering Strait vessel traffic study and Arctic port emergency readiness

     This section orders a study on ship traffic through the Bering Strait. The study must be done within two years of the law passing. It will count and project commercial vessel traffic, including oil tankers, cargo ships, and cruise lines, for the next ten years. The study will also check whether ports near the Bering Strait, including Point Spencer, Nome, and Kotzebue in Alaska, can handle emergencies. It will look at spill response, navigation safety, and risks to Arctic communities and Native Alaskan villages. The study must include special input from Native tribes and Alaska Native communities. A report with findings and recommendations goes to Congress within one year of the study starting.

     Who this affects

     Commercial ship operators, Arctic and Western Alaska communities, Native Alaskan tribes and villages, federal and state emergency responders, and port operators near the Bering Strait.

     Tradeoff

     The study could lead to better emergency planning and safer Arctic shipping, but it costs federal resources and any recommended changes to ports or shipping rules could raise costs for carriers.

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     assess the adequacy of emergency response capabilities and infrastructure at the ports of the United States that are in proximity to the vessel traffic that transits the Bering Strait, including the port facilities at Point Spencer, Alaska, Nome, Alaska, and Kotzebue, Alaska

191. Coast Guard uncrewed systems capabilities report

     Section 7335 requires the Coast Guard Commandant to submit a report to Congress within one year. The report must outline a plan for a new office inside the Coast Guard. That office would handle buying and developing drone and anti-drone technologies for water, air, and undersea use. The report must cover how the Coast Guard would manage, coordinate, and fund these technologies. It must also list available commercial systems, identify needed contracting powers, and describe a plan to work with the Department of Defense and other agencies. In addition, the Commandant must give annual briefings to Congress for three years on the future use of small uncrewed maritime systems.

     Who this affects

     The U.S. Coast Guard and its leadership are directly affected. Federal agencies like the Department of Defense, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy are also involved in the briefings.

     Tradeoff

     The report and briefings could help the Coast Guard adopt new technology faster, but creating a new office and developing these systems would require time, staff, and money.

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     Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that outlines a plan for establishing an uncrewed systems capabilities office within the Coast Guard responsible for the acquisition and development of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies.

192. Abandoned and derelict vessel removal rules

     This section creates new federal rules for abandoned non-barge vessels on U.S. waterways. A vessel is considered abandoned if it is left unattended for more than 45 days. The Coast Guard must try to identify the owner and send a warning before acting. Owners who abandon a vessel can face a civil penalty of up to $500. The Coast Guard must build and publish a public online inventory of abandoned vessels within one year. States, tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and private citizens can report suspected abandoned vessels. A vessel is not considered abandoned if it is in an approved mooring area, on private property with permission, or if the owner notifies the Coast Guard of its location. The penalty can be waived if the owner faced serious hardship, such as a long-term medical condition.

     Who this affects

     Owners and operators of non-barge vessels on U.S. navigable waters. State agencies, tribes, and the public can also report abandoned vessels.

     Tradeoff

     The new rules give the Coast Guard more tools to track and address abandoned vessels, but vessel owners face potential fines and removal costs even if they did not intend to abandon their boat.

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     ``(1) Abandon.--The term `abandon' means to moor, strand, wreck, sink, or leave a covered vessel unattended for longer than 45 days.''

193. Online incident reporting system for oil and chemical spills

     This section directs the National Response Center to create an online system for reporting oil spills and hazardous chemical releases. First, within 18 months, the Center must send Congress a plan to build and fund a web-based app. Then, within two years after that plan is submitted, the app must be finished and ready to accept required reports online. However, the law says the Center cannot force people to use the new app. Phone or other reporting methods must still be allowed.

     Who this affects

     Companies and individuals who are legally required to report oil spills or hazardous substance releases to the federal government. The National Response Center staff are also affected, as they must plan and build the system.

     Tradeoff

     The new app could make reporting faster and easier, but because online reporting stays optional, some reports may still come in by phone, which could slow response coordination.

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     the National Response Center may not require the notification of an oil discharge or release of a hazardous substance to be made using the application developed under such subsection.

194. Coast Guard misconduct records: keeping and accessing evidence

     This section requires the Coast Guard to create a detailed policy for keeping evidence and records related to sexual assault and other misconduct. Physical and forensic evidence for rape or sexual assault must be kept for at least 50 years. Documentary evidence and investigation case files for those same offenses must also be kept for at least 50 years. For other types of misconduct, records must be kept at least as long as the statute of limitations for the offense. Victims can request access to their own records after a case is fully closed. The policy must also protect victim privacy, require staff training, and set rules for who else, such as law enforcement or the Department of Veterans Affairs, can access records. A separate rule requires the Coast Guard to keep all work documents related to a misconduct case for at least 7 years after a final decision is made.

     Who this affects

     Current and former Coast Guard members, Coast Guard Reserve members, and Coast Guard civilian employees who are victims or subjects of misconduct investigations. It also affects Coast Guard officials who handle these records and investigations.

     Tradeoff

     Long-term record keeping helps victims pursue benefits and supports legal cases, but it requires significant storage resources and ongoing management by the Coast Guard.

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     any physical or forensic evidence relating to rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be retained not less than 50 years, and for other covered misconduct not less than the statute of limitations of the alleged offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

195. Annual Coast Guard misconduct reporting requirement

     This section requires the Coast Guard Commandant to send a report to Congress every year by March 1. The report must cover incidents of 'covered misconduct' (such as sexual assault and harassment) involving Coast Guard members, recruits, and officer candidates. It must also cover retaliation claims made by people who reported such incidents. The report must include detailed data: how many incidents were reported, how many were confirmed, what punishments were given, and whether alcohol or drugs were involved. Data must be listed separately for each type of offense, not grouped together. The report must also analyze trends going back to 2012, describe what steps the Coast Guard is taking in response, and plan future prevention actions. For five years starting in March 2025, the report must track how well the Coast Guard is carrying out a specific 2023 internal reform plan called 'Commandant's Directed Actions -- Accountability and Transparency.' Victim information that is made public must be kept confidential in how it is presented.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard members, recruits at Training Center Cape May, and officer candidates at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. Congress also receives and reviews these reports.

     Tradeoff

     More detailed and public reporting increases accountability and transparency, but collecting and publishing this data requires ongoing staff time and resources from the Coast Guard.

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     Not later than March 1 each year, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on incidents of covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including recruits and officer candidates, and claims of retaliation related to the reporting of any such incident.

196. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard sexual assault victims

     This section tells the Coast Guard Commandant to create a "safe-to-report" policy within 90 days. The policy protects Coast Guard members who report a sexual assault. If a victim or witness committed minor rule violations close in time to the assault, those minor violations may be handled more leniently. The policy applies to all Coast Guard members, reservists, auxiliarists, academy cadets, and people in training. It covers reports made to military or civilian authorities. The Commandant must also spell out what counts as a mitigating factor (something that makes the minor misconduct less serious) and what counts as an aggravating factor (something that makes it more serious). A process must be set up to track these minor misconduct cases anonymously. The policy must be posted publicly.

     Who this affects

     All active and reserve Coast Guard members, Coast Guard Academy cadets, and recruits in training who report or witness a sexual assault. It also affects anyone accused of minor rule violations connected to a sexual assault report.

     Tradeoff

     The policy encourages more sexual assault reporting by reducing punishment risk for minor misconduct, but it still allows punishment when aggravating factors make the misconduct more serious.

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     The safe-to-report policy described in this subsection is a policy that-- ``(1) prescribes the handling of minor collateral misconduct, involving a member of the Coast Guard who is the alleged victim or reporting witness of a sexual assault.

197. Care and support for Coast Guard misconduct victims

     This section requires the Coast Guard's top officer (the Commandant) to create a written policy within 180 days. The policy must ensure that Coast Guard members who say they were victims of sexual or other covered misconduct get care and support quickly. Support workers cannot deny or unreasonably delay help. If a victim cannot easily access support (for example, because they are on a ship at sea), they must be connected to other service providers, with their permission. The section also requires the Commandant to update domestic abuse policies to use a specific legal definition of 'intimate partner.' All Coast Guard personnel who provide victim care must receive in-person training on how to carry out the new policy.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard members who report being victims of sexual or other covered misconduct. It also affects Coast Guard personnel whose job is to provide victim care and support.

     Tradeoff

     More structured support and training for victims may improve response consistency, but it requires the Coast Guard to build new policies, training programs, and oversight systems within tight deadlines.

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     a member of the Coast Guard who is an alleged victim of covered misconduct and discloses such covered misconduct to the appropriate individual of the Coast Guard responsible for providing victim care and support-- (A) shall receive care and support from such individual; and (B) such individual shall not deny or unreasonably delay providing care and support

198. Coast Guard access to Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database

     Section 7527 requires the Coast Guard's top commander (the Commandant) to sign a formal agreement with the Defense Department within 180 days. That agreement would let the Coast Guard's criminal case database connect to the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database. Within 60 days after signing that agreement, the Commandant must send Congress a plan. The plan must describe how authorized Coast Guard staff and Coast Guard Academy staff will get access to the database. It must also list any obstacles to that access and explain how the Coast Guard will work with the Defense Department's sexual assault prevention office to solve those problems.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard members and Coast Guard Academy staff who investigate or track sexual assault cases. It also affects victims, since their case data may be shared across the connected systems.

     Tradeoff

     Connecting the databases could help identify repeat offenders across military branches, but it also means more people and systems can access sensitive victim information.

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     Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to enable the criminal offender case management and analytics database of the Coast Guard to have system interface access with the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database

199. Expedited transfer for Coast Guard sexual misconduct and domestic violence victims

     This section requires the Coast Guard to update its transfer policies within 180 days. The update must create a faster process to move a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence to a new unit. It also lets commanding officers request that the accused person be temporarily moved to a different unit during the investigation. Any official who was ever the target of a complaint by the victim, or who has a personal relationship with the accused, must step aside from deciding transfer requests. The Coast Guard must also tell victims about their transfer options when they report an incident. The Commandant must send Congress a report on how many transfers were requested, how many were approved or denied, and why any were denied. Reports must continue once a year for three additional years.

     Who this affects

     Coast Guard members who are victims of sexual assault or domestic violence, their dependents who are victims, and Coast Guard members accused of those offenses.

     Tradeoff

     The policy gives victims a faster path to safety and separation from an accused person, but it also requires steps to protect the accused person's due process rights.

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     an expedited transfer process for covered individuals consistent with-- (A) Department of Defense policy on expedited transfers of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence in place on the date of enactment of this Act

200. Review of Coast Guard housing allowance accuracy

     This section orders the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how the Coast Guard is involved in setting the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which is the monthly housing pay given to service members. The study must start within 90 days after the Defense Department releases its next major military pay review. The GAO will look at Coast Guard locations where BAH covers less than 95 percent of local housing costs. It will also examine how housing boundary areas and pricing reference points are set, and whether they match real costs for Coast Guard members. The GAO will check how often the Coast Guard reviews these boundaries. Within one year of starting the study, the GAO must send a report with findings and recommendations to Congress and the Coast Guard Commandant.

     Who this affects

     Active Coast Guard members who receive housing allowances, especially those stationed in areas where BAH may not cover actual housing costs.

     Tradeoff

     The study could reveal gaps where members pay out of pocket for housing, but conducting it takes government time and money with no guarantee the findings will lead to higher pay rates.

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     An identification of Coast Guard duty locations in which there is a misalignment between the basic allowance for housing rate and the prevailing housing cost for members of the Coast Guard such that the basic allowance for housing is less than 95 percent of the monthly cost of adequate housing for such members in the corresponding military housing area.

201. Safety and security review of the Coast Guard Academy

     This section requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study safety and security at the Coast Guard Academy within one year. The study must look at physical security (fences, locks, cameras, access points), policies for who can enter the grounds, and how the Academy handles people under no-contact orders or disciplined for sexual misconduct. After the GAO submits its report, the Coast Guard Commandant has 180 days to send Congress a plan to fix any problems found. The Commandant also has just 30 days after the GAO report to update access policies, adding procedures to ban certain individuals from Academy grounds.

     Who this affects

     Cadets, faculty, staff, and civilian employees at the Coast Guard Academy. Current and former Coast Guard members or employees who may face restricted access are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger oversight and access restrictions could improve cadet safety but may require new resources and time to carry out.

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     Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the safety and security infrastructure at the Coast Guard Academy.

202. Stock disclosure rules for foreign company insiders

     This section is called the 'Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act.' It extends a U.S. stock disclosure rule to directors and officers of foreign private issuers listed on U.S. markets. Under current law, insiders at U.S. companies must quickly report their trades in company stock to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This section makes the same rule apply to insiders at foreign companies whose stock trades in the U.S. Those foreign company insiders must file their reports electronically and in English. The new requirement takes effect 90 days after the law is enacted. The SEC must issue updated rules within 90 days as well. The SEC can grant exemptions if a foreign country already has a substantially similar disclosure rule. Any existing SEC regulation that conflicts with these changes loses its force on the effective date.

     Who this affects

     Directors, officers, and large stockholders of foreign private issuers whose securities are registered on U.S. markets. It also affects the SEC, which must write new rules, and investors who use these disclosures.

     Tradeoff

     Investors gain more visibility into insider trading at foreign companies, but those companies and their executives face new reporting costs and legal obligations.

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     in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(including, solely for the purposes of this subsection, every person who is a director or an officer of a foreign private issuer, as that term is defined in section 240.3b-4 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation)'' after ``an officer of the issuer of such security''

203. Death and disability benefits for retired law enforcement officers targeted because of their service

     This section adds retired law enforcement officers to the Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits Program. Before this change, the program mainly covered active officers. Now, a retired officer can receive benefits if they died or became permanently and totally disabled from a targeted attack. The attack must have happened because of the officer's past service. The change is retroactive. It covers actions taken against retired officers on or after January 1, 2012. It also applies to cases already pending when the law is enacted.

     Who this affects

     Retired law enforcement officers (and their survivors) who were targeted because of their past service as officers. It also affects the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which processes these benefit claims.

     Tradeoff

     More retired officers and their families can receive federal death and disability benefits, but this expands program costs to cover a broader group of claimants, including past cases going back to 2012.

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     A retired law enforcement officer shall be eligible for a benefit under this part if the officer died or became permanently and totally disabled as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury resulting from a targeted attack because of the retired law enforcement officer's service as a law enforcement officer.

204. Cancer benefit updates and claims for public safety officers

     This section changes how the government handles cancer benefit claims for police officers, firefighters, and other public safety workers. At least every three years, the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance must review which cancers count as 'exposure-related.' The Director can update that list based on medical evidence from respected agencies like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Any person can petition to add a cancer to the list. The Director must send the petition to medical experts within 180 days and then act on their advice. Congress must be notified within 30 days of any major action. These changes apply to claims tied to deaths or disabilities on or after January 1, 2020. Anyone whose claim is based on these new rules has three years from the law's enactment to file. The section also expands privacy protections for information shared with the Office of Justice Programs. Finally, it takes back $255 million in unspent money from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.

     Who this affects

     Public safety officers (such as police and firefighters) or their families who have cancer-related disability or death benefit claims. It also affects anyone who provides information to the Office of Justice Programs.

     Tradeoff

     Expanding the list of covered cancers and reopening old claims gives more workers access to benefits, but it also increases the cost of the federal public safety benefit program and claws back $255 million from the Justice Department's forfeiture fund.

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     Any person may petition the Director to add a form of cancer to the definition of 'exposure-related cancer' under paragraph (1).

205. Support for Taiwan joining the International Monetary Fund

     Section 8304 directs the U.S. representative at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to actively push for Taiwan's membership. Specifically, the U.S. must use its vote and voice to support Taiwan joining the IMF, taking part in the IMF's regular financial reviews, getting fair access to IMF jobs, and receiving IMF technical help and training. The U.S. is also prohibited from discouraging Taiwan from applying. The Secretary of the Treasury can pause these requirements for up to one year at a time by reporting to Congress that doing so would better advance Taiwan's participation in international financial institutions. The requirements expire automatically either when the IMF admits Taiwan or after 10 years, whichever comes first.

     Who this affects

     The U.S. Governor of the IMF (appointed by the Treasury Department) must act under these rules. Taiwan's government and economy are directly affected if IMF membership is gained.

     Tradeoff

     Pushing for Taiwan's IMF membership could strengthen Taiwan's financial standing, but it may also create diplomatic friction with countries that oppose Taiwan's participation in international bodies.

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     The United States Governor of the International Monetary Fund (in this section referred to as the ``Fund'') shall use the voice and vote of the United States to vigorously support-- (1) the admission of Taiwan as a member of the Fund, to the extent that admission is sought by Taiwan

206. Sanctions and reporting on crime and corruption in Haiti

     This section requires the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress within 180 days, and then once a year for five years, on the links between criminal gangs and powerful political and business figures in Haiti. The report must name gang leaders, describe their crimes, and identify Haitian officials or executives who have ties to those gangs. Within 90 days after each report, the President must impose sanctions on the people named. Sanctions for gang leaders and political figures include blocking their U.S. property and banning them from entering the United States. Sanctions for business figures can also include cutting off their access to U.S. loans and financial transactions. The President can waive a sanction if doing so is vital to U.S. national interests, but must notify Congress 15 days before the waiver takes effect. Humanitarian aid to Haiti, such as food, medicine, and disaster relief, is not affected by these sanctions. The whole section expires five years after the law is enacted.

     Who this affects

     Haitian gang leaders, political officials, and business executives who have ties to criminal organizations are the primary targets. U.S. financial institutions and travelers are also affected because they cannot do business with or admit the sanctioned people.

     Tradeoff

     The sanctions can put pressure on corrupt actors in Haiti, but they may also disrupt legitimate economic activity or diplomatic relationships if applied broadly.

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     Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the following 5 years, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate, shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the ties between criminal gangs and political and economic elites in Haiti.

207. Sanctions on foreign actors harming the Western Balkans

     Section 8335 requires the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons who destabilize or harm the Western Balkans region. The President has 90 days after the law is enacted to act. Sanctionable actions include threatening peace or territorial borders, undermining democracy, committing corruption, committing serious human rights abuses, or blocking key peace agreements. Sanctions can freeze a person's property and assets in the United States. Sanctions can also bar a person from entering or getting a visa to enter the United States. The President can lift sanctions if the person stops the harmful activity and gives reliable assurances they will not repeat it. The President can also waive sanctions for up to 180 days if doing so serves national security, with 15 days' notice to Congress. Sanctions do not apply to humanitarian aid, intelligence activities, law enforcement, or imports of goods.

     Who this affects

     Foreign persons (non-U.S. individuals or entities) who take actions that harm stability, democracy, or human rights in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia. U.S. businesses and banks that might otherwise transact with such persons are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     The sanctions give the U.S. a tool to pressure bad actors in the Western Balkans, but they require presidential action within a set deadline and include exceptions that limit how broadly they can be applied.

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     Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall impose the sanctions described in subsection (c) with respect to each foreign person that the President determines, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, engages in an activity described in subsection (b).

208. Young Balkan Leaders Initiative

     This section renames and continues an existing State Department program called BOLD. The new name is the Young Balkan Leaders Initiative. The program supports young adults in the Western Balkans who want to help develop their region. It offers professional training, networking, and educational opportunities. Focus areas include business, information technology, cybersecurity, agriculture, civic engagement, and public administration. The section also expresses Congress's view that people-to-people exchange programs bring citizens from the Western Balkans to the United States and help strengthen ties with that region.

     Who this affects

     Young adult leaders and professionals in the Western Balkans, particularly those in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. The State Department runs the program.

     Tradeoff

     The program uses federal resources to support leadership development abroad, with the goal of building goodwill and stability in the region, but it does not include a specific funding amount or oversight requirement.

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     The Secretary of State should continue the BOLD Leadership Program, which shall hereafter be known as the ``Young Balkan Leaders Initiative'', to promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals in the Western Balkans who have demonstrated a passion to contribute to the continued development of the Western Balkans region.

209. Labeling countries that wrongfully detain Americans

     This section creates a new tool called 'State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention.' The Secretary of State can apply this label to any foreign country that wrongfully holds a U.S. citizen. A country can be labeled if the detention happens on its soil, if it does not release the person within 30 days of being told about the detention, if its government is responsible for or supports the detention, or if actors there pose a risk to Americans abroad. The Secretary must consult Congress before making the designation. Within 7 days after a designation, a report must go to Congress explaining the reason. The designation can be removed if the country releases the detained Americans, helps free hostages, changes its policies, or gives assurances it will not do this again. Within 60 days of the law passing, the Secretary must also brief Congress on whether Afghanistan, Iran, China, Russia, Venezuela, and Belarus should receive this label.

     Who this affects

     U.S. citizens held abroad by foreign governments or actors. Foreign countries that detain Americans could receive this designation.

     Tradeoff

     The label gives the U.S. government a formal way to pressure countries that detain Americans, but it relies on the Secretary of State's judgment and does not automatically impose sanctions or other penalties.

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     the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, may designate a foreign country that has provided support for or directly engaged in the unlawful or wrongful detention of a United States national as a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention

210. National registry for Korean American divided families

     This section directs the Secretary of State to create a private internal registry of Korean American families who were separated from relatives in North Korea after the 1953 Korean War Armistice. The registry would collect names and other relevant information to help plan future in-person or video reunions. Personal information can only be shared with consent of the person and under agreements that keep the data private. The Secretary of State should also push for family reunion progress in any direct talks with North Korea. Annual reports to Congress must include the registry's status, how many families have or have not reunited, North Korea's responses to reunion requests, and actions North Korea takes that block family members from leaving.

     Who this affects

     Korean Americans who were separated from family members living in North Korea after 1953. It also involves the State Department and North Korea policy officials.

     Tradeoff

     The registry could help reunite families, but participation depends on voluntary consent and on North Korea agreeing to hold reunions, which the U.S. cannot force.

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     establish a private, internal national registry of the names and other relevant information of such Korean American families-- (i) to facilitate such future reunions; and (ii) to provide for a repository of information about such Korean American families and family members in North Korea

211. Fairness in tactical gear sizing for Diplomatic Security Service personnel

     This section requires the Diplomatic Security Service, part of the State Department, to offer both men's and women's sizing when it issues tactical gear to its agents and officers. This applies to Special Agents, uniform division officers, and personal service contractors. The rule only applies when products in both sizes are commercially available. Tactical gear covered includes ballistic plates, plate carriers, helmets, media jackets, tactical pants, and gloves.

     Who this affects

     Diplomatic Security Service employees and contractors, including Special Agents and uniform division officers, who receive issued tactical gear.

     Tradeoff

     Providing both sizing options may improve fit and safety for all personnel, but could increase procurement complexity or cost if separate contracts are needed for each size.

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     In any instance when the Diplomatic Security Service of the Department of State issues tactical gear to Special Agents, uniform division officers, or personal service contractors, the Service must, whenever such products are commercially available, provide both men's and women's sizing options.

212. International nuclear energy cooperation and assistance

     This section directs U.S. officials to work with allied countries on civil nuclear energy. Within two years, the Secretary of State must meet with at least five allied nations to build cooperation on advanced nuclear reactors. The U.S. can give grants of up to $5.5 million to countries just starting nuclear energy programs, with a cap of five grants per country total. It also allows hiring U.S. nuclear advisors to help those countries set up nuclear programs. The president must hold a meeting every two years with international partners on nuclear safety and financing. Up to $50 million is authorized for this work from 2026 through 2030. Inspectors General from the State Department and the Energy Department must create an oversight plan within one year to prevent fraud and waste.

     Who this affects

     Countries starting civil nuclear programs, U.S. nuclear energy companies, and U.S. government agencies including the State and Energy Departments. U.S. taxpayers fund the grants and programs.

     Tradeoff

     The program could expand U.S. nuclear industry exports and reduce foreign reliance on Russian and Chinese nuclear suppliers, but it commits up to $50 million in public funds with results depending on whether partner countries follow through.

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     the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary and 1 or more other Federal officials designated by the President, if applicable, is authorized to award grants of financial assistance in amounts not greater than $5,500,000 to embarking civil nuclear nations

213. Strategy to counter Chinese military bases worldwide

     This section requires the U.S. government to study and respond to China's efforts to build military bases outside its borders. Within 180 days of the law passing, the Director of National Intelligence must submit a risk assessment about known or suspected Chinese base locations. At the same time, the Secretary of State must submit a strategy naming at least 5 locations that pose the greatest risk to the U.S. and its allies. Within 90 days after that strategy is delivered, the Secretary of State must create an interagency task force to carry it out. The task force works to stop China from building those bases and to find ways to prevent new ones. Every 4 years, the government must review and update the strategy and report back to Congress.

     Who this affects

     U.S. military and diplomatic agencies, U.S. allies, and countries where China may seek a military presence.

     Tradeoff

     The effort to monitor and counter Chinese bases abroad could strengthen U.S. security, but it requires significant government resources and could increase diplomatic tensions with China and host countries.

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     identify, of the locations where the PRC maintains or is suspected to be seeking a physical presence and that could transition into PRC global bases, not fewer than 5 locations that pose the greatest risk to the ability of the United States or any United States ally to project power, maintain freedom of movement, and protect other interests

214. Repeal of Iraq war authorizations

     This section cancels two laws that gave the President permission to use military force against Iraq. The first law, from 1991, authorized force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait. The second law, from 2002, authorized the invasion of Iraq. Both laws are fully repealed by this section. Once repealed, neither law can be used as legal grounds for future military action.

     Who this affects

     The President and Congress are most directly affected. The repeal removes standing legal authority the executive branch could use to justify military operations tied to Iraq.

     Tradeoff

     Repealing these old authorizations limits the President's legal basis for future Iraq-related military action, but some argue the laws are outdated and no longer needed.

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     The following are hereby repealed: (1) Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law 102-1; 105 Stat. 3; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) is hereby repealed. (2) The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243; 116 Stat. 1498; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) is hereby repealed.

215. Former NOAA officers allowed to compete for federal jobs

     This section lets former officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps apply for certain federal job openings. To qualify, a person must have left the corps honorably after at least 3 years of active service. When an agency posts a job open to outside applicants, it cannot turn away these former officers just because they left the corps. If hired, they get a standard career or career-conditional appointment. Job announcements must state that former NOAA officers may apply. The rule does not give these former officers extra veterans' preference rights. The Office of Personnel Management will write rules to carry this out. Within 3 years, NOAA must report to Congress on how many people were hired this way. The whole section expires 5 years after the law is enacted.

     Who this affects

     Former NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps members who left under honorable conditions after at least 3 years of service. Federal agencies posting jobs open to outside applicants are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     More former NOAA officers get a path to federal civilian jobs, but federal agencies must include this group in their applicant pools even when they might prefer to hire only current federal workers.

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     An individual who was separated from the commissioned officer corps of the Administration under honorable conditions after not fewer than 3 years of active service may not be denied the opportunity to compete for a vacant position with respect to which the agency in which the position is located will accept applications from individuals outside the workforce of that agency under merit promotion procedures.

216. Rules for keeping fishing and trade information private

     Section 8420 rewrites the rules for how the Secretary of Commerce handles sensitive information collected under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. The Secretary must keep three types of information private: data shared by the Treaty Administrator that is marked confidential, data collected by observers on fishing vessels, and data submitted by fishing companies or individuals. However, the Secretary can share that information in specific cases. Those cases include a court order, use by a federal employee for law enforcement or Coast Guard duties, use by a fishery management employee to manage the Treaty or fish stocks, sharing with the Treaty Administrator, sharing with an international fisheries organization the U.S. belongs to, sharing with written permission from the person who provided the data, or releasing it in summary form that does not identify anyone. The section also states that none of this limits Congress's ability to get records or information.

     Who this affects

     U.S. fishing vessel operators, fishing observers, and federal fishery managers who submit or handle data under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. International fisheries organizations and the Treaty Administrator are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger privacy protections for fishing industry data may limit public transparency, while the allowed exceptions try to balance enforcement, treaty obligations, and oversight needs.

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     ``(a) Prohibited Disclosure of Certain Information.--Pursuant to section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code, except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall keep confidential and may not disclose the following information: ``(1) Information provided to the Secretary by the Administrator that the Administrator has designated confidential. ``(2) Information collected by observers. ``(3) Information submitted to the Secretary by any person in compliance with the requirements of this Act.

217. Definitions for China investment restrictions

     This section sets out the key definitions used throughout the subtitle dealing with national security investments. It defines who counts as a 'covered foreign person,' which includes companies based in China, owned 50% or more by Chinese entities, or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, that also operate in defense or surveillance technology. It defines 'country of concern' as China, including Hong Kong and Macau. It defines 'United States person' as U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and companies organized under U.S. law. It also clarifies that 'knowingly' means a person either actually knew or should have known about the relevant conduct.

     Who this affects

     U.S. investors, companies, and individuals who may do business with Chinese defense or surveillance technology firms. Chinese companies and entities connected to the Chinese government or Communist Party are also directly named.

     Tradeoff

     Clear definitions make it easier to enforce the law, but broad terms like 'should have known' may create uncertainty for businesses trying to determine if a foreign partner is covered.

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     ``covered foreign person'' means a foreign person-- (A) that is incorporated in, has a principal place of business in, or is organized under the laws of a country of concern; ... (E) that is owned in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by an entity or a group of entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C); and (F) that knowingly engaged in significant operations in the defense and related materiel sector or the surveillance technology sector of the economy of a country of concern.

218. Penalties for violating investment restrictions

     Section 807 sets out the consequences for breaking the investment rules in this title. It says that violating, trying to violate, or helping someone else violate any order or rule under this title is unlawful. The Secretary of the Treasury can impose civil fines. Those fines match the penalty amounts used under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a separate law that covers national security-related financial actions. Beyond fines, the Secretary can force a person to sell off an investment (called divestment) if that investment violates the prohibited technology rules. The President can also direct the U.S. Attorney General to go to federal court to seek relief, including a court-ordered sale of the investment.

     Who this affects

     U.S. persons and companies that make investments in covered foreign persons in restricted technology areas. It also affects the Treasury Department and the Justice Department, which carry out enforcement.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger penalties may deter risky investments in countries of concern, but they also add legal risk and compliance costs for U.S. investors doing business globally.

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     It shall be unlawful for a person to violate, attempt to violate, conspire to violate, or cause a violation of any order, regulation, notification requirement, or prohibition issued under this title.

219. Chinese military company list review requirement

     This section requires the President to report to Congress every two years for six years. Each report must say whether Chinese companies on certain federal watch lists should also be added to the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List. That list is kept by the Treasury Department and restricts U.S. investment in Chinese military-linked firms. The watch lists checked include the Military End-User List, the Department of Defense list of Chinese military companies, the Commerce Entity List, the FCC Covered List, and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list. Federal agencies that manage those lists must share information with each other to help prepare each report. The Treasury Secretary may use a risk-based system to decide which companies to review first. Reports must also explain what criteria a company must meet to be added to the investment-restriction list.

     Who this affects

     U.S. investors who hold or trade securities in Chinese companies. Chinese companies that appear on any of the named federal lists.

     Tradeoff

     More rigorous cross-agency reviews could protect national security, but the process adds reporting burdens on federal agencies and could restrict investment options for U.S. investors.

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     Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter for six years, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that states whether any of the following foreign persons qualifies for inclusion on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List

220. Penalties for drone-related crimes and unauthorized counter-drone actions

     This section creates new and stronger penalties tied to drones. A person convicted of a second or later violation of restricted national defense airspace can face up to 5 years in prison. If someone uses a drone to help commit a felony, the maximum prison sentence for that felony is doubled or increased by 5 years, whichever is less. If a person uses a drone to smuggle contraband into a prison, an extra 5 years is added to the sentence. The U.S. Sentencing Commission must raise sentencing guidelines for all drone-related offenses, with larger increases when a drone was used to help commit a felony. Anyone who is authorized to counter drones but does so without required federal coordination faces a civil fine up to $100,000 per violation or suspension of their counter-drone authority. The Attorney General can sue in federal court to collect those fines.

     Who this affects

     People who fly drones illegally near restricted airspace, use drones in crimes, or smuggle items into prisons with drones. Also affects government agencies and officers who hold counter-drone authority.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger penalties may deter illegal drone use, but authorized agencies that fail to follow coordination rules face fines or loss of their counter-drone authority.

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     If a person is convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section, the punishment shall be imprisonment for not more than 5 years, a fine under title 18, or both.

221. Country definitions for U.S. development finance investments

     This section updates the definitions used by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to sort countries into categories. It creates four new terms. A 'less developed country' is one below the World Bank's income graduation level. An 'advancing income country' sits between that level and the high-income threshold. A 'high-income country' is above the World Bank's high-income line. A 'wealthy country' is one of the top 20 nations by income per person, but the Five Eyes partners (the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) are excluded from that label. A 'country of concern' covers seven nations: Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, China, Russia, and Belarus. These definitions matter because the DFC must focus on poorer countries and cannot invest in countries of concern.

     Who this affects

     The DFC and the foreign countries where it invests. Businesses and communities in those countries that might receive DFC-backed financing are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Clearer country categories give the DFC more flexibility to invest in richer nations for strategic reasons, but they also add more rules and congressional reporting requirements before those investments can happen.

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     ``(3) Country of concern.--The term `country of concern' means any of the following countries: ``(A) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. ``(B) The Republic of Cuba. ``(C) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea. ``(D) The Islamic Republic of Iran. ``(E) The People's Republic of China. ``(F) The Russian Federation. ``(G) The Republic of Belarus.''

222. New Congressional Strategic Advisory Group for development finance

     This section creates a new group called the Congressional Strategic Advisory Group. It must be set up within 90 days of the law taking effect. The group includes the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and selected members of Congress. The Senate side includes the chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, plus up to 6 more members of that committee. The House side includes the chair and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, plus up to 6 more members of that committee. The group must meet at least once a year. The CEO uses these meetings to hear congressional views on DFC's investment priorities, including threats from adversary countries, key regions and sectors for investment, and what similar agencies in allied countries are doing.

     Who this affects

     The CEO and staff of the DFC, and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee who are selected to serve in the advisory group.

     Tradeoff

     Adding congressional advisors gives lawmakers a formal voice in DFC strategy, but it also means the agency must spend time and resources on regular consultations with Congress.

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     Not later than 90 days after the enactment of the DFC Modernization and Reauthorization Act of 2025, there shall be established a Congressional Strategic Advisory Group (referred to in this subsection as the `Group'), which shall meet not less frequently than annually

223. Student internship program at the Development Finance Corporation

     This section creates a paid internship program at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). U.S. citizens who are enrolled at least half-time in college are eligible to apply. Interns must show interest in international relations and economic development. The DFC can help with housing costs if the internship is more than 50 miles from the intern's home. It must cover round-trip travel costs if the internship is far from home or outside the U.S. Participation in any data collection is voluntary. The DFC can hire interns for up to one year outside the normal federal hiring rules. The program is funded only by money appropriated after this bill becomes law.

     Who this affects

     U.S. college students interested in international development and finance careers. The DFC itself must set up and fund the program.

     Tradeoff

     The program gives students paid work experience and helps the DFC find talent, but it requires new federal spending and gives the agency extra hiring authority that bypasses some normal civil service rules.

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     The Chief Executive Officer shall establish the Development Finance Corporation Student Internship Program (referred to in this subsection as the 'Program') to offer internship opportunities at the Corporation to eligible individuals to provide important professional development and work experience opportunities and raise awareness among future development and international finance professionals of the career opportunities at the Corporation.

224. Borrower disclosure rules for small loans through middlemen

     Section 8743 adds new rules for the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (the Corporation) when it backs loans through middlemen, called intermediaries. The Corporation must make sure those middlemen follow fair lending practices. It must write truth-in-lending rules within 180 days. Those rules must protect small borrowers, especially people with little financial experience. Any loan contract must clearly explain the borrower's rights, the loan terms, what happens in a default, and how personal data is protected. The Corporation must also set up audits to check that middlemen are following the rules, and report audit results to Congress each year. A separate change keeps the 20 percent risk-of-loss requirement for loan guarantees but also asks the Corporation to work on a process for guaranteeing up to 100 percent of a loan when the project parties still carry at least 20 percent of the risk.

     Who this affects

     People in other countries who borrow small amounts through middlemen backed by the Corporation, and the financial intermediaries that make those loans.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger borrower protections and more oversight may increase compliance costs for intermediaries, which could raise the cost or reduce the availability of small loans in developing countries.

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     The Corporation shall ensure that terms, conditions, penalties, rules for collections practices, and other finance administration policies that govern Corporation-backed lending, guarantees and other financial instruments through intermediaries are consistent with industry best practices and the Corporation's rules with respect to direct lending to its clients.

225. Sound insulation repair and replacement pilot program for airports

     This section creates a small test program run by the Federal Aviation Administration. The program covers up to two large airports. It lets those airports get federal money to repair or replace old sound insulation in nearby homes. Normally, airports cannot get federal funds for a project if they already got federal money for that same home before. This program waives that rule once, but only if the old insulation was installed before 2002, has damaged the home or no longer works, and a qualified inspector confirms the problem. The homeowner and airport must first try to recover costs through warranties or insurance. The home must also be in a noisy zone near the airport and still measure louder than a set noise level indoors. The program targets very large airports in dense metro areas that have run sound insulation programs for at least 30 years.

     Who this affects

     Homeowners near large, busy airports who received old federal sound insulation that is now broken or damaged. Large hub airports that meet specific size and history requirements are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Residents in noisy areas near airports could get repaired or replaced insulation at federal cost, but only two airports qualify and the eligibility rules are strict, limiting how many homes can benefit.

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     Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a pilot program at up to two large hub public-use airports for local airport operators that have established a local program to fund secondary noise insulation using nonaeronautical revenue that provides a one-time waiver of the requirement of subsection (b)(4) for a qualifying airport

226. Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, Virginia

     This section lets NASA make an agreement with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia. The agreement can last up to five years. NASA can reimburse the town for costs tied to planning two things. First, shutting down drinking water wells that sit on NASA property. Second, building replacement wells on land the town controls through ownership, lease, or easement. The plan must include which wells will be shut down, where new wells will go, and estimated costs for engineering, permits, and construction. NASA must send a copy of any agreement to two congressional committees within 18 months of the law taking effect.

     Who this affects

     Residents of Chincoteague, Virginia, who rely on the town's drinking water supply. NASA, which administers the property where current wells are located.

     Tradeoff

     Federal reimbursement helps the town plan a safer water supply, but the agreement only covers planning costs and does not guarantee funding for actual construction of replacement wells.

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     the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration may enter into an agreement, as appropriate, with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, for a period of up to five years, for reimbursement of the Town of Chincoteague's costs directly associated with the development of a plan