Title 50War and National DefenseRelease 119-73

§3714 Use of funds for unspecified purposes or for increased amounts

Title 50 › Chapter CHAPTER 48— - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - PROGRAM AUTHORITIES › § 3714

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary of Defense can use Cooperative Threat Reduction Program money for other purposes than those listed in a law (not an appropriations bill), or spend more than the amount listed, when the Secretary decides it is needed for the national interest. Before doing either, the Secretary must tell the defense committees in Congress that he plans to do this and send a full explanation that says why and how much money will be used. The Secretary must wait 15 days after sending that notice and explanation before spending the money. The funds still cannot be used for any purpose that another law, including section 3731, specifically forbids.

Full Legal Text

Title 50, §3714

War and National Defense — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)(1)For any fiscal year for which Cooperative Threat Reduction funds are specifically authorized in an Act other than an appropriations Act for specific purposes within the Program, the Secretary of Defense may obligate or expend such funds, or other funds otherwise made available for the Program for that fiscal year, for purposes other than such specified purposes if—
(A)the Secretary determines that such obligation or expenditure is necessary in the national interests of the United States;
(B)the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees—
(i)notification of the intent of the Secretary to make such an obligation or expenditure of funds; and
(ii)a complete discussion of the purpose and justification for such obligation or expenditure, including the amount of funds to be obligated or expended; and
(C)a period of 15 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary submits the notification and discussion under subparagraph (B).
(2)Paragraph (1) may not be construed to authorize the obligation or expenditure of Cooperative Threat Reduction Program funds for a purpose for which the obligation or expenditure of such funds is specifically prohibited under section 3731 of this title or any other provision of law.
(b)For any fiscal year for which Cooperative Threat Reduction funds are specifically authorized in an Act other than an appropriations Act for specific purposes within the Program, the Secretary may obligate or expend such funds, or other funds otherwise made available for the Program for that fiscal year, in excess of the specific amount so authorized for that purpose if—
(1)the Secretary determines that such obligation or expenditure is necessary in the national interests of the United States;
(2)the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees—
(A)notification of the intent of the Secretary to make such an obligation or expenditure of funds in excess of such authorized amount; and
(B)a complete discussion of the justification for exceeding such specified amounts, including the amount by which the Secretary will exceed such specified amounts; and
(3)a period of 15 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary submits the notification and discussion under paragraph (2).

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsecs. (a)(1)(C), (b)(3). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted “15 days” for “45 days”. 2016—Subsecs. (a)(1)(C), (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted “45 days” for “15 days”.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

50 U.S.C. § 3714

Title 50War and National Defense

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73