All Roll Calls
Yes: 50 • No: 46
S4784119th CongressWALLET
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
Sponsored By: Senator Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
In Committee
Summary
Authorizes broad FY2027 defense policy and funding that would reshape major procurement, force structure, and tech rules while tightening research security and AI governance. The bill packs multiyear buys, shipbuilding and aircraft inventory floors, new offices for economic and cyber competition, and dozens of reporting and oversight requirements into a single package.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
225 provisions identified: 149 benefits, 16 costs, 60 mixed.
Military pay and personnel funding
If enacted, the bill would authorize funds for military personnel costs for fiscal year 2027. This would permit pay, benefits, and other personnel expenses shown in the bill's funding table. The authorization would replace other 2027 authorizations for the same purpose.
Higher military pay and education benefits
If enacted, monthly basic pay for uniformed service members would rise by 3.6% effective January 1, 2027. The bill would raise hostile fire pay to $600 and imminent danger pay to $400 per month. It would raise the SROTC cadet/midshipman bonus maximum from $5,000 to $15,000 and raise the aviation bonus cap from $50,000 to $60,000. Selected Reserve student loan relief would increase from 15% to 20%. The bill increases many incentive and special-pay budget lines and raises civilian personnel compensation budgets for service administrative and servicewide activities (for example, Army +$65,979,000; Navy +$76,387,000; Marine Corps +$11,970,000). It also raises FY2027 tuition/credentialing assistance funding for some services (for example, Navy +$18,800,000).
Bigger Apex Accelerator awards
If enacted, the bill would raise Apex Accelerator award caps. One cap would rise from $1.5 million to $2.0 million. Another cap would increase from $750,000 to $1.0 million. A third cap would rise from $1.5 million to $2.0 million. These higher caps could let eligible small businesses and accelerators receive larger awards.
Create regional combatant commands
If enacted, the President, with advice from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, would establish unified combatant commands for Africa, Central, Europe, Indo‑Pacific, Northern, and Southern regions. Each command would plan, coordinate, and direct military operations and security cooperation in its region, with forces assigned through the Global Force Management Process and commanders appointed by the President with Senate confirmation.
DoD AI risk and governance strategy
If enacted, DoD would make plans and governance for AI risks. The department would make a strategy in 180 days on AI‑driven vulnerability discovery and remediation, name a senior official on adversarial AI by March 1, 2027, build an adversarial‑AI governance structure by January 15, 2028, and create a department‑wide AI demand forecast with briefings to Congress starting September 15, 2027 and annually with budgets.
Limits on reducing forces in Europe
If enacted, DoD funds for FY2027 could not be used to reduce U.S. forces in European Command below 76,000 for longer than 45 days. The bill would also bar divestiture of parcels or facilities under EUCOM jurisdiction as of June 1, 2025, block moving equipment worth over $500,000 positioned as of that date, and prevent relinquishing the EUCOM commander role as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe until required certifications and assessments are submitted. These limits would end on December 31, 2028 unless the certification process is completed earlier.
Machine‑readable security guidance
If enacted, the DoD Chief Information Officer would issue policy by October 1, 2027 requiring Risk Management Framework documents be machine‑readable and list required documentation. Service CIOs must publish implementing guidance by December 1, 2027. DoD must modernize its enterprise RMF platform by October 1, 2028 to ingest and share machine‑readable security data. Congress would get annual briefings through April 1, 2032.
More nuclear reporting and checks
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would send Congress a yearly nuclear stockpile report by March 1 that counts active and inactive warheads and planned force levels. After December 31, 2025, any presidential plan to cut forces below the 2025 baseline would need a USSTRATCOM net assessment and supporting reports at least 60 days before cuts, with narrow safety exceptions. The bill also expands detailed nuclear modernization budget reporting through 2033.
More Ukraine security assistance
If enacted, the bill would increase the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative authorized funding for a specified subsection to $750 million, extend the authority through December 31, 2030, and allow DoD (with State concurrence) to accept and use foreign government contributions starting in FY2027. Contributions could add assistance, replace certain U.S. inventory items (with notification limits), and pay for recovery or disposal. DoD must report unused contributions shortly before termination.
Multiyear contracts for jets and vehicles
If enacted, the Secretary could enter multiyear contracts and use advance procurement for F‑35 (A/B/C variants), F‑15EX, and Infantry Squad Vehicles beginning in stated years. The F‑15EX authority requires a certification that the contractor can reach at least 268 jets by 2035. The Secretary must report to Congress within 90 days about preliminary findings and list parts planned for advance purchase.
New nuclear weapons program authority
If enacted, the Department of Energy (through NNSA) could establish up to two new nuclear weapon research, development, and production programs (one surface‑launched and one air‑launched), and the Department of Defense could direct up to two delivery‑system programs. The actions would be subject to appropriations and require a report on strategy within 120 days and annual briefings through 2032.
Protect MQ‑9 drone fleet size
If enacted, the Air Force would be barred from cutting the MQ‑9 primary mission aircraft inventory below the baseline set at enactment until September 30, 2031, except for combat loss, attrition, or unplanned damage. The bill would also require at least 180 MQ‑9s on and after October 1, 2028 and require the Secretary to study replacement options and report by December 1, 2027.
Rules for robotic and autonomous testing
If RASCOM is set up, its Commander would be the main operational test authority for robotic and autonomous systems and could procure limited test/prototype equipment. One contract under that authority could not exceed $20,000,000. If enacted, DoD would also require testing, verification, and human‑oversight rules before prototyping, formal development, or fielding of autonomy and AI in weapons and would ban certain uses such as using AI to decide a nuclear launch.
Plan to remove risky grid equipment
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would submit a plan within 180 days to identify, prioritize, and remediate foreign‑adversary‑controlled equipment and covered computational facilities in the U.S. electric grid. The plan must assess risks to military installations, DoD mission continuity, and bulk‑power reliability, set prioritization criteria by risk and proximity, and coordinate remediation with States while minimizing grid disruption. Guidance on what counts as a covered computational facility would be issued within 90 days, and USNORTHCOM would submit annual budget estimates starting in FY2028.
Bigger authorizations for defense programs
If enacted, the bill would raise FY2027 authorizations for several defense programs and accounts. Examples include a $9 million net increase in the NNSA total, increases to Weapons Activities authorizations, a $42 million restoration for High Explosives & Energetics projects, higher special‑operations irregular warfare support, and large boosts for National Guard counter‑drug programs and schools. The bill would also add $27 million for the DoD Office of the Inspector General. These changes increase program funding for labs, contractors, and operations.
Energy resilience projects at bases
If enacted, the bill would authorize specific Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program projects at named military installations. Examples include $90 million for Redstone Arsenal and $132.69 million for Naval Base Kitsap. The projects would use funds listed in the bill's funding table and would likely create local contracting and utility work.
Large military construction authorizations
If enacted, the bill would authorize large military construction projects for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Defense agencies, and BRAC activities for fiscal years after September 30, 2026. The bill lists many projects and dollar amounts, for example $918 million for Joint Base San Antonio, $2.05 billion for Redstone Arsenal work, and about $14.76 billion for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. These authorizations would let DoD buy land and fund construction that supports local jobs and contractors.
Defense procurement transparency and audits
If enacted, the bill would authorize FY2027 procurement and RDT&E funding as shown in the bill tables and require DoD budget materials to include a centralized multiyear procurement summary with costs, years covered, production amounts, and savings rationale. The bill would set exact opening audit balances for several DoD working capital funds on specified dates. It would require a report on AI market power to Congress by Jan. 15, 2028 and annually for four years, and an energetics industrial base roadmap by March 1, 2027 to assess munitions capacity. These steps raise transparency and planning for large defense buys.
DoD audit fixes and funding
If enacted, DoD reporting requirements would pause once the Department receives an unmodified consolidated financial statement audit opinion and would restart if an adverse or disclaimer opinion later occurs. If DoD does not obtain an unmodified audit opinion for FY2028 by December 31, 2028, new nominee qualification rules for key financial officials would take effect on January 1, 2029. The bill would authorize $250 million from O&M, Defense‑Wide and $250 million from RDT&E, Defense‑Wide for automation and AI to speed audit remediation. The DoD Office of Inspector General would add a Deputy Inspector General for Financial Statement Audits who must be a certified public accountant.
New lab facility investment program
If enacted, the bill would create a Department of Defense Laboratory Facility Investment Program to fund construction and modernization of covered defense labs that support research. The bill would authorize $250 million per year, with amounts available for obligation for three fiscal years. Eligible projects must cost at least $2 million and be 35 percent designed (unless using progressive design‑build). The Under Secretary must submit an annual report to congressional defense committees by March 1.
Tighten DoD supply chain rules
If enacted, starting Jan 1, 2028 the DoD would be barred from buying items mined, made, or assembled in North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran, and from contracting with entities that rely on those items. The bill would also require IT vendors with ties to countries of concern to enter into memoranda of agreement with DoD (beginning 270 days after enactment), bar acquisition of modems or routers from covered Chinese entities, and ban Chinese‑controlled optical fiber for DoD networks while requiring contractor certification and supply‑chain disclosure.
Delay on commercial item spending
If enacted, the Defense Department would be barred from obligating FY2027 funds for a centralized commercial item capability until the Secretary certifies that required guidance and DFARS changes are issued and stricter rules for certain technologies are in place. The Comptroller General must review the guidance and a sample of determinations and report to congressional defense committees within 180 days after notification. This would delay use of FY2027 acquisition funds and could slow some contractor work.
Limits on contractor stock and dividends
If enacted, DoD could not award procurement contracts after June 15, 2027 unless a contractor agrees in writing not to buy exchange‑listed equity in the contractor or parent and not to pay dividends or other equity distributions. The Secretary may waive the rule if a contractor adopts an approved defense investment plan. The bill requires a review process, quick notice of alleged violations, 15‑day board‑approved remediation plans, and allows penalties such as suspended payments and determinations of non‑responsibility.
New small business contracting rules and grants
If enacted, the bill would create a CMMC Assessment Grant Program by July 1, 2027 to pay up to $100,000 per eligible small business for CMMC Level 2 assessment costs, with a $50,000,000 program cap. It would set up an expedited source-approval pathway and procurement incentives for qualifying manufacturers, including firm fixed-price IDIQ awards with pricing and minimum-order rules. The bill expands mentor-protégé assistance, extends the subcontracting test program through 2037, and allows SBA 8(a) construction awardees to certify they will open a staffed office within 60 days (authority ends Dec. 31, 2032). It also requires competition for some technology subcontractors and a textile industrial-base pilot. At the same time, contractors that use AI would have to submit and maintain a machine-readable AI bill of materials before award and provide updates within 48 hours, and the foreign-influence reporting threshold would fall from $5,000,000 to $500,000, increasing reporting obligations for more contracts.
Changes to military construction projects
If enacted, many military construction authorizations would expire on the later of October 1, 2029 or the date an FY2030 military construction authorization is enacted. Projects with funds already obligated before that date would not expire. The bill would also extend specific Army FY2022, FY2023, and FY2024 project authorizations until at least October 1, 2027. For five years after enactment, the law would raise the minor construction cap to $20 million, allow a temporary $15 million per‑project lab cap, and exempt Alaska, Hawaii, and the Indo‑Pacific from the $20 million limit.
Move facility funds into construction accounts
If enacted, the bill would reclassify specified Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization funding from Operation and Maintenance accounts into military construction (Division B) accounts. It would also allow credit only for amounts actually obligated under eligible performance‑based contracts toward minimum capital investment. The bill adds three depots to the minimum investment list, makes the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment approve Industrial Base Fund awards under $75 million, and lets combatant commands recover and reinvest operational energy cost savings.
FY2027 procurement and budget tools
If enacted, the bill would create and expand several FY2027 budget and procurement authorities. Agencies could use multi‑year contracts and advance procurement for many munitions starting in FY2027. The bill would set aside $115 million in FY2027 missile procurement funds for commercially available ICBM parts and would restore $150 million for the W88 ALT 370 program. It would let the Secretary transfer up to $6 billion among FY2027 defense authorizations and it authorizes about $205.1 billion for military personnel. The bill also caps NATO Security Investment contributions to the amount repaid by NATO plus $654.27 million and sets limited, conditional co‑production caps for certain Israeli missile programs.
Afghan ally records classification
If enacted, DoD would have to set up a process within 180 days for people to apply to be classified as an "Afghan ally" for DoD records preservation. Applicants must have been Afghan citizens or habitual residents who served at least one year between Dec 22, 2001 and Sept 1, 2021 in specified Afghan forces or covered roles. The process must include a secure online portal and a review of service records and attestations.
Better exposure records and veteran protections
If enacted, the Department of Defense would bring the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER) to full operation within two years and give password‑protected access to members, veterans, designated family, and survivors. Individuals could request corrections and get real‑time exposure alerts, and records could be kept after death for research and survivor benefits. The Secretary must revise burn pit policy within 180 days to follow a July 11, 2024 IG report. The bill would expand review and relief for discharges tied to PTSD, TBI, or military sexual trauma and remove a sunset for non‑medical family counseling. It would also extend certain DoD‑VA fund authorities (through Sept. 30, 2027 and Sept. 30, 2028) and bar facility downsizing until required reviews and committee consultations are completed.
Easier licensure and recertification for care
If enacted, TRICARE would treat certain counseling master's degrees from listed institutions as equivalent to CACREP for reimbursement. The bill would also expand license portability to cover certain Title 32 medical care for uniformed members and add several foreign countries to the Defense licensure list. In addition, nurse practitioners and physician assistants could recertify need for special compensation for catastrophic injuries or illnesses. The Secretary must implement the counseling rule within one year and brief Congress quickly.
Health records, exposures, and claims
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to prototype a way for separating members to download and port their medical records within 180 days and run a pilot of at least 180 days. It would also require screening and documentation for members who served at certain covered locations and sending exposure data to VA at separation. The Secretary must issue guidance on HAVANA Act claims within 180 days. The bill would also prioritize sending solid-waste disposal systems to bases that use burn pits.
Higher Defense Health funding
If enacted, the bill would raise several Defense Health Program line items for FY2027 as shown in the committee tables. Examples include a $1.0 billion increase for in‑house care (military treatment facility operations) and $280 million for consolidated health support. These bracketed increases are shown in thousands in the committee tables and aim to improve access and services for TRICARE beneficiaries and military patients.
Military infectious disease and readiness
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to stand up longer-range safe aeromedical transport for high-consequence infectious diseases by September 30, 2027. It would also require a joint disease and non-battle injury surveillance system with staged operating milestones (initial capability within 18 months, full capability in 36 months) and allow buying countermeasures for covered overseas personnel subject to appropriations. These steps aim to improve medical readiness and safe evacuation.
More DoD health screenings and reports
If enacted, DoD firefighters would get free cancer tests during annual health checks, with mammogram, colon, and prostate screening rules by age and risk. If enacted, Defense Health Agency must send an annual report on unfunded priorities within 10 days after the President's budget, for five years. If enacted, medical-record confidentiality is clarified to include Defense Agencies, and service records must show if a member served at a classified or DOE-listed location by January 1, 2029. If enacted, DoD health workers could be assigned to foreign military medical facilities only after a combatant commander certifies liability mitigation. If enacted, Special Victims' Counsel services would extend to victims of domestic violence two years after enactment.
More TRICARE coverage for children
If enacted, children on TRICARE Select family coverage of a retired member would qualify for the military hearing‑aid benefit. The bill would also add cranial orthotic devices (molding helmets) for deformational plagiocephaly to TRICARE reconstructive treatment coverage. Dependents could be treated by postgraduate dental residents at military dental facilities on a space‑available basis and when the Secretary finds adequate resources. The bill also makes technical fixes to a TRICARE cancer pilot, including moving a deadline to January 31, 2028 and requiring public info on the TRICARE website.
Service member wellness and care supports
If enacted, the bill would require a DoD policy on 'imminent risk of suicide' with training and privacy protections within 180 days. It would require wellness checks when a member is off duty for 24 hours or more for medical reasons, and briefings and plans to address Air Force primary care staffing within 180 days. The bill also mandates a menopause research review and a limb-loss family support program beginning in fiscal year 2028.
Shared care pilot for veterans
If enacted, DoD and VA would run a pilot to let veterans and transitioning members use each other's facilities and staff. The pilot must use 5 to 10 sites within 180 days and start within a year. Participation by veterans would be voluntary. The pilot would test shared scheduling, credentialing, referrals, and interoperable health records and report results to Congress over the pilot period.
Warfighter health and readiness programs
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would create a Warfighter Performance Optimization Initiative across the Department using Total Force Fitness. The law would also require frequent implementation and effectiveness reports every 90 days for three years. The Comptroller General would review recent DoD influenza vaccine policy and brief Congress by September 30, 2027. The Secretary must review credentialing forms for mental‑health questions and report to the Armed Services Committees within one year.
Military housing and base services
If enacted, each DoD housing office would certify to Congress at least yearly that covered housing meets health and safety standards. DoD would post public annual reports beginning within one year that include mold complaints by installation, inspection results, remediation timelines, costs, and relocations. The bill would also let the military run a five‑year pilot to replace substandard chillers at remote Indo‑Pacific facilities and require a standardized tiering system for remote and isolated installations within 12 months.
Military housing upgrades and tenant protections
If enacted, the bill would authorize Air Force and Army family housing construction, improvement, and planning funds for fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2026. It names example projects and allows up to $329,064,000 for Air Force housing improvements and up to $194,006,000 for Army housing improvements, plus planning/design caps. The bill would require mold remediation in covered military housing to follow the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard when enacted. It would let tenants in privatized housing who receive a failed inspection withhold or abate their Basic Allowance for Housing until an independent inspector certifies repairs, protect tenants from eviction for withholding, and allow tenancy termination during withholding. New privatized housing agreements entered into or renewed after enactment must make providers pay for inspections, remediation, relocation, property loss, and refunding BAH when families must vacate; existing agreements should add these clauses within 180 days when practicable.
Stronger housing rules for military families
If enacted, the bill would fund and require wide housing reforms for military families. The Navy could use up to $511.8 million to improve family housing and $57.4 million for design work. The Air Force could restructure housing projects at four bases with listed amounts. The Secretary would issue interim housing guidance within 180 days and final standards within one year for humidity, ventilation, moisture control, and mold cleanup. Installations with privatized housing must use independent third‑party inspections after complaints and share results with tenants. Workers doing mold assessment and remediation would need national nonprofit certifications. The DoD must include detailed facility condition data when moving housing funds. The bill would also require grid and housing‑demand assessments for enhanced‑use leases and brief Congress by February 1, 2027 on high‑cost areas. It adds modest extra commissary operations funding.
Stronger tenant complaint protections
If enacted, the privatized military housing complaint database would have to show the landlord's name, parent companies, and entities with ownership. Complaint entries would be broken down by complaint type and could not be altered or suppressed. Leases and move‑in materials would have to include standard notices about complaint rights and protections from retaliation. Public signs and move‑in education about the database and how to file a complaint would be required.
Child care and family supports
If enacted, the bill would require the Defense Department to standardize child care data and reporting, including detailed waitlist and staffing information, with briefings starting within 90 days and annually beginning December 31, 2027. The Secretary must update pay rules for child and youth program workers by January 1, 2027, subject to available appropriations. The bill would also require foster-care-liaison training at military installations to help military families get state-specific foster care information.
Improve transition and records processing
If enacted, each military department would have remote in‑processing and out‑processing capabilities allowing electronic forms, digital signatures, and timely access to related records and would reduce the hours needed for PCS, separation, or retirement processing. The Under Secretary would name a senior official to oversee transition programs and brief Congress within 90 days. The Secretary must also submit recommendations within 180 days to help military medics get civilian health credentials and identify barriers.
More education aid for service members
If enacted, the bill would let the Defense Secretary set tuition assistance up to $350 per semester hour and allow institution fees to be paid. It would add "operational technology" to the Cyber Scholarship Program and require Service Academies to accept scores from at least three college‑readiness tests. It would clarify how years of service count for officers in service‑approved advanced education programs. It would also limit DoD from broadly blocking servicemembers from using eligible college programs and require 90 days notice and a 30‑day cure or appeal period before termination.
More job help for military spouses
If enacted, the bill would require DoD job postings to consider and disclose telework and remote work eligibility by June 1, 2027 and brief Congress annually. It would create a Military Spouse Fellowship Program by April 1, 2028 that pays fellows at General Schedule (GS) rates and must fund at least 500 full‑time equivalent fellowships each year. It would also require services to make colocation of covered couples a secondary consideration when assigning duty stations to help retain civilian spouses in DoD jobs.
More school support for military children
If enacted, the bill would require each DoDEA school district to have at least one educational technologist and require eligible DoDEA secondary schools to establish JROTC units by October 1, 2027 unless waived for low enrollment. It would make FY2027 funds available: $50,000,000 for one Impact Aid program, $10,000,000 for Impact Aid for Children With Severe Disabilities, and $20,000,000 for districts with higher concentrations of military children with severe disabilities. The Secretary must brief the Armed Services Committees by September 30, 2027 on allocations.
New small reimbursements for members
If enacted, the bill would create several small payment programs for service members. It would pilot a 30% subsidy for one pair of combat boots purchased at three Army exchange locations through December 31, 2029. It would authorize DoD to help pay state driver's license fees while you serve. It would allow commute reimbursement for members at remote or isolated installations who live more than 30 miles or an hour away (fuel plus a maintenance percentage or public transit cost) and allow up to $1,000 reimbursement per relocation for qualifying guardianship costs through December 31, 2029.
No hiring freezes at shipyards
If enacted, the bill would bar the Department of Defense from using FY2027 funds to impose hiring freezes, reductions in force, or unjustified delays in filling vacant federal civilian jobs at public shipyards and certain working-capital entities. The rule is meant to protect shipyard employees and job applicants during fiscal year 2027.
AFRICOM report on threats in Africa
If enacted, the bill would require the Commander of United States Africa Command to report to Congress within 120 days on threats to U.S. interests from terrorist groups, armed actors, and other forces in Africa. The report must name priority regions, summarize actions taken, and recommend additional resources or authorities needed.
Assessment of alternative warfighting needs
If enacted, the bill would require two DoD analytic offices to brief Congress within 270 days on force requirements for alternative warfighting scenarios. The briefing must cover readiness, shortfalls in people and equipment, logistics, medical support, munitions and industrial capacity, and options for lower‑cost or rapidly producible capabilities.
Assistance to vetted Lebanese forces
If enacted, DoD could provide up to $36 million in training, equipment, sustainment, and related assistance to vetted Lebanese Armed Forces units to help prevent attacks on U.S. interests and support disarmament of Hezbollah. No more than 5% of a named Counter‑ISIS fund may be used until the Secretary certifies specified Lebanese government and LAF actions. The authority ends on December 31, 2027 and DoD must send quarterly reports starting March 31, 2027.
Contractor China operations reporting
If enacted, the bill would require any company that wins a major defense acquisition contract to report detailed information about its China-related business. Reports must show China sales and profits, assets and liabilities in China, investments or loans involving Chinese entities, supplier counts in China (to second tier), and counts of Chinese-citizen employees. The Secretary of Defense must aggregate the data and give it to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.
DoD aviation safety implementation
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to act on National Transportation Safety Board aviation safety recommendations and report to Congress. Within one year the Secretary must certify what was implemented and give mitigation plans. Quarterly status reports begin March 1, 2027 and continue through December 31, 2030. The DoD Inspector General would audit at least annually.
DoD border transparency and UAS plans
If enacted, the bill would make the Department of Defense name and track support it gives at the southwest land border and show that as a separate budget line. DoD would also make a plan within 180 days to help build a shared border operating picture and share it with partners. USNORTHCOM would review February 2026 UAS incidents and deliver a report in 30 days. The Defense Department would send quarterly unclassified reports on UAS incursions through December 31, 2031.
DoD energy resilience and upgrades
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to report within 120 days on energy sources, supply chains, and on‑site storage for installations and forces. It would also require projects that replace major electrical equipment serving mission‑critical operations to include energy management systems that can island during outages, integrate renewables and storage, and meet DoD cybersecurity standards. Technical standards and guidance would be due within one year.
Expand and extend security cooperation programs
If enacted, the bill would extend many security cooperation authorities to 2029 and the Indo‑Pacific Maritime Initiative to 2031. It would rename the Taiwan initiative to reference the "first island chain," add the Philippines as an eligible partner, and set a $1.5 billion FY2027 limit for that initiative. The bill would add disaster response, space domain awareness, and foreign internal defense to DoD capacity building, allow uncrewed system tests through December 31, 2028, and change amphibious ship procurement rules to allow advance construction, bulk buys, spare parts, and extend that authority to September 30, 2030.
Extend counter‑cartel task force support
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to continue supporting the Joint Interagency Task Force‑Counter Cartel through December 31, 2030. DoD would provide personnel, logistics, intelligence, planning, funding, and other support and must consult other agencies. The Secretary must send Congress an annual report on activities, metrics, and recommendations.
Guam missile facility must show backups
If enacted, the Guam Missile Defense System Command and Control Facility could not be declared operational until the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment certifies there is a continuity plan with backup facilities. Within 45 days of that certification, DoD leaders must brief congressional defense committees on the continuity plan.
Intelligence sharing and ROE reporting
If enacted, the bill would require annual public reporting on rules of engagement and legal certifications, and require DoD to demonstrate direct dissemination of operational electronic intelligence to command and engagement systems within 120 days. The bill would also require DoD to provide intelligence support and imagery to help Ukraine defend and retake internationally recognized Ukrainian territory. Congress must get briefings and reports on these actions.
Limits on reducing U.S. forces in Korea
If enacted, the bill would bar reducing U.S. forces in South Korea below 28,500 or completing the wartime control transfer to Korea until the Secretary of Defense submits a certification and assessment to Congress and 60 days pass. The Secretary must consult other senior commanders and send quarterly unclassified reports on the U.S.-ROK roadmap starting March 1, 2027 and every 90 days through 2030.
Minimum Air Force fighter fleet
If enacted, the bill would require the Air Force to keep at least 1,800 total fighter aircraft from October 1, 2026 through October 1, 2035. It would also require at least 1,369 combat-coded fighters by December 31, 2030. The law adds definitions for inventory categories and is effective October 1, 2026.
More cleanup money and public help
If enacted, the bill would authorize about $6.99 billion for Defense Environmental Cleanup for FY2027 and restore $5 million for a Payment‑in‑Lieu‑of‑Taxes entry at the Savannah River site. It would also raise the combined cap for technical assistance for public participation at each installation to $1,000,000 and set an annual cap equal to the lesser of $100,000 or 1% of the installation's projected restoration cost‑to‑complete.
More cyber coordination, border cost reports, and energy resilience
If enacted, U.S. Cyber Command could coordinate with a broader set of private‑sector entities and must report by March 1, 2031 with details on which sectors are prioritized. The bill would extend DoD briefings about southwest border assistance through December 31, 2028 and add a required cost accounting for recent 90‑day and 12‑month periods and reimbursements. It would also add a DoD policy goal to ensure energy sourcing and physical energy type redundancy for critical mission infrastructure.
More DoD reporting and transparency
If enacted, the bill would add many reporting, notice, and records requirements across DoD. Secretaries must notify Congress within 24 hours of any service member wounded in combat and retain detailed records of maritime strikes. The Secretary of Defense must report on civilian harm mitigation by March 15, 2027 and brief on submarine tender needs by April 1, 2027. DoD must post other transaction authority projects to the public FFATA site, send regular semi‑annual property transfer reports, transmit supporting budget justification books within seven days of covered documents, and produce reports on Yuma Proving Ground land and feasibility reviews for Elmendorf parcel and Lambert airport within 180 days. The Air Force must implement or justify any decision not to implement canine welfare IG recommendations within one year.
More DoD strategy briefings and oversight
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to produce a comprehensive cognitive warfare strategy within 180 days and to provide classified quarterly briefings to Armed Services Committees on homeland defense and medical surge capacity starting within 90 days and continuing for five years. The briefings must show threats, resourcing gaps, and coordination steps.
More radar coverage for Guam
If enacted, the bill would require Defense to act within 90 days to make the Aegis Guam system fully operational with at least two AN/TPY-6 radar emplacements for 360-degree coverage. Emplacement and integration of the second radar must be completed by September 30, 2030, and the law prefers using existing equipment to speed fielding.
More U.S.–Israel security funding
If enacted, the bill would increase specified U.S.–Israel cooperative program funding. Counter‑unmanned systems cooperation would rise from $70 million to $100 million. Funding for cooperative subterranean operations (previously called "anti‑tunnel") would rise from $80 million to $100 million.
Navy unmanned systems and RASCOM plans
If enacted, the bill would require the Navy to deliver plans within 180 days to consolidate most unmanned systems under one official and to reorganize offices for robotic and autonomous systems. If a Robotic and Autonomous Systems Command (RASCOM) is created, DoD must show its funding in a separate budget category and report to Congress on timelines, career paths, and resources for five years.
New Arctic and Western Hemisphere plans
If enacted, the bill would require new regional defense strategies and reports. A report on U.S. defense integration with Canada and Nordic allies would be due within 180 days. A U.S.-Denmark report on Greenland would be due within 120 days and the Secretary would be asked to invite Denmark to assign a liaison to U.S. Northern Command. The bill would also require a 180-day plan to improve Arctic satellite downlinks and high-latitude connectivity. Reports should be unclassified with classified annexes when needed.
New command for robotic systems
If enacted, the bill would allow the President, with military advice, to create a unified combatant command focused on robotic and autonomous systems called RASCOM. If set up, RASCOM would oversee training, doctrine, force generation, and operations for those systems. The statute would exclude some areas, like space systems and nuclear command and control, from RASCOM's responsibilities.
New office to track foreign investment
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to designate an office by March 1, 2027 to identify and mitigate risks from adversarial capital. The office would map capital ownership in the defense industrial base, assess supply‑chain and collaboration risks, set up secure data paths, and create an Economic Security Risk Assurance capability by January 1, 2028. The office must brief Congress annually starting December 1, 2027 for three years.
New rules for Air Force basing
If enacted, the bill would require the Air Force to use a single, standardized basing method for aircraft decisions made after enactment. The method must include 10-year lifecycle cost estimates and current infrastructure and readiness data. The bill would also set strict deadlines for Clearinghouse reviews of projects that could hurt military operations (180 days for adverse findings; five days for non-adverse). The Air Force must also submit a plan in 180 days to consolidate Group 1–3 unmanned systems under one accountable official.
New rules for military AI and technology
If enacted, the bill would create DoD structures and rules for AI, autonomy, data, and science advice. It would create a robotic autonomous systems working group and require a report in 270 days. The Secretary must issue human‑in‑the‑loop weapons regulations within 180 days and report to Congress. DoD must update its Data Strategy by September 15, 2027 and present an implementation plan by December 15, 2027. The bill would also set up a Science, Technology, and Innovation advisory board.
New U.S. defense tech partnerships abroad
If enacted, the bill would establish or require DoD to stand up initiatives to accelerate defense technology cooperation with Israel, Ukraine, and Abraham Accords partners. Those initiatives would speed joint R&D, testing, co‑production, and transition to procurement and include required briefings and annual reports to Congress. The Abraham Accords initiative would need a strategy and funding estimate within 60 days.
Office to protect critical defense sites
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to name an office within 90 days to find and rank risks to critical defense sites, including private and commercial sites. That office would create a classified ranked list within 180 days of designation and report to Congress within one year with risk assessments, cost estimates, and implementation milestones. The Secretary would update Congress annually for five years.
Overseas basing and exercise plans
If enacted, the bill would require several regional plans and studies. U.S. Southern Command would have 180 days to study recurring multinational jungle warfare exercises in South America. The Secretary of Defense would deliver master plans within 180 days for facilities to support rotational U.S. forces in the Philippines and Australia and send updates with each President's budget from FY2028 through FY2033. The Secretary would also send a plan within 180 days to expand defense cooperation with Morocco and create an Indo‑Pacific sustainment framework with guidance due within one year and annual reports through 2031.
Pilot: contractor cyber access
If enacted, the Secretary could run a pilot (by March 1, 2027 to Dec 31, 2030) letting cleared private contractors do contractor‑owned, contractor‑operated cyber access work under Cyber Command authority and direct federal oversight with cleared personnel present. DoD must notify congressional defense committees quickly, give quarterly briefings, and deliver a final report within 90 days after the pilot ends.
Plans for Indo‑Pacific exercises
If enacted, the bill would require relevant Secretaries to send plans within 180 days to Congress and the Comptroller General on how they will address GAO recommendations for Indo‑Pacific exercises. Plans must list actions, milestones, and explain any recommendations not adopted. Secretaries must carry out plan activities and report on implementation within one year.
Regional defense strategies and plans
If enacted, DoD would develop a South China Sea crisis management strategy within one year, including an interim report in 120 days and a final report in one year. DoD would also create an Americas Defense Initiative within 180 days to strengthen partner security in the Western Hemisphere and must provide an initial report and annual budget displays through FY2028 and beyond.
Security assistance to Jordan through 2027
If enacted, DoD could provide training, equipment, logistics, stipends, sustainment, and related support to Jordanian military forces through December 31, 2027. The Secretary must notify congressional defense committees in writing at least 15 days before exercising the authority and must identify the amount, type, recipients, and goals in each notice.
Service roadmaps and electronics study
If enacted, the Army must make a Rural Revival and Modernization Plan within 90 days to audit remote armories and propose recruitment and infrastructure incentives. The Air Force must publish an electronic warfare roadmap by March 31, 2027 and update it in odd years. DoD must also complete a 180‑day study of electronics and semiconductor requirements and send Congress a report and roadmap.
Space Force to use space weather
If enacted, the bill would direct the Air Force to integrate space weather data, modeling, and forecasting into Space Force doctrine, operations, and acquisition. The Secretary must brief Congress by March 31, 2027 on implementation steps, capability gaps, and planned investments.
Start PFAS cleanup at 50 sites
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to start interim remedial actions for PFAS at not fewer than 50 covered DoD sites within two years, consistent with applicable law. The Secretary may start fewer only if not enough qualifying sites exist and must notify Congress explaining why.
Stronger military medical planning
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to produce annual estimates of projected casualties and to set up a joint process to define required medical capabilities aligned to combatant command needs. Reports would include casualty projections, medical capacity, capability gaps, and resource recommendations, with annual briefings to Congress through 2031.
Study to expand Navy surge maintenance
If enacted, the bill would require the Navy to study expanding Reserve maintenance programs and SurgeMain to handle shipyard backlogs and surge repair needs. The Secretary must deliver a feasibility study and business case within one year covering training, funding options, labor relations, and barriers to using Reserve personnel in private shipyards.
U.S. cyber strategy and organization
If enacted, the bill would require a 180-day strategy to strengthen cyber cooperation with Indo‑Pacific allies and a funding plan through the Future‑Years Defense Program, with an implementation report due March 15, 2028. It would also require integrating National Guard physical ranges into DoD cyber test activities with a plan by January 15, 2028 and a review of funding rules. U.S. Cyber Command must adopt a new readiness reporting method by January 1, 2028 and brief Congress by January 29, 2027. Independent studies on cyber leadership and USCYBERCOM headquarters organization are also required with final plans and implementation schedules.
DoD air traffic control modernization
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to assess risks in DoD air traffic control systems and produce a modernization plan within 180 days. The assessment would inventory prior investments, identify equipment problems, estimate costs and timelines, and recommend fixes. The Secretary would then give annual status reports starting one year after enactment.
Indo‑Pacific health data pilot
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to develop a pilot health IT platform for U.S. military, U.S. civilian, and allied medical facilities in the Indo‑Pacific. The platform would aim to share critical patient information, protect privacy and security, support low‑bandwidth and multilingual settings, and use federated identity and patient identifiers. The Secretary must send a plan to relevant congressional committees within 180 days and report on performance after deployment.
Military trauma care and performance
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to set up partnerships in the Indo‑Pacific and Arctic by June 1, 2027 to share combat casualty care lessons and train together. It would also require each service to make a human performance strategy within 180 days covering wearables, security, timelines, and funding for FY2027–FY2031.
Military land and local projects
If enacted, the bill would authorize several local property transfers and fund moves. It would allow the Army to sell about 4.5 acres to Opelika, AL, and give three surplus F‑14D aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission (recipients pay transfer and operating costs). It would allow the Milan Army Ammunition Plant land transfer for education use, and a Camp Pike–Camp Robinson land exchange with Arkansas. The Navy must move funds into a Ford Island Improvement Account within 30 days for facility work, electrical upgrades at Barbers Point, and certain military construction titles would take effect on the later of October 1, 2026 or enactment. Some funds may be used across two fiscal years for eligible programs.
H-2B admissions extended to Wake
If enacted, the bill would add Wake Island to the list of places eligible for the special H-2B admissions authority and extend that authority through December 31, 2031. That preserves and lengthens temporary worker admission authority for Guam, Wake Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Air mobility plan through 2047
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of the Air Force to deliver a strategic plan by January 1, 2027 for mobility capabilities through fiscal year 2047. The plan must assess contested operations, current vulnerabilities, and future tanker and airlift concepts and could shape future purchases and force structure.
Aircraft and space procurement changes
If enacted, the bill would permit the Navy to enter a block buy for twelve or more E‑2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft across fiscal years 2027–2029, subject to appropriations and contract limits on termination liability. The bill would also push agencies to use open competition and compatible standards for mission‑critical space systems that deliver tactical data.
Depot accounting and Army industrial planning
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary of Defense write off certain internal accounting balances for depots and arsenals when those facilities no longer generate revenue, so long as prior cash outlays are recovered. The bill would also require the Secretary of the Army to publish governance and resourcing guidance within 180 days and study modular construction for protective projects with a report in 180 days.
More Army research funding
If enacted, the bill would increase several Army research and development funding line items for FY2027. Examples in the funding table include added amounts for Defense Research Sciences and University and Industry Research Centers and increases to applied research and modernization projects. These changes add resources for universities, labs, and contractors.
Master plan to harden fuel storage
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would deliver a master plan within 180 days to expand, harden, and optimize bulk fuel storage at strategic locations worldwide. The plan must set theater‑specific minimum storage floors for all fuel types, include engineering assessments for hardened infrastructure, and propose ways to decentralize storage to improve resilience.
Protect contractors from DoD staffing orders
If enacted, DoD would be barred from funding specified missile and munitions multiyear contracts unless the contract contains no clause allowing DoD to remove or install contractor personnel or direct a contractor's internal resources without paying for them. For past contracts with such clauses, the Secretary must seek bilateral negotiations to remove the clause without consideration. The bill also limits FY2027‑funded contract modifications that shift internal contractor resources, except under narrow extraordinary relief authorities.
Plan to grow shipbuilding workforce
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of the Navy to produce a plan by October 1, 2027 to expand cooperation with State colleges and technical schools to scale workforce development for distributed submarine and surface shipbuilding. The plan must list critical trade skills, analyze labor markets (including landlocked States), identify needs to grow the supplier base beyond traditional shipbuilding centers, and consider a single online portal and a seventh regional talent pipeline.
Buy tech competitively and oversee it
If enacted, the bill would require more competition when DoD buys advanced computing, AI, cloud, and data systems. It would prioritize multi‑vendor, open standards, and protections against vendor lock‑in. The bill also creates a pilot to appoint 10–30 experienced Senior Commercial Acquisition Executives and requires a program acquisition dashboard and initial lab facility investment guidance within set deadlines.
Higher statutory procurement thresholds
If enacted, the bill would set a uniform $500,000 capital procurement threshold for major test ranges, science and technology reinvention labs, and other facilities. It would also raise another statutory contracting threshold from $2,000,000 to $10,000,000. These changes shift which procurement rules apply and could affect contracting opportunities for businesses.
More GenAI opportunities for vendors
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would expand the GenAI.mil platform to add more models and make it easier for small businesses to participate. A four‑year expansion strategy must be sent to Congress by September 15, 2027 with annual goals and a small‑business plan. The bill also requires annual 24‑month roadmap briefings beginning April 1, 2027 and notifications to Congress within 30 days when models are added or removed.
Strengthen defense industrial supply chains
If enacted, the bill would create new offices and pilots to strengthen defense supply chains. DoD must establish a Supply Chain Risk Management Integration Cell by March 1, 2027 to coordinate data and oversight. The bill would create an Economic Defense Unit to plan and fund economic competition projects (but it may not take equity in companies) and set conflict‑of‑interest rules by mid‑2027/early‑2028. The bill also starts pilots to recover antimony and copper within 180 days and a recycling public‑private partnership pilot by May 1, 2027 (authority ends January 1, 2035).
Higher travel miles for reservists
If enacted, reservists would be eligible for travel reimbursement only when one-way travel to a permanent duty assignment exceeds 100 miles. If enacted, this change would apply to travel on or after January 1, 2028. If enacted, the Defense Secretary must report estimated costs and the number of affected members by September 30, 2027.
DoD AI models must pass biosecurity checks
If enacted, DoD would need a biosecurity testing framework for covered AI models and could not buy, renew, or extend use of such models until they pass testing and required mitigations. The Secretary must issue guidance within 180 days and the procurement prohibition would begin 18 months after guidance. Waivers are possible in urgent national security cases but must be in writing with compensating controls and notified to Congress.
DoD support to Homeland Security hold
If enacted, the bill would bar spending any FY2027 funds in this Act to provide Department of Defense support to the Department of Homeland Security until the Secretary of Defense certifies DoD has received reimbursements from DHS for reimbursements owed since October 1, 2025. The certification must go to congressional defense committees before DoD may obligate those funds for DHS support.
Big AI contractor reporting and data rules
If enacted, DoD would set rules in 180 days for "covered AI contractors"—firms with at least $100 million in DoD AI contracts and large R&D or model use. Covered firms would have to submit security and vetting policies with offers, re‑certify every 90 days, and report an acute national security incident within 72 hours. The bill would also require rules to stop contractors from using government‑furnished data to train commercial AI unless the Department explicitly allows it, with penalties for violations.
DoD investment notification rules
If enacted, the Director and DoD must notify congressional defense committees within five days of signing any term sheet. Deals under $50 million could not be final until 15 business days after that briefing; deals of $50 million or more could not be final until 30 business days after. For equity deals, DoD must review owners holding 5% or more and report results to committees within 15 days of completing the review. The Secretary must also provide past unredacted term sheets within 30 days after enactment.
DOE and NNSA program funding cuts
If enacted, the bill would reduce several FY2027 authorizations for DOE and national nuclear security activities. Examples include Los Alamos pit production down by $30 million, Maintenance and Repair down by $90 million, Naval Reactors spent fuel project down by $65 million, NNSA IT/cybersecurity down by $69 million, and reductions in Assessment Science and Safety and Environmental Operations lines. The bill also removes a FY2027 authorization for Defense uranium enrichment decontamination and decommissioning (shown as $253,000,000 in the committee table).
Guard technician and retirement rules
If enacted, the authority to employ National Guard dual-status military technicians would end on October 1, 2038, though the Defense Secretary and a State governor could agree to continue jobs for disaster response. If enacted, DoD funds could not pay dual-status Guard technicians after October 1, 2048. If enacted, the law would preserve C-130 minimum inventories for the National Guard through 2028. If enacted, a Secretary could not deny an officer retirement pay for unsatisfactory service unless there is credible adverse information supported by a preponderance of the evidence. If enacted, some warrant officer retirement timing rules would change, replacing certain 33-year references with 35 years and setting a 60-day retirement after 32 years for specified W-4 warrant officers.
Voice-based drug test pilot
If enacted, the Department of Defense would run a pilot using voice‑based automated screening for targeted drug testing at up to five installations covering 40,000–50,000 active‑duty members. The technology must be scientifically validated, peer‑reviewed, and legally defensible, and the pilot must protect privacy. The Secretary would decide when to end the pilot.
TRICARE access, billing, and oversight
If enacted, the bill would require TRICARE and the Defense Health Agency to improve how beneficiaries report access problems and how billing and claims are handled. It would require an online complaint system within 18 months and new revenue-cycle improvements and reports starting within 180 days. The bill would also require GAO audits of TRICARE pharmacy contractor data within one year and steps to improve specialty provider directories and provider verification. The package includes a study and possible rulemaking to let certain certified counselors be reimbursed by TRICARE.
Changes to officer pay and promotions
If enacted, the bill would require that promotions, command picks, and school selections be based on merit, fitness, capability, and performance and bar considering sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin except for a narrow foreign‑mission exception that needs combatant commander approval and a 60‑day report. It would expand Air Force retention options to offer preferred duty locations or staff work that does not require relocation. It would extend many temporary pay and bonus authorities through December 31, 2027. It would also create an Air Force pilot letting certain aircrew take a one‑time break (4–12 months) that suspends aviation bonuses during the break and add new Army War College professor grade rules.
Guard technician job protections
If enacted, the bill would bar converting or transferring a filled National Guard dual‑status technician position without the incumbent's written consent. It would also say that if a technician position is converted to Active Guard and Reserve duty, the individual waives entitlement to re-employment into another dual‑status technician job but may seek similar civilian re-employment when available.
New pay and job rules for DoD civilians
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary set pay for prevailing‑rate employees at defense industrial base facilities based on private market pay, local cost of living, and recruitment needs. It would require a single job grading system for positions at those facilities and create pilots to give extra pay or bonuses to up to 250 civilian managers and a Gold Tier certification for selected contracting officers. It would also allow conversion of some National Guard dual‑status technician jobs into civilian or other positions and extend a young civilian leaders pilot through 2031.
New rules for Service Academy students
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary of the Navy discharge midshipmen for unsatisfactory conduct and allow delegation to the Superintendent. It would lengthen expedited transfer decisions at Service Academies from 72 hours to five calendar days. It would bar graduates from going pro in sports until two years after graduation unless each Secretary approves early pro play for up to 10 graduates per year; early pros must join an appropriate reserve and serve and may have to repay education costs if they fail obligations.
Air, missile, and munitions readiness
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to report within 180 days on air and missile defense systems and interceptors in the CENTCOM region and to produce a replenishment and supply strategy. The Secretary must also deliver a named radar system by December 31, 2028 and send an acquisition strategy within 30 days. The Army must report within 180 days on plans to maintain and upgrade global munitions storage and funding needs.
Ban on trading DoD prediction markets
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would issue rules within 180 days that bar covered service members and DoD civilians from trading on prediction markets about military operations, intelligence, acquisitions, funding, and other sensitive topics. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation would be updated to bar contractor personnel and require contractors to report credible violations. The rules must list punishments for breaches.
Base rules for connected vehicles
If enacted, DoD must submit by April 1, 2027 a plan to ban certain connected vehicles at military installations, identify verification methods, and assess effects on people with base access. New bans would need at least 180 days' notice and could not take effect until the Secretary certifies adequate screening resources. The Secretary may grant waivers but must notify Congress within 30 days.
Conditions on Iraq and Syria assistance
If enacted, the bill would add counter‑UAS equipment and training to assistance for Iraq but bar more than 25% of funds until the Secretary certifies Iraq has taken credible steps to stop attacks by Iran‑linked groups and bring militias under control. If certification cannot be made, DoD may send a plan to support Kurdish Peshmerga after five business days. The bill would also bar cooperation with the Government of Syria until the Secretary certifies Syria has removed foreign fighters, stopped attacks, improved monitoring, and taken other specified steps. Authority to assist vetted Syrian groups would extend through December 31, 2027.
Data center and real estate planning
If enacted, DoD would deliver a data center infrastructure strategy and roadmap by January 15, 2028 and designate a senior lead by February 1, 2027. DoD would also run a pilot to build an online real estate inventory tool at selected installations and require its use before new construction or off‑post leases. The studies must assess power capacity, security, and possible impacts on local utility rates.
DoD AI infrastructure and security plans
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to prototype and test secure data centers for AI workloads and to build a department‑wide ecosystem to host and govern agentic AI. The work includes protecting model weights, testing security controls, credentialing developers, keeping an agent registry, and producing roadmaps and briefings to Congress. The bill also requires annual reports on how certain AI chips affect foreign military capabilities for five years.
DoD cyber and device security upgrades
If enacted, the bill would require a DoD‑wide audit of covered cellular modules and recurring reports to Congress on risks and mitigation options. It would also require DoD to standardize security boundary rules, submit annual cyber readiness reports through 2030, and move key cryptography to NIST‑approved post‑quantum algorithms by 2030–2031. These changes include remediation, replacement, and policy deadlines.
Live‑fire trauma training waiver rules
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary of Defense waive a limit on live‑fire trauma training for a unit for one year at a time if the limitation directly harms readiness. The Secretary must notify congressional defense committees within 15 days of issuing or renewing a waiver and certify that no acceptable alternative exists and describe steps to increase civilian combat medic training.
National security procurement waiver
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense could waive certain procurement prohibitions (under specified law) in writing when necessary for national security. The written finding must describe scope, quantity, and time period and generally be sent to congressional defense committees 15 days before a waiver, except urgent needs allow a certification up to 7 days after issuance. The Secretary may delegate waiver authority to senior acquisition executives.
New DoD cyber and AI leadership rules
If enacted, the bill would create a Senate‑confirmed Under Secretary for Cyber, Information, and Networks to run DoD IT and cyber duties starting January 20, 2029. It would require phishing‑resistant logins across DoD within two years and set department‑wide security standards for software agents by December 15, 2027. The bill would also require provenance labeling standards for AI outputs and regular briefings on the GenAI.mil platform and a quantum assessment framework.
Personnel standards, training, and diversity
If enacted, the bill would remove some diversity language and repeal a pronoun policy in DoD personnel rules and change human relations training to include the values 'honor, excellence, courage, and commitment.' If enacted, occupational standards must be applied on a sex-neutral basis when based on validated mission needs. If enacted, service academies and DoD schools would restrict males from participating in women’s athletic programs and require single-sex restrooms and housing options with limited exceptions. If enacted, judge advocates must maintain a law license in good standing. If enacted, the cap on service members detailed as law students would rise to 35 per service and limited waivers of the two-year service minimum are authorized.
Reserve and aeromedical staffing rules
If enacted, converting a dual‑status National Guard technician position to Active Guard and Reserve duty would increase the statutory Active Guard and Reserve end strength and lower the statutory technician minimum by the same amount. The bill would replace numerical caps for officers and senior enlisted on full‑time reserve duty with new tables. It would also require the Army Medical Service Corps to keep a distinct aeromedical evacuation capability and forbid merging it into general aviation without notifying Congress and providing a risk assessment. The aeromedical rule takes effect 180 days after enactment.
Reserve staffing, account, and protections
If enacted, the bill would set FY2027 caps and minimums for many Reserve end strengths and full‑time support positions. It would set minimum dual‑status technician counts and limit temporary technicians to 25% of authorized totals. It would also require reserve network accounts be disabled after 180 days and deleted after 270 days of inactivity.
Spending holds until briefings and reports
If enacted, the bill would block or cap parts of FY2027 DoD spending until officials brief Congress or certify plans. Examples: Economic Defense Unit funds are blocked until briefings and ownership reviews are done; up to 75% of Navy Integrated Combat Systems funds are withheld until an operational prototype is demonstrated; OSD travel is capped at 75% until seven specified reports are sent; software acquisition funds are limited to 95% until a report in 90 days; Alpha‑1 RDT&E funds limited to 85% until a War Data Platform briefing; DFAS IT R&D funds limited to 75% until a DFAS modernization briefing; R&E travel funds have stepped caps tied to required briefings and reports.
Tighter rules on foreign links and contracts
If enacted, the bill would widen the government definition of China‑linked firms to include majority‑owned subsidiaries and affiliates and add many new terms for DoD rulemaking. Starting January 1, 2028, colleges getting DoD research money would generally be barred from contracting with covered foreign entities unless they get a DoD waiver with a full contract and institutional statement. The bill would also ban certain connected vehicles from operating on DoD property in phases (after July 1, 2027 and after January 1, 2029) and require a public list of designated vehicles.
Study of the Military Health System
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to seek a contract with a federally funded research and development center by June 1, 2027, to perform a broad study of the Military Health System and report to Congress by March 1, 2028. The study must analyze combat care, readiness, beneficiary coverage, and options such as keeping TRICARE as-is or creating a marketplace of plans. The study could lead to future policy or statutory changes.
DoD research, cyber training, and centers
If enacted, the bill would create a DoD Research Security Program to protect sensitive basic research and may limit funding for institutions or researchers who violate rules. It would start a cyber‑academia pilot pairing DoD cyber units with colleges, create a Center for the Study of the National Guard at a college, and start a program to expand foreign student participation in Senior ROTC (program ends in 2032).
More competition for DoD contracts
If enacted, the Department of Defense would have to use competitive procedures for contracts to stockpile, manufacture, or onshore pharmaceuticals and related materials, and notify the Armed Services Committees at least 15 days before an award. Contractors who submit cost or pricing data late could not use that late submission as a defense against price reductions. The Secretary must also certify to Congress that leasing a vessel, aircraft, or combat vehicle speeds delivery or is most cost‑efficient before entering the lease.
New missile acquisition and review rules
If enacted, approvals for the Minuteman III sustainment strategy would require a joint determination by three named officials instead of approval by the Under Secretary alone. For PAC‑3 FY2027 funds, not more than 50% may be obligated unless the Secretary certifies that at least 40% of MSE motors in FY2027 come from a secondary supplier. For SM‑6 motors, secondary‑supplier targets rise to 20% in FY2028, 30% in FY2029, and 40% in FY2030. The bill would also repeal a statutory GAO review requirement for missile defense acquisition programs.
Remove certain DoD authorities and reports
If enacted, the bill would repeal several statutory sections and required Defense reports. It would strike two subsections of a 2026 NDAA provision, repeal an enumerated list of required reports in title 10 and prior NDAAs, remove authority that allowed certain cyber O&M development, and repeal statutory space acquisition office authorities. These changes reduce some reporting and statutory duties and permit reorganization of affected programs.
Rules for shipbuilding and cable ships
If enacted, the bill would let DoD build up to two non‑combatant ships per class in an allied foreign shipyard when national security needs justify it. The Secretary must certify and report to Congress at least 30 days before obligating funds and ensure key systems are installed in secure U.S. or allied facilities. The bill would also require using commercial designs and practices for cable‑laying and repair ships when procuring them.
Space launch and acquisition rules
If enacted, the Air Force would review Space Launch staffing and give Congress a plan within 270 days. Authority for some launch support services would move to the Secretary of the Air Force. DoD could hold title to space systems and indirect cost limits for launch activities would extend through 2031. These changes could shift who approves launches and how contractors recover overhead.
Stronger defense supply and tech rules
If enacted, DoD would tighten and expand rules across the defense industrial base. The bill would broaden reporting and definitions for Chinese‑linked companies, require detailed supply‑chain risk findings with legal and inspector general reviews, and ask for a plan to ease unnecessary security rules for AUKUS participants. It would also ban sharing synthetic genetic sequences with foreign entities of concern, expand covered AI company and model definitions, strengthen default government software rights for noncommercial work, and expand covered printed circuit board inputs and UAS component restrictions.
Supply chain reviews for key materials
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to study access to several high‑priority materials, including boron carbide, copper inputs for circuit boards, synthetic diamond, and silicon carbide, and to brief Congress by February 1, 2027. It would also require a 180‑day study of phosphate supply vulnerabilities and a textile industrial base assessment with briefings and a final report by September 30, 2028. These studies could lead to procurement changes or investment actions.
Award waiver for a single veteran
If enacted, the Secretary of the Army could award the Distinguished‑Service Cross to Joseph P. Lynch for valor on April 17, 1968, even though statutory time limits would otherwise block the award. This authorization applies only to that named individual.
Declassify POW and MIA records
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to declassify or make available for family review records about POWs and MIAs from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam within three years. Records that name a person could not be declassified without written consent from the person or an appropriate family member, with limited exceptions.
DoD ban on workplace hate symbols
If enacted, DoD would have to issue a Department‑wide policy within 180 days banning the display, possession for display, or use of hate symbols at work or in connection with official duties. Military departments and agencies would update their rules, set procedures for review and removal, and provide training. Each department and agency must certify compliance within 180 days.
More shipping and travel for service members
If enacted, military departments could allow a service member to ship or store more than one privately owned vehicle during a move, subject to funding and mission needs. If enacted, eligible personnel stationed at Guantanamo Bay could buy transportation at commercially competitive rates and get priority like other official travelers, with money collected returned to the contracting agency's appropriation.
Notice before large DoD layoffs
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to notify congressional defense committees in writing at least 45 days before approving any change to the DoD civilian workforce that will cut 50 or more full‑time civilian jobs at a facility. The notice must describe mission impact, implementation costs, and the time and cost to restore lost capability.
Protect Afghan residents at base
If enacted, DoD funds could not be used to transfer someone at Camp As Sayliyah who is an Afghan national or last lived in Afghanistan to Afghanistan, a third country that could send them to Afghanistan, or any place that would break the law. The Secretary can waive that ban for individuals with disqualifying derogatory information but must notify Congress 30 days before using the waiver.
Protecting service member privacy rights
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would issue guidance by March 1, 2027 on when the military can publicly release personally identifiable information in official announcements. The guidance would set review and approval steps and special protections for members in sensitive units. The bill would also require that victims or requesting individuals be notified when military protective orders involving domestic abuse or sexual assault are issued or ended.
Ratify specific land patent
If enacted, the bill would confirm and ratify the Secretary of the Interior's prior approval and issuance of land patent No. 11-2021-0002, despite other law. This would validate the earlier land patent action for the named patent holder.
More caregivers at military child care
If enacted, the Defense Department would be able to place national service volunteers and senior volunteers into military child development centers. Placed individuals would need training in education services and must meet the centers' hiring requirements under the national service law. This could modestly increase caregiver supply at military child care centers and help military families find care.
More childcare funding for military
If enacted, funding for military Child and Youth Programs would increase for FY2027. The Army would get about $12.7 million more. The Navy would get about $9.9 million more. The Marine Corps would get about $3.2 million more. These amounts are shown in the Operation and Maintenance tables and are expressed in thousands of dollars.
Stronger chaperone and misconduct rules
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to adopt a Department-wide chaperone policy for sensitive exams and to check Defense Health Agency facilities for compliance. The Director must report findings and resource needs to Congress within set 60- and 180-day timelines. The bill would also require DoD to notify State medical licensing boards within 30 days when certain investigations or charges against DoD medical staff begin.
Cyber and Space personnel rules
If enacted, the bill would centralize a transfer authority for cyber positions to apply Department-wide, cut the probationary period for U.S. Cyber Command civilian staff from three years to two years, and raise a specified Space Force appointment ceiling from 25 to 50. These changes would take effect upon enactment.
Limited FY2027 cyber reserve funding
If enacted, up to $5,000,000 could be used in FY2027 by U.S. Cyber Command for cyberspace operations that use specialized reserve component members. The Commander must notify Congress whenever spending under this authority exceeds each $500,000 increment and must submit a final report by December 31, 2027. The authority does not change required personnel or training procedures under titles 10 and 32.
Stronger military whistleblower protections
If enacted, the bill would add retaliatory security‑clearance reviews and forced psychiatric or psychological exams to the list of banned retaliatory actions. It would also state that nondisclosure agreements cannot limit or reduce whistleblower rights and protections under the statute.
Allow Colonie readiness center construction
If enacted, the Secretary of the Army could build the previously authorized readiness center at Colonie, New York instead of Albany under the existing authorization. The change updates the authorized construction site and helps local planning and contracting.
Annual spectrum briefings to Congress
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to brief congressional defense committees each March 31 starting with the first March 31 after enactment and continuing through 2031. Briefings must explain who is on U.S. delegations to the World Radio Conference, how DoD systems were tested against proposed spectrum changes, and any cost or readiness effects.
Certify Guam missile control readiness
If enacted, the bill would bar declaring the Guam Missile Defense command and control facility operational until the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment certifies a continuity plan with backup facilities exists. The Under Secretary and the Indo‑Pacific commander must brief congressional defense committees about that plan within 45 days of the certification.
Chaplains must keep visible rank
If enacted, the bill would stop the Defense Department from changing rules that require chaplains to display visible officer rank on uniforms unless Congress expressly authorizes a change. Funds in this bill could not be used to remove or obscure chaplains' visible rank.
DoD IT and cyber planning updates
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to speed approval timelines for cross-domain solutions and report a plan by December 15, 2027, and brief on implementation in March 2028. It would also require an annual high-performance computing roadmap covering data centers and local impacts, and yearly reporting on how military departments support cyber operations starting March 1, 2027.
DoD legal capacity and regional training
If enacted, DoD could fund work to help partner governments build legal and institutional capacity using Defense Security Cooperation Agency and other security cooperation funds if appropriated. If enacted, Department of Defense regional centers for security studies could add operational simulation and analysis to their courses.
Extended deadlines and pilot authorities
If enacted, the bill would extend several DoD deadlines and pilot program end dates. It would lengthen temporary early discharge authority through October 1, 2030, extend the Defense Operational Resilience pilot to 2032, push some report deadlines out to 2032, and extend authorities for coalition reimbursements, Bien Hoa transfers, and a southeast Asia cyber pilot through the dates listed. These changes keep program authority in place longer but do not by themselves change funding levels.
Extra time for military construction projects
If enacted, the bill would extend or modify several military construction authorizations and projects so they can move forward. It would keep Fort Gillem, listed National Guard and Reserve projects, and certain FY2024 Navy authorizations in effect through at least October 1, 2027. The bill would also allow specific changes at Barking Sands, Quantico, Grafenwoehr, and Joint Region Marianas to alter project scope or site details. The changes do not add new funding amounts but preserve or adapt existing authorizations.
Faster notice for sensitive operations
If enacted, the bill would require the Defense Secretary to send a written notification to congressional defense committees within 48 hours after any sensitive military operation. The notice must include time, legal authority, target and location details, assessments of civilian presence and harm, and other relevant items. It would also cover lethal or capture operations by foreign partners when U.S. forces advise, assist, or accompany them.
FY2027 military end strengths set
If enacted, the bill would set active-duty personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2027. Authorized end strengths would be: Army 469,000; Navy 356,600; Marine Corps 173,700; Air Force 330,400; Space Force 13,200. These numbers guide recruiting and hiring for each service.
GAO study of PFAS cleanup
If enacted, the Comptroller General would study DoD cleanup and acquisition processes for PFAS remediation, review remediation technologies, and identify gaps and risks. GAO must brief congressional defense committees within one year and deliver a report afterward.
Improve base security and readiness
If enacted, the bill would require specific steps to keep bases and systems ready. The Air Force must inventory LGM‑30G unique maintenance equipment within 180 days and add listed items to the weapon system for regular upkeep. The Army must submit a plan by September 1, 2027 to add small drones to installation security with demo sites and full cost estimates. The Army must also place sufficient helicopters and crews on Kwajalein Atoll within 90 days and provide a 5‑, 10‑, and 15‑year sustainment plan within 180 days.
Include Guard in Army Arctic plan
If enacted, the Army would have to fully include the National Guard in its Arctic strategy. The Army would designate Guard units as Arctic-capable or Arctic-focused, create a modernization roadmap for cold‑weather gear, expand Guard participation in Arctic exercises, and report to Congress by June 30, 2027.
Installation plans must include emergency
If enacted, military installation master plans would have to include emergency management, energy and water resilience, and be consistent with natural resource plans and other resilience projects. If enacted, planners must include risk reduction and resilience when they plan.
Keep Civil‑Military Coordination Center
If enacted, the bill would allow DoD to continue operating the Civil‑Military Coordination Center through December 31, 2027. The Secretary must submit a plan by March 1, 2027 and send reports every 180 days with operational and humanitarian metrics. The center would coordinate humanitarian assistance and civil‑military work.
Keep Guantanamo funding limits
If enacted, the bill would extend current limits on Defense funding related to detainees at Guantanamo Bay through December 31, 2027. It would continue bans on using funds to transfer detainees to the United States or certain foreign countries, to build or modify U.S. facilities to house transferred detainees, or to close or relinquish control of Guantanamo Bay.
Keep Navy research vessels active
If enacted, funds authorized by this Act for fiscal year 2027 could not be used to retire, decommission, prepare to retire, or place in storage any Navy oceanographic research vessel, including the Kilo Moana. This keeps those vessels available for at least FY2027.
Limit punishment for retirees' speech
If enacted, certain retired or covered members would not be subject to disciplinary rules in that chapter for political speech, statements about officials, or statements of law, except when those members are covered under other paragraphs or are wearing a military uniform.
More DoD reporting and oversight
If enacted, several new or expanded reporting duties would apply to Defense offices. The low‑altitude airspace Task Force must list related interagency programs and funding and align priorities with capability development. The Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy must brief Congress quarterly on cyber operations and campaign plans. The Department must notify EPA, states, local authorities, advisory boards, and Congress about PFAS remediation dashboard updates at least every six months. Army, Navy, and Air Force Secretaries must send the full, unredacted award package to Armed Services Committees before waiving award time limits.
More oversight for DoD actions
If enacted, the bill would increase DoD transparency and reporting. The Secretary must issue written rules on ad hoc declassification within 180 days and require rapid documentation and reporting of such decisions. The Department must report annually on the military legal system through 2031. The Secretary must notify Congress within 5 days when certain senior officers leave early and provide a detailed report in 30 days. Verbal Requests for Assistance must be documented and sent to Congress within 7 days. The Comptroller General must review anomalous health incidents and Stars and Stripes must keep editorial independence.
Protect E‑3 fleet and E‑7 program
If enacted, the bill would bar the Air Force from retiring or storing E‑3 aircraft if that would cut the inventory below 16 aircraft, unless enough E‑7 Wedgetail aircraft are procured and delivered to meet mission needs. It would also bar pausing or canceling the E‑7 program.
Protect WWII Navy aircraft from scrapping
If enacted, the Department of Defense could not destroy, dismantle, or permanently disable any Navy aircraft made before December 31, 1945 that it controls. Those aircraft must be retained, transferred to eligible museums, or deaccessioned under a Secretary‑approved plan. A waiver is allowed only if an aircraft is beyond practical restoration, no eligible entity expresses interest after one year, and Congress is notified with a 30‑day wait.
Quarterly anomalous health reporting
If enacted, the bill would require a staffed Anomalous Health Incidents team and quarterly reports to Congress starting within 90 days of enactment and continuing every 90 days until March 1, 2030. Reports must list incidents, dates, locations, actions taken, staffing updates, and funding status by fiscal year.
Require US markings on armed platforms
If enacted, the Defense Department could not use a manned platform with offensive lethal weapons to conduct an attack unless the platform bears markings that show U.S. affiliation and distinguish it from civilian people or equipment. The rule does not prohibit use of manned platforms that have weapons only for defense.
Retroactive postseparation service rule fix
If enacted, the amendment clarifies applicability of a postseparation public and community service program and would take effect as if included in the John S. McCain NDAA for Fiscal Year 2019. If enacted, this clarifies who the postseparation rules apply to.
Review confinement severity on appeal
If enacted, the bill would require military appeals courts to consider whether the confinement portion of a sentence is inappropriately severe. The court could not find the confinement too severe if it is at or below a Presidential sentencing parameter set under the specified authority.
Small statutory correction to prior law
If enacted, the bill would change a numeral in a prior National Defense Authorization Act provision from '3' to '4'. This technical amendment extends the numeric parameter specified in that earlier provision.
Small‑cost missile fix allowed
If enacted, the bill would allow a modification to a nuclear missile if the cost is less than $500,000 in 2027 base‑year dollars. That means small, low‑cost maintenance or fixes would not be blocked by the existing prohibition on modifying items scheduled for retirement.
Study on military intimate-image offense
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense, with the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice, to study changing the intimate-image offense so it no longer must be tied to the military mission. The Secretary must report findings and recommendations to the Armed Services Committees by December 31, 2027.
Task force for Indo-Pacific medical readiness
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to create a task force within 60 days to negotiate international agreements for Indo‑Pacific medical readiness. A senior lead must be named within 30 days. The task force must identify priority foreign partners and report interim progress within 90 days with a plan to overcome barriers by March 2027.
Coast Guard added to infrastructure pilot
If enacted, the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program would include Coast Guard installations. The Secretary of Defense would have to consult the Commandant of the Coast Guard when considering grants or other funding that supports a Coast Guard site. Nearby communities could become eligible for project funding under the pilot.
Ban on betting about military operations
If enacted, the bill would make it illegal to place, accept, or facilitate wagers about U.S. military operations. The law would also bar listing or clearing related contracts and let the Attorney General seek injunctions. The ban would take effect 30 days after enactment.
Study how AI affects warfighter skills
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to study how DoD use of artificial intelligence affects maintenance and retention of essential warfighter skills, starting by August 1, 2027. The assessment must identify jobs at risk, measures of skill loss, training fixes, and report to Congress within one year and again at three years.
Bigger Indo‑Pacific project cap
If enacted, the bill would raise the authorization limit for Indo‑Pacific unspecified military construction projects from $30,000,000 to $35,000,000. The change takes effect upon enactment and allows project authorizations up to $35 million.
Consider recycling in stockpile plans
If enacted, Strategic and Critical Materials Stockpile planning would have to consider how expanded commercial processing, recovery, and recycling (including e‑waste) could meet defense needs. Agencies would assess domestic e‑waste quantities and the ability to use them for strategic materials.
Contracting with conveyed utility owners
If enacted, DoD could contract with a conveyee who bought a utility system that serves only a military installation to carry out specified construction projects (like microgrids and battery storage) at named bases such as Travis AFB, Eglin AFB, Fort Bragg, and F.E. Warren AFB. The authority applies only when the conveyed utility serves the installation exclusively.
ICBM parts procurement authority
If enacted, beginning in fiscal year 2027 the Air Force could enter contracts to buy specified ICBM arming and fuzing assemblies, nuclear‑certified tractors and trailers, arm/disarm switch replacements, and test support systems. Contracts may include advance and bulk purchases. Any payment obligations are subject to available appropriations and government termination liability is limited to funds obligated at termination.
JADC2 test facility funding
If enacted, the Air Force would be allowed to build a 6,934 square meter Joint All‑Domain Command and Control and Air Battle Management Systems test facility at Eglin Air Force Base at a cost of $87.8 million. The funds would come from research, development, test, and evaluation accounts.
US‑Germany co‑development talks
If enacted, the Defense and State Departments would seek engagement with Germany by March 1, 2027 on a joint program to enable co‑development and co‑production of air defense and air‑to‑air munitions. The agencies could use U.S. procurement authorities and existing MOUs and must brief Congress within 180 days and annually through 2030. This may open co‑production work for defense firms.
Two-year lobbying ban for senior DoD
If enacted, certain former senior DoD officers (active duty O-9 or higher and equivalent civilians) could not, for two years after leaving, knowingly try to influence or appear before their old department on behalf of others. If enacted, the restriction applies to activities on or after the date of enactment and follows the relevant federal post‑employment rules.
Prediction market trading limits for DoD
If enacted, covered DoD-affiliated individuals could not use material nonpublic information from their position to profit in prediction markets. If enacted, trades over $250 must be reported within 30 days after notification and a supplemental report filed within 30 days after contract close. If enacted, the Secretary must set penalties for violations within 45 days of enactment.
BOND program briefings and funding hold
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to brief Congress on the BOND program by January 31, 2027 and every 90 days until January 31, 2029. No OSD funds for the BOND program could be obligated or spent until the first briefing occurs. Briefings must cover participants, placements, costs, and conflict‑of‑interest protections.
New contractor price-rise reporting
If enacted, offerors on certain cost‑plus, no‑competition contracts would have to tell the contracting officer within 30 days when a unit price rises 25% above the contract bid price or prior year's price, or 50% above the price five years earlier. The Defense Contract Audit Agency or service acquisition executive would put contractors who fail to report, and audit findings, into the federal contractor performance database.
Holds on DoD travel and program funds
If enacted, the bill would block parts of many FY2027 Defense travel and program accounts until required reports, briefings, or certifications are sent to Congress. It would set specific caps such as 85%, 75%, 60%, 90%, or 25% on certain travel or program funds for different offices until the listed conditions are met. The holds cover Air Force, Army, Navy, TRMC instrumentation programs, the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group, and some Defense-wide travel funds. The DoD comptroller must report on travel fund status every 30 days when holds apply.
Limit on some research collaborations
If enacted, the bill would extend an existing limitation on the availability of funds for certain fundamental research collaborations with some academic institutions through fiscal year 2027. That keeps the current restriction in place for an additional year.
Limit industrial fund equity deals
If enacted, the bill would amend the Industrial Base Fund rules to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from using that authority to make equity investments. The bill designates a different statutory section as the sole authority for equity investments under title 10. This narrows how the Department could provide equity to defense‑related firms.
Changes to military appeals and review
If enacted, victims could petition the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces to review a Court of Criminal Appeals decision on good cause, and must file within 21 days of notification. If enacted, reviewing courts must state whether they had jurisdiction and whether charges and sentences were lawful when a direct appeal is waived. If enacted, appellate review timing rules are clarified. If enacted, special trial counsel could make pretrial agreements for offenses before 2019 under presidential rules. If enacted, the Defense Secretary must tell Congress within 30 days when an officer's promotion is delayed and explain why. If enacted, UCMJ jurisdiction would be expanded to certain inactive‑duty training periods.
Collecting recruit contact and data
If enacted, the military could collect 'Prospective Recruit Information' from people age 17 and older with consent to improve recruiting outreach. The data may include contact details, device IDs, IP addresses, and fitness activity. Collected data may be kept up to 3 years and the authority would expire on December 31, 2031. Parents must consent for 17‑year‑olds.
Commissaries could fund building repairs
If enacted, Defense Commissary Agency operating funds could be used to build, repair, or improve commissary physical infrastructure. If enacted, any construction paid this way would have to follow the military construction rules in 10 U.S.C. 2805.
Commissary access pilot for civilians
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary run a pilot allowing full‑time DoD civilian and nonappropriated fund employees near selected bases to shop at up to 16 commissary stores. The Secretary may charge fees or surcharges to cover costs. The pilot must end by January 1, 2028 and a report is due within 180 days of termination.
Combat boot quality rules
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to issue rules within two years requiring that optional combat boots sold at military exchanges be certified by each service's combat boot quality assurance program. The Secretary may give a service one 90‑day waiver to implement its program. This aims to ensure durability and consistent standards for boots sold at exchanges.
Housing safety rules and counseling
If enacted, the law would clarify that window fall prevention rules for military family housing do not require devices that only control window opening. The Secretaries could hire HUD‑certified organizations and other counselors to provide housing counseling to service members. Counseling would be expanded to include mortgages, leases, fees, and other housing financial products. These changes loosen one device requirement but expand counseling services.
Changes to military education and training
If enacted, the bill would block cuts to foreign-language and regional training in FY2027 until language readiness is certified and would require DoD to update JROTC guidance by January 1, 2027 and evaluate instructor pay effects. It would remove an automatic reexamination right for service academy cadets starting the next academic year and require a 90-day notice plus protections for scholarship students before reorganizing SROTC units.
Hiring changes for defense workers
If enacted, the bill would ban new hires, rehires, and reemployment as National Guard dual‑status military technicians from October 1, 2028 through October 1, 2038. The bill would also allow up to 40 DARPA positions to be concurrently occupied by two people for up to 90 days to ease personnel transitions.
DoD procurement rules for small vendors
If enacted, the VA would not need to provide a certificate of compliance when it buys property or services for DoD planning, design, or construction projects. One year after enactment, DoD purchases made in the U.S. could only buy cut flowers and greens grown in qualifying U.S. areas. The bill also changes Navy procurement language for certain vessel construction and clarifies the definition of unmanned aircraft systems for task forces.
Armed Forces Retirement Home council changes
If enacted, the advisory council rules for the Armed Forces Retirement Home would change. If enacted, the council would name a Chief Operating Officer instead of the Secretary of Defense, change member voting rules, make some officials nonvoting, remove certain membership paragraphs, and make the council not subject to two open‑government laws.
Ban DoD support for PRC‑censored media
If enacted, the bill would bar use of funds in this Act to knowingly give active, direct support to films, TV shows, or entertainment that the Secretary of Defense has evidence were censored at the direction of the Government of the People's Republic of China. The Secretary may waive this ban only by certifying in writing to Congress that the waiver is in the national interest.
Change OSD staff cap counting
If enacted, the law would stop counting certain Direct Support Activities and Washington Headquarters Services when applying an OSD personnel cap. The textual change removes that parenthetical from the cited personnel limitation.
Defense university works public domain
If enacted, works created by or for the Defense Security Cooperation University would be treated as United States Government works. Those works would not be eligible for copyright protection and would be placed in the public domain.
Delay Navy launch complex move
If enacted, the Secretary of the Air Force could not require the Navy to move from Space Launch Complex 46 to Space Launch Complex 51 until the conditions in the April 2, 2026 Memorandum of Agreement between the relevant program offices are satisfied. The prohibition delays any forced transition until those MOA conditions are met.
Keep APS‑2 equipment in Europe
If enacted, the bill would prohibit use of funds in this Act to move Army Prepositioned Stock‑2 (APS‑2) equipment, as assigned on March 1, 2026, out of the European area for maintenance or divestment. The rule applies only to APS‑2 equipment assigned on that date.
Longer overhaul planning for carriers
If enacted, the planning horizon for refueling and complex overhauls of the USS John C. Stennis and USS Harry S. Truman would extend from six years to eight years. The change affects Navy maintenance schedules and long‑term planning.
Munitions naming and production review
If enacted, the bill would require the Army to decide within 60 days whether additive manufacturing for rocket propellant should become a formal program of record and brief Congress by April 15, 2027. It would also require service chiefs to assign plain English names to critical munitions within 60 days and fully adopt those names in logistics, labeling, and training within one year, with reports on implementation costs.
Promotions, medals, and hazing reviews
If enacted, the Defense Secretary could temporarily withhold forwarding an officer's promotion or nomination for up to 30 days and must notify Congress for holds longer than 30 days. Service secretaries must follow independent board steps for Medal of Honor recommendations and upgrades would be allowed only for new material evidence or demonstrated error. The Secretary must also study whether hazing should be added or changed in military criminal law and submit recommendations within 270 days.
Repeals of two prior DoD authorities
If enacted, the bill would repeal the statutory requirement for the Government Accountability Office to review missile defense acquisition programs. It would also repeal a previously enacted joint medical authority from the FY2019 NDAA. Both repeals remove specific statutory oversight or authority.
Restrict Navy ship name changes
If enacted, the Secretary of the Navy could not change an officially announced ship name except in rare cases. The Secretary must be Senate‑confirmed, find a compelling reason, and submit a detailed justification report to the Armed Services Committees at least 30 days before the change.
Subpoena authority for electronic evidence
If enacted, the bill would add explicit subpoena authority to certain military investigative statutes so investigators can obtain electronic and wire communications in pre‑referral and related investigations. The change expands tools for military investigators while raising privacy and process considerations for people who are investigated.
Withdraw BLM land in New Mexico
If enacted, about 4,288 acres of BLM land in Placitas, New Mexico would be withdrawn from mining, mineral leasing, and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. Any conveyance of the surface estate would have to reserve mineral rights to the United States.
Administration changes to military health
If enacted, the bill would give TRICARE managed care contractors one year for start‑up/transition instead of nine months. It would require exchanged health professionals to meet the licensure requirements that apply under current law. It would also centralize authority for the Defense Health Program under the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
Indiana land swap and covenant change
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense could release a covenant that requires about 80 acres of prior park land to remain recreational only if the State conveys that 80 acres to the Reuse Authority and the Authority conveys about 100 acres of former industrial land to the State. The 100 acres given to the State would be restricted by covenant for recreational use. This swaps local land uses and changes which parcels must remain recreational.
New DoD procurement and construction rules
If enacted, DoD would be barred from buying televisions from manufacturers the Secretary finds are covered Chinese entities for contracts entered into after enactment. If enacted, DoD restorations could not enlarge a building's outer size beyond its pre-existing dimensions, with narrow safety exceptions and a five percent cap for primarily horizontal facilities. If enacted, Supervisors of Shipbuilding would be the on-site oversight and would report to portfolio acquisition executives or the Milestone Decision Authority. If enacted, the Secretary could buy sustainable aviation fuel even when it costs more than conventional jet fuel. If enacted, DoD could use 'transactions other than contracts and grants' for facility construction notwithstanding certain chapter rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
MS • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
senate vote • 7/14/2026
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed S. 4784
Yes: 50 • No: 46