An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Senator Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
In Committee
Summary
Authorizes FY2027 defense spending and a broad package of DoD reforms focused on procurement, personnel, research, and industrial‑base resilience. The bill funds weapons and facilities, sets force and inventory targets, and creates new offices and reporting rules across the Department of Defense.
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- Families and military households: Expands childcare and education support, creates a Military Spouse Fellowship to reach at least 500 full‑time equivalents by April 1, 2028, and authorizes $50 million for local education agencies with $10 million and $20 million earmarks for high‑need military children.
- Service members and health care: Raises some special pays and bonuses and tightens TRICARE access and quality rules with a digital complaint system due in 18 months and improved provider directory requirements to monitor timely care.
- Industry, procurement, and supply chain: Clears multiyear buys for fighters, munitions, and ships, strengthens domestic sourcing and supply‑chain risk rules, restricts certain Chinese telecom inputs, and limits Office of Strategic Capital equity investments to an aggregate $500 million.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
197 provisions identified: 128 benefits, 17 costs, 52 mixed.
Higher military pay and bonuses
If enacted, the bill would raise several pay and bonus rules for service members. Monthly basic pay would increase 3.6 percent on January 1, 2027. The maximum SR‑ROTC signing bonus would rise from $5,000 to $15,000, and the maximum aviation bonus would go from $50,000 to $60,000. The bill would also raise hostile fire pay (to $600) and imminent danger pay (to $400) and increase FY2027 authorization pools for many service incentive and special pays and for child, youth, and tuition assistance funds. Most of the added pay authorizations would take effect in FY2027 and are subject to appropriations.
Review and fix PTSD/TBI/MST discharges
If enacted, the bill would let review boards upgrade or correct discharges or dismissals based on PTSD, TBI, or military sexual trauma. Boards could change the characterization, narrative reason for separation, separation code, and re‑enlistment code and must use current DoD disability evidentiary standards if the claimant seeks retirement or separation under chapter 61. These changes would improve access to benefits and records for affected former service members.
Bigger APEX awards for small businesses
If enacted, the bill would raise statutory award caps for the APEX accelerator. Two award limits would go to $2,000,000 and one would go to $1,000,000, increasing the maximum grant sizes available to eligible small businesses upon enactment.
Big military construction and housing
If enacted, the bill would authorize large military construction, real property, and family housing projects for fiscal years starting after Sept. 30, 2026. Examples include Army family housing projects such as a $95.06 million South Camp Vilseck project, Air Force projects like $2.05 billion at Redstone Arsenal, and Navy projects including about $14.76 billion for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. These are authorizations; Congress must still appropriate the money.
Funding for allies and security partners
If enacted, the bill would authorize several international and partner programs. It would permit up to $150 million in FY2027 Defense funds for Israel's Arrow 3 co‑production in the U.S., with a one‑for‑one match and at least 50% U.S. co‑production. It would allow contributions to NATO Security Investment up to about $654.27 million plus reimbursements. It would also authorize $221.33 million for Cooperative Threat Reduction and create an Americas Defense Initiative to help regional partners.
Human oversight for autonomous weapons
If enacted, the Defense Department would have to issue rules in 180 days to keep human command in use‑of‑force decisions. Autonomous and AI‑enabled weapons would need design, training, testing, legal review, and operator controls so humans can detect and stop bad behavior. The bill would also require a demonstration and direct dissemination of some targeting intelligence within 120 days and verification checks that last three years.
Limits on AI and lethal autonomy
If enacted, the bill would prohibit DoD use of autonomy or AI for certain high‑risk tasks. DoD would be barred from using AI to decide to launch nuclear weapons. DoD would also be barred from using AI to profile or target people believed to be in the United States and from letting an autonomous weapon employ lethal force without proper human judgment.
No Korea troop cuts without certification
If enacted, the Department of Defense would be barred from cutting U.S. troop levels in South Korea below 28,500 or completing the wartime control (OPCON) transfer to Korea until 60 days after the Secretary of Defense submits a written certification and a detailed assessment to Congress. The certification must say the action is in the U.S. national security interest and follow consultations with senior commanders, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence. The assessment must analyze security, contingency plans, relocation costs, training and interoperability, and include independent risk assessments.
Stronger homeland and aviation oversight
If enacted, the bill would require new DoD oversight and reporting on homeland and aviation safety. DoD would set up or name an office to identify and rank critical defense sites and deliver a report with costs and a path forward. The Secretary must act on NTSB aviation recommendations within a year and send quarterly status reports through 2030. DoD would also provide quarterly classified homeland defense briefings for five years and establish certain regional command responsibilities.
More funding for military health
If enacted, the bill would add substantial FY2027 funding for Defense health. It would add about $1.0 billion for military treatment facility operations, $350 million for facilities restoration and modernization, $280 million for consolidated health support, and $100 million for private sector care network adequacy. The bill would also add funds for medical education ($40 million) and for biological stress research ($10 million). These are FY2027 authorizations and would take effect only if Congress appropriates the money.
Military construction and partner projects
If enacted, the bill would authorize many specific military construction projects inside and outside the U.S. and accept certain host‑nation funded projects. It would also authorize $384.56 million for Palau port improvements for FY2027. The Secretary must consider modular construction for protective projects and report within 180 days. Specific project amounts and locations are listed in the bill.
Defense lab facility investment fund
If enacted, the bill would create a Defense Laboratory Facility Investment Program. It would authorize $250 million per year to modernize covered defense laboratories, with amounts available to obligate for three years. Initial guidance is due within 180 days and the first projects may be proposed for FY2029.
Phase out National Guard technician jobs
If enacted, the bill would phase out National Guard military technician (dual status) positions and freeze new hires. No new technician hires under the cited authority would be allowed after October 1, 2028. The statutory authority would end on October 1, 2038 (with limited disaster-response exceptions), and DoD funds generally could not be used to pay technicians after October 1, 2048. Conversions of positions to civilian or other categories are allowed but transfers of non‑vacant jobs require incumbent written consent.
Expiration of many MILCON authorizations
If enacted, the bill would make most military construction authorizations in Titles XXI through XXVII expire on the later of October 1, 2029 or when Congress enacts FY2030 MILCON authorization. Authorizations with already‑obligated appropriated funds would be preserved. The expiration would take effect on enactment.
FY2027 Military Pay and Personnel Rules
If enacted, the bill would authorize military personnel appropriations for FY2027 (listed in the bill) to support pay and allowances, subject to appropriation. The bill would require personnel actions—promotions, command selections, and schooling—to be based on merit only, with a narrow exception for some unconventional foreign missions that must be approved and reported. The Defense Secretary could temporarily withhold processing of an officer nomination for up to 30 days, with rules and required notice to Armed Services Committees if extended.
Air Force construction and repair limits
If enacted, the bill would extend multiple Air Force military construction authorizations to remain in effect until October 1, 2027 or until FY2028 construction authorization is passed. Examples include multi‑million dollar projects listed in the bill. The bill would also bar using repair funds to expand a facility's external dimensions, with small exceptions and a 5% cap for primarily horizontal sites.
Limits on major force posture changes
If enacted, the bill would bar large posture changes in Europe until independent certifications and assessments are submitted. It would block reductions below 76,000 personnel for more than 45 days and moving equipment over $500,000 without reports. The bill would require at least 180 MQ‑9 aircraft on and after Oct 1, 2028 and protect MQ‑9 inventory until Sept 30, 2031. It would also rename and expand the Taiwan initiative and impose annual nuclear stockpile reporting by March 1.
Rename Department of Defense to Department of War
If enacted, the bill would replace references to the Department of Defense and Secretary of Defense with Department of War and Secretary of War across Titles 10, 32, and 37, with specified exceptions. Many conforming edits in law and regulations would follow.
DoD audits, transfers, and write‑offs
If enacted, the bill would set exact opening account balances for certain DoD working capital funds to be used in audits. It would let the Secretary transfer up to $6 billion among FY2027 DoD authorizations (with limits) and allow DoD to write off internal accounting charges at depots that no longer generate revenue, so long as prior revolving fund outlays are recovered.
Changes to military construction projects
If enacted, many prior Army and Navy military construction authorizations would remain available until October 1, 2027, or until FY2028 authorization is enacted. The bill lists named Navy and Army projects and keeps large project authorities in place. At the same time, it lowers authorized amounts for some projects (for example, a San Antonio barracks authorization is cut from about $303 million to $103 million and the NAS Lemoore Strike Fighter Center from $155.9 million to $25.9 million). The bill also raises the minor MILCON threshold to $20 million and allows laboratory projects up to $15 million for five years.
DoD audit and investment rules
If enacted, the bill would provide $250 million from Operation and Maintenance and $250 million from RDT&E for FY2027 to fund automation and AI for DoD audit remediation and systems modernization. The bill would also require the Office that signs investment term sheets to brief Congress within five days and then wait 15 or 30 business days (depending on size) before final agreements. The Office must also complete foreign‑ownership reviews before obligating equity funds.
Expanded multiyear procurement authorities
If enacted, the bill would authorize many multiyear and block‑buy contracts beginning in FY2027 for aircraft, vehicles, munitions, and other items. It would direct a low‑cost weapons portfolio aiming for production by FY2030. The bill would require procurement transparency in the DoD budget and set supplier‑sourcing targets for some missiles. Agencies could use advance procurement and economic order quantity buys, subject to appropriations.
New rules for AI contractors and data
If enacted, DoD would issue rules within 180 days for large AI contractors (thresholds at $100 million in DoD AI contracts and related $1 billion R&D tests). Covered contractors would give personnel, insider‑threat, access, supply‑chain, and incident reports, certify accuracy every 90 days, and notify DoD within 72 hours of acute incidents. Separately, contractors using AI would need to submit a machine‑readable AI bill of materials before award and keep it updateable within 48 hours. DFARS would be revised to protect government data and limit vendor use of that data.
Stronger AI security for DoD buys
If enacted, the Defense Department would make multiple new rules for AI used or bought by DoD. Within 180 days, DoD would require secure storage and protections for AI bills of materials and extend software bill‑of‑materials rules to AI software. DoD would also require contractor testing results, biosecurity assurances, and new reporting and machine‑readable cybersecurity data rules. These changes would raise security but also add compliance and documentation costs for vendors.
Service Member Privacy and Workplace Rules
If enacted, the Defense Secretary would update guidance by March 1, 2027 to limit public release of service members' personally identifiable information in announcements. The bill would ban display or use of "hate symbols" at work and require departments to update rules and training within 180 days. Counselors at installations would be trained and designated as foster care liaisons, and Military OneSource must provide state-specific foster care information.
Expanded commissary and exchange access
If enacted, the bill would add many new categories of people who could use military commissary and exchange stores. New eligible groups include members in any duty status, certain civilians and contractors serving overseas, retirees and dependents, and specific other employees named in the statute. The Secretary of Defense could charge a fee or surcharge for some categories, and access would be blocked where treaties or international agreements forbid it.
DoD‑VA reciprocal care pilot
If enacted, the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs would run a pilot at 5–10 sites to let DoD and VA share facilities, staff, scheduling, and records to improve access and continuity of care. The pilot must start within a year, prioritize transition needs and underserved areas, and would last five years after the first site opens. Participation by veterans would be voluntary.
Easier medical records and wellness checks
If enacted, the Defense Department would build a digital prototype so separating active duty members can collect and share their DoD medical records. The prototype must be interoperable with the DoD electronic health record and ready within 180 days, with an RFP in 60 days, a contract award in 120 days if offers exist, and a pilot of at least 180 days. No new money is authorized; work must use Joint Incentive Fund amounts. The bill would also require wellness checks when a member is off duty for 24 hours or more, escalating from phone to in-person and using DoD missing-person procedures if needed.
Health data, exposure tracking, and trauma ties
If enacted, the Defense Health Agency would build a pilot health IT platform in the Indo‑Pacific, create a Joint Disease and Non‑Battle Injury surveillance system, and require service records to carry markers for members who served at covered locations with exposure risks. The systems must protect privacy, integrate with electronic health records, and support better screening and transmission of exposure information to the VA. Plans and reports are due on specified timelines.
Medical facility safety and patient protections
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to notify Congress within 30 days after a material patient‑care failure at key military hospital units and provide detailed information about the failure and repair costs. The Defense Health Agency must review chaperone policy compliance, notify state licensing boards about covered misconduct events within 30 days, brief Congress on Air Force primary care provider shortfalls and plans within 180 days, require cancer screening for DoD firefighters, and set a policy to notify commanders when a member is at imminent risk of suicide.
Military Health Transport and Testing
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to create by September 30, 2027 a program for safe long-range air transport of people known or suspected to have high-consequence infectious diseases. The program would set training, certification, medical care, and equipment standards and work with civilian partners. The bill would also run a pilot at up to five bases covering 40,000–50,000 active-duty members to test scientifically validated voice-based screening for targeted drug testing, with privacy protections.
Protect military health access and care
If enacted, the bill would bar new plans to shrink services at a military hospital until the Defense Secretary completes a full review and certifies findings to Congress. It would make the federal share full for replacing certain cesium blood irradiators instead of 50 percent. The bill would extend DoD‑VA sharing and demo funds through 2027 and 2028, make non‑medical family counseling permanent, expand National Guard health license portability to several countries, and require expanded exposure records and quarterly Anomalous Health Incidents reporting. Many of these changes increase access, reporting, and protections for beneficiaries.
Support for military families and child care
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would review and improve how the Exceptional Family Member Program affects assignments and access to services and submit a corrective action plan by April 30, 2028. The Department must standardize child care data (capacity, waitlists, staffing, compensation, and demand by age) and brief Congress within 90 days and annually for three years. The services could allow shipment or storage of more than one privately owned vehicle during a move, and a limb loss support program would begin in FY2028 to provide peer and family supports for covered dependents.
Funding for family housing repairs
If enacted, the bill would authorize new spending limits for military family housing work. The Air Force could spend up to $329.1 million on housing improvements and up to $125.9 million on design. The Navy could use up to $511.8 million for improvements and $57.4 million for design. Specific authorizations would fund restructuring and repairs at four Air Force bases and 12 replacement units at RAF Croughton.
Improving Base Housing and Local Support
If enacted, the Army must make a Rural Revival and Modernization Plan within 90 days to audit armories and ranges and propose recruitment incentives like remote duty allowances, signing bonuses, and educational stipends. The bill would require documentation in any housing reprogramming request showing facility condition, maintenance backlogs, and costs. The bill would require a standard 3–5 tier system for remote installations within 12 months to guide MWR and resale funding. The bill also authorizes $147 million for a Fort Wainwright dining facility and a pilot to subsidize 30% of one pair of qualifying combat boots at three bases through December 31, 2029.
Stronger protections for military housing
If enacted, the bill would tighten health, safety, inspection, and tenant-rights rules for Department of Defense housing. Tenants would get public mold complaint reports each year and test results within 10 days of sampling. Privatized housing providers would have to pay for inspections, mold cleanup, relocations, property loss, and refund BAH when units are uninhabitable. The bill would require certified third-party inspectors and remediators, standard inspection records showing pass/fail, and a 30-day remediation or relocation timeline when a unit fails inspection.
Better pay and more military childcare staff
If enacted, the Defense Department would update pay rules for child and youth program workers by January 1, 2027 to improve recruitment and retention and revise staffing models for classroom and special-needs support. The bill would also let trained national service volunteers be placed in military child development centers if they meet hiring and training requirements. These changes aim to raise compensation bands and expand the pool of eligible child care staff for military families.
Extend bonus authorities and pay eligibility
If enacted, the bill would extend expiration dates for many existing bonus, incentive, and special pay authorities from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 so eligible service members can keep receiving those pays for another year. It would also extend a temporary authority to offer extra recruiting incentives until December 31, 2028. The bill would expand board-certification incentive eligibility for military veterinary officers to include comparable PhD degrees as determined by the Secretary.
Minimum technicians and professor rules
If enacted, the bill would set minimum numbers of dual-status military technicians as of the last day of FY2027: Army National Guard 20,037; Army Reserve 5,870; Air National Guard 10,824; Air Force Reserve 6,450. It would cap temporary technicians at 25% and bar States from coercing technicians to change military status. The bill would also make Army War College permanent military professors presidential appointees with defined grades, continue the NNSA pay and performance system, and shorten U.S. Cyber Command civilian probation from three years to two.
More education help and protections for service members
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary include institution fees in Defense tuition assistance and set a per-semester-hour cap up to $350, with annual reports to Congress. It would expand the Cyber Scholarship Program to include operational technology skills. The bill would bar DoD policies that deny servicemembers access to eligible higher-education programs or DoD education funds except for narrow, for-cause exceptions and require notice and a cure period. The Under Secretary must name a senior transition advisor within 90 days, and DoD must report within 180 days on easing medic transitions to civilian health careers. The bill would also raise the cap on officers detailed to law school to 35 and allow limited waivers of time-in-service rules.
More support for military kids' schools
If enacted, the bill would give FY2027 funds to help schools with many military children: $50 million for local educational agencies serving military-dependent students, $10 million for impact aid for children with severe disabilities, and $20 million for districts with higher concentrations of such children. The bill would also require DoD to ensure eligible DoDEA secondary schools add JROTC units by October 1, 2027 (with narrow waivers) and to place at least one educational-technology staff member in each DoDEA school district. DoD must update JROTC instructor pay guidance and study effects of a standardized pay scale, with reports to Congress.
Pay and commissary pilots for civilians
If enacted, the Defense Department could run a five‑year pilot to pay retention bonuses or incentives to up to 250 high‑performing civilian supervisors and managers. The Secretary may use available pay authorities, including special pay if designated. The bill would also allow a pilot through January 1, 2028 to let full‑time DoD civilian and NAF employees shop at up to 16 commissary stores, with possible fees to cover costs.
Protect jobs and set pay at defense plants
If enacted, the bill would bar use of FY2027 funds to impose hiring freezes, reductions in force, or unjustified delays in filling civilian jobs at public shipyards and at entities paid from DoD working-capital funds. The bill would also require a job grading system for prevailing-rate positions at defense industrial base facilities and let the Secretary set prevailing-rate pay based on private-industry pay, local cost of living, and recruitment needs. These steps aim to keep hiring steady and align pay with local markets.
Reimburse remote commutes and guardianship costs
If enacted, the Secretary could reimburse service members at qualifying remote or isolated duty stations who live more than 30 miles or have more than a one-hour commute when they cannot live closer due to lack of affordable housing. Reimbursement would cover average fuel cost plus a Secretary-set percentage for maintenance, or public transit costs if available, under a Secretary-issued application and verification process. The bill would also allow reimbursement of qualifying guardianship costs up to $1,000 per authorized relocation, payable from travel and transportation allowances, through December 31, 2029.
Work and hiring help for military spouses
If enacted, the bill would push the Department of Defense to help military spouses find work. Each service must try to colocate covered couples by March 1, 2028 and consider telling applicants about telework options in all job postings by June 1, 2027. The bill would create a Military Spouse Fellowship Program by April 1, 2028 with at least 500 full-time equivalent fellowships paid at federal GS rates. The services must also let covered personnel complete in/out processing remotely and report progress to Congress through 2030.
Audit contractors' hiring of people with disabilities
If enacted, the Defense Department would audit contractors for compliance with the 7% hiring goal for qualified individuals with disabilities for each fiscal year 2026 through 2029. DoD must report audit findings to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees within five months after each audited fiscal year. The audits aim to improve contractor hiring outcomes for people with disabilities.
New small business contracting help
If enacted, the bill would create and expand programs to help small firms win and meet defense contracts. DoD would start a grant program by July 1, 2027 to pay up to $100,000 per eligible small business for CMMC Level 2 assessments, with a $50 million program cap. The bill would modernize the Mentor‑Protégé Program, extend a subcontracting test through 2037, allow temporary post‑award office certification for some 8(a) DoD construction awards through 2032, expand small business access to the GenAI.mil platform, and clarify subcontract definitions for acquisition.
Air Force Electronic Warfare Roadmap
If enacted, the Secretary of the Air Force would have to produce an integrated electronic warfare roadmap by March 31, 2027. The roadmap must list current and planned capabilities, force-structure needs, and a 10-year threat assessment updated every two years. The Air Force must brief Congress by April 30, 2027 and provide updates at least every odd-numbered year.
Air Force long-range mobility plan
If enacted, the bill would require the Air Force to send a strategic plan to Congress by January 1, 2027 for mobility capabilities through fiscal year 2047. The plan must assess operating in contested environments, evaluate current tanker and airlift forces, and list required future attributes like secure beyond-line-of-sight connectivity, autonomy, runway-agnostic operations, and fuel resilience.
Army National Guard Arctic inclusion
If enacted, the Secretary of the Army would have to include Army National Guard units in the Army Arctic strategy. The Army must pick Guard units with cold‑weather capability or proximity to the Arctic to be Arctic‑capable or Arctic‑focused, make a modernization roadmap for equipment like cold‑weather clothing and over‑snow vehicles, and expand Guard participation in Arctic exercises. A report to Congress is due by June 30, 2027.
Bigger nuclear stockpile reports
If enacted, the bill would expand annual nuclear stockpile reports through 2033. Reports would have to show plans for safety, security, modernization, retirements, and delivery systems. Each report would include detailed budget estimates for the Future Years Defense Program and the Future Years Nuclear Security Program and explain the methods used. Reports would also say what steps were taken on prior plans.
Consolidating and tracking unmanned systems
If enacted, the bill would require the Navy and Air Force to write plans within 180 days to put unmanned-system duties under one office. The Secretary of the Navy plan excludes some large drones and the Air Force plan covers Group 1–3 and runway-independent systems. DoD would do a drone posture review and report to Congress by March 1, 2027. The bill also requires quarterly reports through December 31, 2031 on unmanned aircraft incursions at bases and borders.
Cooperation with allies on weapons and tech
If enacted, the bill would direct the Defense and State Departments to pursue several allied cooperation efforts. Agencies would seek joint munitions co‑development and co‑production with Germany, create a U.S.‑Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to speed joint R&D and industrial transitions, and attempt to form a U.S.‑Ukraine Strategic Defense Innovation Working Group to co‑develop expendable, low‑cost unmanned systems. The initiatives require briefings and recurring reports to Congress and attention to export controls and sensitive technology protections.
Create new regional combatant commands
If enacted, the bill would direct the President and Defense Secretary to establish unified combatant commands for Africa and for the central region covering the Middle East and Central Asia. Each new command would coordinate military planning, operations, and security cooperation, and the President would appoint commanders with Senate advice and consent. Forces would be assigned through the Global Force Management Process.
Defense cooperation in Middle East and Taiwan
If enacted, the bill would create new defense cooperation initiatives and authorities for partners in the Middle East and Taiwan. The Secretary of Defense would set up a U.S.‑Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Initiative and report funding needs within 60 days. The President would be authorized to transfer certain obsolete or surplus DoD reserve items in Taiwan's stockpiles, with 30‑day congressional notice and annual reports. The DoD would continue support for the Joint Interagency Task Force‑Counter Cartel through December 31, 2030 with annual reporting.
DoD cleanup and community aid rules
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to update policy on non-DoD open-air burn pits within 180 days to follow Inspector General recommendations. It would extend authority to transfer funds for the Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup through FY2027. It would also raise per-installation limits for community technical assistance to $1,000,000 total and set an annual cap at the lesser of $100,000 or 1 percent of projected cleanup costs.
DoD cyber and IT modernization
If enacted, the bill would push DoD to modernize cyber and IT practices. The DoD CIO must harmonize security boundary rules by October 1, 2027 and programs must comply by October 1, 2030. DoD would move to post-quantum cryptography for key establishment by December 31, 2030 and for digital signatures by December 31, 2031. The Principal Cyber Advisor would review and certify cyber budgets each year and DoD must speed approval of cross-domain solutions and update cyber readiness reporting by early 2028.
DoD PFAS cleanup and GAO review
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to start interim PFAS cleanup actions at at least 50 covered sites within two years, unless DoD cannot find enough sites meeting an EPA factor (DoD must report that to Congress). The bill also directs GAO to study DoD PFAS cleanup and contracting and brief Congress within one year, with a later full report.
DoD phosphate supply assessment
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to complete a phosphate supply-chain vulnerability assessment within 180 days. The study must check foreign reliance, domestic capacity, supplier concentration, stockpile adequacy for 6, 12, and 24 months, and recommend actions. DoD must send an unclassified report to Congress within 30 days after finishing the assessment.
DoD rules for AI and autonomy
If enacted, the bill would make the Department of Defense set new rules for AI and autonomous systems. DoD would require vendors to embed cited sources in AI text and images and the DoD AI officer would publish standards within 180 days. The Secretary and Joint Chiefs would produce a cognitive warfare strategy and a joint doctrine for autonomous warfare within 180 days. The bill would also require training, safety classifications, reporting protections for operators, and stronger testing and validation of AI systems.
Exemptions for certain autonomous systems
If enacted, the bill would remove certain categories of systems from DoD autonomous weapon policy and oversight. Exemptions would cover items like operator‑supervised interceptors, certain defenses for remote vehicles, nonlethal cyber tools, unarmed platforms, unguided munitions, and some terminal guidance systems.
Expanded security cooperation and timelines
If enacted, the bill would expand several security cooperation programs. It would let Indo‑Pacific maritime partners test uncrewed systems through Dec 31, 2028 and extend that authority through Dec 31, 2031. The bill would extend other security cooperation dates through 2029 and keep Ukraine assistance authority through Dec 31, 2030. It would also add new permitted partner activities like disaster response and space domain awareness.
Indo-Pacific readiness and Kwajalein fixes
If enacted, the bill would require DoD leaders to submit plans in 180 days to address GAO recommendations on Indo-Pacific preparedness, covering maintenance, exercises, fuel in contested environments, and reserve readiness. The Army must position helicopters and support crews on Kwajalein Atoll within 90 days, produce a sustainment plan in 180 days, and follow IG and remediation timelines for restoring test range capabilities.
Joint force medical planning process
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to create a coordinated process within 180 days to set joint force medical capabilities tied to combatant command plans. The process must include a joint medical estimate, a concept of health service support, standard training and equipment interoperability, and updates to medical education. DoD must brief Congress annually by April 1 through 2031.
Longer PL‑1 security force reporting
If enacted, the reporting requirements for Protection Level One (PL‑1) security forces would be extended through 2032 instead of ending in 2027. Reports would now have to describe gaps between senior and junior enlisted security force personnel at each PL‑1 site and list actions needed to fix those gaps. The rest of the existing reporting framework remains in place.
Medical and force readiness reporting
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to produce classified casualty projections and medical capacity reports for large‑scale combat, with an unclassified summary due within 180 days and annually through September 30, 2032. The Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation must also brief Congress within 270 days on force requirements for several warfighting scenarios, listing shortfalls in personnel, equipment, munitions, basing, medical support, contracting, and industrial capacity and options to use lower‑cost or rapidly producible capabilities.
Military base construction and energy work
If enacted, the bill would authorize specific overseas Navy construction and multiple military installation infrastructure projects and energy resilience work. Examples in the bill include Kadena Air Base ($31,780,000), Naval Station Rota ($64,080,000), and energy projects such as $132,690,000 for Naval Base Kitsap and $90,000,000 for Redstone Arsenal. The bill would also require an online real estate inventory pilot for selected installations and a Defense Department roadmap for private data centers on bases, and it would direct an assessment of DoD energy sourcing and vulnerabilities.
More allied security and sales funding
If enacted, the bill would raise authorized funding for several partner security programs and cooperation. It would increase a Ukraine security initiative item to $750 million, raise U.S.‑Israel funding for counter‑unmanned systems to $100 million, raise U.S.‑Israel subterranean operations funding to $100 million, and allow one more in‑service Virginia‑class submarine sale to Australia (three instead of two) with updated reporting schedules.
More amphibious ships required
If enacted, the bill would raise the statutory minimum number of amphibious warfare ships from 31 to 33. The Navy Secretary would report within 180 days on plans to reach a continuous 3.0 amphibious readiness group/marine expeditionary unit presence and on life‑extension or modernization plans.
More budget transparency for border help
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to name activities supporting civil authorities at the southwest land border as a named operation within 180 days. After designation, DoD would include a distinct budget line, narrative justification, performance metrics, and an unclassified summary of the types and estimated value of support (with a classified annex if needed). The designation would not authorize the use of military force.
More funding for irregular warfare
If enacted, the bill would amend 10 U.S.C. to raise the authorized amount for special operations irregular warfare support from $20,000,000 to $30,000,000 and update cross‑references. The change would take effect upon enactment.
National Guard counter‑drug funding boost
If enacted, the bill would increase National Guard counter‑drug funding for FY2027. The counter‑drug program would rise by $100 million to $217,418,000, and funding for counter‑drug schools would increase to $40,000,000 for FY2027. These changes are subject to appropriations.
New reporting rules for military support
If enacted, DoD would have new written notification and reporting duties. Verbal approvals for Requests for Assistance would be written and sent to Armed Services Committees within 7 days. DoD would also notify Congress within 48 hours of sensitive operations and give detailed seven‑day followups. Briefings on southwest border support would continue through Dec 31, 2028 and include recent costs and reimbursements.
Perimeter radar delivery deadline
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to deliver the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System by December 31, 2028. The Secretary must also send Congress an acquisition strategy within 30 days after enactment.
POW/MIA Records Declassification Access
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to declassify or give family access to POW/MIA records from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War that relate to location or treatment. DoD-held records on enactment must be declassified or made accessible within three years. Records that name a person require written consent from the person or an appropriate family member, with limited exceptions for safety or unlocatable family members.
Regional strategy and defense assessments
If enacted, the bill would require a set of regionally focused plans and assessments. DoD must report within 180 days on support for Japan's counterstrike capability and prepare a South China Sea crisis plan within one year with a 120‑day interim report. The bill also asks for an Indo‑Pacific cyber cooperation plan within 180 days, a CENTCOM air and missile defense assessment within 180 days, a Western Hemisphere strategy in 180 days, a U.S. Northern Command review of February 2026 UAS incidents within 30 days, and steps to make the Aegis Guam system fully operational with two AN/TPY‑6 radars by September 30, 2030.
Report on civilian harm mitigation
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to report to the Armed Services Committees by March 15, 2027 on how DoD is carrying out civilian harm mitigation policies. The report must show progress, staff assigned, policy changes, and estimated resources. The report must be unclassified but may include a classified annex.
Reports on NATO and regional threats
If enacted, the bill would require recurring and near-term regional threat reports to Congress. U.S. European Command must send an unclassified report within 180 days and every 180 days through 2034 on NATO readiness and allies' progress toward a 3.5% GDP defense target. U.S. Africa Command must report within 120 days on threats and resource needs in key African regions. The Secretary must also report on Arctic and Greenland defense ties with allies within 120–180 days.
Senior cyber leadership changes
If enacted, the bill would create a Senate‑confirmed Under Secretary of Defense for Cyber, Information, and Networks effective January 20, 2029, who would assume the DoD Chief Information Officer and Principal Cyber Advisor roles and set Department‑wide AI and data policy. The bill would also require the Joint Staff to designate a general or flag officer to serve as Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy while holding that grade. The changes centralize cyber and IT authorities and require reporting to Congress on organizational plans.
U.S. support for Ukraine, Lebanon, Jordan
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to provide intelligence support, including imagery, to help Ukraine defend and retake territory (including Crimea and annexed areas). It would allow up to $36 million to train and equip vetted Lebanese Armed Forces units, with certification conditions and quarterly reports, and the authority would end December 31, 2027. The bill would also let DoD provide assorted assistance to Jordan through December 31, 2027 with 15-day congressional notices.
Updates to Pacific deterrence reports
If enacted, the bill would shift and update some Pacific Deterrence Initiative reporting years and cross-references to the FY2027 Act. It would move specified briefings and reports later and require an independent assessment from the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command about resources needed for subordinate commands including U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Forces Japan. These changes would affect planning and congressional oversight of INDOPACOM activities.
Use foreign funds for Ukraine aid
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense, with the Secretary of State's agreement, would be able to use money, equipment, or services given by foreign governments or other entities to support the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative starting in FY2027 and each year after. Contributions could add new assistance, replace U.S. weapons taken from U.S. stock (but only for items first notified to Congress after July 14, 2025), or help recover or dispose of equipment already provided. The Secretary must report any contribution not spent for those purposes at least seven days before the authority ends.
Defense infrastructure and readiness plans
If enacted, the Department of Defense would have several near‑term planning duties to protect readiness. DoD must deliver a plan within 180 days to find and remediate foreign‑adversary equipment on the U.S. electricity grid and start annual budget estimates in FY2028. The Secretary must also send an air‑traffic control risk assessment and modernization plan within 180 days and begin yearly status reports one year after enactment. DoD must provide a global bulk fuel storage master plan within 180 days. The Army must publish governance guidance for arsenals and depots within 180 days, and a roadmap on energetics is due to Congress by March 1, 2027.
DHA partnerships and central health authority
If enacted, the Director of the Defense Health Agency would keep a central inventory of military‑civilian health partnerships and each military department would provide its inventory to DHA. The bill would also centralize authority over the Defense Health Program in the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. DHA must do annual catchment assessments and brief Congress starting April 1, 2027.
Warfighter medical readiness and care
If enacted, the Department of Defense would start a Warfighter Performance Optimization Initiative to improve physical, mental, and cognitive fitness across the force. The Army must keep a distinct aeromedical evacuation capability and notify Congress before restructuring it. The Secretary could also procure and pre‑position medical countermeasures for radiation and burn injuries for covered personnel overseas, subject to appropriations.
DoD Cyber and AI Oversight and Workforce
If enacted, the bill would create an Autonomy and AI Systems Working Group to advise senior DoD leaders and issue safety standards for AI and autonomous systems. DoD would brief Congress on its GenAI.mil platform by April 1, 2027 and annually through 2029 with detailed usage metrics. The bill would require independent reviews of Principal Cyber Advisors and a USCYBERCOM headquarters study with reports due in 2027–2028. It also authorizes up to $5 million in FY2027 for reserve-component cyber support with reporting after each $500,000 obligation and requires a strategy to integrate National Guard ranges into cyber testing by January 15, 2028.
Language and culture training protected
If enacted, the Department of Defense could not use FY2027 funds to cut or prepare to cut foreign language, regional expertise, or cultural training until the Secretary certifies a high Language Readiness Index score for listed languages and skills. The restriction would last until 90 days after that certification is sent to congressional defense committees. This would pause reductions and preserve language training until readiness goals are met.
Study AI and grow shipbuilding workforce
If enacted, the Defense Department would study how AI adoption affects warfighter skills and recommend training and policy changes. An initial report would be due within one year and a longer study within three years, with briefings to Congress. The Navy would also make a plan with colleges and State systems to expand shipbuilding trade training and deliver a report on a new regional pipeline by October 1, 2027.
Navy Reserve Surge and Base Upgrades
If enacted, the Secretary of the Navy would have to study within one year whether Navy Reserve programs can expand surge maintenance and better support private shipyard capacity. The report must cover training, funding, legal frameworks, and effects on civilian overtime. The bill would also require transferring Ford Island Master Development funds into the Ford Island Improvement Account within 30 days to pay for facility improvements and authorize electrical upgrades at Barbers Point.
DoD FY2027 program funding authorizations
If enacted, the bill would authorize FY2027 appropriations for several DoD programs. It would authorize RDT&E funding for FY2027, capital for working capital and revolving funds, funding for destruction of chemical agents and munitions, and funding for drug interdiction and counter‑drug activities. These authorizations give legal authority but do not themselves spend money until Congress appropriates funds.
Extend pilot capital assistance authority
If enacted, the bill would extend the Office of Strategic Capital pilot capital assistance authority by changing each date of '2028' to '2038'. The extension preserves the pilot authority through 2038 but does not itself appropriate new funds.
More Army research money FY2027
If enacted, the bill would authorize FY2027 research funding for Army RDT&E line items. It lists Defense Research Sciences at $300,322,000 (including $75,000,000 specifically for basic research), University Research Initiatives at $63,102,000, and University and Industry Research Centers at $78,598,000 (including $25,000,000 for basic research). These funds would support universities, research centers, and performing entities in FY2027.
Boosting defense supply chains
If enacted, the bill would create programs to strengthen domestic defense supply chains. It would set up an expedited source approval process (templates by April 1, 2027; program by June 30, 2027) that can give qualified manufacturers multi‑year contracts with price and order guarantees. It would form a textile industrial base team and run a competitive pilot by January 1, 2028, fund an FFRDC study of uniform supply chains, launch a pilot to recover antimony and copper within 180 days, and require a spare parts sustainment strategy with annual reports.
Clear reporting for shipbuilding supervisors
If enacted, Supervisors of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair would be clarified as the on‑site oversight for new naval vessel construction in private shipyards. Those supervisors would be required to align under and report to the Portfolio Acquisition Executive or the Milestone Decision Authority if no portfolio executive exists. The bill updates duties and cross‑references to improve oversight and accountability.
Public‑private nuclear testing partnerships
If enacted, the National Nuclear Security Administration, working with DoD, would be allowed to set up public‑private partnerships for nuclear effects testing. Partnerships would use commercial hardware, include milestone agreements, share costs, and give the government access to data and results. The Administrator must report to Congress within 180 days of creating any partnership.
Holds on several FY2027 tech and project funds
If enacted, the bill would cap or hold portions of many FY2027 program funds until briefings, reports, demonstrations, or certifications are provided to Congress. Examples: TRMC containerized instrumentation funds would be limited to 75% until a detailed report on a common architecture is submitted. Navy Integrated Combat Systems funds would be limited to 75% until an operational prototype is installed and certified aboard destroyers. Alpha-1 RDT&E funding would be limited to 85% until the CDAO briefs Congress, and several other RDT&E and travel funds (including Comptroller IT and NNSA travel) face 75–90% caps until required briefings or reports arrive.
Limits on FY2027 Defense spending
If enacted, the bill would cap obligation or spending of many FY2027 DoD funds until specific reports or certifications are submitted. Caps include 60% for Air Force O&M, 75% for Army O&M, and a range of other limits from 25% to 95% for Defense‑wide travel and program funds. The Defense Autonomous Warfare Group would be limited to 80% until two required reports are delivered.
Remove GAO missile review law
If enacted, the bill would repeal the law that required the Government Accountability Office to review certain missile defense acquisition programs. The specific statutory GAO review and assessment requirement would be eliminated upon enactment. This reduces one layer of mandated independent oversight.
Ban on DoD prediction market participation
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have 180 days to issue rules banning covered service members, DoD civilian employees, and contractor personnel from joining prediction markets about enumerated Defense matters. The defense acquisition rules would be changed to add a contract clause that bars covered contractor personnel from participating and requires contractors to report credible violations. The regulations must also set punishments for violations.
Tighter rules on drones and sourcing
If enacted, the bill would expand the legal definition of unmanned aircraft systems to explicitly include control stations and add detecting, identifying, monitoring, and tracking. It would add batteries and related parts to drone components that disqualify systems if sourced from covered foreign countries, and one year after enactment would bar use of subcomponents or raw materials for those parts if sourced from covered countries. It would also add a new chapter that bars DoD procurement of covered items from specified covered countries beginning January 1, 2028.
New personnel rules, privacy, and school policies
If enacted, Service Academies and DoD schools would have to bar persons whose sex is male from women/girls designated sports and set multi-occupancy restrooms and changing rooms for exclusive use by males or females, with limited exceptions. The bill would require chaplains to display visible officer rank and bar DoD funds from implementing policies that remove that requirement. It would add victim notice requirements for military protective orders and allow victims limited appellate review rights, tighten retirement denial rules so unsatisfactory-service findings need credible adverse information, and repeal a pronoun policy while changing human relations training content.
Defense health funding and billing changes
If enacted, the bill would authorize funding for the Defense Health Program for FY2027 and would authorize $14,349,269,000 for the Medicare‑eligible retiree health care fund. It would also require a Military Health System revenue cycle improvement effort to standardize billing and increase third‑party collections, and it would require the Defense Health Agency to report unfunded priorities each year. The bill would also give GAO expanded audit access to TRICARE pharmacy contractor data and require contract changes to ensure transparency.
New rules for service academy and ROTC students
If enacted, a military department secretary could let up to 10 service academy cadets work as professional athletes each year, require them to accept a commission and serve in the Selected Reserve for up to 10 years, and allow repayment of education costs if service obligations are not met. Each Secretary would write rules for eligibility and monitoring. The bill would also give cadets and midshipmen up to five calendar days for expedited transfer decisions, require a 90-day briefing to Congress before reorganizing Senior ROTC units and protect scholarship recipients from forced transfers, and let Service Academies accept scores from at least three national college-readiness tests and offer such tests to DoDEA 11th graders.
AI, agent safety, and secure compute rules
If enacted, the bill would require the Defense Department to set up multiple AI and agent safety programs and standards. DoD would create a central incident repository for autonomous weapon and AI incidents, name a lead on adversarial AI by March 1, 2027, and issue a strategy and governance by January 15, 2028. The Secretary would issue binding security standards for agentic systems by December 15, 2027 and give military departments guidance by March 15, 2028. The bill also directs secure AI data center prototypes, a quantum evaluation framework by June 15, 2027 with policy by December 1, 2027, an AI demand forecasting model with briefings starting September 15, 2027, and a biosecurity framework and annual AI oversight reports through January 31, 2037.
Change space acquisition and launch authority
If enacted, the bill would change who oversees space acquisition and launch authorities across the Air Force and Department of Defense. It would strengthen some Assistant Secretary duties, assign special space launch authority to the Secretary of the Air Force, delay a Navy launch-site transition until agreed conditions are met, and repeal two Space Force acquisition statutes. These changes would take effect on enactment and reshape how space programs are organized and overseen.
Civil‑military coordination center oversight
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense could keep operating the Civil‑Military Coordination Center through December 31, 2027 and must send a plan by March 1, 2027 describing mission, staffing, director duties, funding needed, and whether a permanent authorization makes sense. The Secretary must also report to Congress every 180 days on staffing, casualties, partners, humanitarian metrics, and rules of engagement. Reports should be unclassified with a classified annex if needed.
DoD aid to DHS blocked until repaid
If enacted for FY2027, DoD could not spend money to support the Department of Homeland Security until the Secretary of Defense certifies that DHS repaid DoD for reimbursable support provided since October 1, 2025. The prohibition would remain in effect until that certification is sent to the congressional defense committees. This could delay some interagency support while pushing for timely reimbursement.
DoD Civilian Workforce Cut Notifications
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense to notify congressional defense committees at least 45 days before approving any change that will cut 50 or more full-time civilian DoD jobs at a facility. The notice must describe mission impacts, give a detailed accounting of implementation costs, and estimate the cost and time to restore any lost capability. The rule aims to increase congressional oversight and give employees advance notice.
DoD data and reporting changes
If enacted, the bill would change many DoD reporting and data rules. DoD would have to publish a new Data Strategy by September 15, 2027 and an implementation plan by December 15, 2027. Certain reports would start or stop based on audit opinions, and some existing statutory reports would be repealed. It would also require annual cyber readiness reports starting March 1, 2027 and change other deadlines and briefings tied to travel caps for research staff.
DoD installations and energy upgrades
If enacted, projects that replace or upgrade mission-critical electrical systems at DoD sites would have to include energy management systems able to island during outages, integrate renewables and storage, support automated load control, work with SCADA, and meet DoD cybersecurity standards. The Secretary must publish technical standards and report annually. The bill would also direct the Army to seek renewal of two Hawaii training area leases, resubmit an environmental impact statement within 30 days, and report to Congress within 60 days. Titles for military construction would take effect on the later of October 1, 2026 or the Act's enactment date.
DoD southern border awareness plan
If enacted, the bill would require DoD to deliver a plan in 180 days to help build a common operating picture for the southern land border. The plan must show data sources, architecture, cybersecurity, authorities for sharing, a concept of operations for partners, a phased schedule with funding, training plans, and metrics. DoD must transmit the plan to interagency partners within 60 days of development and submit an unclassified copy to Congress.
New robotic and autonomy combat command
If enacted, the President could establish a United States Robotic and Autonomous Systems Command to organize and run robotic and autonomous missions, training, doctrine, and testing. If created, RASCOM would get a separate budget category in the Future‑Years Defense Program, require career paths and manpower reporting, and must report to Congress annually for five years. The Commander may not enter into a RASCOM contract that exceeds $20,000,000, and some capabilities (space, certain cyber, nuclear C3, and air/missile sensing) are excluded.
Pilot: contractors do cyber access work
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense could run a time‑limited pilot (start by March 1, 2027; end by December 31, 2030) that hires private contractors to create and maintain cyber access under U.S. Cyber Command authority. Contractors would operate only for access generation and maintenance under strict federal oversight, with a cleared federal employee or military member present at all times and required notifications to Congress within 10 days of a contract and 48 hours of operations starting and ending. The Secretary must include these activities in quarterly briefings and produce a final report after the pilot ends.
Reorganize senior personnel offices and hiring
If enacted, the bill would rename and reorganize senior DoD personnel offices, creating or redesignating Assistant Secretary roles and shifting functions between offices. It would exclude certain Direct Support Activities and Washington Headquarters Services from an OSD personnel cap. The bill also increases a Space Force excepted appointment limit from 25 to 50, allows limited DARPA concurrent occupancy for hiring transitions, and expands licensure portability for DoD health personnel to Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and Qatar with commander certification requirements.
University Research and Cyber Education Support
If enacted, the bill would create a DoD Research Security Program for universities doing basic research that adds disclosure, certification, and risk-assessment requirements while offering training and financial support. The bill would authorize conveyance of about 5,000 acres at the Milan Army Ammunition Plant to the University of Tennessee for education and research, with a DoD reversion right and university payment of conveyance costs except for environmental cleanup. The bill would also require a cyber ops–academia pilot within one year pairing DoD aggressor units with designated academic centers, with student tracking and a termination date of September 30, 2031.
Waivers for live-fire trauma training
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would be able to waive limits on live-fire trauma training for units in one-year steps when needed for operational readiness. The Secretary would have to notify congressional defense committees within 15 days and include unit ID, readiness impact, civilian training efforts, and a certification that no acceptable alternative exists. Waivers can be renewed yearly if the readiness need continues.
Economic defense and supply chain reforms
If enacted, the bill would create a Department of Defense Economic Defense Unit to coordinate economic competition, industry engagement, and budget planning and would set up a Supply Chain Risk Management Integration Cell to oversee DoD supply chain risk work. The bill would also require a DoD‑wide audit and multi‑year reports on covered cellular modules and plans to mitigate supply‑chain cyber risks (rip‑and‑replace, segmentation, firmware fixes, or trusted substitutions). The new units must issue conflict‑of‑interest rules and amend procurement rules, and they must brief Congress on staffing and timelines.
Limits and changes to shipbuilding buys
If enacted, the bill would change shipbuilding rules by removing a five‑ship cap for certain amphibious procurement, allowing advance construction and spare part buys through 2030, and permitting up to two foreign‑built ships per class in special national security cases with required certifications and 30‑day notice to Congress. It would also require U.S. purchases to be paired with U.S.‑built ships after the twelfth foreign‑constructed vessel and extend carrier refueling and overhaul funding timelines from six to eight years. These changes affect shipyards, contractors, and Navy schedules.
Limits on foreign tech and research ties
If enacted, covered colleges and research institutions would be barred, starting January 1, 2028, from signing DoD-funded research contracts with listed foreign nations or designated foreign entities unless they get a statutory waiver. Waiver requests must be submitted at least 120 days before a contract and include the full unredacted contract and a signed institutional statement; waivers last one year and must be renewed. The DoD would also be barred from buying modems or routers or televisions from manufacturers the Secretary designates (in consultation with the DNI or FBI) for contracts entered or renewed after enactment. DoD-covered contractors would be banned from giving certain synthetic DNA/RNA or synthetic protein digital sequences to foreign entities of concern unless the Secretary grants a waiver and notifies Congress 30 days before it takes effect.
Nuclear program funding shifts and cuts
If enacted, the bill would remove a requested FY2027 $253 million authorization for Defense uranium cleanup, cut $69 million from an NNSA IT and cybersecurity line, and reduce Los Alamos plutonium modernization by $30 million for FY2027. The bill would also restore a $5 million Payment in Lieu of Taxes line for the Savannah River site for FY2027. All of these changes are authorization adjustments and remain subject to appropriations.
Prepositioned stock and stockpile rules
If enacted, the bill would bar using funds to move certain Army Prepositioned Stock‑2 equipment assigned on March 1, 2026, out of Europe for maintenance or divestment. It would also shift some Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act authorities from the President to the Secretary of Defense and require Army certifications when choosing production outside the Army organic industrial base, with 30‑day notice to Congress if certification cannot be made. These changes take effect on enactment and change who decides and how prepositioning and stockpile choices are made.
Tightening DoD investment and oversight
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would no longer be allowed to use the Industrial Base Fund authority to make equity investments; only the authority in section 149 would permit equity investments. The bill would stop Economic Defense Unit spending until the Deputy Secretary briefs Congress, DoD completes ownership reviews of all equity investments, and certifies it holds no board seats or voting control in invested entities. The bill also explicitly lets combatant commands recover and reinvest operational energy savings into operational energy projects.
Changes to Defense Contracting Rules
If enacted, the bill would make several changes for defense industry rules. The Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment would review Industrial Base Fund spending under $75 million. The bill narrows when commercial off-the-shelf items are covered and exempts small buys and some overseas contingency purchases starting January 1, 2028. DoD must create a code of conduct for industrial policy staff and plan NISPOM updates within 180 days to support AUKUS. The bill also clarifies defective cost-or-pricing-data timing and tightens Clearinghouse review deadlines.
Industrial base risk and recycling steps
If enacted, DoD would create an office to track and mitigate adversarial capital risks by March 1, 2027 and build an Economic Security Risk Assurance capability by January 1, 2028. The bill would start a public‑private pilot to recycle strategic materials by May 1, 2027 and require a review of sourcing for boron carbide, certain copper inputs, synthetic diamond, and silicon carbide with a briefing due by February 1, 2027.
New contracting, data, and dividend rules
If enacted, the bill would require competitive sourcing and 15‑day preaward notice to Congress for certain pharmaceutical contracts. It would bar many contractors from buying their own stock or paying dividends on covered DoD contracts starting June 15, 2027 unless waived. The bill would also default many technical data and software deliverables to government purpose rights unless contractors prove narrower rights, limit certain DoD contract control clauses on listed missile contracts, and broaden other transaction authority for construction projects. These changes raise new contracting rules, rights, and compliance duties for suppliers.
New contractor rules and competition
If enacted, the bill would create acquisition reforms and new contractor duties. It would run pilots to appoint 10–30 Senior Commercial Acquisition Executives and certify contracting officers with industry rotations. Contractors on certain noncompetitive cost‑plus contracts must report big price jumps (25% or 50%) within 30 days. Companies getting major defense acquisitions would also have to disclose detailed China‑related operations. Agencies must boost competition for mission‑critical space buys.
New DoD tech supplier security rules
If enacted, the bill would tighten DoD rules for tech suppliers. Contracts over $500,000 would trigger foreign‑influence reporting. DoD would require MOAs for some IT vendors and ban optical fiber tied to China after DFARS rules due in 180 days. DoD would also require biosecurity testing before buying certain AI models and add new supply‑chain notice and documentation steps.
Ban transfers of Camp As Sayliyah residents
If enacted, DoD would be barred from using funds to transfer Afghan nationals at Camp As Sayliyah back to Afghanistan or to countries likely to send them to Afghanistan. The Secretary could waive the bar for people with disqualifying background, but must notify Congress at least 30 days before using the waiver.
Commissary funds can pay for store buildings
If enacted, commissary operating funds could be used to build, repair, improve, and maintain commissary store physical infrastructure. Any construction spending would still have to follow military construction rules under 10 U.S.C. 2805. This would let commissary operators use store operating budgets for some infrastructure work.
Mandatory boot quality rules at exchanges
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have two years to require that optional combat boots sold at military exchanges be certified under each service's quality assurance program. The rule applies only to optional boots sold at exchanges, not to boots furnished to service members. The Secretary may grant a single 90‑day waiver for a service if needed.
Research on menopause for servicewomen
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would evaluate research on menopause, perimenopause, and mid‑life women's health for servicewomen and identify gaps in treatments and training. A report with findings, recommendations, and a strategic plan would be due to Congress by January 31, 2028.
Confirm specific Interior land patent
If enacted, the bill would reaffirm and ratify Interior Department land patent No. 11-2021-0002. This would secure legal title for the land covered by that patent and help the current owner.
Stronger protections for military tenants
If enacted, tenants in privatized military housing would get stronger protections when they report housing problems. Landlords would be barred from asking current, former, or prospective tenants to sign nondisclosure agreements. The bill would require the military to notify officials about reprisal determinations and change when final action is recorded. Service members would also be able to get broader housing counseling, including HUD‑certified counselors and mortgage information.
Buy priority travel for Guantanamo personnel
If enacted, eligible personnel stationed at Guantanamo Bay could purchase transportation to and from the station and receive transportation priority like other official travelers. Amounts collected for that transportation would be credited to the contracting agency's appropriation and available for the same purposes and period as that appropriation. The Secretary would set priority and determine competitive rates.
Extend H-2B admission to Wake Island
If enacted, the bill would add Wake Island where Guam is named and extend H‑2B admission authority through December 31, 2031. This would let eligible temporary noncitizen workers and affected employers use that admission authority in the named places for a longer period.
Add one member to Afghanistan panel
If enacted, the bill would change one numeric membership element of the Afghanistan War Commission from three members to four. The change adjusts the Commission's structure and takes effect upon enactment. It is an internal organizational update.
Add sea-launched missile to nuclear portfolio
If enacted, the bill would update the nuclear portfolio language by replacing the year reference with 2027, adding the nuclear-armed sea‑launched cruise missile program to the portfolio, and explicitly including military, civilian, and contractor workforces. The changes take effect upon enactment and clarify planning coverage.
Air force and guard aircraft limits
If enacted, the bill would require the Air Force to keep at least 1,800 fighter aircraft from October 1, 2026 to October 1, 2035 and at least 1,369 combat-coded fighters by December 31, 2030. It would bar retiring E-3 aircraft if that would cut the fleet below 16 unless enough E-7 Wedgetails are bought and delivered. It would also extend limits preventing cuts to National Guard C-130 numbers through 2028.
Base energy, security, and sustainment
If enacted, the Secretary would be able to contract with entities that hold conveyed utility systems to carry out military construction projects for on‑base power, microgrids, and battery storage at specified bases. The bill would require formal grid‑impact and power‑demand assessments for enhanced use leases that add infrastructure or energy production. The Army must also prepare a plan by September 1, 2027 to integrate unmanned aerial systems for installation security, listing costs and test sites. The Air Force must inventory unique ICBM maintenance gear and assign regular maintenance or replacement within one year.
Base plans must cover emergencies
If enacted, installation master plans would have to address emergency management and resilience to extreme weather and other hazards. Plans would need to align with natural resource plans, energy and water resilience projects, and installation emergency management plans. This change would take effect upon enactment and mainly affects base planners and nearby communities.
Copyright for Defense training works
If enacted, works produced at the Defense Security Cooperation University would be treated under the specified government copyright rule. That would change how those university works are handled and may affect reuse and publication. The change applies when the bill is enacted.
Defense cooperation with allies
If enacted, DoD would submit a plan within 180 days to enhance defense cooperation with Morocco, covering potential cooperative security locations, runway cost‑sharing, a drone center, and options for joint readiness and exercises. The bill would also direct the Secretary and State to invite Denmark to assign a permanent defense liaison to U.S. Northern Command and notify Congress about the assignment and any implementing agreements.
DoD communications and space plans
If enacted, the Defense Department would brief Congress annually through 2031 on its work for the International Telecommunication Union World Radio Conference. The bill would also require a 180‑day plan to improve secure, high‑speed downlinks and persistent connectivity above 65° North latitude, and integrate space weather into Space Force domain awareness and operations with a March 31, 2027 briefing. Finally, DoD would have to notify Congress within 30 days when it studies moving systems out of spectrum bands used by non‑Federal users, complete cost and readiness checks, and not obligate funds to relocate systems until Congress is briefed.
DoD cyber reporting and CIO move
If enacted, quarterly cyber operations reports would move to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy and must explain how operations fit campaign objectives and plans for each command. The bill would also transfer the functions, staff, and assets of the DoD Chief Information Officer and Principal Cyber Advisor to the Under Secretary for Cyber on January 20, 2029. These changes aim to improve alignment and oversight.
DoD cyber, IT, and spending transparency
If enacted, the bill would require annual reports on the Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment starting by March 1, 2027. DoD would have to publish plans when it sets sourcing standards and adopt phishing‑resistant authenticators for all personnel within two years unless an exception is documented. The bill also requires that projects done under Other Transaction Authority be reported on the public federal spending website and that certain DoD budget justification books be sent to Congress within seven days of delivery.
DoD oversight and research investments
If enacted, the bill would authorize FY2027 funding for the DoD Office of Inspector General as shown in the bill's funding table. It would create a Center for the Study of the National Guard at a qualified college, set up a Science, Technology, and Innovation advisory board with up to 50 members, and add a Deputy Inspector General to oversee financial statement audits (the deputy must be a certified public accountant).
DoD risk information sharing rules
If enacted, the Defense Department would have two years to set a process for sharing 'risk management information' in enforcement actions. The process would have to follow existing law and protect restricted information.
Faster Congressional defense notices
If enacted, the Defense Secretary would have to send rapid written notices and reports to Congress about many defense events and risks. Notices must go to Armed Services Committees within days for early relief or separation of senior officers, within 7 days for suspected Russian 'gray zone' actions against NATO allies, and within 24 hours when a service member is wounded in combat. The bill also requires reports on Cuban military activity, retention of maritime strike records, guidance and rapid documentation for ad hoc declassification, installation inspection submissions, and annual reporting on human oversight of weapons and emerging technologies.
FY2027 military personnel limits
If enacted, the bill would set statutory end-strength caps as of September 30, 2027. Active duty ceilings would be Army 469,000; Navy 356,600; Marine Corps 173,700; Air Force 330,400; Space Force 13,200. It would also set Selected Reserve ceilings and authorize specific numbers of reservists to serve full-time on active duty for organizing and training.
Indo‑Pacific logistics and bases
If enacted, the Defense Secretary would set up an Indo‑Pacific Regional Sustainment Framework to coordinate logistics, maintenance, pre‑positioning, and personnel services with partner countries. The Secretary would also give Congress master plans within 180 days for facilities to support rotating U.S. forces in the Philippines and Australia, and update those plans each year through FY2028–FY2033. The bill would authorize a five‑year pilot to replace substandard chillers at remote Indo‑Pacific bases and would require guidance within one year and congressional notification if a project exceeds $15 million. Congress would also be asked to authorize $507.453 million in military construction for a new Dry Dock 3 at Pearl Harbor for FY2027; actual funding would still require appropriation.
Iron Dome co‑production funding
If enacted, up to $20 million of FY2027 missile procurement funds could be provided to Israel to buy Iron Dome components produced in the United States. Funds would be subject to the 2014 Iron Dome Agreement as amended for co‑production. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment must certify implementation, provide a risk assessment, and confirm Production Readiness Reviews at least 30 days before initial obligation.
JASON advisory role and cost sharing
If enacted, the bill would move the JASON Scientific Advisory Group to report under the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering and allow other federal agencies that use JASON to pay a proportional share of overhead and infrastructure costs. The arrangement would be extended through December 31, 2035. The change aims to clarify oversight and funding for JASON assessments.
Larger airfield at Pacific Missile Range
If enacted, the bill would allow expansion of airfield pavement at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands to 280,000 square meters. The change is meant to reduce hydroplaning risk and is effective as provided in the bill. It mainly affects base operations and contractors who do the work.
Later deadline for ship sustainment roles
If enacted, the bill would change the deadline to name sustainment and readiness roles for certain naval surface vessels to January 31, 2028. This replaces a previous deadline tied to 'one year after enactment' and gives more time for the Navy to designate responsibilities. The change is administrative and affects Navy planning.
More capital planning for three depots
If enacted, the bill would add Blue Grass, Sierra, and Hawthorne Army Depots to a statutory list that triggers minimum capital investment planning. That would require more formal capital planning and could support local depot work and jobs. The change takes effect upon enactment.
More international security partnerships
If enacted, the bill would extend and expand several DoD pilot programs and authorities for international cooperation. It would keep a Southeast Asia cyber cooperation pilot through December 31, 2030, let security cooperation funds pay for institutional capacity building, and extend the dates for coalition reimbursements and an operational resilience pilot through later years. These changes would let DoD continue training and funding partnerships with allies.
More PFAS cleanup dashboard notices
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to provide prompt notice at least twice a year to regional EPA offices, appropriate state and local authorities, restoration advisory boards, and Congress when the public PFAS remediation dashboard is updated. The bill also updates some wording from 'removal' to 'remedial.' The requirement starts on enactment.
Navy gift of three F-14 aircraft
If enacted, the bill would let the Navy convey three surplus F-14D aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville as conditional gifts. The planes must lack weapons capability. The Commission would pay conveyance and display costs, follow export and arms-control rules, and accept liability after transfer.
New lease certification for major gear
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to certify before leasing vessels, aircraft, or combat vehicles that the lease speeds delivery or is the most cost-efficient option and that it follows laws, OMB rules, and DoD regulations. The certification requirement would take effect upon enactment and aims to increase procurement oversight. This targets major equipment lease decisions.
Protect historic Navy planes and ships
If enacted, the Department of Defense could not destroy or permanently render inoperable Navy aircraft made before December 31, 1945. Those planes must stay in Navy inventory, transfer to qualified museums, or follow a preservation plan. The bill would also bar use of FY2027 funds to retire or store Navy oceanographic research vessels, including the Kilo Moana.
Regional centers can run simulations
If enacted, Department of Defense regional security centers would be authorized to conduct operational simulation and analysis in addition to exchanges of ideas. The change takes effect upon enactment and expands the kinds of training and study those centers can provide. Impacts are mainly on participants and DoD analytical work.
Research ships and test infrastructure
If enacted, the Navy would submit a fast plan for replacing certain research ships and a report on alternatives within 90–180 days. The Secretary must streamline international science and technology agreement processes within 30 days. The Navy must seek commercial designs and construction managers for cable ships. The Defense Department would also contract a study on electronics needs and could build a JADC2/ABMS test facility at Eglin AFB using $87.8 million in RDT&E funds.
Study on jungle warfare exercises
If enacted, the Commander of U.S. Southern Command would study whether to start recurring multinational jungle warfare exercises with South American partners and report to Congress within 180 days. The study would cover tactics, logistics, medical support, communications, and partner countries to invite.
DoD energy redundancy defined
If enacted, the bill would add a definition in law saying DoD should keep operational redundancy in energy sourcing and independent baseload generation for critical mission sites. The definition would guide DoD planning so critical facilities stay powered during utility disruptions. The change takes effect upon enactment.
Coast Guard sites can get grants
If enacted, the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot would be expanded to include Coast Guard installations. The Secretary of Defense would have to consult the Commandant of the Coast Guard when considering grants or funding for Coast Guard communities. Coast Guard sites would count as 'military installations' for the pilot.
Centralize cyber personnel transfers
If enacted, the bill would centralize and broaden transfer authority for cyber personnel across the Department of Defense. The change would let DoD move employees between the Cyber Excepted Service and the competitive service more easily. This would affect internal personnel rules and human resources for cyber staff.
Extend Indo‑Pacific civilian leader pilot
If enacted, the pilot program to develop young civilian defense leaders in the Indo‑Pacific would be extended from ending on December 31, 2026 to ending on December 31, 2031. DoD and partner organizations would continue to run the pilot for five more years.
Help for Afghan allies and ROTC students
If enacted, DoD would set up a secure online portal within 180 days for eligible Afghan security personnel to apply for 'Afghan ally' classification if they served at least one year between Dec. 22, 2001 and Sept. 1, 2021. The bill would also require a Senior ROTC foreign student program by Jan. 1, 2028 to increase participation, but it would not allow paying tuition or room and board for foreign students. Reports and tracking are required.
Military personnel rules, training, justice
If enacted, the bill would require sex‑neutral occupational standards across the Armed Forces and add honor and related topics to human relations training. It would require timely notice to Congress when promotions are delayed and allow pretrial agreements for certain older offenses. The Secretary must also review credentialing forms to limit required mental‑health disclosures and report findings within a year.
Higher construction and buy thresholds
If enacted, the bill would raise several statutory dollar thresholds for defense projects and purchases. It would increase an NNSA design threshold to $10 million (in 2026 dollars), raise an Indo‑Pacific construction threshold to $35 million, replace $2 million with $10 million in another contracting threshold, and set a uniform $500,000 procurement threshold across listed DoD facilities. These changes take effect upon enactment.
Small FY2027 restorations and OIG boost
If enacted, the bill would add modest FY2027 funding increases. It restores $27 million for the DoD Office of Inspector General O&M, restores $42,000 to a High Explosives & Energetics line, restores $150,000 to W88 ALT 370, and adds $10,000 to the Defense Commissary Agency working capital. These are appropriation‑level adjustments and subject to congressional approval.
Broader reverse engineering for prototypes
If enacted, the bill would broaden DoD's prototype reverse engineering authority by removing the phrase limiting it to 'address obsolescence.' The change would let prototype projects use reverse engineering for additional purposes when authorized by statute.
Ban insider trades in prediction markets
If enacted, service members, DoD civilians, and contractor employees would be barred from using material nonpublic job information to profit in prediction markets. Covered transactions over $250 would have to be reported to ethics officials within 30 days. DoD would set penalties within 45 days.
Fewer academic hiring and research options
If enacted, the bill would repeal the temporary DoD hiring authority that allowed hiring of certain students and university faculty, removing that hiring pathway upon enactment. It would also add fiscal year 2027 to an existing statutory limitation on funding for some fundamental research collaborations with certain academic institutions, continuing collaboration limits for that year.
Higher miles needed for reserve travel pay
If enacted, the bill would change the one-way mileage threshold for reserve travel reimbursement from more than 50 miles to more than 100 miles. The change would apply to travel on or after January 1, 2028. The Secretary must report to congressional defense committees by September 30, 2027 on estimated costs and who would be affected.
Limit on full-time reservists FY2027
If enacted, the bill would set maximum numbers of reservists who may serve on full-time operational support duty during fiscal year 2027. Caps would be: Army National Guard 17,000; Army Reserve 13,000; Navy Reserve 6,200; Marine Corps Reserve 3,000; Air National Guard 16,000; Air Force Reserve 14,000. These limits would apply during FY2027.
Ban certain connected vehicles on bases
If enacted, some connected vehicles designated under specified regulations would be banned from operation on military installations. Phase I bans would apply after July 1, 2027. Phase II bans, which add vehicles tied to foreign entities of concern, would apply after January 1, 2029. The Secretary must publish a public list, provide at least 180 days' notice for new designations, and may grant narrow waivers with congressional notice.
Change in appellate review of prison time
If enacted, the bill would change appellate review standards to focus on whether the confinement portion of a sentence is inappropriately severe. Courts could not find confinement too severe if it is at or below the upper range set by a President‑established sentencing parameter. The change takes effect upon enactment and narrows review of confinement sentences.
Limits on some foreign transfers and aid
If enacted, the bill would extend and add prohibitions on certain uses of funds. It would add 2027 to the years when funds may not recognize Russian sovereignty over Ukrainian territory. It would extend through December 31, 2027 prohibitions on bringing Guantánamo detainees to the U.S. or building U.S. facilities for them. It would also bar spending for cooperation with Syria until the Secretary certifies Syria met several listed security steps.
Reserve network account rules
If enacted, DoD must set rules by March 1, 2027 for reserve personnel accounts. Accounts would be disabled after at least 180 days of inactivity and deleted after at least 270 days. Commanders must apply the settings by July 1, 2027. The Inspector General would begin a one-year audit of implementation starting by July 1, 2027 and report to Congress in 2028.
Two‑year post‑employment lobbying ban
If enacted, certain senior officers (active duty O‑9 and above) and equivalent senior DoD civilians would be barred for two years from making communications intended to influence their former Department on behalf of anyone but the United States. The rule applies on enactment.
Ban on betting on military actions
If enacted, the bill would make it illegal to place, accept, or help place bets about U.S. military operations, the introduction of forces into hostilities, or authorizations for use of military force. The Attorney General could seek court orders to stop violators. The rule would start 30 days after the bill becomes law and would exclude certain traditional insurance and some foreign insurances.
Military justice, awards, and protections
If enacted, the bill would make several changes to military justice, award timing, and personnel protections. It would clarify and expand UCMJ jurisdiction for certain inactive‑duty training periods and set clear appellate timing rules. It would extend temporary early discharge authority through October 1, 2030, allow some classified award recommendations to be reconsidered after declassification, and require unredacted award files be shared with congressional committees before certain waivers. It would also expand whistleblower protections to cover security‑clearance actions and psychiatric examinations and expand Special Victims' Counsel coverage to domestic violence victims (effective two years after enactment).
Prospective Recruit Data and Privacy Rules
If enacted, the bill would let the military collect Prospective Recruit Information for people 17 years and older only with express consent (parents must consent for 17-year-olds). The consent must explain purpose and routine uses. Data may be collected via recruiting websites and cookies and cannot be kept more than three years. This authority would end on December 31, 2031.
Ban DoD support for censored projects
If enacted, the Department of Defense could not knowingly provide active direct support using funds from this Act to films, TV, or entertainment projects that comply with material censorship demands from the Government of the People's Republic of China. The Secretary may waive the ban by certifying in writing to the Armed Services Committees that the waiver is in the national interest. The change takes effect on enactment.
Change Armed Forces retirement advisory council
If enacted, the bill would change the advisory council for the Armed Forces Retirement Home by replacing the Secretary of Defense with a Chief Operating Officer in some roles and making certain members nonvoting. It would add a retiree council representative and state the council is not subject to two federal open‑meeting laws. The changes take effect on enactment and affect council governance and transparency.
DoD personnel and basing planning
If enacted, each military department would have 180 days to create a human performance plan with timelines and cost estimates for FY2027–FY2031, and send it to Congress within 270 days. The Air Force would review Space Launch billets within 180 days and send a billet alignment plan within 270 days. The Air Force must also use a standardized 10‑year lifecycle costing method for aircraft basing decisions made after enactment.
Local base land conveyance reviews
If enacted, the Defense Secretary would report within 180 days on whether to convey about 50 acres at Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson to Anchorage. The Secretary would also report within 180 days on whether to convey Lambert St. Louis International Airport to the City of St. Louis. Both reports must assess military utility, operational impacts, legal terms, reversion conditions, and estimated fair market value.
Military investigators can use subpoenas
If enacted, military investigators would be allowed to issue subpoenas for electronic communications in pre-referral and investigative stages, not only warrants or orders. The change broadens the tools investigators can use and could speed some investigations. It could also raise privacy concerns for people under military jurisdiction.
Military Justice, Awards, and Legal Review
If enacted, the bill would let the Army award the Distinguished-Service Cross to a named individual despite usual time limits. Each service would have to set clear procedures for Medal of Honor nominations and limit reconsiderations to new material evidence or clear errors. The Department must study adding hazing to the military criminal code and review rules on intimate-image offenses, with reports due within set deadlines. DoD would also report annually on a department-wide legal review through December 1, 2031.
Procurement waivers and comptroller rules
If enacted, the Secretary of Defense could waive certain procurement prohibitions for national security starting January 1, 2028, after providing written determinations to Congress and allowing delegated authorities for department waivers. Separately, if DoD fails to get an unmodified FY2028 audit opinion, nominees for key comptroller positions would need CPA or CFO experience starting January 1, 2029, with some exceptions for deputies.
State and federal land conveyance changes
If enacted, the bill would allow the Secretary to release a prior covenant that required about 80 acres for park use in Indiana only if the State and the Reuse Authority make specified land exchanges and the conveyed 100 acres are restricted to recreational use. The bill would also withdraw about 4,288 acres of BLM land in Placitas, New Mexico from certain mining and leasing laws while reserving the mineral estate to the United States. Both changes take effect on enactment and affect local land use.
Local land swaps and trail projects
If enacted, the bill would confirm land‑use approvals for about 593.54 acres given to the University of Utah for a research park, including student housing and a transit hub. It would direct Interior and Agriculture to try to finish the Continental Divide Trail within 10 years and create a joint team and plan to identify gaps and costs. The Army could convey a 4.5‑acre Reserve site to the City of Opelika if the city pays fair market value and conveyance costs. The bill would also authorize a land exchange for the Arkansas National Guard and require reports on land withdrawals for training ranges.
DoD must brief on BOND program
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. Briefings must cover participants, placements, success metrics, conflict‑of‑interest guardrails, and cost. The Office could not obligate or spend any funds authorized by this Act for the BOND Program until the first briefing is provided.
Space launch cost and reporting extension
If enacted, the bill would extend the years (now read as 2024 through 2031) during which indirect cost limits and special reporting rules apply to space launch activities on military installations. Launch contractors and installation managers would continue to follow those cost limits and reporting rules through 2031. The change keeps oversight in place for businesses that do launch work on bases.
Updates to acquisition, facilities, and stockpile planning
If enacted, the bill would let the Department expressly hold title to space systems it acquires and would align a software test-and-evaluation pathway to the statutory Software Acquisition Pathways. It would clarify that only amounts actually obligated in a fiscal year count toward a minimum facilities investment requirement and define which performance-based contracts qualify. The bill would require stockpile planning to consider e-waste, recycling, and recovery from industrial sources for defense materials. It would also change ship construction manager wording and repeal a prior authority to use O&M funds for certain cyber development.
DoD and VA procurement rules favor U.S. sellers
If enacted, one year after enactment the Department of Defense would buy cut flowers and greens only if they are grown in a qualifying U.S. area (states, DC, territories, or tribal areas). If DoD accepts a gift of flowers from a covered foreign entity that is not U.S.-grown, the origin must be clearly displayed. The bill would also waive a certificate-of-compliance requirement when the Department of Veterans Affairs buys property or services on behalf of DoD for certain construction projects.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
MS • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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