[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H4673-H4682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 908 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the state of the Union for the further consideration of the bill, 
H.R. 5515.
  Will the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Marshall) kindly resume the 
chair.

                              {time}  1653


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the further consideration of 
the bill (H.R. 5515) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2019 
for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military 
construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal 
year, and for other purposes, with Mr. Marshall (Acting Chair) in the 
chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The Acting CHAIR. When the Committee of the Whole rose earlier today, 
amendment No. 50 printed in House Report 115-702 offered by the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis) had been disposed of.


      Amendments En Bloc No. 2 Offered by Mr. Thornberry of Texas

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, pursuant to House Resolution 908, I 
offer amendments en bloc.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 2 consisting of amendment Nos. 31, 32, 61, 62, 
63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76 printed in 
House Report 115-702, offered by Mr. Thornberry of Texas:


            Amendment No. 31 Offered by Mr. Ross of Florida

       At the end of title XI, add the following:

     SEC. 11__. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 7131 of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e)(1)(A) Not later than March 31 of each calendar year, 
     the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the 
     Office of Management and Budget, shall submit to each House 
     of Congress a report on the operation of this section during 
     the fiscal year last ending before the start of such calendar 
     year.
       ``(B) Not later than December 31 of each calendar year, 
     each agency (as defined by section 7103(a)(3)) shall furnish 
     to the Office of Personnel Management the information which 
     such Office requires, with respect to such agency, for 
     purposes of the report which is next due under subparagraph 
     (A).
       ``(2) Each report by the Office of Personnel Management 
     under this subsection shall include, with respect to the 
     fiscal year described in paragraph (1)(A), at least the 
     following information:
       ``(A) The total amount of official time granted to 
     employees.
       ``(B) The average amount of official time expended per 
     bargaining unit employee.
       ``(C) The specific types of activities or purposes for 
     which official time was granted, and the impact which the 
     granting of such official time for such activities or 
     purposes had on agency operations.
       ``(D) The total number of employees to whom official time 
     was granted, and, of that total, the number who were not 
     engaged in any activities or purposes except activities or 
     purposes involving the use of official time.
       ``(E) The total amount of compensation (including fringe 
     benefits) afforded to employees in connection with activities 
     or purposes for which they were granted official time.
       ``(F) The total amount of official time spent by employees 
     representing Federal employees who are not union members in 
     matters authorized by this chapter.
       ``(G) A description of any room or space designated at the 
     agency (or its subcomponent) where official time activities 
     will be conducted, including the square footage of any such 
     room or space.
       ``(3) All information included in a report by the Office of 
     Personnel Management under this subsection with respect to a 
     fiscal year--
       ``(A) shall be shown both agency-by-agency and for all 
     agencies; and
       ``(B) shall be accompanied by the corresponding information 
     (submitted by the Office in its report under this subsection) 
     for the fiscal year before the fiscal year to which such 
     report pertains, together with appropriate comparisons and 
     analyses.
       ``(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term `official 
     time' means any period of time, regardless of agency 
     nomenclature--
       ``(A) which may be granted to an employee under this 
     chapter (including a collective bargaining agreement entered 
     into under this chapter) to perform representational or 
     consultative functions; and
       ``(B) during which the employee would otherwise be in a 
     duty status.''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall be effective beginning with the report which, under the 
     provisions of such amendment, is first required to be 
     submitted by the Office of Personnel Management to each House 
     of Congress by a date which occurs at least 6 months after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.


           Amendment No. 32 Offered by Mr. Zeldin of New York

       In section 1225 (relating to strategy to counter 
     destabilizing activities of Iran)--
       (1) redesignate subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
       (2) insert after subsection (b) the following new 
     subsection:
       (c) United States Policy.--It shall be the policy of the 
     United States to provide foreign countries that are willing 
     to materially assist United States efforts to counter Iran in 
     the Middle East with support under the strategy authorized 
     under subsection (a) including, as appropriate, with partner 
     benefits commensurate with such support.


      Amendment No. 61 Offered by Ms. Blunt Rochester of Delaware

       At the end of subtitle G of title X of division A, add the 
     following:

     SEC. ___. SENSE OF CONGRESS HONORING THE DOVER AIR FORCE 
                   BASE, DELAWARE, HOME TO THE 436TH AIRLIFT WING, 
                   THE 512TH AIRLIFT WING, AND THE CHARLES C. 
                   CARSON CENTER FOR MORTUARY AFFAIRS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress find the following:
       (1) The Dover Air Force Base is home more than 4,000 
     active-duty military and civilian employees tasked with 
     defending the United States of America.
       (2) The Dover Air Force Base supports the mission of the 
     436th Airlift Wing, known as ``Eagle Wing'' and the 512th 
     Airlift Wing, known as Liberty Wing.
       (3) The ``Eagle Wing'' serves as a unit of the Eighteenth 
     Air Force headquartered with the Air Mobility Command at 
     Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.
       (4) The ``Eagle Wing'' flies hundreds of missions 
     throughout the world and provides a quarter of the United 
     States' strategic airlift capability and boasts a global 
     reach to over 100 countries around the world.
       (5) The Dover Air Force Base houses incredible aircrafts 
     utilized by the United States Air Force, including the C-5M 
     Super Galaxy and C-17A Globemaster III aircraft.
       (6) The Dover Air Force Base operates the largest and 
     busiest air freight terminal in the Department of Defense, 
     fulfilling an important role in our Nation's military.
       (7) The Air Mobility Command Museum is located on the Dover 
     Air Force base and welcomes thousands of visitors each year 
     to learn more about the United States Air Force.
       (8) The Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs 
     fulfills our Nation's sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, 
     honor and respect to the fallen and care service and support 
     to their families.
       (9) The mortuary mission at Dover Air Force Base dates back 
     to 1955 and is the only Department of Defense mortuary in the 
     continental United States.
       (10) Service members who serve at the Center for Mortuary 
     Affairs are often so moved by their work that they 
     voluntarily elect to serve multiple tours because they feel 
     called to serve our fallen heroes.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--Congress--
       (1) honors and expresses sincerest gratitude to the women 
     and men of the Dover Air Force Base for their distinguished 
     service;
       (2) acknowledges the incredible sacrifice and service of 
     the families of active duty members of the United States 
     military;
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to keep in 
     their thoughts and their prayers the women and men of the 
     United States Armed Forces; and
       (4) recognizes the incredibly unique and important work of 
     the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations and the role they 
     play in honoring our fallen heroes.


      Amendment No. 62 Offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania

       At the end of subtitle B of title II, add the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 2__. PROCESS FOR COORDINATION OF STUDIES AND ANALYSIS 
                   RESEARCH OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

       The Secretary of Defense shall implement a Department of 
     Defense-wide process under

[[Page H4674]]

     which the heads of the military departments and Defense 
     Agencies responsible for managing requests for studies and 
     analysis research are required to coordinate annual research 
     requests and ongoing research efforts to minimize duplication 
     and reduce costs.


      Amendment No. 63 Offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania

       Add at the end of subtitle C of title IX the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 9__. REVIEW OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES AND 
                   ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS 
                   APPROPRIATION.

       With respect to a contract for goods and services paid for 
     with foreign currency, the Under Secretary of Defense 
     (Comptroller), in coordination with each Secretary of a 
     military department, shall conduct a review of the exchange 
     rate for such foreign currency used when making a 
     disbursement pursuant to such a contract to determine whether 
     cost-savings opportunities exist by more consistently 
     selecting cost-effective rates. Such review shall include an 
     analysis of realized and projected losses to determine the 
     necessary balance of the appropriation ``Foreign Currency 
     Fluctuations, Defense''. The Secretary of Defense may use the 
     results of such analysis to determine the amount of any 
     transfers to the appropriation ``Foreign Currency 
     Fluctuations, Defense''.


      Amendment No. 64 Offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania

       Page 124, after line 2, insert the following new section:

     SEC. 528. COMPLETION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DIRECTIVE 
                   2310.07E REGARDING MISSING PERSONS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall make the 
     completion of Department of Defense Directive 2310.07E a top 
     priority in order to improve the efficiency of locating 
     missing persons.
       (b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``missing 
     person'' has the meaning given such term in section 1513 of 
     title 10, United States Code.


              Amendment No. 65 Offered by Mr. Poe of Texas

       At the end of subtitle C of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 12__. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.

       (a) Imposition of Sanctions.--
       (1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 90 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President 
     shall impose the sanctions described in paragraph (2) with 
     respect to As-Saib Ahl al-Haq and Harakat Hizballah al-Nujaba 
     and foreign persons that are officials, agents, affiliates 
     of, or owned or controlled by As-Saib Ahl al-Haq or Harakat 
     Hizballah al-Nujaba, as the case may be.
       (2) Sanctions described.--The sanctions described in this 
     paragraph are sanctions applicable with respect to a foreign 
     person pursuant to Executive Order 13224 (50 U.S.C. 1701 
     note; relating to blocking property and prohibiting 
     transactions with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or 
     support terrorism).
       (3) Exception.--The authorities and requirements to impose 
     sanctions under this section shall not include the authority 
     or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of 
     goods (as such term is defined in section 16 of the Export 
     Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. 4618) (as continued in 
     effect pursuant to the International Emergency Economic 
     Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.))).
       (b) Additional Reporting.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to 
     the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of 
     Senate a report that includes a detailed list of global 
     entities with respect to which there is a reasonable basis to 
     determine that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has 
     an ownership interest in such entity of not less than 33 
     percent.
       (2) Form.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified 
     annex.


         Amendment No. 66 Offered by Mr. Carbajal of California

       At the end of subtitle I of title V, add the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 5__. USE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING MANUALS.

       The Secretary of Defense shall encourage the military 
     departments to transition training manuals, emergency 
     guidance, and other publications needed to train members of 
     the Armed Forces to applications on mobile telephones that 
     use innovative technologies and provide for interaction 
     between trainees and information needed to complete training 
     in a manner that is cost efficient.


          Amendment No. 67 Offered by Mr. Lance of New Jersey

       Page 175, after line 17, insert the following new section:

     SEC. 573. AWARD OF MEDALS OR OTHER COMMENDATIONS TO HANDLERS 
                   OF MILITARY WORKING DOGS AND MILITARY WORKING 
                   DOGS.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Guardians of America's Freedom Medal Act''.
       (b) Award of Medals or Other Commendations to Handlers of 
     Military Working Dogs and Military Working Dogs.--
       (1) Program of award required.--Each Secretary of a 
     military department shall carry out a program to provide for 
     the award of one or more medals or other commendations to 
     handlers of military working dogs, and to military working 
     dogs, under the jurisdiction of such Secretary to recognize 
     valor or meritorious achievement by such handlers and dogs.
       (2) Medal and commendations.--Any medal or commendation 
     awarded pursuant to a program under paragraph (1) shall be of 
     such design, and include such elements, as the Secretary of 
     the military department concerned shall specify.
       (3) Regulations.--Medals and commendations shall be awarded 
     under programs under paragraph (1) in accordance with 
     regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for 
     purposes of this section.


           Amendment No. 68 Offered by Mr. Foster of Illinois

       At the end of subtitle B of title XXXI, add the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 31__. NUCLEAR FORENSICS ANALYSES.

       (a) Independent Assessment.--Not later than 30 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security, shall seek to enter into an 
     agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for an 
     independent assessment of nuclear forensic analyses conducted 
     by the Federal Government.
       (b) Elements.--The assessment conducted by the National 
     Academy of Sciences shall, at minimum, include the following:
       (1) An assessment of a representative sample of nuclear 
     forensic analyses from across the Federal departments and 
     agencies, with particular emphasis on the validity, quality, 
     value, cost effectiveness, gaps, and timeliness of such 
     analyses.
       (2) An assessment of the methodologies used by nuclear 
     forensics analyses from across the Federal departments and 
     agencies, including the scientific rigor of such 
     methodologies.
       (3) Recommendations for improving nuclear forensics 
     analyses conducted by the Federal Government, including any 
     best practices or lessons learned that should be shared 
     across the Federal departments and agencies.
       (c) Submission.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     containing the assessment of the National Academy of Sciences 
     under subsection (a).
       (d) Briefing on Senior-level Involvement in Exercises.--Not 
     later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, the President shall provide to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a briefing on the involvement of 
     senior-level executive branch leadership in recent and 
     planned nuclear terrorism preparedness or response exercises, 
     or any other exercise that have nuclear forensic analysis as 
     a component of the exercise.
       (e) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the congressional defense committees; and
       (2) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Government Affairs of the Senate.


         Amendment No. 69 Offered by Mr. Cardenas of California

       At the end of subtitle C of title VII, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. ____. PILOT PROGRAM ON MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS 
                   REDUCTION IN PRE-DEPLOYMENT TRAINING.

       (a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Defense, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security with 
     respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a 
     service in the Navy, shall carry out a pilot program under 
     which the Secretary provides mindfulness-based stress 
     reduction training to members of the Armed Forces before 
     their deployment to a combat theater of operations.
       (b) Study and Report.--The Secretary of Defense shall study 
     and submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of 
     training under the pilot program, including the effect of the 
     training on--
       (1) managing stress; and
       (2) preventing post-traumatic stress disorder.


            Amendment No. 70 Offered by Ms. Meng of New York

       At the end of subtitle I of title V, insert the following:

     SEC. __. ADDRESSING ATTRITION LEVELS OF WOMEN IN THE 
                   MILITARY.

       Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and carry out an 
     exit survey to be completed by members of the Armed Forces to 
     assist the Secretary to assess the reasons that attrition 
     levels for women are higher than for men at various career 
     points.


            Amendment No. 71 Offered by Ms. Meng of New York

       At the end of subtitle B of title II, add the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 2__. JET NOISE REDUCTION PROGRAM OF THE NAVY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Navy, acting through 
     the Director of the Office of Naval Research, may carry out a 
     jet noise reduction program to study the physics of, and 
     reduce, jet noise produced by high-performance military 
     aircraft.

[[Page H4675]]

       (b) Elements.--In carrying out the program under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary may--
       (1) identify material and non-material solutions to reduce 
     jet noise;
       (2) develop and transition such solutions to the fleet;
       (3) communicate relevant discoveries to the civilian 
     aviation community; and
       (4) support the development of theoretical noise models, 
     computational prediction tools, noise control strategies, 
     diagnostic tools, and enhanced source localization.


            Amendment No. 72 Offered by Ms. Meng of New York

       Page 433, line 2, insert ``oversight,'' before ``and 
     sustainment of''.


          Amendment No. 73 Offered by Mr. Smith of Washington

       At the end of subtitle F of title XII, add the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 12__. REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MISSIONS, 
                   OPERATIONS, AND ACTIVITIES IN NIGER AND THE 
                   BROADER REGION.

       (a) Report Required.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in 
     consultation as appropriate with the Secretary of State, 
     shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the 
     Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, and the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 
     a report on the missions, operations, and activities of the 
     Department in Niger and the broader region that includes the 
     following:
       (A) A description of the objectives and the associated 
     lines of efforts of the Department in Niger and the broader 
     region, and the benchmarks for assessing progress toward such 
     objectives.
       (B) A description of the timeline for achieving such 
     objectives in Niger and the broader region.
       (C) A justification of the relevance of such objectives in 
     Niger and the broader region to the national security of the 
     United States and to the objectives in the National Defense 
     Strategy.
       (D) A description of steps the Department is taking to 
     ensure that security cooperation in Niger and the broader 
     region is effectively coordinated with the diplomatic and 
     development activities of the Department of State and the 
     United States Agency for International Development.
       (E) A description of the legal, operational, and fiscal 
     authorities relating to the lines of effort of the Department 
     in Niger and the broader region.
       (F) An identification of measures to mitigate operational 
     risk to and increase the preparedness of members of the Armed 
     Forces conducting missions, operations, or activities in 
     Niger or the broader region.
       (G) An assessment of the command and support relationships 
     of United States Africa Command with subordinate component 
     commands, including Special Operations Command Africa.
       (H) An identification and description of each implemented 
     recommendation from the Army Regulation 15-6 investigation 
     report conducted by United States Africa Command regarding 
     the deaths of four soldiers in Niger on October 4, 2017.
       (I) Any other matter the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate.
       (2) Scope of report.--For purposes of the report required 
     by paragraph (1), the term ``broader region'' includes 
     Algeria, Libya, Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, 
     and Mali.
       (b) Form.--The report required by subsection (a)(1) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a 
     classified annex.


           Amendment No. 74 Offered by Mr. Bera of California

       At the end of subtitle F of title V, add the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 5__. REPORT ON AVAILABILITY OF COLLEGE CREDIT FOR SKILLS 
                   ACQUIRED DURING MILITARY SERVICE.

       Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the 
     Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, Education, and Labor, shall 
     submit to Congress a report on the transfer of skills into 
     equivalent college credits or technical certifications for 
     members of the Armed Forces leaving the military. Such report 
     shall describe each the following:
       (1) Each skill that may be acquired during military service 
     that is eligible for transfer into an equivalent college 
     credit or technical certification.
       (2) The academic level of the equivalent college credit or 
     technical certification for which each such skill is 
     eligible.
       (3) Each academic institution that awards an equivalent 
     college credit or technical certification for such skills, 
     including--
       (A) whether each such academic institution is public or 
     private and whether such institution is for profit; and
       (B) the number of veterans that applied to such academic 
     institutions who were able to receive equivalent college 
     credits or technical certifications in the last fiscal year, 
     and the academic level of the credits or certifications.
       (4) The number of members of the Armed Forces who left the 
     military in the last fiscal year and the number of those 
     individuals who met with an academic or technical training 
     advisor as part of their participation in the Transition 
     Assistance Program.


       Amendment No. 75 Offered by Mr. Meadows of North Carolina

       Page 874, insert after line 6 the following:

     SEC. 2815. PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE LEASING OF PROPERTY.

       (a) Requiring Certification by Secretaries of Military 
     Departments Prior to Entering Into Leases That Property Owned 
     by United States Is Not Available to Carry Out Purpose of 
     Lease.--
       (1) Additional requirement in reports on leases of real 
     property.--Section 2662(a)(5)(B) of title 10, United States 
     Code, as amended by section 2812 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 
     131 Stat. 1849), is amended--
       (A) by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (ii);
       (B) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new clause:
       ``(iv) facilities in property under the jurisdiction of the 
     Department of Defense may not be reconfigured to support the 
     purpose of the proposed lease in an appropriate and cost-
     effective manner.''.
       (2) Effective date; notice of compliance.--
       (A) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
     shall apply with respect to leases entered into or renewed on 
     or after the expiration of the 60-day period which begins on 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (B) Report on steps taken to ensure future compliance.--
     Upon the completion of any general steps necessary to ensure 
     that the Department of Defense will be able to meet the 
     requirements of subsection (a)(5) of section 2662 of title 
     10, United States Code (as amended by paragraph (1)) with 
     respect to all leases entered into or renewed after the 
     expiration of the period described in subparagraph (A), 
     including the promulgation of any regulations or the issuance 
     of other guidance, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a 
     one-time report to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
     House of Representatives and Senate and shall post a copy of 
     the report on the public website of the Department of 
     Defense.
       (b) Improving Accuracy of Information in Reports by 
     Secretary of Defense on Real Property Leases.--
       (1) Information on costs of leases.--In preparing any 
     inventory or report on real property leased by the Department 
     of Defense, including information on property included in a 
     Base Structure Report and information in the Real Property 
     Asset Database of the Department of Defense, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall--
       (A) in the case of a lease which covers multiple assets of 
     the Department, provide a separate breakdown of the rent and 
     other costs (including parking) associated with each such 
     asset; and
       (B) in the case of real property which is subject to 
     multiple leases entered into by the Department, provide a 
     separate breakdown for each such lease and the costs 
     associated with each such lease.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, or at the time of publishing the next 
     Base Structure Report prepared after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act (whichever occurs earlier), the 
     Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
     Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a report 
     detailing the steps the Secretary has taken to ensure 
     compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1).
       (c) Review by Government Accountability Office.--Not later 
     than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary of Defense 
     submits the one-time report required under subparagraph (B) 
     of subsection (a)(2), the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall prepare and submit to Congress a report on--
       (1) the extent to which the Department is in compliance 
     with subsection (a)(5) of section 2662 of title 10, United 
     States Code (as amended by subsection (a)(1)), including the 
     regulations and guidance promulgated and issued by the 
     Secretary to ensure compliance with such subsection, as of 
     the date on which the Secretary submits the report; and
       (2) the extent to which the Secretary is including the 
     information required under subsection (b) in inventories and 
     reports on real property leased by the Department, as of the 
     date on which the Secretary submits the report.


          Amendment No. 76 Offered by Mr. Schiff of California

       Add at the end of subtitle C of title XII the following:

     SEC. 12__. REPORT ON UNITED STATES STRIKES AGAINST SYRIA.

       Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives 
     and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a report 
     providing a detailed explanation of the legal basis under 
     both domestic and international law for the strikes conducted 
     by the United States against Syrian regime targets on April 
     6, 2017, and April 13, 2018, including a detailed legal 
     analysis of relevant authorities and precedents. Such report 
     shall be unclassified, but may include a classified annex.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 908, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Thornberry) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. 
Smith) each will control 10 minutes.

[[Page H4676]]

  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman 
from Missouri (Mrs. Hartzler).
  Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee as well as the House Judiciary Committee 
for working with me and the Armed Services Committee to include an 
important amendment in this bill that will expand DOD's ability to 
interdict drones that pose a threat to certain military installations.
  My amendment adds mobility airlift to the list of mission sets 
permitted to use counter-drone technology. If a drone were to attack 
the mobility mission, it could mean a reduction in our ability to 
provide logistic support globally to joint and coalition warfighters.
  Additionally, a drone attack on our mobility forces could prevent our 
capacity to conduct global operations by severely limiting our ability 
to conduct aerial refueling. This is a commonsense proposal necessary 
to protect a critical aspect of our national defense.
  I am delighted it is included in an en bloc package, and I want to 
thank Representatives Garamendi, Hanabusa, Rosen, and Austin Scott for 
cosponsoring this bipartisan amendment.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes 
to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wilson).
  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of 
amendment No. 73, requiring a report to relevant committees on the 
missions, operations, and activities of the Department of Defense in 
Niger and the broader region.
  I believe that key components of the amendment are necessary to 
obtain critical, tactical, operational, and strategic improvements in 
U.S. Africa Command's efforts to achieve stability and security in the 
region, and most importantly, keep our troops safer.
  As evidenced by the tragic deaths of the four soldiers who were 
ambushed by ISIS near Tongo Tongo, Niger, last October, improvements 
throughout the chain of command and military services are necessary, 
and DOD must provide greater transparency and communication with 
Congress regarding legal, operational, and funding authorities for 
military operations in Africa.
  The amendment requires DOD to specify its objectives in Niger and 
justify their relevance to U.S. national security. For the safety of 
our troops, the amendment also requires DOD to identify measures to 
mitigate operational risk and increase the preparedness of members of 
the Armed Forces in Niger and the broader region.
  It will also mandate that DOD assess the command and support 
relationships of U.S. Africa Command with subordinate commands like 
Special Operations Command. This will help to ensure improved command 
and control throughout the chain of command, that the commander's 
intent is clear, and that operational guidance is consistent and 
concise.
  Indeed, the tragic deaths of the four soldiers killed in action 
affected me personally in an overwhelming way. One of the four soldiers 
killed was a dear constituent of mine, Sergeant La David Johnson of 
Miami Gardens.
  Sergeant Johnson, who was killed while bravely defending our country, 
was 25 years of age. He left behind a lovely extended family, a 
beautiful wife, and three young children. He was a member of the 5000 
Role Models of Excellence, and 50 members are visiting us here today.
  Mr. Chair, I am hopeful that with actions currently being taken by 
the DOD, along with the prescriptive elements of this amendment, our 
Nation will not have to suffer another tragic loss like we did last 
October.

                              {time}  1700

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Newhouse) for the purpose of a colloquy.
  Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman for this 
opportunity to discuss a matter of great interest and importance to the 
Tri-Cities community in my district.
  In the 1940s and 1950s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acquired 
land along the shoreline of the Columbia River in Tri-Cities, 
Washington. The land, 34 miles of the McNary shoreline, is currently 
underutilized. The local communities continue to be saddled with 
hundreds of thousands of dollars of M&O costs annually for upkeep of 
land of these shoreline properties that they don't even own.
  I support the community proposal to convey the land back to the 
cities. I have been working with the chairman on proposed amendment 
language to do so but respect the fact the chairman has let me know 
there is still some work to be done.
  I continue to encourage further community engagement and believe 
public meetings are necessary to ensure all voices are heard, including 
that of the local Tribes.
  It is also a requirement that the city governments fully understand 
the responsibilities and potential costs that could arise from having 
this land conveyed.
  There must be further coordination between conveyance proponents, 
community stakeholders, city governments, and the Army Corps.
  Mr. Chairman, you have raised concerns about the language in its 
current form and have urged further efforts. I am committed to 
continuing to work with the local communities to address these 
concerns.
  Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I respectfully ask: Will you commit to 
continuing to work with me as the NDAA process moves forward to try to 
address concerns with the proposal while the communities continue to 
assess their needs?
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. NEWHOUSE. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for raising this 
issue.
  As the gentleman and I have discussed, there are significant hurdles 
to legislating land transfers of the Department of Defense. Among the 
issues that must be addressed are:
  What and where is the property in question?
  Who is the intended recipient?
  Are there multiple parties who are also interested in acquiring this 
property?
  Are there ongoing legal proceedings related to the property?
  Are there cleanup costs and liabilities associated with the property?
  Have the interested parties met with the Department of Defense, and 
if so, with whom?
  Does the Department support conveying the property, and do they have 
a continuing need for it?
  If supported, why can't the Department dispose of the property 
through its surplus/excess process?
  What are the proposed reuses of the property?
  Are there any earmark issues--no-cost conveyances to private entities 
or for economic development can be subject to points of order.
  Has CBO been consulted for any mandatory scoring implications?
  And, if outside committees have equities, have they been consulted 
for approval or concerns?
  I will be happy to continue working with the gentleman moving 
forward, but I would ask that he and any other Member looking at land 
transfers take these factors into account and give all relevant 
committees plenty of time and opportunity to vet their proposal.
  Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman for 
that colloquy.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester).
  Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Chairman, first let me thank Chairman 
Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for the time. I also want to thank 
both of them for including my amendment in the en bloc 2 amendment 
package.
  My amendment expresses this body's strong support of the Dover Air 
Force Base in Delaware. The Dover Air Force Base is a pillar of our 
community in the First State and a pillar of the Air Force community at 
large.
  The Dover Air Force Base is home to the 436th and the 512th Air Lift 
Wings, representing over 4,000 Active-Duty military and civilians. The 
436th was recently recognized with the Air Force Outstanding Unit 
Award. The award served as recognition of the exemplary

[[Page H4677]]

work of the entire unit led by Colonel Ethan Griffin who will, 
unfortunately, soon be leaving Dover.
  Along with supporting the missions of the two Air Lift Wings, Dover 
is also home to the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs and 
carries out the solemn obligation of caring for our fallen heroes.
  Mr. Chair, it is right and fitting that the United States Congress 
recognize and acknowledge the incredibly important work of the Dover 
Air Force Base, and I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc 
amendment package.
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).
  Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the en bloc amendments 
and in support of the underlying bill.
  Passing this defense bill is one of the most important constitutional 
responsibilities of Congress. I commend Chairman Thornberry for his 
leadership, and I thank him for his support of my amendments.
  I was pleased to join with my bipartisan colleagues, Congressman  
Michael Burgess and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, in offering an amendment 
auditing the Pentagon fully. This has been promised for many years, and 
I am pleased that it is in this bill.
  I thank Chairman Thornberry for including my bipartisan amendment 
that would officially create th first-ever Department of Defense 
commendation for military working dogs and their handlers.

  Nine military working dog handlers from the home State I represent, 
New Jersey, have been killed in action, and one of my constituents from 
Short Hills, New Jersey, was among these.
  Mr. Chairman, I think we should be voting on the en bloc amendments 
favorably and also voting favorably for the underlying bill.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Carbajal), who is a member of the Armed 
Services Committee.
  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Thornberry 
and Ranking Member Smith for their bipartisan leadership, and the Armed 
Services Committee and the Rules Committee for bringing my amendment to 
the floor.
  My amendment is simple. It not only urges the Department of Defense 
to pursue more innovative measures to train servicemembers, but also to 
train them in a more cost-effective manner.
  This amendment urges DOD to transition training manuals, emergency 
guidance, and other training publications to applications on mobile 
telephones to enable interaction and improve and update the training 
experience for servicemembers. It provides a cost-efficient mechanism 
for less printing and less distribution costs while making the 
materials more readily accessible.
  The Air Force has already started utilizing such applications, and my 
amendment would urge the Secretary to utilize such technology 
throughout all the services.
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished 
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik), who is the chair of the 
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.
  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express support for my 
amendment to create an independent national security commission on 
artificial intelligence.
  Mr. Chairman, this bill that I have introduced will direct a 
comprehensive and national-level review of advances in AI and machine 
learning and ensure these align with our national security needs. It 
will provide actionable recommendations to the President and the 
Congress to more effectively organize the Federal Government when it 
comes to AI.
  Artificial intelligence is a constantly developing technology that 
will touch every aspect of our lives. The investments we make and 
policies we establish will provide the foundation of our national 
security and technological military advantage, but every day we run the 
risk of that edge being eroded.
  In order to preserve this, we must increase our research in public, 
private, and academic institutions, build and educate a talented 
workforce, embrace the technological advances that AI will provide, and 
lead the international community in establishing the laws and norms 
associated with implementing AI. This amendment makes advances in all 
of these areas.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank my ranking member, Jim Langevin of Rhode 
Island, for cosponsoring this amendment.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Cardenas).
  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Chairman, first I would like to thank Chairman Mac 
Thornberry and also Ranking Member Adam Smith for their fine work on 
this and allowing me to bring my amendment to the floor.
  My mindfulness amendment would create a pilot program to train 
members of the Armed Forces in mindfulness stress reduction techniques 
before deploying to combat zones.
  According to the VA, mindfulness practice has the potential to 
benefit individuals with PTSD. Using mindfulness to strengthen reaction 
to stress together with existing empirically supported PTSD treatments 
may allow patients to persevere through trauma processing.
  Rather than waiting to apply these treatments after the traumatic 
event, why not prepare our brave young men and women who are being sent 
into combat zones ahead of time?
  A prior study with the Marines suggested mindfulness training was 
beneficial for attention, working memory, as well as mood. My amendment 
would expand this training to all branches of the Armed Forces, 
including the Coast Guard. It would require a report on the success of 
this training with stress management and preventing PTSD.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment.
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I have no further speakers on this en 
bloc package, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute 
to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), who is the ranking member 
on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of an amendment I joined 
with Ranking Member Smith to offer on Niger.
  Last October, four American servicemembers were killed in an ambush 
in Niger. We still don't fully understand what happened. For some 
reason, the zeal for oversight seems to have dried up in the last 16 
months.
  Here is what we do know: American personnel were in Niger for an 
advise-and-accompany mission, but sometime after these four heroes lost 
their lives, the administration said: Well, no, they actually fought 
under the 2001 war authorization.
  That is the post-9/11 AUMF.
  So four Americans are dead, and it turns out they have been fighting 
the war on terror one country after another. There are seemingly no 
limits, and we have a responsibility to do better.
  This is a scandal screaming out for congressional oversight--not just 
in this case, but in so many of the far-flung places where our military 
is engaged overseas.
  We need to stay focused on fighting terrorist organizations. But the 
law says Congress decides when and where we fight wars, and the 
administration appears to be losing track of what authorities it has 
and where it is using them.

  Mr. Chairman, I am glad to join Ranking Member Smith in offering this 
amendment that hopefully will shed light on our mission in the region.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schneider).
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague, Mr. Smith, for 
yielding.
  I rise today in support of my amendment to formally codify the Boots 
to Business program, and I want to thank my friend from Iowa, 
Congressman Rod Blum, for his work on this amendment and on our bill, 
the Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Act.
  As transitioning servicemembers enter civilian life, they bring 
adaptability and experience to excel as entrepreneurs. However, they 
often lack business-specific skills or experience that can help bring 
their ideas to reality.

[[Page H4678]]

  The Boots to Business program seeks to fill these gaps and helps 
prepare transitioning servicemembers, their spouses, and also veterans 
for challenges starting their own small business.
  Participants take a 2-day, in-person course on business ownership, 
followed by an in-depth, 8-week online course that teaches them day-to-
day skills they will need to run a successful small business, such as 
the fundamentals in developing a business plan and how to acquire 
financing.
  I am grateful my amendment is included in the NDAA, and I am hopeful 
we can continue to expand Boots to Business so that more servicemembers 
and veterans can start and grow their own small business.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, we have no further speakers.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of the amendments en bloc, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I also yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the following editorial 
from my local paper, The Ledger, in reference to my amendment to H.R. 
5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, to 
provide taxpayers with greater transparency into ``official time.''

  Editorial: Per Ross, let's make officials report all `official' time

                         (The Editorial Board)

       Think unions and the stereotype that comes to mind is one 
     of burly, thick-necked guys clad in hard hats, scuffed work 
     boots and plenty of denim. Perhaps that image was fit in 
     1955, when the American Federation of Labor and Congress of 
     Industrial Organizations merged to form the AFL-CIO, 
     America's largest organized labor group. At the time an 
     estimated 35 percent of U.S. workers belonged to a union, and 
     most often such workers drove trucks, assembled cars, built 
     and wired buildings, or engaged in similar hands-dirtying 
     work.
       Today, only 11 percent of workers are unionized, and 
     frequently they wear a uniform (such as police or 
     firefighter), or work in an office or public school 
     classroom. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 34 
     percent of union workers toil for local, state, or federal 
     government agencies--or roughly five times the number of 
     those who drive trucks, assemble cars, build and wire 
     buildings, or engage in similar hands-dirtying work.
       Inevitably, these workers must tend to union business at 
     the expense of their official duties in service to the 
     public.
       U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross is particularly concerned about how 
     such juggling among federal civil servants taxpayers, and 
     seeks to enlighten the public, and perhaps the rest of the 
     U.S. government, about how taxpayers' dimes are consumed by 
     union time.
       Ross is eyeing a federal law that says managers must allot 
     staffers time--known in government jargon as ``official 
     time''--to perform union activities, insofar as it remains 
     ``consistent with the requirements of an effective and 
     efficient government.''
       The federal Office of Personnel Management reported last 
     month that most union workers who tap official time spend it 
     lobbying Congress about legislation that affects federal 
     union employees (for instance, bills relate to federal pay 
     and benefits); representing union employees who face 
     discipline or who filed grievances; and participating in 
     labor-management ``workgroups.''
       Certain federal employees, under law, are paid to spend 100 
     percent of their time on union functions. Or some union reps 
     establish ``banks'' of paid time that they draw down in 
     working just for the union. The OPM report found that between 
     2010 and 2016, the most recent year available, the hours 
     spent on official time jumped nearly 17 percent, from 3.1 
     million hours to 3.61 million.
       In some cases, official time was negligible. The Federal 
     Election Commission, for example, reported just six hours of 
     official time in 2016. In other cases, it was considerable. 
     The Defense Department recorded almost 387,000 hours of 
     official time that year.
       The size, scope and mission of a particular agency will 
     drive much of that. Still, in the aggregate, this is no small 
     expense. The OPM notes that in 2016 official time cost 
     taxpayers almost $175 million, up roughly 8 percent from 
     2014, the last time the survey was done. And the report 
     doesn't catch everything. The OPM said its report was limited 
     to payroll costs because it lacks ``comprehensive data 
     source'' that would allow for ``a complete accounting of the 
     costs of union activities.'' Thus, its analysis does not 
     include taxpayers' costs for facilities, equipment and travel 
     related to collective bargaining.
       The OPM knew, for example, that the Social Security 
     Administration in 2016 spent $2.1 million on union reps' 
     travel, office space, telephones and supplies only because 
     the agency was required to report that to its congressional 
     oversight committee.
       Congressman Ross seeks to fix that.
       In May 2017, the Lakeland Republican, noting 
     inconsistencies and lags in data-gathering on these costs, 
     filed a bill that would require all federal agencies to 
     provide Congress detailed annual reports of official time 
     expenses.
       ``With greater transparency, employees will be less likely 
     to abuse the system, which will result in less waste of 
     taxpayer dollars,'' Ross said at the time ``It is far past 
     time we require agencies to provide this information to 
     Congress and the public. Taxpayers deserve clear, reliable 
     data on how many employees are performing union work on 
     official time in lieu of their regularly assigned government 
     duties.'' He's right. His bill passed the House, but 
     unfortunately stalled in the Senate. Ross' office told us 
     Monday he will seek to have the measure added to the National 
     Defense Authorization Act, the must-pass defense spending 
     bill that the House will take up later this week.
       Ross will soon retire, but we encourage him to pursue this 
     bill until he leaves. Moreover, we urge the rest of Congress 
     to heed his point.
       Congress owes taxpayers a full accounting of time spent by 
     staffers promoting the personal career interests of the 
     nearly 1 million unionized federal workers, and how that 
     squares with the commitment, under law, of providing 
     ``effective and efficient'' government.

  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered 
by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry).
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.


      Amendments En Bloc No. 3 Offered by Mr. Thornberry of Texas

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, pursuant to House Resolution 908, I 
offer amendments en bloc.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 3 consisting of amendment Nos. 77, 78, 79, 80, 
81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, and 92, printed in House 
Report Number 115-702, offered by Mr. Thornberry of Texas:

           Amendment No. 77 Offered by Mr. Heck of Washington

       At the end of subtitle I of title V, add the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 5__. PROOF OF PERIOD OF MILITARY SERVICE FOR PURPOSES OF 
                   INTEREST RATE LIMITATION UNDER THE 
                   SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT.

       Section 207(b)(1) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
     (50 U.S.C. 3937(b)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) Proof of military service.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of a servicemember's termination or release from military 
     service, in order for an obligation or liability of the 
     servicemember to be subject to the interest rate limitation 
     in subsection (a), the servicemember shall provide to the 
     creditor written notice and a copy of--
       ``(i) the military orders calling the servicemember to 
     military service and any orders further extending military 
     service; or
       ``(ii) any other appropriate indicator of military service, 
     including a certified letter from a commanding officer.
       ``(B) Independent verification by creditor.--
       ``(i) In general.--Regardless of whether a servicemember 
     has provided to a creditor the written notice and 
     documentation under subparagraph (A), the creditor may use, 
     in lieu of such notice and documentation, information 
     retrieved from the Defense Manpower Database Center through 
     the creditor's normal business reviews of the Database Center 
     for purposes of obtaining information indicating that the 
     servicemember is on active duty.
       ``(ii) Safe harbor.--A creditor that uses the information 
     retrieved from the Defense Manpower Database Center under 
     clause (i) with respect to a servicemember has not failed to 
     treat the debt of the servicemember in accordance with 
     subsection (a) if--

       ``(I) such information indicates that, on the date the 
     creditor retrieves such information, the servicemember is not 
     on active duty; and
       ``(II) the creditor has not, as of such date, received the 
     written notice and documentation required under subparagraph 
     (A) with respect to the servicemember.''.


          Amendment No. 78 Offered by Ms. Esty of Connecticut

       At the end of subtitle I of title V, add the following new 
     section:

     SEC. ___. REPORT REGARDING POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS TO 
                   PROCESSING RETIREMENTS AND MEDICAL DISCHARGES.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, 
     in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall 
     issue a report to the congressional defense committees and 
     the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House 
     of Representatives regarding possible improvements to the 
     transition of members of the Armed Forces to veteran status.
       (b) Elements.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
     address the following:
       (1) Feasibility of requiring members of the Armed Forces to 
     apply for benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs before such members complete discharge from the Armed 
     Forces.
       (2) Feasibility of requiring members of the Armed Forces to 
     undergo compensation and

[[Page H4679]]

     pension examinations (to be administered by the Secretary of 
     Defense) for purposes of obtaining benefits described in 
     paragraph (1) before such members complete discharge from 
     active duty in the Armed Forces.
       (3) Possible improvements to the timeliness of the process 
     for transitioning members who undergo medical discharge to 
     care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.


       Amendment No. 79 Offered by Mr. Krishnamoorthi of Illinois

       Page 162, after line 17, insert the following:
       (D) The number and percentage of individuals served by the 
     pilot program who are employed in a field that matches their 
     skills and training.


           Amendment No. 80 Offered by Ms. Gabbard of Hawaii

       At the end of subtitle D of title III, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. 3__. REPORT ON PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 
                   REQUIREMENTS FOR CIVIL RESPONSE TEAMS TO 
                   VOLCANIC ACTIVITY.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, 
     the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
     and the Director of the United States Geological Survey, 
     shall submit to Congress a report on personal protective 
     equipment requirements for civil defense response teams to 
     volcanic activity and civilian communities in the vicinity of 
     active volcanic activity, including protection against sulfur 
     dioxide gas.
       (b) Transfer of Equipment Authorized.--If the Secretary of 
     Defense determines that the Department of Defense is in 
     possession of excess personal protective equipment that is 
     not needed for current and future planned operational 
     requirements, the Secretary may transfer such excess 
     equipment to State and local civil defense agencies upon 
     request from the governor or equivalent official of a State.
       (c) Definition of State.--In this section, the term 
     ``State'' means each of the several States of the United 
     States, the District of Columbia, and any territory, 
     commonwealth, or possession of the United States.


          Amendment No. 81 Offered by Mr. Crawford of Arkansas

       The amendment as modified is as follows:
       Page 116, after line 2, insert the following new section:

     SEC. 515. PILOT PROGRAM FOR EOD-QUALIFIED MEMBERS OF THE ARMY 
                   NATIONAL GUARD TO SUPPORT CIVIL AUTHORITIES.

       (a) Pilot Program Authorized.--The Secretary of the Army 
     may carry out a pilot program under which EOD-qualified 
     members of the Army National Guard may conduct planning and 
     immediate response defense support to civil authorities.
       (b) Objectives.--The Secretary of the Army shall design a 
     pilot program conducted under this section to determine the 
     following:
       (1) The feasibility and effectiveness of establishing 
     program described in subsection (a).
       (2) The merits of using EOD-qualified members of the Army 
     National Guard on full-time National Guard duty versus such 
     members on active duty for such a pilot program.
       (3) The need for legislative authority to conduct such a 
     pilot program.
       (4) The costs to make such a pilot program permanent.
       (c) Consultation.--In developing a pilot program under this 
     section, the Secretary of the Army shall consult with the 
     Commanders of the United States Northern Command and United 
     States Pacific Command regarding--
       (1) defeating sustained bombings in the United States, 
     including the territories and possessions;
       (2) plans for EOD defense support of designated national 
     special security events;
       (3) plans for EOD defense support of the national response 
     framework activities of the Departments of Justice and 
     Homeland Security;
       (4) EOD immediate response for recovery of Department of 
     Defense munitions off-installation; and
       (5) EOD immediate response in support of civilian law 
     enforcement agencies.
       (d) Authority for Pay and Allowances.--The Secretary of 
     Defense may, subject to appropriations, make funds available 
     to fund pay, allowances, travel, training, operations, and 
     maintenance costs for members of the Army National Guard who 
     participate in the pilot program.
       (e) Commencement; Duration.--The Secretary of the Army may 
     commence a pilot program under this section on or after 
     January 1, 2019. All activities under such a pilot program 
     shall terminate no later than December 31, 2023.
       (f) Report.--If the Secretary of the Army carries out a 
     pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall submit 
     to the congressional defense committees a report containing 
     an evaluation of the pilot program, including determinations 
     described in subsection (b), not later than January 1, 2021.
       (g) EOD Defined.--In this section, the term ``EOD'' means 
     explosive ordnance disposal.


          Amendment No. 82 Offered by Mr. Crawford of Arkansas

       At the end of subtitle B of title III, add the following:

     SEC. ___. EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL DEFENSE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 136 of title 10, United States 
     Code, as amended by section 851, is further amended by adding 
     at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 2284. EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL DEFENSE PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall carry out 
     a program to be known as the `Explosive Ordnance Disposal 
     Defense Program' (in this section referred to as the 
     `Program') under which the Secretary shall ensure close and 
     continuous coordination between military departments on 
     matters relating to explosive ordnance disposal support for 
     commanders of geographic and functional combatant commands.
       ``(b) Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities.--The plan 
     under subsection (a) shall include provisions under which--
       ``(1) the Secretary of Defense shall--
       ``(A) assign the responsibility for the direction, 
     coordination, integration of the explosive ordnance disposal 
     defense program within the Department of Defense;
       ``(B) designate the Assistant Secretary of Defense for 
     Nuclear, Chemical, Biological Defense Programs as the key 
     individual for the explosive ordnance disposal defense 
     program that develops and oversees policy, plans, programs 
     and budgets, and issues guidance and provides direction on 
     Department of Defense explosive ordnance disposal activities;
       ``(C) designate the Secretary of the Navy, or a designee of 
     the Secretary's choice, as the executive agent for the 
     Department of Defense that provides oversight of the joint 
     program executive officer whom coordinates and integrates 
     joint requirements for explosive ordnance disposal and 
     carries out joint research, development, test and evaluation 
     and procurement activities on behalf of the military 
     departments and combatant commands with respect to explosive 
     ordnance disposal;
       ``(D) designate the Director of the Defense Threat 
     Reduction Agency as the responsible combat support agency 
     that will exercise fund management responsibility of the 
     Department of Defense-Wide Program Element for explosive 
     ordnance disposal research, development, test and evaluation, 
     transactions other than contracts, cooperative agreements, 
     and grants related to section 2371 of title 10 during 
     research projects including rapid prototyping and limited 
     procurement urgent activities, and acquisition;
       ``(E) designate an Army explosive ordnance disposal-
     qualified general officer as the responsible senior leader of 
     the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Joint Improvised-Threat 
     Defeat Organization that serves as the Chairman of the 
     Department of Defense explosive ordnance disposal defense 
     program board,
       ``(2) the Secretary of each military department shall 
     assess the needs of the military department concerned with 
     respect to explosive ordnance disposal and may carry out 
     research, development, test and evaluation activities, 
     including other transactions and procurement activities to 
     address military department unique needs such as weapon 
     systems, manned and unmanned vehicles and platforms, cyber 
     and communication equipment and the integration of explosive 
     ordnance disposal sets, kits and outfits and department's 
     developed explosive ordnance disposal tools, equipment, sets, 
     kits and outfits.
       ``(c) Annual Budget Justification Documents.--
       ``(1) For fiscal year 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter, 
     the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress with the 
     defense budget materials a consolidated budget justification 
     display, in classified and unclassified form, that includes 
     all of activities of the Department of Defense relating to 
     the Program.
       ``(2) The budget display under paragraph (1) for a fiscal 
     year shall include a single program element for each of the 
     following:
       ``(A) Civilian and military pay.
       ``(B) Research, development, test, and evaluation.
       ``(C) Procurement.
       ``(D) Other transaction agreements.
       ``(E) Military construction.
       ``(3) The budget display shall include funding data for 
     each of the military department's respective activities 
     related to explosive ordnance disposal, including--
       ``(A) operations and maintenance; and
       ``(B) overseas contingency operations.
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `explosive ordnance' means any munitions 
     containing explosives, nuclear fission or fusion materials, 
     or biological or chemical agents, including--
       ``(A) bombs and warheads;
       ``(B) guided and ballistic missiles;
       ``(C) artillery, mortar, rocket, and small arms munitions;
       ``(D) mines, torpedoes, and depth charges;
       ``(E) demolition charges;
       ``(F) pyrotechnics;
       ``(G) clusters and dispensers;
       ``(H) cartridge and propellant actuated devices;
       ``(I) electro-explosives devices;
       ``(J) clandestine and improvised explosive devices, 
     including improvised nuclear, chemical and biological 
     devices; and
       ``(K) similar or related items or components explosive in 
     nature.
       ``(2) The term `disposal' means, with respect to explosive 
     ordnance, the assessment, sampling, detection, 
     identification,

[[Page H4680]]

     verification, field evaluation, defeat, disablement, 
     neutralization, or rendering-safe, war-head packaging, 
     recovery, exploitation, and final disposition of ordnance.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter, as amended by section 851, is 
     further amended by adding at end the following new section:

``2284. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Defense Program.''.


            Amendment No. 83 Offered by Mr. Castro of Texas

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 12_. HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF 
                   EXERCISES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Indo-Pacific region is home to over 60 percent of 
     the world's population and is prone to natural disasters 
     particularly due to its proximity to a geological vulnerable 
     region.
       (2) The multilateral Pacific Partnership exercise, first 
     conducted in 2006 in response to the humanitarian and 
     disaster relief operations for the December 2004 Indian Ocean 
     earthquake and tsunami, involved the participation of 22 
     partner nations to improve the ability of each country to 
     conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
       (3) The Pacific Partnership is the largest annual 
     multilateral disaster preparedness mission conducted in the 
     Indo-Pacific region.
       (4) The United States Agency for International Development, 
     including through its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, 
     leads and coordinates United States humanitarian efforts in 
     foreign countries and often partners with the Department of 
     Defense in responding to disasters.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Pacific Partnership, a civic and humanitarian 
     mission which the United States Navy's Pacific Fleet, in 
     conjunction with partner nations, nongovernmental 
     organizations, and other United States and international 
     governmental agencies conducts to strengthen alliances, 
     improves United States and partner capacity to deliver 
     humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and improves 
     security cooperation among the partner nations in the Indo-
     Pacific region;
       (2) the Department of Defense should continue to play a 
     role in response to requests for support in international 
     humanitarian assistance and disaster response drawing on its 
     unique capabilities, manpower, and forward-deployed 
     resources; and
       (3) the Secretary of Defense should assess the United 
     States force posture in the Indo-Pacific region for future 
     Pacific Partnerships and work to expand engagements in the 
     entirety of the Indo-Pacific region if appropriate and if 
     applicable renaming the program as the ``Indo-Pacific 
     Partnership''.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than the end of the first full 
     fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the 
     following:
       (1) A description of humanitarian assistance and disaster 
     relief exercises conducted by the Department of Defense in 
     the Indo-Pacific region in the previous year that also 
     identifies the partner countries and militaries involved in 
     any such operations and exercises.
       (2) A description of any planned humanitarian assistance 
     and disaster relief exercises for the following fiscal year 
     in the Indo-Pacific region.
       (3) A description of any constraints on the ability of the 
     Department of Defense to conduct humanitarian assistance and 
     disaster relief exercises, including in resources.
       (4) A description of any efforts undertaken by the 
     Secretary of Defense to ease operational burdens on the Armed 
     Forces of the United States to participate in humanitarian 
     assistance or disaster relief exercises, such as the pre-
     positioning of equipment, inclusion of additional partners, 
     and inclusion of exercises that may ordinarily be conducted 
     independently of any humanitarian assistance operation or 
     exercise.
       (d) Appropriate Congressional Committee Defined.--In 
     subsection (c), the term ``appropriate congressional 
     committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.


          Amendment No. 84 Offered by Mr. Thornberry of Texas

       At the end of subtitle B of title III, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. 3__. JOINT STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF WIND FARMS ON WEATHER 
                   RADARS AND MILITARY OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall enter into 
     an arrangement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration to conduct a study on the impact wind farms 
     have on weather radars and subsequently Department of Defense 
     operations and readiness.
       (b) Elements.--The study required pursuant to subsection 
     (a) shall include the following:
       (1) The potential impacts of wind farms on NEXRAD radars 
     and other Federal radars used by the Department of Defense, 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the 
     National Weather Service for weather forecasts and warnings.
       (2) The subsequent impacts of wind farms on Department of 
     Defense aviation readiness, including--
       (A) Department of Defense air traffic control radars;
       (B) minimum vectoring altitudes, in particular around 
     military flight training bases;
       (C) air-to-ground drop zones;
       (D) air-to-ground bombing and test ranges;
       (E) military operating areas that extend to the surface;
       (F) military training routes;
       (G) over-the-horizon radars; and
       (H) Department of Defense weather radars.
       (3) Examples of when interference from the wind farms has 
     affected the ability of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration to forecast or warn for dangerous weather.
       (4) Recommendations to reduce, mitigate, or eliminate the 
     potential impacts.
       (5) An analysis of the distance that wind turbines need to 
     be away from the radars to ensure no impact.
       (6) Recommendations for addressing the impacts to NEXRADs 
     and weather radar due to increasing turbine heights.
       (7) Recommendations to reduce or eliminate impacts of 
     existing wind turbines, including those projects that are 
     being repowered by developers to increase turbine heights.
       (8) Recommendations to ensure wind farms do not impact the 
     ability of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration and the National Weather Service to warn or 
     forecast hazardous weather.
       (9) The cumulative impacts of multiple wind farms near a 
     single radar on the ability of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service 
     to warn or forecast hazardous weather.
       (10) Recommendations to reduce or eliminate the cumulative 
     impacts of multiple wind farms.
       (11) An analysis of whether certain wind turbine projects, 
     based on project layout, turbine orientation, number of 
     turbines, density of turbines, proximity to radar, or turbine 
     height result in greater impacts to the missions of 
     Department of Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, and the National Weather Service, and if so, 
     how can those projects be better cited to reduce or eliminate 
     NEXRAD impacts.
       (c) Submittal to Congress.--Not later than 12 months after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report on 
     the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a).


      Amendment No. 85 Offered by Mr. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico

       At the end of subtitle B of title XXXI, add the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 31__. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF PLUTONIUM STRATEGY.

       (a) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States that--
       (1) Los Alamos National Laboratory is the Plutonium Science 
     and Production Center of Excellence for the United States; 
     and
       (2) Los Alamos National Laboratory will produce a minimum 
     of 30 pits per year for the national pit production mission 
     and will implement surge efforts to exceed 30 pits per year 
     to meet Nuclear Posture Review and national policy.
       (b) Independent Assessment.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     seek to enter into a contract with a federally funded 
     research and development center to conduct an assessment of 
     the plutonium strategy of the National Nuclear Security 
     Administration. The assessment shall include--
       (A) an analysis of the engineering assessment and an 
     analysis of alternatives;
       (B) an assessment of the science and strategy of 
     retrofitting the facility for plutonium production, including 
     the cost, schedule, and feasibility of licensing; and
       (C) an assessment of the strategy considered for 
     manufacturing up to 80 pits per year at Los Alamos through 
     the use of multiple labor shifts and additional equipment at 
     PF-4 until modular facilities are completed to provide a 
     long-term, single-labor shift capacity.
       (2) Selection.--The Secretary may not enter into the 
     contract under paragraph (1) with a federally funded research 
     and development center for which the Department of Energy or 
     the National Nuclear Security Administration is the primary 
     sponsor.
       (3) Submission.--Not later than April 1, 2019, the 
     federally funded research and development center shall submit 
     to the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator for Nuclear 
     Security, and the Nuclear Weapons Council a report containing 
     the assessment conducted under paragraph (1).
       (4) Submission to congress.--Not later than April 15, 2019, 
     the Administrator shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees the report under paragraph (3), without change.
       (c) Report on Pit Production.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Energy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
     report on the plan for producing plutonium pits 31-80 at Los 
     Alamos, in case the MOX facility is not operational and 
     producing pits by 2030.

[[Page H4681]]

       (d) Capital Development.--The Secretary of Energy shall 
     complete--
       (1) by December 2020 a plan, including cost and impact to 
     on-going activities and operations, to reach 30 pits per year 
     at Los Alamos National Laboratory; and
       (2) by September 2020 an updated CD-0 (Statement of Mission 
     Need) on the final plan for the national pit production.
       (e) Briefing.--Not later than March 1, 2019, the Chairman 
     of the Nuclear Weapons Council and the Administrator for 
     Nuclear Security shall jointly provide to the Committees on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate, and to any other congressional defense committee upon 
     request, a briefing detailing the implementation plan for the 
     plutonium strategy of the National Nuclear Security 
     Administration, including milestones, accountable personnel 
     for such milestones, and mechanisms for ensuring transparency 
     into the progress of such strategy for the Department of 
     Defense and the congressional defense committees.
       (f) Annual Certification.--Not later than April 1, 2019, 
     and each year thereafter through 2025, the Chairman of the 
     Nuclear Weapons Council shall submit to the Secretary of 
     Defense, the Administrator for Nuclear Security, and the 
     congressional defense committees a written certification that 
     the plutonium pit production plan of the National Nuclear 
     Security Administration is on track to meet--
       (1) the military requirement of 80 pits per year by 2030;
       (2) the statutory requirements for pit production timelines 
     under section 4219 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 
     U.S.C. 2538a); and
       (3) all milestones and deliverables described in the plan 
     under subsection (e).
       (g) Failure to Certify.--
       (1) NWC notification.--If in any year the Chairman is 
     unable to submit the certification under subsection (f), the 
     Chairman shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees, the Secretary of Defense, and the Administrator 
     written notification describing why the Chairman is unable to 
     make such certification.
       (2) NNSA response.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     on which the Chairman makes a notification under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall submit to the congressional 
     defense committees, the Secretary, and the Chairman a report 
     that--
       (A) addresses the reasons identified in the notification 
     with respect to the failure to make the certification under 
     subsection (f); and
       (B) includes presentation of either a concurrent backup 
     plan or a recovery plan, and the associated implementation 
     schedules for such plan.


            Amendment No. 86 Offered by Mr. Biggs of Arizona

       At the end of subtitle A of title XII, add the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 12__. REPORT ON ALLIED CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMON 
                   DEFENSE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) in recognition of the growth in the economic and 
     military strength of United States allies which has occurred 
     since the commencement of applicable treaties or other mutual 
     security arrangements--
       (A) the burdens of mutual defense now assumed by some 
     countries allied with the United States are not commensurate 
     with their economic resources or security environments;
       (B) many United States allies have failed to consistently 
     meet their commitments and responsibilities;
       (C) progress towards developing the necessary self-defense 
     capabilities to fulfill commitments and contribute to the 
     common defense has been disappointing at times; and
       (D) the continued unwillingness of certain allied countries 
     to increase their contributions to the common defense to more 
     appropriate levels will endanger the vitality, effectiveness, 
     and cohesion of the alliances and partnerships between those 
     countries and the United States and increase risks to shared 
     peace and prosperity; and
       (2) the President should seek from each ally or partner 
     country of the United States acceptance of international 
     security responsibilities and agreements to make 
     contributions to the common defense that are commensurate 
     with the economic resources and security environment of such 
     country, including, when appropriate, an increase in host 
     nation support.
       (b) Report on Contributions by Allies.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 16 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 387. Report on annual defense spending by ally and 
       partner countries.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than March 1, 2019, and 
     annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
     the appropriate congressional committees and to the Committee 
     on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of 
     Representatives a report that includes a description of--
       ``(1) the annual defense spending of each mutual defense 
     treaty ally and major non-NATO ally, including the nominal 
     budget figure and the share of such spending as a percentage 
     of the ally's gross domestic product, for the fiscal year 
     immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the report is 
     submitted;
       ``(2) the activities of each such ally in contributing to 
     military or stability operations in which the armed forces 
     participate;
       ``(3) any limitations that each such ally places on the use 
     of the armed forces of such ally for such military or 
     stability operations; and
       ``(4) any actions undertaken by the United States or other 
     countries to minimize or modify such limitations.
       ``(b) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified 
     annex.
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Mutual defense treaty ally.--The term `mutual defense 
     treaty ally' means a country that is a party to a treaty of 
     mutual defense with the United States.
       ``(2) Major non-nato ally.--The term `major non-NATO ally' 
     means a country so designated pursuant to section 2350a or 
     section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 16 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 386 the following new 
     item:

``387. Report on annual defense spending by ally and partner 
              countries.''.


           Amendment No. 87 Offered by Ms. McSally of Arizona

       At the end of subtitle H of title V, insert the following:

     SEC. 573 AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE 
                   CROSS TO JUSTIN T. GALLEGOS FOR ACTS OF VALOR 
                   DURING OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

       (a) Waiver of Time Limitations.--Notwithstanding the time 
     limitations specified in section 3744 of title 10, United 
     States Code, or any other time limitations with respect to 
     the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the 
     Armed Forces, the Secretary of the Army may award the 
     Distinguished-Service Cross under section 3742 of such title 
     to Justin T. Gallegos for the acts of valor described in 
     subsection (b).
       (b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor referred to 
     in subsection (a) are the actions of Justin T. Gallegos on 
     October 3, 2009, as a member of the Army in the grade of 
     Staff Sergeant, serving in Afghanistan with the 61st Cavalry 
     Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.


          Amendment No. 88 Offered by Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas

       At the end of subtitle F of title XII, add the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 12__. BRIEFING ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAM TO 
                   PROTECT UNITED STATES STUDENTS AGAINST FOREIGN 
                   AGENTS.

       Not later than 240 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing 
     to the congressional defense committees on the program 
     described in section 1277 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91), 
     including an assessment on whether the program is beneficial 
     to students interning, working part time, or in a program 
     that will result in employment post-graduation with 
     Department of Defense components and contractors.


          Amendment No. 89 Offered by Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas

       Page 543, insert after line 5 the following:

     SEC. 1086. REPORT ON CAPACITY OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO 
                   PROVIDE SURVIVORS OF NATURAL DISASTERS WITH 
                   EMERGENCY SHORT-TERM HOUSING.

       Not later than 220 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report analyzing the 
     capacity of the Department of Defense to provide survivors of 
     natural disasters with emergency short-term housing.


          Amendment No. 90 Offered by Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas

       At the end of subtitle A of title XVI, add the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 16__. REPORT ON SPACE DEBRIS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 240 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     on the risks posed by man-made space debris in low-earth 
     orbit, including--
       (1) recommendations with respect to the remediation of such 
     risks; and
       (2) outlines of plans to reduce the incident of such space 
     debris.
       (b) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services and Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.


          Amendment No. 91 Offered by Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas

       At the end of subtitle A of title V, add the following:

     SEC. ___. REPORT ON RATE OF MATERNAL MORTALITY AMONG MEMBERS 
                   OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense, and with respect to 
     members of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of the Department 
     in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not 
     operating as a service in the Navy, shall submit to Congress 
     a report on the rate of maternal mortality among members of 
     the Armed Forces and the dependents of such members.

[[Page H4682]]

  



          Amendment No. 92 Offered by Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas

       Page 468, line 14, strike ``in'' and insert ``, 
     opportunities, and risks related to''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 908, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Thornberry) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. 
Smith) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I have no speakers on this set of 
amendments en bloc.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge its adoption, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.

                              {time}  1715

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I, too, have no speakers on 
this amendment. I urge adoption of the en bloc amendments, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered 
by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry).
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.
  The motion was agreed to.
  Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. 
LaMalfa) having assumed the chair, Mr. Marshall, Acting Chair of the 
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that 
that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5515) to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2019 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to 
prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes, had come to no resolution thereon.

                          ____________________