[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 13, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H6219-H6286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                               Frank Pallone, Jr.,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Armed Services,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Frank Pallone. Jr.,
     Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Pallone: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
     has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this 
     important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your 
     decision not to request a referral in the interest of 
     expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by 
     foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Energy and 
     Commerce is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this 
     exchange of letters will be included in the committee report 
     on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                                    Washington, DC, June 29, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2023. There are certain provisions in the legislation that 
     fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Financial Services.
       In the interest of permitting your Committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive the Financial Services Committee's 
     right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding 
     that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on 
     Financial

[[Page H6220]]

     Services does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over 
     the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within 
     its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker 
     to name Members of this committee to any conference committee 
     which is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Maxine Waters,
     Chairwoman.
                                  ____

                                      Committee on Armed Services,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Maxine Waters,
     Chairwoman, Committee on Financial Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Waters: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Financial Services 
     has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this 
     important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your 
     decision not to request a referral in the interest of 
     expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by 
     foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Financial 
     Services is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this 
     exchange of letters will be included in the committee report 
     on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                                    June 27, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chair, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 7900, 
     the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. 
     There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the House Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs.
       In the interest of permitting expeditious consideration of 
     this legislation, I am willing to waive this committee's 
     right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding 
     that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs does not waive any future jurisdictional 
     claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which 
     fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge 
     the Speaker to name members of this committee to any 
     conference committee which is named to consider such 
     provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee looks forward 
     to continue working with the House Armed Services Committee 
     on the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Gregory W. Meeks,
     Chair.
                                  ____

                                      Committee on Armed Services,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Gregory W. Meeks,
     Chair, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Meeks: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 
     7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2023. I agree that the Committee on Foreign Affairs has valid 
     jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important 
     legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not 
     to request a referral in the interest of expediting 
     consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a 
     sequential referral, the Committee on Foreign Affairs is not 
     waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters 
     will be included in the committee report on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                   Committee on Homeland Security,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 24, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2023. There are certain provisions in the legislation that 
     fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Homeland Security.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential 
     referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Homeland Security 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its 
     rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name members of this committee to any conference committee 
     which is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter in the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and in the Congressional Record during consideration of 
     the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative 
     spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and 
     others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                               Bennie G. Thompson,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                      Committee on Armed Services,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
     Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Thompson: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Homeland Security 
     has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this 
     important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your 
     decision not to request a referral in the interest of 
     expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by 
     foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Homeland 
     Security is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this 
     exchange of letters will be included in the committee report 
     on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee on 
           Intelligence,
                                                    June 28, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Smith: I write in response to your 
     committee's request concerning H.R. 7900, the National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Certain 
     provisions in the legislation fall within the jurisdiction of 
     the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (the 
     ``Committee''), as established by Rule X of the Rules of the 
     House of Representatives for the 117th Congress.
       In the interest of expediting floor consideration of this 
     important bill, I am willing to waive the Committee's right 
     to request a sequential referral. By doing so, the Committee 
     does not waive any future claim over subjects addressed in 
     the bill which fall within the Committee's jurisdiction. I 
     also request that you urge the Speaker to name members of the 
     Committee to any conference committee on the bill.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Adam B. Schiff,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Armed Services,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Adam B. Schiff,
     Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, House 
         of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Schiff: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023. I agree that the Permanent Select Committee on 
     Intelligence has valid jurisdictional claims to certain 
     provisions in this important legislation, and I am most 
     appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in 
     the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree 
     that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Permanent Select 
     Committee on Intelligence is not waiving its jurisdiction. 
     Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the 
     committee report on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                   Committee on the Judiciary,

                                    Washington, DC, June 28, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chair, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 7900, 
     the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. 
     There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential 
     referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on the Judiciary 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its 
     Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name members of this committee to any conference committee 
     that is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Jerrold Nadler,
                                                         Chairman.

[[Page H6221]]

     
                                  ____
                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Armed Services,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Jerrold Nadler,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Nadler: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on the Judiciary has 
     valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this 
     important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your 
     decision not to request a referral in the interest of 
     expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by 
     foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on the 
     Judiciary is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this 
     exchange of letters will be included in the committee report 
     on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Natural Resources,

                                    Washington, DC, June 24, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chair, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 7900, 
     the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. 
     There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural 
     Resources.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential 
     referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Natural Resources 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its 
     Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name members of this committee to any conference committee 
     that is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Raul M. Grijalva,
     Chair, Committee on Natural Resources.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Armed Services,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Raul M. Grijalva,
     Chair, Committee on Natural Resources,
     House of Representatives Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Grijalva, Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Natural Resources 
     has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this 
     important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your 
     decision not to request a referral in the interest of 
     expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by 
     foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Natural 
     Resources is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this 
     exchange of letters will be included in the committee report 
     on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                            Committee on Oversight and Reform,

                                    Washington, DC, June 27, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 7900, 
     the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. 
     There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Oversight 
     and Reform.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential 
     referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, Committee on Oversight and Reform 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its 
     Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name members of this committee to any conference committee 
     which is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                               Carolyn B. Maloney,
     Chairwoman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Armed Services,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Carolyn B. Maloney,
     Chairwoman, Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Maloney: Thank you for your letter 
     regarding H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Oversight 
     and Reform has valid jurisdictional claims to certain 
     provisions in this important legislation, and I am most 
     appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in 
     the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree 
     that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on 
     Oversight and Reform is not waiving its jurisdiction. 
     Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the 
     committee report on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____


         House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, 
           and Technology,
                                    Washington, DC, June 27, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2023. There are certain provisions in the legislation that 
     fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential 
     referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Science, Space, 
     and Technology does not waive any future jurisdictional claim 
     over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall 
     within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the 
     Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference 
     committee which is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                            Eddie Bernice Johnson,
     Chairwoman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Armed Services,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson,
     Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Johnson: Thank you for your letter 
     regarding H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology has valid jurisdictional claims to 
     certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am 
     most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral 
     in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I 
     agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology is not waiving its 
     jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be 
     included in the committee report on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____


                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Small Business,

                                    Washington, DC, June 27, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chair, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 7900, 
     the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. 
     There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Small 
     Business.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential 
     referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Small Business 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its 
     Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name members of this committee to any conference committee 
     which is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                               Nydia M. Velazquez,
     Chairwoman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Armed Services,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Nydia M. Velazquez,
     Chairwoman, Committee on Small Business,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Velazquez: Thank you for your letter 
     regarding H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Small 
     Business has valid jurisdictional claims to certain 
     provisions in this important legislation, and I am most 
     appreciative

[[Page H6222]]

     of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of 
     expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by 
     foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Small 
     Business is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this 
     exchange of letters will be included in the committee report 
     on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of 
           Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, June 24, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC
       Dear Chairman Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2023. There are certain provisions in the legislation that 
     fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential 
     referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure does not waive any future jurisdictional 
     claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which 
     fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge 
     the Speaker to name members of this committee to any 
     conference committee which is named to consider such 
     provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chair.
                                  ____

                                      Committee on Armed Services,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chair, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House 
         of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
       Dear Chair DeFazio: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure has valid jurisdictional claims to certain 
     provisions in this important legislation, and I am most 
     appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in 
     the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree 
     that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure is not waiving its 
     jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be 
     included in the committee report on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, June 29, 2022.
     Hon. Adam Smith,
     Chair, Committee on Armed Services,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2023. There are certain provisions in the legislation that 
     fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, 
     I am willing to waive this Committee's right to sequential 
     referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its 
     Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name members of this Committee to any conference committee 
     that is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     7900 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the 
     cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this 
     matter and others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Mark Takano,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                      Committee on Armed Services,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 30, 2022.
     Hon. Mark Takano,
     Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Takano: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023. I agree that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this 
     important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your 
     decision not to request a referral in the interest of 
     expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by 
     foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Veterans' 
     Affairs is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this 
     exchange of letters will be included in the committee report 
     on the bill.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7900, the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.
  H.R. 7900 represents a truly bipartisan bill. I thank Chairman Smith 
for his tremendous leadership and cooperation in helping to fashion it.
  Over the last year, we have seen the best of our soldiers, sailors, 
marines, airmen, and guardians. They performed in the toughest 
environments and have done so with the greatest level of skill and 
professionalism. Without a doubt, these men and women are the greatest 
force for good the world has ever seen.
  Providing the authorities and resources our warfighters need to 
defend our Nation is the greatest responsibility we have in Congress. 
We fulfilled that responsibility with this NDAA.
  We put our servicemembers first, providing a 4.6 percent pay increase 
and expanding benefits for military spouses and families. To counteract 
the effects of record inflation on our servicemembers and their 
families, our bill provides an additional 2.4 percent bonus to enlisted 
personnel.
  It includes an additional $500 million for housing allowances to 
offset the skyrocketing rents and an additional $750 million to reduce 
the price of food and other necessities at our military commissaries.
  The investments we make in this bill are focused on ensuring our 
warfighters are the best equipped and trained in the world. We 
increased funding for readiness, reversing cuts in our military 
construction and housing projects; expanding training availabilities 
for servicemembers; and improving the safety of the ships, aircraft, 
combat vehicles, and facilities where our warfighters serve.
  To ensure our warfighters prevail on future battlefields, we focused 
on modernization. That means divesting less capable legacy systems and 
investing in emerging technologies that will help us stay ahead of our 
adversaries.
  This bill saves the taxpayer over $6 billion by divesting hundreds of 
older, less capable ships, aircraft, and other legacy systems. We use 
those savings and more to invest in emerging technologies such as AI, 
quantum computing, hypersonic weapons, and autonomous systems.
  These investments are so critical because China and Russia are 
rapidly modernizing their militaries.
  China is outpacing us with advancements in emerging technologies and 
weapons systems, and we know China isn't building these capabilities 
purely for defense. In recent years, we have seen China use its 
military to push out its borders, threaten our allies, and gain 
footholds on new continents.
  H.R. 7900 is laser-focused on preparing our military to prevail in a 
conflict with China. It makes critical investments in new systems 
capable of surviving in contested environments. It includes provisions 
that will further harden our supply chain and industrial base against 
infiltration from China. It reaffirms our support to allies in the 
region, especially Taiwan.
  It also strengthens our European alliance as these democracies face 
grave threats from the unhinged crackpot currently leading Russia.
  Threats from adversaries like China and Russia are not the only ones 
we face. Terrorists continue to plot to destroy our way of life. We 
must continue to take the fight to them anywhere at any time they 
threaten us. With strong investments in new capabilities and readiness, 
this bill enables our warfighters to do just that.
  This bill passed out of our committee 57-1, with all Republicans 
voting for it. It is the definition of a bipartisan bill. It will 
enhance the congressional oversight of DOD, improve the quality of life 
for our servicemembers and families, and ensure the military is 
properly resourced and equipped to defend our Nation and its allies.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to vote for this bill, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), the chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Strategic Forces.

[[Page H6223]]

  

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7900, the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Chairman Smith 
and Ranking Member Rogers have put together an outstanding piece of 
legislation.
  I also thank my ranking member, Mr. Lamborn, for his tremendous 
cooperation throughout the year and all the members of the Subcommittee 
on Strategic Forces for their valuable contributions to the bill.
  This bill strengthens our national security at a time when our 
country is facing new and evolving threats in almost every theater. 
This bill takes care of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and 
guardians, and it invests in the tools that we need to protect 
ourselves, our allies, and our partners, as well as to deter our 
strategic competitors.
  The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces has within its jurisdiction some 
of the most technical, complex, and consequential issues involved in 
our national security. At the top of that list are nuclear weapons. It 
is absolutely essential that American nuclear forces and their command 
and control infrastructure remain safe, secure, and reliable.
  This bill makes certain that the Departments of Defense and Energy 
are well positioned for the immense task of sustaining our legacy 
forces while also recapitalizing our nuclear enterprise for the next 70 
years.

                              {time}  1515

  This bill ensures that both Departments are pursuing balanced 
approaches, emphasizing deterrence but also nonproliferation and arms 
control. We must remain focused on the highest priority efforts and 
realistic in our plans for future programs. Plutonium pit production is 
a prime example of where greater realism is needed.
  Regarding space, the subcommittee this year focused on the ability of 
China and Russia to degrade and destroy our national security 
satellites. This bill presses the Department to publicly release a 
strategy on how they will defend our on-orbit assets. It also requires 
the new Space Force to continue tactically responsive space efforts, 
authorizes additional funds to do so, and encourages increased 
competition within phase 3.
  Please support H.R. 7900.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Gallagher), the ranking member of the 
Military Personnel Subcommittee.
  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues in 
strong support of this bipartisan defense bill that we successfully 
voted out of the committee just 3 weeks ago.
  The chairman and the ranking member mentioned some of the most 
important provisions in the bill, not only the overall top-line number, 
which represents a $37 billion increase over President Biden's request, 
but also a 4.6 percent pay raise, a 2.4 percent pay bonus for enlisted 
personnel to counteract the effects of inflation on low-income military 
families, the $500 million additional housing allowance to counteract 
the skyrocketing cost of rent on military families, as well as an 
additional $750 million to reduce the cost of food and other 
necessities for our servicemembers.
  I think it is worth understanding why this is important, not only 
just in light of our overall duty to take care of our men and women in 
uniform at a critical time, but we also have a looming recruiting 
crisis on our hands.
  I am very concerned about the inability of any of the services to 
meet their recruiting goals, and we are going to have to spend a lot of 
time thinking about that problem and how we fix it before we 
proactively lower standards because, at the end of the day, 
notwithstanding any advance in technology, it all comes down to the men 
and women who volunteer and risk their lives to defend this country.
  It is about the warfighter. That is where we need to stay focused. It 
is also why I am proud that this bill includes many reforms to the 
professional military education process, with the intent of regaining 
our focus on warfighting so that our war colleges teach how to fight 
and win our Nation's wars.
  This is a critical time for U.S. national security. Our enemies are 
on the march, and we are being asked to hold the line. It is absolutely 
critical that Congress stays focused on the defense of this country and 
does not allow the defense of this country to be politicized in the way 
other issues have, which is why I so very much appreciate the work of 
the chairman and the ranking member in setting that bipartisan tone, 
and I am very proud to support this bill.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney), the chairman of the Seapower 
and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 2023 National 
Defense Authorization Act. This measure fulfills our duty to strengthen 
our national security and to serve those who serve us.
  That is particularly true of the efforts of the Seapower and 
Projection Forces Subcommittee which, pursuant to Article I, Section 8 
of the Constitution, has responsibility to provide and maintain the 
Navy.
  Our subcommittee has a record $32.6 billion for shipbuilding, 
authorizes procurement of 13 battle force ships, and fully funds the 
Navy's number one priority, the Columbia Submarine Program. It funds 
high-end warfighting capabilities, including three destroyers, two 
Virginia-class subs, and two fast frigates that will fill a critical 
need to conduct antisubmarine warfare. This bill also blocks the early 
termination of the LPD production line and sets a statutory floor on 
amphibious warships.
  The bill invests a record $750 million in our submarine industrial 
base to grow its workforce and manufacturing supply chains across the 
country, which is critical to maintain production cadence. It fully 
funds the Maritime and Tanker Security Programs and designates the 
Maritime Administration as the lead agency to design and construct up 
to 10 sealift vessels, built by American workers, for use in the 
National Defense Reserve Fleet.
  It also takes an important step in furthering the Australia, U.K., 
and U.S., AUKUS, security agreement. It authorizes entry of Australian 
submariners into our naval nuclear training programs to provide them 
with the experience necessary to command their own nuclear-powered, 
undersea fleet of the future.
  For aviation projection forces, it authorizes procurement of five 
additional tactical airlifters, two Osprey tiltrotors, and two early 
warning aircraft. It also authorizes full funding for the B-21 Raider 
and sets statutory floors for the C-130 and aerial refueling tanker 
fleets.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill, which passed out of our committee with strong 
bipartisan support--and I particularly salute my ranking member,  Rob 
Wittman--provides our Nation with the capability to assure allies, 
deter conflict, and defend our homeland.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Banks), the ranking member of the Cyber, 
Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems Subcommittee.
  Mr. BANKS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding and 
for his leadership, and I thank the chairman for his commitment to 
bipartisanship as well. I believe this NDAA is a true testament to 
that.
  I rise today in support of H.R. 7900, the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2023 
because our investments in modernization and innovation are more 
important than ever.

  Our adversaries are focused on our defeat, on and off the 
battlefield. China is pouring money into research and development of 
emerging technologies, recruiting top scientists, and stealing 
intellectual property to gain a tactical edge.
  This NDAA pushes the Department to accelerate innovation and 
strengthen its cyber posture, both of which are critical to maintaining 
superiority in this era of great power competition.
  I am proud of the work that my subcommittee has accomplished, the 
Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems Subcommittee, 
along with Chairman Langevin, throughout this bill. Our commitment to 
work together, I believe, is shown in

[[Page H6224]]

the input that we have both worked across the aisle to include in this 
year's NDAA.
  We included provisions to improve opportunities for early-career 
scientists to work with DARPA. This NDAA authorizes great work that the 
Defense Innovation Unit is doing to field commercial technology by 
doubling its funding, and it expands the critical work being done in 
biotechnology and batteries.
  We bolstered and strengthened the Department's information security 
systems and gave Cyber Command the tools that it needs to succeed.
  As the ranking member of the Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and 
Information Systems Subcommittee, I support this bill fully and 
encourage my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi), the chairman of the 
Readiness Subcommittee.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, this bill provides the necessary support 
and direction for our national security. It also provides the necessary 
support for our servicemembers' families, and I am particularly pleased 
with the work completed by the Subcommittee on Readiness.
  A big thank you to Ranking Member Waltz and Lamborn for their 
partnership in the subcommittee and also to the staff and all the 
members of the subcommittee, and particularly to Jeanine Womble, who 
was the staff director in this effort.
  The Readiness Subcommittee's broad scope means that we cover 
everything from sustainment of weapons systems and facilities, 
including the safety of the men and women, military construction, 
climate change, energy, and environmental policy. While the readiness-
related provisions are extensive, I would like to take a few minutes to 
highlight just a few.
  In line with the work over the last 2 years, we continue to address 
vulnerabilities in installation and energy resiliency, both in response 
to extreme weather events and to ensure the Department can continue to 
accomplish its missions in the event of power disruptions. This bill 
works also to mitigate the military's effect of climate change and 
supports clean energy innovation, some of which you heard about just a 
moment ago.
  We also continue to focus on sustaining and modernizing the organic 
industrial base. We cannot continue the readiness risk that neglect of 
our ports, depots, shipyards, and arsenals create. This is essential to 
ensuring that our state-of-the-art weapons systems can meet the 
challenges of near-peer competitors, not only the first day they arrive 
in the hands of the military, but in the days and years thereafter.
  The health and safety of our military and civilian personnel will 
continue to be a top priority. This means that we will continue to 
address military housing, the PFAS contamination and mitigation issues, 
and also safety.
  I am proud to represent two of the key military bases, Travis and 
Beale Air Force Bases and the men and women who work there.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Jackson), one of our outstanding freshman members of 
the committee.
  Mr. JACKSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of one of the most 
important bills that comes before Congress, the NDAA.
  The NDAA includes important wins for all Americans, and for my 
district included. It provides support for servicemembers and families 
at Sheppard Air Force Base while continuing to modernize Sheppard's 
fleet of fighter trainer aircraft. It supports work at Pantex in 
Amarillo, including accelerated funding to improve critical 
infrastructure at the plant.
  This legislation also includes:
  Resources needed to compete and win in any potential conflict.
  Support for our allies, like Taiwan and Israel.
  Investments in Future Vertical Lift.
  Increased funding to improve our fleet of V-22s.
  Critical oversight of the Military Health System.
  The reinstatement of the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps, which 
reinforces our commitment to the absolute best medical care for our 
marines on the battlefield.
  It also provides protections for any servicemember who has 
reservations about taking the COVID-19 vaccine.
  As we consider amendments, I hope this bill remains focused on 
national security and can be passed in good faith, as we did almost 
unanimously in committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rogers for his leadership on this 
year's NDAA.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross), the chair of the Tactical Air 
and Land Forces Subcommittee.
  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, this bill once again demonstrates the long 
and proud tradition of bipartisan work by the Tactical Air and Land 
Forces Subcommittee. Our members have shared the great responsibility 
to keep America's land and air forces the best in the world.
  I especially want to recognize our ranking member, Mrs. Hartzler, for 
her contributions to this bipartisan bill. Many of us know that this 
will be her final defense authorization bill in this Chamber, and I 
thank her for her hard work. Her efforts have made America stronger.

  Mr. Speaker, this bill supports the investment of resources necessary 
to equip and modernize our military while continuing the necessary 
oversight to ensure responsible execution and accountability for 
Department of Defense programs.
  The bill includes:
  Aggressive oversight of strike fighter aircraft programs, including 
the most expensive, the F-35.
  Particular attention to and management of risk associated with the 
Department's manned and unmanned ISR systems.
  Continued oversight of the Army and Marine Corps modernization 
strategies.
  And of particular importance to me and Mrs. Hartzler is the bill's 
support for the resources required to reduce risk to our defense 
industrial base.
  Mr. Speaker, I express my strong support for the pro-worker 
provisions included in this bill that I championed that would boost 
domestic manufacturing and guarantee Federal contractors a $15 an hour 
minimum wage.
  Finally, to the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee staff who 
have done a great job, both majority and minority: Bill Sutey, Heath 
Bope, Carla Zeppieri, Liz Griffin, Kelly Repair, and certainly our 
clerk, Payson Ruhl.
  I also thank my personal staff who have done a great job: Katie Lee, 
Lucy Perkins, and Kevin Seger.
  I also take a moment of privilege to thank the ranking member and 
chairman for setting the tone for this great bill. I urge everybody to 
support this.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from Alabama (Mr. Carl), another of our outstanding freshman members.
  Mr. CARL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7900, the NDAA 
2023.
  We have worked across the aisle on this bill, and I take great pride 
in it. We have successfully fought back against the President's cut in 
our defense budget, obviously due to inflation.
  For example, it gets the Navy back on track to build a large enough 
fleet to counter threats like China, with 355 ships. This includes 
much-needed ships that will be built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, 
and we are very proud of that.
  It also takes care of our servicemen and their families by giving a 
4.6 percent pay raise to counter Bidenflation. I encourage my 
colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support the bill because it 
is critical to the defense of this country.

                              {time}  1530

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), who chairs the Subcommittee 
on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the work the 
Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems 
has done on this legislation. It is our subcommittee's job to get 
cutting-edge technologies into the hands of our warfighters as quickly 
as possible so that they never enter a fair fight.

[[Page H6225]]

  I am certain now, more than ever, that we are putting the Department 
on the right track when it comes to confronting emerging challenges 
with innovative solutions. This bill strengthens the R&D ecosystem and 
more closely aligns the Pentagon with the successes happening 
throughout private industry.
  The bill also prioritizes research and development efforts in other 
key technology areas, such as hypersonics, software, artificial 
intelligence, electronic warfare, and directed energy, among others, 
and it makes robust investments to accelerate quantum applications.
  It also makes long-overdue investments in our laboratories and test 
and evaluation infrastructure. We know that we simply cannot develop 
21st century technologies and attract the Nation's top talent with 
crumbling infrastructure.
  We provide robust support for our teammates at innovation centers, 
like DIU and DARPA, across the Department, who are taking risks in 
pursuit of game-changing payoffs.
  It provides the U.S. Cyber Command and the Cyber Mission Force the 
resources they need to keep us safe in cyberspace and ensures that our 
cyber operators have the training and career trajectories they need to 
succeed.
  This bill also includes a provision that I am very proud of, the 
Joint Collaborative Environment, which would enable the sharing and 
fusing of threat information and other relevant cybersecurity 
indicators across the Federal Government and between the public and 
private sectors, strengthening those public-private partnerships that 
are so vital to protecting our country in cyberspace.
  It is this subcommittee that has always looked ahead to a dynamic 
future, seeking to fundamentally change the balance of power between 
the United States and our adversaries. Our warfighters are depending on 
our success here today.
  In closing, I thank Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Rogers, and 
Ranking Member Banks for their partnership and their leadership over 
the years. Serving on this committee throughout my time in Congress has 
been a true honor and a privilege.
  I would also like to thank the subcommittee's professional staff, as 
well as my personal staff, for their hard work on this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly), the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.
  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support 
of the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Our 
military is facing unprecedented challenges in a volatile environment, 
and this body is charged with the duty of raising and supporting our 
military to ensure our safety both home and abroad.
  As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special 
Operations, I am incredibly proud of the items in this bill that enable 
our intelligence and special operations communities to keep our 
adversaries at bay. I thank Chairman Gallego and my ISO colleagues for 
working in a bipartisan fashion to ensure ISO equities are represented 
throughout the NDAA process.
  In particular, the codification of the Special Operations Command's 
1202 authority is significant. This authority authorizes SOCOM to 
conduct irregular warfare operations. The expansion of this authority 
is critical to our ability to compete and win in a great power 
competition environment.
  I remain concerned about our force posture and counterterrorism 
capabilities in Afghanistan resulting from last year's withdrawal. The 
administration has failed to provide the congressionally mandated 
report from Section 1069 of last year's NDAA. We continue to ask for 
greater detail on the so-called ``over the horizon'' capability the 
administration has touted. It remains clear this strategy was 
completely not thought out from the beginning.
  That said, I do want to mention a few noteworthy provisions in this 
bill. This bill includes an amendment to fund the priorities that our 
Nation's top military leadership told us they needed but the White 
House failed to support. The topline increase counters this 
administration's dangerous ``divest to invest'' strategy, which would 
leave us ill-equipped to deter or defeat China, our pacing threat, in 
the next 5 to 10 years. It also provides an increase in military 
personnel pay and benefits to combat the impacts of inflation so that 
our servicemembers who dedicate their lives to our Nation do not 
struggle to support themselves and their families.
  I also cannot understate the importance this bill has in securing our 
defense industrial base and ensuring millions of jobs for Americans. 
The hardworking Mississippians who work for our defense industry 
companies in my district and across the State to keep our Nation safe, 
secure, and prosperous deserve our support in Congress.
  Colleagues, the spirit of patriotism is not enough to support our 
troops. We have an obligation to ensure our military is properly funded 
to compete and win wars against China, Russia, and any other adversary 
that threatens our way of life and democratic values. We have a 
responsibility to take care of our servicemembers and their families in 
this period of record-high inflation so that we retain the best talent, 
and we have a commitment to enact policies that honor our values, 
improve our national security, and empower our military leaders. We do 
all this by voting ``yes'' on this bill.

  Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not thank my teammates on this 
committee and my staff for working tirelessly on this year's bill. 
Special shout-out to my ISO battle buddies: Chairman Gallego; 
professional staffer Patrick Nevins; my defense team, Rodney Hall and 
Lauren Emmi.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask support for this bill.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar), a member of the committee.
  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, as the vice chair of the House Armed 
Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, and representing Fort 
Bliss in my home district of El Paso, Texas, I am proud to speak in 
support of this bill, which passed out of our committee with 
overwhelming bipartisan support.
  The bill supports a military basic pay raise of 4.6 percent and 
includes a targeted bonus to address the challenges of inflation. It 
provides additional resources to decrease out-of-pocket costs for 
housing and for our commissaries so they can keep their prices low.
  It mitigates the tragedy of suicide by supporting an increase in the 
number of behavioral health providers to ensure access to care for 
those who need it most. And, given concerns about the increasing number 
of vacancies of military and civilian providers across the Military 
Health System, this bill prohibits the Department from realigning or 
reducing military medical end strength until additional analysis on the 
impacts is complete.
  We also built on last year's historic reforms to the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice, ensuring our criminal litigators are getting the best 
training, resources, and experience possible to support our troops.
  We are also taking care of our military children. In 2021, more than 
20,000 children of servicemembers who had immediate need for childcare 
were stuck on waitlists. In order to address the root causes, we are 
requiring the Department of Defense to complete a study on adequate pay 
for military childcare center employees.
  To better support families with special needs, the bill establishes a 
grant program to help them navigate school districts after every move 
and ensures children with disabilities receive appropriate and high-
quality educational services.
  Together, servicemembers and their families make countless sacrifices 
for our Nation, which is why we must continue our commitment to them.
  I am grateful to Chairwoman Jackie Speier for her leadership, and I 
am grateful to the ranking member and proud of the contributions our 
subcommittee made to this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill would make a tremendous difference in the 
lives of our military families, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

[[Page H6226]]

  

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 
2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
  As the ranking member of the Committee on Strategic Forces, I am 
particularly proud of the work put forward by this subcommittee led by 
Chairman   Jim Cooper. I will miss working with my good friend from 
Tennessee.
  Among the many excellent provisions put forward by the Committee on 
Strategic Forces is one I am very pleased with that directs the 
establishment and funding of a National Hypersonic Initiative to bring 
an all-of-government approach to catching up to China and Russia in 
hypersonics.
  The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces mark also directed an asymmetric 
hypersonic defeat strategy and provides additional funds for directed 
energy technologies to defeat these hypersonic threats. The bill also 
provides funds to complete a 16th Patriot Battalion, accelerates the 
Guam defense system, and seeks to reinvigorate an East Coast missile 
defense site.
  I am particularly proud that Chairman Cooper and I were able to find 
compromise and fund the nuclear sea launched cruise missile. I 
understand that our Senate counterparts, Senators King and Fischer, did 
so as well, and I look forward to reconciling our provisions in 
conference to continue research and development of this critical 
capability. I think that the four of us are proving that funding a 
safe, secure, reliable, and modern nuclear deterrent need not be a 
partisan exercise.
  We also have made valuable progress in the space domain, including 
requiring the Department of Defense to make publicly available a 
strategy to defend and protect our on-orbit satellites. I am also glad 
to be directing the Space Force to establish requirements for defense 
and resilience of space systems, as China and Russia become more 
aggressive in space.
  In a bill this size, Mr. Speaker, with more amendments offered than 
any other single bill in the history of Congress, a person can always 
find something to disagree with. But if you truly value and support our 
Nation's defense, and if you truly understand the threats we face, you 
will look at all the major advances this bill makes for our security 
and you will support this bill.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gallego), who is the chair of the 
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.
  Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7900, the 
National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023.
  I congratulate my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee 
for bringing forward a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act 
for the 62nd consecutive year.
  I especially want to thank Ranking Member Trent Kelly of the 
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations for his leadership 
and contributions to this bill. I also thank the subcommittee staff--
Shannon, Craig, William, and Patrick--for their tireless efforts, as 
well as my personal office staff members Michelle and Charlie.

  This year's bill contains crucial investments in America's allies and 
partners to address the threat the world faces from Vladimir Putin, 
including $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, which I 
started last year with my friend and cochair of the House Baltic 
Caucus, Congressman Don Bacon.
  This bill also takes historic strides to prevent and mitigate 
civilian harm by creating mechanisms to increase transparency and 
accountability at the Department.
  As chairman of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special 
Operations, I am proud of this bill's critical investments in 
intelligence modernization and special operations forces. Specifically, 
our bill invests in agility across the defense intelligence enterprise, 
protects our warfighters, and builds pandemic preparedness by adding 
$91 million to the Chemical and Biological Defense Program's top 
priority of accelerating the Department's biodefense capabilities.
  Our bill provides the resources to ensure Special Operations Command 
has the hardware it needs to conduct our Nation's most sensitive 
operations.
  This year's bill strengthens oversight of intelligence collection, 
information operations, and irregular warfare to ensure our 
intelligence professionals and special operations forces are positioned 
to prevail in the complex threat environment they face every day.
  Colleagues, in addition to meeting the most pressing security 
challenges we face today, this bill supports our servicemembers with a 
4.6 percent pay raise, codifies the $15 minimum wage for all workers, 
includes $111 million in research activities at HBCUs, and improves 
women's healthcare.
  This an important bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying that I do not agree with 
everything in this bill, but the committee passed a bill worthy of 
support.
  I especially commend Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers for 
navigating a markup that was 16 hours and 12 minutes long, including 
the debate of almost 900 amendments.
  The House Armed Services Committee agreed on a bipartisan basis to 
increase our national security topline by over $35 billion, accounting 
for the damaging impacts of inflation or our military, and the rising 
threats we face today. I am particularly proud of the decisive final 
bipartisan vote of 57 to 1 that passed this bill out of committee.
  Unfortunately, this bipartisan national security effort is in peril. 
The Rules Committee has allowed a series of particularly harmful and 
sometimes unrelated provisions that Speaker Pelosi would like to, once 
again, tack to the backs of our servicemembers, endangering Congress' 
support of their service and our national security. I specifically hope 
during our floor debate we can move to exclude these harmful riders.
  As to the committee mark, we started once again with an anemic budget 
request from the Biden administration that in the Seapower portfolio 
requested only 8 ships and proposed the retirement of 24 ships, many of 
these ships well before the end of their expected service life.
  Fortunately, with the additional topline funding provided, we 
authorized 13 battle force ships and rebuffed the administration's 
request to retire 12 ships early, committing ourselves to growing the 
Navy instead of shrinking it. We also invested in our strategic 
deterrence capabilities, providing funding for the Columbia-class 
ballistic missile submarine and the B-21 bomber programs. In the end, 
this is a strong Seapower statement.
  Before I conclude, I specifically thank Chairman   Joe Courtney, and 
thank him for his leadership in the Seapower Subcommittee. He is a 
navalist. He is a teammate and a dear friend who has the vision to see 
our national security perils and the political fortitude to respond to 
our most serious threats.
  My friends, this is good legislation that, in its current form, is 
worthy of support. We must remain focused on delivering a bill that 
provides the resources our servicemembers need to advance the common 
defense of our Nation.

                              {time}  1545

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Luria), the vice chair of the 
committee.
  Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Speaker, Congress must continue to supply the finest 
fighting force in the world with the funding, equipment, resources, and 
support they need, and I am proud to work with my colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle to do just that.
  The FY23 NDAA represents a bipartisan effort to support our Active-
Duty personnel with a 4.6 percent pay raise and invest in the critical 
capabilities that our Armed Forces need to defend our Nation and our 
interests abroad.
  This year's NDAA also includes my request to increase defense 
spending by $37 billion, including at least $7.4 billion to combat 
inflation, more than $4 billion for ship procurement, over $1.6 billion 
in research and development funding, and over $500 million for security 
assistance to Ukraine.
  At a time when we face growing threats from China, this bill provides 
needed funding for 13 new battle force

[[Page H6227]]

ships, including two Virginia-class submarines, three guided-missile 
destroyers, two guided-missile frigates, and one landing platform dock. 
This sends a strong message to our allies and our enemies and ensures 
that we have the resources to counter the threats we face from China, 
Iran, and Russia.
  Additionally, the NDAA includes several of my amendments to directly 
address access to mental health care and suicide prevention and improve 
the quality of life for sailors during complex refueling overhauls, 
many of which were learned from lessons aboard the USS George 
Washington.
  While I am proud of the bipartisan effort we have made so far, there 
is still more work that needs to be done. I hope that the final version 
of the NDAA will include my bill, the Health Care Fairness for Military 
Families Act, which will eliminate the disparity that TRICARE 
dependents face when compared to those on private health insurance.
  The bipartisan progress we have made in this year's NDAA will grow 
our Navy, strengthen our military, and give a well-deserved pay raise 
to our Armed Forces. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle to support our military, and I look forward to 
negotiating with the Senate on the final top-line number.
  I thank the chair and the ranking member for their support in these 
efforts, especially in growing and strengthening our Navy and our 
entire Armed Forces.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz), the ranking member of the Readiness 
Subcommittee.
  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member 
Rogers for their strong bipartisan product that is worthy of our 
servicemembers. I also thank the chairman of the Readiness 
Subcommittee, Representative Garamendi, for his thoughtful and 
collaborative work on this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, the threats are growing: Russia, Iran, North Korea, and, 
most significantly, China's most rapid military buildup that we have 
seen in modern history.
  The bipartisan top-line increase above inflation is a positive step, 
but our defense investments still fail to keep pace with the Chinese 
Communist Party and their rapid military buildup.
  Mr. Speaker, I don't want to keep pace. Our servicemembers deserve 
better. We need to have overmatch over that military buildup. That is 
how we then keep the peace and maintain deterrence.
  As the ranking member of the Readiness Subcommittee, I know we cannot 
continue to afford to use our operations and maintenance accounts to 
pay for other priorities. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a teachable 
moment for all of us. The entire world is witnessing that logistics, 
training, and maintenance win or lose wars.
  China's own growing aggression in the vast Indo-Pacific requires more 
operations and maintenance funding for our partners and allies. We have 
to keep our forces forward, again, in order to maintain deterrence, and 
I will oppose amendments that thoughtlessly take from those accounts. 
We cannot, as a body, continue to rob Peter to pay Paul.
  Overall, I believe this is a strong bill. It does hold our military 
accountable but also makes significant steps toward deterrence.
  Some key priorities: We authorize interoperable military exercises 
with Taiwan. We permanently prohibit purchases of goods by the Defense 
Department from the Xinjiang province. We require universities in China 
that support the CCP and the military to be identified and listed. We 
allocate funding for incredibly important new construction projects at 
Florida's military bases. We set gender-neutral fitness standards for 
our combat military occupational specialties in the U.S. Army. Perhaps 
most importantly, we passed a wounded warrior bill of rights.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, as we continue to aid Ukraine, we must be 
accountable for those taxpayer dollars, and this bill would appoint an 
inspector general to oversee the aid that we are providing.
  Mr. Speaker, the number one job of the Federal Government is to keep 
the country safe. I urge my colleagues' support for this bill.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of 
my time.
  Substantively, I reiterate my initial remarks. I think this is a good 
bill that was put together. You have heard a lot of comments from the 
individual subcommittee chairs. Many other Members also contributed 
significant and important policy to this piece of legislation that 
gives us the opportunity to properly exercise oversight of the 
Pentagon, which is our job. This bill does an excellent job of that, 
and I think, as I mentioned, we have made some progress in recent 
years.
  The one big point I did not emphasize sufficiently at the start of my 
remarks is how important innovation and new technologies are right now. 
I don't think there has been a time in the history of warfare where 
things have been changing as rapidly. We have certainly seen that play 
out on the battlefield in Ukraine but also in other fights that have 
happened in smaller conflicts in Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Middle 
East.

  You have to develop the new, best innovative technology, and as 
anyone would recognize, the Pentagon is not typically good at moving 
fast. It is a large bureaucracy. It takes them time to process ideas. 
What we have done is we have put forth innovative legislation to move 
that along faster so that we can develop the better technologies, take 
advantage of drone technology, take advantage of AI, and make sure that 
our systems are secure. That has really made a huge difference to make 
sure that we get the most out of the money we spend and that we are in 
the best position to have the technologies that we need. So, a number 
of these policies have made a huge difference.
  I will use the balance of my time to thank six members of our 
committee on the Democratic side who are retiring at the end of this 
Congress: Congress Members Langevin, Cooper, Speier, Brown, Murphy, and 
Kahele. I thank them very much for their service. As you have heard 
many times, the cornerstone of this committee is our bipartisan 
approach and our commitment to regular order, to sending our bills 
through the normal process in committee, having markups, debates, and 
then doing the same on the floor in a bipartisan way, which makes an 
enormous difference. These Members have contributed to that. I will 
especially recognize a couple of Members because a number have served 
for a long time on the committee.
   Jim Langevin is the chairman of the subcommittee with the really 
complicated name that I have to have written down to remember, but it 
has to do with cyber and intelligence matters. Jim has dove into these 
issues. When I talk, as I did, about innovative technologies, it is his 
subcommittee that focuses on putting us in the best position to deal 
with artificial intelligence, to figure out how to use directed-energy 
weapons and drones, to do the innovation that is crucial. Jim's 
knowledge level on this is above anybody in Congress. He has done an 
outstanding job over, I guess it is, 22 years as a Member of Congress 
and now a subcommittee chair. His leadership has been invaluable in 
those crucial issues.
    Jim Cooper, also retiring, is a subcommittee chair. He is very 
responsible for getting us to properly focus on space. There is a lot 
of talk about the Space Force. Certainly, that is part of it, but that 
was never really the entire point. The point was that space has become 
crucial in modern warfare. Literally, everything we do gets shut down 
if we don't have robust access to our space assets. Recognize the 
importance of that and how much that has changed, certainly in the last 
50 years but even in the last 10. Chairman Cooper has worked with now-
Ranking Member Rogers, also a past chairman of that subcommittee, to 
make this happen. Jim's intelligence and leadership have made a huge 
difference in those issues.
  Jackie Speier is retiring as the chair of the Military Personnel 
Subcommittee. It is impossible to overstate the work she has done to 
look after the men and women who serve in our forces, most notably, of 
course, with her commitment to battling sexual assault and to getting 
the major sexual assault reform passed, which we passed last year, to 
set up a special prosecutor who will focus on sexual assault cases. 
That was a 10-year effort.
  A lot of people, when they get involved in politics, they get 
frustrated

[[Page H6228]]

that things aren't happening. They don't happen quickly. They get 
frustrated by the whole process. I have come up with the saying that, 
in politics and public policy, you have to be patient and persistent. 
Nobody personifies that better than Jackie Speier. She was absolutely 
doggedly persistent in getting the changes necessary to help improve 
the way we handle sexual assault and on a wide range of other issues 
that have helped protect the personnel who serve in our military.
  Lastly, I specifically thank Anthony Brown, a past vice chair of the 
committee who has worked so hard on diversity issues. We were able, 2 
years ago now, to finally get passed and put in place a commission to 
change the names of the military bases in this country and facilities, 
as well--not just base names, but those buildings, streets, and a whole 
bunch of other things that had been named after white supremacist 
Confederate traitors. He did the work to get that through the entire 
process, all the way to the point of having to override the President's 
veto to get that done.
  Now we have a commission that is working on this issue. Certainly, it 
is crucial that they change the names, but what the commission is doing 
is they have held hearings all across the country in the communities 
where these bases are named to talk about the history, about how we got 
to this point, what is it that we are actually talking about, how these 
bases weren't actually named immediately after the Civil War--they were 
named at the turn of the 20th century when there was an effort to 
reestablish white supremacy--to really educate and include the 
community in the process and, ultimately, in the names that were 
selected. That never would have happened without Anthony's hard work.
  We have some outstanding members of the committee leading us this 
year. I appreciate their service. Again, I thank Ranking Member Rogers 
and the Republican staff. We have worked well together--not that we 
don't disagree. We absolutely disagree frequently, but we do so in a 
way that allows us to resolve those differences, which is the essence 
of how a representative democracy is not just supposed to work but how 
it must work if it is to survive. I appreciate the opportunity to be 
part of that process.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill. It is an 
outstanding product. Please vote ``yes.'' I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my 
time.
  This is truly a bipartisan product, and I thank Chairman Smith for 
his leadership in that effort. I know there will be an effort later 
today and tomorrow to add extraneous issues to this bill that have 
nothing to do with the defense of our Nation. It happens every year. 
But like previous years, we will work through those in conference. We 
will weed out the ones that don't need to come back to the floor.
  Before us today is a critical piece of legislation. It is a good 
piece of legislation, and I urge its adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Aguilar). All time for debate has 
expired.
  Each further amendment printed in part A of House Report 117-405 not 
earlier considered as part of amendments en bloc pursuant to section 3 
of House Resolution 1224, shall be considered only in the order printed 
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the 
report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time 
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent 
and an opponent, may be withdrawn by the proponent at any time before 
the question is put thereon, shall not be subject to amendment, and 
shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question.
  It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on 
Armed Services or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting 
of further amendments printed in part A of House Report 117-405, not 
earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc shall be considered as read, 
shall be debatable for 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the 
chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services or 
their respective designees, shall not be subject to amendment, and 
shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question.


                 Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Schiff

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
1 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

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

     SEC. 5__. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF MILITARY COMMISSION 
                   PROCEEDINGS.

       Section 949d(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) In the case of any proceeding of a military 
     commission under this chapter that is made open to the 
     public, the military judge may order arrangements for the 
     availability of the proceeding to be watched remotely by the 
     public through the internet.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this amendment, which has 
passed the House three times and which clarifies the authority of 
military commission judges to order court proceedings at Guantanamo Bay 
to be broadcast on the internet.
  At its core, this amendment has a simple goal: transparency. By 
passing this amendment, we will show the American people that we 
believe they have the right to observe military commission proceedings, 
including those against the individuals who planned the 9/11 attacks.

                              {time}  1600

  We owe transparency to the loved ones and families of the victims. We 
should also provide transparency for journalists, academics, NGOs, and 
all concerned Americans who are understandably deeply interested in 
these vital proceedings.
  Importantly, this bill does not require particular proceedings to be 
in open session--that will still be for the judges to decide. When they 
are open to the public, they should be accessible, so victims do not 
need to travel to Guantanamo to bear witness.
  I will continue to work to permanently close the prison at Guantanamo 
Bay, but in the meantime, Congress must act to ensure transparency for 
the American people.
  This bill is fully protective of classified information, I encourage 
all Members to support our amendment, and I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
legislation.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cuellar). The gentleman is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the gentleman's 
amendment.
  It allows some of the most hardened terrorists in U.S. custody a 
platform to publicly broadcast their message.
  Our military commissions process at Guantanamo Bay has already been 
substantially delayed. Letting hardened terrorists know there is a 
public audience for their hate will do far more harm than good.
  Federal courts have stuck to their guns against broadcasting major 
terrorism cases, such as the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, and I see no 
reason to make an exception for terrorists at Guantanamo Bay.
  Mr. Speaker, even the Biden administration has fought against prior 
versions of this amendment. I urge my colleagues to oppose this 
amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, is there time remaining in opposition or 
should I close?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Alabama has time 
remaining.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the bill. Again, this 
bill does not require proceedings to be available

[[Page H6229]]

online, but it does ensure that judges have that authority.
  I think that this is something that the victims would like because 
the victims would like to be able to observe the proceedings without 
having to travel all the way to Guantanamo. In the interest of those 
victims, I would urge support for the passage of this amendment, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, again, this amendment undermines 
the military commissions process and gives hardened terrorists a public 
platform. The Biden administration has opposed this.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Schiff).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                  Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Jones

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
2 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       Add at the end of subtitle F of title VIII the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 8__. PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH EMPLOYERS THAT 
                   VIOLATED THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT.

       (a) Prohibition.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the 
     Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract with an 
     employer found to have violated section 8(a) of the National 
     Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 158) during the three-year 
     period preceding the proposed date of award of the contract.
       (b) Exceptions.--The Secretary of Defense may enter into a 
     contract with a employer described in subsection (a) if--
       (1) before awarding a contract, such employer has settled 
     all violations described under subsection (a) in a manner 
     approved by the National Labor Relations Board and the 
     employer is in compliance with the requirements of any 
     settlement relating to any such violation; or
       (2)(A) each employee of such employer is represented by a 
     labor organization for the purposes of collective bargaining; 
     and
       (B) such labor organization certifies to the Secretary that 
     the employer--
       (i) is in compliance with any relevant collective 
     bargaining agreement on the date on which such contract is 
     awarded and will continue to preserve the rights, privileges, 
     and benefits established under any such collective bargaining 
     agreement; or
       (ii) before, on, and after the date on which such contract 
     is awarded, has bargained and will bargain in good faith to 
     reach a collective bargaining agreement.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``employer'', 
     ``employee'', and ``labor organization'' have the meanings 
     given such terms, respectively, in section 2 of the National 
     Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152).
       (d) Applicability.--This section and the requirements of 
     this section shall apply to a contract entered into on or 
     after September 30, 2023.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Jones) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment, amendment 
No. 2, which prohibits the Department of Defense from awarding 
contracts to companies engaged in illegal anti-union activity.
  Every worker in this country deserves a living wage, a safe 
workplace, and the opportunity to join a union if they so choose. We 
know that some companies spend millions of dollars illegally fighting 
employee unionization efforts and get rewarded with government 
contracts.
  Companies that engage in unfair labor practices--including threats, 
bribery, coercion, spying, and punishing workers for their attempts at 
unionization--are not barred from receiving these lucrative government 
deals.
  This amendment would change that. It bars the Department of Defense 
from awarding any of their more than $400 billion in annual contracts 
to companies engaged in these illegal activities.
  President Biden promised to ``be the most pro-union President leading 
the most pro-union administration in American history.'' I hope that we 
can make this goal a reality.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on 
amendment No. 2, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment completely 
undermines the existing contractor debarment processes at DOD. Federal 
contractors and subcontractors are already required to comply with the 
National Labor Relations Act.
  There are already tools to bring contractors into compliance. This 
amendment takes the decision out of the hands of the contracting 
officer to determine whether or not a contractor is responsible. 
Something as small as a single paperwork violation would prohibit DOD 
from contracting with a company.
  This is an unprecedented prohibition that exists nowhere else in the 
Federal Government.
  It is a departure from the processes we use to prevent contracting 
with bad actors and would undermine our national security. If enacted, 
this would severely limit the Department's ability to contract for 
goods and services needed to support the warfighter and execute 
critical mission sets around the globe.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose the amendment, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I would just note that unfair labor practice 
violations will only disqualify an employer from DOD contracts if an 
employer refuses to settle a violation or remains out of compliance 
with the terms of that settlement. When an employer settles a violation 
with the NLRB and remains in compliance with the terms of their 
settlement, they will regain eligibility for DOD contracts.
  Respectfully, my colleague's concern on the other side of the aisle 
is misplaced. There is also a broader issue at hand.
  Why are we being asked to sacrifice the rights of working people to 
support defense capabilities?
  These are not mutually exclusive priorities.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment. 
Prohibiting employers from Federal contracts for violations of the 
National Labor Relations Act, NLRA, circumvents longstanding compliance 
procedures and would have a significant impact on Federal contractors.
  The prohibition duplicates existing safeguards in the Federal 
contracting process that already has a system in place to deny Federal 
contracts to companies that break the law. This flawed blacklisting 
amendment will threaten Federal contractors' due process rights because 
a Federal contractor could be prohibited from DOD contracts before a 
charge has been fully adjudicated.
  An employer can be found to have violated the NLRA by an 
administrative law judge, but the employer has the right to appeal that 
decision to the National Labor Relations Board. Employers also have the 
right to appeal NLRB decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
  It is unfair and unjust to bar employers from Federal contracts 
before they have exhausted all remedies of relief.
  This amendment also provides unfair special treatment to employers 
with employees who are represented by a union. The amendment 
prohibitions can be waived if the employees of an employer are 
represented by a union, giving unionized Federal contractors a 
significant advantage over non-union firms in the Federal procurement 
process.
  These prohibitions will encourage frivolous NLRA complaints and 
provide

[[Page H6230]]

labor unions leverage to organize non-Federal union contractors. The 
Federal procurement process works best when the bidding process is open 
and fair and not dependent on whether the Federal contractor is 
unionized.
  Mr. Speaker, this is in the best interest of taxpayers, and I urge my 
colleagues to reject this amendment.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Norcross).
  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman is correct. We all want an 
open, competitive, and fair contracting process. The Department of 
Defense, as we know, is the largest government contractor--over $400 
billion a year in contracts--60 percent are by the Department of 
Defense.
  This amendment would ensure that the DOD contractors are not 
violating labor law--things that we all agree on. They do not have the 
privilege of receiving taxpayer dollars if they are violating this. 
These taxpayer dollars should go to companies that are helping to build 
and strengthen our country, not tear it down.

  American workers are why we are the greatest country in the world. It 
is their strength that makes us a reality.
  Under this amendment, unfair labor practices are more than just an 
accusation, they are to be found in violation of the NLRA. The idea of 
having this, it has been proven you have violated--you still have an 
option--you settle the problem and then you can get on the bid list. 
Right now the Department of Defense does have that issue.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this very 
important amendment.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from New York has 2 minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  The freedom to join a union is essential--essential to the dignity of 
workers to secure living wages and good benefits and building an 
economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and the well-
connected.
  Current law recognizes how essential this freedom is and how the deck 
is too often stacked against workers. This is the very reason the 
National Labor Relations Act exists and why unfair labor practices are 
illegal.
  When employers are rewarded for suppressing worker rights, we 
undermine the very purpose of having labor laws at all.
  I think we should be very clear about what is going on here.
  The Democrats are fighting for middle-class jobs with good pay and 
benefits and an economy where one job is enough, where 40 hours of work 
is enough to live with dignity.
  Republicans are not interested in protecting workers. They are 
interested in protecting the corporations that exploit workers for 
profit and corporations whose bottom line depends on keeping wages low 
and suppressing worker power. My Republican colleagues want to protect 
the government contracts of companies that violate labor law.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to protect the rights of 
working people by voting ``yes'' on amendment No. 2, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to oppose this 
effort. It could stop procurement of critical systems needed to counter 
China. It could delay construction of military housing projects, and it 
could stop work on vital programs to improve the safety of ships, 
aircrafts, and combat vehicles.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a bad amendment. I urge all Members to oppose 
it, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Jones).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


               Amendment No. 3 Offered by Ms. Schakowsky

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
3 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Add at the end of subtitle A of title VIII the following:

     SEC. 8__. PREFERENCE FOR OFFERORS THAT MEET CERTAIN 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 241 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC. 3310. PREFERENCE FOR OFFERORS THAT MEET CERTAIN 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       ``(a) In General.--In awarding contracts for the 
     procurement of goods or services, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall prioritize offerors that meet any of the following 
     qualifications:
       ``(1) The offeror has entered into an agreement--
       ``(A) with a labor organization;
       ``(B) that provides the manner in which the offeror will--
       ``(i) act with respect to lawful efforts by such labor 
     organization to organize the employees of such offeror, 
     including an agreement that the offeror will not assist, 
     deter, or promote such efforts; and
       ``(ii) engage in collective bargaining with such labor 
     organization; and
       ``(C) that is effective for the duration of the contract to 
     be awarded.
       ``(2) The offeror has entered into an agreement with a 
     majority of the employees of the offeror or a labor 
     organization, effective for the duration of the contract to 
     be awarded, not to hire individuals to replace any employee 
     of the offeror engaged in any strike, picketing, or other 
     concerted refusal to work or to close a business in response 
     to such a strike, picketing, or other refusal to work.
       ``(3) The offeror has a collective bargaining agreement 
     with a labor organization or a majority of the employees of 
     the offeror.
       ``(b) Prioritization Order.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     further prioritize an offeror under subsection (a) for each 
     qualification described in such subsection that such offeror 
     meets.
       ``(c) Application.--The prioritization required under this 
     section shall--
       ``(1) be applied after any other preference or priority 
     applicable to the award of the contract;
       ``(2) be accorded weight that is not less than such other 
     preference or priority; and
       ``(3) not be construed as superseding or replacing any such 
     other preference or priority.
       ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed to preempt, displace, or supplant any provision 
     of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.).
       ``(e) Employee; Employer; Labor Organization Defined.--In 
     this section, the terms `employee', `employer', and `labor 
     organization' have the meanings given such terms in section 2 
     of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for Chapter 
     241 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new item:
``3310. Preference for offerors that meet certain requirements.''.
       (c) Applicability.--This section and the amendments made by 
     this section shall apply only with respect to contracts 
     entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois.

                              {time}  1615

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, my amendment is very simple. It gives a preference to 
defense contractors who will remain neutral in union organizing. I say 
neutral--not pro and not con. Contractors who commit to remain neutral 
in organizing campaigns commit to not breaking strikes, and it gives 
preferences also to those who would have a union bargaining agreement. 
These are not requirements. These are preferences, the kind of 
preferences that we have for small businesses and that we have for 
veterans and a number of other preferences that are given.
  Now, let's understand that we are talking about $422 billion in 
contracts that are given to businesses. By the way, small businesses 
also have a preference out of a $778 billion defense act. So these are 
big taxpayer expenditures that we are talking about.

[[Page H6231]]

  It seems to me given that we want to make sure that workers are also 
acknowledged that we say that it would be a good thing if we don't have 
companies like Amazon, for example, that get a lot of money in defense 
contracts and spend a lot of money trying to make sure that workers 
cannot bargain collectively. So let's give preferences to those who 
actually do acknowledge workers. That is the only idea of this 
amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Garamendi) in support of this amendment.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Schakowsky for 
this amendment. It is very important. This is about fairness in the 
workplace. This is about the opportunity for workers to have a say in 
their work life. This is about an opportunity for major companies that 
want a contract with the United States Government Department of Defense 
to stay neutral in any unionizing opportunity that a union may be 
putting forward.
  The rights of workers who support our defense industry would be 
protected by this amendment, and the Department of Defense would 
continue to have the flexibility in the contracting programs that they 
have.
  With billions of dollars that we are going to be spending as a result 
of this and previous bills, let's be fair to the workers. If they want 
to organize, fine. For the companies, it is time for them to be neutral 
and not do the kind of practices that we have seen from companies such 
as Amazon and a few others.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to 
this amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment completely 
undermines the existing contractor debarment processes at the DOD. 
Federal contractors and subcontractors are already required to comply 
with the National Labor Relations Act. There are already tools to bring 
contractors into compliance. But this amendment takes the decision out 
of the hands of the contracting officer to determine whether a 
contractor is responsible.
  If enacted, this amendment would limit the Department's ability to 
receive quality goods and services and drive up costs unnecessarily.
  Federal contractors and subcontractors are already required to comply 
with the National Labor Relations Act. Yet this amendment would go 
further and seek to prefer contract awards based on compliance with 
labor agreements in a new and unprecedented way regardless of its 
negative impact on small businesses and national security.
  I will note that this amendment is opposed by the National Federation 
of Independent Businesses, as well as the Workplace Policy Institute 
and the Associated Builders and Contractors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to oppose the amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Norcross).
  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Once again, we are talking about our most valuable asset in this 
country, its workers, and the ability to treat them with fairness and 
giving them the ability to achieve the American Dream; that starts with 
their ability to go after contracts through their company. However, if 
their company is not playing by the rules, they are flooding their 
ability to have a voice in the workplace, to vote for a union, this is 
where the issue begins and where the amendment addresses.
  Very simply, it says: Play by the rules, have a neutrality agreement, 
and you should be given a preference, a preference for the American 
worker.
  That is just so incredibly important given the challenges of the 
supply chain. At a time when we are challenged throughout the globe of 
getting the parts and the supplies we need to build the greatest 
defense in the world, we are being challenged because of something we 
have control over--our workforce and treating them well and fairly 
under the rules of the government are incredibly important.
  That is why this amendment is just so important. It says that to be a 
responsible contractor, treat your employees fairly, level the playing 
field, and let them have the choice.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this 
amendment.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment has one goal: to eliminate all nonunion 
contractors from DOD contracts. It does not represent the modern 
workforce. The modern workforce is not interested in jurisdictional 
rules. They are interested in incentives to get the job done on time 
and on budget. It achieves this goal by favoring employers who want to 
do business with the DOD that sign neutrality agreements or already 
have collective bargaining agreements with labor unions.
  These so-called neutrality agreements are anything but neutral. They 
stifle employee free choice and prohibit employers from communicating 
with their employees about the downsides of union representation.
  Mr. Speaker, can you imagine an employer not being able to talk with 
their employees?
  One common provision in a neutrality agreement takes away a worker's 
right to a secret ballot in an election. That is guaranteed in our 
elections and allows unions to organize under the radical card check 
scheme that exposes workers to well-documented instances of harassment 
and intimidation. Even the U.S. Supreme Court describes card check is 
an admittedly inferior election process.
  Another provision in neutrality agreements places gag orders on 
employer speech that prohibits them from informing their employees 
about the impact that unionization can have on the workplace and their 
income.
  This amendment could also put workers' private information at risk. 
Many neutrality agreements require employers to provide union access to 
employees' personal information including home address, phone numbers, 
and email addresses for the purpose of pressuring employees to sign 
U.N. authorization cards.
  Workers should be able to freely choose for themselves whether they 
want a union through a secret ballot election. Instead, this amendment 
encourages employers to work with labor unions to impose union 
representation on workers. It is not the American way.
  Hardworking taxpayers deserve efficient and effective procurement 
policies, not rules that provide preferential treatment to special 
interest groups like labor unions.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is 
remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Illinois has 30 seconds 
remaining.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out that this has 
nothing to do with stifling the rights of companies to communicate. It 
does prevent them from harassing workers and preventing them from doing 
what they need to do. I just want to point out that there are companies 
that include UPS, Levi Strauss, AT&T, Verizon, and, most recently, 
Microsoft, that have these agreements.
  Big companies do it. They can do it.
  Let's protect workers and the rights of the companies as well. We can 
do both.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to oppose this 
amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


            Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Kim of New Jersey

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
4

[[Page H6232]]

printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Add at the end of subtitle A of title XXVIII the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 28__. LOCAL HIRE REQUIREMENTS FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 
                   CONTRACTS.

       (a) Local Hire Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--To the extent practicable, in awarding a 
     covered contract, the Secretary concerned (as defined in 
     section 101 of title 10, United States Code) shall give a 
     preference to a person who certifies that at least 51 percent 
     of the total number of employees hired to perform the covered 
     contract (including any employees hired by a subcontractor 
     (at any tier) for such covered contract) shall reside in the 
     same State as, or within a 60-mile radius of, the location of 
     the work to be performed pursuant to the covered contract.
       (2) Justification required.--The Secretary concerned shall 
     prepare a written justification, and make such justification 
     available on the Internet site required under section 2851(c) 
     of title 10, United States Code, for the award of any covered 
     contract to a person that is not described under paragraph 
     (1).
       (b) Licensing.--A contractor and any subcontractors (at any 
     tier) performing a covered contract shall be licensed to 
     perform the work under such covered contract in the State in 
     which the work will be performed.
       (c) Covered Contract Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered contract'' means a contract for a military 
     construction project, military family housing project, or 
     other project described in section 2851(c)(1) of title 10, 
     United States Code.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kim) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my amendment that 
will help small businesses and highly skilled workers in the building 
trades access new opportunities and unlock the local economic potential 
of military bases across the country.
  This amendment is not new. We passed it through the House before on a 
bipartisan basis, and I hope we will do it again today.
  My amendment would incentivize the use of local workers for military 
construction projects by asking the Secretary of Defense to provide 
preference for businesses that commit to hire qualified skilled workers 
from within the same State or within a 60-mile radius of the project.
  I represent Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which for decades has 
been an economic engine in my community with thousands of jobs tied to 
operations on the base. However, too often construction contracts at 
the base don't go to these local businesses and local workers and 
instead go out of State.
  I introduced the Put Our Neighbors to Work Act and offer it as an 
amendment here for those skilled and qualified construction workers, 
electricians, painters, and other local contractors in my district who 
are looking for that next opportunity and who are ready and able to do 
this work and build DOD infrastructure right in their own community; a 
community they are proud to live in and work that they want to do for 
our country.
  I am proud that another key provision of my bill was adopted in the 
Armed Services Committee markup which would require more transparency 
to provide small businesses a fair chance to compete for subcontracting 
opportunities under military construction contracts.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Pfluger, Congressman Norcross, and 
Congressman Garamendi for cosponsoring this bipartisan bill. I urge my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for local workers and 
local economies by passing this amendment which has passed the House, 
as I have said, on a bipartisan basis the past 2 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Florida is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, this amendment requires local preferences and 
State construction licenses for all facility sustainment and military 
construction projects.
  Mr. Speaker, it is notable the opposition to this amendment includes 
the Chamber of Commerce, the National Defense Industrial Association, 
the Associated General Contractors of America, the Association of 
Building Contractors, and the American Council of Engineering 
Companies. All of them oppose this, and notably, this provision last 
year was strongly opposed by the Biden Administration.
  Mr. Speaker, this provision would increase time and money to an 
already difficult, lengthy, and often slow military construction 
process. These are facilities that our fighting men and women 
desperately need.
  Mr. Speaker, it also impacts the skilled workforce. The local hiring 
preferences would significantly impact a military construction 
contractor's workforce by creating scenarios where long-term, highly 
skilled workers may have to be released and may have to be laid off in 
order to meet the local hire mandate. Then in order to comply with the 
requirements, employers would have to bring in unnecessary and 
unskilled workers to fill these now vacant positions, creating 
additional costs and creating additional safety concerns.

                              {time}  1630

  Local preference requirements falsely assume--and here is the 
fundamental issue. It is a false assumption that there is this 
automatic pool of qualified military contractors and workers wherever 
this military construction project may take place. Often, there is, in 
some locations. But often, in our most rural locations, there is not. 
There is an assumption that they are capable of performing this work.
  Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is the provision would increase costs. 
Again, it would expand an already bloated military construction 
timeline, and it will reduce skilled employment and decrease the 
quality of construction in these vital projects.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge opposition to this amendment. I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross).
  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, this is something I know quite a bit about 
because I was one of those young electricians in an area hoping to get 
a job, and then I see somebody come from hundreds of miles away with 
their company and undercut by literally cutting their wages and kicking 
back to their employers.
  Now, I am not suggesting that happens everywhere. But there is 
nothing more frustrating than to have a job in your local community 
that goes to outsiders who travel from very far distances to replace 
the workers who live there.
  Each of us understands how much we care about our districts. Each of 
us understands that on a level that is proven every November. We love 
our districts. We want to help those in our districts.
  This is why I find it so surprising that we wouldn't want to fight 
for a local hire agreement, a 60-mile radius. Take any point in this 
country, in 60 miles, you will find qualified workers. If, God forbid, 
that is not available, there are waivers allowed here for the 
Department of Defense.
  That is the important part to understand. There are qualified people 
throughout this country who do construction work on an annual basis, 
who do specialized work. They are the ones who live in that community. 
They are the ones who pay the taxes in that community.
  To have somebody come in from distances outside the State, who don't 
pay the taxes, and take that money back to their area, God bless them.
  Where we have the ability to fight for our constituents in our 
districts through local hire, this is the smart thing to do. It is not 
only smart for the local people, but they are good workers who have 
been trained well.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for their districts 
and vote for this amendment.
  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my 
time.
  I just want to say on this front that I have had the great 
opportunity to go around my State, to go around a lot of

[[Page H6233]]

other States, to visit different military installations. Every single 
place I have been to, in every State, including mine, New Jersey, we 
are so proud to host these military bases, these military 
installations. It is a duty of ours and something that we consider very 
sacred, to be able to support and contribute to our national security 
in that kind of way.
  Oftentimes, that requires our States and our communities to step up 
in different ways, to take on different actions to be able to be 
accommodating and to support these bases.
  We are proud, though, to be able to host, and we hope that these 
bases are proud of their relationship with us, of being able to be part 
of our community. That is all we are asking about here.
  This isn't about trying to have unskilled workers be able to take 
jobs of skilled workers. It is exactly the opposite of that. This is 
something that is only to require DOD to give preference to firms that 
will hire locally, and it is to the extent practical. If that is not 
practical, there are, as was said, waivers and other reasons why we can 
push this forward. I don't want this to be something that pushes in 
that direction.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Wittman).
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  Again, this is really about making sure that there is the proper 
workforce placed in the right areas where the work is to be done.
  We have heard time and time again today that the unavailability of 
skilled workforce in many areas is causing delays in construction jobs. 
The last thing we need is delays in military construction jobs because 
of this inconsistency in the availability of a skilled workforce.
  It also undermines competition. Competition is a good thing. Why 
wouldn't we want to open it up and make sure that everybody who has the 
capability to do this work is able to compete? I think those things are 
incredibly important.
  When we don't have competition, we know that that increases the cost 
to the United States Government. Why would we want to increase costs on 
these projects so we do fewer projects?
  There is already a backlog of these military construction projects. 
This will only add to the backlog. It will only make it more difficult 
to complete these projects. It will add to the costs. It will add to 
delays. All of these things are counter to what we need to be doing.
  With a backlog of these projects, we need to be assuring that there 
is competition reducing costs and reducing timeframes.
  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Military construction and sustainment is bureaucratic; it is 
cumbersome; it is slow; and it is not providing our servicemembers what 
they need. That needs to be the focus, period.
  This provision would represent a momentous shift, a sea change in the 
way the Department of Defense and defense contractors perform work, 
with unknown costs to both the government and the contractors, 
especially small business contractors.
  We have to get these projects done timely and on budget and get the 
facilities that we need to our servicemembers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge opposition, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from New Jersey (Mr. Kim).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.
  The Chair understands that amendment No. 5 will not be offered.


      Amendments En Bloc No. 1 Offered by Mr. Smith of Washington

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 
1224, I offer amendments en bloc.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendments en 
bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 1 consisting of amendment Nos. 6, 7, 9, 10, 
11, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 
44, 45, 46, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 
67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 
90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 
106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 
121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 
135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 
149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 
and 163, printed in part A of House Report 117-405, offered by Mr. 
Smith of Washington:

            amendment no. 6 offered by ms. escobar of texas

       At the end of subtitle G of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION REGARDING PROCUREMENT 
                   OF EQUIPMENT BY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS 
                   THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

       Section 281 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(d) Availability of Information.--(1) The Secretary, in 
     coordination with the Administrator of General Services, 
     shall establish and maintain a publicly available internet 
     website that provides up-to-date and comprehensive 
     information, in a searchable format, on the purchase of 
     equipment under the procedures established under subsection 
     (a) and the recipients of such equipment.
       ``(2) The information required to be made publicly 
     available under paragraph (1) includes all unclassified 
     information pertaining to such purchases, including--
       ``(A) the catalog of equipment available for purchase under 
     subsection (c);
       ``(B) for each purchase of equipment under the procedures 
     established under subsection (a)--
       ``(i) the recipient State or unit of local government;
       ``(ii) the purpose of the purchase;
       ``(iii) the type of equipment;
       ``(iv) the cost of the equipment; and
       ``(v) the administrative costs under subsection (b); and
       ``(C) other information the Secretary determines is 
     necessary.
       ``(3) The Secretary shall update the information included 
     on the internet website required under paragraph (1) on a 
     quarterly basis.''.


         amendment no. 7 offered by ms. brownley of california

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

     SEC. 5__. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING WOMEN INVOLUNTARILY 
                   SEPARATED FROM THE ARMED FORCES DUE TO 
                   PREGNANCY OR PARENTHOOD.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) In June 1948, Congress enacted the Women's Armed 
     Services Integration Act of 1948, which formally authorized 
     the appointment and enlistment of women in the regular 
     components of the Armed Forces.
       (2) With the expansion of the Armed Forces to include 
     women, the possibility arose for the first time that members 
     of the regular components of the Armed Forces could become 
     pregnant.
       (3) The response to such possibilities and actualities was 
     Executive Order 10240, signed by President Harry S. Truman in 
     1951, which granted the Armed Forces the authority to 
     involuntarily separate or discharge a woman if she became 
     pregnant, gave birth to a child, or became a parent by 
     adoption or a stepparent.
       (4) The Armed Forces responded to the Executive order by 
     systematically discharging any woman in the Armed Forces who 
     became pregnant, regardless of whether the pregnancy was 
     planned, unplanned, or the result of sexual abuse.
       (5) Although the Armed Forces were required to offer women 
     who were involuntarily separated or discharged due to 
     pregnancy the opportunity to request retention in the 
     military, many such women were not offered such opportunity.
       (6) The Armed Forces did not provide required separation 
     benefits, counseling, or assistance to the members of the 
     Armed Forces who were separated or discharged due to 
     pregnancy.
       (7) Thousands of members of the Armed Forces were 
     involuntarily separated or discharged from the Armed Forces 
     as a result of pregnancy.
       (8) There are reports that the practice of the Armed Forces 
     to systematically separate or discharge pregnant members 
     caused some such members to seek an unsafe or inaccessible 
     abortion, which was not legal at the time, or to put their 
     children up for adoption, and that, in some cases, some women 
     died by suicide following their involuntary

[[Page H6234]]

     separation or discharge from the Armed Forces.
       (9) Such involuntary separation or discharge from the Armed 
     Forces on the basis of pregnancy was challenged in Federal 
     district court by Stephanie Crawford in 1975, whose legal 
     argument stated that this practice violated her 
     constitutional right to due process of law.
       (10) The Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled in 
     Stephanie Crawford's favor in 1976 and found that Executive 
     Order 10240 and any regulations relating to the Armed Forces 
     that made separation or discharge mandatory due to pregnancy 
     were unconstitutional.
       (11) By 1976, all regulations that permitted involuntary 
     separation or discharge of a member of the Armed Forces 
     because of pregnancy or any form of parenthood were 
     rescinded.
       (12) Today, women comprise 17 percent of the Armed Forces, 
     and many are parents, including 12 percent of whom are single 
     parents.
       (13) While military parents face many hardships, today's 
     Armed Forces provides various lengths of paid family leave 
     for mothers and fathers, for both birth and adoption of 
     children.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     women who served in the Armed Forces before February 23, 
     1976, should not have been involuntarily separated or 
     discharged due to pregnancy or parenthood.
       (c) Expression of Remorse.--Congress hereby expresses deep 
     remorse for the women who patriotically served in the Armed 
     Forces, but were forced, by official United States policy, to 
     endure unnecessary and discriminatory actions, including the 
     violation of their constitutional right to due process of 
     law, simply because they became pregnant or became a parent 
     while a member of the Armed Forces.


           amendment no. 9 offered by mr. levin of california

       Page 398, after line 17, insert the following new section:

     SEC. 599. ARMED FORCES WORKPLACE AND GENDER RELATIONS 
                   SURVEYS.

       Subsection (c) of section 481 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as 
     paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(3) Indicators of the assault (including unwanted sexual 
     contact) that give reason to believe that the victim was 
     targeted, or discriminated against, or both, for a real or 
     perceived status in a minority group based on race, color, 
     national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity, 
     sexual orientation, or sex characteristics), and any other 
     factor considered appropriate by the Secretary.''.


           amendment no. 10 offered by ms. omar of minnesota

       Page 788, line 12, strike ``and''.
       Page 788, line 16, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 788, beginning line 17, insert the following:
       (C) a description of efforts to prevent civilian harm and 
     human rights violations.


          amendment no. 11 offered by mr. khanna of california

       At the end of subtitle F of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PRACTICES 
                   REGARDING DISTINCTION BETWEEN COMBATANTS AND 
                   CIVILIANS IN UNITED STATES MILITARY OPERATIONS.

       (a) Report.--The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter 
     into an agreement with a federally funded research and 
     development center to conduct an independent report on 
     Department of Defense practices regarding distinguishing 
     between combatants and civilians in United States military 
     operations.
       (b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following matters:
       (1) A description of how the Department of Defense and 
     individual members of the Armed Forces have differentiated 
     between combatants and civilians in both ground and air 
     operations since 2001, including in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, 
     Somalia, Libya, and Yemen, including--
       (A) relevant policy and legal standards and how these 
     standards were implemented in practice;
       (B) target engagement criteria; and
       (C) whether military-aged males were presumptively 
     targetable.
       (2) A description of how the Department of Defense has 
     differentiated between combatants and civilians when 
     assessing allegations of civilian casualties since 2001, 
     including in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Libya, and 
     Yemen, including--
       (A) relevant policy and legal standards and the factual 
     indicators these standards were applied to in assessing 
     claims of civilian casualties; and
       (B) any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines 
     appropriate.
       (c) Submission of Report.--Not later than one year after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees 
     a report setting forth an unaltered copy of the assessment 
     under this section, together with the views of the Secretary 
     on the assessment.
       (d) Definition of United States Military Operation.--In 
     this section, the term ``United States military operations'' 
     includes any mission, strike, engagement, raid, or incident 
     involving United States Armed Forces.


            amendment no. 17 offered by mr. veasey of texas

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

     SEC. 1__. FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER 
                   AIRCRAFT.

       (a) Increase.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 101 for aircraft procurement, Navy, 
     as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 
     4101, for Joint Strike Fighter CV, line 002, is hereby 
     increased by $354,000,000 (with the amount of such increase 
     to used for the procurement of three additional Joint Strike 
     Fighter aircraft).
       (b) Offsets.--
       (1) Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding 
     tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Army, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4301, for operating forces, maneuver units, line 010, 
     is hereby reduced by $50,000,000.
       (2) Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding 
     tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Army, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4301, for operating forces, aviation assets, line 
     060, is hereby reduced by $100,000,000.
       (3) Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding 
     tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Army, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4301, for training and recruiting, training support, 
     line 340, is hereby reduced by $16,000,000.
       (4) Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding 
     tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Army, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4301, for administration and service-wide activities, 
     other personnel support, line 480, is hereby reduced by 
     $23,000,000.
       (5) Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding 
     tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Navy, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4301, for operating forces, weapons maintenance, line 
     250, is hereby reduced by $62,500,000.
       (6) Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding 
     tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Navy, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4301, for administration and service-wide activities, 
     military manpower and personnel management, line 470, is 
     hereby reduced by $30,000,000.
       (7) Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding 
     tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Marine Corps, as specified in the corresponding funding table 
     in section 4301, for operating forces, operational forces, 
     line 010, is hereby reduced by $16,500,000.
       (8) Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding 
     tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Air Force, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4301, for operating forces, base support, line 090, 
     is hereby reduced by $56,000,000.


           amendment no. 21 offered by ms. tlaib of michigan

       Page 299, line 25, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 300, line 4, strike the period at the end and insert 
     ``; and''.
       Page 300, after line 4, insert the following:
       (3) the historically discriminatory manner in which laws 
     related to marijuana offenses have been enforced, the 
     potential for the continued discriminatory application of the 
     law (whether intentional or unintentional), and 
     recommendations for actions that can be taken to minimize the 
     risk of such discrimination.


       amendment no. 22 offered by ms. ocasio-cortez of new york

       Page 502, line 2, strike ``medicinal cannabis'' and insert 
     ``qualified alternative therapies''.
       Page 502, line 6, strike ``medicinal cannabis as an 
     alternatives'' and insert ``qualified alternative therapies 
     as alternative therapies''.
       Page 503, beginning on line 19, strike ``medicinal 
     cannabis'' and insert ``a qualified alternative therapy''.
       Page 503, beginning on line 25, strike ``medicinal 
     cannabis'' and insert ``a qualified alternative therapy''.
       Page 504, line 11, strike ``medicinal cannabis'' and insert 
     ``qualified alternative therapies''.
       Page 504, after line 22, add the following:
       (3) The term ``qualified alternative therapy'' means--
       (A) medicinal cannabis;
       (B) methylenedioxymethamphetamine (commonly referred to as 
     MDMA); and
       (C) psilocybin.


           amendment no. 23 offered by mr. crenshaw of texas

       Add at the end of subtitle D of title VII the following new 
     section:

[[Page H6235]]

  


     SEC. 7__. GRANT PROGRAM TO STUDY TREATMENT OF POST-TRAUMATIC 
                   STRESS DISORDER USING CERTAIN PSYCHEDELIC 
                   SUBSTANCES.

       (a) Grant Program.--The Secretary of Defense shall carry 
     out a program to award grants to eligible entities to conduct 
     research on the treatment of members of the Armed Forces 
     serving on active duty with post-traumatic stress disorder 
     using covered psychedelic substances.
       (b) Criterion for Approval.--The Secretary may award a 
     grant under this section to an eligible entity to conduct 
     research if the Secretary determines that the research 
     involves a therapy that has the potential to demonstrate 
     significant medical evidence of a therapeutic advantage.
       (c) Eligible Entities.--The Secretary may award a grant 
     under this section to any of the following:
       (1) A department or agency of the Federal Government or a 
     State government.
       (2) An academic institution.
       (3) A nonprofit entity.
       (d) Use of Grant Funds.--A recipient of a grant awarded 
     under this section may use the grant to--
       (1) conduct one or more phase two clinical trials for the 
     treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder that--
       (A) include members of the Armed Forces serving on active 
     duty as participants in the clinical trial; and
       (B) use individual or group therapy assisted by covered 
     psychedelic substances; or
       (2) train practitioners to provide treatment to members of 
     the Armed Forces serving on active duty for post-traumatic 
     stress disorder using covered psychedelic substances.
       (e) Participation in Clinical Trials.--The Secretary may 
     authorize a member of the Armed Forces to participate in a 
     clinical trial that is conducted using a grant awarded under 
     this section or funds provided under subsection (f) and is 
     authorized pursuant to section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
     and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355), without regard to--
       (1) whether the clinical trial involves a substance 
     included in the schedule under section 202 of the Controlled 
     Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812); or
       (2) section 912a of title 10, United States Code (article 
     112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
       (f) Additional Authority.--In addition to awarding grants 
     under this section, the Secretary may provide funds for a 
     clinical research trial using covered psychedelic substances 
     that is authorized pursuant to section 505 of the Federal 
     Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355) and includes 
     members of the Armed Forces as participants in the trial.
       (g) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``covered psychedelic substances'' means any 
     of the following:
       (A) 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (commonly known as 
     ``MDMA'').
       (B) Psilocybin.
       (C) Ibogaine.
       (D) 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (commonly known as 
     ``5-MeO-DMT'').
       (2) The term ``State'' includes any State, district, 
     territory, or possession of the United States.


   amendment no. 24 offered by ms. norton of the district of columbia

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

     SEC. 5__. INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS FROM THE 
                   DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WHO MAY BE APPOINTED TO 
                   MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES.

       (a) United States Military Academy.--Section 7442 of title 
     10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(5), by striking ``Five'' and 
     inserting ``Fifteen''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ``paragraphs (3) and 
     (4)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3), (4), and (5)''.
       (b) United States Naval Academy.--Section 8454 of title 10, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(5), by striking ``Five'' and 
     inserting ``Fifteen''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ``paragraphs (3) and 
     (4)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3), (4), and (5)''.
       (c) United States Air Force Academy.--Section 9442 of title 
     10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(5), by striking ``Five'' and 
     inserting ``Fifteen''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ``paragraphs (3) and 
     (4)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3), (4), and (5)''.


            amendment no. 26 offered by mr. kahele of hawaii

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

     SEC. 5__. RESCISSION OF MEDALS OF HONOR AWARDED FOR ACTS AT 
                   WOUNDED KNEE CREEK ON DECEMBER 29, 1890.

       (a) In General.--Each Medal of Honor awarded for acts at 
     Wounded Knee Creek, Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, 
     South Dakota, on December 29, 1890, is rescinded.
       (b) Medal of Honor Roll.--The Secretary concerned shall 
     remove the name of each individual awarded a Medal of Honor 
     for acts described in subsection (a) from the Army, Navy, Air 
     Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll maintained under 
     section 1134a of title 10, United States Code.
       (c) Return of Medal Not Required.--No person may be 
     required to return to the Federal Government a Medal of Honor 
     rescinded under subsection (a).
       (d) No Denial of Benefits.--This Act shall not be construed 
     to deny any individual any benefit from the Federal 
     Government.


          amendment no. 27 offered by ms. slotkin of michigan

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

     SEC. 5__. TRAINING ON CONSEQUENCES OF COMMITTING A CRIME IN 
                   PRESEPARATION COUNSELING OF THE TRANSITION 
                   ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--Subsection (b) of section 1142 of title 
     10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(20) Training regarding the consequences to such a member 
     who is convicted of a crime, specifically regarding the loss 
     of benefits from the Federal Government to such member.''.
       (b) Implementation Date.--The Secretary concerned shall 
     carry out paragraph (20) of such subsection, as added by 
     subsection (a), not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
       (c) Development.--The Secretary of Defense shall develop 
     the training under such paragraph.
       (d) Progress Briefing.--Not later than 180 days of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide 
     a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
     and House of Representatives regarding progress of the 
     Secretary in preparing the training under such paragraph.


          amendment no. 28 offered by ms. jackson lee of texas

       At the end of subtitle D of title X, add the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 10__. REPORT ON THREAT POSED BY DOMESTIC TERRORISTS.

       (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 officials specified in subsection 
     (c), shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
     report that includes an evaluation of the nature and extent 
     of the domestic terror threat and domestic terrorist groups.
       (b) Elements.--The report under subsection (a) shall--
       (1) describe the manner in which domestic terror activity 
     is tracked and reported;
       (2) identify all known domestic terror groups, whether 
     formal in nature or loosely affiliated ideologies, including 
     groups motivated by a belief system of white supremacy such 
     as the Proud Boys and Boogaloo;
       (3) include a breakdown of the ideology of each group; and
       (4) describe the efforts of such groups, if any, to 
     infiltrate or target domestic constitutionally protected 
     activity by citizens for cooption or to carry out attacks, 
     and the number of individuals associated or affiliated with 
     each group that engages in such efforts.
       (c) Officials Specified.--The officials specified in this 
     subsection are the following:
       (1) The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
       (2) The Under Secretary of Homeland Security for 
     Intelligence and Analysis.
       (3) The Director of National Intelligence.


       amendment no. 30 offered by ms. manning of north carolina

       At the appropriate place in subtitle B of title XIII, 
     insert the following:

     SEC. __. ANNUAL REPORT ON ROLE OF ANTISEMITISIM IN VIOLENT 
                   EXTREMIST MOVEMENTS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of State and the Office of the Special 
     Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees an annual report on--
       (1) the rise in global antisemitism;
       (2) the role of antisemitism in violent extremist 
     movements;
       (3) the threat of global antisemitism to the United States 
     Armed Forces; and
       (4) the threat of global antisemitism to United States 
     national security and interests.
       (b) Form; Publication.--The report required by subsection 
     (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain 
     a classified annex. The unclassified portion of such report 
     shall be published on a publicly available website of the 
     Department of Defense.
       (c) Appropriate Congressional Committees.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs, of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations of the Senate.


          amendment no. 35 offered by ms. jacobs of california

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

     SEC. 10__. REPORT ON PURCHASE AND USE BY DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE OF LOCATION DATA GENERATED BY 
                   AMERICANS' PHONES AND THEIR INTERNET METADATA.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees and make 
     available to the public on an internet website of the 
     Department of Defense a report that--
       (1) identifies each covered entity that is currently, or 
     during the five year period ending on the date of the 
     enactment of this Act was, without a court order--

[[Page H6236]]

       (A) obtaining in exchange for anything of value any covered 
     records; and
       (B) intentionally retaining or intentionally using such 
     covered records; and
       (2) for each covered entity identified pursuant to 
     paragraph (1), identifies--
       (A) each category of covered record the covered entity, 
     without a court order, is obtaining or obtained, in exchange 
     for anything of value;
       (B) whether the covered entity intentionally retained or is 
     intentionally retaining each category of covered records 
     pursuant to subparagraph (A);
       (C) whether the covered entity intentionally uses or used 
     each category of covered records identified pursuant to 
     subparagraph (A); and
       (D) whether such obtaining, retention, and use ceased 
     before the date of the enactment of this Act or is ongoing.
       (b) Form.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form.
       (c) Determination of Parties to a Communication.--In 
     determining under this section whether a party to a 
     communication is likely to be located inside or outside the 
     United States, the Secretary shall consider the Internet 
     Protocol (IP) address used by the party to the communication, 
     but may also consider other information known to the 
     Secretary.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``covered entities'' means the Defense 
     Agencies, Department of Defense activities, and components of 
     the Department that--
       (A) are under the authority, direction, and control of the 
     Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; or
       (B) over which the Under Secretary exercises planning, 
     policy, funding, or strategic oversight authority.
       (2) The term ``covered records'' includes the following:
       (A) Location data generated by phones that are likely to be 
     located in the United States.
       (B) Domestic phone call records.
       (C) International phone call records.
       (D) Domestic text message records.
       (E) International text message records.
       (F) Domestic netflow records.
       (G) International netflow records.
       (H) Domestic Domain Name System records.
       (I) International Domain Name System records.
       (J) Other types of domestic internet metadata.
       (K) Other types of international internet metadata.
       (3) The term ``domestic'' means a telephone or an internet 
     communication in which all parties to the communication are 
     likely to be located in the United States.
       (4)(A) The term ``international'' means a telephone or an 
     internet communication in which one or more parties to the 
     communication are likely to be located in the United States 
     and one or more parties to the communication are likely to be 
     located outside the United States.
       (B) The term ``international'' does not include a telephone 
     or an internet communication in which all parties to the 
     communication are likely to be located outside the United 
     States.
       (5) The term ``obtain in exchange for anything of value'' 
     means to obtain by purchasing, to receive in connection with 
     services being provided for consideration, or to otherwise 
     obtain in exchange for consideration, including an access 
     fee, service fee, maintenance fee, or licensing fee.
       (6)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term 
     ``retain'' means the storage of a covered record.
       (B) The term ``retain'' does not include the temporary 
     storage of a covered record that will be, but has not yet 
     been, subjected to a process in which the covered record, 
     which is part of a larger compilation containing records that 
     are not covered records, are identified and deleted.
       (7)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term 
     ``use'', with respect to a covered record, includes 
     analyzing, processing, or sharing the covered record.
       (B) The term ``use'' does not include subjecting the 
     covered record to a process in which the covered record, 
     which is part of a larger compilation containing records that 
     are not covered records, are identified and deleted.


           amendment no. 36 offered by mr. lieu of california

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

     SEC. 13_. USE OF UNITED STATES-ORIGIN DEFENSE ARTICLES IN 
                   YEMEN.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of State, in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Defense, shall develop specific 
     guidance for investigating any indications that United 
     States-origin defense articles have been used in Yemen by the 
     Saudi-led coalition in substantial violation of relevant 
     agreements with countries participating in the coalition, 
     including for unauthorized purposes.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     on--
       (A) the guidance developed pursuant to subsection (a); and
       (B) all current information on each of the certification 
     elements required by section 1290 of the John S. McCain 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 
     (Public Law 115-232).
       (2) Form.--The report required by this subsection shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
     annex if necessary.
       (3) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
       (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the Senate.


         amendment no. 37 offered by ms. jayapal of washington

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

     SEC. 7__. REPORT ON FEASABILITY OF CERTAIN LICENSING MODELS 
                   FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-OWNED VACCINES AND 
                   OTHER MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS RELATING TO COVID-
                   19.

       (a) Report.--The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report on the feasibility 
     of a licensing model under which, with respect to Department 
     of Defense-owned vaccines or other medical interventions 
     relating to COVID-19 that are approved, licensed, or 
     otherwise authorized for use in accordance with applicable 
     law, the Secretary would grant to Government-owned 
     contractor-operated manufacturers nonexclusive licenses to 
     manufacture such vaccines or other interventions.
       (b) Matters.--The report under subsection (a) shall include 
     an evaluation of the estimated differences in the pricing of, 
     and equitable access to, the vaccines and other interventions 
     specified in such subsection, that may arise as a result of--
       (1) the Secretary granting exclusive licenses to 
     manufacture such vaccines and other interventions, as 
     compared with nonexclusive licenses; and
       (2) the Secretary granting either such license to 
     Government-owned contractor-operated manufacturers, as 
     compared with other manufacturers.


            amendment no. 38 offered by mr. biggs of arizona

       Add at the end of subtitle B of title XIII of division A 
     the following:

     SEC. 13__. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ISRAEL.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) since 1948, Israel has been one of the strongest 
     friends and allies of the United States;
       (2) Israel is a stable, democratic country in a region 
     often marred by turmoil;
       (3) it is essential to the strategic interest of the United 
     States to continue to offer security assistance and related 
     support to Israel; and
       (4) such assistance and support is especially vital as 
     Israel confronts a number of potential challenges at the 
     present time, including continuing threats from Iran.


         amendment no. 39 offered by mr. kinzinger of illinois

       At the appropriate place in subtitle D of title XII, insert 
     the following:

     SEC. ___. EXPANSION OF COOPERATION AND TRAINING WITH UKRAINE.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated $100,000,000 to build the capacity of 
     foreign security forces pursuant to relevant authorities 
     under title 10, United States Code. Amounts so authorized 
     shall be made available to provide assistance to Ukrainian 
     military pilots and associated persons for the following 
     purposes:
       (1) Training and familiarity building with United States 
     fixed-wing aircraft and other air platforms as appropriate 
     for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.
       (2) Training on the use of munitions sets determined 
     appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.
       (3) Establishing a rapport between the Armed Forces of the 
     United States and the armed forces of Ukraine to build 
     partnerships for the future.
       (4) Enhancement of capabilities for aerial combat 
     operations.
       (5) Focusing on the ability of Ukraine to teach current and 
     future pilots on fixed-wing aircraft and other air platforms 
     in Ukraine and elsewhere, especially during the ongoing 
     Russian invasion of Ukraine.
       (6) Fostering a better understanding of the air platforms, 
     tactics, and techniques of the United States and other member 
     countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
       (b) Notice to Congress.--Not later than 15 days before 
     providing assistance or support using amounts made available 
     pursuant to the authorization under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives a notification 
     containing the following elements:
       (1) A detailed description of the assistance or support to 
     be provided, including--
       (A) the objectives of such assistance or support.
       (B) the budget for such assistance or support; and
       (C) the expected or estimated timeline for delivery of such 
     assistance or support.
       (2) A description of such other matters as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.

[[Page H6237]]

       (c) Offset.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Air Force, Flying Hour Program, Line 080, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby 
     reduced by $100,000,000.


           amendment no. 41 offered by mrs. kim of california

       At the appropriate place in title LVIII, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. __. ARMS EXPORTS DELIVERY SOLUTIONS ACT.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) prioritizing the defense needs of United States allies 
     and partners globally is a national security priority; and
       (2) sustained support to key partners for interoperable 
     defense systems is critical to preserve--
       (A) the safety and security of American persons;
       (B) the free flow of commerce through international trade 
     routes;
       (C) the United States commitment to collective security 
     agreements, territorial integrity, and recognized maritime 
     boundaries; and
       (D) Taiwan's defense capability both in quantitative and 
     qualitative terms.
       (b) Report Required.--Not later than March 1, 2023, and 
     March 1, 2024, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of 
     Defense shall jointly transmit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a report with respect to the 
     transfer of all defense articles or defense services, on or 
     after October 1, 2017, pursuant to the authorities provided 
     by--
       (1) section 3, 21, or 36 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 
     U.S.C. 2753, 2761, or 2776); or
       (2) section 516(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 
     (22 U.S.C. 2321j(c)(2)).
       (c) Elements.--The report required by subsection (b) shall 
     also contain the following:
       (1) A list of all approved transfers of defense articles 
     and services authorized by Congress pursuant to sections 25 
     and 36 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2765 and 
     2776) with a total value of $25,000,000 or more, to Taiwan, 
     Japan, South Korea, Australia, or New Zealand, that have not 
     been fully delivered by the start of the fiscal year in which 
     the report is being submitted.
       (2) The estimated start and end dates of delivery for each 
     approved and incomplete transfer listed pursuant to paragraph 
     (1), including additional details and dates for any transfers 
     that involve multiple tranches of deliveries.
       (3) With respect to each approved and incomplete transfer 
     listed pursuant to paragraph (1), a detailed description of--
       (A) any changes in the delivery dates of defense articles 
     or services relative to the dates anticipated at the time of 
     congressional approval of the transfer, including specific 
     reasons for any delays related to the United States 
     Government, defense suppliers, or a foreign partner;
       (B) the feasibility and advisability of providing the 
     partner subject to such delayed delivery with an interim 
     capability or solution, including drawing from United States 
     stocks, and any challenges to implementing such a capability 
     or solution; and
       (C) authorities, appropriations, or waiver requests that 
     Congress could provide to improve delivery timelines or 
     authorize the provision of interim capabilities or solutions 
     identified pursuant to subparagraph (B).
       (4) A description of ongoing interagency efforts to support 
     attainment of operational capability of the corresponding 
     defense articles and services once delivered, including 
     advance training with United States or allied forces on the 
     systems to be received. The description of any such training 
     shall also include an identification of the training 
     implementer.
       (5) If a transfer listed pursuant to paragraph (1) has been 
     terminated prior to the date of the submission of the report 
     for any reason--
       (A) the case information for such transfer;
       (B) a description of the reasons for which the transfer is 
     no longer in effect; and
       (C) the impact this termination will have on the intended 
     end-user and the consequent implications for regional 
     security.
       (6) A separate description of the actions the United States 
     is taking to expedite deliveries of defense articles and 
     services to Taiwan, including in particular, whether the 
     United States intends to divert defense articles from United 
     States stocks to provide an interim capability or solution 
     with respect to any delayed deliveries to Taiwan and the 
     plan, if applicable, to replenish any such diverted stocks.
       (7) A description of other potential actions undertaken by 
     the Department of State to improve delivery timelines for the 
     transfers listed pursuant to paragraph (1).
       (d) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the Senate.


            amendment no. 42 offered by mr. barr of kentucky

       At the appropriate place in subtitle A of title XIII, 
     insert the following:

     SEC. __. TAIWAN DEFENSE COOPERATION.

       (a) Study.--Not later than April 1, 2023, the Secretary of 
     Defense, in consultation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 
     the heads of such other agencies as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate, shall complete a study on the feasibility of 
     additional Department of Defense resources necessary to 
     facilitate increased military cooperation between the United 
     States and Taiwan.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     assess the following:
       (1) A description of the military cooperation handled by 
     the Department of Defense between the United States and 
     Taiwan during the preceding calendar year, including arm 
     sales, mutual visits, exercises, and training.
       (2) The additional manpower required to facilitate the arms 
     sales process to Taiwan and other matters as specified in 
     subsection (a).
       (3) The overall cost and anticipated efficiency of such 
     additional resources.
       (4) Such other matters as may be determined relevant by the 
     Secretary.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than April 1, 2023, the Secretary 
     shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the 
     findings of the study under subsection (a), including with 
     respect to each element specified in subsection (b).


         amendment no. 43 offered by mr. gallagher of wisconsin

       At the end of subtitle G of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. NATIONAL TABLETOP EXERCISE.

       (a) Requirement.--Not later than 365 days of enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a tabletop 
     exercise designed to test the resiliency of the United States 
     across all aspects of national power in the event of an 
     invasion of a covered defense partner. The Secretary may 
     conduct subsequent similar exercises on a biennial basis.
       (b) Planning and Preparation.--A tabletop exercise under 
     this section shall be prepared by Department of Defense 
     personnel.
       (c) Private Sector.--In accordance with applicable laws and 
     regulations regarding the protection of national security 
     information, the Secretary may invite non-Government 
     individuals or entities to participate in a tabletop exercise 
     under this section.
       (d) International Partners.--The Secretary may invite 
     allies and partners of the United States to participate in a 
     tabletop exercise under this section.
       (e) Observers.--The Secretary may invite representatives 
     from the executive and legislative branches of the Federal 
     Government to observe a tabletop exercise under this section.
       (f) Consultation Requirement.--The Secretary shall plan and 
     execute a tabletop exercise under this section in 
     consultation with the heads of the Federal departments and 
     agencies who participate in the exercise, as determined by 
     the Secretary.
       (g) Elements.--A tabletop exercise under this section shall 
     be designed to evaluate the following elements:
       (1) The Federal Government response across all elements of 
     national power to an invasion of a covered defense partner.
       (2) The ability of the United States covered Armed Forces, 
     alongside allied and partner militaries, to defeat an 
     invasion of a covered defense partner.
       (3) The resilience of domestic critical infrastructure and 
     logistical chokepoints that may inhibit the mobility of the 
     United States covered Armed Forces in responding to an 
     invasion of a covered defense partner.
       (4) The ability of the United States to coordinate an 
     effective international public and private sector response.
       (h) Briefing.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which at tabletop exercise is conducted under this section, 
     the Secretary shall provide to the appropriate congressional 
     committees a briefing on the exercise.
       (2) Contents.--A briefing under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) an assessment of the decision-making, capability, and 
     response gaps observed in the tabletop exercise;
       (B) recommendations to improve the response of the United 
     States across all elements of national power in the case of 
     an invasion of a covered defense partner;
       (C) recommendations to improve the domestic resiliency and 
     vulnerability of critical infrastructure of the United States 
     in the case of an invasion of a covered defense partner; and
       (D) appropriate strategies to address the recommendations 
     identified in subparagraphs (B) and (C).
       (i) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives; and
       (B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Homeland Security and Government Affairs of the Senate.
       (2) The term ``covered Armed Force'' means--
       (A) The Army.
       (B) The Navy.
       (C) The Marine Corps.
       (D) The Air Force.
       (E) The Space Force.
       (3) The term ``covered defense partner'' means a country 
     that is--

[[Page H6238]]

       (A) identified as a partner in the document entitled 
     ``Department of Defense Indo-Pacific Strategy Report'' issued 
     on June 1, 2019; and
       (B) located within 100 miles of the coast of a strategic 
     competitor.
       (4) The term ``tabletop exercise'' means an activity--
       (A) in which key personnel assigned high-level roles and 
     responsibilities are gathered to deliberate various simulated 
     emergency or rapid response situations; and
       (B) that is designed to be used to assess the adequacy of 
     plans, policies, procedures, training, resources, and 
     relationships or agreements that guide prevention of, 
     response to, and recovery from a defined event.


           amendment no. 44 offered by mr. bera of california

       At the end of division E, add the following:

               TITLE LIX--TAIWAN PEACE AND STABILITY ACT

     SEC. 5901. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Taiwan Peace and Stability 
     Act''.

     SEC. 5902. FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The United States has consistently sought to advance 
     peace and stability in East Asia as a central element of U.S. 
     foreign policy toward the region.
       (2) The Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), 
     especially since the election of Tsai Ing-Wen in 2016, has 
     conducted a coordinated campaign to weaken Taiwan 
     diplomatically, economically, and militarily in a manner that 
     threatens to erode U.S. policy and create a fait accompli on 
     questions surrounding Taiwan's future.
       (3) In order to ensure the longevity of U.S. policy and 
     preserve the ability of the people of Taiwan to determine 
     their future independently, it is necessary to reinforce 
     Taiwan's diplomatic, economic, and physical space.
       (b) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States to--
       (1) maintain the position that peace and stability in the 
     Western Pacific are in the political, security, and economic 
     interests of the United States, and are matters of 
     international concern; and
       (2) work with allies and partners to promote peace and 
     stability in the Indo-Pacific and deter military acts or 
     other forms of coercive behavior that would undermine 
     regional stability.

     SEC. 5903. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title--
       (1) the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
       (2) the term ``international organization'' includes United 
     Nations funds, programs, specialized agencies, entities, and 
     bodies, and other organizations outside of the United Nations 
     system, as the Secretary of State or the Secretary's designee 
     deems appropriate, and in consultation with other Federal 
     departments and agencies;
       (3) the term `One-China Principle' means the PRC's policy 
     toward Taiwan;
       (4) the term ``civil society organizations'' means 
     international civil society organizations that are critical 
     to maintaining Taiwan's international space and enabling 
     Taiwan to play a positive and constructive role in the global 
     community; and
       (5) the term ``potential PLA campaigns'' means--
       (A) a naval blockade of Taiwan;
       (B) an amphibious assault and ground invasion of Taiwan, 
     especially such invasion designed to accomplish a fiat 
     accompli before intervention is possible; and
       (C) a seizure of one or more of Taiwan's outlying islands.

    Subtitle A--Supporting Taiwan's Meaningful Participation in the 
                        International Community

     SEC. 5911. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Taiwan has provided monetary, humanitarian, and medical 
     assistance to combat diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, 
     Ebola, and dengue fever in countries around the world. During 
     the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan donated millions of pieces of 
     personal protective equipment and COVID-19 tests to countries 
     in need.
       (2) Since 2016, the Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Panama, 
     the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, El Salvador, the 
     Solomon Islands, and Kiribati have severed diplomatic 
     relations with Taiwan in favor of diplomatic relations with 
     China.
       (3) Taiwan was invited to participate in the World Health 
     Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health 
     Organization (WHO), as an observer annually between 2009 and 
     2016. Since the 2016 election of President Tsai, the PRC has 
     increasingly resisted Taiwan's participation in the WHA. 
     Taiwan was not invited to attend the WHA in 2017, 2018, 2019, 
     2020, or 2021.
       (4) The Taipei Flight Information Region reportedly served 
     1.75 million flights and 68.9 million passengers in 2018 and 
     is home to Taiwan Taoyuan International airport, the eleventh 
     busiest airport in the world. Taiwan has been excluded from 
     participating at the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization (ICAO) since 2013.
       (5) United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution 2758 
     does not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and 
     its people at the United Nations, nor does it give the PRC 
     the right to represent the people of Taiwan.

     SEC. 5912. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON TAIWAN'S MEANINGFUL 
                   PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) Taiwan is free, democratic, and prosperous, and is home 
     to 23.5 million people. It is an important contributor to the 
     global community, as a model for democracy, and by providing 
     expertise in global health, international aviation security, 
     emerging technology development, and with forward looking 
     environmental policies;
       (2) multiple United States Government administrations of 
     both political parties have taken important steps to advance 
     Taiwan's meaningful participation in international 
     organizations;
       (3) existing efforts to enhance U.S. cooperation with 
     Taiwan to provide global public goods, including through 
     development assistance, humanitarian assistance, and disaster 
     relief in trilateral and multilateral fora is laudable and 
     should continue;
       (4) nonetheless, significant structural, policy, and legal 
     barriers remain to advancing Taiwan's meaningful 
     participation in the international community; and
       (5) efforts to share Taiwan's expertise with other parts of 
     the global community could be further enhanced through a 
     systematic approach, along with greater attention from 
     Congress and the American public to such efforts.

     SEC. 5913. STRATEGY TO SUPPORT TAIWAN'S MEANINGFUL 
                   PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in 
     consultation with other Federal departments and agencies as 
     appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
     committees a strategy--
       (1) to advance Taiwan's meaningful participation in a 
     prioritized set of international organizations (IOs); and
       (2) that responds to growing pressure from the PRC on 
     foreign governments, IOs, commercial actors, and civil 
     society organizations to comply with its ``One-China 
     Principle'', with respect to Taiwan.
       (b) Matters To Be Included.--
       (1) In general.--The strategy required in paragraph (a) 
     shall include:
       (A) An assessment of the methods the PRC uses to coerce 
     actors to into adhering to its ``One-China Principle.'' The 
     methods shall include those employed against governments, 
     IOs, and civil society organizations. The assessment shall 
     also include pressure on commercial actors, to the extent it 
     is relevant in the context of Taiwan's meaningful 
     participation in IOs.
       (B) An assessment of the policies of foreign governments 
     toward the PRC and Taiwan, to identify likeminded allies and 
     partners who might become public or private partners in the 
     strategy.
       (C) A systematic analysis of all IOs, as practicable, to 
     identify IOs that best lend themselves to advancing Taiwan's 
     participation. The analysis shall include, but is not limited 
     to the IOs'--
       (i) policy on the requirements to obtain membership and 
     observer status, as well as the foundational documents 
     defining membership requirements and observer status within 
     the IO;
       (ii) participation rules;
       (iii) processes for developing membership requirements and 
     participation rules;
       (iv) policies of current members regarding Taiwan's 
     political status; and
       (v) relative reliance on contributions from the PRC and how 
     it may affect internal decision making.
       (D) An evaluation of the feasibility and advisability of 
     expanding economic, security, and diplomatic engagement with 
     nations that have demonstrably strengthened, enhanced, or 
     upgraded relations with Taiwan, where it aligns with U.S. 
     interests.
       (E) A survey of IOs that have allowed Taiwan's meaningful 
     participation, including an assessment of whether any erosion 
     in Taiwan's engagement has occurred within those 
     organizations and how Taiwan's participation has positively 
     strengthened the capacity and activity of these 
     organizations, thereby providing positive models for Taiwan's 
     inclusion in other similar forums.
       (F) A list of no more than 20 IOs at which the U.S. 
     Government will prioritize for using its voice, vote, and 
     influence to advance Taiwan's meaningful participation over 
     the three-year period following the date of enactment of this 
     Act. The list shall be derived from the IOs identified in 
     paragraph (1)(C).
       (G) A description of the diplomatic strategies and the 
     coalitions the U.S. Government plans to develop to implement 
     paragraph (b)(1)(F).
       (c) Form of Report.--The strategy required in subsection 
     (a) shall be classified, but it may include an unclassified 
     summary, if the Secretary of State determines it appropriate.
       (d) Consultation.--The Secretary of State or his or her 
     designee, shall consult with the appropriate congressional 
     committees--
       (1) no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, on the list of IOs identified in subsection 
     (b)(1)(C); and
       (2) 180 days after submitting the strategy required in 
     subsection (a), and 180 days thereafter for two years, 
     regarding the development and implementation of the strategy.

[[Page H6239]]

  


     SEC. 5914. EXPANDING UNITED STATES-TAIWAN DEVELOPMENT 
                   COOPERATION.

       (a) In General.--No later than 120 days following the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the United 
     States Agency for International Development (USAID), in 
     consultation with the U.S. International Development Finance 
     Corporation (DFC), shall submit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a report on cooperation with Taiwan 
     on trilateral and multilateral development initiatives 
     through the American Institute in Taiwan as appropriate.
       (b) Matters To Be Included.--The report required by 
     subsection (a) shall include:
       (1) A comprehensive review of existing cooperation 
     mechanisms and initiatives between USAID or DFC, and relevant 
     departments and agencies in Taiwan, including, but not 
     limited to Taiwan's International Cooperation and Development 
     Fund (ICDF).
       (2) An assessment of how USAID and DFC development 
     cooperation with relevant departments and agencies in Taiwan 
     compares to comparable cooperation with partners of similar 
     economic size and foreign assistance capacity.
       (3) An analysis of the opportunities and challenges the 
     cooperation reviewed in paragraph (1) has offered to date. 
     The analysis shall include, but is not limited to--
       (A) opportunities collaboration has offered to expand 
     USAID's and DFC's ability to deliver assistance into a wider 
     range communities;
       (B) sectors where USAID, DFC, ICDF, other relevant agencies 
     and departments in Taiwan, or the organizations' implementing 
     partners have a comparative advantage in providing 
     assistance;
       (C) opportunities to transition virtual capacity building 
     events with relevant departments and agencies in Taiwan, 
     through the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) 
     as well as other forums, into in-person, enduring forms of 
     development cooperation.
       (4) An assessment of any legal, policy, logistical, 
     financial, or administrative barriers to expanding 
     cooperation in trilateral or multilateral development. The 
     analysis shall include, but is not limited to--
       (A) availability of personnel at the American Institute in 
     Taiwan (AIT) responsible for coordinating development 
     assistance cooperation;
       (B) volume of current cooperation initiatives and barriers 
     to expanding it;
       (C) diplomatic, policy, or legal barriers facing the United 
     States or other partners to including Taiwan in formal and 
     informal multilateral development cooperation mechanisms;
       (D) resource or capacity barriers to expanding cooperation 
     facing the United States or Taiwan; and
       (E) geopolitical barriers that complicate U.S.-Taiwan 
     cooperation in third countries.
       (5) Recommendations to address the challenges identified in 
     paragraph (b)(4).
       (6) A description of any additional resources or 
     authorities that expanding cooperation might require.
       (c) Form of Report.--The strategy required in subsection 
     (a) shall be unclassified, but it may include a classified 
     annex if the Administrator of USAID determines it 
     appropriate.

             Subtitle B--Advancing Taiwan's Economic Space

     SEC. 5921. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON EXPANDING U.S. ECONOMIC 
                   RELATIONS WITH TAIWAN.

       It is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) expanding U.S. economic relations with Taiwan has 
     benefited the people of both the United States and Taiwan. 
     Taiwan is now the United States 10th largest goods trading 
     partner, 13th largest export market, 13th largest source of 
     imports, and a key destination for U.S. agricultural exports;
       (2) further integration, consistent with robust 
     environmental standard and labor rights, would benefit both 
     peoples and is in the strategic and diplomatic interests of 
     the United States; and
       (3) the United States should explore opportunities to 
     expand economic agreements between Taiwan and the United 
     States, through dialogue, and by developing the legal 
     templates required to support potential future agreements.

              Subtitle C--Enhancing Deterrence Over Taiwan

     SEC. 5931. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE 
                   TAIWAN STRAIT.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) PRC attempts to intimidate Taiwan, including through 
     high rates of PRC sorties into air space near Taiwan, and PRC 
     amphibious assault exercises near Taiwan, jeopardizes the 
     long-standing U.S. position that differences in cross-Strait 
     relations must be resolved peacefully;
       (2) given the potential for a cross-Strait conflict to be 
     highly destructive and destabilizing, any increase in the 
     risk of conflict demands attention and obligates leaders to 
     reinforce deterrence, as the most viable means to prevent 
     war;
       (3) Taiwan should continue to implement its asymmetric 
     defense strategy, including investing in cost-effective and 
     resilient capabilities, while also strengthening recruitment 
     and training of its reserve and civil defense forces, and 
     those capabilities include coastal defense cruise missiles; 
     and
       (4) while enhancing deterrence, it is also essential to 
     maintain open and effective crisis communication and risk 
     reduction mechanisms, as a means to reduce the risk of 
     misunderstanding and ultimately, conflict.

     SEC. 5932. STRATEGY TO ENHANCE DETERRENCE OVER A CROSS-STRAIT 
                   CONFLICT.

       (a) In General.--No later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a whole-of-government 
     strategy to enhance deterrence over a cross-Strait military 
     conflict between the PRC and Taiwan.
       (b) Matters To Be Included.--The strategy shall include:
       (1) A comprehensive review of existing diplomatic, 
     economic, and military tools to establish deterrence over a 
     cross-Strait conflict and an assessment of their efficacy.
       (2) An examination of the present and future capabilities 
     of the United States and Taiwan to respond to the potential 
     PLA campaigns against Taiwan in 5, 10, and 15 years. The 
     analysis shall include an assessment of the progress Taiwan 
     has made in developing the cost-effective and resilient 
     capabilities needed to respond to its strategic environment, 
     as well as any additional personnel, procurement, or training 
     reforms required.
       (3) An evaluation of the feasibility of expanding 
     coordination with U.S. allies and partners to enhance 
     deterrence over a cross-Strait conflict. The review shall 
     include, but is not limited to, a review of the following 
     matters:
       (A) Expanding coordination of public or private messaging 
     on deterrence vis-a-vis Taiwan.
       (B) Coordinating use of economic tools to raise the costs 
     of PRC military action that could precipitate a cross-Strait 
     conflict.
       (C) Enhancing co-development and co-deployment of military 
     capabilities related to deterrence over a cross-Strait 
     conflict, or enhancing coordinated training of Taiwan's 
     military forces.
       (4) Recommendations on significant additional diplomatic, 
     economic, and military steps available to the U.S. 
     Government, unilaterally and in concert with U.S. allies and 
     partners, to enhance the clarity and credibility of 
     deterrence over a cross-Strait conflict.
       (5) A description of any additional resources or 
     authorities needed to implement the recommendations 
     identified in paragraph (5).
       (c) Form of Report.--The strategy required in subsection 
     (b) shall be classified, but it may include an unclassified 
     annex, if determined appropriate by the President.
       (d) Consultation.--No later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than every 180 
     days thereafter for seven years, the President or his or her 
     designee, as well as representatives from the agencies and 
     departments involved in developing the strategy required in 
     paragraph (a) shall consult with the appropriate 
     congressional committees regarding the development and 
     implementation of the strategy required in this section. The 
     representatives shall be at the Undersecretary level or 
     above.

     SEC. 5933. STRENGTHENING TAIWAN'S CIVILIAN DEFENSE 
                   PROFESSIONALS.

       (a) In General.--No later than 180 days following enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Defense, shall present to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a plan for strengthening the 
     community of civilian defense professionals in Taiwan, 
     facilitated through the American Institute in Taiwan as 
     appropriate.
       (b) Matters To Be Included.--The report shall include the 
     following:
       (1) A comprehensive review of existing U.S. Government and 
     non-U.S. Government programmatic and funding modalities to 
     support Taiwan's civilian defense professionals in pursuing 
     professional development, educational, and cultural exchanges 
     in the United States. The review shall include, but is not 
     limited to--
       (A) opportunities through U.S. Department of State-
     supported programs, such as the International Visitor Leaders 
     Program; and
       (B) opportunities offered through non-governmental 
     institutions, such as think tanks, to the extent the review 
     can practicably make such an assessment.
       (2) A description of the frequency that civilian defense 
     professionals from Taiwan pursue or are selected for the 
     programs reviewed in paragraph (1).
       (3) An analysis of any funding, policy, administrative, or 
     other barriers preventing greater participation from Taiwan's 
     civilian defense professionals in the opportunities 
     identified in paragraph (1).
       (4) An evaluation of the value expanding the opportunities 
     reviewed in paragraph (1) would offer for strengthening 
     Taiwan's existing civilian defense community, and for 
     increasing the perceived value of the field for young 
     professionals in Taiwan.
       (5) An assessment of options the United States Government 
     could take individually, with partners in Taiwan, or with 
     foreign governments or non-governmental partners, to expand 
     the opportunities reviewed in paragraph (1).
       (6) A description of additional resources and authorities 
     that may be required to execute the options in paragraph (5).
       (c) Form of Report.--The report required in subsection (a) 
     shall be unclassified, but it may include a classified annex, 
     if determined appropriate.

[[Page H6240]]

  



           amendment no. 45 offered by mr. horsford of nevada

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

     SEC. 3__. PROGRAM TO TRACK AND REDUCE SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS AND 
                   ENERGY COSTS.

       (a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     establish a program, to be known as the ``Scope 3 Emissions 
     Reduction Program'', under which the Secretary shall use 
     innovative software to--
       (1) establish full accountability with respect to the Scope 
     3 greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain of the 
     Department of Defense; and
       (2) produce actionable data to reduce emissions and save 
     energy costs.
       (b) Goals of the Program.--The goals of the Scope 3 
     Emissions Reduction Program are--
       (1) to prove emerging technologies, methodologies, and 
     capabilities to effectively track and compile transparent and 
     reliable scope 3 emissions data and energy costs in real 
     time;
       (2) to produce actionable emissions and climate data; and
       (3) to increase efficiencies and reduce costs.


         amendment no. 46 offered by mr. phillips of minnesota

       At the end of subtitle G of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. GREENHOUSE GAS MITIGATION ACTIONS AND RESULTS 
                   DASHBOARD.

       The Secretary of Defense shall establish a dashboard on an 
     appropriate website of the Department of Defense and make 
     publicly available on such dashboard relevant information on 
     investments in non-GHG technologies, numbers of 
     demonstrations completed, and information on links to 
     commercialization in the civilian sector. Such dashboard 
     shall be similar to the dashboard on the Department of 
     Defense's internal Advana Dashboard.


          amendment no. 50 offered by ms. wild of pennsylvania

       At the appropriate place in subtitle A of title XII, insert 
     the following:

     SEC. __. STRATEGY FOR SECURITY COOPERATION.

       (a) Strategy Required.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, 
     in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall submit to 
     the appropriate congressional committees a strategy to 
     improve security partner cooperation, increase the safety of 
     United States personnel in partner countries, and increase 
     the safety of the personnel of such countries, by working to 
     improve partner military operations. Such strategy shall seek 
     to advance accurate targeting and avoid unintentionally 
     targeting civilians or life-sustaining civilian 
     infrastructure, which has the potential to put United States 
     and partner country personnel in life-threatening danger by 
     radicalizing local populations, and shall include 
     improvements to the ability of partner countries with respect 
     to--
       (1) intelligence collection, evaluation, and dissemination, 
     including by improving the evaluation of hostile intent and 
     discernment between hostile intent and hostile action; and
       (2) the evaluation and accuracy of determining correct 
     targets by increasing understanding of civilian populations, 
     population centers, and local civilian infrastructure such as 
     water systems infrastructure, food infrastructure, and 
     education and health care infrastructure.
       (b) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations of the Senate.


       Amendment No. 51 Offered by Ms. Manning of North Carolina

       At the appropriate place in subtitle B of title XIII, 
     insert the following:

     SEC. __. SENSE OF CONGRESS AND BRIEFING ON MULTINATIONAL 
                   FORCE AND OBSERVERS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Multinational Force and Observers has helped 
     strengthen stability and kept the peace in Sinai Peninsula; 
     and
       (2) the United States should continue to maintain its 
     strong support for the Multinational Force and Observers.
       (b) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days before the 
     implementation of any plan to move a Multinational Force and 
     Observer site, the Secretary of Defense shall brief the 
     Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign 
     Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the 
     Senate on the resulting impact of such plan existing security 
     arrangements between Israel and Egypt.


        Amendment No. 52 Offered by Mr. Wilson of South Carolina

       At the end of title LVIII, add the following:

     SEC. _. PROHIBITION ON TRANSFERS TO BADR ORGANIZATION.

       None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this 
     Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense 
     may be made available, directly or indirectly, to the Badr 
     Organization.


         Amendment No. 54 Offered by Mr. Phillips of Minnesota

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

     SEC. 13_. COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO COUNTER GRAY ZONE 
                   OPERATIONS AND OTHER HYBRID WARFARE METHODS.

       (a) In General.--The President shall develop and submit to 
     the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive 
     strategy to counter gray zone operations and other hybrid 
     warfare methods of foreign adversaries and competitors and 
     develop pro-active efforts to put forth United States 
     interests to counter such operations and methods.
       (b) Matters to Be Included.--The strategy required by 
     subsection (a) shall include--
       (1) an identification of United States interests described 
     in such subsection; and
       (2) a description of the means to achieve such interests.
       (c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) congressional defense committees; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the 
     Senate.


         Amendment No. 55 Offered by Mr. Phillips of Minnesota

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

     SEC. 13_. STUDY ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUPPORT FOR 
                   STABILIZATION ACTIVITIES IN NATIONAL SECURITY 
                   INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a 
     study on the use and implementation of the authority of 
     section 1210A of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 133 Stat. 1626), 
     relating to Department of Defense support for stabilization 
     activities in national security interest of the United 
     States.
       (b) Matters to Be Included.--The study required by 
     subsection (a) shall include the following:
       (1) A review of the use and implementation of the authority 
     of section 1210A of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2020.
       (2) An identification of the number of requests for support 
     made by the Department of State, the United States Agency for 
     International Development, and other Federal agencies 
     pursuant to such authority and number of such requests 
     granted by the Department of Defense.
       (3) An identification of the total amount of support 
     provided by the Department of Defense pursuant to such 
     requests so granted.
       (c) Report.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
     the appropriate congressional committees a report that 
     contains the results of the study required by subsection (a).
       (2) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (A) congressional defense committees; and
       (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the 
     Senate.


           Amendment No. 56 Offered by Ms. Castor of Florida

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

     SEC. 3__. REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION RELATING TO 
                   ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING IN CERTAIN MILITARY 
                   CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PROPOSALS.

       (a) Requirement.--As part of the Department of Defense Form 
     1391 submitted to the appropriate committees of Congress for 
     a military construction project for a facility that includes 
     (or is planned to include) parking for covered motor 
     vehicles, the Secretary concerned shall include the 
     following:
       (1) A proposal for the provision of charging stations and 
     other covered infrastructure sufficient to cover the 
     anticipated electricity demand of the electric charging, 
     concurrently, for not less than 15 percent of all covered 
     motor vehicles planned to be parked at the facility.
       (2) The cost of constructing such stations and 
     infrastructure in the overall cost of the project.
       (3) An analysis of whether a parking structure or lot will 
     be the primary charging area for covered motor vehicles or if 
     another area, such as public works or the motor pool, will be 
     the primary charging area.
       (b) Applicability.--The requirement under subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to military construction projects 
     for which a Department of Defense Form 1391 is submitted to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress beginning on or after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The terms ``charging station'' and ``covered 
     infrastructure'' have the meanings given those terms in 
     section 314(e).
       (2) The term ``covered motor vehicle'' means a Federal 
     Government motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle leased by 
     the Federal Government.
       (3) The term ``Defense Agency'' has the meaning given that 
     term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
       (4) The term ``Secretary concerned'' means--

[[Page H6241]]

       (A) the Secretary of a military department, with respect to 
     facilities under the jurisdiction of that Secretary; and
       (B) the Secretary of Defense, with respect to matters 
     concerning--
       (i) facilities of the Defense Agencies; or
       (ii) facilities of a reserve component owned by a State 
     rather than the United States.


          Amendment No. 57 Offered by Mr. Gomez of California

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

     SEC. __. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ELECTRIC OR ZERO-
                   EMISSION VEHICLES FOR NON-COMBAT VEHICLE FLEET.

       It is the sense of Congress that any new non-tactical 
     Federal vehicle purchased by the Department of Defense for 
     use outside of combat should, to the greatest extent 
     practicable, be an electric or zero-emission vehicles.


        Amendment No. 58 Offered by Ms. Strickland of Washington

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

     SEC. 5__. INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE SENIOR 
                   RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS IN REPORTS 
                   ACCOMPANYING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY.

       Section 113(m) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating the second paragraph (8) as paragraph 
     (11);
       (2) by redesignating the first paragraph (8), as paragraph 
     (10);
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) 
     paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively; and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new 
     paragraphs:
       ``(5) The number of Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps 
     scholarships awarded during the fiscal year covered by the 
     report, disaggregated by gender, race, and ethnicity, for 
     each military department.
       ``(6) The program completion rates and program withdrawal 
     rates of Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship 
     recipients during the fiscal year covered by the report, 
     disaggregated by gender, race, and ethnicity, for each 
     military department.''.


          Amendment No. 59 Offered by Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas

       Page 398, insert after line 17 the following:

     SEC. 599. TASK FORCE ON HISTORICAL AND CURRENT BARRIERS TO 
                   AFRICAN AMERICAN PARTICIPATION AND EQUAL 
                   TREATMENT IN THE ARMED SERVICES.

       (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     establish within the Department of Defense a task force to be 
     known as the ``Task Force on Historical and Current Barriers 
     to African American Participation and Equal Treatment in the 
     Armed Services'' (hereafter referred to as the ``Task 
     Force'').
       (b) Duties.--The Task Force shall advise, consult with, 
     report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary, as 
     appropriate, on the development, refinement, and 
     implementation of policies, programs, planning, and training 
     which will provide redress for historical barriers to African 
     American participation and equal treatment in the Armed 
     Services.
       (c) Studies and Investigations.--
       (1) Investigation of historical record of slavery.--As part 
     of its duties, the Task Force shall identify, compile, 
     examine, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary 
     documentation regarding the military or Armed Service's 
     involvement in the institution of slavery. The Task Force's 
     documentation and examination shall include facts related 
     to--
       (A) the capture and procurement of Africans;
       (B) the transport of Africans to the United States and the 
     colonies that became the United States for the purpose of 
     enslavement, including their treatment during transport;
       (C) the sale and acquisition of Africans and their 
     descendants as chattel property in interstate and intrastate 
     commerce;
       (D) the treatment of African slaves and their descendants 
     in the colonies and the United States, including the 
     deprivation of their freedom, exploitation of their labor, 
     and destruction of their culture, language, religion, and 
     families; and
       (E) the extensive denial of humanity, sexual abuse, and the 
     chatellization of persons.
       (2) Study of effects of discriminatory policies in the 
     armed services.--As part of its duties, the Task Force shall 
     study and analyze the official policies or routine practices 
     of the Armed Services with discriminatory intent or 
     discriminatory effect on the formerly enslaved Africans and 
     their descendants in the Armed Services following the overdue 
     recognition of such persons as United States citizens 
     beginning in 1868.
       (3) Study of other forms of discrimination.--As part of its 
     duties, the Task Force shall study and analyze the other 
     forms of discrimination in the Armed Services against freed 
     African slaves and their descendants who were belatedly 
     accorded their rightful status as United States citizens from 
     1868 to the present.
       (4) Study of lingering effects of discrimination.--As part 
     of its duties, the Task Force shall study and analyze the 
     lingering negative effects of the institution of slavery and 
     the matters described in the preceding paragraphs on living 
     African Americans and their participation in the Armed 
     Services.
       (d) Recommendations for Remedies.--
       (1) Recommendations.--Based on the results of the 
     investigations and studies carried out under subsection (c), 
     the Task Force shall recommend appropriate remedies to the 
     Secretary.
       (2) Issues addressed.--In recommending remedies under this 
     subsection, the Task Force shall address the following:
       (A) How Federal laws and policies that continue to 
     disproportionately and negatively affect African Americans as 
     a group in the Armed Services, and those that perpetuate the 
     lingering effects, materially and psycho-socially, can be 
     eliminated.
       (B) How the injuries resulting from the matters described 
     in subsection (c) can be reversed through appropriate 
     policies, programs, and projects.
       (C) How, in consideration of the Task Force's findings, to 
     calculate any form of repair for inequities to the 
     descendants of enslaved Africans.
       (D) The form of that repair which should be awarded, the 
     instrumentalities through which the repair should be 
     provided, and who should be eligible for the repair of such 
     inequities.
       (e) Annual Report.--
       (1) Submission.--Not later than 90 days after the end of 
     each year, the Task Force shall submit a report to the 
     Secretary on its activities, findings, and recommendations 
     during the preceding year.
       (2) Publication.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary receives an annual report for a year 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish a public 
     version of the report, and shall include such related matters 
     as the Secretary finds would be informative to the public 
     during that year.
       (f) Composition; Governance.--
       (1) Composition.--The Task Force shall be composed of such 
     number of members as the Secretary may appoint from among 
     individuals whom the Secretary finds are qualified to serve 
     by virtue of their military service, education, training, 
     activism or experience, particularly in the field of history, 
     sociology, and African American studies.
       (2) Publication of list of members.--The Secretary shall 
     post and regularly update on a public website of the 
     Department of Defense the list of the members of the Task 
     Force.
       (3) Meetings.--The Task Force shall meet not less 
     frequently than quarterly, and may convene additional 
     meetings during a year as necessary. At least one of the 
     meetings during each year shall be open to the public.
       (4) Governance.--The Secretary shall establish rules for 
     the structure and governance of the Task Force.
       (5) Deadline.--The Secretary shall complete the appointment 
     of the members of the Task Force not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.


            Amendment No. 60 Offered by Mr. Soto of Florida

       Page 507, after line 22, insert the following new 
     subsection (and redesignate the following subsections 
     accordingly):
       (d) Inclusion of Certain Demographic Data.--The data 
     specified in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection 
     (b)(1) shall include a description and analysis of the 
     demographic information of the medical personnel covered by 
     each such subparagraph, including with respect to the 
     following:
       (1) Race (presented in the aggregate and disaggregated by 
     the same major race categories as are used in the decennial 
     census of population and housing conducted by the Director of 
     the Census Bureau).
       (2) Ethnicity.
       (3) Gender identity.


         amendment no. 61 offered by mr. evans of pennsylvania

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

     SEC. 5__. MODIFICATION OF ANNUAL REPORT ON DEMOGRAPHICS OF 
                   MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY APPLICANTS.

       Subsection (c)(2) of section 575 of the William M. (Mac) 
     Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 7442 note) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) Any significant disparity in gender, race, ethnicity, 
     or other demographic category described in subsection (b), 
     and any suspected cause of such disparity within the 
     application or nominating process.''.


           amendment no. 62 offered by ms. tlaib of michigan

       Page 446, after line 25, insert the following:
       (E) The unique needs or challenges facing the population of 
     such military installation that may require additional 
     tailored resources, including--
       (i) the needs of non-English speaking members of that 
     population; and
       (ii) the needs of English as a second language members of 
     that population.


           amendment no. 63 offered by ms. moore of wisconsin

       In subtitle C of title VII, add at the end the following:

     SEC. 746. STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF MILITARY TRAUMA AND INTIMATE 
                   PARTNER VIOLENCE ON MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a 
     study on the impact of military trauma and intimate partner 
     violence on maternal health outcomes, with a focus on racial 
     and ethnic backgrounds.
       (b) Report.--The Secretary of Defense shall issue a report 
     to the Congress containing all findings and determinations 
     made

[[Page H6242]]

     in carrying out the study required under subsection (a).


           amendment no. 64 offered by mr. johnson of georgia

       At the end of subtitle F of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RECRUITMENT 
                   ADVERTISING TO RACIAL AND ETHNIC MINORITY 
                   COMMUNITIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) efforts by the Armed Forces to ensure diversity among 
     the force are commendable;
       (2) it is cause for concern that efforts by the Armed 
     Forces to ensure that the Armed Forces of the United States 
     reflect the society of the United States are being reduced by 
     the use of advertising that does not adequately target racial 
     and ethnic minority communities;
       (3) the Armed Forces face many challenges but should 
     maintain, and where possible, increase advertising within 
     racial and ethnic minority communities to support the 
     commitment of the Armed Forces to ensuring a strong diverse 
     force;
       (4) to adequately reach minority communities, the Armed 
     Forces should use minority-owned media outlets and 
     advertising agencies that have demonstrated an ability to 
     connect with racial and ethnic minority communities;
       (5) recruitment advertising within minority communities is 
     an important avenue toward building interest and 
     understanding in serving the United States in uniform; and
       (6) the Armed Forces and the Department of Defense should 
     maintain a commitment to diversity recruiting and retention.
       (b) Report.--Not later than June 1, 2023, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees 
     a report on the efforts of the Department of Defense to 
     increase marketing and advertising with minority-owned media 
     outlets and advertising agencies to adequately reach racial 
     and ethnic minority communities.


          amendment no. 66 offered by mrs. dingell of michigan

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

     SEC. 5__. INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATION INTO DISCRIMINATION 
                   AGAINST MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF MIDDLE EASTERN 
                   AND NORTH AFRICAN DESCENT.

       (a) Investigation.--The Assistant Inspector General for 
     Diversity and Inclusion of the Department of Defense shall 
     conduct an investigation into discrimination faced by members 
     of the Armed Forces, and civilian employees of the 
     Department, who are of Middle Eastern or North African 
     descent.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, Assistant Inspector General shall 
     submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives and Senate a report containing the results of 
     such investigation.


        amendment no. 67 offered by mr. malinowski of new jersey

     SEC. 5806. PROHIBITION OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR INDUCED OR 
                   REQUIRED UNDERMINING OF SECURITY OF CONSUMER 
                   COMMUNICATIONS GOODS.

       (a) Prohibition.--None of the funds made available in this 
     or any other Act may be used by any Federal agency to 
     require, support, pay, or otherwise induce any private sector 
     provider of consumer software and hardware to--
       (1) intentionally add any security vulnerability or weaken 
     or omit any safeguard in the standards, items, or services of 
     the provider;
       (2) remove or omit any information security function, 
     mechanism, service, or solution from the items or services of 
     the provider; or
       (3) take any action that--
       (A) undermines, circumvents, defeats, bypasses, or 
     otherwise counteracts the end-to-end encryption of the item 
     or service of the provider;
       (B) prevents an item or service from adopting end-to-end 
     encryption; or
       (C) otherwise makes an unencrypted version of the end-to-
     end encrypted content of any communication, file, or data of 
     the item or service of the provider available to any person 
     or entity other than the intended recipients.
       (b) Federal Agency Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``Federal agency'' means any executive department, military 
     department, Government corporation, Government controlled 
     corporation, or other establishment in the executive branch 
     of the Government (including the Executive Office of the 
     President), or any independent regulatory agency.


          amendment no. 68 offered by mr. bergman of michigan

       Add at the end of title LVIII of division E the following:

     SEC. ____. FOREIGN STATE COMPUTER INTRUSIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 97 of title 28, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after section 1605B the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 1605C. Computer intrusions by a foreign state

       ``A foreign state shall not be immune from the jurisdiction 
     of the courts of the United States or of the States in any 
     case not otherwise covered by this chapter in which money 
     damages are sought against a foreign state by a national of 
     the United States for personal injury, harm to reputation, or 
     damage to or loss of property resulting from any of the 
     following activities, whether occurring in the United States 
     or a foreign state:
       ``(1) Unauthorized access to or access exceeding 
     authorization to a computer located in the United States.
       ``(2) Unauthorized access to confidential, electronic 
     stored information located in the United States.
       ``(3) The transmission of a program, information, code, or 
     command to a computer located in the United States, which, as 
     a result of such conduct, causes damage without 
     authorization.
       ``(4) The use, dissemination, or disclosure, without 
     consent, of any information obtained by means of any activity 
     described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3).
       ``(5) The provision of material support or resources for 
     any activity described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4), 
     including by an official, employee, or agent of such foreign 
     state.''.
       (b) Application.--This section and the amendments made by 
     this section shall apply to any action pending on or filed on 
     or after the date of the enactment of this Act.


           amendment no. 69 offered by mr. horsford of nevada

       Add at the end of subtitle D of title VII the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 782. PILOT PROGRAMS OF DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY RELATING TO 
                   SEXUAL HEALTH.

       (a) Telehealth Pilot Program on Sexual Health.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Director of the Defense Health 
     Agency shall carry out a five-year telehealth pilot program 
     for sexual health (in this subsection referred to as the 
     ``telehealth pilot program'').
       (2) Eligibility.--An individual is eligible to participate 
     in the telehealth pilot program if the individual is a member 
     of the uniformed services on active duty enrolled in TRICARE 
     Prime, without regard to whether a health care professional 
     has referred the individual for such participation.
       (3) Applications.--
       (A) In general.--Eligible individuals seeking to 
     participate in the telehealth pilot program shall submit to 
     the Director an application for participation at such time, 
     in such form, and containing such information as the Director 
     may prescribe.
       (B) Online accessibility.--Any application form under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be accessible online.
       (4) Number of participants.--In selecting participants for 
     the telehealth pilot program from among eligible individuals 
     who have submitted an application in accordance with 
     paragraph (3), the Director may establish a cap limiting the 
     number of such participants only if--
       (A) the Director determines that such limited participation 
     is necessary as a result of limited provider availability; 
     and
       (B) not later than 30 days after making such determination, 
     the Director submits to the congressional defense committees 
     a report that includes--
       (i) a description of the limited provider availability upon 
     which the Director has based such determination;
       (ii) an identification of the total number of eligible 
     individuals who have submitted an application in accordance 
     with paragraph (3); and
       (iii) an estimated timeline for lifting the cap 
     established.
       (5) Telehealth screenings.--
       (A) In general.--Under the telehealth pilot program, the 
     Director shall furnish to any eligible individual who elects 
     to participate in such program a telehealth screening. During 
     such screening, a health care provider shall--
       (i) conduct a remote assessment with respect to the 
     individual's sexual health, including any medication 
     conditions related to the individual's sexual health
       (ii) provide comprehensive counseling on the full range of 
     methods of contraception available to the individual, in 
     accordance with the clinical practice guidelines established 
     under section 718 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 686; 10 
     U.S.C. 1074d note);
       (iii) as applicable, diagnose the individual or, pursuant 
     to subparagraph (B), order appropriate follow-up diagnostic 
     services as necessary as a result of the assessment under 
     clause (i); and
       (iv) prescribe such prescription medications, including 
     contraceptives or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, as may be 
     determined necessary by the provider as a result of such 
     assessment.
       (B) Laboratory diagnostic services.--In diagnosing an 
     individual under subparagraph (A)(iii), a health care 
     provider may furnish to the individual such laboratory 
     diagnostic services as may be necessary for the diagnosis 
     (including mail-order laboratory diagnostic services).
       (C) Prescriptions.--The Director shall ensure that 
     prescriptions under subparagraph (A)(iv) may be filled 
     through either military medical treatment facility pharmacies 
     or the national mail-order pharmacy program under the TRICARE 
     program.
       (6) Follow-up remote appointments.--If a health care 
     provider prescribes medications to an individual pursuant to 
     a screening under the telehelath pilot program, that health 
     care provider shall conduct such follow-up remote 
     appointments as may be necessary to monitor the health of the 
     individual following fulfilment of the prescription.

[[Page H6243]]

       (7) Coordination with facilities.--The Director shall 
     coordinate with each military commander or director of a 
     military medical treatment facility to facilitate the 
     provision through the facility of laboratory and other 
     services necessary for the furnishment of screenings and the 
     fulfilment of prescriptions under the telehealth pilot 
     program.
       (8) Contract authority.--In carrying out the telehealth 
     pilot program, the Director may enter into contracts under 
     such program with providers of mail-order laboratory services 
     and providers of mail-order contraceptives or Pre-Exposure 
     Prophylaxis for the furnishment of laboratory services or the 
     fulfilment of prescriptions under paragraph (5).
       (9) Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five 
     years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report on the status and 
     effects of the telehealth pilot program. Each such report 
     shall include, with respect to the year covered by the 
     report, the following:
       (A) The number of health care providers who have furnished 
     services under the telehealth pilot program, dissagregated by 
     whether the provider is a TRICARE network provider.
       (B) The average wait time for screenings under the 
     telehealth pilot program.
       (C) Any effect of the telehealth pilot program with respect 
     to the Defense Health Agency.
       (D) Such other information relating to the status or effect 
     of the telehealth pilot program as may be determined relevant 
     by the Secretary.
       (b) Pilot Program on Required Sexual Health Screenings.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the Defense Health Agency 
     shall carry out a five-year pilot program to require certain 
     sexual health screenings (in this subsection referred to as 
     the ``pilot program'').
       (2) Sexual health screenings.--
       (A) In general.--Under the pilot program, the Director 
     shall ensure that, during the period in which the pilot 
     program is carried out, each covered member completes a 
     sexual health screening on an annual basis and prior to any 
     deployment of the covered member.
       (B) Notice requirement.--The Director shall ensure that, 
     prior to a covered member receiving a sexual health screening 
     under the pilot program, the covered member is provided 
     notice, and submits an acknowledgment, that the results of 
     such screening shall be subject to the confidentiality 
     provisions under paragraph (3).
       (C) Option for follow-up appointment.--Following the 
     provision of a sexual health screening to a covered member 
     under the pilot program, the covered member may elect to 
     receive a follow-up appointment related to such screening. 
     Any such follow-up appointment shall be conducted by the 
     provider specified in paragraph (4) responsible for reviewing 
     the results of the screening.
       (3) Confidentiality.--
       (A) Transmission of results outside chain of command.--
     Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the results of a 
     sexual health screening furnished to a covered member under 
     the pilot program shall be transmitted for review to the 
     provider specified in paragraph (4) at the military medical 
     treatment facility nearest to the location at which the 
     screening was furnished. Such results may not be transmitted 
     to or otherwise accessed by the following:
       (i) Any individual in the chain of command of the covered 
     member.
       (ii) The primary health care provider for the unit of the 
     covered member.
       (B) Exception at election of member.--The results of a 
     sexual health screening furnished to a covered member under 
     the pilot program may be transmitted for review to, or 
     otherwise accessed by, the primary health care provider for 
     the unit of the covered member at the election of the covered 
     member.
       (C) Severability of results.--If a sexual health screening 
     under the pilot program is furnished as part of a periodic 
     health assessment (or other similar assessment) provided to a 
     covered member, the results of such screening shall be 
     separated from the other results of the assessment for 
     purposes of separate transmission and review in accordance 
     with subparagraph (A).
       (4) Sexual health or infectious disease health care 
     providers.--The Director shall ensure that at each military 
     medical treatment facility there is a health care provider 
     with a specialty in sexual health or infectious diseases who 
     shall review screening results under the pilot program.
       (5) Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five 
     years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report on the status and 
     effects of the pilot program.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``covered member'' means a member of a 
     uniformed service described in section 1074(a)(2) of title 
     10, United States Code.
       (2) The term ``military medical treatment facility'' means 
     a facility specified in section 1073d of title 10, United 
     States Code.
       (3) The terms ``TRICARE Prime'' and ``TRICARE program'' 
     have the meaning given those terms in section 1072 of such 
     title.


           Amendment No. 71 Offered by Mr. JONES of New York

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

     SEC. 5__. PLAN TO COMBAT RACIAL BIAS, DISCRIMINATION, AND 
                   HARASSMENT AGAINST ASIAN AMERICAN SERVICE 
                   MEMBERS, CIVILIANS, AND CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that:
       (1) Asian American service members, civilians, and 
     contractors serve with honor and distinction in the 
     Department of Defense.
       (2) Asian Americans continue to be underrepresented in the 
     Department of Defense and other national security agencies, 
     especially at senior leadership and general and flag officer 
     levels.
       (3) Greater recruitment, retention, and inclusion of Asian 
     American personnel, particularly those with language skills 
     and cultural competencies, is critical to implementation of 
     the Administration's Interim National Security Strategic 
     Guidance and National Defense Strategy, both of which place 
     greater emphasis on strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific 
     region.
       (4) The Department of Defense has a responsibility to take 
     meaningful action in addressing the higher rates of racially 
     or ethnically rooted bias, discrimination, and harassment 
     experienced and reported by service members, civilians, and 
     contractor personnel of Asian American descent, especially 
     women.
       (5) Protecting and upholding our values in diversity, 
     equity, and inclusion at home are essential to our efforts in 
     promoting democracy and inclusion abroad.
       (b) Plan Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall--
       (1) submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     that includes--
       (A) an assessment of the extent to which Department of 
     Defense service members, civilians, and contractor personnel 
     experience anti-Asian bias, discrimination, or harassment, 
     including contributing factors such as the security clearance 
     review process;
       (B) a review of Department of Defense programs, policies, 
     and practices that impact diversity, equity, and inclusion 
     goals, especially with respect to such service members, 
     civilians, and contractor personnel who are Asian Americans; 
     and
       (C) recommendations, developed in consultation with Asian 
     American organizations, to address unconscious bias, 
     discrimination, and harassment targeted at Asian Americans 
     and to improve recruitment and retention of Asian American 
     service members, civilians, and contractor personnel, 
     including accountability measures and improvements to 
     services to inform and support personnel with resolving 
     discrimination complaints through administrative or judicial 
     processes; and
       (2) make the report required under paragraph (1) publicly 
     available on the website of the Department of Defense.
       (c) Implementation and Update.--Not later than 2 years 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall--
       (1) implement the recommendations described in subsection 
     (b)(1)(C); and
       (2) provide to the congressional defense committees an 
     update on the implementation of such recommendations.


         Amendment No. 72 Offered by Mr. AGUILAR of California

       At the end of subtitle G of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. ADMINISTRATION OF RISK-BASED SURVEYS TO CERTAIN 
                   EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) Development Required.--The Secretary of Defense, acting 
     though the Voluntary Education Institutional Compliance 
     Program of the Department of Defense, shall develop a risk-
     based survey for oversight of covered educational 
     institutions.
       (b) Scope.--
       (1) In general.--The scope of the risk-based survey 
     developed under subsection (a) shall be determined by the 
     Secretary.
       (2) Specific elements.--At a minimum the scope determined 
     under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) Rapid increase or decrease in enrollment.
       (B) Rapid increase in tuition and fees.
       (C) Complaints tracked and published from students pursuing 
     programs of education, based on severity or volume of the 
     complaints.
       (D) Student completion rates.
       (E) Indicators of financial stability.
       (F) Review of the advertising and recruiting practices of 
     the educational institution, including those by third-party 
     contractors of the educational institution.
       (G) Matters for which the Federal Government or a State 
     Government brings an action in a court of competent 
     jurisdiction against an educational institution, including 
     matters in cases in which the Federal Government or the State 
     comes to a settled agreement on such matters outside of the 
     court.
       (c) Action or Event.--
       (1) Suspension.--If, pursuant to a risk-based survey under 
     this section. the Secretary determines that an educational 
     institution has experienced an action or event described in 
     paragraph (2), the Secretary may suspend the participation of 
     the institution in Department of Defense programs for a 
     period of two-year, or such other period as the Secretary 
     determines appropriate.

[[Page H6244]]

       (2) Action or event described.--An action or event 
     described in this paragraph is any of the following:
       (A) The receipt by an educational institution of payments 
     under the heightened cash monitoring level 2 payment method 
     pursuant to section 487(c)(1)(B) of the Higher Education Act 
     of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1094).
       (B) Punitive action taken by the Attorney General, the 
     Federal Trade Commission, or any other Federal department or 
     agency for misconduct or misleading marketing practices that 
     would violate the standards defined by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (C) Punitive action taken by a State against an educational 
     institution.
       (D) The loss, or risk of loss, by an educational 
     institution of an accreditation from an accrediting agency or 
     association, including notice of probation, suspension, an 
     order to show cause relating to the educational institution's 
     academic policies and practices or to its financial 
     stability, or revocation of accreditation.
       (E) The placement of an educational institution on 
     provisional certification status by the Secretary of 
     Education.
       (d) Database.--The Secretary shall establish a searchable 
     database or use an existing system, as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate, to serve as a central repository for 
     information required for or collected during site visits for 
     the risk-based survey developed under subsection (a), so as 
     to improve future oversight of educational institutions.
       (e) Covered Educational Institution.--In this section, the 
     term ``covered educational institution'' means an educational 
     institution selected by the Secretary based on quantitative, 
     publicly available metrics indicating risk designed to 
     separate low-risk and high-risk institutions, to focus on 
     high-risk institutions.


        Amendment No. 73 Offered by Mr. GOTTHEIMER of New Jersey

       At the end of subtitle H of title III, insert the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 3__. REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF RESULTS OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE LEAD TESTING.

       Section 345 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 1645; 10 
     U.S.C. 2715 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or lead'' after 
     ``(commonly referred to as `PFAS')''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or lead'' after 
     ``substances''; and
       (2) in subsections (b), (d), and (e), by inserting ``or 
     lead'' after ``polyfluoroalkyl substances'' each place such 
     term appears.


             Amendment No. 74 Offered by Deutch of Florida

       At the end of division E, add the following:

                   TITLE LIX--LIBYA STABILIZATION ACT

     SEC. 5901. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Libya Stabilization Act''.

     SEC. 5902. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       It is the policy of the United States--
       (1) to advance a peaceful resolution to the conflict in 
     Libya through a United Nations-facilitated Libyan-led and 
     Libyan-owned political process as the best way to secure 
     United States interests and to ensure the sovereignty, 
     independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of 
     Libya;
       (2) to engage regularly at the senior-most levels in 
     support of the continued observance of the ceasefire in 
     Libya, the fair and transparent allocation of Libya's 
     resources, the reunification of security and economic 
     institutions, and agreement among Libyans on a consensual 
     constitutional basis that would lead to credible presidential 
     and parliamentary elections as soon as possible;
       (3) to support the implementation of United Nations 
     Security Council Resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011), 
     which established an arms embargo on Libya, and subsequent 
     resolutions modifying and extending the embargo;
       (4) to enforce Executive Order 13726 (81 Fed. Reg. 23559; 
     relating to blocking property and suspending entry into the 
     United States of persons contributing to the situation in 
     Libya (April 19, 2016)), designed to target individuals or 
     entities who ``threaten the peace, security, and stability of 
     Libya'';
       (5) to oppose attacks on civilians, medical workers, and 
     critical infrastructure, including water supplies, in Libya, 
     and to support accountability for those engaged in such 
     heinous actions;
       (6) to support Libya's sovereignty, independence, 
     territorial integrity, and national unity consistent with 
     United Nations Security Council Resolution 2510 (2020) and 
     all predecessor resolutions with respect to Libya, including 
     by--
       (A) taking action to end the violence and flow of arms;
       (B) rejecting attempts by any party to illicitly export 
     Libya's oil; and
       (C) urging the withdrawal of foreign military and mercenary 
     forces;
       (7) to engage in diplomacy to convince parties to conflict 
     and political dispute in Libya to support the continuity of 
     the October 2020 ceasefire and persuade foreign powers to 
     withdraw personnel, including mercenaries, weapons, and 
     financing that may reignite or exacerbate conflict;
       (8) to support political dialogue among Libyans and advance 
     an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process;
       (9) to support the nearly 2.8 million Libyans who 
     registered to vote;
       (10) to help protect Libya's civilian population and 
     implementing humanitarian and international organizations 
     from the risk of harm resulting from explosive hazards such 
     as landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and 
     unexploded ordnance (UXO);
       (11) to support constant, unimpeded, and reliable 
     humanitarian access to those in need and to hold accountable 
     those who impede or threaten the delivery of humanitarian 
     assistance;
       (12) to seek to bring an end to severe forms of trafficking 
     in persons such as slavery, forced labor, and sexual 
     exploitation, including with respect to migrants;
       (13) to advocate for the immediate release and safe 
     evacuations of detained refugees and migrants trapped by the 
     fighting in Libya;
       (14) to encourage implementation of UNSMIL's plan for the 
     organized and gradual closure of migrant detention centers in 
     Libya;
       (15) to support greater defense institutional capacity 
     building after a comprehensive political settlement;
       (16) to discourage all parties from heightening tensions in 
     Libya and its environs, through unhelpful and provocative 
     actions.
       (17) to support current and future democratic development 
     and economic recovery of Libya both during and after a 
     negotiated peaceful political solution, pursuant to Libya's 
     status as a Global Fragility Act partner state; and
       (18) to partner with various U.S. government agencies, 
     multilateral organizations, and local partners to strengthen 
     security, prosperity, and stability in Libya, pursuant to 
     Libya's status as a Global Fragility Act partner state.

        Subtitle A--Identifying Challenges to Stability in Libya

     SEC. 5911. REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF CERTAIN FOREIGN 
                   GOVERNMENTS AND ACTORS IN LIBYA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the 
     Director of National Intelligence, should submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a report that includes--
       (1) a description of the full extent of involvement in 
     Libya by foreign governments, including the Governments of 
     Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Sudan, Chad, 
     China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, including--
       (A) a description of which governments have conducted or 
     facilitated drone and aircraft strikes in Libya since April 
     2019 not related to efforts to combat Al Qaeda, the Islamic 
     State, or affiliated entities;
       (B) a list of the types and estimated amounts of equipment 
     transferred since April 2019 by each government described in 
     this paragraph to the parties to conflict in Libya, including 
     foreign military contractors, mercenaries, or paramilitary 
     forces operating in Libya;
       (C) an estimate of the financial support provided since 
     April 2019 by each government described in this paragraph to 
     the parties to conflict in Libya, including foreign military 
     contractors, mercenaries, or paramilitary forces operating in 
     Libya; and
       (D) a description of the activities of any regular, 
     irregular, or paramilitary forces, including foreign military 
     contractors, mercenary groups, and militias operating inside 
     Libya, at the direction or with the consent of the 
     governments described in this paragraph;
       (2) an analysis of whether the actions by the governments 
     described in paragraph (1)--
       (A) violate the arms embargo on Libya established under 
     United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 (2011) as 
     reaffirmed by subsequent Security Council resolutions;
       (B) may contribute to violations of international 
     humanitarian law; or
       (C) involve weapons of United States origin or were in 
     violation of United States end user agreements;
       (3) a description of United States diplomatic engagement 
     with any governments found to be in violation of the arms 
     embargo regarding strengthened implementation of the embargo;
       (4) a list of the specific offending materiel, training, or 
     financial support transfers provided by a government 
     described in paragraph (1) that violate the arms embargo on 
     Libya under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2571 
     (2021) and predecessor Security Council resolutions;
       (5) an analysis of the activities of foreign armed groups, 
     including the Russian Wagner Group, military contractors and 
     mercenaries employed or engaged by the governments of Turkey 
     and the United Arab Emirates, affiliates of the Islamic State 
     (ISIS), al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and other 
     extremist groups, in Libya;
       (6) a discussion of whether and to what extent conflict or 
     instability in Libya is enabling the recruitment and training 
     efforts of armed groups, including affiliates of ISIS, AQIM, 
     and other extremist groups;
       (7) a description of efforts by the European Union, North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Arab League, and 
     their respective member states, to implement and enforce the 
     arms embargo and maintain a sustainable ceasefire;
       (8) a description of any violations of the arms embargo by 
     European Union member states; and

[[Page H6245]]

       (9) a description of United States diplomatic engagement 
     with the European Union, NATO, and the Arab League regarding 
     implementation and enforcement of the United Nations arms 
     embargo, ceasefire monitoring, and election support.
       (b) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified 
     annex.
       (c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent 
     Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Select 
     Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.

     SEC. 5912. REPORT OF RUSSIAN ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES IN 
                   LIBYA.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the 
     Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report that 
     contains an assessment of Russian activities and objectives 
     in Libya, including--
       (1) an assessment of Russian influence and objectives in 
     Libya;
       (2) the potential threat such activities pose to the United 
     States, southern Europe, NATO, and partners in the 
     Mediterranean Sea and North African region;
       (3) the direct role of Russia in Libyan financial affairs, 
     to include issuing and printing currency;
       (4) Russia's use of mercenaries, military contractors, 
     equipment, and paramilitary forces in Libya;
       (5) an assessment of sanctions and other policies adopted 
     by United States partners and allies against the Wagner Group 
     and its destabilizing activities in Libya, including 
     sanctions on Yevgeny Prigozhin; and
       (6) an identification of foreign companies and persons that 
     have provided transportation, logistical, administrative, air 
     transit, border crossing, or money transfer services to 
     Russian mercenaries or armed forces operating on behalf of 
     the Russian Government in Libya, and an analysis of whether 
     such entities meet the criteria for imposition of sanctions 
     under section 1(a) of Executive Order 13726 (81 Fed. Reg. 
     23559; relating to blocking property and suspending entry 
     into the United States of persons contributing to the 
     situation in Libya).
       (b) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified 
     annex.

     SEC. 5913. DETERMINATION OF SANCTIONABLE ACTIVITIES OF THE 
                   LIBYAN NATIONAL ARMY WITH RESPECT TO SYRIA.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the President shall submit to the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a list of any 
     members of the Libyan National Army (LNA), and details of 
     their activities, which the President has determined are 
     knowingly responsible for sanctionable offenses pursuant to--
       (1) section 7412 of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection 
     Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 8791 note; 133 Stat. 2292); or
       (2) Executive Order 13582 (76 Fed. Reg. 52209; relating to 
     blocking property of the Government of Syria and prohibiting 
     certain transactions with respect to Syria (August 17, 
     2011)).

      Subtitle B--Actions to Address Foreign Intervention in Libya

     SEC. 5921. SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN PERSONS LEADING, 
                   DIRECTING, OR SUPPORTING CERTAIN FOREIGN 
                   GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN LIBYA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall impose each of 
     the sanctions described in section 5924 with respect to each 
     foreign person who the President determines knowingly engages 
     in an activity described in subsection (b).
       (b) Activities Described.--A foreign person engages in an 
     activity described in this subsection if the person leads, 
     directs, or provides significant financial, material, or 
     technological support to, or knowingly engages in a 
     significant transaction with, a non-Libyan foreign person who 
     is--
       (1) in Libya in a military or commercial capacity as a 
     military contractor, mercenary, or part of a paramilitary 
     force; and
       (2) engaged in significant actions that threaten the peace, 
     security, or stability of Libya.

     SEC. 5922. SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN PERSONS 
                   THREATENING THE PEACE OR STABILITY OF LIBYA.

       (a) Imposition of Sanctions.--The President shall impose 
     each of the sanctions described in section 5924 with respect 
     to each foreign person on the list required by subsection 
     (b).
       (b) List.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a list of--
       (1) foreign persons, including senior government officials, 
     militia leaders, paramilitary leaders, and other persons who 
     provide significant support to militia or paramilitary groups 
     in Libya, that the President determines are knowingly--
       (A) engaged in significant actions or policies that 
     threaten the peace, security, or stability of Libya, 
     including any supply of significant arms or related materiel 
     in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution 
     on Libya;
       (B) engaged in significant actions or policies that 
     obstruct, undermine, delay, or impede, or pose a significant 
     risk of obstructing, undermining, delaying, or impeding the 
     United Nations-mediated political processes that seek a 
     negotiated and peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis, 
     including a consensual constitutional basis that would lead 
     to credible presidential and parliamentary elections as soon 
     as possible and ongoing maintenance of the October 2020 
     ceasefire;
       (C) engaged in significant actions that may lead to or 
     result in the misappropriation of significant state assets of 
     Libya;
       (D) involved in the significant illicit exploitation of 
     crude oil or any other natural resources in Libya, including 
     the significant illicit production, disruption of production, 
     refining, brokering, sale, purchase, or export of Libyan oil;
       (E) significantly threatening or coercing Libyan state 
     financial institutions or disrupting the operations of the 
     Libyan National Oil Company; or
       (F) significantly responsible for actions or policies that 
     are intended to undermine efforts to maintain peace and 
     promote stabilization and economic recovery in Libya;
       (2) foreign persons who the President determines are 
     successor entities to persons designated for engaging in 
     activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of 
     paragraph (1); and
       (c) Updates of List.--The President shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees an updated list under 
     subsection (b)--
       (1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act and annually thereafter for a period of 5 years; 
     or
       (2) as new information becomes available.
       (d) Form.--The list required by subsection (b) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
     annex.
       (e) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.

     SEC. 5923. SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN PERSONS WHO ARE 
                   RESPONSIBLE FOR OR COMPLICIT IN GROSS 
                   VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HUMAN 
                   RIGHTS COMMITTED IN LIBYA.

       (a) Imposition of Sanctions.--The President may impose 5 
     out of the 12 sanctions described in section 235 of 
     Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act 
     (Public Law 115-44) with respect to each foreign person on 
     the list required by subsection (b).
       (b) List of Persons.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a list of senior foreign 
     persons, including senior government officials, militia 
     leaders, para-military leaders, and other persons who provide 
     significant support to militia or paramilitary groups in 
     Libya, that the President determines are each knowingly 
     responsible for or complicit in, or have directly or in- 
     directly engaged in, on or after the date of enactment gross 
     violations of internationally recognized human rights 
     committed in Libya.
       (2) Updates of list.--The President shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees an updated list under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act and annually thereafter for a period of 5 years; 
     or
       (B) as new information becomes available.
       (3) Form.--The list required by paragraph (1) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
     annex.
       (c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.

     SEC. 5924. SANCTIONS DESCRIBED.

       (a) Sanctions Described.--The sanctions described in this 
     section are the following:
       (1) Blocking of property.--The President may exercise all 
     of the powers granted to the President by the International 
     Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) 
     (except that the requirements of section 202 of such Act (50 
     U.S.C. 1701) shall not apply) to the extent necessary to 
     block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests 
     in property of the person if such property and interests in 
     property are in the United States, come within the United 
     States, or are or come within the possession or control of a 
     United States person.
       (2) Inadmissibility of certain individuals.--

[[Page H6246]]

       (A) Ineligibility for visas, admission,or parole.--A 
     foreign person who is an individual and who meets any of the 
     criteria described section 5921 or 5922 may be determined by 
     the Secretary of State to be--
       (i) inadmissible to the United States;
       (ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to 
     enter the United States; and
       (iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into 
     the United States or to receive any other benefit under the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
       (B) Current visas revoked.--A foreign person who is an 
     individual and who meets any of the criteria described 
     section 5921 or 5922 may be subject to the following:
       (i) Revocation of any visa or other entry documentation by 
     the Secretary of State regardless of when the visa or other 
     entry documentation is or was issued.
       (ii) A revocation under clause (i) shall--

       (I) take effect immediately in accordance with section 
     221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, (8 U.S.C. 
     1201(i)); and
       (II) cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation 
     that is in the foreign person's possession.

       (b) Penalties.--The penalties provided for in subsections 
     (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency 
     Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a person 
     who violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or 
     causes a violation of regulations issued under section 
     5926(2) of this title to carry out subsection (a)(1) to the 
     same extent that such penalties apply to a person who commits 
     an unlawful act described in section 206(a) of the 
     International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
       (c) Exception.--Sanctions under subsection (a)(2) shall not 
     apply to an alien if admitting or paroling the alien into the 
     United States is necessary to permit the United States to 
     comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the 
     United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and 
     entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United 
     Nations and the United States, or other applicable 
     international obligations of the United States.
       (d) Exception to Comply With National Security.--The 
     following activities shall be exempt from sanctions under 
     this section:
       (1) Activities subject to the reporting requirements under 
     title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 
     et seq.).
       (2) Any authorized intelligence or law enforcement 
     activities of the United States.

     SEC. 5925. WAIVER.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of State may waive, for one 
     or more periods not to exceed 90 days, the application of 
     sanctions imposed on a foreign person under this subtitle if 
     the President--
       (1) determines and reports to Congress that such a waiver 
     is in the national security interest of the United States; 
     and
       (2) thereafter submits to the appropriate congressional 
     committees a justification for such waiver.
       (b) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.

     SEC. 5926. IMPLEMENTATION AND REGULATORY AUTHORITY.

       The President--
       (1) is authorized to exercise all authorities provided to 
     the President under sections 203 and 205 of the International 
     Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to 
     carry out this title; and
       (2) shall issue such regulations, licenses, and orders as 
     are necessary to carry out this title.

     SEC. 5927. EXCEPTION RELATING TO IMPORTATION OF GOODS.

       (a) In General.--The authorities and requirements to impose 
     sanctions under this subtitle shall not include the authority 
     or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of 
     goods.
       (b) Good Defined.--In this section, the term ``good'' means 
     any article, natural or man-made substance, material, supply 
     or manufactured product, including inspection and test 
     equipment and excluding technical data.

     SEC. 5928. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle:
       (1) Admitted; alien.--The terms ``admitted'' and ``alien'' 
     have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).
       (2) Foreign person.--The term ``foreign person'' means an 
     individual or entity who is not a United States person.
       (3) Foreign government.--The term ``foreign government'' 
     means any government of a country other than the United 
     States.
       (4) Knowingly.--The term ``knowingly'' with respect to 
     conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person has 
     actual knowledge, or should have known, of the conduct, the 
     circumstance, or the result.
       (5) United states person.--The term ``United States 
     person'' means--
       (A) an individual who is a United States citizen or an 
     alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United 
     States;
       (B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States 
     or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a 
     foreign branch of such an entity; or
       (C) any person in the United States.
       (6) Gross violations of internationally recognized human 
     rights.--The term ``gross vio- lations of internationally 
     recognized human rights'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 502B(d)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 
     U.S.C. 2304(d)(1)).

     SEC. 5929. SUSPENSION OF SANCTIONS.

       (a) In General.--The President may suspend in whole or in 
     part the imposition of sanctions otherwise required under 
     this subtitle for periods not to exceed 90 days if the 
     President determines that the parties to the conflict in 
     Libya have agreed to and are upholding a sustainable, good-
     faith ceasefire in support of a lasting political solution in 
     Libya.
       (b) Notification Required.--Not later than 30 days after 
     the date on which the President makes a determination to 
     suspend the imposition of sanctions as described in 
     subsection (a), the President shall submit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a notification of the determination.
       (c) Reimposition of Sanctions.--Any sanctions suspended 
     under subsection (a) shall be reimposed if the President 
     determines that the criteria described in that subsection are 
     no longer being met.

     SEC. 5930. SUNSET.

       The requirement to impose sanctions under this subtitle 
     shall cease to be effective on December 31, 2026.

                    Subtitle C--Assistance for Libya

     SEC. 5931. HUMANITARIAN RELIEF FOR THE PEOPLE OF LIBYA AND 
                   INTERNATIONAL REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS IN LIBYA.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States Government should, including in 
     alignment with Libya's status inclusion in the U.S. Global 
     Fragility Act Strategy--
       (A) continue senior-level efforts to address humanitarian 
     needs in Libya, which has been exacerbated by conflict and 
     the COVID-19 pandemic;
       (B) engage diplomatically with Libyan entities to guarantee 
     constant, reliable humanitarian access by frontline providers 
     in Libya;
       (C) engage diplomatically with the Libyan entities, the 
     United Nations, and the European Union to encourage the 
     voluntary safe passage of detained vulnerable migrants and 
     refugees from the conflict zones in Libya; and
       (D) support efforts to document and publicize gross 
     violations of internationally recognized human rights and 
     international humanitarian law, including efforts related to 
     severe forms of trafficking in persons such as slavery, 
     forced labor, and sexual exploitation, and hold perpetrators 
     accountable; and
       (2) deliver humanitarian assistance targeted toward those 
     most in need and delivered through partners that uphold 
     internationally recognized humanitarian principles, with 
     robust monitoring to ensure assistance is reaching intended 
     beneficiaries.
       (b) Assistance Authorized.--The Administrator of the United 
     States Agency for International Development, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of State, should continue to support 
     humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities in 
     Libya, including--
       (1) health assistance, including logistical and technical 
     assistance to hospitals, ambulances, and health clinics in 
     affected communities, including migrant communities, and 
     provision of basic public health commodities, including 
     support for an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
       (2) services, such as medicines and medical supplies and 
     equipment;
       (3) assistance to provide--
       (A) protection, food, and shelter, including to migrant 
     communities;
       (B) water, sanitation, and hygiene (commonly referred to as 
     ``WASH''); and
       (C) resources and training to increase communications and 
     education to help communities slow the spread of COVID-19 and 
     to increase vaccine acceptance; and
       (4) technical assistance to ensure health, food, and 
     commodities are appropriately selected, procured, targeted, 
     monitored, and distributed.
       (c) Strategy.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in 
     coordination with the Administrator of the United States 
     Agency for International Development, shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a strategy on the 
     following:
       (1) How the United States, working with relevant foreign 
     governments and multilateral organizations, plans to address 
     the humanitarian situation in Libya.
       (2) Diplomatic efforts by the United States to encourage 
     strategic burden-sharing and the coordination of donations 
     with international donors, including foreign governments and 
     multilateral organizations to advance the provision of 
     humanitarian assistance to the people of Libya and 
     international migrants and refugees in Libya.
       (3) How to address humanitarian access challenges and 
     ensure protection for vulnerable refugees and migrants, 
     including protection from severe forms of trafficking in 
     persons such as slavery, forced labor, and sexual 
     exploitation.
       (4) How the United States is mitigating risk, utilizing 
     third party monitors, and ensuring effective delivery of 
     assistance.
       (5) How to address the tragic and persistent deaths of 
     migrants and refugees at sea and human trafficking.
       (d) Integration of Department of State-led Stabilization 
     Efforts.--

[[Page H6247]]

       (1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Secretary of State, working with United States allies, 
     international organizations, and implementing partners, 
     including local implementing partners, to the extent 
     practicable, should continue coordinated international 
     stabilization efforts in Libya to--
       (A) build up the capacity of implementers and national mine 
     action authorities engaged in conventional weapons 
     destruction efforts and mine risk education training and 
     programs; and
       (B) conduct operational clearance of explosive remnants of 
     war resulting from the 2011 revolution and current military 
     conflict in Libya, including in territory previously occupied 
     by ISIS-Libya, and particularly in areas where unexploded 
     ordnance, booby traps, and anti-personnel and anti-vehicle 
     mines contaminate areas of critical infrastructure and large 
     housing districts posing a risk of civilian casualties.
       (2) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
     humanitarian assistance authorized under subsection (b) and 
     the strategy required by subsection (c) shall take into 
     account and integrate Department of State-led stabilization 
     efforts--
       (A) to address--
       (i) contamination from landmines and other explosive 
     remnants of war left from the 2011 revolution and current 
     military conflict in Libya, including in territory previously 
     occupied by ISIS-Libya; and
       (ii) proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons 
     resulting from such conflict and the destabilizing impact the 
     proliferation of such weapons has in Libya and neighboring 
     countries; and
       (B) to mitigate the threat that destruction of conventional 
     weapons poses to development, the delivery of humanitarian 
     assistance, and the safe and secure return of internally 
     displaced persons.
       (e) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate.

     SEC. 5932. SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE, ELECTIONS, AND 
                   CIVIL SOCIETY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of State should coordinate 
     United States Government efforts to--
       (1) work with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya 
     and transitional authorities in Libya to prepare for national 
     elections, as called for by the Libyan Political Dialogue, 
     and a subsequent political transition;
       (2) support efforts to resolve the current civil conflict 
     in Libya;
       (3) work to help the people of Libya and a future Libyan 
     government develop functioning, unified Libyan economic, 
     security, and governing institutions;
       (4) work to ensure free, fair, inclusive, and credible 
     elections organized by an independent and effective High 
     National Elections Commission in Libya, including through 
     supporting electoral security and international election 
     observation and by providing training and technical 
     assistance to institutions with election-related 
     responsibilities, as appropriate;
       (5) work with the people of Libya, nongovernmental 
     organizations, and Libya institutions to strengthen 
     democratic governance, reinforce civilian institutions and 
     support decentralization, in line with relevant Libyan laws 
     and regulations, in order to address community grievances, 
     promote social cohesion, mitigate drivers of violent 
     extremism, and help communities recover from Islamic State 
     occupation;
       (6) defend against gross violations of internationally 
     recognized human rights in Libya, including by supporting 
     efforts to document such violations;
       (7) to combat corruption and improve the transparency and 
     accountability of Libyan government institutions; and
       (8) to support the efforts of independent media outlets to 
     broadcast, distribute, and share information with the Libyan 
     people.
       (b) Risk Mitigation and Assistance Monitoring.--The 
     Secretary of State and Administrator of the United States 
     Agency for International Development should ensure that 
     appropriate steps are taken to mitigate risk of diversion of 
     assistance for Libya and ensure reliable third-party 
     monitoring is utilized for projects in Libya that United 
     States Government personnel are unable to access and monitor.
       (c) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the 
     Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
     Development, should submit to the appropriate congressional 
     committees a report on the activities carried out under 
     subsection (a).
       (2) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on 
     Financial Services, and the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives; and
       (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 to carry out subsection (a).
       (2) Notification requirements.--Any expenditure of amounts 
     made available to carry out subsection (a) shall be subject 
     to the notification requirements applicable to--
       (A) expenditures from the Economic Support Fund under 
     section 531(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 
     U.S.C. 2346(c)); and
       (B) expenditures from the Development Assistance Fund under 
     section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 
     U.S.C. 16 2413(a)).

     SEC. 5933. ENGAGING INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO 
                   ADVANCE LIBYAN ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND IMPROVE 
                   PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Treasury should 
     instruct the United States Executive Director at each 
     international financial institution to use the voice, vote, 
     and influence of the United States to support, in a way that 
     is consistent with broader United States national interests, 
     a Libyan-led process to develop a framework for the economic 
     recovery of Libya and improved public sector financial 
     management, complementary to United Nations-led peace efforts 
     and in support of democratic institutions and the rule of law 
     in Libya.
       (b) Additional Elements.--To the extent consistent with 
     broader United States national interests, the framework 
     described in subsection (a) should include the following 
     policy proposals:
       (1) To restore, respect, and safeguard the integrity, 
     unity, and lawful governance of Libya's key economic 
     ministries and institutions, in particular the Central Bank 
     of Libya, the Libya Investment Authority, the National Oi 
     Corporation, and the Audit Bureau (AB).
       (2) To improve the accountability and effectiveness of 
     Libyan authorities, including sovereign economic 
     institutions, in providing services and opportunity to the 
     Libyan people.
       (3) To assist in improving public financial management and 
     reconciling the public accounts of national financial 
     institutions and letters of credit issued by private Libyan 
     financial institutions as needed pursuant to a political 
     process.
       (4) To restore the production, efficient management, and 
     development of Libya's oil and gas industries so such 
     industries are resilient against disruption, including malign 
     foreign influence, and can generate prosperity on behalf of 
     the Libyan people.
       (5) To promote the development of private sector 
     enterprise.
       (6) To improve the transparency and accountability of 
     public sector employment and wage distribution.
       (7) To strengthen supervision of and reform of Libyan 
     financial institutions.
       (8) To eliminate exploitation of price controls and market 
     distorting subsidies in the Libyan economy.
       (9) To support opportunities for United States businesses.
       (c) Consultation.--In supporting the framework described in 
     subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury should instruct 
     the United States Executive Director at each international 
     financial institution to encourage the institution to consult 
     with relevant stakeholders in the financial, governance, and 
     energy sectors.
       (d) Definition of International Financial Institution.--In 
     this section, the term ``international financial 
     institution'' means the International Monetary Fund, 
     International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 
     European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 
     International Development Association, International Finance 
     Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, 
     African Development Bank, African Development Fund, Asian 
     Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Bank for 
     Economic Cooperation and Development in the Middle East and 
     North Africa, and Inter-American Investment Corporation.
       (e) Termination.--The requirements of this section shall 
     cease to be effective on December 31, 2026.

     SEC. 5934. RECOVERING ASSETS STOLEN FROM THE LIBYAN PEOPLE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and 
     the Attorney General should, to the extent practicable, 
     advance a coordinated international effort--
       (1) to carry out special financial investigations to 
     identify and track assets taken from the people and 
     institutions of Libya through theft, corruption, money 
     laundering, or other illicit means; and
       (2) to work with foreign governments--
       (A) to share financial investigations intelligence, as 
     appropriate;
       (B) to oversee the assets identified pursuant to paragraph 
     (1); and
       (C) to provide technical assistance to help governments 
     establish the necessary legal framework to carry out asset 
     forfeitures.
       (b) Additional Elements.--The coordinated international 
     effort described in subsection (a) should include input 
     from--
       (1) the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes 
     of the Department of the Treasury;
       (2) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the 
     Department of the Treasury; and
       (3) the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the 
     Department of Justice.

[[Page H6248]]

  


     SEC. 5935. AUTHORITY TO EXPAND EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL 
                   EXCHANGE PROGRAMS WITH LIBYA.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the United States should expand educational and cultural 
     exchange programs with Libya to promote mutual understanding 
     and people-to-people linkages between the United States and 
     Libya.
       (b) Authority.--The President is authorized to expand 
     educational and cultural exchange programs with Libya, 
     including programs carried out under the following:
       (1) The J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program 
     referred to in paragraph (1) of section 112(a) of the Mutual 
     Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 
     2460(a)).
       (2) The International Visitors Program referred to in 
     paragraph (3) of such section.
       (3) The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) 
     Student Leaders Program.
       (4) The Youth Exchange and Study Program.
       (5) Other related programs administered by the Department 
     of State.


         Amendment No. 76 Offered by Ms. Spanberger of Virginia

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

     SEC. 15__. REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY CHIEF OF MISSION OF MILITARY 
                   OPERATION IN THE INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT.

       Section 398 of title 10, United States Code, as added and 
     amended by section 1511, is further amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new 
     subsection (g):
       ``(g) Requirement to Notify Chief of Mission.--The 
     Secretary may not authorize a military operation in the 
     information environment under this title intended to cause an 
     effect in a country unless the Secretary fully informs the 
     chief of mission for that country under section 207 of the 
     Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3927) of the planned 
     operation.''.


      Amendment No. 78 Offered by Mr. Auchincloss of Massachusetts

       Add at the end of subtitle G of title III the following:

     SEC. 373. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE REPORT ON ESTABLISHING 
                   PROCEDURE FOR ALERTING ABOUT EXPOSURE TO 
                   PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit a report to Congress detailing how to establish a 
     process for alerting active and retired members of the Armed 
     Forces (and their families) about any applicable exposure of 
     such individuals to perfluoroalkyl substances, and any 
     potential health risks resulting from such exposure.
       (b) Applicable Exposure Defined.--For purposes of 
     subsection (a), ``applicable exposure'' means exposure while 
     serving on a military base that contains perfluoroalkyl 
     substance contamination of more than the acceptable exposure 
     limits provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (0.004 
     parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) 
     and 0.02 ppt for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)).


           Amendment No. 80 Offered by Mr. Levin of Michigan

       Page 1327, line 9, insert ``, including schools operated by 
     the Department of Defense Education Activity'' after ``other 
     sites''.
       Page 1330, line 23, insert ``, the Committee on Education 
     and Labor,'' after ``Commerce''.
       At the end of title LVIII of division E, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. __. SCHOOL PFAS TESTING AND FILTRATION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense, in 
     coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency, shall establish a program to--
       (1) test for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances 
     in drinking water at eligible entities, which testing shall 
     be conducted by an entity approved by the Administrator or 
     the applicable State to conduct the testing;
       (2) install, maintain, and repair water filtration systems 
     effective for reducing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl 
     substances in drinking water at eligible entities that 
     contains a level of any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl 
     substance that exceeds--
       (A) an applicable maximum contaminant level established by 
     the Administrator under section 1412 of the Safe Drinking 
     Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-1); or
       (B) an applicable standard established by the applicable 
     State that is more stringent than the level described in 
     subparagraph (A); and
       (3) safely dispose of spent water filtration equipment used 
     to reduce perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in 
     drinking water at schools.
       (b) Public Availability.--The Secretary of Defense shall--
       (1) make publicly available, including, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, on the website of the eligible entity, a 
     copy of the results of any testing carried out under this 
     section; and
       (2) notify relevant parent, teacher, and employee 
     organizations of the availability of the results described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of 
     the Environmental Protection Agency.
       (2) The term ``eligible entity'' means a school operated by 
     the Department of Defense Education Activity.


         Amendment No. 82 Offered by Mr. Lynch of Massachusetts

       At the end of subtitle G of title VI, insert the following:

     SEC. 6__. PLAN FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN EXPENSES OF 
                   CERTAIN MEMBERS AND VETERANS RELATED TO 
                   AFGHANISTAN EVACUATION.

       (a) Plan.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
     to the appropriate congressional committees a plan (in this 
     section referred to as the ``Plan'') to reimburse members of 
     the Armed Forces serving on active duty and veterans who 
     expended personal funds in support of efforts to evacuate, 
     from Afghanistan, Afghan nationals who previously supported 
     military or reconstruction missions of the United States in 
     Afghanistan.
       (b) Consultation.--In developing the plan, the Secretary 
     shall consult with the following:
       (1) The Secretary of State.
       (2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
       (3) Non-governmental organizations and veterans service 
     organizations with expertise in supporting the evacuation of 
     Afghan nationals from Afghanistan.
       (c) Elements.--The Plan shall include the following 
     elements:
       (1) Eligibility requirements for members of the Armed 
     Forces serving on active duty and veterans to file a 
     reimbursement claim under the Plan.
       (2) The criteria for reimbursement, including the types of 
     reimbursable claims and maximum reimbursement limit.
       (3) The process for filing a reimbursement claim.
       (4) The supporting documentation required to file a 
     reimbursement claim.
       (5) An estimate of the costs that would be associated with 
     implementing the Plan.
       (d) Public Availability.--Not later than one year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall of 
     Defense post the plan on a publicly available website of the 
     Department of Defense.
       (e) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means:
       (1) With respect to the House of Representatives:
       (A) The Committee on Oversight and Reform.
       (B) The Committee on Armed Services.
       (2) With respect to the Senate:
       (A) The Committee on Homeland Security and Government 
     Affairs.
       (B) The Committee on Armed Services.


          Amendment No. 83 Offered by Mr. Stauber of Minnesota

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

     SEC. 5__. RECURRING REPORT REGARDING COVID-19 MANDATE.

       Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act and every 60 days thereafter until the Secretary of 
     Defense lifts the requirement that a member of the Armed 
     Forces shall receive a vaccination against COVID-19, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
     the Senate and House of Representatives a report, without any 
     personally identifiable information, containing the 
     following:
       (1) With regard to religious exemptions to such 
     requirement--
       (A) the number of such exemptions for which members 
     applied;
       (B) the number of such religious exemptions denied;
       (C) the reasons for such denials;
       (D) the number of members denied such a religious exemption 
     who complied with the requirement; and
       (E) the number of members denied such a religious exemption 
     who did not comply with the requirement who were separated, 
     and with what characterization.
       (2) With regard to medical exemptions to such requirement--
       (A) the number of such medical exemptions for which members 
     applied;
       (B) the number of such medical exemptions denied;
       (C) the reasons for such denials;
       (D) the number of members denied such a medical exemption 
     who complied with the requirement; and
       (E) the number of members denied such a medical exemption 
     who did not comply with the requirement who were separated, 
     and with what characterization.


         Amendment No. 84 Offered by Mr. Aguilar of California

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

     SEC. 5__. MYSTEP: PROVISION ONLINE AND IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES.

       The Secretary concerned shall provide all services of the 
     Military Spouse Transition Program (commonly referred to as 
     ``MySTeP'') online and in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and the 
     rest of the 10 most commonly spoken languages in the United 
     States.


         Amendment No. 85 Offered by Mr. Aguilar of California

       Insert at the end of title LVIII the following:

[[Page H6249]]

  


     SEC. __. REPORT ON EMT NATIONAL LICENSING STANDARDS.

       The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with each branch 
     of the United States military, shall submit a report to 
     Congress on how the Department of Defense can feasibly 
     incorporate EMT national licensing standards into their 
     existing training.


      Amendment No. 86 Offered by Mr. Auchincloss of Massachusetts

       Add at the end of subtitle F of title VIII the following:

     SEC. 867. GAO REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACT 
                   FINANCING AND COMMERCIAL BEST PRACTICES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds as follows:
       (1) In a 2019 report, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States directed the Department of Defense to ensure it 
     conducts a comprehensive assessment of the effect that its 
     contract financing and profit policies have on the defense 
     industry and update that assessment on a recurring basis.
       (2) The Department of Defense has commissioned an 
     independent study to evaluate--
       (A) free cash flow in the defense sector;
       (B) impacts to cash flow depending on contract type and 
     financing;
       (C) financing and its impact on small businesses; and
       (D) the government accounting system requirements for 
     contractors.
       (b) Study and Report.--Not later than 6 months after the 
     date of the completion of the study described in subsection 
     (a)(2), the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     assessing such study, including an evaluation of the tools 
     and authorities the Department of Defense has available to 
     ensure fair and reasonable pricing of commercial products and 
     services.


      AMENDMENT NO. 87 OFFERED BY MR. AUCHINCLOSS OF MASSACHUSETTS

       Page 1011, after line 7, insert the following:

     SEC. 2004. DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO CONTINUE 
                   MILITARY HOUSING REFORMS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall consider--
       (1) partnerships with innovative housing production 
     companies to build cost-effective multi-family housing that 
     is energy efficient and improve energy resiliency in order to 
     increase the supply of affordable housing available to active 
     duty members of the Armed Forces; or
       (2) purchasing multiple multi-family housing if this 
     results in an additional lower cost.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall report 
     to Congress on the considerations under subsection (a).
       (c) Innovative Housing Production Company Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``innovative housing production company'' 
     means a company that offers housing in an area for which the 
     costs per unit is lower than the cost per unit of other 
     housing in the area that meets Federal, State, and local 
     housing standards, based on quality, accessibility, and 
     durability.


             AMENDMENT NO. 88 OFFERED BY MRS. AXNE OF IOWA

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

     SEC. __. PARTICIPATION OF MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE COMPONENTS 
                   OF THE ARMED FORCES IN THE SKILLBRIDGE PROGRAM.

       Section 1143(e)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) A member of the armed forces is eligible for a 
     program under this subsection if--
       ``(A) the member--
       ``(i) has completed at least 180 days on active duty in the 
     armed forces; and
       ``(ii) is expected to be discharged or released from active 
     duty in the armed forces within 180 days of the date of 
     commencement of participation in such a program; or
       ``(B) the member is a member of a reserve component.''.


           AMENDMENT NO. 89 OFFERED BY MR. BACON OF NEBRASKA

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

     SEC. 12_. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       It is the policy of the United States that the NATO-Russia 
     Founding Act, signed May 27, 1997, in Paris, does not 
     constrain the deployment of United States or NATO forces in 
     any way.


           AMENDMENT NO. 90 OFFERED BY MR. BACON OF NEBRASKA

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

     SEC. 2__. ALLOWABLE USES OF FUNDS UNDER THE COMMERCIAL 
                   WEATHER DATA PILOT PROGRAM OF THE AIR FORCE.

       Funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or 
     otherwise made available for fiscal year 2023 for the Air 
     Force for the Commercial Weather Data Pilot Program may be 
     used only for the piloting and demonstration of radio 
     occultation data for use in weather models.


            AMENDMENT NO. 91 OFFERED BY MR. BANKS OF INDIANA

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

     SEC. 5__. REPORT ON TREATMENT OF CHINA IN CURRICULA OF 
                   PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than December 1, 2022, the 
     Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
     Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report 
     regarding the treatment of China in the curricula of 
     institutions of military education, including changes to such 
     treatment implemented in the five years preceding the date of 
     such report.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``institutions of military education'' means--
       (A) the professional military education schools;
       (B) the senior level service schools;
       (C) the intermediate level service schools;
       (D) the joint intermediate level service school; and
       (E) the Naval Postgraduate School.
       (2) The terms ``intermediate level service school'', 
     ``joint intermediate level service school'', and ``senior 
     level service school'' have the meaning given such terms in 
     section 2151 of title 10, United States Code.
       (3) The term ``professional military education schools'' 
     means the schools specified in section 2162 of title 10, 
     United States Code.


            AMENDMENT NO. 92 OFFERED BY MR. BARR OF KENTUCKY

       Add at the end of subtitle B of title XIII the following:

     SEC. __. REPORT ON AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN EFFORTS TO 
                   COMBAT CERTAIN DISINFORMATION AND PROPAGANDA.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Defense (as appropriate), 
     shall submit a report to the appropriate Congressional 
     Committees--
       (1) on the efforts of the American Institute in Taiwan to 
     combat disinformation or propaganda perpetuated by the 
     Chinese Communist Party and People's Republic of China in 
     regards to--
       (A) United States commitment to Taiwan's self-defense, 
     pursuant to the Taiwan Relations Act;
       (B) United States Foreign Military Sales to Taiwan; and
       (C) United States economic cooperation with Taiwan; and
       (2) that contains--
       (A) an assessment of the effectiveness of the efforts of 
     the American Institute in Taiwan in combating disinformation 
     or propaganda perpetuated by the Chinese Communist Party and 
     People's Republic of China; and
       (B) recommendations on how to better combat such 
     disinformation or propaganda.
       (b) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified 
     annex.
       (c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section 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. 93 OFFERED BY MR. BARR OF KENTUCKY

       Add at the end of subtitle G of title XXVIII the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 28__. FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR BLUE GRASS CHEMICAL AGENT-
                   DESTRUCTION PILOT PLANT.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of the Army, shall conduct a feasibility study 
     to assess potential missions, plants, or industries feasible 
     for Army or Department of Defense needs at the Blue Grass 
     Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant following the 
     demolition and remediation of the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-
     Destruction Pilot Plant located at the Blue Grass Army Depot 
     in Richmond, Kentucky. The study shall include the following:
       (1) Identification of any buildings and infrastructure in 
     the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant that 
     could remain for future Army or Department of Defense use.
       (2) Cost savings associated with repurposing existing 
     infrastructure for Army or Department of Defense purposes.
       (3) Opportunities to fulfil requirements for defense 
     organic industrial base operations.
       (4) Opportunities to fulfil requirements of Army Materiel 
     Command strategic planning, including ammunition production.
       (5) Opportunities to fulfil Army or Department of Defense 
     modernization requirements.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress 
     a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).


            AMENDMENT NO. 94 OFFERED BY MR. BARR OF KENTUCKY

       Add at the end of subtitle B of title VII the following:

     SEC. __. SLEEP APNEA SCREENING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense 
     for Health Affairs shall provide a plan to the congressional 
     defense committees for a pilot program to screen for 
     obstructive sleep apnea among persons going through the 
     officer accession program.
       (b) Plan Contents.--This plan required under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       (1) how many individuals will be tested under the pilot 
     program; and
       (2) how much the pilot program would cost.


            amendment no. 95 offered by mr. bentz of oregon

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

[[Page H6250]]

  


     SEC. 1__. LIMITATION ON DIVESTMENT OF F-15 AIRCRAFT.

       (a) Limitation.--Beginning on October 1, 2023, Secretary of 
     the Air Force may not divest, or prepare to divest, any 
     covered F-15 aircraft until a period of 180 days has elapsed 
     following the date on which the Secretary submits the report 
     required under subsection (b).
       (b) Report Required.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report on 
     the following:
       (1) Any plans of the Secretary to divest covered F-15 
     aircraft during the period covered by the most recent future-
     years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 
     of title 10, United States Code, including--
       (A) a description of each proposed divestment by fiscal 
     year and location;
       (B) an explanation of the anticipated effects of such 
     divestments on the missions, personnel, force structure, and 
     budgeting of the Air Force;
       (C) a description of the actions the Secretary intends to 
     carry out--
       (i) to mitigate any negative effects identified under 
     subparagraph (B); and
       (ii) to modify or replace the missions and capabilities of 
     any units and military installations affected by such 
     divestments; and
       (D) an assessment of how such divestments may affect the 
     ability of the Air Force to maintain minimum tactical 
     aircraft inventories.
       (2) Any plans of the Secretary to procure covered F-15 
     aircraft.
       (3) Any specific plans of the Secretary to deviate from 
     procurement of new F-15EX aircraft as articulated by the 
     validated requirements contained in Air Force Requirements 
     Decision Memorandum, dated February 1, 2019, regarding F-15EX 
     Rapid Fielding Requirements Document, dated January 16, 2019.
       (c) Covered F-15 Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``covered F-15 aircraft'' means the following:
       (1) F-15C aircraft.
       (2) F-15D aircraft.
       (3) F-15E aircraft.
       (4) F-15EX aircraft.


           amendment no. 96 offered by mr. beyer of virginia

       Page 961, strike lines 20 through 22 and insert the 
     following:
       (A) each of the reports under subsection (b), an 
     unclassified version of the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review, and 
     a detailed, unclassified summary of the analysis of 
     alternatives regarding the nuclear-capable sea-launched 
     cruise missile, have been submitted to the congressional 
     defense committees; and


           amendment no. 97 offered by mr. beyer of virginia

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

     SEC. 2__. PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGIES 
                   IN THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) In General.--Each Secretary of a military department 
     shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary 
     identifies, for each Armed Force under the jurisdiction of 
     such Secretary, not fewer than one and not more than three 
     new areas in which digital twin technology may be implemented 
     to improve the operations of the Armed Force. To the extent 
     practicable, consideration shall be given to operations 
     involving reduced manpower and autonomous systems.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military 
     department shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees a report that includes--
       (1) a description of each proposed area in which digital 
     twin technology may be implemented in accordance with 
     subsection (a);
       (2) a plan for such implementation; and
       (3) an explanation of any additional funding required for 
     such implementation.


          amendment no. 98 offered by mr. blumenauer of oregon

       Page 142, line 23, insert ``and distribution centers of the 
     Defense Logistics Agency''.
       Page 142, line 25, insert ``or centers, as the case may 
     be,'' after ``installations''.
       Page 143, line 3, insert ``and Distribution Centers'' after 
     ``Installations''.
       Page 143, line 4, insert ``of military installations'' 
     after ``Selection''.
       Page 145, after line 17, insert the following new 
     paragraph:
       (4) Selection of distribution centers.--
       (A) Selection.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense 
     Logistics Agency shall select at least one distribution 
     center of the Defense Logistics Agency at which to carry out 
     the pilot program under subsection (a) and submit to the 
     Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives 
     and notification containing an identification of any such 
     selected distribution center.
       (B) Priority.--In selecting a distribution center under 
     subparagraph (A), the Director of the Defense Logistics 
     Agency shall apply the same priorities as the Secretaries of 
     the military departments apply with respect to the selection 
     of a military installation under paragraph (2) (including by 
     taking into account the same considerations specified in 
     paragraph (3)), except that, in addition to the priorities 
     specified in paragraph (2), the Director shall also give 
     priority to the following:
       (i) Distribution centers with significant on-center use by 
     vehicles of class 3 or heavier, as determined pursuant to 
     table II of section 565.15 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (ii) Distribution centers at which there is, or are plans 
     to develop, renewable energy resource generation.
       Page 145, line 19, strike ``In general'' and insert 
     ``Military installations''.
       Page 148, after line 2, insert the following new paragraph:
       (4) Distribution centers.--Not later than one year after 
     the date on which the Director of the Defense Logistics 
     Agency submits a notification identifying a distribution 
     center under subsection (b)(1), the Director shall submit to 
     the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a plan specified in paragraph 
     (1) with respect to the distribution center. Such plan shall 
     include, with respect to the distribution center, each of the 
     same elements required under paragraph (2) for a military 
     installation, and the Director may use expertise to the same 
     extent and in the same manner specified in paragraph (3).
       Page 148, line 5, insert ``or distribution center'' after 
     ``installation''.
       Page 150, after line 11, insert the following new 
     paragraph:
       (10) The term ``renewable energy resources'' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 403 of the Renewable 
     Energy Resources Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 7372).


      amendment no. 99 offered by ms. blunt rochester of delaware

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

     SEC. 3__. REPORT ON COVERAGE OF BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH 
                   CRISIS SERVICES UNDER TRICARE PROGRAM.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
     to the congressional defense committees a report on the scope 
     of coverage under the TRICARE program of inpatient and 
     outpatient behavioral and mental health crisis services.
       (b) Matters.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
     include, with respect to the period beginning on January 1, 
     2019, and ending on December 31, 2021, an identification of 
     the following:
       (1) The total amount of funds expended under the TRICARE 
     program on behavioral and mental health crisis services, 
     disaggregated by the site at which the service was furnished.
       (2) The total amount of funds expended under such program 
     for other services furnished to individuals in behavioral or 
     mental health crisis.
       (3) The provider types that billed for the services 
     specified in paragraphs (1) and (2).
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``crisis services'' means the services 
     identified as such in the document of the Substance Abuse and 
     Mental Health Service Administration published in 2020, 
     titled ``National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis 
     Care: Best Practice Toolkit''.
       (2) The term ``TRICARE program'' has the meaning given that 
     term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.


      amendment no. 100 offered by ms. blunt rochester of delaware

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

     SEC. 7__. REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER READINESS 
                   DESIGNATIONS.

       Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall update the registry 
     and provider lists under subsection (b) of section 717 of the 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 
     (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 868; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note) and 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     containing--
       (1) the number of providers that have received a mental 
     health provider readiness designation under such section 717, 
     disaggregated by geographic region and provider specialty; 
     and
       (2) recommendations to incentivize, or otherwise increase 
     the number of, providers with such designation.


      amendment no. 101 offered by ms. blunt rochester of delaware

       At the end of subtitle E of title VI, insert the following:

     SEC. [6__] EXPANSION OF THE SPACE-AVAILABLE TRAVEL PROGRAM TO 
                   ALLOW CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS TO TRAVEL WITH 
                   A CAREGIVER OR DEPENDENT ON CERTAIN AIRCRAFT.

       (a) Exception to Limitation on Use of Travel Program 
     Funds.--Section 2641b(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) The limitation in paragraph (2) shall not apply to 
     the use of funds to purchase or design new equipment to carry 
     out paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection (c).''.
       (b) Certain Caregiver or Dependent Eligibility for Travel 
     Program.--Section 2641b(c) of title 10, United States Code, 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs 
     (6) and (7), respectively;
       (2) in paragraph (6) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by 
     striking ``paragraphs (1) through (3)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraphs (1) through (4)''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(5) Subject to subsection (f) and under conditions and 
     circumstances as the Secretary shall specify in regulations 
     under subsection (a), a caregiver or family caregiver

[[Page H6251]]

     (as such terms are defined in section 1720G of title 38) of a 
     veteran with a permanent service-connected disability rated 
     as total.''.
       (c) Limitation on Priority in Travel Program.--Section 
     2641b(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``a veteran eligible for 
     travel pursuant to subsection (c)(4)'' and inserting ``an 
     individual eligible for travel pursuant to paragraph (4) or 
     (5) of subsection (c)''; and
       (2) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking ``The authority 
     in subsection (c)(4)'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``The authority in paragraph (4) or (5) of subsection (c)''.


      amendment no. 102 offered by ms. blunt rochester of delaware

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

     SEC. 7__. STUDY ON PROVIDER TRAINING GAPS WITH RESPECT TO 
                   SCREENING AND TREATMENT OF MATERNAL MENTAL 
                   HEALTH CONDITIONS.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Defense, acting through the 
     Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, shall 
     conduct a study to identify gaps in the training of covered 
     providers with respect to the screening and treatment of 
     maternal mental health conditions. Such study shall include--
       (1) an assessment of the level of experience of covered 
     providers with, and the attitudes of such providers 
     regarding, the treatment of pregnant and postpartum women 
     with mental or substance use disorders; and
       (2) recommendations for the training of covered providers, 
     taking into account any training gaps identified pursuant to 
     the study.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
     to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a report containing the 
     findings of the study under section (a).
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``covered provider'' means a maternal health 
     care provider or behavioral health provider furnishing 
     services under the military health system (including under 
     the TRICARE program).
       (2) The term ``TRICARE program'' has the meaning given that 
     term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.


          amendment no. 103 offered by mr. bowman of new york

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

     SEC. 5__. IMPROVING OVERSIGHT OF MILITARY RECRUITMENT 
                   PRACTICES IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report on military 
     recruitment practices in public secondary schools during 
     calendar years 2018 through 2022, including--
       (1) the zip codes of public secondary schools visited by 
     military recruiters; and
       (2) the number of recruits from public secondary schools by 
     zip code and local education agency.


          amendment no. 104 offered by mr. bowman of new york

       Page 432, line 13, strike ``equal to 2.4 percent'' and 
     insert ``determined by the Secretary concerned, based on 
     prevailing economic conditions that adversely affect members, 
     but in no case shall be less than 2.4 percent''.
       Page 785, line 17, strike ``equal to 2.4 percent'' and 
     insert ``determined by the Secretary, based on prevailing 
     economic conditions that adversely affect civilian employees, 
     but in no case shall be less than 2.4 percent''.
       Page 786, line 9, strike ``equal to 2.4 percent'' and 
     insert ``determined by the Secretary, based on prevailing 
     economic conditions that adversely affect civilian employees, 
     but in no case shall be less than 2.4 percent''.


          amendment no. 105 offered by mr. bowman of new york

       At the end of subtitle F of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION ABOUT COST OF 
                   UNITED STATES OVERSEAS MILITARY FOOTPRINT.

       Section 1090 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new subsections:
       ``(c) Additional Information.--For fiscal year 2023 and 
     each subsequent fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense, in 
     consultation with the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue 
     Service and the Director of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, 
     shall post on the public Internet website of the Department 
     of Defense the costs to each United States taxpayer of the 
     overseas military footprint of the United States, including--
       ``(1) the costs of building, maintaining, staffing and 
     operating all overseas military bases and installations;
       ``(2) the personnel costs, including compensation, housing 
     and health care, for all members of the Armed Forces deployed 
     overseas at any point throughout the fiscal year;
       ``(3) the costs paid to contractors providing goods and 
     services in support of overseas military bases, 
     installations, and operations;
       ``(4) the costs of conducting all overseas military 
     operations, including operations conducted by United States 
     Armed Forces, operations conducted using unmanned weapons 
     systems, covert operations, and operations undertaken by, 
     with, and through partner forces;
       ``(5) the costs of all overseas military exercises 
     involving United States Armed Forces; and
       ``(6) the costs of all military training and assistance 
     provided by the United States to overseas partner forces.
       ``(d) Display of Information.--The information required to 
     be posted under subsections (a) and (c) shall--
       ``(1) be posted directly on the website of the Department 
     of Defense, in an accessible and clear format;
       ``(2) include corresponding documentation as links or 
     attachments; and--
       ``(3) include, for each overseas operation--
       ``(A) both the total cost to each taxpayer, and the cost to 
     each taxpayer for each fiscal year, of conducting the 
     overseas operation;
       ``(B) a list of countries where the overseas operations 
     have taken place; and
       ``(C) for each such country, both the total cost to each 
     taxpayer, and the cost to each taxpayer for each fiscal year, 
     of conducting the overseas operations in that country.''.


             amendment no. 106 offered by ms. brown of ohio

       Add at the end of subtitle B of title VIII the following:

     SEC. 8__. REQUIRE FULL DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF FLAGS OF THE 
                   UNITED STATES ACQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE.

       (a) In General.--Section 4862 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and in subsection 
     (l)'' after ``subsections (c) through (h)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(l) Flag of the United States.--Notwithstanding 
     subsection (a), funds appropriated or otherwise available to 
     the Department of Defense may not be used for the procurement 
     of a flag of the United States unless such flag is 
     manufactured--
       ``(1) in the United States; and
       ``(2) from articles, materials, and supplies grown, mined, 
     produced, or manufactured in the United States.''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply only with respect to contracts entered into on or 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.


             amendment no. 107 offered by ms. brown of ohio

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

     SEC. __. REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AND METABOLIC 
                   DISEASE AMONG CERTAIN MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES.

       Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study, and 
     submit to Congress a report, on the rate of incidence of the 
     simultaneous presence among members of the Armed Forces 
     serving on active duty of a metabolic disease and a mental 
     health condition (including post traumatic stress disorder, 
     depression, and anxiety) or substance use disorder.


        amendment no. 108 offered by ms. brownley of california

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

     SEC. 1__. FUNDING FOR C-130 MODULAR AIRBORNE FIREFIGHTING 
                   SYSTEM.

       (a) Increase.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 101 for aircraft procurement, Air 
     Force, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4101, for other aircraft, C-130, line 049, is hereby 
     increased by $60,000,000 (with the amount of such increase to 
     be used for the modular airborne firefighting system).
       (b) Offset.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table 
     in section 4301, for administration and service-wide 
     activities, Office of the Secretary of Defense, line 440, is 
     hereby reduced by $60,000,000.


          amendment no. 109 offered by mr. buchanan of florida

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

     SEC. 10__. STUDY AND REPORT ON POTENTIAL INCLUSION OF BLACK 
                   BOX DATA RECORDERS IN TACTICAL VEHICLES.

       (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall conduct a study to evaluate the feasability and 
     advisability of equipping all tactical vehicles of the Armed 
     Forces with black box data recorders.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the congressional defense committees a report on the 
     results of the study conducted under subsection (a).


          amendment no. 110 offered by mr. buchanan of florida

       At the end of subtitle D of title VII, insert the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 7__. DROP BOXES ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS FOR DEPOSIT OF 
                   UNUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

       (a) Drop Boxes.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure 
     there is maintained on each military installation a drop box 
     that is accessible to members of the Armed Forces and the 
     family members thereof, into which such members and family 
     members may deposit unused prescription drugs.

[[Page H6252]]

       (b) Prescription Drug Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``prescription drug'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 1074g(i) of title 10, United States Code.


          amendment no. 111 offered by mr. buchanan of florida

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

     SEC. 7__. STUDY ON ACCESSABILITY OF MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS 
                   AND SERVICES FOR ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS OF THE 
                   ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study 
     on the accessibility of mental health care providers and 
     services for members of the Armed Forces serving on active 
     duty, including an assessment of--
       (1) the accessibility of mental health care providers on 
     military installations;
       (2) the accessibility of inpatient services for mental 
     health care for such members; and
       (3) steps that may be taken to improve such accessibility.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
     to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a report containing the 
     findings of the study under subsection (a).


           amendment no. 112 offered by mr. buck of colorado

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

     SEC. 5__. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING SERVICE OF GARY ANDREW 
                   CYR.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) On February 23, 1971, Corporal Gary Andrew Cyr was 19 
     years old.
       (2) Corporal Cyr was assigned to the 10th Pathfinder 
     Detachment in May of 1970 and served as a Special Operations 
     Pathfinder until January 1972.
       (3) In February 1971, Corporal Cyr's Pathfinder Unit was 
     tasked with supporting Operation Dak Soo Ri 71-1, a joint 
     operation with Korean infantry units.
       (4) On February 23, 1971, Corporal Cyr was the Pathfinder 
     air traffic controller and cargo loadmaster for four flights 
     and twelve landing pickup zones for the Operation, including 
     the primary insertion point.
       (5) This Operation involved the insertion of over 1,000 
     Korean soldiers from two divisions and 31 sling loads of 
     cargo transported by 35 helicopters over the course of the 
     evening of February 23, 1971.
       (6) Corporal Cyr was responsible for coordinating incoming 
     helicopter flights and providing accurate on-the-ground 
     information to the pilots, essentially operating as a one-man 
     air traffic control tower inside a combat zone.
       (7) Corporal Cyr's leadership and execution enabled the 
     mission to be completed in a minimum time period with no 
     damaged cargo or casualties.
       (8) Corporal Cyr's actions were hailed by helicopter pilots 
     and officers from the inserting battalions.
       (9) Corporal Cyr's actions on February 23 epitomized the 
     Pathfinder motto of ``First in, Last out,''.
       (10) William P. Murphy, Commander of the 10th Pathfinder 
     Detachment, submitted a recommendation for the award of a 
     Bronze Star to Corporal Cyr to 10th Combat Aviation Battalion 
     Commander, Captain Charles E. Markham.
       (11) Captain Markham approved the recommendation and 
     submitted it to 17th Aviation Group Commander, Lieutenant 
     Colonel Jack A. Walker.
       (12) Lieutenant Colonel Walker approved the recommendation.
       (13) The 10th Pathfinder Detachment began to stand down in 
     December 1971 and deactivated in January 1972, before 
     Corporal Cyr could be awarded the Bronze Star.
       (14) Corporal Cyr's initial award was lost as a result of 
     the deactivation.
       (b) Purpose.--That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the heroism of Corporal Gary Andrew Cyr to 
     successfully insert troops and ammunition on time and on 
     target; and
       (2) believes the United States Army, in light of new 
     information, should consider revisiting decorating and 
     honoring the courage and leadership of Corporal Gary Andrew 
     Cyr.


           amendment no. 114 offered by mr. burgess of texas

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

     SEC. 12_. REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PLAN FOR RESPONDING 
                   TO RUSSIA'S INVASION OF UKRAINE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the 
     Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the heads of other 
     relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the congressional 
     defense committees a report outlining in detail the 
     Department of Defense plan for responding to Russia's 
     invasion of Ukraine, initiated on February 24, 2022.
       (b) Matters to Be Included.--The report required by 
     subsection (a) shall include--
       (1) military assistance provided to Ukraine by the 
     Department of Defense and the programs, operations, and 
     contracts to be carried out under the plan described in 
     subsection (a); and
       (2) both the short-term (the next 6 months) and long-term 
     (the next 12 months) strategic outlook or plan with respect 
     to such programs, operations, and contracts.


           amendment no. 115 offered by ms. bush of missouri

       Page 988, after line 21, insert the following:
       (B) An analysis of the amount of funding provided to 
     defense contractors to procure replacement stocks of covered 
     systems for the United States.


           amendment no. 116 offered by ms. bush of missouri

       Page 138, after line 22, insert the following:
       (9) Tidal and wave power technologies.


           amendment no. 117 offered by ms. bush of missouri

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

     SEC. 3__. STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND CLEANUP 
                   ASSOCIATED WITH THORIUM-230 AND RELATED 
                   SUBSTANCES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     containing the results of a study on the environmental 
     contamination and associated remediation efforts at sites in 
     the United States where weapons containing Thorium-230 were 
     developed, transported, stored, or otherwise used.
       (b) Elements.-- The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) A list of sites with known or suspected Thorium-230 
     contamination due to weapons development, transportation or 
     storage, or waste disposal.
       (2) A discussion of the current characterization of each 
     such site as a formerly used defense site, a site subject to 
     a Base Realignment and Closure action, an active site, or 
     other type of site.
       (3) A specific discussion of the area surrounding Coldwater 
     Creek in Saint Louis, Missouri.
       (4) The status of each site identified under paragraph (1) 
     including--
       (A) any environmental remediation that has been completed 
     or is underway at the site, including contamination levels, 
     if known;
       (B) any significant illness cluster associated with the 
     geographic proximity of the site
       (5) A detailed plan for any necessary environmental 
     remediation as well as site prioritization associated with 
     the sites identified under paragraph (1).


          amendment no. 118 offered by mrs. bustos of illinois

       Add at the end of title LI the following:

     SEC. 51__. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING WOMEN WHO SERVED AS 
                   CADET NURSES DURING WORLD WAR II.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) In June of 1943, Congress enacted the Bolton Act, 
     establishing the United States Cadet Nurse Corps as a 
     uniformed service of the Public Health Administration. 
     Through the Corps, women received free, expedited nursing 
     education in exchange for ``service in essential nursing for 
     the duration of the war''.
       (2) During World War II, the Nation faced a severe shortage 
     of qualified nurses, threatening the ability of the United 
     States to meet domestic and military medical needs.
       (3) In total, 124,065 women graduated from training under 
     the Cadet Nurse program, going on to serve in military 
     hospitals, Veterans Administration hospitals, Marine 
     hospitals, private hospitals, public health agencies, and 
     public hospitals until the program ended in 1948.
       (4) In 1944, the Federal Security Agency identified 
     ``national recognition for rendering a vital war service'' as 
     a privilege of service in the Corps.
       (5) By 1945, Cadet Nurses accounted for 80 percent of the 
     domestic nursing workforce.
       (6) The Cadet Nurse Corps has been credited with preventing 
     the collapse of the domestic nursing workforce.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     women who served in the Cadet Nurse Corps honorably stepped 
     up for their country during its time of need in World War II, 
     significantly contributing to the war effort and the safety 
     and security of the Nation.
       (c) Expression of Gratitude.--Congress hereby expresses 
     deep gratitude for the women who answered the call to duty 
     and served in the Cadet Nurse Corps.


        amendment no. 119 offered by mr. carbajal of california

       Add at the end of title LVIII of division E the following:

     SEC. __. REQUIREMENT FOR CUT FLOWERS AND CUT GREENS DISPLAYED 
                   IN CERTAIN FEDERAL BUILDINGS TO BE PRODUCED IN 
                   THE UNITED STATES.

       (a) In General.--A cut flower or a cut green may not be 
     officially displayed in any public area of a building of the 
     Executive Office of the President, of the Department of 
     State, or of the Department of Defense that is in a State of 
     the United States or in the District of Columbia, unless the 
     cut flower or cut green is produced in the United States.
       (b) Waiver.--The prohibition under subsection (a) may be 
     waived by the head of the agency concerned with respect to a 
     cut flower or cut green that is a gift from a foreign 
     country.
       (c) Rule of Construction.--The limitation in subsection (a) 
     may not be construed to apply to any cut flower or cut green 
     used by a Federal officer or employee for personal display.

[[Page H6253]]

       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``cut flower'' means a flower removed from a 
     living plant for decorative use.
       (2) The term ``cut green'' means a green, foliage, or 
     branch removed from a living plant for decorative use.
       (3) The term ``produced in the United States'' means grown 
     in--
       (A) any of the several States;
       (B) the District of Columbia;
       (C) a territory or possession of the United States; or
       (D) an area subject to the jurisdiction of a federally 
     recognized Indian Tribe.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.


        Amendment No. 120 Offered by Mr. CARBAJAL of California

       At the end of subtitle B of title VII, insert the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 7___. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ON INFANT AND EARLY 
                   CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN 
                   OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Assessment of Availability of Services.--The Secretary 
     of Defense shall conduct an assessment of the availability at 
     military installations (and in the surrounding communities) 
     of covered services at the Federal, State, and local level 
     for covered children, for the purpose of ensuring access to 
     such services for covered children with infant and early 
     childhood mental health needs. Such assessment shall address, 
     at a minimum, the following:
       (1) The availability of covered services that advance 
     social and emotional development for covered children, 
     including any relevant certification or endorsement programs 
     for professionals serving as infant and early childhood 
     mental health consultants for military child development 
     centers.
       (2) The availability of adequate diagnostic and non-medical 
     intervention covered services for covered children.
       (3) The availability of supplemental covered services for 
     covered children, such as consultation services provided by 
     licensed professionals who are appropriately certified or 
     endorsed in infant and early childhood mental health, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       (4) The ease of access to adequate covered educational or 
     treatment services for covered children, as appropriate, such 
     as the average duration of time spent on waiting lists prior 
     to receiving such services.
       (b) Review of Best Practices.--In developing the assessment 
     under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall conduct 
     a review of best practices across the United States for the 
     provision of covered services to covered children. Such 
     review shall include an assessment of any covered services of 
     the Federal or State government available in each State, with 
     an emphasis on the availability in locations where members of 
     the Armed Forces with children reside.
       (c) Demonstration Projects.--
       (1) Projects authorized.--The Secretary of Defense may 
     conduct one or more demonstration projects under this 
     subsection to test and evaluate various approaches to the 
     provision of covered services to covered children, for the 
     purposes of determining the efficacy of such approaches, 
     reducing incidents of behavioral issues among those with 
     infant and early childhood mental health needs, ensuring the 
     early identification of such needs that may require non-
     medical intervention, and such other related purposes as may 
     be determined appropriate by the Secretary.
       (2) Participants.--The Secretary may select for 
     participation in the study--
       (A) members of the Armed Forces with covered children who 
     elect to so participate; and
       (B) military child development centers that are located on 
     or near military installations or that otherwise provide 
     services to covered children.
       (3) Personnel.--In carrying out a demonstration project 
     under this subsection, the Secretary of Defense may assign 
     personnel who hold a covered degree that the Secretary 
     determines appropriate for the provision of covered services 
     to act as consultants for the provision of such services to 
     covered children who are participants in the demonstration 
     project. Under such demonstration project, such assigned 
     personnel may--
       (A) develop and monitor promotion and prevention, and non-
     medical intervention, plans for such participants;
       (B) provide appropriate training in the provision of 
     covered services to such participants;
       (C) provide non-medical counseling services to such 
     participants, and any members of the Armed Forces who are the 
     caregivers of such participants, as appropriate;
       (D) coordinate and collaborate with other relevant service 
     providers on the military installation or in the surrounding 
     community regarding covered services; and
       (E) become endorsed, or work towards becoming endorsed, by 
     an organization that provides licensing or professional 
     certifications recognized by the Federal or State government 
     for infant and early childhood mental health professionals.
       (4) Infant and early childhood mental health 
     consultations.--
       (A) Curriculum.--As an activity under the demonstration 
     project, the Secretary of Defense may authorize the 
     development of a comprehensive professional development 
     curriculum for use in training non-medical counselors in 
     infant and early childhood mental health consultation 
     services, so that such counselors may serve as infant early 
     childhood mental health consultants for covered children who 
     are participants in the demonstration project.
       (B) Competency guidelines.--The curriculum under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be based on a set of competency 
     guidelines that are--
       (i) designed to enhance culturally sensitive, relationship-
     focused practice within the framework of infant and early 
     childhood mental health; and
       (ii) recognized by an organization specified in paragraph 
     (3)(E) for the purposes of certification or endorsement as a 
     infant and early childhood mental health practitioner.
       (5) Contract authority.--
       (A) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may enter into a 
     contract, or multiple contracts, for the conduct of any 
     demonstration project under this subsection.
       (B) Requirement for supervisory-level providers.--As a term 
     of any contract that is entered into pursuant to subparagraph 
     (A) for the implementation of special educational and 
     behavioral intervention plans for covered children who are 
     participants in the demonstration project, the Secretary 
     shall require that any such plan be developed, reviewed, and 
     maintained by supervisory-level providers approved by the 
     Secretary.
       (C) Contractor requirements.--The Secretary shall 
     establish, and ensure the implementation of, the following:
       (i) Minimum required criteria for the education, training, 
     and experience of any contractor furnishing covered services 
     pursuant to a contract under subparagraph (A).
       (ii) Requirements for the supervision and oversight of 
     contractors who are infant and early childhood mental health 
     consultants, including requirements for relevant credentials 
     for such consultants and the frequency and intensity of such 
     supervision.
       (iii) Such other requirements as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate to ensure the safety and protection of covered 
     children who are participants in the demonstration project.
       (6) Deadline to commence; minimum period.--For each 
     demonstration project conducted under this subsection--
       (A) the Secretary shall commence the demonstration project 
     not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act; and
       (B) the demonstration project shall be conducted for a 
     period of not less than two years.
       (7) Evaluation.--
       (A) Requirement.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an 
     evaluation of the outcomes of each demonstration project 
     conducted under this subsection, to determine the efficacy of 
     covered services provided under the demonstration project.
       (B) Matters.-- Each evaluation under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include, with respect to the relevant demonstration project, 
     an assessment of the extent to which activities under the 
     demonstration project contributed to the following:
       (i) Positive outcomes for covered children.
       (ii) Improvements to the services and continuity of care 
     for covered children.
       (iii) Improvements to military family readiness and 
     enhanced military retention.
       (d) Reports on Demonstration Projects.--Not later than two 
     years and 180 days after the date of the commencement of a 
     demonstration project under subsection (c), the Secretary of 
     Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the 
     demonstration project. Such report shall include the 
     following:
       (1) A description of the demonstration project.
       (2) The results of the evaluation under subsection (c)(7) 
     with respect to the demonstration project.
       (3) A description of plans for the future provision of 
     covered services, in accordance with the model or approach 
     evaluated pursuant to the demonstration project.
       (e) Relationship to Other Benefits.--Nothing in this 
     section shall be construed as precluding a member of the 
     Armed Forces, or a dependent of such a member, from 
     eligibility for benefits under chapter 55 of title 10, United 
     States Code, to which such member or dependent would 
     otherwise be eligible.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``child'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
       (2) The term ``covered child'' means the infant, toddler, 
     or young child (from birth to age five, inclusive) of a 
     member of the Armed Forces.
       (3) The term ``covered degree'' means a postsecondary 
     degree that--
       (A) is awarded by an institution of higher of education 
     eligible to participate in programs under title IV of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.); and
       (B) is in the field of mental health, human development, 
     social work, or a related field, as determined by the 
     Secretary of Defense.
       (4) The term ``covered educational or treatment service''--
       (A) means a service, including a supportive service, that 
     provides quality early childhood education by promoting 
     healthy social and emotional development and providing 
     support for children experiencing mental health challenges; 
     and

[[Page H6254]]

       (B) includes the conduct of assessments, coaching for 
     educators and parents, and referrals to health care 
     professionals with specialties in infant and early childhood 
     mental health for diagnosis, therapeutic treatment, and early 
     intervention.
       (5) The term ``covered service'' means a covered 
     educational and treatment service or any other medical or 
     non-medical service, including consultation services, 
     relating to the improvement of infant and early childhood 
     mental health in the context of family, community, and 
     culture.
       (6) The term ``infant and early childhood mental health'' 
     means the developing capacity of an infant, toddler, or young 
     child (from birth to age five, inclusive), to--
       (A) form close and secure adult and peer relationships;
       (B) experience, manage, and express a full range of 
     emotions; and
       (C) explore the environment and learn.


        AMENDMENT NO. 121 OFFERED BY MR. CARDENAS OF CALIFORNIA

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

     SEC. 13_. REPORT ON AZERBAIJAN.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of State, shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     following:
       (1) United States parts and technology discovered in 
     Turkish Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles deployed by 
     Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh between September 27, 
     2020 and November 9, 2020, including an assessment of any 
     potential violations of United States arms export laws, 
     sanctions policies, or other provisions of United States law 
     related to the discovery of such parts and technology.
       (2) Azerbaijan's use of white phosphorous, cluster bombs 
     and other prohibited munitions deployed by Azerbaijan against 
     Nagorno Karabakh between September 27, 2020, and November 9, 
     2020, including an assessment of any potential violations of 
     United States or international law related to the use of 
     these munitions.
       (3) Turkey's and Azerbaijan's recruitment of foreign 
     terrorist fighters to participate in Azerbaijan's offensive 
     military operations against Nagorno Karabakh between 
     September 27, 2020, and November 9, 2020, including an 
     assessment of any related potential violations of United 
     States law, the International Convention against the 
     Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries, or 
     other international or multilateral treaties.


           AMENDMENT NO. 122 OFFERED BY MR. CARSON OF INDIANA

       At the end of subtitle D of title VII, add the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 7__. FUNDING FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH.

       (a) Increase.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 1405 for the Defense Health Program, 
     as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 
     4501, for Defense Health Program, R&D research is hereby 
     increased by $5,000,000 (with the amount of such increase to 
     be used in support of the CRDMP Program for Pancreatic Cancer 
     Research).
       (b) Offset.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table 
     in section 4301, for administration and service-wide 
     activities, Defense Human Resources Activity, line 240, is 
     hereby reduced by $5,000,000.


            AMENDMENT NO. 123 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

       At the end of subtitle G of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 28__. BRIEFING ON GUAM AND NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS 
                   MILITARY CONSTRUCTION COSTS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
     congressional defense committees a briefing on Guam and the 
     Northern Mariana Islands on the future military construction 
     requirements based on emerging threats in the region, ongoing 
     relocations of members of the Armed Forces, and the total 
     amount of funds obligated or expended from amounts 
     appropriated or otherwise made available and for implementing 
     the Record of Decision for the relocation of Marine Corps. 
     Such briefing shall include--
       (1) the projected funding for military construction through 
     fiscal year 2030;
       (2) the projected sustainment costs associated with 
     military infrastructure through fiscal year 2030; and
       (3) military infrastructure requirements through fiscal 
     year 2030 exceeding the current funding restriction.


            AMENDMENT NO. 124 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

       At the appropriate place in subtitle F of title X, insert 
     the following new section:

     SEC. 10__ REPORT ON THE STRATEGY AND ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS OF 
                   THE ARMED FORCES IN HAWAII.

       (a) In General.--The Commander of the United States Indo-
     Pacific Command shall, in collaboration with installation 
     commanders and the relevant service commands, develop and 
     implement--
       (1) a strategy to improve the engagement efforts of the 
     military with the local community in the State of Hawaii; and
       (2) enhanced coordinated community engagement efforts (as 
     described in section 587 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81)) 
     in the State of Hawaii.
       (b) Report Required.--Not later than one year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander shall submit 
     to the congressional defense committees a report that 
     describes the results of the strategy and engagement efforts 
     implemented pursuant to subsection (a).


            AMENDMENT NO. 125 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

       At the end of subtitle G of title XXVIII:

     SEC. 28__. COMPTROLLER GENERAL ASSESSMENT OF MILITARY 
                   CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE, AND UPGRADES OF 
                   JOINT BASE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct an assessment of possible inequitable 
     prioritization of military construction, maintenance, and 
     upgrades of joint base infrastructure and facilities, with a 
     focus on facilities as they relate to subordinate components 
     relative to the supporting component on joint bases.
       (b) Elements.--The assessment required by subsection (a) 
     shall include the following elements:
       (1) Historical analysis of investments made in 
     infrastructure used by supported components, including 
     allocation of new infrastructure spending between supported 
     and supporting components.
       (2) The policies and procedures at the departmental and 
     installation level designed to ensure the proper sustainment, 
     restoration, modernization, recapitalization, new 
     construction, and demolition of infrastructure used by 
     supported components.
       (3) Efforts to address the priorities of the supported 
     components through military construction and facility 
     upgrades.
       (4) Potential benefits of using the supported components' 
     service-specific construction agents for major infrastructure 
     investments.


            AMENDMENT NO. 126 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

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

     SEC. 10__. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ENGAGEMENT WITH NATIVE 
                   HAWAIIAN ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than March 30, 2023, the 
     Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and 
     Environment shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services 
     of the House of Representatives a report on Department of 
     Defense plans to identify, standardize, and coordinate best 
     practices with respect to consultation and engagement with 
     the Native Hawaiian community.
       (b) Contents of Report.--The report required under 
     subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
       (1) Plans for conducting education and training programs 
     relating to consultation and engagement with the Native 
     Hawaiian community, including--
       (A) outreach activities for fiscal years 2023 and 2024; and
       (B) the degree to which Native Hawaiian community members 
     have been involved in development of curricula, tentative 
     dates, locations, required attendees, and topics for the 
     education and training programs.
       (2) A list of all Native Hawaiian community groups involved 
     or to be involved in the consultation process to update 
     Department of Defense Instruction 4710.03 (or any successor 
     document).
       (3) A description of how Department of Defense Instruction 
     4710.03 can be improved to reflect best practices and provide 
     continuity across the military departments in practices, 
     policies, training, and personnel who conduct consultation 
     with the Native Hawaiian community.
       (4) A timeline for issuing the next update or successor 
     document to Department of Defense Instruction 4710.03.
       (5) A description of how the Department of Defense can 
     enhance and expand education and training programs relating 
     to consultation and engagement with the Native Hawaiian 
     community and outreach activities for all commands and 
     installations within the State of Hawaii.


            AMENDMENT NO. 127 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

       At the end of subtitle G of title XXVIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 28__. REPORT ON UNDERGROUND TUNNELS AND FACILITIES IN 
                   HAWAII.

       (a) Requirements Survey.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of 
     Defense for Sustainment shall submit to the congressional 
     defense committees a report containing the results of a 
     survey of underground tunnels and facilities on Department of 
     Defense property located in Hawaii, and such report shall 
     include--
       (1) a description of the location, size, and condition of 
     underground tunnels and facilities currently in use;
       (2) a description of the location, size, and condition of 
     unused underground tunnels and facilities;
       (3) a description of any current proposed future uses for 
     each of the unused underground tunnels and facilities, if 
     any;
       (4) a summary of existing unmet requirements for hardened 
     underground facilities for each service; and
       (5) efforts to coordinate across the services the 
     assessments and potential future use of hardened underground 
     facilities.

[[Page H6255]]

       (b) Form.--The survey required under subsection (a) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form, but shall include a 
     classified annex to include all information responsive to the 
     study directive that is classified.


            AMENDMENT NO. 128 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

       At the appropriate place in title LVIII, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. ___. RENEGOTIATION OF COMPACTS OF FREE ASSOCIATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress as 
     follows:
       (1) The United States shares deep ties, history and 
     interests with the Freely Associated States of the Republic 
     of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and 
     Palau and continues a special, unique and mutually beneficial 
     relationship with them under the decades-old Compacts of Free 
     Association.
       (2) Under the Compacts, the United States has undertaken 
     the responsibility and obligation to provide and ensure the 
     security and defense of the Freely Associated States.
       (3) The Compacts are critical to the national security of 
     the United States and its allies and partners and are the 
     bedrock of the United States role in the Pacific.
       (4) Renewal of key provisions of the Compacts, now being 
     negotiated with each nation, is critical for regional 
     security.
       (5) Maintaining and strengthening the Compacts supports 
     both United States national security and the United States 
     responsibility for the security and defense of the Freely 
     Associated States.
       (6) As the Department charged with fulfilling the security 
     mandates of the Compacts, the Department of Defense is an 
     integral partner with the Departments of State and Interior 
     in the Compact renewal negotiations, has a vested interest in 
     the outcome, and should play an active role in the 
     negotiations for their renewal.
       (7) The Department of Defense should continue its 
     engagement in the negotiations of the Compacts of Free 
     Association, in coordination with the Departments of State 
     and Interior and the Special Presidential Envoy for Compact 
     Negotiations.
       (8) It would be beneficial for the Secretary of Defense to 
     detail a senior officer -- or such other personal and 
     assistance as the Envoy may request -- to the Special 
     Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations to support the 
     negotiations for the renewal of Compact provisions.
       (b) Briefing on Negotiations.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall brief the following committees on the role of 
     the Department in the renegotiations of the Compacts and 
     opportunities to expand its support for the negotiations:
       (1) the congressional defense committees;
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
       (3) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.


            AMENDMENT NO. 129 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

       At the end of subtitle F of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. FFRDC STUDY ON SHIPYARD INFRASTRUCTURE 
                   OPTIMIZATION PROGRAM EFFORTS TO OPTIMIZE, 
                   RECAPITALIZE AND RECONFIGURE FACILITIES AND 
                   INDUSTRIAL PLANT EQUIPMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Navy shall seek 
     to enter into an agreement with an appropriate federally 
     funded research and development center for the conduct of a 
     detailed analysis of the efforts of the Shipyard 
     Infrastructure Optimization Program to optimize, 
     recapitalize, and reconfigure facilities and industrial plant 
     equipment at the Navy's public shipyard. Such analysis shall 
     not cover any dry dock project.
       (b) Matters for Consideration.--An analysis conducted 
     pursuant to an agreement under subsection (a) shall include a 
     consideration of each of the following items with respect to 
     the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program:
       (1) The adequacy of the cost estimate guidance and 
     methodology used by the Navy.
       (2) The estimated long-term cost and maintenance 
     availability time savings offered from the specific, major 
     proposed facility and equipment improvements.
       (3) The methodology of the Navy for prioritizing the 
     proposed facility and equipment improvements beyond their 
     expected service lives.
       (4) A comparison of current Navy policies and procedures 
     for large facility improvements in excess of $500,000,000 to 
     best practices used by other Federal agencies and the private 
     sector.
       (5) Options for improving the management and oversight of 
     the program, including staffing and contracting options for 
     ensuring the adequate oversight of contracted activities, 
     support provided to the public shipyards and local shipyard 
     construction agents, and best practices for the management of 
     large multi-contractor projects.
       (6) Estimates for current public shipyard facility 
     restoration and modernization backlogs and the plans of the 
     Secretary of the Navy to mitigate the current backlog either 
     within the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program or 
     through another program.
       (7) Recommendations for improving the Shipyard 
     Infrastructure Optimization Program based on the results of 
     the analysis.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days after the completion 
     of an analysis pursuant to an agreement under subsection (a), 
     the Secretary of Navy shall submit to the congressional 
     defense committees a report on the results of the analysis.
       (d) Public Availability.--An agreement entered into 
     pursuant to subsection (a) shall specify that the federally 
     funded research and development center shall make an 
     unclassified version of the report provided by the Secretary 
     publicly available on an appropriate website of the center.


            AMENDMENT NO. 130 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

       Add at the end of subtitle A of title XXVIII the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 8__. SUPERVISION OF LARGE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 
                   PROJECTS.

       (a) Supervision of Large Military Construction Projects.--
     Section 2851 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (h) (as added by section 
     2809 of this Act) as subsection (i);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (g) (as designated by 
     section 2809 of this Act) as subsection (h);
       (3) by inserting after subsection (f) section 2809 of this 
     Act (as added by the following new subsection:
       ``(g) Report on Supervision of Large Military Construction 
     Projects.--Before the award of a contract of a value greater 
     than $500,000,000 in connection with a military construction 
     project, the individual directing and supervising such 
     military construction project under subsection (a) or the 
     individual designated pursuant to subsection (b) (as 
     applicable) shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the intended supervision, inspection, 
     and overhead plan to manage such military construction 
     project. Each report shall include the following:
       ``(1) A determination of the overall funding intended to 
     manage the supervision, inspection, and overhead of the 
     military construction project.
       ``(2) An assessment of whether a Department of Defense 
     Field Activity that shall directly report to such individual 
     should be established.
       ``(3) A description of the quality assurance approach to 
     the military construction project.
       ``(4) The independent cost estimate described in section 
     3221(b)(6)(A) of this title.
       ``(5) The overall staffing approach to oversee the military 
     construction project for each year of the contract term.''.
       (b) Coforming Amendment to Duties of the Director of Cost 
     Assessment and Program Evaluation.--Section 3221(b)(6)(A) of 
     title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by adding at the end the following new clause:
       ``(v) any decision to enter into a contract in connection 
     with a military construction project of a value greater than 
     $500,000,000; and''.


            AMENDMENT NO. 131 OFFERED BY MR. CASE OF HAWAII

       At the end of subtitle G of title XXVIII, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. 28__. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 
                   ACTIVITIES AT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS IN FOREIGN 
                   COUNTRIES.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     containing the results of a study conducted by the 
     Comptroller General on community engagement activities at 
     military installations located in foreign countries. The 
     report shall address the following:
       (1) The programs and processes that exist at military 
     installations located in foreign countries to manage 
     relationships with the local community.
       (2) Whether existing programs and authorities are effective 
     at fostering positive community relations at military 
     installations located in foreign countries.
       (3) An identification of any authorities or changes to 
     existing programs that could help the Department of Defense 
     improve relationships with local communities at military 
     installations located in foreign countries.


            Amendment No. 132 Offered by Mr. Castro of Texas

       At the end of subtitle B of title VII, insert the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 7__. IMPROVEMENTS TO PROCESSES TO REDUCE FINANCIAL HARM 
                   CAUSED TO CIVILIANS FOR CARE PROVIDED AT 
                   MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES.

       (a) Clarification of Fee Waiver Process.--Section 1079b of 
     title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
       ``(b) Waiver of Fees.--Each commander (or director, as 
     applicable) of a military medical treatment facility shall 
     issue a waiver for a fee that would otherwise be charged 
     under the procedures implemented under subsection (a) to a 
     civilian provided medical care at the facility who is not a 
     covered beneficiary if the provision of such care enhances 
     the knowledge, skills, and abilities of health care 
     providers, as determined by the respective commander or 
     director.''; and
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d).

[[Page H6256]]

       (b) Modified Payment Plan for Certain Civilians.--
       (1) In general.--Such section is further amended--
       (A) by inserting after subsection (b), as amended by 
     subsection (a), the following:
       ``(c) Modified Payment Plan for Certain Civilians.--(1)(A) 
     If a civilian specified in subsection (a) is covered by a 
     covered payer at the time care under this section is 
     provided, the civilian shall only be responsible to pay, for 
     any services not covered by such covered payer, copays, 
     coinsurance, deductibles, or nominal fees.
       ``(B)(i) The Secretary of Defense may bill only the covered 
     payer for care provided to a civilian described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(ii) Payment received by the Secretary from the covered 
     payer of a civilian for care provided under this section that 
     is provided to the civilian shall be considered payment in 
     full for such care.
       ``(2) If a civilian specified in subsection (a) does not 
     meet the criteria under paragraph (1), is underinsured, or 
     has a remaining balance and is at risk of financial harm, the 
     Secretary of Defense shall reduce each fee that would 
     otherwise be charged to the civilian under this section 
     according to a sliding fee discount program.
       ``(3) If a civilian specified in subsection (a) does not 
     meet the criteria under paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary 
     of Defense shall implement an additional catastrophic waiver 
     to prevent financial harm.
       ``(4) The modified payment plan under this subsection may 
     not be administered by a Federal agency other than the 
     Department of Defense.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `covered payer' means a third-party payer or 
     other insurance, medical service, or health plan.
       ``(2) The terms `third-party payer' and `insurance, medical 
     service, or health plan' have the meaning given those terms 
     in section 1095(h) of this title.''.
       (c) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsections (a) 
     and (b) shall apply with respect to care provided on or after 
     the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.


            Amendment No. 133 Offered by Mr. Chabot of Ohio

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

     SEC. 2__. FUNDING FOR ADVANCED ABOVE WATER SENSORS.

       (a) Increase.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, 
     and evaluation, Navy, as specified in the corresponding 
     funding table in section 4201, for system development & 
     demonstration, advanced above water sensors (PE 0604501N), 
     line 129, is hereby increased by $24,004,000.
       (b) Offset.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table 
     in section 4301, for administration and service-wide 
     activities, Office of the Secretary of Defense, line 440, is 
     hereby reduced by $24,004,000.


            Amendment No. 134 Offered by Mr. Chabot of Ohio

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

     SEC. 10__. BRIEFING ON FIELDING OF SPEIR ON ALL SURFACE 
                   COMBATANT VESSELS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the 
     congressional defense committees a briefing on an assessment, 
     including cost, of fielding SPEIR on all surface combatant 
     vessels.


          Amendment No. 135 Offered by Mr. Cohen of Tennessee

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

     SEC. 10__. STUDY ON EFFORTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO 
                   REDUCE THE USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS.

       (a) Study Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on the efforts of the Department 
     of Defense to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
       (2) Elements.--The study required under paragraph (1) shall 
     address--
       (A) the extent to which the Department of Defense--
       (i) collects and tracks data on its use of single-use 
     plastics; and
       (ii) has set targets for reducing the use of such plastics;
       (B) the status of the implementation of Department of 
     Defense Instruction 4715.23 and Executive Order 14057 as that 
     instruction and order relate to single-use plastics;
       (C) any Department-wide or military service-specific 
     initiatives to reduce reliance on single use plastics;
       (D) any challenges that the Department faces in reducing 
     its reliance on single-use plastics and possible mechanisms 
     to address those challenges;
       (E) any recommendations to improve the Department's efforts 
     to reduce single-use plastics; and
       (F) any other matter the Comptroller General determines is 
     significant and relevant to the purposes of the study.
       (b) Interim Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
     shall provide to the congressional defense committees a 
     briefing on any preliminary findings of the study conducted 
     under subsection (a).
       (c) Final Results.--The Comptroller General shall provide 
     the final results of the study conducted under subsection (a) 
     to the congressional defense committees at such time and in 
     such format as is mutually agreed upon by the committees and 
     the Comptroller General.


          Amendment No. 136 Offered by Mr. Cooper of Tennessee

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

     SEC. 31__. FUNDING FOR W80-4 LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAM.

       (a) Increase.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 3101 for the National Nuclear 
     Security Administration, as specified in the corresponding 
     funding table in section 4701, for Stockpile Major 
     Modernization, W80-4 Life Extension Program is hereby 
     increased by $5,000,000.
       (b) Offset.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 3101 for the National Nuclear 
     Security Administration, as specified in the corresponding 
     funding table in section 4701, for Maintenance and Repair of 
     Facilities, Deferred Maintenance is hereby reduced by 
     $5,000,000.


        Amendment No. 137 Offered by Mr. Courtney of Connecticut

       Add at the end of title XI the following:

     SEC. 11__. GAO STUDY ON FEDERAL WAGE SYSTEM PARITY WITH LOCAL 
                   PREVAILING WAGE RATE.

       (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall review the parity between the Federal Wage System and 
     the prevailing wage rate for wage grade workers who maintain 
     or repair, or help support those who maintain or repair U.S. 
     Navy ships or submarines and--
       (1) are employed at the four U.S. Navy public shipyards;
       (2) are employed at domestic U.S. naval bases with 
     facilities to maintain or repair U.S. Navy ships or 
     submarines and are in vicinity of competitive private defense 
     industry; or
       (3) are employed at domestic U.S. naval bases with 
     facilities to maintain or repair U.S. Navy ships or 
     submarines and are located within close commuting distance 
     from a high-income area, such that wage grade jobs must 
     compete with other means of employment for workers of 
     equivalent skillsets and academic achievement.
       (b) Other Requirements.--Such study shall also review--
       (1) the Government-wide administration of the Federal Wage 
     System including the regulations, policies, and processes for 
     establishing or modifying geographic boundaries of local wage 
     areas;
       (2) the process of developing and administering the local 
     wage surveys and setting wage schedules for all Federal Wage 
     System workers including those discussed in subsection (a);
       (3) the use of Federal contractors to perform work skills 
     and occupational duties comparable to Federal Wage System 
     employees at the four U.S. Navy public shipyards and domestic 
     U.S. naval bases with facilities to maintain or repair U.S. 
     Navy ships or submarines;
       (4) the legal framework of the Federal Wage System and 
     Department of Defense and Office of Personnel Management 
     policies as compared to the General Schedule system, 
     including differences in the local wage areas for workers, 
     such as occupational coverage, geographic coverage, pay 
     ranges, pay increase limits, and pay adjustment cycles; and
       (5) provide recommendations to Congress, as applicable, 
     based on the findings.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide 
     a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
     and House of Representatives on preliminary findings of such 
     review.
       (d) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit to the 
     committees identified in subsection (c) a report containing 
     the final results of such review on a date agreed to at the 
     time of the briefing.


          Amendment No. 138 Offered by Ms. Craig of Minnesota

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

     SEC. 3__. FUNDING FOR ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICES.

       (a) Increase.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance for 
     Army, base operations support, line 110, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby 
     increased by $20,000,000, for the purpose of Army Community 
     Services.
       (b) Offset.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 301 for operation and maintenance, 
     Army, as specified in the corresponding funding table in 
     section 4301, for Army Administration, line 450, is hereby 
     reduced by $10,000,000.
       (c) Offset.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in

[[Page H6257]]

     section 301 for operation and maintenance, Army, as specified 
     in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Army 
     Other Service Support, line 490, is hereby reduced by 
     $10,000,000.


         Amendment No. 139 Offered by Mr. Crawford of Arkansas

       At the end of subtitle F of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. REPORT ON LITTORAL EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE 
                   NEUTRALIZATION PROGRAM OF RECORD.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Marine Corps 
     shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     on the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (in this 
     section referred to as ``LEON'') program of record.
       (b) Matters for Inclusion.--The report required under 
     subsection (a) shall include each of the following:
       (1) A detailed plan of action and milestones for the 
     implementation plan for the LEON program of record to enable 
     such program to reach fully operational capable status.
       (2) An identification of any manning, training, equipping, 
     or funding shortfalls or other barriers that could prevent 
     the LEON program of record from reaching fully operational 
     capable status.
       (3) A review of achievable, effective, and suitable 
     capabilities supporting technical architectures to collect, 
     store, manage, and disseminate information collected by LEON 
     sensors.
       (c) Consideration.--In preparing the report required under 
     subsection (a), the Commandant shall take into consideration 
     the necessity of the Marine Corps explosive ordnance disposal 
     requirements pertaining to the very shallow water mine 
     countermeasures mission.


           Amendment No. 140 Offered by Mr. Crenshaw of Texas

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

     SEC. 5__. ENLISTMENTS: COMPILATION OF DIRECTORY AND OTHER 
                   PROSPECTIVE RECRUIT INFORMATION.

       (a) Compilation of Prospective Recruit Information.--
     Section 503 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking the section designation and heading and 
     inserting the following:

     ``Sec. 503. Enlistments: recruiting campaigns; compilation of 
       directory and other prospective recruit information'';

       (2) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``Regular Army'' and 
     all that follows before the period at the end and inserting 
     ``regular and reserve components of the armed forces'';
       (3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
     (d) and (e), respectively; and
       (4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(c) Compilation of Other Prospective Recruit 
     Information.--(1) The Secretary of Defense may collect and 
     compile other prospective recruit information pertaining to 
     individuals who are--
       ``(A) 17 years of age or older or in the eleventh grade (or 
     its equivalent) or higher; and
       ``(B) enrolled in a secondary school in the United States 
     (including its territories and possessions) or the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
       ``(2) The Secretary may make prospective recruit 
     information collected and compiled under this subsection 
     available to the armed forces for military recruiting 
     purposes. Such information may not be disclosed for any other 
     purpose.
       ``(3) Other prospective recruit information collected and 
     compiled under 1 this subsection shall be confidential, and a 
     person who has had access to such information may not 
     disclose the information except for the purposes described in 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(4) In this subsection, the term `prospective recruit 
     information' means information for use in identifying 
     prospective recruits, tailoring marketing efforts to reach 
     the primary recruit market, and measuring the return on 
     investment of ongoing marketing efforts. Citizens will be 
     made aware of the categories of personally identifiable 
     information (PII), as well as non-PII information, to be 
     collected and the purposes for which the categories of 
     personal information are collected and used. Categories of 
     information may include, but are not limited to--
       ``(A) identifiers (such as Internet Protocol address, 
     social media handles);
       ``(B) information about your connected devices and how you 
     interact with our apps and websites (such as browser type, 
     unique device identifier, cookie data, and associated 
     identifying and usage information);
       ``(C) demographic (such as date of birth, high school or 
     college graduation year, grade currently enrolled in, 
     citizenship, marital status, household composition, or 
     veteran or military status);
       ``(D) protected classification characteristics under state 
     or federal law (such as age and gender);
       ``(E) audio or video information (social media content, 
     photographs and videos shared on recruitment digital 
     properties, images and likeness captured at events);
       ``(F) fitness activity data (for example, exercise length, 
     duration, activities); and
       ``(G) login and profile information, including screen name, 
     password and unique user ID for recruitment digital 
     properties.
       ``(5) The collection, use, and retention of a citizen's 
     personal information shall be reasonably necessary and 
     proportionate to military recruitment objectives.
       ``(6) Where possible, citizens will have the ability to 
     manage and/or opt-out of data collection via a clear and easy 
     to access process in compliance with state legislation.''.
       (c) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe 
     regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 31 of such 10 title is amended by 
     striking the item relating to section 503 and inserting the 
     following new item:

``503. Enlistments: recruiting campaigns; compilation of directory and 
              other prospective recruit information.''.


           Amendment No. 141 Offered by Mr. Crenshaw of Texas

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

     SEC. 5__. CONTINUING MILITARY SERVICE FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS 
                   ELIGIBLE FOR CHAPTER 61 RETIREMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     prescribe regulations that allow a covered member to continue 
     to elect to serve in the Armed Forces--
       (1) in the current military occupational specialty of such 
     covered member, for which the covered member may not be 
     deployable; or
       (2) in a military occupational specialty for which the 
     covered member is deployable.
       (b) Rule of Construction.--A covered member who completes 
     20 years of service computed under section 1208 of title 10, 
     United States Code shall not be denied any benefit under laws 
     administered by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs solely on the basis that the covered member 
     elected to continue to serve in the Armed Forces instead of 
     taking retirement under chapter 61 of title 10, United States 
     Code
       (c) Covered Member Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered member'' means a member of the Armed Forces--
       (1) whom the Secretary concerned determines possesses skill 
     or experience vital to the Armed Force concerned;
       (2) who incurs a disability--
       (A) while eligible for special pay under section 310 of 
     title 37, United States Code; and
       (B) that renders the member eligible for retirement under 
     chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code; and
       (3) who elects to continue to serve in the Armed Forces 
     instead of such retirement.


           Amendment No. 142 Offered by Mr. Crow of Colorado

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

     SEC. 520. ADDITIONAL MATTERS RELATING TO SUPPORT FOR 
                   FIREGUARD PROGRAM.

       Section 515 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81), as amended by section 
     517, is further amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a) in general.--'' before ``Until'';
       (2) by striking ``support'' and inserting ``carry out'';
       (3) by striking ``personnel of the California National 
     Guard'' and inserting ``National Guard personnel (including 
     from the Colorado National Guard and the California National 
     Guard)''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Transfer.--Until the date specified in subsection 
     (a), no component (including any analytical responsibility) 
     of the FireGuard program may be transferred from the 
     Department of Defense to another entity. If the Secretary 
     seeks to make such a transfer, the Secretary shall, at least 
     three years before such transfer, provide to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a written report and briefing that 
     detail--
       ``(1) plans of the Secretary for such transfer; and
       ``(2) how such transfer will sustain and improve detection 
     and monitoring of wildfires.
       ``(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In 
     this section, the term `appropriate congressional committees' 
     means the following:
       ``(1) The Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.
       ``(2) The Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(3) The Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
       ``(4) The Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the 
     House of Representatives.''.


       Amendment No. 143 Offered by Mr. DeSaulnier of California

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

     SEC. 5__. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING THE PORT CHICAGO 50.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the American people should recognize the role of racial 
     bias in the prosecution and convictions of the Port Chicago 
     50 following the deadliest home front disaster in World War 
     II;
       (2) the military records of each of the Port Chicago 50 
     should reflect such exoneration of any and all charges 
     brought against them in the aftermath of the explosion; and
       (3) the Secretary of the Navy should upgrade the general 
     and summary discharges of each of the Port Chicago 50 sailors 
     to honorable discharges.

[[Page H6258]]

  



           Amendment No. 144 Offered by Mr. Deutch of Florida

       At the appropriate place in subtitle B of title XIII, 
     insert the following:

     SEC. __. DEFENSE AND DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY FOR LIBYA.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 240 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter 
     through 2027, the Secretary of State, in concurrence with the 
     Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a report that contains a description 
     of the United States defense and diplomatic strategy for 
     Libya.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following elements:
       (1) An explanation of the defense and diplomatic strategy 
     for Libya, including a description of the ends, ways, and 
     means inherent to the strategy, the role of the Armed Forces 
     in supporting the strategy, and its integration with the U.S. 
     Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.
       (2) An explanation of how the existing authorities and 
     available resources of the Department of Defense and the 
     Department of State are being utilized to support the 
     strategy.
       (3) A detailed description of Libyan and external security 
     actors and an assessment of how those actors advance or 
     undermine stability in Libya and United States strategic 
     interests in Libya, including United States interests in a 
     political settlement to the conflict in Libya.
       (4) A detailed description of the military activities of 
     external actors in Libya, including assessments and detailed 
     analysis of situations in which those activities--
       (A) have undermined progress towards stabilization of 
     Libya, including the United Nations-led negotiations
       (B) involve United States-origin equipment and violate 
     contractual conditions of acceptable use of such equipment; 
     or
       (C) violate or seek to violate the United Nations arms 
     embargo on Libya imposed pursuant to United Nations Security 
     Council Resolution 1970 (2011).
       (5) An update on assessments relating to reopening the 
     United States Embassy in Libya, including any existing or 
     potential barriers to implementation, financial cost 
     estimates, security considerations, and possible timelines.
       (6) An identification and assessment of the root causes of 
     migration through Libya into Europe, including--
       (A) the extent to which such migratory trends correlate to 
     increased instances of human trafficking and slavery, 
     including actors attributed to such behavior
       (B) an analysis of Libyan Government and international 
     efforts to reduce migration and prevent human trafficking, 
     slavery, and abuse of migrants' human rights in Libya; and
       (C) United States policy options to reduce flows of 
     migrants to and through Libya and to support the humane 
     treatment of migrants and their lawful departure from Libya 
     in cooperation with Libyan authorities, United Nations 
     entities, and partner governments.
       (7) A plan for any potential stabilization operations 
     support for Libya, as a designated priority country under the 
     Global Fragility Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 9804), including--
       (A) A detailed description of the stability and threat 
     environment in Libya and related stabilization objectives, 
     including the desired end-state for the United States.
       (B) Any potential limitations to existing resources of 
     either Department affecting the ability to support 
     stabilization operations in Libya.
       (C) A detailed analysis of whether barriers exist to the 
     use of authorities pursuant to section 1210A of the National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (133 Stat. 
     1626) to support United States stabilization efforts in 
     Libya, and any congressional or departmental action that 
     could reduce such barriers.
       (D) An identification of interagency deployments in Libya, 
     including the rationale for such deployments and plans for 
     future interagency deployments.
       (8) Any other matters the Secretary of Defense considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
     annex.
       (d) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives.


       Amendment No. 145 Offered by Mr. Duncan of South Carolina

       Page 1113, after line 15, insert the following:
       (e) Briefing.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator for Nuclear 
     Security shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
     committees a briefing that assesses the options for 
     partnering with covered entities to seek cost efficiencies 
     and mitigate supply chain risks related to the production of 
     plutonium pits, including the production and integration of 
     glove boxes.
       (2) Covered entities defined.--In this subsection, the term 
     ``covered entities'' means entities from private industry 
     with expertise in advanced manufacturing and production 
     techniques related to plutonium pits.


            Amendment No. 146 Offered by Mr. Ellzey of Texas

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

     SEC. 5__. ANNUAL REPORT ON MEMBERS SEPARATING FROM ACTIVE 
                   DUTY WHO FILE CLAIMS FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than one year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than each 
     January 1 thereafter, the Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall jointly submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a report on members of 
     the Armed Forces who file claims for disability benefits.
       (b) Elements.--The report under this section shall include, 
     for the period beginning on October 1, 2019, through the 
     month that ended most recently before the date of the report, 
     the number of members serving on active duty, disaggregated 
     by Armed Force, who filed a claim for disability benefits--
       (1) more than 180 days before the discharge or release of 
     such member from active duty;
       (2) between 180 and 90 days before the discharge or release 
     of such member from active duty;
       (3) fewer than 90 days before the discharge or release of 
     such member from active duty;
       (4) before separation and was issued a decision letter 
     before the discharge or release of such member from active 
     duty;
       (5) before separation and was issued a decision letter 
     after the discharge or release of such member from active 
     duty;
       (6) completed a mental health evaluation before the 
     discharge or release of such member from active duty; and
       (7) did not complete a mental health evaluation before the 
     discharge or release of such member from active duty.
       (c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means the following:
       (1) The Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and 
     House of Representatives.
       (2) The Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and 
     House of Representatives.


           amendment no. 147 offered by ms. escobar of texas

       Page 118, line 8, insert ``, including fellowships and 
     internships,'' after ``the Department''.


           amendment no. 148 offered by ms. escobar of texas

       At the end of subtitle E of title XXVIII, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. 28__. STUDY OF MILITARY HOUSING RESILIENCE AND ENERGY 
                   EFFICIENCY.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study 
     of military housing resilience and energy efficiency to 
     assess compliance with the Unified Facilities Criteria for 
     Housing and with the latest published editions of relevant 
     codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the 
     latest hazard-resistant and energy-efficient designs and 
     establish minimum acceptable criteria for the design, 
     construction, and maintenance of residential structures.
       (b) Elements.--The study shall include the following 
     elements:
       (1) An identification and assessment of deficiencies, 
     costs, and timelines to relocate, rehabilitate, repair, or 
     retrofit as needed all military housing, including barracks, 
     family housing, and privatized family and unaccompanied 
     housing, to ensure health, safety, energy security, and 
     resilience.
       (2) An inventory of all housing structures that are located 
     in floodprone areas and within the Wildland-Urban Interface.
       (3) An identification and inventory of all housing 
     structures that experienced loss or damage due to weather or 
     other natural hazards during the preceding five years.
       (4) An identification of any needed updates to the Unified 
     Facilities Criteria to ensure such Criteria comports with the 
     latest published editions of relevant codes, specifications, 
     and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant 
     and energy-efficient designs and establish minimum acceptable 
     criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of 
     residential structures.
       (c) Initial Report.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
     the congressional defense committees a report on the study 
     required under subsection (a).
       (d) Annual Reports.--One year after the date of the 
     submittal of the initial report under subsection (c), and 
     annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report on the progress of 
     the Department of defense in addressing deficiencies 
     identified in the initial report, with the goal of addressing 
     all deficiencies for all military housing within five years 
     and to ensure that all military housing is sited, designed, 
     and maintained to comply with the latest codes, 
     specifications, and standards for health, safety, energy 
     security, and resilience.


           amendment no. 149 offered by ms. escobar of texas

       At the end of subtitle B of title VII, insert the following 
     new section:

[[Page H6259]]

  


     SEC. 7__. IMPROVEMENTS TO MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT 
                   FACILITIES AND OTHER FACILITIES UNDER MILITARY 
                   HEALTH SYSTEM.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study 
     on any deficiencies of, and necessary improvements to, 
     military medical treatment facilities and other covered 
     facilities, to ensure the design, construction, and 
     maintenance of such facilities are in compliance with each 
     covered code, specification, and standard. Such study shall 
     include an identification of any necessary updates to the 
     Unified Facilities Criteria relating to military construction 
     planning and design with respect to such facilities, to 
     ensure such compliance.
       (b) Reports.--
       (1) First report.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report on 
     the findings of the study under subsection (a). Such report 
     shall include--
       (A) for each covered facility, a description of any 
     deficiencies identified pursuant to such study; and
       (B) the plans of the Secretary, including costs and 
     timelines, to address such deficiencies through the 
     rehabilitation, repair, or retrofit of the facility, as 
     applicable.
       (2) Annual reports.--Not later than one year after the date 
     on which the report under paragraph (1) is submitted, and on 
     an annual basis thereafter until the date on which the 
     Secretary determines all covered facilities are in compliance 
     with each covered code, specification, and standard, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees a report on the progress made toward addressing 
     any deficiency of a covered facility and maintaining covered 
     facilities, to ensure such compliance.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``covered code, specification, and 
     standard''--
       (A) means the latest published edition of any code, 
     specification, or standard that incorporates the latest 
     hazard-resistant and energy-efficient designs, establishes 
     minimum acceptable criteria for design, construction, or 
     maintenance, and is at least as stringent as the previously 
     published edition; and
       (B) includes the following (or the latest published edition 
     thereof that is at least as stringent as the previously 
     published edition):
       (i) The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code.
       (ii) The ASHRAE Standard 90.1.
       (iii) The ASHRAE Standard 170.
       (iv) The ASHRAE Standard 189.3.
       (v) The American Society of Civil Engineers Minimum Design 
     Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE Standard ASCE 
     7).
       (vi) The International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
       (vii) Executive Order 13690 of January 30, 2015 (80 Fed. 
     Reg. 6425) (relating to a Federal Flood Risk Management 
     Standard for critical facilities).
       (2) The term ``covered facility'' means any Department of 
     Defense-owned facility used for activities under the military 
     health system, including military medical treatment 
     facilities, military ambulatory care and occupational health 
     facilities, and defense health research facilities.


           amendment no. 150 offered by mr. feenstra of iowa

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

     SEC. 2__. BIOFUEL AND FUEL CELL VEHICLE RESEARCH, 
                   DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish a 
     research, development, and demonstration program for a 
     commercially viable fuel cell system that uses biofuel as a 
     fuel source for a vehicle.
       (b) Research Goals.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     establish interim research and development goals that will 
     result in the demonstration of commercially viable fuel cell 
     systems that utilize biofuels as a fuel source, including the 
     following:
       (1) Innovative stack designs and components, including--
       (A) catalysts;
       (B) membranes and electrolytes;
       (C) interconnects;
       (D) seals; and
       (E) metal- or electrolyte-supported stack cell designs.
       (2) Variety of renewable energy sources, including ethanol 
     and other biomass.
       (3) Technologies that enable fuel cell durability and fuel 
     cell durability testing.
       (4) Systems designs and component integration that optimize 
     efficiency, cost, transient response, and lifetime.
       (c) Coordination.--In carrying out the activities under 
     this section, the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate 
     with--
       (1) appropriate Federal agencies, including the Department 
     of Agriculture and the Department of Transportation;
       (2) National Laboratories; and
       (3) relevant industry stakeholders, non-government 
     organizations, and trade associations.


           amendment no. 151 offered by mr. feenstra of iowa

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

     SEC. 2__. RADAR OBSTRUCTION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND 
                   EVALUATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense, in 
     conjunction with the Director of the National Weather 
     Service, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary 
     of Energy shall establish a research, development, test, and 
     evaluation program (in this Act referred to as the 
     ``Program'') to ensure the continued performance of weather 
     radar detection and prediction capabilities with physical 
     obstructions in the radar line of sight.
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Interagency 
     Council for Advancing Meteorological Services, shall--
       (1) partner with industry, academia, Federal, State, and 
     local government entities, and any other entity that the 
     Secretary considers appropriate;
       (2) identify and test existing or near-commercial 
     technologies and solutions that mitigate the potential impact 
     of obstructions on a weather radar;
       (3) research additional solutions that could mitigate the 
     effects of an obstruction on weather radar, including--
       (A) signal processing algorithms;
       (B) short-term forecasting algorithms to replace 
     contaminated data; and
       (C) the use of dual polarization characteristics in 
     mitigating the effects of wind turbines on weather radar; and
       (4) develop commercially viable technical mitigation 
     solutions for obstructions to weather radar capabilities.
       (c) Priority.--In carrying out the requirements described 
     in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall prioritize 
     consideration of--
       (1) multifunction phased array radar;
       (2) the replacement of contaminated data with commercial 
     radar data;
       (3) the utilization of data from private-sector-associated 
     meteorological towers;
       (4) providing wind farm boundaries and consolidated wind 
     farm areas to display on local forecasting equipment;
       (5) installing and providing access to rain gauges; and
       (6) any other technology-based mitigation solution that the 
     Director of the National Weather Service determines could 
     overcome beam blockage or ghost echoes.
       (d) Termination.--The authority of the Secretary of Defense 
     to carry out the Program shall terminate on the earlier of--
       (1) September 30, 2026; or
       (2) 1 year after date on which the final recommendation 
     required by subsection (e)(2) is submitted by the Secretary.
       (e) Report; Recommendation.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this section, and annually thereafter until the 
     Program terminates pursuant to subsection (d), the Secretary 
     of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     implementation of the Program, including an evaluation of 
     each technology-based mitigation solution identified for 
     priority consideration in subsection (c), and a 
     recommendation regarding additional identification and 
     testing of new technologies based on such consideration.
       (2) Final recommendation.--Not later than 5 years after the 
     date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall provide to Congress a recommendation on whether 
     additional research, testing, and development through the 
     Program established by subsection (a) is needed, and a 
     determination of whether a cessation of field research, 
     development, testing, and evaluation is appropriate.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Beam blockage.--The term ``beam blockage'' means a 
     signal that is partially or fully blocked due to an 
     obstruction.
       (2) Ghost echo.--The term ``ghost echo'' means radar signal 
     reflectivity or velocity return errors in radar data due to 
     the close proximity of an obstruction.
       (3) Obstruction.--The term obstruction includes--
       (A) a wind turbine that could limit the effectiveness of a 
     weather radar system; and
       (B) any building that disrupts or limits the effectiveness 
     of a weather radar system.


        amendment no. 152 offered by mr. fleischman of tennessee

       Add to the end of subtitle E of title VIII of Division A 
     the following:

     SEC. 859. REVIEW OF ADVANCES IN DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF CARBON 
                   FIBER.

       (a) Review Required.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     conduct a review of the Department of Defense carbon fiber 
     requirements necessary for current and future weapon system 
     production and sustainment, including--
       (1) an examination of the access to domestically produced 
     carbon fiber to meet the requirements of the Department; and
       (2) a review of developments in advanced carbon fiber 
     production processes that can--
       (A) lower embedded energy consumption and improve 
     sustainability;
       (B) enable scalable production of carbon fiber and lower 
     production costs; and
       (C) enhance competition and resilience in the United States 
     industrial base.
       (b) Report.--Not later than June 1, 2023, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees 
     a report of the findings of the review described in 
     subsection (a), including any recommendations the Secretary 
     may have for ensuring the Department of Defense access to 
     sustainable, affordable, and domestically produced carbon 
     fiber.


        amendment no. 153 offered by ms. foxx of north carolina

       Page 606, after line 17, insert the following:

[[Page H6260]]

  


     SEC. ___. GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES ON THE ACQUISITION OR 
                   LICENSING OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

       Section 3791 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Guidelines and Resources.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, acting through 
     the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and 
     Sustainment, shall develop guidelines and resources on the 
     acquisition or licensing of intellectual property, 
     including--
       ``(A) model forms for specially negotiated licenses 
     described under section 3774(c) of this title (as 
     appropriate); and
       ``(B) an identification of definitions, key terms, 
     examples, and case studies that resolve ambiguities in the 
     differences between--
       ``(i) detailed manufacturing and process data;
       ``(ii) form, fit, and function data; and
       ``(iii) data required for operations, maintenance, 
     installation, and training.
       ``(2) Consultation.--In developing the guidelines and 
     resources described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
     regularly consult with appropriate persons.''.


     amendment no. 154 offered by mr. c. scott franklin of florida

       At the appropriate place in subtitle A of title XIII, 
     insert the following:

     SEC. __. MODIFICATION OF PROHIBITION ON PARTICIPATION OF THE 
                   PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN RIM OF THE 
                   PACIFIC (RIMPAC) NAVAL EXERCISES TO INCLUDE 
                   CESSATION OF GENOCIDE BY CHINA.

       Section 1259(a)(1) of the John S. McCain National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C. 321 note) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) ceased committing ongoing genocide in China, as 
     determined by the Secretary of State on January 19, 2021, 
     recognized and apologized for committing such genocide, and 
     engaged in a credible justice and accountability process for 
     all victims of such genocide.''.


     amendment no. 155 offered by mr. c. scott franklin of florida

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

     SEC. 2__. FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO 
                   RARE EARTH ELEMENTS.

       (a) Increase.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated for the National Defense Stockpile Transaction 
     Fund, as specified the funding table in section 4501, is 
     hereby increased by $2,000,000 (with the amount of such 
     increase to be used strengthen and implement the domestic 
     industrial base for rare earth metallization related to 
     permanent magnet production and related projects).
       (b) Offset.--Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the 
     funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, 
     and evaluation, Army, as specified in the corresponding 
     funding table in section 4201, for system development & 
     demonstration, integrated personnel and pay system-Army 
     (IPPS-A) (PE 0605018A), line 123, is hereby reduced by 
     $2,000,000.


        amendment no. 156 offered by mr. gallagher of wisconsin

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

     SEC. 16__. UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENA REPORTING 
                   PROCEDURES.

       (a) Authorization for Reporting.--Notwithstanding the terms 
     of any written or oral nondisclosure agreement, order, or 
     other instrumentality or means, that could be interpreted as 
     a legal constraint on reporting by a witness of an 
     unidentified aerial phenomena, reporting in accordance with 
     the system established under subsection (b) is hereby 
     authorized and shall be deemed to comply with any regulation 
     or order issued under the authority of Executive Order 13526 
     (50 U.S.C. 3161 note; relating to classified national 
     security information) or chapter 18 of the Atomic Energy Act 
     of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2271 et seq.).
       (b) System for Reporting.--
       (1) Establishment.--The head of the Office, on behalf of 
     the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National 
     Intelligence, shall establish a secure system for receiving 
     reports of--
       (A) any event relating to unidentified aerial phenomena; 
     and
       (B) any Government or Government contractor activity or 
     program related to unidentified aerial phenomena.
       (2) Protection of systems, programs, and activity.--The 
     system established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall serve as a 
     mechanism to prevent unauthorized public reporting or 
     compromise of properly classified military and intelligence 
     systems, programs, and related activity, including all 
     categories and levels of special access and compartmented 
     access programs, current, historical, and future.
       (3) Administration.--The system established pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) shall be administered by designated and widely 
     known, easily accessible, and appropriately cleared 
     Department of Defense and intelligence community employees or 
     contractors assigned to the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena 
     Task Force or the Office.
       (4) Sharing of information.--The system established under 
     paragraph (1) shall provide for the immediate sharing with 
     Office personnel and supporting analysts and scientists of 
     information previously prohibited from reporting under any 
     nondisclosure written or oral agreement, order, or other 
     instrumentality or means, except in cases where the cleared 
     Government personnel administering such system conclude that 
     the preponderance of information available regarding the 
     reporting indicates that the observed object and associated 
     events and activities likely relate to a special access 
     program or compartmented access program that, as of the date 
     of the reporting, has been explicitly and clearly reported to 
     the congressional defense committees and congressional 
     intelligence committees, and is documented as meeting those 
     criteria.
       (5) Initial report and publication.--Not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the head of 
     the Office, on behalf of the Secretary and the Director, 
     shall--
       (A) submit to the congressional intelligence committees, 
     the congressional defense committees, and congressional 
     leadership a report detailing the system established under 
     paragraph (1); and
       (B) make available to the public on a website of the 
     Department of Defense information about such system, 
     including clear public guidance for accessing and using such 
     system and providing feedback about the expected timeline to 
     process a report.
       (6) Annual reports.--Section 1683 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C. 3373) is 
     amended--
       (A) in subsection (h)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and congressional 
     leadership'' after ``appropriate congressional committees''; 
     and
       (ii) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following 
     new subparagraph:
       ``(Q) A summary of the reports received using the system 
     established under title XVI of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.''; and
       (B) in subsection (l)--
       (i) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as 
     paragraphs (3) through (6), respectively; and
       (ii) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2) The term `congressional leadership' means--
       ``(A) the majority leader of the Senate;
       ``(B) the minority leader of the Senate;
       ``(C) the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
       ``(D) the minority leader of the House of 
     Representatives.''.
       (c) Records of Nondisclosure Agreements.--
       (1) Identification of nondisclosure agreements.--The 
     Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security, the heads of such other 
     departments and agencies of the Federal Government that have 
     supported investigations of the types of events covered by 
     subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(1) and activities and 
     programs described subparagraph (B) of such subsection, and 
     contractors of the Federal Government supporting such 
     activities and programs shall conduct comprehensive searches 
     of all records relating to nondisclosure orders or agreements 
     or other obligations relating to the types of events 
     described in subsection (a) and provide copies of all 
     relevant documents to the Office.
       (2) Submittal to congress.--The head of the Office shall--
       (A) make the records compiled under paragraph (1) 
     accessible to the congressional intelligence committees, the 
     congressional defense committees, and congressional 
     leadership; and
       (B) not later than September 30, 2023, and at least once 
     each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 2026, provide 
     to such committees and congressional leadership briefings and 
     reports on such records.
       (d) Protection From Liability and Private Right of 
     Action.--
       (1) Protection from liability.--It shall not be a violation 
     of section 798 of title 18, United States Code, or any other 
     provision of law, and no cause of action shall lie or be 
     maintained in any court or other tribunal against any person, 
     for reporting any information through, and in compliance 
     with, the system established pursuant to subsection (b)(1).
       (2) Prohibition on reprisals.--An employee of a Federal 
     agency and an employee of a contractor for the Federal 
     Government who has authority to take, direct others to take, 
     recommend, or approve any personnel action, shall not, with 
     respect to such authority, take or fail to take, or threaten 
     to take or fail to take, a personnel action, including the 
     revocation or suspension of security clearances, with respect 
     to any individual as a reprisal for any reporting as 
     described in paragraph (1).
       (3) Private right of action.--In a case in which an 
     employee described in paragraph (2) takes a personnel action 
     against an individual in violation of such paragraph, the 
     individual may bring a private civil action for all 
     appropriate remedies, including injunctive relief and 
     compensatory and punitive damages, against the Government or 
     other employer who took the personnel action, in the United 
     States Court of Federal Claims.

[[Page H6261]]

       (e) Review by Inspectors General.--Not later than one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector 
     General of the Department of Defense and the Inspector 
     General of the Intelligence Community shall each--
       (1) conduct an assessment of the compliance with the 
     requirements of this section and the operation and efficacy 
     of the system established under subsection (b); and
       (2) submit to the congressional intelligence committees, 
     the congressional defense committees, and congressional 
     leadership a report on their respective findings with respect 
     to the assessments they conducted under paragraph (1).
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``congressional intelligence committees'' has 
     the meaning given such term in section 3 of the National 
     Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
       (2) The term ``congressional leadership'' means--
       (A) the majority leader of the Senate;
       (B) the minority leader of the Senate;
       (C) the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
       (D) the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
       (3) The term ``intelligence community'' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 
     1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
       (4) The term ``Office'' means the office established under 
     section 1683(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C. 3373(a)).
       (5) The term ``personnel action'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 1104(a) of the National Security Act of 
     1947 (50 U.S.C. 3234(a)).
       (6) The term ``unidentified aerial phenomena'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 1683(l) of the National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C. 
     3373(l)).


        amendment no. 157 offered by mr. gallagher of wisconsin

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

     SEC. 5__. TREATMENT OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION 
                   REGARDING PROSPECTIVE RECRUITS.

       Section 503(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
     adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(3) PII regarding a prospective recruit collected or 
     compiled under this subsection shall be kept confidential, 
     and a person who has had access to such PII may not disclose 
     the information except for purposes of this section or other 
     purpose authorized by law.
       ``(4) In the course of conducting a recruiting campaign, 
     the Secretary concerned shall--
       ``(A) notify a prospective recruit of data collection 
     policies of the armed force concerned; and
       ``(B) permit the prospective recruit to elect not to 
     participate in such data collection.
       ``(5) In this subsection, the term `PII' means personally 
     identifiable information.''.

        AMENDMENT NO. 158 OFFERED BY MR. GARAMENDI OF CALIFORNIA

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

     SEC. __. PHYSICAL ENTRANCES TO CERTAIN MILITARY 
                   INSTALLATIONS.

       The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, to the extent 
     practicable--
       (1) each military installation in the United States has a 
     designated main entrance that, at all times, is manned by at 
     least 1 member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of 
     the Department of Defense;
       (2) the location of each such designated main entrance is 
     published on a publicly accessible Internet website of the 
     Department;
       (3) if a military installation in the United States has any 
     additional entrance designated for commercial deliveries to 
     the military installation, the location of such entrance (and 
     any applicable days or hours of operation for such entrance) 
     is published on the same Internet website specified in 
     paragraph (2); and
       (4) the information published on the Internet website 
     specified in paragraph (2) is reviewed and, as necessary, 
     updated on a basis that is not less frequent than annually.


        AMENDMENT NO. 159 OFFERED BY MR. CASAMENDI OF CALIFORNIA

       At the end of subtitle C of title XXVIII, insert the 
     following new section:

     SEC. 28__. IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO ACCESS TO MILITARY 
                   INSTALLATIONS IN UNITED STATES.

       (a) Additional Categories for Expedited Access.--Chapter 
     159 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new section (and conforming the table 
     of sections at the beginning of such chapter accordingly):

     ``Sec. 2698. Access to military installations: standards for 
       entry to military installations in United States

       ``(a) Access to Military Installations in United States.--
     (1) The Secretary of Defense shall maintain access standards 
     applicable to all military installations in the United 
     States. Such standards shall require screening standards 
     appropriate to the type of installation involved, the 
     security level of the installation, the category of 
     individuals authorized to visit the installation, and the 
     level of access to be granted, including--
       ``(A) protocols and criteria to determine the fitness of 
     the individual to enter an installation;
       ``(B) standards and methods for verifying the identity of 
     the individual; and
       ``(C) other factors the Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(2) In developing the standards under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall, with respect to military installations in 
     the United States--
       ``(A) include procedures for recurring unescorted access to 
     facilitate future visits to the installation for individuals 
     who--
       ``(i) are non-Department of Defense personnel; and
       ``(ii) are determined to be eligible under such standards; 
     and
       ``(B) ensure that access for such individuals is based on 
     the use of credentials non-Department of Defense personnel 
     already posses, to the extent practical.
       ``(3) Upon publication in the Federal Register of final 
     regulations to carry out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
     publish the standards set forth therein on a publicly 
     accessible Internet website of the Department of Defense.
       ``(4) In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     seek to procure and field existing identification screening 
     technology (including technology to enable the Secretary to 
     validate other Federally recognized access credentials) and 
     develop additional technology only to the extent necessary to 
     assist commanders of military installations in the United 
     States in implementing the standards under paragraph (1) at 
     points of entry for such installations.
       ``(b) Pre-arrival Registration and Screening Protocol for 
     Access to Military Installations in United States.--The 
     Secretary shall ensure that the standards under subsection 
     (a) include a specific protocol for the voluntary pre-arrival 
     registration and screening of individuals anticipating a need 
     for access to a military installation in the United States to 
     establish the fitness and purpose of such individual. Under 
     such protocol--
       ``(1) such a screening shall occur not less than 24 hours, 
     and not more than 14 days prior, to the time of such access; 
     and
       ``(2) if an individual is determined fit to enter the 
     installation pursuant to the pre-arrival registration and 
     screening, access may only be granted upon arrival at the 
     military installation on the date of the established purpose, 
     following a verification of the identity of the individual.
       ``(c) Unescorted Access to Military Installations in United 
     States for Certain Individuals.--The Secretary shall maintain 
     guidance regarding the granting of unescorted access to 
     military installations in the United States for covered 
     individuals and ensure such guidance is circulated to the 
     commanders of each such military installation. Such guidance 
     shall--
       ``(1) identify the categories of covered individuals that 
     may obtain such unescorted access;
       ``(2) include a list of credentials that can be used for 
     access to an installation that are, to the extent practical, 
     types of identification non-Department of Defense personnel 
     already posses.
       ``(3) be consistent across military installations in the 
     United States; and
       ``(4) be in accordance with any privileges or benefits 
     accorded under, procedures developed pursuant to, or 
     requirements of, each covered provision and subsection (a).
       ``(d) Physical Entrances to Certain Military 
     Installations.--The Secretary shall ensure that, to the 
     extent practicable--
       ``(1) each military installation in the United States has a 
     designated main entrance that, at all times, is manned by at 
     least one member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of 
     the Department;
       ``(2) the location of each such designated main entrance is 
     published on a publicly accessible Internet website of the 
     Department;
       ``(3) if a military installation in the United States has 
     any additional entrance designated for commercial deliveries 
     to the military installation, the location of such entrance 
     (and any applicable days or hours of operation for such 
     entrance) is published on the same Internet website specified 
     in paragraph (2); and
       ``(4) the information published on the Internet website 
     specified in paragraph (2) is reviewed and, as necessary, 
     updated on a basis that is not less frequent than annually.
       ``(e) Reviews and Submission to Congress.--On a basis that 
     is not less frequent than once every five years, the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(1) review the standards and guidance under this section, 
     and make such updates as may be determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary; and
       ``(2) submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate the most recently 
     reviewed and, as applicable, updated version of such 
     standards and guidance.
       ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(3) The term `covered individual' means, with respect to 
     a military installation in the United States, the following:
       ``(A) A member of the armed forces or civilian employee of 
     the Department of Defense, or an employee or family member of 
     such member or employee, who resides, attends school, 
     receives health care services, or shops at a commissary or 
     exchange store on the installation.

[[Page H6262]]

       ``(B) A retired member of the armed forces, including the 
     reserve components, or a family member of such retired 
     member, who resides, attend schools, receives health care 
     services, or shops at a commissary or exchange store on the 
     installation.
       ``(C) An individual performing work at the installation 
     under a contract or subcontract (at any tier), including a 
     military construction project, military family housing 
     project, or a Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and 
     Modernization project.
       ``(D) A motor carrier or household goods motor carrier 
     providing transportation services for the United States 
     Transportation Command
       ``(E) An official who is employed by an agency of the State 
     in which the installation is located that enforces laws 
     relating to workers' compensation or minimum wage with 
     respect to such State and who is seeking such access 
     pertaining to a specific military construction project, 
     military family housing project, or Facilities Sustainment, 
     Restoration, and Modernization project.
       ``(F) A representative of any labor organization (as 
     defined in section 2 of the National Labor Relations Act (29 
     U.S.C. 152)), including a member of any labor management 
     committee described in section 205A of the Labor Management 
     Relations Act, 1947 (29 U.S.C. 175a), who is--
       ``(i) seeking access to an individual performing work at 
     the installation who is a member of such labor organization--

       ``(I) in connection with a specific military construction 
     project, military family housing project, or Facilities 
     Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization project; or
       ``(II) pursuant to a concessions or service contract 
     subject to chapter 67 of title 41 (known as the `McNamara-
     O'Hara Service Contract Act of 1965'); or

       ``(ii) seeking access to an individual performing work at 
     the installation for the purposes of soliciting such 
     individual to join such labor organization.
       ``(G) A representative of any labor organization (as 
     defined in section 2 of the National Labor Relations Act (29 
     U.S.C. 152)), including a member of any labor management 
     committee described in section 205A of the Labor Management 
     Relations Act, 1947 (29 U.S.C. 175a), or a representative of 
     a program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 
     (commonly known as the `National Apprenticeship Act'; 29 
     U.S.C. 50 et seq.) conducting a vocational training, job 
     fair, or similar workforce development event for members of 
     the armed forces or veterans at the installation.
       ``(2) The term `covered provision' means the following:
       ``(A) Chapter 54 of this title.
       ``(B) Section 202 of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 
     109-13; 49 U.S.C. 30301 note).
       ``(C) Section 2812 of the National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239; 126 Stat. 2150; 
     10 U.S.C. 113 note).
       ``(D) Sections 346 and 1050 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 
     10 U.S.C. 113 note).
       ``(E) Section 626 of the John S. McCain National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 
     132 Stat. 1802; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).
       ``(F) Section 1090 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 
     (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3879; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).
       ``(3) The term `Federally recognized access credential' 
     means a credential authorized by Federal law or otherwise 
     issued by the head of a Federal department or agency that 
     requires the vetting of an individual for access to a 
     facility, area, or program.
       ``(4) The term `military installation' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 2801 of this title.
       ``(5) The term `State' means any of the several States, the 
     District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, 
     American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or 
     the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
       ``(6) The term `United States' includes each State, as such 
     term is defined in this subsection.''.
       (b) Deadline for First Review and Submission to Congress.--
     Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall--
       (1) conduct the first review of the standards and guidance 
     required under section 2698 of title 10, United States Code 
     (as added by subsection (a)); and
       (2) submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House 
     of Representatives and the Senate the reviewed and, as 
     applicable, updated version of such standards and guidance.
       (c) Modification to Certain Notification Requirement.--
     Section 1090(b)(2)(B) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 
     (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3879; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is 
     amended by striking ``is'' and inserting ``and, as 
     appropriate, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the 
     Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are''.
       (d) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Repeal of duplicate provision.--Section 1069 of the 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 
     (Public Law 110-181; 122 Stat. 326) is repealed.
       (2) Conforming amendments to prior national defense 
     authorization act.--Section 1050 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 113 note; 
     130 Stat. 2396) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``Department of Defense 
     installations'' and inserting ``military installations in the 
     United States'';
       (B) in subsection (b), by striking ``Department of Defense 
     facilities'' and inserting ``military installations in the 
     United States''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `military 
     installation' and `United States' have the meanings given 
     such terms in section 2698(e) of title 10, United States 
     Code.''.


        AMENDMENT NO. 160 OFFERED BY MR. CASAMENDI OF CALIFORNIA

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

     SEC. 2__. REVIEW AND REPORT ON OFFENSIVE HYPERSONIC WEAPONS 
                   PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

       (a) Review.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall conduct a review of the offensive hypersonic weapons 
     programs of the Department of Defense, including the Navy 
     Conventional Prompt Strike Program, the Army Long Range 
     Hypersonic Weapon, and the Air Force Air Launched Rapid 
     Response Weapon.
       (b) Elements.--The review under subsection (a) shall 
     address--
       (1) cost and schedule estimates for the fielding of 
     offensive hypersonic weapon systems, including any 
     assumptions that underpin such estimates;
       (2) whether and to what extent the hypersonic weapon 
     systems are expect to fully achieve the requirements 
     originally established for such systems;
       (3) the technological and manufacturing maturity of the 
     critical technologies and materials planned for the systems; 
     and
       (4) whether and to what extent the Department has pursued 
     alternatives to the critical technologies identified under 
     paragraph (3).
       (c) Initial Briefing.--Not later than one year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
     shall provide to the congressional defense committees a 
     briefing on the initial results of the review conducted under 
     subsection (a).
       (d) Final Report.--Following the briefing under subsection 
     (c), on a date mutually agreed upon by the Comptroller 
     General and the congressional defense committees, the 
     Comptroller General shall submit to the committees a report 
     on the final results of the review conducted under subsection 
     (a).


         AMENDMENT NO. 161 OFFERED BY MR. CARBARINO OF NEW YORK

       At the end of subtitle H of title III, insert the following 
     new section:

     SEC. 3__. BRIEFING RELATING TO USE OF RECYCLED RUBBER WASTE 
                   PRODUCTS BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

       Not later than February 1, 2023, the Deputy Assistant 
     Secretary of Defense for Environment and Energy Resilience 
     shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the 
     use, and potential use, by the Department of recycled and 
     recyclable rubber products, including an assessment of the 
     utility of such use.


            AMENDMENT NO. 162 OFFERED BY MR. GOLDEN OF MAINE

       At the end of subtitle D of title VII, add the following:

     SEC. 7__. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
                   FORCES RETURNING FROM KABUL.

       (a) Initial Evaluation.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall provide an initial psychological evaluation to each 
     member of the Armed Forces who--
       (1) served at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in 
     Kabul, Afghanistan, between August 15 and August 29, 2021; 
     and
       (2) has not already received a psychological evaluation 
     with respect to such service.
       (b) Additional Evaluations.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     provide to each member of the Armed Forces who receives a 
     psychological evaluation under subsection (a), or would have 
     received such an evaluation but for the application of 
     subsection (a)(2)--
       (1) an additional psychological evaluation not later than 
     two years after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
       (2) a second additional psychological evaluation not later 
     than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Reporting Requirement.--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 on the number of members of the Armed Forces, broken 
     down by component (National Guard, Reserve, and Active), that 
     are eligible for, and receive, an initial psychological 
     evaluation--
       (1) under subsection (a); or
       (2) otherwise resulting from service at the Hamid Karzai 
     International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, between August 
     15 and August 29, 2021.


          AMENDMENT NO. 163 OFFERED BY MR. GOMEZ OF CALIFORNIA

       At the appropriate place in title LI, insert the following:

     SEC. __. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING KOREAN AND KOREAN-
                   AMERICAN VIETNAM WAR VETERANS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) Korean and Korean-American Vietnam War veterans served 
     honorably throughout

[[Page H6263]]

     the conflict, fighting valiantly both in and alongside the 
     United States Armed Forces, often making the ultimate 
     sacrifice, with many later becoming United States citizens.
       (2) Military cooperation in the Vietnam War is one of 
     several examples that demonstrate the robust alliance of the 
     United States and Republic of Korea, under shared commitment 
     to democratic principles.
       (3) During the Vietnam conflict, more than 3,000,000 
     members of the United States Armed Forces fought bravely to 
     preserve and defend these ideals, among them many Korean 
     Americans who earned citations for their heroism and 
     honorable service.
       (4) The Republic of Korea joined the Vietnam conflict to 
     support the United States Armed Forces and the cause of 
     freedom at the request of the United States.
       (5) From 1964 until the last soldier left Saigon on March 
     23, 1973, 325,517 members of the Republic of Korea's Armed 
     Forces served in Vietnam, the largest contribution of troops 
     sent by an ally of the United States.
       (6) Republic of Korea forces fought bravely throughout the 
     theater and were known for their dedication, tenacity, and 
     effectiveness on the battlefield.
       (7) More than 17,000 Korean soldiers were injured, and over 
     4,400 Korean soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in defense 
     of United States friends and allies.
       (8) There are approximately 3,000 naturalized Korean 
     Americans who served in the Vietnam War currently living in 
     the United States, many of whom suffer from significant 
     injuries due to their service in Vietnam, including post-
     traumatic stress disorder, total disability, and the effects 
     of the toxic defoliant Agent Orange.
       (9) Korean-American veterans of the Vietnam conflict upheld 
     the highest ideals of the United States through their 
     dedicated service and considerable sacrifices, with many 
     continuing to carry the visible and invisible wounds of war 
     to this day.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     Korean and Korean-American Vietnam War veterans who served 
     alongside the United States Armed Forces in the Vietnam 
     conflict fought with honor and valor.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Alabama 
(Mr. Rogers) each will control 15 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Auchincloss).
  Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, while I will be unable to support the 
NDAA if it includes a provision that would derail offshore wind 
production, I thank the Chair for crafting a bill that continues to 
orient our military strategy toward the Indo-Pacific and for including 
three of my amendments.
  The first amendment requires an independent evaluation of the 
Pentagon's procurement practices to ensure that, in keeping with the 
law, it drives a harder bargain with the commercial sector. The 
Pentagon's price tag is too high in large measure because the 
bureaucracy too often pays for process, not performance.
  My second amendment would encourage the DOD to use innovative housing 
production companies to build multifamily homes for Active 
servicemembers. This will bring down housing and energy costs for 
military families while also spurring innovative housing development 
models that will benefit the wider economy.
  My third amendment would help establish a process for alerting 
servicemembers about exposure to PFAS so that they may get the care 
they need. Again, it is my hope that this spurs best practices for 
wider adoption as Americans in Massachusetts and beyond grapple with 
the fallout from PFAS exposure.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this en bloc 
amendment, and I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. 
Stauber).
  Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, recently, a grassroots group of 
servicemembers created a survey called the ``Congressional Survey of 
Accountability, Truth, and Freedom.'' The survey includes over 60 pages 
of testimony from nearly 600 servicemembers describing the 
discriminatory treatment they have received from the Department of 
Defense in their attempts to receive a religious or medical exemption 
from COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
  Experienced servicemembers are facing an unfair choice: Get the shot 
against their personal or religious beliefs in order to continue their 
patriotic service in defense of our freedoms or sacrifice their 
military careers and risk the benefits that help their families make 
ends meet.
  I am aware that certain branches of the military are self-reporting 
information on religious and medical exemptions. However, it is 
important that there is a detailed, congressionally mandated report 
that requires the Department of Defense to be as transparent as 
possible regarding their denials of religious and medical exemptions.
  My amendment would require the DOD to report every 60 days on the 
number of religious and medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine 
requirement requested and denied and the reasons for such denials; the 
number of members denied an exemption who then complied with the 
requirement and got the shot against their beliefs; and the number of 
members denied an exemption who did not comply and were separated from 
service. We need to bring to light just how many servicemembers have 
been coerced to get the vaccine or forced to separate and for what 
reasons.
  This mandate is putting our national security at risk for no good 
reason, and I am certain this amendment will prove that.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support my amendment.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford).
  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Stauber amendment 
No. 83 that is in this en bloc.
  This amendment would simply provide oversight over the DOD's 
management of religious and medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine 
requirement.
  At a time when we need every servicemember we can get, I am concerned 
that there are people being discharged from the military without full 
consideration of their religious or medical exemptions.

                              {time}  1645

  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, it is past time for more transparency in 
the exemption process so we can ensure that our servicemembers' 
requests are being properly considered and fairly adjudicated.
  While I don't think our servicemembers should be subject to the 
COVID-19 vaccine at all, the least we can do is bring transparency to 
the process of those who are seeking a legitimate exemption.
  I thank Mr. Stauber for introducing this commonsense amendment and 
looking out for the best interests of our men and women in uniform.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), my colleague.
  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  This en bloc includes my amendment No. 114 to require the Secretary 
of Defense to submit a report to Congress every 6 months detailing the 
short- and long-term plan for the Pentagon's response to Russia's 
invasion of Ukraine.
  Russia invaded Ukraine in February, and yet, we have not had another 
briefing by our military generals and the State Department and Director 
of National Intelligence as we did prior to that invasion.
  Now, as was reported on FOX News by Jacqui Heinrich on February 5 of 
this year, General Milley predicted that Kyiv would fall in 3 days' 
time. That did not happen. The Ukrainian people have bravely been 
fighting this war, and it has now evolved into a war of attrition.
  But Congress has not been read into any of the administration's 
plans. The Speaker of the House brought a bill to the floor rapidly to 
provide $40 billion to the military effort in Ukraine.
  I, like everyone else, am horrified by what Russia is doing on the 
ground in Ukraine. I supported that bill. But you cannot bring another 
bill to the floor of this House, asking for continued aid, when we have 
not even had a report or briefing by the people advising the 
administration on what is happening on the ground.
  We have to have that information. Simply adding more money to what 
has already gone without a strategy to back up that assessment is a 
failure on the part of the House of Representatives and one in which I 
will not participate.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.

[[Page H6264]]

  

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Crenshaw), another colleague from the Texas 
delegation.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of amendment No. 23 to 
create a grant program for psychedelic treatment for PTSD. That may 
come as a shock to many, and I say good, because to be frank, we need 
new ideas because it seems we are losing the battle with veteran 
suicide.
  For our Active Duty servicemembers, the situation is even worse, as 
they are precluded from even trying treatments such as psychedelics 
that could save their lives and bring hope to their families. I aim to 
change that.
  First of all, this form of treatment actually isn't new. It is 
proven, and it is tested. Many hear the word psychedelics, and they 
think acid trips from the sixties. They believe this amendment would 
legalize or deschedule psychedelics, but that is not what we are 
talking about here.
  What we are talking about is the proven use of psychedelics to treat 
PTSD. Private-sector research shows that following MDMA treatments, 88 
percent of veterans have a significant reduction in symptoms, and 67 
percent no longer have PTSD.
  This treatment also has a face. It is servicemembers like Jonathan 
Lubecky, a veteran who made multiple suicide attempts until psychedelic 
treatments saved his life. He credits his treatment as the reason that 
his son, Joey, has a father instead of a folded flag.
  It is a man like Marcus Capone, a SEAL Team Six operator, who credits 
psychedelic therapy with treating his PTSD, saving his life, and 
bringing his family back together.
  It is my own friends, people I served with on the SEAL Teams who have 
told me that this cost effective, often one-time treatment has 
completely transformed their life. All I am asking is that we give our 
servicemembers the ability to access this treatment instead of forcing 
them to travel abroad to psychedelic clinics to save their own life.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to get outside of their comfort zone 
and vote for this amendment. Our servicemembers deserve it.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Strickland).
  Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of representing Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, the largest military base on the West Coast, and tens of 
thousands of servicemembers and their families who call the South Puget 
Sound home. I am pleased that the NDAA raises base pay by 4.6 percent 
and includes inflation bonuses.
  The top concern that I hear from command staff and servicemembers and 
their families is a lack of housing and housing that is affordable. 
That is why in April, I introduced a four-bill package ensuring every 
servicemember has a home.
  I am very pleased that this bill includes:
  The Basic Allowance for Housing Calculation Improvement Act; and
  Increasing Home Ownership for Servicemembers Act.
  This act directs DOD to create a more transparent and modernized way 
to calculate the housing allowance.
  The defense bill also directs DOD to consider restoring the housing 
allowance back to 100 percent.
  I am also pleased that we will direct DOD to collect data on 
scholarship awards and ROTC program completion by gender, by race, and 
ethnicity. Many officers come through ROTC, but unfortunately, fewer 
officers of color come through ROTC compared to other commissioning 
sources. We must find out why.

  This year's NDAA invests in the lives and livelihood of 
servicemembers and their families. I strongly urge adoption of this 
important legislation.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Davidson).
  Mr. DAVIDSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues that have done a lot 
of work on this NDAA. Frankly, it is a huge bill. We are deliberating 
on a lot of amendments, and frankly, we are not deliberating on a whole 
bunch more that I wish we could debate.
  I do want to rise in support of amendment No. 35 offered by 
Representative Jacobs which is included in this en bloc package. This 
amendment would require the Department of Defense to report which 
agencies have purchased or used American location data, phone records, 
internet browsing data, and so on. Our amendment does not reveal any 
classified information.
  Purchasing sensitive data about Americans from data brokers and other 
sellers allows the Federal Government to potentially circumvent Fourth 
Amendment warrant requirements.
  So who is purchasing it is of interest. If it is recruiting command, 
to find how to microtarget people the way that probably many of our 
campaigns do, that is something different than what a lot of people 
fear that it is, that it is part of a surveillance program, and 
frankly, warrantless data collection on American citizens.
  Media reports from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and 
others have documented the Department of Defense's purchasing of our 
sensitive data. Military intelligence and law enforcement agencies have 
the greatest power to abuse this warrantless access to our sensitive 
personal and private data.
  This transparency measure is a first step toward addressing the 
erosion of the Fourth Amendment, and I am proud to have cosponsored 
this amendment with Representative Jacobs.
  I encourage all of my colleagues to protect our Fourth Amendment 
right to privacy.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz).
  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, I just want to take a moment.
  I have no issue in principle with more Joint Strike Fighters. We need 
more Joint Strike Fighters, and we need to continue to modernize our 
aviation fleet.
  My issue here is where the money for it comes from. As I was just 
saying in my previous comments, we have to as a body, we have to as a 
Congress, and as a military to stop robbing Peter to pay Paul, to stop 
robbing operations and maintenance to buy new things.
  Just as a few examples of the many accounts that would be decremented 
to pay for these F-35s: we have got $50 million from Army operations 
and maintenance from their maneuver units, $100 million from Navy 
military manpower and personnel, $56 million from Air Force 
maintenance, $62 million from base support, and the list continues.
  Colleagues, we have to build in the operations and maintenance for 
new things we want to buy rather than taking from the things we have 
already bought that literally cannot sail or fly.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, so at 
this time, I would just urge adoption of this en bloc package and yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I too urge adoption of the en 
bloc amendments and yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of en bloc amendment number 
one to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2023.
  This en bloc amendment includes Lynch amendment number 82 which 
requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to reimburse our 
service members and veterans who expended personal funds to evacuate 
their former translators, interpreters, security contractors, pilots, 
and other Afghan allies out of the country. In developing this plan, 
the Secretary would be required to lay out clear eligibility criteria, 
and to consult with the Secretaries of State and Veterans' Affairs as 
well as representatives from non-governmental organizations with 
expertise in supporting the evacuation of our Afghan allies.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly one year since the U.S. officially 
withdrew its forces and diplomatic corps from Afghanistan. In that 
time, countless military and veteran volunteers have worked tirelessly 
to evacuate their Afghan colleagues and bring them to safety. These 
dedicated Americans have often spent significant personal funds, 
including maxing out credit cards and exhausting military pensions and 
life savings, to try to save the lives of those who fought and 
sacrificed alongside our forces, and who now face mortal danger under 
the Taliban regime. This amendment

[[Page H6265]]

honors the dedication of these brave Americans who have shown an 
unwavering loyalty to those Afghans who worked with us.
  I would like to extend my thanks to Armed Services Committee Chairman 
Adam Smith, Ranking Member Mike Rogers, and their staffs for including 
my amendment in this en bloc and would urge my colleagues on both sides 
to support it.
  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National 
Defense Authorization Act (NDDA) and my bipartisan amendment which 
authorizes an increase of five million dollars for a pancreatic cancer 
early detection initiative (EDI) at the Department of Defense (DoD). I 
thank my colleagues, Rep. Eshoo and Rep. McKinley, for their support 
and leadership on this issue. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival 
rate of all major cancers--in large part due to lack of research in 
early detection. I believe we all agree that the patients, families, 
friends and loved ones suffering from this disease deserve greater 
support.
  My amendment will provide critical funding needed for more research 
and an early detection initiative under the Congressionally Directed 
Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at DoD. I was pleased that the 
Appropriations Defense Subcommittee appropriated fifteen million 
dollars for general pancreatic cancer research funding in this year's 
funding legislation. While encouraging, we need to continue doing more 
and should increase funding to twenty million dollars in FY23.
  This issue has hit painfully close to home recently, as America lost 
giants to pancreatic cancer. Rep. John Lewis, our civil rights hero, 
passed away from pancreatic cancer only seven months after receiving 
his diagnosis. My good friend and colleague, Rep. Alcee Hastings, also 
passed from Pancreatic Cancer last year. And, Americans lost a fighter 
for voting rights and women's protection, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 
to this deadly disease. And Alex Trebek, who was welcomed into people's 
homes around the world, lost his battle to pancreatic cancer in 2020. 
We have lost too many loved ones and must do everything we can to save 
lives. It is unacceptable that, despite being the third leading cause 
of cancer-related death in our country, pancreatic cancer still does 
not have a dedicated early detection initiative. In fact, the lack of 
research in ways to detect pancreatic cancer early has led to 
devastating consequences: sixty-six percent of patients live less than 
one year following their diagnosis.
  If diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer 
patients is above eighty percent. However, if pancreatic cancer is 
detected late, the five-year survival rate drops to less than five 
percent. By failing to support our nation's researchers with the means 
to find new ways to detect pancreatic cancer early, we are leaving 
America's pancreatic cancer patients with few ways to detect this 
disease in time to extend the quality and duration of their lives.
  It's important to note that persistent health care inequities and 
disparities for communities of color compound the devastation of 
pancreatic cancer and the effects of lack of early detection research. 
Unfortunately, Black people are more likely than their fellow Americans 
to get pancreatic cancer. In fact, the incidence rate for pancreatic 
cancer among Black Americans is twenty percent higher than any other 
racial demographic. This disease is more deadly for us: the pancreatic 
cancer death rate is seventeen percent higher for Black men than white 
men. Significant evidence demonstrates that these disproportionate 
levels of pancreatic cancer are in large part rooted in disparities in 
health care and access to tests and diagnostics. As a result, the lack 
of pancreatic cancer early detection research accelerates the racial 
unfairness in our health care system, with devastating consequences for 
minorities.
  At a time when our country is having a national conversation about 
the deep disparities in access to health care for Black and Brown 
people during a global pandemic, Congress must do everything within our 
power to improve health outcomes through research and treatment. 
Increasing dedicated funding for early detection research at DoD will 
help fill a critical gap in our pancreatic cancer research and will 
help address the pancreatic cancer disparities for communities of 
color.
  I urge the House to support this amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution Number 1224, 
the previous question is ordered on the amendments en bloc offered by 
the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith).
  The question is on the amendments en bloc.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  The en bloc amendments are agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider is laid upon the table.


                 Amendment No. 8 Offered by Ms. Escobar

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
8 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

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

     SEC. 5__. TIME LIMIT FOR PROCESSING CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE 
                   COMPLAINTS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 80 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after section 1561b the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 1561c. Processing a harassment or military equal 
       opportunity complaint

       ``(a) Time Limit.--An official authorized to take final 
     action on a complaint from a member of the armed forces of 
     harassment or prohibited discrimination shall ensure the 
     procedures and requirements for the complaint are completed 
     within 180 days after the date on which any supervisor or 
     designated office received the complaint.
       ``(b) Judicial Review.--
       ``(1) Pursuant to section 706(1) of title 5, United States 
     Code, a member of the armed forces may seek an order in a 
     court of the United States directing the Secretary concerned 
     to take final action or provide a written explanation no 
     later than 30 days after the court enters its order, if an 
     authorized official does not--
       ``(A) take final action on a complaint under subsection (a) 
     within 180 days; or
       ``(B) provide the member a written explanation of the final 
     action taken on a complaint under subsection (a).
       ``(2) Pursuant to section 706(2) of title 5, United States 
     Code, and no later than 30 days after a member of the armed 
     forces receives a written explanation of the final action 
     taken on a complaint under subsection (a), the member may 
     seek review of the action in a court of the United States.
       ``(c) Report.--Not later than April 1 each year, the 
     Secretary concerned shall submit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a report of the total number of 
     court orders sought under subsection (b) and orders granted 
     by such courts.
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `appropriate congressional committees' means 
     the following:
       ``(A) The Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(B) The Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.
       ``(C) The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives.
       ``(D) The Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       ``(2) The term `complaint' means an allegation or report of 
     harassment or prohibited discrimination.
       ``(3) The term `designated office' means a military equal 
     opportunity office or an office of the inspector general or 
     staff judge advocate, and any other departmental office 
     authorized by the Secretary concerned to receive harassment 
     and prohibited discrimination complaints.
       ``(4) The term `harassment' means behavior that is 
     unwelcome or offensive to a reasonable person, whether oral, 
     written, or physical, that creates an intimidating, hostile, 
     or offensive environment.
       ``(5) The term `prohibited discrimination' means unlawful 
     discrimination, including disparate treatment, of an 
     individual or group on the basis of race, color, national 
     origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, 
     or sexual orientation.
       ``(6) The term `member of the armed forces' means a member 
     of an armed force serving on active duty.
       ``(7) The term `supervisor' means a member of the armed 
     forces in charge or command of other members of the armed 
     forces or a civilian employee (as defined in section 2105 of 
     title 5, United States Code) authorized to direct and control 
     service members.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1561b the following new item:

``1561c. Processing a harassment or military equal opportunity 
              complaint.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for support for my 
amendment to allow servicemembers to get their chains of command to 
process their complaints of harassment and prohibited discrimination in 
a timely manner.
  My amendment does not grant servicemembers any new rights or expand 
existing ones, nor does it allow them to sue the Department of Defense. 
It simply gives them the leverage to hold their chains of command to 
their own timeline for processing complaints that have been filed.

[[Page H6266]]

  Our servicemembers put their lives on the line protecting our country 
every day. They make the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country in 
ways that many cannot.
  When they file complaints alleging serious harassment and 
discrimination they have experienced while serving, they deserve to be 
heard and to receive timely responses.
  Data shows that civilian military employees file far more 
discrimination and harassment complaints than servicemembers do, 
despite having a smaller workforce than our servicemembers.
  This is because our servicemembers lack many of the protections and 
privileges that their civilian counterparts have when it comes to 
discrimination and harassment, including this one.
  While this benefits all servicemembers, my amendment would be 
especially significant for women and minorities serving in the Armed 
Forces.
  Data from one Pentagon survey showed nearly a third of Black 
servicemembers and a significant percentage of Asian and Hispanic 
servicemembers experience racial harassment, discrimination, or both 
during service.
  This is talent we need to work to retain, and my amendment would help 
with that. Our servicemembers deserve meaningful and robust policies 
that ensure their complaints are processed expeditiously and with the 
utmost urgency.
  My amendment respects the separate internal administrative systems 
the services have for processing complaints. It simply creates a time 
limit to ensure they are processed within a reasonable timeframe that 
is respectful of the servicemembers and their experiences.
  Simply put, it ensures that after 180 days, if a servicemember's 
complaint remains unresolved, the servicemember can request a court 
order that would then direct the department to act on the case 
expeditiously.
  Absent this amendment, servicemembers routinely wait months and 
months, and sometimes even years, for their complaints to be resolved, 
with no ability to urge the services to act on their complaints.
  This amendment brings an added level of urgency into internal 
administrative processes.
  My amendment would empower our servicemembers and bolster confidence 
in the systems in place.
  By passing this amendment, we are thereby extending protections 
civilians already enjoy onto our servicemembers, whose battles should 
be fought on the battlefield, not within the ranks.

                              {time}  1700

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment creates an 
existential threat to the good order and discipline of the military.
  A servicemember may seek an order from the U.S. district court 
demanding a status update or final action within 180 days after any 
supervisor or office receives a complaint.
  This creates an unprecedented right to sue the commanders and force 
outcomes of administrative proceedings, some of which could be tied to 
active law enforcement investigations. An activist district court judge 
could reverse or set aside the final decision of a commander.
  I understand that some of my colleagues wish to do away with the UCMJ 
altogether. I believe this and other provisions are the first step 
toward that end.
  This provision will not benefit those who need protection the most in 
the Armed Forces and will undermine the strong bipartisan work that has 
taken place on sexual harassment and sexual assault.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, I have tremendous respect for the ranking 
member and the work that he has done on our great committee.
  I do want to emphasize that servicemembers would not be allowed to 
sue the Department of Defense. In fact, in many of these cases what 
happens is the cases are resolved by policy or should be resolved by 
policy within about 60 days, so this actually gives the service lines 
added time to resolve these cases.
  This is for those egregious examples--and I have spoken with 
servicemembers who have had to live with these egregious examples--of 
lack of a true effort to resolve these harassment and discrimination 
claims. So this would be a last resort that would simply have a court 
urge the service line to complete the investigation of harassment or 
discrimination.
  We are currently experiencing a challenge in recruitment. We want to 
retain this talent, and we want to demonstrate to our servicemembers 
that they matter, all of them, and that we will ensure that they have 
access to a free and fair process.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment demolishes the 
good order and discipline of the military and should be rejected.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                 Amendment No. 12 Offered by Mr. Khanna

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
12 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of subtitle G of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. RESOURCES TO IMPLEMENT DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
                   POLICY ON CIVILIAN HARM IN CONNECTION WITH 
                   UNITED STATES MILITARY OPERATIONS.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to facilitate 
     fulfillment of the requirements in section 936 of the John S. 
     McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. 134 note).
       (b) Personnel.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall do 
     the following:
       (1) Assign within each of the United States Central 
     Command, the United States Africa Command, the United States 
     Special Operations Command, the United States European 
     Command, the United States Southern Command, the United 
     States Indo-Pacific Command, and the United States Northern 
     Command not fewer than two personnel who shall have primary 
     responsibility for the following in connection with military 
     operations undertaken by such command:
       (A) Providing guidance and oversight relating to prevention 
     of and response to harm to civilians, promotion of observance 
     of human rights, and the protection of civilians and civilian 
     infrastructure, including ensuring implementation of the 
     policy of the Department of Defense on harm to civilians 
     resulting from United States military operations.
       (B) Overseeing civilian harm prevention, mitigation, and 
     response functions on behalf of the commander of such 
     command.
       (C) Receiving reports of harm to civilians and conducting 
     assessments and investigations relating to such harm.
       (D) Analyzing incidents and trends with respect to harm to 
     civilians, identifying lessons learned, and ensuring that 
     lessons learned are incorporated into updated command 
     guidance and practices.
       (E) Offering condolences and amends for harm to civilians, 
     including ex gratia payments.
       (F) Ensuring the integration of activities relating to 
     civilian harm prevention, mitigation, and response, the 
     protection of civilians, and promotion of observance of human 
     rights in security cooperation activities.
       (G) Working with the Center for Excellence established 
     under section 184 of title 10, United States Code, as added 
     by section 1085.
       (H) Consulting with non-governmental organizations on 
     civilian harm and human rights matters.
       (2) Assign within the Office of the Under Secretary of 
     Defense for Policy not fewer than two personnel who shall 
     have primary responsibility for implementing and overseeing 
     implementation by the components of the Department of Defense 
     of Department policy on harm to civilians resulting from 
     United States military operations.
       (3) Assign within the Joint Staff not fewer than two 
     personnel who shall have primary responsibility for the 
     following:

[[Page H6267]]

       (A) Overseeing implementation by the components of the 
     Department of Defense of Department policy on harm to 
     civilians resulting from United States military operations.
       (B) Developing and sharing in the implementation of such 
     policy.
       (C) Communicating operational guidance on such policy.
       (c) Training, Software, and Other Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2023 through 2025, 
     the Secretary of Defense and each Secretary of a military 
     department may obligate and expend, from amounts specified in 
     paragraph (2), not more than $5,000,000 for the following:
       (A) Training related to civilian harm prevention, 
     mitigation, and response.
       (B) Information technology equipment, support and 
     maintenance, and data storage, in order to implement the 
     policy of the Department relating to harms to civilians 
     resulting from United States military operations as required 
     by section 936 of the John S. McCain National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.
       (2) Funds.--The funds for a fiscal year specified in this 
     subparagraph are funds as follows:
       (A) In the case of the Secretary of Defense, amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated for such fiscal year for 
     operation and maintenance, Defense-wide.
       (B) In the case of a Secretary of a military department, 
     amounts authorized to be appropriated for such fiscal year 
     for operation and maintenance for the components of the Armed 
     Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Khanna) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith as well as Ranking 
Member Rogers for their leadership to include various measures in the 
underlying bill that will aid the Department of Defense's effort to 
prevent and mitigate civilian harm, including establishing a Center of 
Excellence in Civilian Harm Mitigation and Commission on Civilian Harm.
  I thank the HASC staff, including Katy Quinn, Phil MacNaughton, and 
Robert Ikoku for their work on this.
  It should not be a partisan issue to mitigate civilian harm.
  My amendment would simply authorize the resources for the Department 
of Defense to implement these policies of reducing civilian casualties, 
which Congress already required the Department of Defense to do nearly 
4 years ago.
  My amendment would allow the Department of Defense to spend $5 
million per year to implement the requirements of section 936 of the 
John McCain NDAA for Fiscal Year 2019.
  Section 936, passed by this body 4 years ago, requires the Department 
of Defense to establish uniform processes and standards across 
combatant commands for improving tracking, reporting, analysis, and 
response to civilian casualties from U.S. military operations.
  It is appropriately named after the late Senator John McCain, who 
believed deeply that the United States military should minimize 
civilian casualties. This is something that everyone in our military 
believes.
  Now, the Department of Defense has made extraordinary progress in 
recent years in preventing civilian harm. Secretary Austin has shown 
leadership in accelerating that progress. As he says, ``Our efforts to 
mitigate and respond to civilian harm . . . are a direct reflection of 
U.S. values.''
  Some of my colleagues want to prevent harm because of their own 
personal experience in combat or witnessing war zones where civilians 
have been killed, and some are motivated because they want to prevent 
terrorists from exploiting civilian casualties as a recruiting tool.
  But to do this, we need resources. I don't think $5 million a year is 
very much. It is less than not just 1 percent, it is less than not just 
0.1 percent, it is less than 0.01 percent of the entire budget to help 
make sure we have the resources to track and report and minimize 
civilian casualties.
  I am hopeful that we can get bipartisan support for this amendment. I 
recognize that this NDAA does a lot on minimizing civilian harm, 
including the establishment of the Center of Excellence. I thank again 
Chairman Smith for his leadership on that.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment is a misuse of 
funds and resources on behalf of the DOD. As my colleague from 
California just referenced, this bill already includes funding 
increases for a myriad of civilian harm programs. There is already $5 
million for the Center of Excellence in Civilian Harm Mitigation and $4 
million for the Commission on Civilian Harm.
  This amendment diverts critical dollars needed to ensure the 
readiness of our servicemembers to fulfill unnecessary paperwork 
requirements. Worst of all, it creates additional bureaucrats 
throughout the DOD whose job it is to second-guess the judgment of our 
military commanders.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose the amendment, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the amendment, and I just 
point out that a lot of these requirements already have passed. They 
are in the 2018 NDAA. The amount of money we are talking about here is 
less than 0.01 percent, so it will not have a negative impact on the 
total budget.
  Mr. Speaker, now that he is here in person, I thank again our 
chairman, Chairman Smith, for all of the initiatives in the NDAA.
  This NDAA, more than any in my 6 years in Congress, has tackled 
civilian casualties, and I hope that there will continue to be a 
bipartisan commitment in the House to reduce them to the extent 
possible.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry), my friend and colleague.
  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from California said, nobody 
in uniform wants civilian casualties. We work very diligently to make 
sure that there are not civilian casualties, but this almost assumes 
that we don't, that we actually don't care about civilian casualties 
when it couldn't be further from the truth.
  Mr. Speaker, what this does is add more bureaucracy and takes the 
focus off of what servicemembers need to do in very difficult 
circumstances, when oftentimes the difference between life and death, 
between the servicemember's own life and those of his or her troops who 
are following him into combat, it is a moment to make a decision.
  Mr. Speaker, at that moment, when lives are on the line, when 
American lives are on the line, in the face of our enemies, in the face 
of terrorists, what the gentleman from California would have those 
servicemembers do is take that moment to figure out if the decision 
they are making is optimal or not. Or in the case where I watched 
servicemembers who pulled the trigger, come back, and the first thing 
they had to do was go to the JAG and explain why they returned fire.
  Mr. Speaker, those moments cost American lives. That is what this 
amendment is going to do, and that is why I adamantly oppose it. I ask 
my colleagues to oppose it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would urge opposition to this. 
This amendment represents an unnecessary waste of taxpayer money and 
undermines the judgment of our military commanders.
  I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Khanna).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


           Amendment No. 13 Offered by Ms. Lee of California

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
13 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.

[[Page H6268]]

  

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. REDUCTION IN AMOUNTS AUTHORIZED TO BE APPROPRIATED 
                   FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) many of the most urgent threats to the national 
     security of the United States are not military in nature;
       (2) the Federal budget should reflect the national 
     priorities of the United States; and
       (3) in order to better protect the security of all people 
     and address the national priorities of the United States, the 
     budget of the Department of Defense should be reduced and the 
     associated savings should be reallocated.
       (b) Reduction in Amounts Authorized to Be Appropriated for 
     the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2023.--
       (1) In general.--The amount authorized to be appropriated 
     for the Department of Defense for 2023 is--
       (A) the aggregate amount appropriated for the Department of 
     Defense for fiscal year 2022 in division C of the 
     Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), 
     reduced by
       (B) $100,000,000,000.--
       (2) Funding for certain accounts.--The amount authorized to 
     be appropriated for each of the following accounts of the 
     Department of Defense shall be the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated for such account for fiscal year 2022:
       (A) The Defense Health Program.
       (B) Each military personnel account.
       (C) Each account providing for pay and benefits for persons 
     appointed into the civil service as defined in section 2101 
     of title 5, United States Code.
       (3) Application of funding cuts.--In reducing funding for 
     Department of Defense programs in accordance with subsection 
     (a), the Secretary of Defense shall take into consideration 
     the findings and recommendations contained in the 
     Congressional Budget Office report entitled ``Illustrative 
     Options for National Defense Under a Smaller Defense Budget'' 
     and dated October 2021.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Lee-Pocan amendment No. 13 to 
cut $100 billion from the fiscal 2023 Defense Authorization Act. The 
amendment is structured so that this cut would not reduce pay or 
benefits for uniformed and civilian personnel or their families.
  I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Pocan), my cosponsor and 
co-chair of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus. I also thank 
Chairman Smith and Chairman McGovern for their support to permit us to 
bring this amendment to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, this House again stands poised to pour over $800 billion 
into a defense establishment that is unauditable, unaccountable, and 
does little to answer the biggest threats to the safety and the welfare 
of our people.
  The Pentagon is the only--mind you, the only--Federal department that 
has never passed an audit. And, yes, I worked to get a requirement that 
DOD pass an audit written into permanent law a couple of years ago with 
the help of my friend and colleague, Chairman Smith, and also our 
colleague, Dr. Burgess. And yet, still, the Pentagon says it won't be 
able to pass an audit for almost another decade.
  What is this about? It is really a shame and disgrace. It is not hard 
to find places to cut at the Pentagon. In fact, last year, Senator 
Sanders commissioned a Congressional Budget Office study that detailed 
various scenarios for how we could save $100 billion per year without 
compromising American security.
  That $100 billion is sorely needed for other key national priorities. 
If we reinvested that $100 billion, it could pay to hire 1 million 
elementary schoolteachers to relieve the current teacher shortage. It 
could pay to power every home in America with solar energy or it could 
provide every family in America with a $700 stimulus payment.
  We face an array of threats in America today, including the 
continuing COVID health emergency and the impacts of climate crisis. It 
is our duty to look for savings at the Pentagon and meet the urgent 
needs of the American people.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support our amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1715

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would arbitrarily 
strip $100 billion out of this bill. That is 12 percent of total 
defense spending it would cut. This amendment would have catastrophic 
effects on training and readiness. It will endanger the safety of our 
servicemembers by delaying critical safety upgrades on the ships, 
aircraft, combat vehicles, and facilities where they serve.
  It will set back the cleanup and environmental remediation at PFAS 
and other contaminated sites and put off construction of new military 
housing, schools, and childcare facilities. It will further postpone 
critical modernization efforts needed to deter China and other 
adversaries. The list goes on and on.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose the amendment, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Pocan).
  Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our amendment to 
reduce the Pentagon's budget.
  First, let me thank Congresswoman Lee for her partnership on this 
issue and thank her for securing our Nation always by pursuing peace 
first.
  Mr. Speaker, $839.3 billion, the amount of the defense spending 
authorized by this bill, before we include anything of up to the 650 
amendments this week, is too much with too little accountability.
  We already spend more on defense than China, India, the United 
Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea 
combined. It is more than double the amount of funding that the EPA; 
Health and Human Services; Departments of Education, Energy, Commerce, 
State, Housing and Urban Development, and Agriculture all receive 
combined.
  This bill also goes above and beyond what the Department of Defense 
asked for in its budget request submitted to Congress. Yet, the 
Department of Defense still can't pass an audit of the funding it 
receives, a requirement of virtually every other agency.
  Let's stop rewarding the building of amphibious vehicles that sink, 
unready projects like the F-35 that still have hundreds and hundreds of 
recognized deficiencies that have not been addressed, and Ford-class 
aircraft carriers that have toilets that cost $400 thousand in 
chemicals to flush when clogged. Yes, we flush defense dollars down the 
toilet. Let's fix this.
  At some point, spending doesn't actually just make you safer. It is 
security theater and contractor profiteering.
  We need a more modern definition of defense, one that recognizes real 
national security threats like COVID, cyberattacks, and climate change. 
But the current defense budget doesn't do that.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my 
time for closing.
  Mr. Speaker, it is really past time for Congress to start demanding 
that the Pentagon exercise some fiscal discipline that we impose 
against and across all of the Federal Government. Also, we individually 
have fiscal discipline that we must exert. We have budgets we have to 
live within.
  The Pentagon budget is running amok. This is taxpayers' dollars which 
should be at least audited, and the Pentagon should be held 
accountable.
  Again, this amendment would hold harmless the people who serve in the 
military or who work at the Pentagon and their families. The CBO has 
demonstrated that we can trim the Pentagon budget without compromising 
security. In doing so, we free up resources to invest in our country 
and in our people.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this amendment guts 
the

[[Page H6269]]

bill. It harms our servicemembers and their families. It severely 
weakens our ability to defend ourselves and our allies. Given Putin's 
atrocities in Ukraine and the increasing threats we face in China, 
Iran, North Korea, and other adversaries, this is the worst time to 
start slashing defense spending.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose the amendment, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


           Amendment No. 14 Offered by Ms. Lee of California

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
14 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Add at the end of subtitle A of title X the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 1004. REDUCTION TO FUNDING AUTHORIZATIONS.

       Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables 
     in division D, the amounts authorized to be appropriated by 
     this Act are hereby reduced by a total of $36,987,247,000, to 
     be derived from the amounts, and from the corresponding 
     accounts, as specified by amendment number 2468 offered by 
     Mr. Golden during the mark-up session of the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives on June 22, 
     2022.
       Strike sections 113, 615, 1030, 1031, 1075, and 1107.
       Strike title XXIX.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, our amendment, the Lee-Pocan No. 14, reverses egregious 
Pentagon budget increases added during the committee markup. This is 
mind-boggling. Our amendment trims back the total level of the fiscal 
year 2023 NDAA to no more than the amount requested by President Biden.
  We have numerous, glaring examples of waste, fraud, and abuse within 
our defense establishment. Yet, some of our colleagues insist on piling 
more money into the Pentagon than our military leaders--our President 
even--asks for, despite the DOD routinely returning unspent balances to 
the Treasury.
  Enough is enough. Americans are demanding that Congress rebalance our 
priorities and invest in the biggest challenges which we face. This $37 
billion could be better spent--that is how much over the President 
requested--to extend the child and earned income tax credit, improve 
healthcare access, and pay for Medicare hearing benefits for seniors.
  Mr. Speaker, $37 billion could hire 300,000 nurses to alleviate the 
nursing shortage or fund free, quality childcare for more than 800,000 
children to help caregivers get back to work.
  While I personally support much larger cuts, we need to draw the line 
somewhere.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, here we have another amendment that would arbitrarily 
slash defense spending. This time it is $37 billion added by Mr. Golden 
and Mrs. Luria, two Democrat members of our committee, during our 
markup.
  The amendment before us now would eliminate a 2.4 percent pay bonus 
for enlisted personnel, people who make less than $45,000 a year. It 
would erase $500 million in additional housing allowances to counteract 
skyrocketing rents for low-income servicemembers, and it would delete 
$750 million we added to reduce the price of groceries and other 
necessities at military commissaries.
  The proponents of this amendment argue that we need to spend less on 
defense so we can spend more on programs to counteract homelessness, 
hunger, and poverty. But their amendment would strip out a bipartisan 
effort to ensure our servicemembers with the lowest incomes don't face 
those same difficulties. It is hypocrisy at its worst.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to oppose this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from Washington (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Armed Services 
Committee.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I think we need to get to a 
reasonable defense budget. Full disclosure: I don't support the effort 
to cut $100 billion from the defense budget. I think we have clearly 
articulated needs. But I think the President and the Department of 
Defense, when they put forward this budget, took that into account.
  One of the things I have always been worried about on the Armed 
Services Committee is if we just give them more and more money, they 
won't spend it as well as they should. They will not have the fiscal 
discipline to go in there and make sure that the money is being spent 
wisely, which I have said many, many times is as important and, in many 
cases, more important than how much is spent.
  Over the course of the last 20 years, we have not had a good record. 
Many programs have gone over budget and underperformed. We are getting 
better, but I think we need to live within our means.
  The President put forward his budget. We ought to respect that budget 
and support it. It is more than enough to defend the country.
  If we go back to the President's number, it is $813 billion, which is 
a significant 4 percent increase over last year's budget. It is not 
like we aren't spending money if we stick to the President's budget. I 
think that number should work, and I think that is the number we should 
stick to.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for offering that amendment and 
making the arguments she has.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden).
  Mr. GOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, this amendment seeks to undo a bipartisan 
agreement to increase authorized funding for our military that the 
Armed Services Committee collectively concluded is appropriate given 
the realities of today's evolving national security threats.
  We are faced with some serious threats globally, such as ongoing 
terrorist threats; the potential for nuclear proliferation in the 
Middle East; tensions in the South China Sea; Russia's invasion of a 
democratic state in Europe; incredible technological advancements that 
we cannot fall behind on in AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology; 
increasing competition in space and cyberspace; disinformation 
campaigns; and data surveillance that strengthen authoritarian regimes 
and lend themselves to attacks on democratic societies.
  The amendment that I offered invests in our Navy, which is critically 
important right now. It invests in missile defense, which is very 
necessary, given advancing technologies in things like hypersonics, R&D 
for AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing, as I discussed.
  Importantly, it increases critical assistance to the Ukrainian 
military as it fights to defend democracy from Russian aggression.
  As our military seeks to prepare to grapple with these new, future 
realities, it must also do so in the face of significant supply chain 
disruptions resulting from COVID and from rising inflation which my 
amendment also addresses.

  The ranking member spoke, I think correctly, about the need to 
protect

[[Page H6270]]

those who serve our country, particularly those on the low end of the 
scale, who are having a very negative impact because of higher grocery 
costs, higher gas prices, and higher housing costs. I am particularly 
proud of the bonuses that are in this amendment to look out for them.
  The bottom line, this $37 billion amendment is bipartisan. It was and 
remains necessary for the national security of our country. I 
appreciate that some people might choose different sets of priorities 
on how best to support our military. There are, in fact, some 
amendments out there that would set different priorities for how this 
additional funding should be spent. But rolling back this defense 
topline overall, for the sake of having a debate about the topline, I 
believe points us in the wrong direction. That is because of the 
dangers that we face today and those that we know are just around the 
corner, which we really can't afford to delay trying to adjust right 
now.
  Many people believe that we are falling behind in some of these 
important issues that I have been talking about like, again, the 
biotechnology, the quantum computing, missile defense, and other 
things.
  We think that this is a good compromise. I appreciate the ability to 
work across the aisle with my colleagues on the committee.
  For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against 
this amendment.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Jacobs).
  Ms. JACOBS of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Lee for offering 
this incredibly important amendment.
  It is simply wild that at the same time that our Republican 
colleagues are complaining about runaway inflation, we would increase 
Federal spending on things the Pentagon itself has said it doesn't 
need.
  The initial defense budget request was already more than $750 
billion. With this plus-up, it will be over $800 billion. That is $800 
billion on outdated and expensive legacy platforms, while we are still 
failing to meet the needs of our servicemembers and their families.
  San Diego, the community I am proud to represent, is home to the 
largest concentration of military personnel in the country. Yet, even 
after spending hundreds of billions of dollars on defense in recent 
years, we have more than 39,000 members of military families who visit 
the San Diego food bank every month.
  Even after spending over $800 billion, there will still be thousands 
of military families on waitlists for childcare in San Diego. So I 
reject that we need to continue to invest more than even the Pentagon 
is asking for on outdated systems and things we don't need.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Lee-Pocan 
amendment.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1730

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my 
time.
  First of all, I would hope Republicans would join Democrats in a 
bipartisan fashion like you did just now on this outrageous amendment 
in supporting the efforts to reduce the cost of living for people who 
are living on the edge, but I don't see any bipartisanship there when 
it comes to supporting the American people and what they need in terms 
of their wages, in terms of housing, in terms of healthcare, in terms 
of all the efforts that Democrats have mounted over the years. It is 
too bad that you won't join us in that, but you join them in raising 
the defense budget to an excessive level over what the military and the 
President requested. It is outrageous.
  I note that the House has voted overwhelmingly to support Ukraine, 
and we certainly should support better pay and benefits for our 
uniformed and civilian personnel and their families, which the base 
bill does. Ukraine and military pay are in the base bill. If the 
President thinks that more should be done and more is needed, then he 
should, as has always been done, come to the Congress for a 
supplemental.
  The President came to Congress for a supplemental for Ukraine. If he 
believes more is needed, that is the proper process and the proper way 
to do this, not by increasing the NDAA top line.
  It is time to shift our spending to meet America's urgent human 
security priorities, and I urge my colleagues to support this 
amendment. I am really so concerned that whatever people want on that 
side of the aisle especially, and some on this side of the aisle, as it 
relates to the Pentagon, people get, Members get, and that is not a 
good place for this country to be.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I point out that this $37 billion 
that was added in a bipartisan fashion in the committee does not even 
meet all the unfunded requirements that were submitted to Congress by 
the Defense Department.
  Like all Americans, our servicemembers and their families are 
suffering from the harmful effects of record inflation. We worked in a 
bipartisan manner to address that in this NDAA. This amendment would 
strike that language from the bill. I don't understand why anyone wants 
to do that and have that effect on our servicemembers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose this amendment, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                Amendment No. 15 Offered by Ms. Jayapal

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
15 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Add at the end of subtitle G of title X the following new 
     section:

     SEC. 10__. REPEAL OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO UNFUNDED 
                   PRIORITIES.

       (a) The Armed Forces and the Missile Defense Agency.--
     Chapter 9 of title 10, United States Code, is amended as 
     follows:
       (1) Section 222a is repealed.
       (2) Section 222b is repealed.
       (3) In the table of sections at the beginning of the 
     chapter, strike the items relating to sections 222a and 222b.
       (b) Laboratory Military Construction Projects.--Section 
     2806 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 10 U.S.C. 222a note) is 
     repealed.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Washington.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, my amendment would eliminate the statutory requirement 
for the Defense Department to provide Congress with an unfunded 
priorities list. This is a wish list of items that DOD would like to 
have but are not necessary to carry out its duties.
  This practice doesn't meaningfully strengthen our national security. 
Instead, it worsens waste, fraud, and abuse in military spending. These 
wish lists are packed with billions of dollars of superfluous line 
items, this year totaling $24 billion on top of the $773 billion 
requested by the White House.
  Don't just take my word for it. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said 
last year that the President's budget request for fiscal year 2022 met 
DOD's requirements, yet DOD was required by law to submit these wish 
lists, which have not been approved by any top leadership at the 
Defense Department as actual priorities.
  Top DOD officials have, in fact, expressed strong skepticism about 
the practice. In a June 2021 hearing before the House Armed Services 
Committee, General Milley said of unfunded priorities: ``If they were 
critical, then they need to be higher on the priority list and in the 
base budget.''
  In April, Under Secretary McCord said that the unfunded priorities 
lists

[[Page H6271]]

``should not be confused with saying that the budget is not adequate.'' 
In fact, he went on to describe to me the problem that happens when 
different people within the Defense Department who are overseeing their 
own units submit something and just say it is a priority when overall 
Defense leadership has not had the opportunity to prioritize, actually, 
and to even look into whether those things are priorities or not.
  Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates all but banned the list, 
strongly discouraging his generals from submitting these lists to 
Congress during his tenure.
  Despite the skepticism of top DOD officials, the Pentagon is required 
by law to submit these wish lists to Congress. It wasn't always that 
way. Though the practice has been around for a couple of decades, 
unfunded priority lists weren't statutorily required until 2017.
  All my amendment does to make this process optional again.
  The mandate only exists to serve the interests of defense contractors 
eager to grow their profits by selling flashy equipment. In 2021, the 
defense industry spent more than $118 million lobbying Congress to sell 
their products. Meanwhile, we cannot even verify that the money we 
authorized to DOD is spent responsibly because, as my colleague Ms. Lee 
said, it has never passed a budget audit.
  The most recent audit found a Navy warehouse full of $126 million of 
aircraft parts that were not listed anywhere in the records. We don't 
need to encourage this irresponsible spending by requiring DOD to give 
us a wish list, but most importantly, we should actually pay attention 
to the priorities of the top leadership of the Defense Department, 
which the unfunded priorities list does not do.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to 
this amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Alabama is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  This amendment would prohibit Congress from receiving unfunded 
priority lists from service chiefs and combatant commanders. These are 
the individuals responsible for executing U.S. military operations 
around the world.
  It is critical that Congress knows what the service chiefs and the 
combatant commanders need to keep our servicemembers safe and ensure 
success in their missions.
  Here are a couple of examples of FY23 unfunded priorities from 
General McConville, the Army chief of staff: $67 million to accelerate 
fielding of body armor for female soldiers; $65 million to acquire 
cold-weather boots, gloves, and sleeping bags for troops deployed to 
cold-weather environments.
  Neither of these critical needs were funded in the Biden proposal. We 
funded them in this bill only because they were included on General 
McConville's unfunded priority list. We likely wouldn't have known 
about them otherwise.
  These are just a couple of examples of why this amendment is 
misguided. There are hundreds more just like it.
  I urge Members to oppose this amendment. I remind Members that the 
President proposes a budget number that the service chiefs and 
combatant commanders have to salute and say, ``Yes, sir''--hopefully, 
one day, ``Yes, ma'am''--``That is our number, and we are going to make 
it work,'' regardless of what they need.
  We have to have that unfunded requirements list so that we can know 
what they actually need, and we can then act because the fact is the 
President proposes budgets; we write budgets.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Garamendi).
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Rogers well said why we should pass 
this amendment.
  We have played a bad game here. If it is so important, if General 
McConville thinks it is so important, why didn't he fight vigorously 
for it in the base budget?
  Yes, the President does propose, but that proposal is a proposal that 
comes from the Department, from all the various parts of the 
Department, and it is put together at the White House. The President 
doesn't just dream this up himself. It is, in fact, the priorities of 
the Department, disciplined priorities.

  The unfunded list is a game where we are being played. We are the 
pawns in the game that they have. It was very well stated in the 
previous opposition to this amendment.
  Let's have some discipline here.
  The unfunded priorities list is a way in which the Department's 
various parts play us against each other and play the President. Let's 
eliminate all of that.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Smith), the distinguished chairman, and I thank him for 
his service on this committee.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
offering this amendment. I think it is incredibly important.
  Mr. Garamendi outlined it quite well. There was a process to go 
through at DOD to determine what the budget should be. Once that 
process is done, we should respect that process, not allow everybody in 
the institution to say, ``Well, I would like to have more money.'' I 
can assure you that there would be unfunded requirements in every 
single aspect of government.
  You have to make choices. That is what DOD does. That is what the 
budgeting process does.
  What the unfunded requirements list does is it simply perpetuates the 
notion that you can never spend enough money. I submit that that 
attitude toward the defense budget--that whatever it is, it has to be 
higher--has a lot to do with all the inefficiencies, the lack of an 
audit, the number of programs that have gone overbudget and have 
underperformed, the number of programs that have never worked out the 
way we envisioned them.
  If there was fiscal discipline in place, we would get a better 
result.
  Allowing people to always ask for more, no matter what, undermines 
fiscal discipline. I also submit it undermines the effectiveness of the 
Department of Defense.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this amendment.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would rob Congress 
of critical information we need to keep our servicemembers safe.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose the amendment, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


          Amendment No. 16 Offered by Mr. Smith of Washington

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
16 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the 
desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       Strike section 1031.
       At the end of subtitle A of title X, insert the following:

     SEC. 10__. FUNDING INCREASES AND REDUCTIONS.

       (a) Funding Reduction.--Notwithstanding the amounts set 
     forth in the funding tables in division D--
       (1) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 101 
     for Aircraft Procurement, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4101, for MQ-8 UAV, 
     Line 021, is hereby reduced by

[[Page H6272]]

     $21,000,000 from the funds made available for costs 
     associated with restoring 5 LCS.
       (2) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 101 
     for Aircraft Procurement, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4101, for MQ-8 Series, 
     Line 057, is hereby reduced by $7,300,000 from the funds made 
     available for costs associated with restoring 5 LCS.
       (3) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 101 
     for Aircraft Procurement, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4101, for Spares and 
     Repair Parts, Line 068, is hereby reduced by $1,200,000 from 
     the funds made available for costs associated with restoring 
     5 LCS.
       (4) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 421 
     for Military Personnel, as specified in the corresponding 
     funding table in section 4401, , is hereby reduced by 
     $89,600,000 from the funds made available for Military 
     Personnel, Navy - Restore Navy Force Structure Cuts 
     (Manpower).
       (5) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 
     for Operations and Maintenance, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Mission and 
     Other Flight Operations, Line 010, is hereby reduced by 
     $6,000,000 from the funds made available for costs associated 
     with restoring 5 LCS.
       (6) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 
     for Operations and Maintenance, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Aircraft 
     Depot Maintenance, Line 060, is hereby reduced by $300,000 
     from the funds made available for costs associated with 
     restoring 5 LCS.
       (7) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 
     for Operations and Maintenance, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Mission and 
     Other Ship Operations, Line 090, is hereby reduced by 
     $10,400,000 from the funds made available for costs 
     associated with restoring 5 LCS.
       (8) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 
     for Operations and Maintenance, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Ship Depot 
     Maintenance, Line 110, is hereby reduced by $90,000,000 from 
     the funds made available for costs associated with restoring 
     5 LCS.
       (9) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 
     for Operations and Maintenance, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Weapons 
     Maintenance, Line 250, is hereby reduced by $7,200,000 from 
     the funds made available for costs associated with restoring 
     5 LCS.
       (10) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 
     301 for Operations and Maintenance, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Ship 
     Activations/Inactivations, Line 320, is hereby reduced by 
     $7,500,000 from the funds made available for costs associated 
     with restoring 5 LCS.
       (11) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 
     101 for Other Procurement, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4101, for LCS In-
     Service Modernization, Line 035, is hereby reduced by 
     $65,000,000 from the funds made available for costs 
     associated with restoring 5 LCS.
       (12) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 
     201 for Research, Development, Test & Eval, Navy, as 
     specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, 
     for MQ-8 UAV, Line 243, is hereby reduced by $13,100,000 from 
     the funds made available for costs associated with restoring 
     5 LCS.
       (b) Funding Increase.--Notwithstanding the amounts set 
     forth in the funding tables in division D--
       (1) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 101 
     for Procurement of Ammunition, Army, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4101, for Industrial 
     Facilities, Line 034, is hereby increased by $180,720,000 for 
     Organic Ammunition Industrial Base Safety and Modernization 
     Upgrades.
       (2) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 
     for Operations and Maintenance, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Aviation 
     Logistics, Line 080, is hereby increased by $75,000,000.
       (3) The amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 
     for Operations and Maintenance, Navy, as specified in the 
     corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Combat 
     Support Forces, Line 170, is hereby increased by $62,880,000.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes.
  This amendment has to do with the retirement of nine littoral combat 
ships.
  The Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, wants to 
retire those nine ships. An amendment was added in our committee that 
does not allow them to retire five of those ships. My amendment would 
strip that and would allow the Department of the Navy to retire the 
ships they want to retire.
  We just heard a lengthy speech about the wisdom of our various 
service Secretaries and how they know what they need. Well, the service 
Secretary and the Department of Defense know that they no longer need 
these nine littoral combat ships. We should not be blocking their 
effort to save money and retire them.
  The biggest reason we have a problem with this is these ships are not 
that old. But they have also not turned out to perform the way they 
were expected.
  In particular, they were supposed to have antisubmarine capability, 
and they were supposed to have demining capability. They have neither 
of those. They have also turned out to have significant maintenance 
problems and costs associated with simply operating them.
  The Navy has determined that it is better to invest in newer, more 
modern, more capable platforms, and we are blocking their ability to do 
that. The littoral combat ship has not lived up to its expectations.
  Now, let me be clear, it is an extraordinarily difficult time to 
figure out how you build the right systems. But throwing good money 
after bad doesn't make sense, and that is the primary argument for not 
allowing the Navy to do this. ``Well, they just built them,'' almost 
whether they work or not, ``why would we retire them after 3 or 4 
years?'' Because they are not working as expected, and they are not 
cost-effective.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge that we adopt this amendment to allow the 
Department of Defense to do what they want to do: retire these ships 
and build a better, stronger, more capable Navy.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Virginia is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes.
  I have to speak in opposition to this amendment. The bottom line is 
that the LCS does have capability. It has a mine-hunting capability. It 
has a fast-attack capability. That is a capability that we would give 
up at a time when we need that capability.
  If you are going to do away with that capability, the question is, 
with the savings that you accrue, which is about a half-billion 
dollars, what are you going to do with those dollars to create 
comparable capability today? The answer is, you can't do it.

                              {time}  1745

  It takes 6 years to build a destroyer to replace the capability that 
the LCS has today. And if you take that half a billion dollars and you 
put it in savings, the question is: Where would you spend it today? 
Well, we see some of the places where the Navy would like to spend it.
  They would like to spend almost a half a billion dollars in fixing a 
building in Hawaii, one of the Pacific fleet command buildings. They 
are also looking at--OSD would rather put $3 billion in climate change, 
and for that matter, invest $2 billion into a $15 an hour minimum wage.
  I would argue that getting rid of ships that have a capability that 
does have an impact to counter the Chinese is what needs to be done 
today rather than waiting 6 years to build a ship that in some way, 
shape, or form could counter that--in turn, trying to spend these 
dollars to repair a building, for climate change, or for minimum wage 
increases. Folks, China is at our doorstep today. That is the threat 
that we face today.
  My opposition to this is about, Why are we giving away capability 
that we need in the face of Chinese capability that is at our doorstep?
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden).
  Mr. GOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, in talking about one of the previous 
amendments, I pointed out this was part of a bipartisan agreement to 
increase the top line by $37 billion. Compromise really requires people 
to set different priorities, come to the table, and find an agreement.

[[Page H6273]]

  Many of us on the committee--on both sides of the aisle--really 
believe strongly, as does the Navy, that we need a larger, more capable 
fleet force. We have different priorities and we talk about them a lot. 
For me, I think we need more Flight III destroyers out there--the Navy 
agrees with me about that.
  Mr. Gallagher over here is a big proponent of getting new frigate 
ships out there, they are faster and have great capability.
  Mr. Speaker, I know Mr. Wittman works very closely with Mr. Courtney 
on submarines and many other things. He made a good point. Giving up 
these capabilities without replacing them with other capabilities is a 
problem, but I also agree with the chairman that this is not a top 
priority program for the Navy.
  I do have concerns that after just a short period of time they are 
seeking to shutter this program. It shows, to me, a problem with the 
Navy in some of their new programs. We have seen this with other 
things, like the DDG-1000, and I think Congress and our committee need 
to crack down on this and do a better job with oversight over the Navy 
to make sure these programs are going to pan out to be worthy 
investments.
  It is a shame to see these ships retired after so few years. I know 
that there are allied nations out there that would like to make use of 
them. A Senator from Maine, from my State, talks about perhaps 
repurposing these toward drug interdiction in the southwest hemisphere. 
Again, we just can't be scrapping these things. It is a lost investment 
and a terrible waste of taxpayer dollars.
  That being said, I like the chairman's amendment in that it is 
seeking to make other important investments with the money, investing 
in these munition plants in the United States. Putting more money 
toward the readiness of our Navy force is an identified problem that we 
have agreed to in a bipartisan way--it is very necessary. I think we 
have pretty significant workforce readiness problems in the Navy to man 
those ships, so it is a good repurposing of those funds.
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield a 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman 
from Wisconsin (Mr. Gallagher).
  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  A few things that don't make sense to me: One, on a bipartisan basis 
in committee, we included report language in this year's bill that 
tasked the Navy with reporting to us on how they can make the LCS more 
combat-capable in the Indo-Pacific, doing things from gearbox repairs, 
sustainment options, lethality upgrades, to putting an NSM on these 
ships to make it into a very capable platform.
  Why would we not allow them to come back with that plan as opposed to 
proactively cutting Navy force structure?
  Furthermore, my colleagues will argue that the Navy doesn't want 
these ships. Well, the Navy is cutting these ships as part of a divest-
to-invest strategy because it has to budget against a FYDP that is far 
lower than what Congress is set to resource. So with a higher top line, 
the Navy can afford additional force structure. It is our job to 
exercise our constitutional oversight responsibility and add both the 
budget and force structure the Navy needs.
  Furthermore, the Navy's ship building plan, such as it exists, that 
was presented to us, was a joke. The Navy is proposing to bottom out 
the size of the fleet to 280 ships in 2027, the worst possible moment 
when the window of maximum danger peaks in the Pacific. We should not 
blindly accept that plan. We have been playing this Lucy and Charlie 
Brown football game with the Navy since I came into Congress 6 years 
ago.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I 
understand the gentleman has the right to ultimately close the debate, 
so I will reserve the balance of my time, unless he is prepared to 
close.
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time both sides have 
remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Virginia has 2 minutes 
remaining. The gentleman from Washington has 1 minute remaining.
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Rutherford).
  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  The Freedom-class littoral combat ships fill an important operational 
need in the Navy's fleet. We have invested billions in this program and 
decommissioning nine ships at the beginning of their service life is 
complete financial malpractice and takes away from important assets 
that can be used around the globe.

  This amendment would have a direct negative impact on our national 
security.
  The Chinese Communist Party plans to expand their fleet, which will 
reach 460 vessels by 2030. Meanwhile, in the same time period, the U.S. 
fleet will shrink to less than 300.
  These ships aren't perfect, as was mentioned earlier; no new class of 
ship is. But scrapping these ships at less than half their average life 
cycle is like throwing away a dime to save a nickel.
  Admiral Gumbleton himself said that the fix for these isn't an 
exorbitant amount of money. Why is it worth scrapping them entirely and 
throwing away billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars?
  The push to decommission these ships is a multimillion-dollar 
misstep. These ships are out in the fleet and they are executing 
missions in littoral waters, making our country safer--from helping the 
Coast Guard with drug interdiction in SOUTHCOM to maritime security 
operations in CENTCOM.
  Mr. Speaker, a vote in favor of this amendment is a vote against 
national security, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this 
amendment.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. Speaker, in that time I will attempt to make three quick points.
  Number one, in response to Mr. Gallagher, as he well knows, the LCS 
has literally no role in the counter China fight. It has no capability 
that will help us in dealing with China. So whatever your concern about 
China, LCS ain't going to deal with it. It may have capabilities 
elsewhere, but it wouldn't survive 2 seconds in a fight against China--
and we all know that--which leads to my second point.
  The number of ships isn't the point, it is the capability of our 
overall systems. This amendment takes the money out of this and puts it 
into more munitions, which we desperately need, and puts money into 
more operation and maintenance within the Department of the Navy, which 
Congressman Waltz has correctly pointed out we also desperately need. 
This money is put someplace that is vastly better.
  Lastly--I will come back to that first argument--the Department of 
the Navy is determined this is not where they should spend their money. 
But understand, we are hearing all these arguments about China, China, 
China, China--this is the point--build the capabilities and build the 
systems that can deal with the fight we face with China. The one thing 
you have to understand is the LCS is 100 percent not it.
  Mr. Speaker, we can spend this money better and this amendment does 
that. I urge its support, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I respect the chairman, but he is wrong.
  This ship does have capability against China. It is capability that 
is operable today. If you get rid of this ship, you have nothing. The 
replacement for this ship is 6 years out. You can't fight something 
with nothing.
  Getting rid of this ship is the wrong thing to do. It has its 
challenges--let's fix those challenges. Let's get this ship 
operational. Let's get it out there. We know that it can do the job in 
a variety of different ways.
  Even if it is not in the Indo-Pacific in a direct role, it can be in 
other ways that will free up ships to be in the Indo-Pacific to do 
their role. This is the wrong effort to retire these ships--all nine of 
these ships.
  Let's make sure we stand by the agreement that we came to in the 
committee and go to keeping the five ships.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from Washington (Mr. Smith).

[[Page H6274]]

  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                 Amendment No. 18 Offered by Mr. Foster

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
18 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       At the end of subtitle B of title XIII, add the following:

     SEC. 13_. REPEAL OF RESTRICTION ON FUNDING FOR THE 
                   PREPARATORY COMMISSION FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE 
                   NUCLEAR-TEST-BAN TREATY ORGANIZATION.

       Section 1279E of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2018 (22 U.S.C. 287 note) is repealed.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Foster) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to reverse the fiscal 
year 2018 NDAA provision restricting U.S. funds to the Comprehensive 
Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization's Preparatory Commission, also 
known as the CTBTO's PrepCom.
  As the only physicist in Congress, I feel a special responsibility to 
speak out on the importance of strengthening our global nuclear 
security architecture and maintaining U.S. leadership in this area.
  The Preparatory Commission is tasked with monitoring countries' 
compliance with the comprehensive ban on nuclear explosive testing, 
including onsite inspections.
  Before the PrepCom funding ban went into place, the U.S. experts 
regularly provided training to the PrepCom's international team of 
inspectors and worked with our international partners to continually 
refine the state-of-the-art methods used in these inspections.
  When the funding ban was enacted, it removed our ability to continue 
this work, which resulted in Russia, China, and even Iran stepping in 
to fill the gap. Their efforts may be more focused on dumbing down the 
capability of PrepCom's verification regime, instead of strengthening 
it under U.S. leadership.
  President Trump recognized the importance of nonproliferation and of 
oversight into our adversaries' nuclear testing. He worked for years at 
attempting to negotiate the dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear 
testing and development program. Although it failed in the end, it was 
not a dumb thing to attempt.
  If a final deal had been reached, onsite inspections by a trusted 
international team of technically competent inspectors would have been 
a key factor, and that is what PrepCom is and what it should be under 
renewed U.S. leadership.
  As our Nation fights against the unprovoked Russian aggression in 
Ukraine, and China and Iran's increasing belligerence, repealing this 
funding ban, and getting the PrepCom out from under our adversaries' 
control and back into U.S. control has never been more important.
  As a Nation, we must continue our efforts to reduce the threat of 
nuclear weapons and continue longstanding commitments to our allies.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this amendment, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cartwright). The gentleman from Alabama 
is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn).

                              {time}  1800

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Member for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment. This amendment 
would require American taxpayers to provide money to an organization 
for a treaty the United States is not even a party to. This is 
completely unnecessary.
  It has been the bipartisan policy of the United States since the 
nineties to not conduct a nuclear weapons test. If brought into force, 
the CTBT would codify this norm already adhered to by the United 
States. However, the treaty was already rejected by the U.S. Senate as 
its adoption would undermine the future strength of our deterrent, 
would not halt proliferation, is not verifiable, and doesn't even 
define the term ``nuclear explosion.'' So the Senate on a bipartisan 
basis has already rejected this treaty.
  This amendment does not make the world safer.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment to 
prevent sending millions of American taxpayer dollars to an 
international organization that has the purpose of bringing into force 
a treaty that has already been rejected by the United States Senate.
  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Cooper).
  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Foster 
amendment.
  Why?
  To the average Member, this may sound complicated, but it is all 
about nuclear testing. We need to stop North Korea and other nations 
from doing nuclear testing, and if they do, then we need a trusted 
international source to monitor exactly what they are doing.
  It does not help us in America to be blind, and it does not help the 
House of Representatives to blindly follow what the Senate does, 
particularly Senate inaction, because the other body is notoriously 
unable to conduct its work.
  The important fact that Members need to know is: all of the heads of 
our national labs say that we do not need to test. The heads of Sandia, 
Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, and Oak Ridge certify annually. We do 
not need to test, and we need to stop other nations who are trying to 
test.
  This amendment helps us stop those other nations. This amendment 
helps us stop North Korea. This amendment helps us stop other rogue 
nations and major powers like China and Russia from testing.
  Mr. Speaker, let's support the Foster amendment, and let's keep 
America strong. This is a very important principle for us to stand up 
for, and I thank Mr. Foster for offering this important amendment.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).
  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for the 
opportunity.
  Mr. Speaker, I think what is most important about this is it has 
already been said that we are not signatories to this treaty. With all 
due respect to the gentleman regarding the House didn't follow the 
Senate, we should do our own thing, I agree with that. But the Senate 
is the one that ratifies treaties, not the House.
  But the bigger issue is that requiring rogue nations who are criminal 
actors who don't honor their commitments--like North Korea, like 
Russia, and like China--to not do something on a piece of paper is not 
going to stop them. They don't honor anything that they sign anyhow, 
and we would be fools to think that they would. All this does, Mr. 
Speaker, among other things, all it does is tie America's hands behind 
its back.
  Yes, we do certify currently. But we don't know what the future 
holds, and we don't know what technology is going to be, and we should 
not tie America's national defense and national security behind her 
back for the sake of people and countries that refuse to honor the 
commitments that they sign. And we certainly shouldn't encumber 
hardworking, tax-paying citizens and their money to some international 
organization who does not have the best interests of the United 
States--the sovereignty of the United States--in mind, some global 
organization that somehow is going to tell us that because North Korea 
signed a

[[Page H6275]]

treaty, because Russia signed a treaty, and because China signed a 
treaty that they are not going to violate it.
  Mr. Speaker, when they violate it, it might be too late. We don't 
have time or the luxury of hoping that they will do the right thing.
  We absolutely must reject this amendment, and I urge our colleagues 
to vote ``no.''
  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would just like for the Members on the other side to ask 
themselves: assume that President Trump had succeeded at his 
negotiations with North Koreans, that would have required a technically 
competent team of international inspectors there the day after the 
agreement to make sure that there was not testing and other weapons-
related activities. This is why you keep the PrepCom alive and working 
and under U.S. leadership. It makes the U.S. stronger, safer, and more 
able to deliver on the treaties that I think all of us hope may some 
day be passed to actually reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear 
weapons.

  So until that time, we have to have a competent team in place. They, 
unfortunately, have to be international if they are going to be trusted 
by all sides on this. That is why it is important to keep the PrepCom 
as strong as we can, and it has to be under our leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment would repeal what has been bipartisan 
consensus since 2018. The United States should not provide funding for 
a bloated international organization to help bring into force a treaty 
that the Senate has already rejected. In practical terms, this 
amendment would allow tens of millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to be 
spent on conferences and junkets in the capitals of Europe to help 
resurrect a treaty that the U.S. Senate has already rejected.
  Let's be clear: This amendment has nothing to do with U.S. nuclear 
testing. Since the early 1980s, every administration, both Republican 
and Democrat, has stated that we do not need to conduct underground 
nuclear testing. Nothing has changed, and this bill provides billions 
of dollars to ensure that it doesn't.
  My suggestion to the sponsors of this amendment, Mr. Speaker, is if 
you really want to change the policy, then go run for the Senate. There 
you can attempt to resurrect the rotting corpse which is the 
comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Foster).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


               Amendment No. 19 Offered by Mr. Garamendi

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
19 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       Add at the end of title XVI the following new subtitle:

                     Subtitle F--Ballistic Missiles

     SEC. 1671. STATEMENT OF POLICY ON SERVICE LIFE OF MINUTEMAN 
                   III INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES AND 
                   PAUSE IN DEVELOPMENT OF THE SENTINEL PROGRAM 
                   (GROUND-BASED STRATEGIC DETERRENT PROGRAM).

       It is the policy of the United States that--
       (1) the operational life of the Minuteman III 
     intercontinental ballistic missiles shall be safely extended 
     until at least 2040; and
       (2) the research, development, testing, and evaluation of 
     the Sentinel program shall be paused until 2031.

     SEC. 1672. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR SENTINEL PROGRAM 
                   AND W87-1 WARHEAD MODIFICATION PROGRAM.

       None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act 
     or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2023 for the 
     Department or Defense or the National Nuclear Security 
     Administration may be obligated or expended for the Sentinel 
     program (including with respect to supporting infrastructure) 
     or the W87-1 warhead modification program.

     SEC. 1673. LIFE EXTENSION OF MINUTEMAN III INTERCONTINENTAL 
                   BALLISTIC MISSILES.

       (a) Life Extension Program.--Beginning not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Defense shall commence efforts for a life 
     extension program of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic 
     missiles to extend the life of such missiles to 2040.
       (b) Elements of Program.--In carrying out the life 
     extension program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     ensure the following:
       (1) The program will incorporate new and necessary 
     technologies that could also be incorporated in the future 
     Sentinel program, including with respect to technologies 
     that--
       (A) increase the resilience against adversary missile 
     defenses; and
       (B) incorporate new nuclear command, control, and 
     communications systems.
       (2) The program will use nondestructive testing methods and 
     technologies similar to the testing methods used by the Navy 
     for Trident II D5 submarine launched ballistic missiles to 
     reduce destructive testing.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted by the last discussion, and I hope that 
whatever eloquence I might have would be useful in this regard because 
we are now debating some of the most important and profound issues that 
will ever come before this Congress, as it has in the past Congresses 
and in the future Congresses, and that is the role of nuclear weapons 
in our lives.
  Mr. Speaker, we are involved in a new nuclear arms race, and this one 
is extremely expensive. But much more importantly, it is extremely 
dangerous because this arms race is designed to provide weapons 
delivery systems that are not observable and observation systems that 
are totally unreliable in a conflict--basically the satellite systems.
  So this amendment deals with one part of the triad, and that is the 
ground-based missiles, some 400 or so, that are in silos in the 
northern Midwest. Those are the Minuteman III missiles. They are armed, 
they are ready, and the President, should there be an incident that 
would cause him to make a decision about launching those missiles, has 
something less than 15 minutes--probably less than 12 minutes--to make 
a decision to literally end life on this planet as we know it.
  Those are the use-it-or-lose-it missiles, the Minuteman III.
  We have the proposal underway--a no-bid contract worth about $125 
billion over the next decade or so--to replace the current Minuteman 
III missiles and, quite possibly, the nuclear weapons that are on those 
missiles. We don't need to do that now. The Minuteman III missiles are 
viable for the next decade, almost the next two decades, if they are 
maintained.
  The Air Force made a decision some years ago--about 7 years ago--to 
decide not to maintain them but rather to build a new missile system 
that was then called the GBSD ground-based secure system--it is now 
called the Sentinel--at a cost of about $125 billion in the next 
decade.
  This amendment simply pauses the development of that missile system, 
calls for the refurbishment and maintenance of the current Minuteman 
III missiles for the next decade, and at that time a decision will be 
made by this Congress and future Congresses about what to do. It is 
simple.
  There has been a lot of talk in the last hour or two about unfunded 
priorities or we ought to fund this and ought to fund that, I would 
suggest to you, Mr. Speaker, that we probably have somewhere in the 
range of $12 to $20 billion in the next couple of years and $120 
billion in the next decade that we could easily spend on unfunded 
priorities or funded priorities.
  So with that, I will pause, as I would hope that the ICBM would 
pause, and I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page H6276]]

  

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would prohibit 
funding for the W-87-1 nuclear warhead and attempt to life extend the 
Minuteman ICBM. In practical terms, this amendment is a backdoor 
attempt to kill the U.S. ICBM program.
  We have heard time and again from the U.S. Air Force, STRATCOM, and 
GAO that the Minuteman ICBM cannot be life extended. The parts simply 
don't exist, and we need this new capability.
  This would also fly in the face of the decision made by President 
Biden in his nuclear posture review to continue retiring the Minuteman 
III and replacing it with Sentinel ICBM. This was the same decision 
President Trump and President Obama came to when they were reviewing 
this data.
  Adopting this amendment would also send a terrible signal to our 
allies. Allies around the world rely on the protection provided by the 
U.S. nuclear umbrella which reduces the incentive for those nations to 
pursue nuclear programs of their own. Extending the nuclear guarantee 
underwrites the security of over 30 formal treaty allies including 
NATO, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. This amendment is akin to 
unilateral disarmament and would be a huge win for Russia and China.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose this amendment, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to my remaining time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California has 1\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn).
  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment. It is premised on an extremely false assertion that the 
Minuteman ICBMs can be safely extended, and this is simply not true.
  The commander of U.S. Strategic Command, Admiral Richard, has said: 
``Let me be very clear. You cannot extend the Minuteman III any 
longer.''
  Between disappearing sources for parts and the overall decay of the 
60-year-old Minuteman system, there is no room for error and for delay 
in extending anymore. The engineering designs for the Minuteman either 
don't exist or are six generations behind technologically from where we 
are today.
  In recent reliability flight tests, the Minuteman III has not proven 
to be reliable. In 2021, the Air Force aborted a flight test before it 
even initiated because the missile unexpectedly turned itself off. In 
2018, the Air Force destroyed an unarmed Minuteman III in the middle of 
the flight test over the Pacific because of a problem; and in 2011, the 
Air Force destroyed an unarmed Minuteman III just after test launch due 
to a malfunction. Mr. Speaker, this is what you would expect from an 
old and extremely unreliable system, and it is getting worse that way 
every year.
  So I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment that would 
recklessly bet on an old system at the expense of a modern system that 
we urgently need for our continued deterrence.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), who serves on the Armed Services 
Committee.

                              {time}  1815

  Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong opposition to this 
amendment and the extreme damage it would do to our national security. 
Need I mention that a nuclear-armed power just invaded its neighbor, a 
country that has modernized its ICBM force. Defunding the modernization 
of the land-based leg of our nuclear triad in this global environment 
should be unthinkable.
  Here are the facts.
  First, China is our pacing threat. It is on track to double its 
nuclear stockpile in the next decade, matching our ICBM force. At that 
rate, it may acquire the ability to strike all 400 US ICBM sites in one 
wave.
  Meanwhile, Russia is rattling its already modernized nuclear saber to 
coerce the U.S. and our allies. Defunding the ICBM modernization at a 
time like this sends a terrible message to our adversaries and to our 
allies. To our allies, can they trust us with the nuclear umbrella when 
we have ICBMs that are 50 years old?
  Secondly, our military leaders have stated there is zero margin left 
to delay modernization of this ground-based leg of our triad. The 
Minuteman III was built in the 1970s and had a designed lifespan of 10 
years. Our airmen have worked miracles to sustain these weapons, but 
they have become far more expensive to maintain than to replace. The 
price tag for replacement is high, but it pales in comparison to a 
catastrophic consequence of failing in deterrence.
  Finally, the ground-based leg of our triad has never been more 
important. New technology is likely to end the invulnerability of our 
stealthy nuclear submarines, while advanced air defenses and air-to-air 
missiles threaten our bombers' ability to strike.
  ICBMs are always on alert. They are ready to strike anywhere, 
anytime. I recommend that we vote ``no'' on this amendment.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Let's deal with two things here. First, with regard to the ability of 
the Minuteman III to be serviceable for the next 17 years, in fact, it 
has to be for the GBSD or the Sentinel to be put in place.
  All the Sentinels will not arrive on day one. They will arrive year 
by year, Sentinel by Sentinel, over the next 17 years. The Minuteman 
IIIs will be maintained for that period of time, so it is not true that 
they cannot be maintained. They, in fact, will be.
  Secondly, are we talking about deterrence, or are we talking about 
dominance? Do we have to have more to deter, or do we have a good 
deterrence in the next decade with the Minuteman III, the submarines, 
the aircraft, and the bombers of many different designs?
  The fact of the matter is we have sufficient deterrence. The question 
is, do we want to dominate simply with numbers? We don't need to do 
that to deter, and we do have other priorities that we need to spend 
money on, much of which was discussed here.
  The issue for us, it seems to me, is should we delay, for a decade, 
the development and placement of the Minuteman III replacement--that 
is, the Sentinel. The answer is we have other things to do. We have 
other priorities, and we will be quite safe enough. We will quite have 
enough deterrence.
  With regard to the 87-1, that is being delayed because it cannot be 
developed in the near term.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my 
time.
  I will say this for my good friend from California: He is persistent. 
I hope that this year he is not going to be successful, like he hasn't 
been in the past.
  This amendment guts a decade and a half of consensus on nuclear 
modernization. It would appease foreign dictators and undermine our 
alliances. It is opposed by the Pentagon.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Garamendi).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House 
Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                 Amendment No. 20 Offered by Ms. Tlaib

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
20 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

[[Page H6277]]

  

       Strike section 1636.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Michigan.
  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, first, I thank Chairman Smith as well as 
Chair McGovern and their staff and team for working with me on this 
critically important amendment and for their leadership, really, 
throughout this NDAA process.
  I also thank Congresswoman Jacobs for cosponsoring this amendment 
with us in support of, again, this really important policy change.
  With Russia's war in Ukraine, and serious tensions along NATO's 
eastern border and in the South China Sea, today's world is being 
redefined, Mr. Speaker, by escalating tensions between major nuclear 
powers.
  We don't have to look back far in history to see that there is danger 
here. The Cold War was full of near misses and numerous crises that 
could have gotten out of control and ended in nuclear war.
  We are now entering a period of dangerous nuclear competition. As 
such, we must remember one of the key lessons the Cold War taught us: 
That when it comes to nuclear, we must preserve the ability to promptly 
step back and clearly signal de-escalation when necessary.
  Unfortunately, the current draft of the NDAA includes a provision 
that prohibits our country from doing just that. Specifically, this 
dangerous provision makes it impossible for our country to reduce the 
stockpile of ICBMs for any reason, with no exceptions.
  The policy was created, Mr. Speaker, and implemented by lawmakers in 
promotion of companies who profit in the production of these weapons, 
not in the best interests of our national security priorities.
  This shortsighted policy places serious and concerning restraints on 
the President, Congress, and the Department of Defense's ability to 
consider and modify the role of ICBMs in our national defense.
  Preserving our ability to reduce our nuclear stockpiles proved key to 
reducing tensions and achieving peaceful solutions and planet-saving 
arms control agreements during the Cold War. Just as we have the 
ability to increase our nuclear defense in times of crisis, we must 
have the ability to reduce our nuclear forces when it is in our 
national interests.
  To be clear, this amendment does not change the size of our nuclear 
forces. It merely allows for reasonable consideration and debate in the 
future.
  As a mother of two, Mr. Speaker, who dreams of a world where my boys 
and many of the children around the world can lead lives free from the 
threat of fear and nuclear war, I urge my colleagues to support this 
amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to 
this amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would repeal what 
was unanimously inserted into the NDAA during this year's markup.
  The underlying bill currently contains a floor of 400 deployed ICBMs. 
This is the minimum STRATCOM says it needs to deter both Russia and 
China. That is how we got that number, by trusting our military 
commanders.
  China is building and filling ICBM fields at an unprecedented rate. 
Russia is deploying a new heavy Sarmat ICBM. Yet, we are taking time to 
debate whether the U.S. should maintain at least 400 ICBMs.
  The debate is simple. If you support going lower than the number of 
ICBMs that STRATCOM says it needs to deter Russia and China, then you 
should support the Tlaib amendment. If you think that 400 is the right 
number, and you trust our military commanders in their assessment, then 
you should oppose the Tlaib amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would like to just make it very clear that this amendment does not 
change the size of our nuclear forces. This amendment gives our 
government more options to avoid a world-ending nuclear war. It is that 
simple.
  Nuclear confrontation, Mr. Speaker, means the destruction of 
everything we hold dear, and it risks the end of the world. We need 
more options for those in power now to make those decisions and have 
that flexibility.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to understand what is at stake, and 
I remind my colleagues again that it is important to be able to give 
Congress, the President of the United States, as well as the Department 
of Defense, the ability to de-escalate when necessary.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn).
  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  This could allow for the reduction of fielded or deployed ground-
based nuclear missiles.
  As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, and China engages in an 
ongoing, massive nuclear buildup, this is arguably the worst time to 
consider a weakening of our deterrence.
  Keeping section 1636 in the bill maintains our deterrence in the face 
of escalating nuclear threats to our country, our allies, and our 
partners.
  This amendment is even out of line with the Biden administration's 
Nuclear Posture Review and its emphasis on deterring nuclear attack. 
This would mark the beginning of a slippery slope toward unilaterally 
reducing our nuclear arsenal and weakening the state of our nuclear 
deterrence.
  Congress and the Biden administration alike have rejected this 
concept. When it comes to our ground-based systems in particular, our 
deterrence is enhanced because Russia and China must consider these 
responsive capabilities we have as they posture their nuclear forces. 
Having our ground-based systems at the ready thus deters nuclear 
escalation and is stabilizing.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to vote ``no'' on this amendment.
  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Michigan has 1 minute 
remaining.
  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Garamendi).
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, nobody has really said that we need 400. 
It has never been said we need 400. Maybe we need 399. Maybe we need 
even less than that.
  The fact of the matter is that we have adequate deterrence without 
any of these particularly very dangerous missiles because they have to 
be used immediately upon threat. In 12 minutes, the President has to 
make a decision.
  Here is the point. We have more than enough deterrence. Now, if we 
want to have more than they have, that doesn't increase the deterrence. 
That just increases the cost of the number.
  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, it is important to understand that this 
amendment merely allows for reasonable consideration and a debate in 
the future in regard to our ICBMs. That is all we are asking here.
  I think it is very important, again, for our future in allowing that 
debate and public transparency about that need.
  Again, de-escalation in a time of crisis is important.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson), an outstanding member of the Armed 
Services Committee.
  Mr. JACKSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rogers for the time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment as it would 
irresponsibly cripple our nuclear deterrent.
  As China, Russia, and Iran are rapidly advancing their military 
capability, the House Armed Services Committee has worked tirelessly to 
ensure that the U.S. military can compete and win in a future conflict.
  We included an important prohibition on the reduction of ICBMs in 
this year's NDAA because military leadership has repeatedly told us 
that 400 is the bare minimum number of deployed

[[Page H6278]]

ICBMs needed to deter both Russia and China. This number wasn't pulled 
out of thin air; it was provided to us by STRATCOM.
  However, the reality is that even the current fleet of 400 ICBMs is 
not enough. That is why this year's NDAA takes active steps to invest 
in modernization of our nuclear weapons, our skilled workforce, and the 
infrastructure at our facilities like Pantex in Amarillo.
  We need to listen to our military leadership and provide these 
strategic investments to modernize our triad.
  This amendment runs counter to our national security objectives. For 
these reasons, I urge everyone to oppose this far-left amendment. To 
unilaterally disarm the United States with this would be a travesty.

                              {time}  1830

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would repeal the 
statutory requirement to maintain at least 400 ICBMs. That would 
completely undermine our strategic deterrent. I urge all Members to 
oppose this amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                 Amendment No. 25 Offered by Ms. Norton

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
25 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of division E, insert the following:

        TITLE LIX--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD HOME RULE

     SEC. 5901. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``District of Columbia 
     National Guard Home Rule Act''.

     SEC. 5902. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL GUARD AUTHORITIES TO MAYOR 
                   OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

       (a) Mayor as Commander-in-Chief.--Section 6 of the Act 
     entitled ``An Act to provide for the organization of the 
     militia of the District of Columbia, and for other 
     purposes'', approved March 1, 1889 (sec. 49-409, D.C. 
     Official Code), is amended by striking ``President of the 
     United States'' and inserting ``Mayor of the District of 
     Columbia''.
       (b) Reserve Corps.--Section 72 of such Act (sec. 49-407, 
     D.C. Official Code) is amended by striking ``President of the 
     United States'' each place it appears and inserting ``Mayor 
     of the District of Columbia''.
       (c) Appointment of Commissioned Officers.--(1) Section 7(a) 
     of such Act (sec. 49-301(a), D.C. Official Code) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``President of the United States'' and 
     inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''; and
       (B) by striking ``President.'' and inserting ``Mayor.''.
       (2) Section 9 of such Act (sec. 49-304, D.C. Official Code) 
     is amended by striking ``President'' and inserting ``Mayor of 
     the District of Columbia''.
       (3) Section 13 of such Act (sec. 49-305, D.C. Official 
     Code) is amended by striking ``President of the United 
     States'' and inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
       (4) Section 19 of such Act (sec. 49-311, D.C. Official 
     Code) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``to the Secretary of 
     the Army'' and all that follows through ``which board'' and 
     inserting ``to a board of examination appointed by the 
     Commanding General, which''; and
       (B) in subsection (b), by striking ``the Secretary of the 
     Army'' and all that follows through the period and inserting 
     ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia, together with any 
     recommendations of the Commanding General.''.
       (5) Section 20 of such Act (sec. 49-312, D.C. Official 
     Code) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``President of the United States'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``Mayor of the District of 
     Columbia''; and
       (B) by striking ``the President may retire'' and inserting 
     ``the Mayor may retire''.
       (d) Call for Duty.--(1) Section 45 of such Act (sec. 49-
     103, D.C. Official Code) is amended by striking ``, or for 
     the United States Marshal'' and all that follows through 
     ``shall thereupon order'' and inserting ``to order''.
       (2) Section 46 of such Act (sec. 49-104, D.C. Official 
     Code) is amended by striking ``the President'' and inserting 
     ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
       (e) General Courts Martial.--Section 51 of such Act (sec. 
     49-503, D.C. Official Code) is amended by striking ``the 
     President of the United States'' and inserting ``the Mayor of 
     the District of Columbia''.

     SEC. 5903. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 10, UNITED STATES 
                   CODE.

       (a) Failure To Satisfactorily Perform Prescribed 
     Training.--Section 10148(b) of title 10, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking ``the commanding general of the 
     District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting ``the 
     Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
       (b) Appointment of Chief of National Guard Bureau.--Section 
     10502(a)(1) of such title is amended by striking ``the 
     commanding general of the District of Columbia National 
     Guard'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of 
     Columbia''.
       (c) Vice Chief of National Guard Bureau.--Section 
     10505(a)(1)(A) of such title is amended by striking ``the 
     commanding general of the District of Columbia National 
     Guard'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of 
     Columbia''.
       (d) Other Senior National Guard Bureau Officers.--Section 
     10506(a)(1) of such title is amended by striking ``the 
     commanding general of the District of Columbia National 
     Guard'' both places it appears and inserting ``the Mayor of 
     the District of Columbia''.
       (e) Consent for Active Duty or Relocation.--(1) Section 
     12301 of such title is amended--
       (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``commanding general of 
     the District of Columbia National Guard'' in the second 
     sentence and inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''; 
     and
       (B) in subsection (d), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting the following: ``, or, in the case of the 
     District of Columbia National Guard, the Mayor of the 
     District of Columbia.''.
       (2) Section 12406 of such title is amended by striking 
     ``the commanding general of the National Guard of the 
     District of Columbia'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the 
     District of Columbia''.
       (f) Consent for Relocation of Units.--Section 18238 of such 
     title is amended by striking ``the commanding general of the 
     National Guard of the District of Columbia'' and inserting 
     ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.

     SEC. 5904. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 32, UNITED STATES 
                   CODE.

       (a) Maintenance of Other Troops.--Section 109(c) of title 
     32, United States Code, is amended by striking ``(or 
     commanding general in the case of the District of 
     Columbia)''.
       (b) Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities.--Section 
     112(h)(2) of such title is amended by striking ``the 
     Commanding General of the National Guard of the District of 
     Columbia'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of 
     Columbia''.
       (c) Additional Assistance.--Section 113 of such title is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(e) Inclusion of District of Columbia.--In this section, 
     the term `State' includes the District of Columbia.''.
       (d) Appointment of Adjutant General.--Section 314 of such 
     title is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
     (b) and (c), respectively; and
       (3) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``the commanding general of the District of Columbia National 
     Guard'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of 
     Columbia,''.
       (e) Relief From National Guard Duty.--Section 325(a)(2)(B) 
     of such title is amended by striking ``commanding general of 
     the District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting ``the 
     Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
       (f) Authority To Order To Perform Active Guard and Reserve 
     Duty.--
       (1) Authority.--Subsection (a) of section 328 of such title 
     is amended by striking ``the commanding general of the 
     District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting ``the 
     Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
       (2) Clerical amendments.--
       (A) Section heading.--The heading of such section is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 328. Active Guard and Reserve duty: authority of chief 
       executive''.

       (B) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 3 of such title is amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 328 and inserting the following 
     new item:

``328. Active Guard and Reserve duty: authority of chief executive.''.
       (g) Personnel Matters.--Section 505 of such title is 
     amended by striking ``commanding general of the National 
     Guard of the District of Columbia'' in the first sentence and 
     inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
       (h) National Guard Challenge Program.--Section 509 of such 
     title is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``the commanding 
     general of the District of Columbia National Guard, under 
     which the Governor or the commanding general'' and inserting 
     ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia, under which the 
     Governor or the Mayor'';
       (2) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``the commanding 
     general of the District of Columbia National Guard'' and 
     inserting ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia'';

[[Page H6279]]

       (3) in subsection (j), by striking ``the commanding general 
     of the District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting 
     ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''; and
       (4) in subsection (k), by striking ``the commanding general 
     of the District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting 
     ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
       (i) Issuance of Supplies.--Section 702(a) of such title is 
     amended by striking ``commanding general of the National 
     Guard of the District of Columbia'' and inserting ``Mayor of 
     the District of Columbia''.
       (j) Appointment of Fiscal Officer.--Section 708(a) of such 
     title is amended by striking ``commanding general of the 
     National Guard of the District of Columbia'' and inserting 
     ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''.

     SEC. 5905. CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
                   HOME RULE ACT.

       Section 602(b) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act 
     (sec. 1-206.02(b), D.C. Official Code) is amended by striking 
     ``the National Guard of the District of Columbia,''.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment would give the District of Columbia mayor 
control over the D.C. National Guard. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney 
and Congressman Anthony Brown are co-leads of this amendment.
  The Governors of the States and territories control their National 
Guards, while the President controls the D.C. National Guard. This 
amendment would give the D.C. mayor the same control over the D.C. 
National Guard that the Governors of the States and territories have 
over their National Guards.
  The President would have the same authority to federalize the D.C. 
National Guard that the President has to federalize the National Guards 
of the States and territories.
  The attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the events at 
Lafayette Square on June 1, 2020, are prime examples of why the D.C. 
mayor should control the D.C. National Guard.
  During January 6, the Trump administration delayed deploying the D.C. 
National Guard to the Capitol for several hours, likely costing lives 
and prolonging the attack.
  At Lafayette Square, the Trump administration used the D.C. National 
Guard to forcibly remove peaceful protesters for a President photo op.
  National Guards are generally deployed for natural disasters and 
civil disturbances. The D.C. mayor, who knows D.C. better than any 
Federal official, should be able to deploy the D.C. National Guard to 
protect D.C. residents.
  In the event of a large-scale attack on a Federal facility in D.C., 
the D.C. mayor would almost certainly deploy the D.C. National Guard to 
protect the facility. However, in the unlikely event that the D.C. 
mayor did not do so, the President would have the authority to 
federalize and deploy the D.C. National Guard to do so.
  This is no different from the division of authority today between a 
Governor and the President in the event of a large-scale attack on a 
Federal facility in a State or territory.
  Moreover, Presidential control over the D.C. National Guard creates a 
loophole in the Posse Comitatus Act which limits the military's 
involvement in civil law enforcement.
  The Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel has opined that 
when the D.C. National Guard is operating for non-Federal purposes, 
even though it is an exclusively Federal entity, it may be used for 
civilian law enforcement without violating Posse Comitatus.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment which would be a 
historic advance in D.C. self-government and improve public safety in 
the Nation's Capitol.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Wisconsin is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment. The amendment would inject the D.C. mayor into the Title 32 
chain of command. As a result, the President would be required to ask 
for the consent of the mayor to employ the D.C. Guard for Federal 
missions.
  Not only would this set a harmful precedent for command and control 
of the National Guard units below the level of a Governor, it would 
create a series of dilemmas in the event that the D.C. mayor and the 
President disagree on the deployment of the Guard.
  For example, if the mayor declined to give consent, the President 
would have to order members of the D.C. Guard to active duty, request 
the consent of a Governor to deploy members of their Guard units to 
D.C., or deploy Active-Duty servicemembers to D.C.
  All of these options would come with their own distinct tradeoffs and 
potential for delay in the event of a crisis. Giving the D.C. mayor 
authority over the National Guard would only delay response time and 
create new areas of friction that we don't need.
  It is not hard to see why members of the Armed Services Committee 
rejected this amendment on a bipartisan basis during the markup last 
month, so I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this amendment, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman fails to understand that the 
deployment of the D.C. National Guard would have to take place no 
matter who controls the National Guard, whether the President or the 
mayor.
  If the mayor controls the National Guard, she would have to deploy 
it. She would have to make sure the National Guard is ready to proceed. 
So the gentleman's objection would have no merit.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Clyde).
  Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Wisconsin for 
yielding time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong opposition to amendment No. 25 
which would place the mayor of the District of Columbia in charge of 
the D.C. National Guard.
  I can't believe this even has to be said, but the D.C. mayor is not 
the Governor of a State, and the District of Columbia, which houses our 
Federal Government, is not and should never become a State.
  Under current law, the President of the United States, our Nation's 
commander in chief, is the authority over the D.C. National Guard and 
also appoints its commissioned officers.
  The President has held that authority for more than two centuries 
since the inception of the D.C. National Guard under President Thomas 
Jefferson in 1802.
  The President has delegated the authority to deploy the D.C. National 
Guard to the Secretary of Defense, who has further delegated that 
authority to the Secretary of the Army. These are Federal officials 
accountable to the President of the United States.

  Under this amendment, the D.C. mayor, not the President, would be in 
charge of the D.C. National Guard, including deployments and appointing 
its commissioned officers, so the President would be stripped of his 
role entirely.
  Think about it. Taking the authority from the President and giving it 
to a mayor. Never. That is completely unacceptable. The D.C. mayor must 
not have equal authorities as Governors of States and territories have 
over their National Guards because the D.C. mayor is not a Governor, 
and the District of Columbia is a Federal district, not a State or a 
territory.
  In addition, the current mayor has previously attempted to use the 
D.C. National Guard for political purposes, calling for their 
withdrawal from the district during the summer riots of 2020, and 
seeking to significantly limit the D.C. National Guard's role to 
traffic control duties only prior to the January 6 riot at the U.S. 
Capitol. This further demonstrates that the D.C. mayor should play no 
role in the deployment of the D.C. National Guard troops.
  Again, the District of Columbia is a Federal district and is not a 
State, and the Constitution directs that it should never be a State. 
The District of Columbia is a Federal district with substantial Federal 
concerns and facilities.
  The President of the United States should control the D.C. National

[[Page H6280]]

Guard, not an office whose resident has already demonstrated a lack of 
judgment when it comes to the use of the D.C. National Guard.
  Simply, the filing of this amendment is another example of why it is 
time to roll back home rule and return management of the city to 
Congress as stipulated by the Constitution.
  Article I, Section 8 starts with: ``The Congress shall have power,'' 
and in clause 17, it states, ``To exercise exclusive legislation in all 
Cases whatsoever, over the District . . . `' That is our Constitution. 
That is what we abide by. I urge my colleagues to oppose this 
amendment.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I remind the gentleman that this House has 
twice passed the D.C. statehood bill, and that the bill that I have put 
before you will give the President the same authority to federalize the 
D.C. National Guard that the President has to federalize the National 
Guards of the States and territories, so it would pose no issue for 
deployment of the National Guard.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, a few comments.
  I mean, the fact that the House, in partisan fashion, has passed the 
D.C. statehood bill I think has no bearing on this because, of course, 
according to the Constitution, there is another Chamber that would have 
to weigh in for a bill to become a law.
  Until such a time as that becomes a reality, this amendment makes no 
sense and puts that very big cart before the horse.
  As my colleague from Georgia so eloquently reminded us, we should be 
in the business of adhering to the Constitution, not seeking to create 
end-runs around it.
  Furthermore, the gentlewoman's earlier objection that we already have 
a process for a consultation, and, therefore, my objections aren't 
warranted, ignores the basic fact that with this amendment, we are 
setting a new precedent.
  As the gentleman from Georgia clearly laid out, we are lowering the 
bar below the level of Governor and effectively giving a mayor the 
authorities that a Governor has right now.
  That is not the same consultation process that exists at present. 
That is a new glitch in the matrix, one that should be avoided right 
now.
  Mr. Speaker, I maintain my strong opposition to this amendment, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, nothing more than what we saw on January 6 
educates us to why it is important for the mayor of the District of 
Columbia to have control of the National Guard.
  That period during which the National Guard was held up because the 
mayor had no control accounted for much of the problems that we are 
still fighting that came out of January 6.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                Amendment No. 29 Offered by Ms. Sanchez

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
29 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       At the end of subtitle J of title V, add the following:

     SEC. __. REPORT ON THE SPREAD OF MALIGN DISINFORMATION.

       (a) Report.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall develop a report 
     that--
       (1) evaluates the spread of malign disinformation within 
     the military ranks;
       (2) identifies how the Department of Defense and the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs are working to mitigate the 
     spread and impact of malign disinformation;
       (3) identifies how the Transition Assistance Program uses 
     malign disinformation risk in providing resources to, and 
     engaging with, veterans; and
       (4) evaluates the spread of malign disinformation among 
     veteran communities, identifies the resources necessary to 
     mitigate such spread of malign disinformation, and includes a 
     strategy to address such spread of malign disinformation.
       (b) Availability.--The Secretary of Defense shall--
       (1) not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of 
     this section, submit the report developed under subsection 
     (a) to the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Armed 
     Services and Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
       (2) not later than 30 days after the report is submitted 
     under paragraph (1), make such report available online.
       (c) Malign Disinformation.--In this section, the term 
     ``malign disinformation'' includes any disinformation that--
       (1) aims to recruit members of the Armed Forces or veterans 
     to carry out extremist activities;
       (2) is harmful to good order and discipline; or
       (3) is related to extremist activities or vaccination.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment which would require 
the Department of Defense and the VA take steps to investigate and 
mitigate the spread of disinformation within their ranks.
  Bad actors are taking advantage of new technologies to effectively 
manipulate the public, spreading false information faster and further 
than ever before. Extremists are trying to blur the line between fact 
and fiction, which undermines confidence in reliable sources of 
information. The result is more polarization and less trust in our 
government.
  This ultimately makes it easier for violent groups to recruit 
individuals, including servicemembers and veterans, to their causes.
  We saw the devastating effects of disinformation in this very Chamber 
on January 6 of 2021. I will never forget sitting on the floor of my 
office in the dark, a baseball bat in my hand, hoping that I would live 
to see my son grow up.
  Insurrectionists, motivated by disinformation, stormed the heart of 
American democracy. Over 80 of those charged in relation to January 6 
had some form of military service.
  America's military is not immune to the rising tide of extremism, nor 
is it immune to disinformation and conspiracy theories. Experts have 
shown that extremist groups target active military and veterans for 
recruitment.
  We must act before it is too late. We must remain vigilant to the 
weaponization of disinformation that aims to polarize our society, 
create division, and damage trust in our institutions.
  If left unchecked, the reckless spread of disinformation poses an 
existential threat to our democracy. I urge all my colleagues to 
support this amendment and the underlying package.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1845

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment offers vague language about how the DOD 
and VA should plan to address the spread of so-called disinformation in 
DOD and veteran communities.
  It defines ``malign disinformation'' to include anything harmful to 
the good order and discipline or related to vaccinations.
  Supporters of this amendment should think long and hard about what 
behavior they envision being investigated and criminalized in this 
report.
  Implying that all who question or all who disagree with COVID 
vaccinations are somehow the victims of disinformation is also an 
absurd view

[[Page H6281]]

of reality. I find it insulting to our servicemembers and veterans.
  This body should not support any language that endorses mass 
censorship campaigns based on political beliefs or loose concepts.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose the amendment, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Beyer), my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee.
  Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support Ms. Sanchez' amendment 
on malign disinformation spread within the Department of Defense and 
the VA.
  Within the military, a 2019 Military Times survey found that 36 
percent of Active-Duty servicemembers have personally witnessed white 
nationalism or ideology-driven racism within recent months, a 12 
percent year-over-year increase.
  This is not about vaccinations. This is about extremism, and 
specifically about racism. Witnessing extremist views is more common 
among enlisted members than among officers, and a majority of minority 
servicemembers, 53 percent, reported some experience with extremist 
ideology in the military.
  We know this ideology is fomented through mis- and disinformation. 
Our enlisted people need to be ready to work as a unit with very 
diverse peers, and our military needs to able to engage globally at all 
times. That means we need to have a view of the world based in reality, 
not disinformation.
  This is even more paramount when we know that Russia intentionally 
engages in disinformation to sabotage our country and our troops.
  We can't let our troops be susceptible. I can't think of a more 
important effort to help our troop readiness.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to 
close.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment is simple. It simply asks for a report 
evaluating the spread of disinformation within the military ranks and 
how that can be mitigated.
  Respecting our troops and our veterans means protecting them from 
exploitation and from manipulation by bad actors such as Russian 
trolls.
  Disinformation and propaganda not only create divisions in our 
society, they exploit vulnerabilities that already exist. This is a 
direct threat to our national security because it undermines trust and 
confidence within the ranks.
  We must do more to reach out to all members of society, especially 
those who are most vulnerable to propaganda. Defending our democracy 
and bolstering our societal resilience requires it.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this amendment and 
the underlying package.
  In the face of what we have seen, the problems that disinformation 
and misinformation can cause, those who choose to willfully ignore it 
and not prepare for it are contributing to the potential violence.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment is Orwellian and 
insulting to servicemembers. I urge all Members to oppose it.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House 
Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


               Amendment No. 31 Offered by Mr. Schneider

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
31 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 1348, insert after line 23 the following (and conform 
     the table of contents accordingly):

     SEC. 5806. INTERAGENCY REPORT ON EXTREMIST ACTIVITY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the 
     Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Defense 
     shall publish a report that analyzes and sets out strategies 
     to combat White supremacist and neo-Nazi activity in the 
     uniformed services and Federal law enforcement agencies.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the Federal Bureau of 
     Investigation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the 
     Secretary of Defense shall submit a joint report detailing 
     Executive-wide plans described in subsection (a) that 
     includes--
       (A) the number of individuals discharged from the uniformed 
     services due to incidents related to White supremacy and neo-
     Nazi activity;
       (B) for each instance included in the total number in 
     subparagraph (A), a description of the circumstances that led 
     to the separation of servicemembers from the uniformed 
     services due to White supremacy and neo-Nazi activity;
       (C) the number of Federal law enforcement officers 
     separated from federal agencies due to incidents related to 
     White supremacy or neo-Nazi activity;
       (D) for each instance included in the total number in 
     subparagraph (C), a description of the circumstances that led 
     to the separation of Federal law enforcement officers from 
     federal agencies due to White supremacy and neo-Nazi 
     activity;
       (E) the response of the Director of the Federal Bureau of 
     Investigation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the 
     Secretary of Defense to planned or effectuated incidents that 
     have a nexus to White supremacist and neo-Nazi ideology 
     involving those described in subparagraphs (B) and (D); and
       (F) specific plans to address such incidents described in 
     this subsection within uniformed services and Federal law 
     enforcement agencies
       (2) Transmission.--The Director of the Federal Bureau of 
     Investigation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the 
     Secretary of Defense shall transmit each report described in 
     paragraph (1) to--
       (A) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate;
       (B) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs of the Senate;
       (C) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate;
       (D) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
       (E) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (F) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (G) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the 
     House of Representatives; and
       (H) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (3) Classification and public release.--The report 
     submitted under paragraph (1) shall be--
       (A) submitted in unclassified form, to the greatest extent 
     possible, with a classified annex only if necessary; and
       (B) in the case of the unclassified portion of the report, 
     posted on the public website of the Department of Defense, 
     the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of 
     Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schneider) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in September of 2020, FBI Director Christopher Wray, 
while testifying to Congress, stated that the greatest threat to the 
homeland were lone actors radicalized online. He went on to talk about 
domestic violent extremists, homegrown violent extremists, and racially 
motivated violent extremists.
  The fact of the matter is that in our Nation, we are seeing an 
increase in extremism and the threat of domestic violence extremism 
across the country. From Charlottesville to the shooting at the Tree of 
Life synagogue, we are seeing this increase in our communities. No 
community is free from it, and no segment of our society is immune from 
the threat.
  In May of this year, in an unclassified presentation by the Defense 
Counterintelligence and Security Agency titled ``Insider Threat and 
Extremist Activity Within the DOD,'' they laid out a very clear 
presentation defining what is domestic violence extremism, laying

[[Page H6282]]

out the stages of development, and highlighting seven cases of 
extremism in Active-Duty and former military servicemembers. They went 
on to describe for commanders steps they could take in prevention and 
reporting: alertness, early intervention, communication.
  My amendment would require the Department of Defense, the FBI, and 
the Department of Homeland Security to report on extremism or threats 
of extremism within our military or within our uniformed services. 
Threats of neo-Nazi, white supremacist activity, or any other extremist 
activity that could be a threat not just within the services but 
including servicemembers separated from the service or Federal law 
enforcement, whether it is due to white supremacist or neo-Nazi 
incidents. The amendment requires the agencies to develop a plan to 
prevent those incidents in the future.
  Such behavior, such extremism is a threat to us in all segments of 
society. There is no reason to believe that our military is any 
different. These are exceptions. They are rare. But we must do 
everything we can to identify them and to thwart them before risks 
become reality.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Arizona is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment attempts to create a problem where none 
exists by requiring investigations into law enforcement and the armed 
services for alleged rampant white supremacist or white nationalist 
sympathies.
  Proponents suggest that there are instances in which members of the 
armed services have shown sympathies toward white supremacist or white 
nationalist groups. However, as these same proponents know all too 
well, the various branches of the military have addressed the Democrat-
offered examples of extremism.
  This amendment denigrates our men and women in the service. It is 
Orwellian in nature.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  This amendment in no way denigrates the many fine, overwhelming in 
number, vast, vast majority of fine people who serve in our military 
and uniformed services.
  But the fact is, we have had incidents, and this is, again, from that 
report I mentioned earlier: a mass casualty attack, a uniformed officer 
killing fellow soldiers, threats against religious communities, threats 
against media and government communications, and bomb-making 
instructions, material support to terrorists.
  These are not made-up examples. They are real examples. They are 
exceptional. They are exceedingly rare, but it is incredibly important, 
critically important that we identify these threats before they become 
incidents, before lives are lost.
  We need to make sure we are getting this information and taking the 
appropriate action. It is something we can do together. I hope we can 
do it in a bipartisan way.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in fact, every member of the military who showed an 
interest or actual participation in a white supremacist or white 
nationalist group has faced discipline. The relevant branch either 
demoted the individual, discharged them, or otherwise disciplined the 
sympathizer.
  Further, the armed services have taken steps to address these 
concerns going all the way back to the 1980s.
  At a time when it is difficult to recruit military and law 
enforcement, Democrats should not be maligning their integrity by 
implying they are overrun with white supremacists and neo-Nazis. In 
fact, we have recently lost tens of thousands forced out of military 
service due to the vaccine mandate. We are way below in our recruiting 
levels.
  This type of malignancy, this type of imputation of bad conduct in a 
generic form, in a generalized form because that is what this amendment 
does, actually will make it harder to recruit.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the defeat of this amendment, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to 
close.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of representing Naval Station Great 
Lakes. Every single recruit to the Navy--whether they enlist in 
California, in the Carolinas, or even from overseas--comes to Naval 
Station Great Lakes for basic training.
  I have had the privilege of speaking to them at their graduation from 
boot camp. I see the exceptional character of all the people who go 
through. The men and women who put on the uniform to defend our Nation 
are the best our Nation has to offer. I am exceedingly proud of them.
  The presence of even one person embracing extremism, embracing 
racism, embracing hatred denigrates our entire military forces. Our 
forces represent us as a Nation and, again, they are the best we have 
to offer.
  This amendment doesn't denigrate but celebrates our Armed Forces by 
asking our Armed Forces and uniformed services to report to Congress. 
It looks to us as Representatives to do our job in oversight, making 
sure they have the resources they need to ensure that everyone in our 
military represents the best values we have as Americans.
  This is not a denigration; it is a celebration. It is an important 
amendment. I urge all my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to 
close.
  Mr. Speaker, when you begin to study in a broad basis, very broad 
implications take place. The urging that an analysis be done regarding 
white supremacist and neo-Nazi activity in our uniformed services and 
Federal law enforcement agencies imputes and implies that it is present 
in a widespread fashion. That then denigrates those offices.
  If we are going to say we think that they are the best that this 
country has to offer, let's treat them like they are the best this 
country has to offer. When there have been problems, these services 
have addressed it. We don't need this superfluous, denigrating study.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Schneider).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.

                              {time}  1900


           Amendment No. 32 Offered by Miss Rice of New York

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
32 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Add at the end of title LVIII of division E the following:

     SEC. ___. REPORTING ON PREVIOUS FEDERAL BUREAU OF 
                   INVESTIGATION AND DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND 
                   SECURITY REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Federal 
     Bureau of Investigation and the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security, in consultation with the Office of the Director of 
     National Intelligence, shall submit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a report on the processes needed to 
     regularly report to Congress on domestic terrorism threats 
     pursuant to Section 5602 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92).
       (b) Data Limitations.--In the event that data internal to 
     the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of 
     Homeland Security on completed or attempted acts of domestic 
     terrorism from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2014 is 
     incomplete or inconsistent,

[[Page H6283]]

     the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security shall engage with State, 
     local, Tribal, and territorial partners, academic 
     institutions, non-profit organizations, and the private 
     sector with expertise in domestic terrorism threats and acts 
     to provide the most accurate and consistent information for 
     the report required under subsection (a).
       (c) GAO Report.-- Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Government Accountability 
     Office shall produce a report providing a full review of the 
     Federal Bureau of Investigation's, the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security's, and the Office of the Director of National 
     Intelligence's compliance with domestic terrorism 
     transparency mechanisms required by Federal law, including 
     the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section, the ter ``appropriate 
     congressional committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs of the Senate;
       (2) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate;
       (3) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate;
       (4) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (5) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (6) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the 
     House of Representatives.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Miss Rice) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.
  Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment, which will ensure the 
Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 
are able to comply with statutory requirements to report to Congress on 
the domestic terror threat.
  In response to the ongoing threat of domestic violent extremism, 
Section 5602 of the fiscal year 2020 NDAA, which passed this House in 
2019 and was signed into law by President Trump, mandated that the DHS 
and the FBI issue an annual report to Congress with a strategic 
intelligence assessment of domestic terrorism in the United States.
  This report is required to include information on domestic extremist 
incidents, investigations, and prosecutions, as well as an assessment 
of how law enforcement intelligence, personnel, and resources are 
deployed to meet the domestic terror threat.
  This is essential information for Congress as we continue our work to 
understand and counter domestic terror and the threat it poses to our 
democracy and the rule of law.
  Unfortunately, the DHS and the FBI have struggled to comply with this 
mandate in a timely and sufficient manner. The first Strategic 
Intelligence Assessment and Data on Domestic Terrorism report was 10 
months late, and it included incomplete and insufficient information 
that failed to meet the content requirements laid out in the law.
  A second annual report has not yet been released, though it is well 
past its due date.
  My amendment is very simple. It gives the DHS and the FBI the 
opportunity to report to Congress on what processes or resources they 
need to comply with this reporting requirement. If they need more 
resources, better data, or anything else, we, in Congress, can give it 
to them. But these reports are too important to our work for us not to 
receive them in a timely and complete manner.
  I urge support for this commonsense amendment to ensure that we give 
our agencies the tools they need to give us the best intelligence and 
information.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Arizona is recognized.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, taking cues from President Biden and Attorney General 
Garland, this amendment is just another attempt by Democrats to 
shamelessly politicize domestic terrorism.
  In a memorandum dated October 4, 2021, Attorney General Garland 
directed the FBI and all U.S. Attorneys' Offices to address the 
``disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of 
violence'' at school board meetings.
  Although the Attorney General's memorandum did not specifically 
mention ``domestic terrorism,'' the Justice Department's press release 
accompanying the memorandum noted involvement of the National Security 
Division.
  A whistleblower alerted the Judiciary Committee that the FBI's 
Counterterrorism Division has been responsible for implementing the 
Attorney General's directive and that the FBI had created a unique 
``threat tag'' to track investigations against parents.
  We know from other whistleblowers that the FBI has opened dozens of 
investigations into parents as a result of Attorney General Garland's 
memorandum, including one into a mother who was merely part of a group 
called ``Moms for Liberty.''
  The Attorney General's memorandum was the product of a letter from 
the National School Board Association to President Biden. That letter 
triggered the Attorney General's memorandum which equated parents with 
domestic terrorists and urged the Biden administration to use Federal 
authorities, including the PATRIOT Act, to target parents who happen to 
show up at school boards. That is how loosy-goosey the term ``domestic 
terrorism'' is. It is not defined anywhere. It is fluid.
  We know from publicly available information that the Biden White 
House knew the NSBA would encourage the use of the PATRIOT Act and 
never pushed back. Instead, President Biden called up the head of the 
NSBA and invited her to the Oval Office. That is just one reason to 
oppose this amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am ready to close, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for 
closing.
  The Justice Department is not alone in abusing domestic terrorism 
powers. On February 7, 2022, the DHS issued a National Terrorism 
Advisory Bulletin warning that the United States remains in heightened 
threat and citing so-called ``mis-, dis-, and mal-information'' as a 
source of the increased threat environment.
  Does that sound like they have got that nailed down in how it is 
defined?
  According to DHS, the purpose of allegedly misleading narratives and 
conspiracy theories is to increase societal friction and undermine 
public trust in governmental institutions. It cited two examples: 
``Online proliferation of false or misleading narratives regarding 
unsubstantiated widespread election fraud and COVID-19.'' That used to 
be called free speech.
  Although DHS has admitted that ``conditions underlying the heightened 
threat landscape have not significantly changed over the last year,'' 
it cited ``the proliferation of false or misleading narratives, which 
sow discord or undermine public trust in U.S. Government institutions'' 
as one factor for why the threat environment remains elevated.
  The bulletin itself is further evidence of how the Biden 
administration has used existing counterterrorism resources as a tool 
to target and silence citizens who disagree with government actions. If 
you have a heterodox point of view from the Biden left-stream 
orthodoxy, they consider you a domestic terrorist. We should not be 
further enabling these actions.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on my 
amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from New York (Miss Rice).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.

[[Page H6284]]

  



                Amendment No. 33 Offered by Mr. Aguilar

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
33 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       At the end of subtitle C of title V, insert the following:

     SEC. 5__. IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING 
                   SCREENING INDIVIDUALS WHO SEEK TO ENLIST IN THE 
                   ARMED FORCES AND COUNTERING EXTREMIST ACTIVITY 
                   IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

       (a) Enlistment Screening.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall implement the seven recommendations of the Under 
     Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on page 2 of 
     the report titled ``Screening Individuals Who Seek to Enlist 
     in the Armed Forces'', submitted to the Committees on Armed 
     Services of the Senate and House of Representatives on 
     October 14, 2020.
       (b) Countering Extremism.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall implement six recommendations of the Countering 
     Extremist Activity Working Group on pages 15 through 18 on 
     the report entitled ``Report on Countering Extremist Activity 
     Within the Department of Defense'' published in December 
     2021.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer this amendment. In the fiscal year 2020 
NDAA, I first requested a study from the Department of Defense on how 
the Department can best screen and prevent extremists from enlisting in 
our military using existing FBI and DOJ resources.
  The resulting report, published in October of 2020, found that white 
nationalists and domestic extremists target servicemembers as ``prized 
recruits,'' their words, for their groups, and shared accounts of 
servicemembers with active ties to these organizations.
  The report also included a list of seven recommendations on steps the 
Department can take to prevent domestic extremists from enlisting in 
the military.
  Under the leadership of Secretary Austin, the Department has taken 
additional steps to combat extremism in the military. This included a 
60-day stand-down and the creation of the Countering Extremist Activity 
Working Group to better understand the threat and offer six additional 
recommendations.
  My amendment supports the Department's efforts to counter domestic 
extremism. It simply requests a formal update from the Department on 
the steps it has taken to complete the recommendations from the October 
2020 report, and it directs the Department to complete the 
recommendations from the December 2021 report within 6 months of 
enactment of this bill.
  This bill does not impose new requirements on the Department but 
ensures Congressional oversight of tackling the critical issue for our 
national security.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment lays the 
groundwork for massive new monitoring programs in the name of 
preventing extremism.
  The amendment would implement verbatim the recommendations of DOD 
bureaucrats and political appointees who wrote the two reports.
  These reports, which are shoddy and devoid of actual data, recommend 
massive expansions of so-called vetting of DOD civilians and 
servicemembers.
  These recommendations, if implemented, lay the groundwork for new 
social media and online activity monitoring, new screening questions 
about group and political affiliations, and so-called behavioral 
analysis.
  The amendment is so poorly drafted that it may require DOD to share 
information about extremist activity in the DOD with foreign countries. 
It doesn't prohibit the sharing of servicemember information or include 
any mention of privacy protections. We can't even say for sure what the 
amendment will do.
  It asks the DOD to pick six recommendations from a list of 27 policy 
ideas. There is a reason we don't implement departmental reports as law 
without due consideration. The options range from updating a PowerPoint 
to collecting servicemembers' social media data to extremism databases.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment is an abdication of legislative 
responsibility and will likely lead to massive civil liberty 
infringements at the DOD. I strongly urge its rejection, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for 
closing.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill does not impose new regulations. These are 
existing tools that the FBI and the DOD already use.
  What this bill seeks to do--this is about protecting the integrity of 
our Armed Forces and making sure that extremists don't become enlisted 
individuals.
  This is about protecting the service. I appreciate the ranking 
member's comments, but this is about ensuring accountability. This is 
about ensuring congressional oversight, ensuring that we protect and 
prepare the individuals who are entrusted to serve this country.
  As a coequal branch, it is important for Congress to remain informed 
on the Department's actions, and this is not a unique step to conduct 
this type of oversight.
  Mr. Speaker, I would urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the amendment, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Aguilar).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


         Amendment No. 48 Offered by Mrs. Torres of California

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
48 printed in part A of House Report 117-405.
  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the 
desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Add at the end of subtitle B of title XIII the following:

     SEC. 13__. REPORTS AND CERTIFICATIONS REGARDING TRAINING AND 
                   EQUIPMENT PROVIDED TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY 
                   FORCES OF CERTAIN RECIPIENT COUNTRIES.

       Section 333 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following 
     new paragraph:
       ``(4) The final quarterly report of every fiscal year shall 
     be accompanied by a public annex, made available on the 
     internet, detailing, for each recipient country, the 
     following:
       ``(A) The amount of funds allocated, obligated, and 
     disbursed for programs under subsection (a).
       ``(B) The amount of each of such categories of funds 
     dedicated to training, provision of equipment, and other 
     services.
       ``(C) The number of personnel trained, and the identities 
     of recipient units with more than 50 trainees (or other 
     appropriate number).
       ``(D) Equipment transferred with a unit value in excess of 
     $500,000.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(h) Certification.--Prior to the obligation of funds to 
     Guatemala, El Salvador, or Honduras pursuant to this section, 
     the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of 
     Defense, shall certify to the congressional defense 
     committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of 
     the Senate that the Governments of Guatemala, El Salvador, 
     and

[[Page H6285]]

     Honduras are credibly investigating and prosecuting members 
     of the military implicated in human rights violations.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my 
amendment to have transparency and accountability over American 
taxpayer money sent abroad.
  I am proud to be supported by Chairman Castro and Chairman Sires of 
the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as Representatives 
Escobar, Vargas, Jacobs, Malinowski, and Levin.
  Support from members on both the Armed Services and the Foreign 
Affairs Committees is a reminder that our national security relies on 
both the State and Defense Departments.
  This amendment provides additional oversight over Section 333 funding 
in the Northern Triangle region of Central America. Section 333 gives 
the Department of Defense authority to conduct or support programs 
providing training and equipment to the national security forces of 
foreign countries.

                              {time}  1915

  Unfortunately, we have seen numerous instances of abuse and misuse of 
defense equipment provided to foreign governments, particularly in 
Central America.
  This includes using U.S.-provided equipment to repress local people 
and perpetuate human rights violations. In some instances, U.S. 
materials have been used against our own U.S. personnel in the area.
  Let me be clear, U.S.-funded equipment in the Northern Triangle 
region of Central America has been used by foreign government units 
against our U.S. personnel working in the region.
  Sadly, we can't brush off these disturbing instances as being far in 
the past. These problems continue to happen.
  This year, we have seen civil society actors, journalists, and 
independent prosecutors and judges under attack in both El Salvador and 
Guatemala. In just the last few months, the President of El Salvador 
declared a state of exception that bypasses citizens' rights and 
exempts security funding from regular oversight.
  In Guatemala, we have seen a concerted effort to stamp out the 
independent judiciary, with those who dare to speak truth to power 
threatened, put in jail, or forced to flee in fear of their lives.
  The Northern Triangle region is at a pivotal moment, and the United 
States must support efforts to build stable and prosperous communities 
to contribute to a more stable hemisphere and address the real causes 
of migration.
  To that end, this amendment would require public disclosure of our 
section 333 aid to the Northern Triangle region to create greater 
transparency of how and when we support these governments.
  This amendment, Mr. Speaker, would also require the Secretary of 
State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to certify to 
Congress that the governments of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras 
are credibly investigating and prosecuting their members of the 
military implicated in human rights violations before sending 
additional section 333 funding to those organizations.
  To my Republican colleagues, I want to clarify that this amendment 
does not end section 333 assistance. It does not tell the Department 
who it can partner with. It simply says the governments need to be 
taking steps to investigate members of their military who have been 
credibly accused of human rights violations, and Congress needs insight 
into these efforts.
  The American taxpayer and the communities of the Northern Triangle 
deserve dignity and accountability. Many here know my strategy for 
Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras: to hold the corrupt, undemocratic 
actors who are working against our interests accountable; to help those 
fighting for accountability, fairness, and democracy in the region; and 
to ensure that our assistance reaches the people it is intended to 
help.
  This amendment will help us do just that, and I urge a ``yes'' vote 
on this amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Alabama is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment makes unnecessary 
changes to section 333 security cooperation reporting requirements and 
places needless certification on programs within the Northern Triangle.
  The additional reporting requirements are overly burdensome. 
Furthermore, requiring additional certification for Northern Triangle 
countries is entirely misplaced and not something done for any other 
group of countries for security cooperation programs.
  It is critically important to maintain, not turn our backs on, 
partners in the SOUTHCOM region. Turning our backs on partners only 
creates a vacuum for China and Russia to create a greater foothold in 
the region.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to oppose this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, this certification process 
does not end section 333 funding to the Northern Triangle. It simply 
brings accountability and transparency on how U.S. equipment is being 
used in the region.
  Mr. Speaker, I request a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).
  Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would negatively 
impact our ability to address the profound security conditions in 
Central America's Northern Triangle countries.
  As we know, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are leading source 
countries of illegal immigration to the United States. Under this 
administration, the migration crisis at the U.S. southern border has 
reached the highest levels in recorded history.
  U.S. Customs and Border Protection are overworked, underfunded, and 
demoralized. They also lack the tools and resources to address 
America's growing fentanyl crisis, now the leading cause of death for 
Americans 18 through 45. Border agents are outmaneuvered by well-
resourced criminal groups and human traffickers who exploit the 
security conditions in the region.
  In addition to needing effective border enforcement to address this 
crisis, we also need a comprehensive approach to the root causes of 
migration.
  This amendment would diminish the Department of Defense's ability to 
contribute to those efforts. This amendment would also undermine what 
it seeks to achieve by impeding existing defense cooperation programs 
grounded in promoting and improving human rights standards.
  It is also duplicative. It is wasteful, as extensive vetting on 
recipient forces is already extensively conducted.
  In addition, much like the cuts in 2018, any additional suspensions 
of assistance to the Northern Triangle will worsen the security 
situation.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this amendment weakens our 
partnerships in the SOUTHCOM region and helps China to continue their 
malign efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge rejection of this amendment and a ``no'' vote, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.
  Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further consideration of H.R. 
7900 is postponed.

[[Page H6286]]

  

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