[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H4567-H4620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024


                             General Leave

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
to include extraneous material on H.R. 4365, and that I may include 
tabular material on the same.

[[Page H4568]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. De La Cruz). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 723 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 4365.
  The Chair appoints the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Carey) to preside 
over the Committee of the Whole.

                              {time}  0906


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill 
(H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, with Mr. 
Carey in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the 
first time.
  General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed 1 
hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking 
minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their respective 
designees.
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) and the gentlewoman from 
Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4365, the fiscal year 
2024 Defense Appropriations bill, which is a result of months of 
hearings, briefings, and engagements by all members of the 
subcommittee.
  To provide for our strong national defense, this bill recommends 
$826.45 billion for the Department of Defense and the intelligence 
community, which is $27.8 billion above the fiscal year 2023 enacted 
level.
  When I became chairman of the subcommittee, I made it clear to the 
Department they would not receive any blank checks. Any requests that 
lacked adequate justification, was early to when the funds were needed, 
had unjustified cost growth, or did not directly support DOD's mission 
would not be funded in the bill.
  It is our constitutional obligation of Congress and this committee in 
particular to ensure the proper and appropriate use of taxpayer funds. 
At a time when the Department of Defense leadership is more focused on 
cultural issues than its warfighting mission, this obligation is more 
critical than ever.
  I am proud to say that, due to the hard work of the members of the 
subcommittee, the bill funds our defense needs in a fiscally 
responsible manner.
  Specifically, this bill cuts nearly $20 billion from the President's 
misguided request and reinvests these funds into warfighting 
capabilities and additional support for our servicemembers.
  I also approached crafting this bill with a comprehensive strategy 
focused on specific lines of effort: investing in America's military 
superiority to deter the People's Republic of China; combating illicit 
fentanyl and synthetic opioids which are killing over 100,000 Americans 
every year; shaping a more efficient and effective workforce; creating 
a culture of innovation; enhancing oversight of all programs to ensure 
the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars; and taking care of 
servicemembers and their families.
  To counter China, this bill doubles funding for the International 
Security Cooperation Programs for Taiwan, provides an additional $200 
million to accelerate the delivery of the E-7, prohibits the 
decommissioning of four ships to grow the fleet, adds aircraft like the 
F-35 and the CH-53K, continues investments in next-generation 
platforms, and supports recapitalization of the nuclear triad.
  To enhance DOD's efforts to counter the flow of deadly drugs into the 
country, the bill includes a historic investment of $1.1 billion in 
drug interdiction and counterdrug activities account, including 
increased funding for counternarcotics support, demand reduction, the 
National Guard Counterdrug Program, and the National Guard Counterdrug 
Schools. The bill also moves Mexico into the SOUTHCOM area of 
responsibility, which will foster a more holistic approach to Latin-
American security issues.
  To drive reforms to the Department's workforce, this bill cuts over 
$1 billion from the budget request for the Department's civilian 
workforce. This bill accomplishes this goal through attrition while 
exempting employees engaged in shipyard, depot, healthcare, and sexual 
assault and response duties.
  I want to be clear. No one will be fired as a result of this 
language. During our analysis of the budget request, the services and 
agencies across DOD reported attrition rates as high as 14 percent. 
This bill directs DOD to adopt smart business practices to become more 
effective and efficient, which is desperately needed.
  The bill also mandates a reassessment of DOD's manpower requirements, 
a plan to adopt technology to improve its business processes and 
provides $751 million for the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence 
Office to further accelerate business modernization.
  This multipronged approach is critical to create a physically 
sustainable and efficient workforce and is informed by previous Defense 
reform efforts.
  Next, we are aware the Department must innovate faster to keep pace 
with global threats. To do this, the bill includes over $1 billion to 
the Defense Innovation Unit to get needed capability into the hands of 
the warfighters. The bill focuses on near-term delivery of capability 
and partnering with the private sector. We cannot continue to take 
decades to produce new systems or, even worse, invest billions into 
programs that must be eventually canceled due to nonperformance.
  To bridge the valley of death, the bill includes $300 million to 
expand the successful procurement pilot program, APFIT. Further, it 
creates a new portfolio to rapidly field commercial technologies for 
the warfighter through nontraditional entities within the Department.
  To get the Department focused on its warfighting mission and away 
from culture wars, the bill includes a number of new general provisions 
to send a clear message to the Department. These include funding 
prohibitions on teaching critical race theory, facilitating access to 
abortions that attempt to ignore the long-standing Hyde amendment, 
overreach by the Biden administration on climate change, and promoting 
so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
  The fact that the committee has to address these issues reflects the 
failure of the Department's leadership.
  Finally, investments in weapons systems do not matter if we fail to 
invest in our most important resource, our servicemembers. With changes 
in this bill, junior enlisted servicemembers will receive an average 
pay increase of 30 percent. This will have a significant impact on 
recruitment, retention, and will improve the quality of life for our 
servicemembers and their families. I was shocked to see that the Biden 
administration opposed a pay increase in their Statement of 
Administration Policy.
  As an appropriator, it is our responsibility to ensure our military 
has the resources necessary to deter conflict and, if we do get into a 
fight, that we win and they lose. This bill makes it clear to any 
adversary that challenging the United States military is not in their 
best interest.
  Before I close, I will comment on the number of amendments we have 
received for this bill. I am supportive of this open, transparent, and 
inclusive process. However, we have to be mindful not to rob our 
readiness accounts to fund other priorities. I look forward to working 
with all Members on this as we move forward in the process
  Finally, I thank all the staff for the incredible work they do to vet 
the budget request, work with the Members, put forward recommendations, 
and assemble the final product.
  As my ranking member and former chair, Ms. McCollum, knows, putting 
together this bill is not an easy task, so I thank her and her staff 
for their cooperation.
  This is a strong bill for our servicemembers and their families.
  I look forward to working with my friends on the other side of the 
aisle, the Senate, and the administration to enact a bill as soon as 
possible. Not doing so is a disservice to the men and

[[Page H4569]]

women of the United States Armed Forces.
  I strongly urge support of this bill.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense 
Appropriations Act, 2024.
  As chair of the subcommittee last Congress, I understand fully the 
difficult process required to put this bill together. That is why I 
thank the minority staff here with me today, Jennifer Chartrand, Jason 
Gray, Farouk Ophaso, Ben Peterson, and Mike Clark in my personal 
office, and Johnnie Kaberle and the fabulous minority staff that gets 
to work with the great majority staff, who work so hard for all of us.
  I wish the bill before us was more focused on our job as 
appropriators, on training and equipping our troops and ensuring that 
our servicemembers and their families have their needs met at home. 
That is why it is disappointing to see the majority use the 
appropriations process and the Defense bill to push an extreme social 
policy agenda.
  The riders included in this bill divide. They do not unite. Here are 
just a few examples.
  The bill prohibits the Department of Defense's policy to ensure that 
servicemembers and their families have access to leave and travel 
allowances for basic reproductive healthcare. The Department's policy 
is legal under Federal law. The Department of Justice has concluded 
that fact: ``The Department of Defense may lawfully expend funds to pay 
for servicemembers and their dependents to travel to obtain abortions 
that DOD cannot itself perform due to statutory requirements.''
  Why is it important that the DOD itself cannot perform due to 
statutory requirements? Well, first, to be clear, I do not support the 
Hyde amendment, but let me address it and what this prohibition does 
even to services legal under the Hyde amendment. It prohibits the DOD 
from using funds or facilities to perform an abortion except in the 
cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is in danger. 
That is not in keeping with the spirit of the Hyde amendment.
  What does that mean to the nearly 20 percent of our force who are 
women? They do not get to choose where they serve. Eighty thousand of 
those women are stationed in States that restrict reproductive 
healthcare. If you serve in those States and are pregnant because of 
rape or are on a base that does not offer obstetrics and gynecology 
services, then you must travel. You must travel out of State for 
healthcare that you are entitled to.
  This bill interprets the Hyde amendment in a way that was never 
intended. Many servicewomen and dependents will lose access to the 
exceptions of the Hyde amendment if they are not allowed to travel to 
seek the healthcare that they need.
  This language, in fact, is a de facto national abortion ban, and I 
believe using our servicemembers to do that is shameful. Young women 
will refuse to serve. Women will exit the force because of this. 
Husbands and fathers will not want to serve in States where their 
families will be negatively impacted.
  That is why I offered an amendment in the Committee on Rules to 
strike this provision, but the majority chose not to make it in order. 
I wish they had. I wish we all would have had the courage to bring this 
to the floor and allow a debate that our servicemembers deserve.
  The majority has also cut programs for diversity, equity, and 
inclusion, which will discourage recruitment from all across America. 
The private sector is embracing programs like this to keep a happy, 
healthy, forceful workforce.
  There is language in here that bans critical race theory, but it goes 
far beyond that, Mr. Chair. In fact, the bill seeks to define what can 
and cannot be taught in our military academies on whether or not 
certain topics cause discomfort. This language reads like a ban on 
teaching American history.
  Sometimes facts are uncomfortable. As a former social studies 
teacher, I want you to know, Mr. Chair, I find this outrageous.
  How can our military academies tell the history of the Civil War 
without teaching about slavery? That is uncomfortable.
  How can they discuss the story and history of desegregation in the 
military without talking about the Jim Crow laws that our Black 
servicemembers had to struggle with when they returned home from war? 
That is uncomfortable.
  We should be celebrating that the DOD is about to be led by two 
distinguished Black Americans for the first time in history, Secretary 
of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General C.Q. 
Brown, who is incoming to this position. Their service shows us how 
building a diverse workforce can take us into a proud future.
  There are provisions in this bill that are offensive to gay, lesbian, 
bisexual, and transgender Americans, and that will impact who serves. 
The ban on gender-affirming care will drive transgender servicemembers 
out of the military.
  Why, Mr. Chair, do we have an IRS provision on the tax treatment of 
individuals who hold the belief that marriage is a union between one 
man and one woman in this bill? It is not germane. Words matter.
  Divisive riders will hurt the military, undermine readiness, and make 
our national security weaker. They must come out of this legislation if 
we are to gain bipartisan support for this to become law.
  Now, turning to the numbers, the majority has funded this bill at 
$826.4 billion, very close to the President's budget, but I am 
concerned about cuts in two areas.
  First, the majority has made a $714 million cut to military climate 
programs and banned the assessment of climate impacts on the 
Department. We know that climate change is a national security threat, 
and it drives conflict. Ask our Indo-Pacific Commander. He will tell 
you that climate change impacts how United States forces operate.
  Our military installations also face threats from climate change 
right here at home. Look at the $10 billion in damage from severe 
weather events on installations, like Tyndall Air Force Base, Offutt 
Air Force Base in Nebraska, and Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. This 
spring alone, a typhoon seriously damaged Anderson Air Force Base in 
Guam to the tune of $4 billion, and that is just the Air Force cost.

  When we cut climate programs, we pay for it on the back end.
  I also oppose the $1.1 billion in cuts to civilian personnel in this 
bill. Ten years ago, Congress directed DOD to cut civilian personnel by 
$10 billion over 5 years. We achieved no substantial savings. We 
shifted the workforce from civilian employees to expensive contractors.
  Mr. Chair, I have a long history of bipartisan cooperation, and I am 
proud of that. I am confident that Chair Calvert and I can find a way 
to get agreement in conference so that we can move the Defense spending 
levels forward, but I have to say again how disappointed I am that the 
majority has included these extreme social policy riders. They will 
undermine the force of today, discourage building the force of 
tomorrow, and leave us weaker as a nation.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill at this time, and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, let's be clear about what critical race 
theory is. It is a divisive, leftwing intellectual construct that 
advances the notion that racism is systematic in our country's 
institutions. It advocates for race-based solutions and rejects equal 
opportunity in favor of equal outcomes.
  My friends on the other side like to deride the prohibition in our 
bill for funding activities that promote, in part, condoning an 
individual feeling discomfort, guilt, or anguish. They claim that the 
bill will prohibit teaching uncomfortable historical truths, but they 
always omit the last part of that statement, which is ``on account of 
that individual's race or sex.''
  Do my friends on the other side really want to fund activities that 
debase individuals because of their race or sex? I don't think so. I 
reject it, and this bill rejects it.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), the

[[Page H4570]]

ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans 
Affairs, and Related Agencies, which is so important to the defense of 
our Nation.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I rise to oppose this bill because 
it is incomprehensible to me that the majority would actually spend as 
much time--really, any time--on culture war riders and focusing on 
their extremist priorities as opposed to protecting the national 
security interests of our Nation.
  Here we are, once again, considering a bill that has no chance of 
becoming law as we hurdle recklessly toward a costly government 
shutdown that will be damaging most importantly to the morale of our 
troops, which this bill purports to actually want to protect, and to 
the defense of our Nation.
  Worse, this historically bipartisan national security bill has been 
hijacked by radical rightwing extremists. Instead of confronting grave 
national security threats like climate change, this bill is riddled 
with bigoted attacks on Americans who bravely serve our Nation. It 
needlessly politicizes the military and undermines the freedoms of 
those who risk their lives to protect ours.
  My colleagues across the aisle were tasked with crafting a Defense 
bill that supports all of our servicemembers, not just those who are 
White, straight, and conservative, and they failed miserably on that 
mission.
  I won't stand idly by as culture warriors try to undermine the 
service of LGBTQ+ individuals who bravely fought and continue to fight 
for our country every day.
  To top it off, listen to this: The report that goes along with this 
bill puts the word ``extremism'' in quotes. Republicans can't even 
admit that this is a real concept or threat.
  I plead with my Republican colleagues to put forward a Defense bill 
that focuses on the real needs of the members of our military, focuses 
on the actual national security interests of our country, and stops 
feeding the extremism that is actually emanating from their own party. 
I beg them to stop using this critical bill, one that we literally 
count on to keep every American family safe, as a disruptive wedge for 
partisan, discriminatory policies.
  Keep America strong. Don't divide it.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice), a member of the Committee on Appropriations.
  Mrs. BICE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of this year's Defense 
appropriations bill, and I thank Chairwoman Granger and Chairman 
Calvert for their hard work in crafting this important bill.
  Today, our Nation faces serious threats from our adversaries--in 
particular, the People's Republic of China. This legislation focuses on 
delivering the resources needed to counter these threats and to support 
our servicemembers and their families.
  The bill includes one of the largest pay increases for our troops in 
years, particularly for our junior enlisted, as well as needed 
investments in next-generation fighter aircraft, submarines, and 
modernized tactical vehicles.
  I am also pleased that the bill focuses on combating the illicit flow 
of opioids and fentanyl into the country, which is killing countless 
Americans on a daily basis.
  The legislation takes needed steps to ensure that the DOD is focused 
on its core mission of being the most lethal and effective fighting 
force on the planet, not on advancing a woke agenda.
  Lastly, I am pleased that the bill includes important Defense 
priorities in the State of Oklahoma, including funding to accelerate 
the E-7, which will be based at Tinker Air Force Base.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Jacobs), who is on the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs as well as a very important member of the Committee on Armed 
Services.

  As many military leaders have told us, diplomacy, defense, and 
development go together. The more we don't spend in those venues, the 
more bullets we have to buy.
  Ms. JACOBS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in a unique position to oppose 
this bill, especially section 8146.
  I am proud to represent San Diego, the largest military community in 
the country. I am also proud to serve as one of the youngest Members of 
this body and the youngest woman on the House Committee on Armed 
Services.
  I am in a unique position to understand the importance of access to 
reproductive healthcare, including abortion and fertility care for our 
servicemembers and their dependents, because, as a young woman, 
reproductive care is my healthcare. That is the case for the 1.62 
million women of reproductive age in the military health system, too, 
not to mention our LGBTQ+ servicemembers, who already have difficulty 
accessing necessary care. This care is essential to our health, well-
being, freedom, economic security, and empowerment, and for our 
national security, too.
  That is why I am thankful for DOD's policy that covers the travel and 
transportation costs for abortion and fertility care, a policy that is 
consistent with the law. This is so important now that nearly half of 
all servicewomen are stationed in States with abortion restrictions 
because our servicemembers have little say in where they are stationed. 
They can't freely take days off work, and many can't afford to travel 
thousands of miles and pay out of pocket to receive the care they need 
and deserve.
  DOD's policy took important steps to address those barriers and make 
our military more accessible and inclusive. That is why I will proudly 
fight for our servicemembers, who have fought so much for all of us 
here today. The least we can do is ensure they have their necessary 
healthcare.
  For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to 
recommit this bill back to committee.
  If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an 
important amendment to this bill. My amendment would strike section 
8146.
  Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of my amendment.
       Ms. Jacobs moves to recommit the bill H.R. 4365 to the 
     Committee on Appropriations with the following amendment:
       Strike section 8146.

  Ms. JACOBS. Mr. Chair, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting 
for the motion to recommit.
  Before I yield, I will also mention that while I am opposed to this 
bill in general, I am very proud of a bipartisan amendment that we were 
able to get into the en bloc that would set aside $5 million in 
additional funding to recruit and retain direct-care staff in CDCs.
  I have heard time and again that staffing shortages are the main 
driver of our military childcare crisis. In my community that has 
sacrificed and served so much for us, recently, more than 4,000 
military children were waiting for childcare spots at San Diego's 
military childcare centers. This amendment will help military families 
access the care they need so they can focus on the mission instead of 
wondering where their kids are placed or taken care of.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr.  Mike Garcia), a member of the Committee on 
Appropriations and a champion for our members in the military.
  Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Calvert 
for this historic bill, and I rise today in support of this very 
conservative DOD appropriations package.
  I remind the American people that the purpose of the military is 
twofold. The first is to deter a war if diplomacy fails, to augment 
diplomacy in that deterrence. The second is, if by the exhaustion of 
all means we have to go to war, to actually give the American people 
the tools to win the war and keep our security. That is it, to deter a 
war and win a war.
  This bill does exactly that. It trims the fat and removes the excess 
programs, the woke CRT programs, within the current policies under this 
administration. It also critically funds our Nation's most essential 
programs, like the F-35, the Columbia-class submarine, the B-21 Raider, 
which I am proud is made in my beautiful district, California's 27th 
Congressional District.
  It removes Mexico from a command that is kind of an orphan right now 
by itself. During this open-border policy, we are now removing Mexico 
and putting it back into SOUTHCOM so that the combatant commanders can 
treat Mexico as the threat that it is to our

[[Page H4571]]

southern border and the influx of immigrants.
  That is very important, but with all those things as important as 
they are--the weapons systems, the change of Mexico to SOUTHCOM--the 
single biggest thing that we are taking care of, the single biggest 
asset within our military that we are taking care of, is our troops.
  I stood at this podium about 6 months ago and said I would not 
support a Defense Department spending bill or an NDAA that did not 
adequately address the pay issues, especially that our junior enlisted 
have right now. About a third of junior enlisted live below the poverty 
line. About a third of our enlisted qualify for food stamps right now.
  I am very proud that our Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on 
Defense was able to reconcile and address this adequately. The starting 
pay of a junior enlisted E1 was $22,000 a year.
  The CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from California.
  Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. The starting salary of an E1 in the 
military right now is $22,000 a year. That is the equivalent of $11 an 
hour.
  This bill takes that to $31,200, gives them parity with their 
civilian counterparts, and addresses the record-high civilian pay gap 
of our junior enlisted.
  Mr. Chair, I urge support of the DOD appropriations package and a 
``yes'' vote on the bill.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, everyone is welcome to serve in an All-
Volunteer Army. We need everyone to feel that they are welcome to serve 
in our All-Volunteer Army, and that sometimes means doing a little 
extra outreach.
  I had to do that with my military academies to let all the students 
know that this was a great opportunity for them to get a great 
education and serve our country.
  It was outreach. It was inclusion. It reached out to diversity. It 
has made our military academies stronger for that.
  The bottom line for me is, if you are willing to take the oath of 
office, if you are willing to put your life on the line for our 
country, and you can get through boot camp and want to serve our 
country, you are welcome to serve.
  Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case), 
who is a fabulous member of the Subcommittee on Defense and invaluable 
in helping us understand our challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this measure, and I must 
say to my friend and the chair of the subcommittee and to my majority 
colleagues that it is deeply frustrating and deeply regretful to have 
to stand in opposition to a bill that, in so many ways, is a very good 
bill.
  My colleague Mr. Garcia reflected in his comments just now on many 
provisions of the bill with which I can agree. This bill does great 
things for the Indo-Pacific. It is eyes wide open to the threat of 
China. It funds the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. It provides for 
strengthening our relationships with allies and partners. It helps our 
servicemembers.
  There is so much good in this bill, so what is so frustrating is to 
see it infected with the same kind of partisan provisions and divisive 
issues that, for a long time, have not been a part of the Subcommittee 
on Defense. This has been a refuge of sorts from the culture wars, from 
the division that we have seen elsewhere. It now no longer is, and this 
is the consequence.
  The consequence is division in the Department of Defense and in our 
relations with and review of the Department of Defense, which should 
not be infected by these areas for a Department that is, again, very 
realistic about the threats we face.
  My colleagues have talked about a lot of these issues already that 
create fatal flaws in this bill, but I am going to focus on one, and 
that is climate change. Oh, no. Let's not say those words, ``climate 
change.'' Somehow, we are all supposed to react to this as if it is 
some kind of thing that we can put up on the shelf.

  The Department of Defense does not ignore climate change. The 
Department of Defense has had its eyes wide open for decades now on the 
risks of climate change.
  We can go back, for example, to January 2019, which is one of its 
most recent reports. This is a report from the DOD, ``Report on Effects 
of a Changing Climate to the Department of Defense.'' Is that a better 
way to say it?
  I quote from the executive summary: ``The effects of a changing 
climate are a national security issue with potential impacts to the 
Department of Defense missions, operational plans, and installations. 
Our 2018 National Defense Strategy prioritizes long-term strategic 
competition with great power competitors. . . . To achieve these goals, 
DOD must be able to adapt current and future operations to address the 
impacts of a variety of threats and conditions, including those from 
weather and natural events. To that end, DOD factors in the effects of 
the environment into its mission planning and execution to build 
resilience.''
  That is pretty realistic on the part of the DOD. This is followed up 
by very definite reports, including the ``Department of Defense Climate 
Adaptation Plan'' from September 1, 2021; the ``Climate Adaptation Plan 
2022 Progress Report''; and the ``Climate Risk Analysis,'' October 
2021.
  DOD is not ignoring this issue however you want to label it, nor can 
it. Shall we ignore the rise in sea level at Pearl Harbor, where we are 
investing billions and billions of dollars? Shall we ignore the 
consequences to Guam from hurricanes? Of course, we need to do this.
  Let's get away from this approach of defunding climate risk analysis 
in the DOD.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, to my friend, we fund resilience in this 
bill. What we don't fund is electrifying Bradleys and tanks, which 
makes no sense.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close as we have no further 
speakers.
  I say again how sad I am to be disappointed to see these divisive 
riders in the bill. They are all to gratify the extreme right of a few 
people in the Republican Party.
  I also don't make a habit of complimenting the Senate, but we should 
take note that their appropriators are operating in a bipartisan 
fashion. Their Defense bill was passed out of committee 27-1 because it 
had no divisive language, and it made cooperation possible.
  Go back and watch our markup of this Defense bill, and you just have 
to ask yourself: Are we doing our job as appropriators? We are not 
discussing our increasingly broken military healthcare system, which I 
have heard from military family and servicemembers, both here at home 
and when I have traveled abroad on bases; the lack of support for 
mental health; the lack of access, even here in the United States, to 
immediate healthcare concerns for themselves and their family members.
  As I pointed out, we are solely now facing lack of obstetrics and 
gynecology on our military bases right here in the United States, 
making necessary the travel that the Department of Defense put in for 
women servicemembers and women family members to get their full 
healthcare needs.
  We could be talking about the merits of supporting Ukraine and how 
the democracies are coming together to show Communism and terrorism 
that we stand united in our goals and principles; or we could be 
talking about how to jump-start shipbuilding to compete with what China 
is already doing in the Indo-Pacific, but we spent our markup arguing 
about extreme social policies that have no place in this bill.
  Now we are running out of time with the shutdown fast approaching. 
Our servicemembers and their families have made a tremendous, 
considerable sacrifice to serve our Nation. The least we can do is give 
them a government that stays open and pays them on time.
  Now, I know Chairwoman Granger and Chairman Calvert and I believe 
that we can get this job done, but the majority must show that it can 
govern in a bipartisan fashion and work with us to get these bills 
done. That is what we have done plenty of times and what I am hopeful 
we will do in the future. For right now, I have to ask my colleagues to 
oppose this bill, and let's get the appropriations process back on a 
bipartisan track.

[[Page H4572]]

  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments, and 
I know that eventually we will work out our differences, but, yes, I 
admit, this bill prohibits funding for drag queen story hour for kids 
and drag queens in recruitment. I had to choose between building ships 
or those kinds of decisions. I chose the ships.
  With that, this debate going forward, I want to talk about the 
readiness of our military operations, building the necessary equipment 
to make sure that our men and women win any war that we may have to 
involve ourselves in. Hopefully none.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to this Defense 
Appropriations Bill. This bill is historically an opportunity to come 
together on a bipartisan basis to make investments that further 
American leadership around the world. protect our national security. 
support American workers and servicemembers. and promote global 
democracy. I come from a defense state. I have always been proud that 
this bill creates jobs in Connecticut and boosts my district's long-
term economy.
  I have supported this critical legislation in the past. But l cannot 
support this bill, which harms our military readiness by undermining 
morale and failing to support our servicemembers with its divisive 
policy riders. Neither the Army. Navy nor the Air Force have been 
unable to meet their recruiting goals, and this bill will do nothing to 
rectify this situation--it will only make it harder to recruit and 
retain service members.
  At a time when the Department of Defense is struggling to meet 
readiness goals, this bill cuts $1.1 billion in salaries for civilian 
positions. Research, development, acquisition, and oversight efforts 
will all suffer from these drastic cuts. The work still needs to get 
done so the Department will have to hire contractors--which are more 
expensive and less bang for the buck.
  And nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars cut from climate-
related programs and a ban on the effort to reduce carbon pollution 
will tie our hands in the face of the national security risk that will 
define this century.
  House Republicans are using annual funding bills as vehicles to 
further their goal of making abortion illegal nationally and spreading 
hate and discrimination. Republicans have once again discarded the 
majority of the American people's views and injected their own beliefs 
into the deeply personal health decisions of women and families. This 
bill bans funding for expenses incurred for the reproductive health 
care needs of servicemembers and their families.
  When women consider serving in our nation's military, they should not 
have to weigh whether or not politicians in Washington, D.C. think they 
should have access to reproductive care. They should not worry that an 
unplanned pregnancy could disrupt their ability to serve or derail the 
plans they are making for their family. We should trust the American 
people to make these decisions for themselves--and we should especially 
trust those who have made the decision to selflessly serve in America's 
armed forces.
  By using this legislation to attack LGBTQ+ servicemembers, ban 
funding for diversity efforts, and stand between American service 
personnel and their doctors, the majority is exchanging America's 
military readiness for cheap political points in the face of escalating 
conflicts abroad. The bill gives broad license to discriminate and 
protects disseminators of misinformation while limiting the free speech 
of those who express ideas the majority opposes.
  This bill is dangerous, and this bill leaves women and minority 
servicemembers behind. Diversity of background and culture is and has 
long been the preeminent strength of our Nation's military. And it will 
continue to be. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 
4365--the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024.
  This offensive attempt at an appropriations bill is being used by 
Republicans to sneak partisan and damaging policies under our noses.
  H.R. 4365, which should be earnestly attempting to best support the 
Department of Defense, however, does not reflect the input of nearly 
half the Members of this body and is strongly opposed by the ranking 
members who sit on the very committee this bill originated from.
  In order to further promote a culture war, the members who oversaw 
this bill are going to put many Americans at risk.
  First, they are targeting the many brave servicewomen currently 
employed by the Department of Defense by directly going against the 
Secretary of Defense's promises for them to have access to reproductive 
healthcare regardless of their station.
  Women currently make up 1 in 5 members of our military.
  Denying them their previously promised ability to check their 
reproductive health is not only dangerous, but also grossly 
irresponsible.
  The loss of these rights also increases the risk for low retention 
amongst female servicemembers who need these benefits this bill would 
strip away.
  Second, the bill targets the LGBTQ+ community, who are increasingly 
victimized by Republican agendas around the country.
  Regardless of your beliefs, it is important to treat everyone with 
respect and equality, which this bill does not do.
  This bill would prohibit hormone therapy or surgical treatment for 
gender affirming care, directly affecting those who experience gender 
dysphoria.
  Individuals who feel they do not belong in their own body is a 
serious issue and has led to 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary young 
people attempting suicide in the past year.
  Our priority as the legislative body of this country is to protect 
the wellbeing of ALL citizens, regardless of personal beliefs and 
ideologies.
  The language in this legislation would further embolden those who 
wish to commit harm and violence against a minority group already 
facing so much hardship, both socially and legally.
  This is unacceptable.
  The lives and wellbeing of those who live across the country should 
not be put at risk simply to push a regressive agenda that does not 
promote the diversity of our nation but rather seeks to suppress it.
  This brings me to my third point, which is the underhanded way 
Republicans sought to eliminate ``Critical Race Theory'' or ``CRT''.
  Let me be clear: Republicans have a warped understanding of what this 
term means, and they are using it as a means to remove any diversity in 
education.
  Critical Race Theory is a collegiate field of study that examines the 
complex ways in which race fits into the structures of our society; it 
is not an attack on white people for their history, just as it does not 
victimize Black people based on ours.
  Based on an incorrect definition, Republican leaders at all levels of 
government have worked to eliminate all diverse viewpoints providing a 
complete framework of the history of this country, and instead wash 
over the negative to present a false narrative.
  At the same time, legislation aimed at elementary schools against 
Critical Race Theory--which again, is only offered at the collegiate 
level--deprives diverse students of hearing their voice reflected 
accurately in the history of this multicultural nation.
  Another issue with this Defense Appropriations bill is the cut of 
$714 million to adapt military equipment to be more climate friendly.
  Climate change is a crisis that requires global attention and 
efforts.
  The refusal to even allow for updating our military alternative 
source of energy is regressive and promoted under a false message.
  It was not Biden who indicated that he wanted an ``all electric'' 
fleet of tanks as is commonly stated, but rather the United States 
Army.
  This part of the bill stands directly in the way of innovation as 
well as keeping us from doing our part in the world to strive towards a 
net zero future.
  In 2020 alone, the United States military was responsible for 51 
million tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere; more than 
most countries.
  But now, when the U.S. Army decides for themselves that they want to 
scale back on their emissions, certain members in Congress want to 
limit their choice.
  One bright spot of this bill--though it is short-lived--is the 
Jackson Lee Amendment [No. 90/No. 233] to H.R. 4365 that was made in 
order by the committee.
  The Jackson Lee Amendment [No. 90/No. 233] to H.R. 4365 seeks to 
allocate $10 million to fund triple negative breast cancer research.
  This issue is extremely important, especially for the brave men and 
women in the military, who are up to 20-40 percent more likely to 
develop breast cancer.
  I must offer my appreciation to both the military and the Biden 
administration for making research into breast cancer a priority, but 
there is still work to be done.
  This amendment would allow for more research so we can one day 
hopefully learn a way to reduce the number of military personnel 
affected by breast cancer.
  Several initiatives I have designed in the past have aided active-
duty servicemen and women along with veterans, such as enforcing 
accurate reporting of maternity mortality rates among the Armed Forces, 
addressing physical and mental health concerns, and securing 
authorization for Triple Negative Breast Cancer as well as Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder.
  I am very proud of the work that I and Congress have done to address 
the health concerns of active duty and veteran servicemen

[[Page H4573]]

and women, but there are still improvements to be made.
  The men and women who are on the front lines or have already 
completed their valiant service to this country have many pressing 
issues and challenges they already must face; breast cancer should not 
be one of them.
  While this amendment is important, the negatives of this defense 
appropriations bill vastly outweigh this positive amendment--which is 
why H.R. 4365 must be voted down.
  Access to abortion and fertility care is essential to a person's 
freedom, including for service members, to make decisions about their 
health and well-being, and having control over their economic security.
  Anti-abortion policymakers want to take away service members' ability 
to make personal decisions about their health and safety.
  We must defend their freedom to control their own bodies, lives, and 
futures.
  These attacks on the Department of Defense's policies make it crystal 
clear: anti-abortion lawmakers will take any action to ensure people 
cannot access abortion care.
  Anti-abortion lawmakers are pushing an extreme agenda to take away 
service members' freedom and autonomy, all while trying to claim they 
support those who serve.
  Our service members fight and sacrifice for our freedoms.
  Now, as lawmakers, we should be working to ensure to protect their 
freedoms--not trying to take their rights away.
  Access to reproductive health care, including abortion and fertility 
care, is critical to safety and well-being.
  As policymakers, we must ensure that all service members can access 
abortion care without barriers.
  We aren't truly free unless we can control our own bodies, lives, and 
futures.
  Our laws and policies should protect our rights, not try to control 
and dehumanize us.
  The numbers are clear in the devastating impact this measure would 
have on those serving America.
  The Military Health System serves approximately 1.62 million women of 
reproductive age (15-45), including service members, retirees, and 
their dependents.
  As of 2021, there were 116,970 U.S. Armed Forces personnel stationed 
in Texas, the third most of any state in the Nation.
  With Texas being the home to 59 military bases, active military 
personnel make up 422 out of every 100,000 people among Texas 
residents--the 16th highest share concentration among the 50 states.
  There are currently 2,369,990 Military Health System beneficiaries 
living in one of the 14 states where abortion is either wholly or 
almost fully restricted or unavailable--with the state of Texas sadly 
being one of those states.
  The percentage of active-duty service women who have no or severely 
restricted access to abortion care has increased to 46 percent.
  This means that roughly half of all women currently serving in 
America's active-duty military have restricted access to the full suite 
of reproductive health care.
  As of 2021, there were more than 708,000 Department of Defense 
civilians in the continental United States, over 250,000 of whom are 
women.
  Roughly 275,000 Department of Defense civilians live in states with a 
full ban or extreme restrictions on access to abortion, and of those 
civilians, over 81,000 are women.
  Similar to their active-duty counterparts, nearly 43 percent of 
civilian women employed by Department of Defense will have no access to 
abortion or will have their access severely curtailed in their home 
states.
  An estimated several thousand transgender men who may require 
abortion care also serve on active duty in the Armed Forces and in the 
reserve components, in addition to nonbinary members and those who 
identify with a different gender.
  We cannot continue to deny our service members their most basic and 
fundamental healthcare needs.
  It must stop now, and it must stop with the voting down of this 
severely harmful and outrageous bill.
  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Weber of Texas). All time for general debate 
has expired.
  Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment 
under the 5-minute rule. The bill shall be considered as read.

                               H.R. 4365

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
     following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the 
     Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year 
     ending September 30, 2024, for military functions 
     administered by the Department of Defense and for other 
     purposes, namely:

                                TITLE I

                           MILITARY PERSONNEL

                        Military Personnel, Army

       For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence, 
     interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station 
     travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational 
     movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between 
     permanent duty stations, for members of the Army on active 
     duty (except members of reserve components provided for 
     elsewhere), cadets, and aviation cadets; for members of the 
     Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and for payments pursuant 
     to section 156 of Public Law 97-377, as amended (42 U.S.C. 
     402 note), and to the Department of Defense Military 
     Retirement Fund, $50,230,906,000.

                        Military Personnel, Navy

       For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence, 
     interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station 
     travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational 
     movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between 
     permanent duty stations, for members of the Navy on active 
     duty (except members of the Reserve provided for elsewhere), 
     midshipmen, and aviation cadets; for members of the Reserve 
     Officers' Training Corps; and for payments pursuant to 
     section 156 of Public Law 97-377, as amended (42 U.S.C. 402 
     note), and to the Department of Defense Military Retirement 
     Fund, $37,615,388,000.

                    Military Personnel, Marine Corps

       For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence, 
     interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station 
     travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational 
     movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between 
     permanent duty stations, for members of the Marine Corps on 
     active duty (except members of the Reserve provided for 
     elsewhere); and for payments pursuant to section 156 of 
     Public Law 97-377, as amended (42 U.S.C. 402 note), and to 
     the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund, 
     $15,556,629,000.

                     Military Personnel, Air Force

       For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence, 
     interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station 
     travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational 
     movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between 
     permanent duty stations, for members of the Air Force on 
     active duty (except members of reserve components provided 
     for elsewhere), cadets, and aviation cadets; for members of 
     the Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and for payments 
     pursuant to section 156 of Public Law 97-377, as amended (42 
     U.S.C. 402 note), and to the Department of Defense Military 
     Retirement Fund, $36,512,530,000.

                    Military Personnel, Space Force

       For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence, 
     interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station 
     travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational 
     movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between 
     permanent duty stations, for members of the Space Force on 
     active duty and cadets; for members of the Reserve Officers' 
     Training Corps; and for payments pursuant to section 156 of 
     Public Law 97-377, as amended (42 U.S.C. 402 note), and to 
     the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund, 
     $1,239,573,000.

                        Reserve Personnel, Army

       For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities, 
     travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Army 
     Reserve on active duty under sections 10211, 10302, and 7038 
     of title 10, United States Code, or while serving on active 
     duty under section 12301(d) of title 10, United States Code, 
     in connection with performing duty specified in section 
     12310(a) of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing 
     reserve training, or while performing drills or equivalent 
     duty or other duty, and expenses authorized by section 16131 
     of title 10, United States Code; and for payments to the 
     Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund, 
     $5,367,436,000.

                        Reserve Personnel, Navy

       For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities, 
     travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Navy 
     Reserve on active duty under section 10211 of title 10, 
     United States Code, or while serving on active duty under 
     section 12301(d) of title 10, United States Code, in 
     connection with performing duty specified in section 12310(a) 
     of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing reserve 
     training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty, and 
     expenses authorized by section 16131 of title 10, United 
     States Code; and for payments to the Department of Defense 
     Military Retirement Fund, $2,486,718,000.

                    Reserve Personnel, Marine Corps

       For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities, 
     travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Marine 
     Corps Reserve on active duty under section 10211 of title 10, 
     United States Code, or while serving on active duty under 
     section 12301(d) of title 10, United States Code, in 
     connection with performing duty specified in section 12310(a) 
     of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing reserve 
     training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty, and 
     for members of the Marine Corps platoon leaders class, and 
     expenses authorized by section 16131 of title 10, United 
     States Code; and for payments to the Department of Defense 
     Military Retirement Fund, $898,928,000.

                      Reserve Personnel, Air Force

       For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities, 
     travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Air Force 
     Reserve on active duty under sections 10211, 10305, and 9038 
     of

[[Page H4574]]

     title 10, United States Code, or while serving on active duty 
     under section 12301(d) of title 10, United States Code, in 
     connection with performing duty specified in section 12310(a) 
     of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing reserve 
     training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty or 
     other duty, and expenses authorized by section 16131 of title 
     10, United States Code; and for payments to the Department of 
     Defense Military Retirement Fund, $2,459,466,000.

                     National Guard Personnel, Army

       For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities, 
     travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Army 
     National Guard while on duty under sections 10211, 10302, or 
     12402 of title 10 or section 708 of title 32, United States 
     Code, or while serving on duty under section 12301(d) of 
     title 10 or section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, 
     in connection with performing duty specified in section 
     12310(a) of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing 
     training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty or 
     other duty, and expenses authorized by section 16131 of title 
     10, United States Code; and for payments to the Department of 
     Defense Military Retirement Fund, $9,766,369,000.

                  National Guard Personnel, Air Force

       For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities, 
     travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Air 
     National Guard on duty under sections 10211, 10305, or 12402 
     of title 10 or section 708 of title 32, United States Code, 
     or while serving on duty under section 12301(d) of title 10 
     or section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, in 
     connection with performing duty specified in section 12310(a) 
     of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing 
     training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty or 
     other duty, and expenses authorized by section 16131 of title 
     10, United States Code; and for payments to the Department of 
     Defense Military Retirement Fund, $5,234,625,000.

                                TITLE II

                       OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

                    Operation and Maintenance, Army

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance of the Army, as authorized by law, 
     $60,525,399,000:  Provided, That not to exceed $12,478,000 
     may be used for emergencies and extraordinary expenses, to be 
     expended upon the approval or authority of the Secretary of 
     the Army, and payments may be made upon the Secretary's 
     certificate of necessity for confidential military purposes.

                    Operation and Maintenance, Navy

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance of the Navy and the Marine Corps, 
     as authorized by law, $73,547,305,000:  Provided, That not to 
     exceed $15,055,000 may be used for emergencies and 
     extraordinary expenses, to be expended upon the approval or 
     authority of the Secretary of the Navy, and payments may be 
     made upon the Secretary's certificate of necessity for 
     confidential military purposes.

                Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance of the Marine Corps, as authorized 
     by law, $10,909,609,000.

                  Operation and Maintenance, Air Force

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance of the Air Force, as authorized by 
     law, $63,460,822,000:  Provided, That not to exceed 
     $7,699,000 may be used for emergencies and extraordinary 
     expenses, to be expended upon the approval or authority of 
     the Secretary of the Air Force, and payments may be made upon 
     the Secretary's certificate of necessity for confidential 
     military purposes.

                 Operation and Maintenance, Space Force

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance of the Space Force, as authorized 
     by law, $4,890,886,000.

                Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance of activities and agencies of the 
     Department of Defense (other than the military departments), 
     as authorized by law, $52,453,715,000:  Provided, That not 
     more than $2,981,000 may be used for the Combatant Commander 
     Initiative Fund authorized under section 166a of title 10, 
     United States Code:  Provided further, That not to exceed 
     $36,000,000 may be used for emergencies and extraordinary 
     expenses, to be expended upon the approval or authority of 
     the Secretary of Defense, and payments may be made upon the 
     Secretary's certificate of necessity for confidential 
     military purposes:  Provided further, That of the funds 
     provided under this heading, not less than $55,000,000 shall 
     be made available for the Procurement Technical Assistance 
     Cooperative Agreement Program, of which not less than 
     $5,000,000 shall be available for centers defined in 10 
     U.S.C. 2411(1)(D):  Provided further, That none of the funds 
     appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be 
     used to plan or implement the consolidation of a budget or 
     appropriations liaison office of the Office of the Secretary 
     of Defense, the office of the Secretary of a military 
     department, or the service headquarters of one of the Armed 
     Forces into a legislative affairs or legislative liaison 
     office:  Provided further, That $25,968,000 to remain 
     available until expended, is available only for expenses 
     relating to certain classified activities, and may be 
     transferred as necessary by the Secretary of Defense to 
     operation and maintenance appropriations or research, 
     development, test and evaluation appropriations, to be merged 
     with and to be available for the same time period as the 
     appropriations to which transferred:  Provided further, That 
     any ceiling on the investment item unit cost of items that 
     may be purchased with operation and maintenance funds shall 
     not apply to the funds described in the preceding proviso:  
     Provided further, That of the funds provided under this 
     heading, $2,304,649,000, of which $1,343,580,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2025, shall be available to 
     provide support and assistance to foreign security forces or 
     other groups or individuals to conduct, support or facilitate 
     counterterrorism, crisis response, or other Department of 
     Defense security cooperation programs:  Provided further, 
     That the Secretary of Defense shall provide quarterly reports 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate on the use and status of funds 
     made available in this paragraph:  Provided further, That the 
     transfer authority provided under this heading is in addition 
     to any other transfer authority provided elsewhere in this 
     Act.

                   Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund

       For the ``Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Train and 
     Equip Fund'', $397,950,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2025:  Provided, That such funds shall be 
     available to the Secretary of Defense in coordination with 
     the Secretary of State, to provide assistance, including 
     training; equipment; logistics support, supplies, and 
     services; stipends; infrastructure repair and renovation; 
     construction for facility fortification and humane treatment; 
     and sustainment, to foreign security forces, irregular 
     forces, groups, or individuals participating, or preparing to 
     participate in activities to counter the Islamic State of 
     Iraq and Syria, and their affiliated or associated groups:  
     Provided further, That amounts made available under this 
     heading shall be available to provide assistance only for 
     activities in a country designated by the Secretary of 
     Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, as 
     having a security mission to counter the Islamic State of 
     Iraq and Syria, and following written notification to the 
     congressional defense committees of such designation:  
     Provided further, That the Secretary of Defense shall ensure 
     that prior to providing assistance to elements of any forces 
     or individuals, such elements or individuals are 
     appropriately vetted, including at a minimum, assessing such 
     elements for associations with terrorist groups or groups 
     associated with the Government of Iran; and receiving 
     commitments from such elements to promote respect for human 
     rights and the rule of law:  Provided further, That the 
     Secretary of Defense shall, not fewer than 15 days prior to 
     obligating from this appropriation account, notify the 
     congressional defense committees in writing of the details of 
     any such obligation:  Provided further, That the Secretary of 
     Defense may accept and retain contributions, including 
     assistance in-kind, from foreign governments, including the 
     Government of Iraq and other entities, to carry out 
     assistance authorized under this heading:  Provided further, 
     That contributions of funds for the purposes provided herein 
     from any foreign government or other entity may be credited 
     to this Fund, to remain available until expended, and used 
     for such purposes:  Provided further, That the Secretary of 
     Defense shall prioritize such contributions when providing 
     any assistance for construction for facility fortification:  
     Provided further, That the Secretary of Defense may waive a 
     provision of law relating to the acquisition of items and 
     support services or sections 40 and 40A of the Arms Export 
     Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780 and 2785) if the Secretary 
     determines that such provision of law would prohibit, 
     restrict, delay or otherwise limit the provision of such 
     assistance and a notice of and justification for such waiver 
     is submitted to the congressional defense committees, the 
     Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Relations of the 
     Senate and the Committees on Appropriations and Foreign 
     Affairs of the House of Representatives:  Provided further, 
     That the United States may accept equipment procured using 
     funds provided under this heading that was transferred to 
     security forces, irregular forces, or groups participating, 
     or preparing to participate in activities to counter the 
     Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and returned by such forces 
     or groups to the United States, and such equipment may be 
     treated as stocks of the Department of Defense upon written 
     notification to the congressional defense committees:  
     Provided further, That equipment procured using funds 
     provided under this heading and not yet transferred to 
     security forces, irregular forces, or groups participating, 
     or preparing to participate in activities to counter the 
     Islamic State of Iraq and Syria may be treated as stocks of 
     the Department of Defense when determined by the Secretary to 
     no longer be required for transfer to such forces or groups 
     and upon written notification to the congressional defense 
     committees:  Provided further, That the Secretary of Defense 
     shall provide quarterly reports to the congressional defense 
     committees on the use of funds provided under this heading, 
     including, but not limited to, the number of individuals 
     trained, the nature and scope of support and sustainment 
     provided to each group or individual, the area of operations 
     for each group, and the contributions of other countries, 
     groups, or individuals:  Provided further, That of the funds 
     provided under this heading for stipends for foreign security 
     forces, irregular forces, groups,

[[Page H4575]]

     or individuals participating, or preparing to participate in 
     activities to counter ISIS in Syria, fifty percent shall not 
     be available for obligation or expenditure until the 
     Secretary of Defense reports to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     that measures are in place to ensure accountability of such 
     funds.

                Operation and Maintenance, Army Reserve

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance, including training, organization, 
     and administration, of the Army Reserve; repair of facilities 
     and equipment; hire of passenger motor vehicles; travel and 
     transportation; care of the dead; recruiting; procurement of 
     services, supplies, and equipment; and communications, 
     $3,559,248,000.

                Operation and Maintenance, Navy Reserve

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance, including training, organization, 
     and administration, of the Navy Reserve; repair of facilities 
     and equipment; hire of passenger motor vehicles; travel and 
     transportation; care of the dead; recruiting; procurement of 
     services, supplies, and equipment; and communications, 
     $1,366,710,000.

            Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps Reserve

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance, including training, organization, 
     and administration, of the Marine Corps Reserve; repair of 
     facilities and equipment; hire of passenger motor vehicles; 
     travel and transportation; care of the dead; recruiting; 
     procurement of services, supplies, and equipment; and 
     communications, $323,395,000.

              Operation and Maintenance, Air Force Reserve

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     operation and maintenance, including training, organization, 
     and administration, of the Air Force Reserve; repair of 
     facilities and equipment; hire of passenger motor vehicles; 
     travel and transportation; care of the dead; recruiting; 
     procurement of services, supplies, and equipment; and 
     communications, $4,056,196,000.

             Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard

       For expenses of training, organizing, and administering the 
     Army National Guard, including medical and hospital treatment 
     and related expenses in non-Federal hospitals; maintenance, 
     operation, and repairs to structures and facilities; hire of 
     passenger motor vehicles; personnel services in the National 
     Guard Bureau; travel expenses (other than mileage), as 
     authorized by law for Army personnel on active duty, for Army 
     National Guard division, regimental, and battalion commanders 
     while inspecting units in compliance with National Guard 
     Bureau regulations when specifically authorized by the Chief, 
     National Guard Bureau; supplying and equipping the Army 
     National Guard as authorized by law; and expenses of repair, 
     modification, maintenance, and issue of supplies and 
     equipment (including aircraft), $8,612,404,000.

             Operation and Maintenance, Air National Guard

       For expenses of training, organizing, and administering the 
     Air National Guard, including medical and hospital treatment 
     and related expenses in non-Federal hospitals; maintenance, 
     operation, and repairs to structures and facilities; 
     transportation of things, hire of passenger motor vehicles; 
     supplying and equipping the Air National Guard, as authorized 
     by law; expenses for repair, modification, maintenance, and 
     issue of supplies and equipment, including those furnished 
     from stocks under the control of agencies of the Department 
     of Defense; travel expenses (other than mileage) on the same 
     basis as authorized by law for Air National Guard personnel 
     on active Federal duty, for Air National Guard commanders 
     while inspecting units in compliance with National Guard 
     Bureau regulations when specifically authorized by the Chief, 
     National Guard Bureau, $7,250,745,000.

          United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

       For salaries and expenses necessary for the United States 
     Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, $16,620,000, of which 
     not to exceed $10,000 may be used for official representation 
     purposes.

                    Environmental Restoration, Army

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For the Department of the Army, $198,760,000, to remain 
     available until transferred:  Provided, That the Secretary of 
     the Army shall, upon determining that such funds are required 
     for environmental restoration, reduction and recycling of 
     hazardous waste, removal of unsafe buildings and debris of 
     the Department of the Army, or for similar purposes, transfer 
     the funds made available by this appropriation to other 
     appropriations made available to the Department of the Army, 
     to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes 
     and for the same time period as the appropriations to which 
     transferred:  Provided further, That upon a determination 
     that all or part of the funds transferred from this 
     appropriation are not necessary for the purposes provided 
     herein, such amounts may be transferred back to this 
     appropriation:  Provided further, That the transfer authority 
     provided under this heading is in addition to any other 
     transfer authority provided elsewhere in this Act.

                    Environmental Restoration, Navy

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For the Department of the Navy, $345,240,000, to remain 
     available until transferred:  Provided, That the Secretary of 
     the Navy shall, upon determining that such funds are required 
     for environmental restoration, reduction and recycling of 
     hazardous waste, removal of unsafe buildings and debris of 
     the Department of the Navy, or for similar purposes, transfer 
     the funds made available by this appropriation to other 
     appropriations made available to the Department of the Navy, 
     to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes 
     and for the same time period as the appropriations to which 
     transferred:  Provided further, That upon a determination 
     that all or part of the funds transferred from this 
     appropriation are not necessary for the purposes provided 
     herein, such amounts may be transferred back to this 
     appropriation:  Provided further, That the transfer authority 
     provided under this heading is in addition to any other 
     transfer authority provided elsewhere in this Act.

                  Environmental Restoration, Air Force

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For the Department of the Air Force, $359,744,000, to 
     remain available until transferred:  Provided, That the 
     Secretary of the Air Force shall, upon determining that such 
     funds are required for environmental restoration, reduction 
     and recycling of hazardous waste, removal of unsafe buildings 
     and debris of the Department of the Air Force, or for similar 
     purposes, transfer the funds made available by this 
     appropriation to other appropriations made available to the 
     Department of the Air Force, to be merged with and to be 
     available for the same purposes and for the same time period 
     as the appropriations to which transferred:  Provided 
     further, That upon a determination that all or part of the 
     funds transferred from this appropriation are not necessary 
     for the purposes provided herein, such amounts may be 
     transferred back to this appropriation:  Provided further, 
     That the transfer authority provided under this heading is in 
     addition to any other transfer authority provided elsewhere 
     in this Act.

                Environmental Restoration, Defense-Wide

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For the Department of Defense, $8,965,000, to remain 
     available until transferred:  Provided, That the Secretary of 
     Defense shall, upon determining that such funds are required 
     for environmental restoration, reduction and recycling of 
     hazardous waste, removal of unsafe buildings and debris of 
     the Department of Defense, or for similar purposes, transfer 
     the funds made available by this appropriation to other 
     appropriations made available to the Department of Defense, 
     to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes 
     and for the same time period as the appropriations to which 
     transferred:  Provided further, That upon a determination 
     that all or part of the funds transferred from this 
     appropriation are not necessary for the purposes provided 
     herein, such amounts may be transferred back to this 
     appropriation:  Provided further, That the transfer authority 
     provided under this heading is in addition to any other 
     transfer authority provided elsewhere in this Act.

         Environmental Restoration, Formerly Used Defense Sites

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For the Department of the Army, $232,806,000, to remain 
     available until transferred:  Provided, That the Secretary of 
     the Army shall, upon determining that such funds are required 
     for environmental restoration, reduction and recycling of 
     hazardous waste, removal of unsafe buildings and debris at 
     sites formerly used by the Department of Defense, transfer 
     the funds made available by this appropriation to other 
     appropriations made available to the Department of the Army, 
     to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes 
     and for the same time period as the appropriations to which 
     transferred:  Provided further, That upon a determination 
     that all or part of the funds transferred from this 
     appropriation are not necessary for the purposes provided 
     herein, such amounts may be transferred back to this 
     appropriation:  Provided further, That the transfer authority 
     provided under this heading is in addition to any other 
     transfer authority provided elsewhere in this Act.

             Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid

       For expenses relating to the Overseas Humanitarian, 
     Disaster, and Civic Aid programs of the Department of Defense 
     (consisting of the programs provided under sections 401, 402, 
     404, 407, 2557, and 2561 of title 10, United States Code), 
     $142,500,000, to remain available until September 30, 2025.

                  Cooperative Threat Reduction Account

       For assistance, including assistance provided by contract 
     or by grants, under programs and activities of the Department 
     of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program authorized 
     under the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction 
     Act, $350,999,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2026.

    Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account

       For the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce 
     Development Account, $54,977,000:

[[Page H4576]]

      Provided, That no other amounts may be otherwise credited or 
     transferred to the Account, or deposited into the Account, in 
     fiscal year 2024 pursuant to section 1705(d) of title 10, 
     United States Code.

                               TITLE III

                              PROCUREMENT

                       Aircraft Procurement, Army

       For construction, procurement, production, modification, 
     and modernization of aircraft, equipment, including ordnance, 
     ground handling equipment, spare parts, and accessories 
     therefor; specialized equipment and training devices; 
     expansion of public and private plants, including the land 
     necessary therefor, for the foregoing purposes, and such 
     lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; 
     and procurement and installation of equipment, appliances, 
     and machine tools in public and private plants; reserve plant 
     and Government and contractor-owned equipment layaway; and 
     other expenses necessary for the foregoing purposes, 
     $3,030,767,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026.

                       Missile Procurement, Army

       For construction, procurement, production, modification, 
     and modernization of missiles, equipment, including ordnance, 
     ground handling equipment, spare parts, and accessories 
     therefor; specialized equipment and training devices; 
     expansion of public and private plants, including the land 
     necessary therefor, for the foregoing purposes, and such 
     lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; 
     and procurement and installation of equipment, appliances, 
     and machine tools in public and private plants; reserve plant 
     and Government and contractor-owned equipment layaway; and 
     other expenses necessary for the foregoing purposes, 
     $4,483,806,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026.

        Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army

       For construction, procurement, production, and modification 
     of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, equipment, including 
     ordnance, spare parts, and accessories therefor; specialized 
     equipment and training devices; expansion of public and 
     private plants, including the land necessary therefor, for 
     the foregoing purposes, and such lands and interests therein, 
     may be acquired, and construction prosecuted thereon prior to 
     approval of title; and procurement and installation of 
     equipment, appliances, and machine tools in public and 
     private plants; reserve plant and Government and contractor-
     owned equipment layaway; and other expenses necessary for the 
     foregoing purposes, $3,943,584,000, to remain available for 
     obligation until September 30, 2026.

                    Procurement of Ammunition, Army

       For construction, procurement, production, and modification 
     of ammunition, and accessories therefor; specialized 
     equipment and training devices; expansion of public and 
     private plants, including ammunition facilities, authorized 
     by section 2854 of title 10, United States Code, and the land 
     necessary therefor, for the foregoing purposes, and such 
     lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; 
     and procurement and installation of equipment, appliances, 
     and machine tools in public and private plants; reserve plant 
     and Government and contractor-owned equipment layaway; and 
     other expenses necessary for the foregoing purposes, 
     $2,971,928,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026.

                        Other Procurement, Army

       For construction, procurement, production, and modification 
     of vehicles, including tactical, support, and non-tracked 
     combat vehicles; the purchase of passenger motor vehicles for 
     replacement only; communications and electronic equipment; 
     other support equipment; spare parts, ordnance, and 
     accessories therefor; specialized equipment and training 
     devices; expansion of public and private plants, including 
     the land necessary therefor, for the foregoing purposes, and 
     such lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; 
     and procurement and installation of equipment, appliances, 
     and machine tools in public and private plants; reserve plant 
     and Government and contractor-owned equipment layaway; and 
     other expenses necessary for the foregoing purposes, 
     $8,679,516,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026.

                       Aircraft Procurement, Navy

       For construction, procurement, production, modification, 
     and modernization of aircraft, equipment, including ordnance, 
     spare parts, and accessories therefor; specialized equipment; 
     expansion of public and private plants, including the land 
     necessary therefor, and such lands and interests therein, may 
     be acquired, and construction prosecuted thereon prior to 
     approval of title; and procurement and installation of 
     equipment, appliances, and machine tools in public and 
     private plants; reserve plant and Government and contractor-
     owned equipment layaway, $17,450,040,000, to remain available 
     for obligation until September 30, 2026.

                       Weapons Procurement, Navy

       For construction, procurement, production, modification, 
     and modernization of missiles, torpedoes, other weapons, and 
     related support equipment including spare parts, and 
     accessories therefor; expansion of public and private plants, 
     including the land necessary therefor, and such lands and 
     interests therein, may be acquired, and construction 
     prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; and 
     procurement and installation of equipment, appliances, and 
     machine tools in public and private plants; reserve plant and 
     Government and contractor-owned equipment layaway, 
     $5,826,997,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026.

            Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps

       For construction, procurement, production, and modification 
     of ammunition, and accessories therefor; specialized 
     equipment and training devices; expansion of public and 
     private plants, including ammunition facilities, authorized 
     by section 2854 of title 10, United States Code, and the land 
     necessary therefor, for the foregoing purposes, and such 
     lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; 
     and procurement and installation of equipment, appliances, 
     and machine tools in public and private plants; reserve plant 
     and Government and contractor-owned equipment layaway; and 
     other expenses necessary for the foregoing purposes, 
     $1,238,558,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026.

                   Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy

       For expenses necessary for the construction, acquisition, 
     or conversion of vessels as authorized by law, including 
     armor and armament thereof, plant equipment, appliances, and 
     machine tools and installation thereof in public and private 
     plants; reserve plant and Government and contractor-owned 
     equipment layaway; procurement of critical, long lead time 
     components and designs for vessels to be constructed or 
     converted in the future; and expansion of public and private 
     plants, including land necessary therefor, and such lands and 
     interests therein, may be acquired, and construction 
     prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title, as follows:
       Columbia Class Submarine, $2,443,598,000;
       Columbia Class Submarine (AP), $3,390,734,000;
       Carrier Replacement Program (CVN-80), $1,104,421,000;
       Carrier Replacement Program (CVN-81), $800,492,000;
       Virginia Class Submarine, $7,129,965,000;
       Virginia Class Submarine (AP), $3,215,539,000;
       CVN Refueling Overhauls (AP), $802,988,000;
       DDG-1000 Program, $318,655,000;
       DDG-51 Destroyer, $4,199,179,000;
       DDG-51 Destroyer (AP), $284,035,000;
       FFG-Frigate, $2,133,861,000;
       LHA Replacement, $1,830,149,000;
       AS Submarine Tender, $1,544,595,000;
       TAO Fleet Oiler, $815,420,000;
       LCU 1700, $62,532,000;
       Ship to Shore Connector, $400,000,000;
       Service Craft, $85,115,000;
       LCAC SLEP, $15,286,000;
       Auxiliary Vessels, $142,008,000;
       For outfitting, post delivery, conversions, and first 
     destination transportation, $539,681,000; and
       Completion of Prior Year Shipbuilding Programs, 
     $1,648,559,000.
     In all: $32,906,812,000, to remain available for obligation 
     until September 30, 2028:  Provided, That additional 
     obligations may be incurred after September 30, 2028, for 
     engineering services, tests, evaluations, and other such 
     budgeted work that must be performed in the final stage of 
     ship construction:  Provided further, That none of the funds 
     provided under this heading for the construction or 
     conversion of any naval vessel to be constructed in shipyards 
     in the United States shall be expended in foreign facilities 
     for the construction of major components of such vessel:  
     Provided further, That none of the funds provided under this 
     heading shall be used for the construction of any naval 
     vessel in foreign shipyards: Provided further, That funds 
     appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act for 
     Columbia Class Submarine (AP) may be available for the 
     purposes authorized by subsections (f), (g), (h) or (i) of 
     section 2218a of title 10, United States Code, only in 
     accordance with the provisions of the applicable subsection.

                        Other Procurement, Navy

       For procurement, production, and modernization of support 
     equipment and materials not otherwise provided for, Navy 
     ordnance (except ordnance for new aircraft, new ships, and 
     ships authorized for conversion); the purchase of passenger 
     motor vehicles for replacement only; expansion of public and 
     private plants, including the land necessary therefor, and 
     such lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; 
     and procurement and installation of equipment, appliances, 
     and machine tools in public and private plants; reserve plant 
     and Government and contractor-owned equipment layaway, 
     $13,675,677,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026:  Provided, That such funds are also 
     available for the maintenance, repair, and modernization of 
     ships under a pilot program established for such purposes.

                       Procurement, Marine Corps

       For expenses necessary for the procurement, manufacture, 
     and modification of missiles, armament, military equipment, 
     spare parts, and accessories therefor; plant equipment, 
     appliances, and machine tools, and installation thereof in 
     public and private plants; reserve plant and Government and 
     contractor-owned equipment layaway; vehicles for the Marine 
     Corps, including the purchase of passenger motor vehicles for 
     replacement only; and expansion of public and private plants, 
     including land necessary

[[Page H4577]]

     therefor, and such lands and interests therein, may be 
     acquired, and construction prosecuted thereon prior to 
     approval of title, $3,775,224,000, to remain available for 
     obligation until September 30, 2026.

                    Aircraft Procurement, Air Force

       For construction, procurement, and modification of aircraft 
     and equipment, including armor and armament, specialized 
     ground handling equipment, and training devices, spare parts, 
     and accessories therefor; specialized equipment; expansion of 
     public and private plants, Government-owned equipment and 
     installation thereof in such plants, erection of structures, 
     and acquisition of land, for the foregoing purposes, and such 
     lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; 
     reserve plant and Government and contractor-owned equipment 
     layaway; and other expenses necessary for the foregoing 
     purposes including rents and transportation of things, 
     $20,196,409,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026.

                     Missile Procurement, Air Force

       For construction, procurement, and modification of 
     missiles, rockets, and related equipment, including spare 
     parts and accessories therefor; ground handling equipment, 
     and training devices; expansion of public and private plants, 
     Government-owned equipment and installation thereof in such 
     plants, erection of structures, and acquisition of land, for 
     the foregoing purposes, and such lands and interests therein, 
     may be acquired, and construction prosecuted thereon prior to 
     approval of title; reserve plant and Government and 
     contractor-owned equipment layaway; and other expenses 
     necessary for the foregoing purposes including rents and 
     transportation of things, $4,401,753,000, to remain available 
     for obligation until September 30, 2026.

                  Procurement of Ammunition, Air Force

       For construction, procurement, production, and modification 
     of ammunition, and accessories therefor; specialized 
     equipment and training devices; expansion of public and 
     private plants, including ammunition facilities, authorized 
     by section 2854 of title 10, United States Code, and the land 
     necessary therefor, for the foregoing purposes, and such 
     lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon prior to approval of title; 
     and procurement and installation of equipment, appliances, 
     and machine tools in public and private plants; reserve plant 
     and Government and contractor-owned equipment layaway; and 
     other expenses necessary for the foregoing purposes, 
     $642,448,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026.

                      Other Procurement, Air Force

       For procurement and modification of equipment (including 
     ground guidance and electronic control equipment, and ground 
     electronic and communication equipment), and supplies, 
     materials, and spare parts therefor, not otherwise provided 
     for; the purchase of passenger motor vehicles for replacement 
     only; lease of passenger motor vehicles; and expansion of 
     public and private plants, Government-owned equipment and 
     installation thereof in such plants, erection of structures, 
     and acquisition of land, for the foregoing purposes, and such 
     lands and interests therein, may be acquired, and 
     construction prosecuted thereon, prior to approval of title; 
     reserve plant and Government and contractor-owned equipment 
     layaway, $29,819,938,000, to remain available for obligation 
     until September 30, 2026.

                        Procurement, Space Force

       For construction, procurement, and modification of 
     spacecraft, rockets, and related equipment, including spare 
     parts and accessories therefor; ground handling equipment, 
     and training devices; expansion of public and private plants, 
     Government-owned equipment and installation thereof in such 
     plants, erection of structures, and acquisition of land, for 
     the foregoing purposes, and such lands and interests therein, 
     may be acquired, and construction prosecuted thereon prior to 
     approval of title; reserve plant and Government and 
     contractor-owned equipment layaway; and other expenses 
     necessary for the foregoing purposes including rents and 
     transportation of things, $4,109,201,000, to remain available 
     for obligation until September 30, 2026.

                       Procurement, Defense-Wide

       For expenses of activities and agencies of the Department 
     of Defense (other than the military departments) necessary 
     for procurement, production, and modification of equipment, 
     supplies, materials, and spare parts therefor, not otherwise 
     provided for; the purchase of passenger motor vehicles for 
     replacement only; expansion of public and private plants, 
     equipment, and installation thereof in such plants, erection 
     of structures, and acquisition of land for the foregoing 
     purposes, and such lands and interests therein, may be 
     acquired, and construction prosecuted thereon prior to 
     approval of title; reserve plant and Government and 
     contractor-owned equipment layaway, $6,289,820,000, to remain 
     available for obligation until September 30, 2026.

                    Defense Production Act Purchases

       For activities by the Department of Defense pursuant to 
     sections 108, 301, 302, and 303 of the Defense Production Act 
     of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4518, 4531, 4532, and 4533), $618,605,000, 
     to remain available for obligation until September 30, 2026, 
     which shall be obligated and expended by the Secretary of 
     Defense as if delegated the necessary authorities conferred 
     by the Defense Production Act of 1950.

              National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account

       For procurement of rotary-wing aircraft; combat, tactical 
     and support vehicles; other weapons; and other procurement 
     items for the reserve components of the Armed Forces, 
     $1,000,000,000, to remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2026:  Provided, That the Chiefs of National 
     Guard and Reserve components shall, not later than 30 days 
     after enactment of this Act, individually submit to the 
     congressional defense committees the modernization priority 
     assessment for their respective National Guard or Reserve 
     component:  Provided further, That none of the funds made 
     available by this paragraph may be used to procure manned 
     fixed wing aircraft, or procure or modify missiles, 
     munitions, or ammunition.

                                TITLE IV

               RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION

            Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army

       For expenses necessary for basic and applied scientific 
     research, development, test and evaluation, including 
     maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of 
     facilities and equipment, $16,758,462,000, to remain 
     available for obligation until September 30, 2025.

            Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy

       For expenses necessary for basic and applied scientific 
     research, development, test and evaluation, including 
     maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of 
     facilities and equipment, $27,690,777,000, to remain 
     available for obligation until September 30, 2025:  Provided, 
     That funds appropriated in this paragraph which are available 
     for the V-22 may be used to meet unique operational 
     requirements of the Special Operations Forces.

         Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force

       For expenses necessary for basic and applied scientific 
     research, development, test and evaluation, including 
     maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of 
     facilities and equipment, $46,479,858,000, to remain 
     available for obligation until September 30, 2025.

        Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Space Force

       For expenses necessary for basic and applied scientific 
     research, development, test and evaluation, including 
     maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of 
     facilities and equipment, $18,839,144,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2025.

        Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide

       For expenses of activities and agencies of the Department 
     of Defense (other than the military departments), necessary 
     for basic and applied scientific research, development, test 
     and evaluation; advanced research projects as may be 
     designated and determined by the Secretary of Defense, 
     pursuant to law; maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and 
     operation of facilities and equipment, $36,782,566,000, to 
     remain available for obligation until September 30, 2025.

                Operational Test and Evaluation, Defense

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     independent activities of the Director, Operational Test and 
     Evaluation, in the direction and supervision of operational 
     test and evaluation, including initial operational test and 
     evaluation which is conducted prior to, and in support of, 
     production decisions; joint operational testing and 
     evaluation; and administrative expenses in connection 
     therewith, $285,444,000, to remain available for obligation 
     until September 30, 2025.

                                TITLE V

                     REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS

                     Defense Working Capital Funds

       For the Defense Working Capital Funds, $1,666,779,000.

              National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund

        For the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund, 
     $7,629,000, for activities pursuant to the Strategic and 
     Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98 et seq.).

                                TITLE VI

                  OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS

                         Defense Health Program

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, for medical and 
     health care programs of the Department of Defense as 
     authorized by law, $39,365,472,000; of which $36,826,743,000 
     shall be for operation and maintenance, of which not to 
     exceed one percent shall remain available for obligation 
     until September 30, 2025, and of which up to $19,762,352,000 
     may be available for contracts entered into under the TRICARE 
     program; of which $381,881,000, to remain available for 
     obligation until September 30, 2026, shall be for 
     procurement; and of which $2,156,848,000, to remain available 
     for obligation until September 30, 2025, shall be for 
     research, development, test and evaluation:  Provided, That, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the amount 
     made available under this heading for research, development, 
     test and evaluation, not less than $12,000,000 shall be 
     available for HIV prevention educational activities 
     undertaken in

[[Page H4578]]

     connection with United States military training, exercises, 
     and humanitarian assistance activities conducted primarily in 
     African nations:  Provided further, That of the funds 
     provided under this heading for research, development, test 
     and evaluation, not less than $1,154,000,000 shall be made 
     available to the Defense Health Agency to carry out the 
     congressionally directed medical research programs:  Provided 
     further, That the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees quarterly reports on the 
     current status of the electronic health record program:  
     Provided further, That the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall perform quarterly performance reviews of the 
     electronic health record program.

           Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the 
     destruction of the United States stockpile of lethal chemical 
     agents and munitions in accordance with the provisions of 
     section 1412 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 
     1986 (50 U.S.C. 1521), and for the destruction of other 
     chemical warfare materials that are not in the chemical 
     weapon stockpile, $1,091,844,000, of which $89,284,000 shall 
     be for operation and maintenance, of which no less than 
     $57,875,000 shall be for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency 
     Preparedness Program, consisting of $23,676,000 for 
     activities on military installations and $34,199,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2025, to assist State 
     and local governments; and $1,002,560,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2025, shall be for research, 
     development, test and evaluation, of which $1,000,467,000 
     shall only be for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives 
     program.

         Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For drug interdiction and counter-drug activities of the 
     Department of Defense, for transfer to appropriations 
     available to the Department of Defense for military personnel 
     of the reserve components serving under the provisions of 
     title 10 and title 32, United States Code; for operation and 
     maintenance; for procurement; and for research, development, 
     test and evaluation, $1,162,161,000, of which $693,848,000 
     shall be for counter-narcotics support; $138,313,000 shall be 
     for the drug demand reduction program; $300,000,000 shall be 
     for the National Guard counter-drug program; and $30,000,000 
     shall be for the National Guard counter-drug schools program: 
      Provided, That the funds appropriated under this heading 
     shall be available for obligation for the same time period 
     and for the same purpose as the appropriation to which 
     transferred:  Provided further, That upon a determination 
     that all or part of the funds transferred from this 
     appropriation are not necessary for the purposes provided 
     herein, such amounts may be transferred back to this 
     appropriation:  Provided further, That the transfer authority 
     provided under this heading is in addition to any other 
     transfer authority contained elsewhere in this Act:  Provided 
     further, That funds appropriated under this heading may be 
     used to support a new start program or project only after 
     written prior notification to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate.

                    Office of the Inspector General

       For expenses and activities of the Office of the Inspector 
     General in carrying out the provisions of the Inspector 
     General Act of 1978, as amended, $506,629,000, of which 
     $502,131,000 shall be for operation and maintenance, of which 
     not to exceed $700,000 is available for emergencies and 
     extraordinary expenses to be expended upon the approval or 
     authority of the Inspector General, and payments may be made 
     upon the Inspector General's certificate of necessity for 
     confidential military purposes; of which $1,098,000, to 
     remain available for obligation until September 30, 2026, 
     shall be for procurement; and of which $3,400,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2025, shall be for research, 
     development, test and evaluation.
       

                               TITLE VII

                            RELATED AGENCIES

   Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund

       For payment to the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement 
     and Disability System Fund, to maintain the proper funding 
     level for continuing the operation of the Central 
     Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, 
     $514,000,000.

               Intelligence Community Management Account

       For necessary expenses of the Intelligence Community 
     Management Account, $608,820,000.

                               TITLE VIII

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

       Sec. 8001.  No part of any appropriation contained in this 
     Act shall be used for publicity or propaganda purposes not 
     authorized by the Congress.
       Sec. 8002.  During the current fiscal year, provisions of 
     law prohibiting the payment of compensation to, or employment 
     of, any person not a citizen of the United States shall not 
     apply to personnel of the Department of Defense:  Provided, 
     That salary increases granted to direct and indirect hire 
     foreign national employees of the Department of Defense 
     funded by this Act shall not be at a rate in excess of the 
     percentage increase authorized by law for civilian employees 
     of the Department of Defense whose pay is computed under the 
     provisions of section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, or 
     at a rate in excess of the percentage increase provided by 
     the appropriate host nation to its own employees, whichever 
     is higher:  Provided further, That this section shall not 
     apply to Department of Defense foreign service national 
     employees serving at United States diplomatic missions whose 
     pay is set by the Department of State under the Foreign 
     Service Act of 1980:  Provided further, That the limitations 
     of this provision shall not apply to foreign national 
     employees of the Department of Defense in the Republic of 
     Turkey.
       Sec. 8003.  No part of any appropriation contained in this 
     Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current 
     fiscal year, unless expressly so provided herein.
       Sec. 8004.  No more than 20 percent of the appropriations 
     in this Act which are limited for obligation during the 
     current fiscal year shall be obligated during the last 2 
     months of the fiscal year:  Provided, That this section shall 
     not apply to obligations for support of active duty training 
     of reserve components or summer camp training of the Reserve 
     Officers' Training Corps.

                          (transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8005.  Upon determination by the Secretary of Defense 
     that such action is necessary in the national interest, the 
     Secretary may, with the approval of the Office of Management 
     and Budget, transfer not to exceed $6,000,000,000 of working 
     capital funds of the Department of Defense or funds made 
     available in this Act to the Department of Defense for 
     military functions (except military construction) between 
     such appropriations or funds or any subdivision thereof, to 
     be merged with and to be available for the same purposes, and 
     for the same time period, as the appropriation or fund to 
     which transferred:  Provided, That such authority to transfer 
     may not be used unless for higher priority items, based on 
     unforeseen military requirements, than those for which 
     originally appropriated and in no case where the item for 
     which funds are requested has been denied by the Congress:  
     Provided further, That the Secretary of Defense shall notify 
     the Congress promptly of all transfers made pursuant to this 
     authority or any other authority in this Act:  Provided 
     further, That no part of the funds in this Act shall be 
     available to prepare or present a request to the Committees 
     on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate for reprogramming of funds, unless for higher priority 
     items, based on unforeseen military requirements, than those 
     for which originally appropriated and in no case where the 
     item for which reprogramming is requested has been denied by 
     the Congress:  Provided further, That a request for multiple 
     reprogrammings of funds using authority provided in this 
     section shall be made prior to June 30, 2024:  Provided 
     further, That transfers among military personnel 
     appropriations shall not be taken into account for purposes 
     of the limitation on the amount of funds that may be 
     transferred under this section.
       Sec. 8006. (a) With regard to the list of specific 
     programs, projects, and activities (and the dollar amounts 
     and adjustments to budget activities corresponding to such 
     programs, projects, and activities) contained in the tables 
     titled Explanation of Project Level Adjustments in the 
     explanatory statement regarding this Act and the tables 
     contained in the classified annex accompanying this Act, the 
     obligation and expenditure of amounts appropriated or 
     otherwise made available in this Act for those programs, 
     projects, and activities are hereby required by law to be 
     carried out in the manner provided by such tables to the same 
     extent as if the tables were included in the text of this 
     Act.
       (b) Amounts specified in the referenced tables described in 
     subsection (a) shall not be treated as subdivisions of 
     appropriations for purposes of section 8005 of this Act:  
     Provided, That section 8005 shall apply when transfers of the 
     amounts described in subsection (a) occur between 
     appropriation accounts.
       Sec. 8007. (a) Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Department of Defense shall submit 
     a report to the congressional defense committees to establish 
     the baseline for application of reprogramming and transfer 
     authorities for fiscal year 2024:  Provided, That the report 
     shall include--
       (1) a table for each appropriation with a separate column 
     to display the President's budget request, adjustments made 
     by Congress, adjustments due to enacted rescissions, if 
     appropriate, and the fiscal year enacted level;
       (2) a delineation in the table for each appropriation both 
     by budget activity and program, project, and activity as 
     detailed in the Budget Appendix; and
       (3) an identification of items of special congressional 
     interest.
       (b) Notwithstanding section 8005 of this Act, none of the 
     funds provided in this Act shall be available for 
     reprogramming or transfer until the report identified in 
     subsection (a) is submitted to the congressional defense 
     committees, unless the Secretary of Defense certifies in 
     writing to the congressional defense committees that such 
     reprogramming or transfer is necessary as an emergency 
     requirement:  Provided, That this subsection shall not apply 
     to transfers from the following appropriations accounts:
       (1) ``Environmental Restoration, Army'';

[[Page H4579]]

       (2) ``Environmental Restoration, Navy'';
       (3) ``Environmental Restoration, Air Force'';
       (4) ``Environmental Restoration, Defense-Wide'';
       (5) ``Environmental Restoration, Formerly Used Defense 
     Sites''; and
       (6) ``Drug Interdiction and Counter-drug Activities, 
     Defense''.

                          (transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8008.  During the current fiscal year, cash balances 
     in working capital funds of the Department of Defense 
     established pursuant to section 2208 of title 10, United 
     States Code, may be maintained in only such amounts as are 
     necessary at any time for cash disbursements to be made from 
     such funds:  Provided, That transfers may be made between 
     such funds:  Provided further, That transfers may be made 
     between working capital funds and the ``Foreign Currency 
     Fluctuations, Defense'' appropriation and the ``Operation and 
     Maintenance'' appropriation accounts in such amounts as may 
     be determined by the Secretary of Defense, with the approval 
     of the Office of Management and Budget, except that such 
     transfers may not be made unless the Secretary of Defense has 
     notified the Congress of the proposed transfer:  Provided 
     further, That except in amounts equal to the amounts 
     appropriated to working capital funds in this Act, no 
     obligations may be made against a working capital fund to 
     procure or increase the value of war reserve material 
     inventory, unless the Secretary of Defense has notified the 
     Congress prior to any such obligation.
       Sec. 8009.  Funds appropriated by this Act may not be used 
     to initiate a special access program without prior 
     notification 30 calendar days in advance to the congressional 
     defense committees.
       Sec. 8010.  None of the funds provided in this Act shall be 
     available to initiate: (1) a multiyear contract that employs 
     economic order quantity procurement in excess of $20,000,000 
     in any one year of the contract or that includes an unfunded 
     contingent liability in excess of $20,000,000; or (2) a 
     contract for advance procurement leading to a multiyear 
     contract that employs economic order quantity procurement in 
     excess of $20,000,000 in any one year, unless the 
     congressional defense committees have been notified at least 
     30 days in advance of the proposed contract award:  Provided, 
     That no part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall 
     be available to initiate a multiyear contract for which the 
     economic order quantity advance procurement is not funded at 
     least to the limits of the Government's liability:  Provided 
     further, That no part of any appropriation contained in this 
     Act shall be available to initiate multiyear procurement 
     contracts for any systems or component thereof if the value 
     of the multiyear contract would exceed $500,000,000 unless 
     specifically provided in this Act:  Provided further, That no 
     multiyear procurement contract can be terminated without 30-
     day prior notification to the congressional defense 
     committees:  Provided further, That the execution of 
     multiyear authority shall require the use of a present value 
     analysis to determine lowest cost compared to an annual 
     procurement:  Provided further, That none of the funds 
     provided in this Act may be used for a multiyear contract 
     executed after the date of the enactment of this Act unless 
     in the case of any such contract--
       (1) the Secretary of Defense has submitted to Congress a 
     budget request for full funding of units to be procured 
     through the contract and, in the case of a contract for 
     procurement of aircraft, that includes, for any aircraft unit 
     to be procured through the contract for which procurement 
     funds are requested in that budget request for production 
     beyond advance procurement activities in the fiscal year 
     covered by the budget, full funding of procurement of such 
     unit in that fiscal year;
       (2) cancellation provisions in the contract do not include 
     consideration of recurring manufacturing costs of the 
     contractor associated with the production of unfunded units 
     to be delivered under the contract;
       (3) the contract provides that payments to the contractor 
     under the contract shall not be made in advance of incurred 
     costs on funded units; and
       (4) the contract does not provide for a price adjustment 
     based on a failure to award a follow-on contract.
     Funds appropriated in title III of this Act may be used for 
     multiyear procurement contracts for Naval Strike Missile, 
     Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, PATRIOT Advanced 
     Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, Long Range Anti-
     Ship Missile, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, and USS 
     Virginia Class (SSN-774).
       Sec. 8011.  Within the funds appropriated for the operation 
     and maintenance of the Armed Forces, funds are hereby 
     appropriated pursuant to section 401 of title 10, United 
     States Code, for humanitarian and civic assistance costs 
     under chapter 20 of title 10, United States Code:  Provided, 
     That such funds may also be obligated for humanitarian and 
     civic assistance costs incidental to authorized operations 
     and pursuant to authority granted in section 401 of title 10, 
     United States Code, and these obligations shall be reported 
     as required by section 401(d) of title 10, United States 
     Code:  Provided further, That funds available for operation 
     and maintenance shall be available for providing humanitarian 
     and similar assistance by using Civic Action Teams in the 
     Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands and freely 
     associated states of Micronesia, pursuant to the Compact of 
     Free Association as authorized by Public Law 99-239:  
     Provided further, That upon a determination by the Secretary 
     of the Army that such action is beneficial for graduate 
     medical education programs conducted at Army medical 
     facilities located in Hawaii, the Secretary of the Army may 
     authorize the provision of medical services at such 
     facilities and transportation to such facilities, on a 
     nonreimbursable basis, for civilian patients from American 
     Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the 
     Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, 
     and Guam.
       Sec. 8012.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     shall be used in any way, directly or indirectly, to 
     influence congressional action on any legislation or 
     appropriation matters pending before the Congress.
       Sec. 8013.  None of the funds available in this Act to the 
     Department of Defense, other than appropriations made for 
     necessary or routine refurbishments, upgrades, or maintenance 
     activities, shall be used to reduce or to prepare to reduce 
     the number of deployed and non-deployed strategic delivery 
     vehicles and launchers below the levels set forth in the 
     report submitted to Congress in accordance with section 1042 
     of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2012.

                          (transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8014. (a) Funds appropriated in title III of this Act 
     for the Department of Defense Pilot Mentor-Protege Program 
     may be transferred to any other appropriation contained in 
     this Act solely for the purpose of implementing a Mentor-
     Protege Program developmental assistance agreement pursuant 
     to section 831 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 1991 (Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2302 note), 
     as amended, under the authority of this provision or any 
     other transfer authority contained in this Act.
       (b) The Secretary of Defense shall include with the budget 
     justification documents in support of the budget for fiscal 
     year 2025 (as submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 
     of title 31, United States Code) a description of each 
     transfer under this section that occurred during the last 
     fiscal year before the fiscal year in which such budget is 
     submitted.
       Sec. 8015.  None of the funds in this Act may be available 
     for the purchase by the Department of Defense (and its 
     departments and agencies) of welded shipboard anchor and 
     mooring chain unless the anchor and mooring chain are 
     manufactured in the United States from components which are 
     substantially manufactured in the United States:  Provided, 
     That for the purpose of this section, the term 
     ``manufactured'' shall include cutting, heat treating, 
     quality control, testing of chain and welding (including the 
     forging and shot blasting process):  Provided further, That 
     for the purpose of this section substantially all of the 
     components of anchor and mooring chain shall be considered to 
     be produced or manufactured in the United States if the 
     aggregate cost of the components produced or manufactured in 
     the United States exceeds the aggregate cost of the 
     components produced or manufactured outside the United 
     States:  Provided further, That when adequate domestic 
     supplies are not available to meet Department of Defense 
     requirements on a timely basis, the Secretary of the Service 
     responsible for the procurement may waive this restriction on 
     a case-by-case basis by certifying in writing to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate that such an acquisition must be made in order 
     to acquire capability for national security purposes.
       Sec. 8016.  None of the funds appropriated by this Act 
     shall be used for the support of any nonappropriated funds 
     activity of the Department of Defense that procures malt 
     beverages and wine with nonappropriated funds for resale 
     (including such alcoholic beverages sold by the drink) on a 
     military installation located in the United States unless 
     such malt beverages and wine are procured within that State, 
     or in the case of the District of Columbia, within the 
     District of Columbia, in which the military installation is 
     located:  Provided, That, in a case in which the military 
     installation is located in more than one State, purchases may 
     be made in any State in which the installation is located:  
     Provided further, That such local procurement requirements 
     for malt beverages and wine shall apply to all alcoholic 
     beverages only for military installations in States which are 
     not contiguous with another State:  Provided further, That 
     alcoholic beverages other than wine and malt beverages, in 
     contiguous States and the District of Columbia shall be 
     procured from the most competitive source, price and other 
     factors considered.
       Sec. 8017.  None of the funds available to the Department 
     of Defense may be used to demilitarize or dispose of M-1 
     Carbines, M-1 Garand rifles, M-14 rifles, .22 caliber rifles, 
     .30 caliber rifles, or M-1911 pistols, or to demilitarize or 
     destroy small arms ammunition or ammunition components that 
     are not otherwise prohibited from commercial sale under 
     Federal law, unless the small arms ammunition or ammunition 
     components are certified by the Secretary of the Army or 
     designee as unserviceable or unsafe for further use.
       Sec. 8018.  No more than $500,000 of the funds appropriated 
     or made available in this Act shall be used during a single 
     fiscal year

[[Page H4580]]

     for any single relocation of an organization, unit, activity 
     or function of the Department of Defense into or within the 
     National Capital Region:  Provided, That the Secretary of 
     Defense may waive this restriction on a case-by-case basis by 
     certifying in writing to the congressional defense committees 
     that such a relocation is required in the best interest of 
     the Government.
       Sec. 8019.  In addition to the funds provided elsewhere in 
     this Act, $25,000,000 is appropriated only for incentive 
     payments authorized by section 504 of the Indian Financing 
     Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C. 1544):  Provided, That a prime 
     contractor or a subcontractor at any tier that makes a 
     subcontract award to any subcontractor or supplier as defined 
     in section 1544 of title 25, United States Code, or a small 
     business owned and controlled by an individual or individuals 
     defined under section 4221(9) of title 25, United States 
     Code, shall be considered a contractor for the purposes of 
     being allowed additional compensation under section 504 of 
     the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C. 1544) whenever 
     the prime contract or subcontract amount is over $500,000 and 
     involves the expenditure of funds appropriated by an Act 
     making appropriations for the Department of Defense with 
     respect to any fiscal year:  Provided further, That 
     notwithstanding section 1906 of title 41, United States Code, 
     this section shall be applicable to any Department of Defense 
     acquisition of supplies or services, including any contract 
     and any subcontract at any tier for acquisition of commercial 
     items produced or manufactured, in whole or in part, by any 
     subcontractor or supplier defined in section 1544 of title 
     25, United States Code, or a small business owned and 
     controlled by an individual or individuals defined under 
     section 4221(9) of title 25, United States Code.
       Sec. 8020. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     the Secretary of the Air Force may convey at no cost to the 
     Air Force, without consideration, to Indian tribes located in 
     the States of Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, 
     Montana, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington relocatable 
     military housing units located at Grand Forks Air Force Base, 
     Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mountain Home Air Force Base, 
     Ellsworth Air Force Base, and Minot Air Force Base that are 
     excess to the needs of the Air Force.
       (b) The Secretary of the Air Force shall convey, at no cost 
     to the Air Force, military housing units under subsection (a) 
     in accordance with the request for such units that are 
     submitted to the Secretary by the Operation Walking Shield 
     Program on behalf of Indian tribes located in the States of 
     Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, 
     Minnesota, and Washington. Any such conveyance shall be 
     subject to the condition that the housing units shall be 
     removed within a reasonable period of time, as determined by 
     the Secretary.
       (c) The Operation Walking Shield Program shall resolve any 
     conflicts among requests of Indian tribes for housing units 
     under subsection (a) before submitting requests to the 
     Secretary of the Air Force under subsection (b).
       (d) In this section, the term ``Indian tribe'' means any 
     recognized Indian tribe included on the current list 
     published by the Secretary of the Interior under section 104 
     of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe Act of 1994 (Public 
     Law 103-454; 108 Stat. 4792; 25 U.S.C. 5131).
       Sec. 8021.  Of the funds appropriated to the Department of 
     Defense under the heading ``Operation and Maintenance, 
     Defense-Wide'', not less than $20,000,000 shall be made 
     available only for the mitigation of environmental impacts, 
     including training and technical assistance to tribes, 
     related administrative support, the gathering of information, 
     documenting of environmental damage, and developing a system 
     for prioritization of mitigation and cost to complete 
     estimates for mitigation, on Indian lands resulting from 
     Department of Defense activities.
       Sec. 8022.  Funds appropriated by this Act for the Defense 
     Media Activity shall not be used for any national or 
     international political or psychological activities.
       Sec. 8023. (a) Of the funds made available in this Act, not 
     less than $68,100,000 shall be available for the Civil Air 
     Patrol Corporation, of which--
       (1) $55,100,000 shall be available from ``Operation and 
     Maintenance, Air Force'' to support Civil Air Patrol 
     Corporation operation and maintenance, readiness, counter-
     drug activities, and drug demand reduction activities 
     involving youth programs;
       (2) $11,000,000 shall be available from ``Aircraft 
     Procurement, Air Force''; and
       (3) $2,000,000 shall be available from ``Other Procurement, 
     Air Force'' for vehicle procurement.
       (b) The Secretary of the Air Force should waive 
     reimbursement for any funds used by the Civil Air Patrol for 
     counter-drug activities in support of Federal, State, and 
     local government agencies.
       Sec. 8024. (a) None of the funds appropriated in this Act 
     are available to establish a new Department of Defense 
     (department) federally funded research and development center 
     (FFRDC), either as a new entity, or as a separate entity 
     administrated by an organization managing another FFRDC, or 
     as a nonprofit membership corporation consisting of a 
     consortium of other FFRDCs and other nonprofit entities.
       (b) No member of a Board of Directors, Trustees, Overseers, 
     Advisory Group, Special Issues Panel, Visiting Committee, or 
     any similar entity of a defense FFRDC, and no paid consultant 
     to any defense FFRDC, except when acting in a technical 
     advisory capacity, may be compensated for his or her services 
     as a member of such entity, or as a paid consultant by more 
     than one FFRDC in a fiscal year:  Provided, That a member of 
     any such entity referred to previously in this subsection 
     shall be allowed travel expenses and per diem as authorized 
     under the Federal Joint Travel Regulations, when engaged in 
     the performance of membership duties.
       (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the 
     funds available to the Department from any source during the 
     current fiscal year may be used by a defense FFRDC, through a 
     fee or other payment mechanism, for construction of new 
     buildings not located on a military installation, for payment 
     of cost sharing for projects funded by Government grants, for 
     absorption of contract overruns, or for certain charitable 
     contributions, not to include employee participation in 
     community service and/or development.
       (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the 
     funds available to the department during fiscal year 2024, 
     not more than $2,885,000,000 may be funded for professional 
     technical staff-related costs of the defense FFRDCs:  
     Provided, That within such funds, not more than $456,803,000 
     shall be available for the defense studies and analysis 
     FFRDCs:  Provided further, That this subsection shall not 
     apply to staff years funded in the National Intelligence 
     Program and the Military Intelligence Program:  Provided 
     further, That the Secretary of Defense shall, with the 
     submission of the department's fiscal year 2025 budget 
     request, submit a report presenting the specific amounts of 
     staff years of technical effort to be allocated for each 
     defense FFRDC by program during that fiscal year and the 
     associated budget estimates, by appropriation account and 
     program: Provided further, That this subsection shall not 
     apply to appropriations for the National Intelligence Program 
     and Military Intelligence Program.
       Sec. 8025.  For the purposes of this Act, the term 
     ``congressional defense committees'' means the Armed Services 
     Committee of the House of Representatives, the Armed Services 
     Committee of the Senate, the Subcommittee on Defense of the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the 
     Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives.
       Sec. 8026.  For the purposes of this Act, the term 
     ``congressional intelligence committees'' means the Permanent 
     Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of 
     Representatives, the Select Committee on Intelligence of the 
     Senate, the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the Senate.
       Sec. 8027.  During the current fiscal year, the Department 
     of Defense may acquire the modification, depot maintenance 
     and repair of aircraft, vehicles and vessels as well as the 
     production of components and other Defense-related articles, 
     through competition between Department of Defense depot 
     maintenance activities and private firms:  Provided, That the 
     Senior Acquisition Executive of the military department or 
     Defense Agency concerned, with power of delegation, shall 
     certify that successful bids include comparable estimates of 
     all direct and indirect costs for both public and private 
     bids:  Provided further, That Office of Management and Budget 
     Circular A-76 shall not apply to competitions conducted under 
     this section.
       Sec. 8028. (a) None of the funds appropriated in this Act 
     may be expended by an entity of the Department of Defense 
     unless the entity, in expending the funds, complies with the 
     Buy American Act. For purposes of this subsection, the term 
     ``Buy American Act'' means chapter 83 of title 41, United 
     States Code.
       (b) If the Secretary of Defense determines that a person 
     has been convicted of intentionally affixing a label bearing 
     a ``Made in America'' inscription to any product sold in or 
     shipped to the United States that is not made in America, the 
     Secretary shall determine, in accordance with section 4658 of 
     title 10, United States Code, whether the person should be 
     debarred from contracting with the Department of Defense.
       (c) In the case of any equipment or products purchased with 
     appropriations provided under this Act, it is the sense of 
     the Congress that any entity of the Department of Defense, in 
     expending the appropriation, purchase only American-made 
     equipment and products, provided that American-made equipment 
     and products are cost-competitive, quality competitive, and 
     available in a timely fashion.
       Sec. 8029.  None of the funds appropriated or made 
     available in this Act shall be used to procure carbon, alloy, 
     or armor steel plate for use in any Government-owned facility 
     or property under the control of the Department of Defense 
     which were not melted and rolled in the United States or 
     Canada:  Provided, That these procurement restrictions shall 
     apply to any and all Federal Supply Class 9515, American 
     Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) or American Iron and 
     Steel Institute (AISI) specifications of carbon, alloy or 
     armor steel plate:  Provided further, That the Secretary of 
     the military department responsible for the procurement may 
     waive this restriction on a case-by-case basis by certifying 
     in writing to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     of Representatives and the Senate that adequate domestic 
     supplies are not available to meet

[[Page H4581]]

     Department of Defense requirements on a timely basis and that 
     such an acquisition must be made in order to acquire 
     capability for national security purposes:  Provided further, 
     That these restrictions shall not apply to contracts which 
     are in being as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
       Sec. 8030. (a)(1) If the Secretary of Defense, after 
     consultation with the United States Trade Representative, 
     determines that a foreign country which is party to an 
     agreement described in paragraph (2) has violated the terms 
     of the agreement by discriminating against certain types of 
     products produced in the United States that are covered by 
     the agreement, the Secretary of Defense shall rescind the 
     Secretary's blanket waiver of the Buy American Act with 
     respect to such types of products produced in that foreign 
     country.
       (2) An agreement referred to in paragraph (1) is any 
     reciprocal defense procurement memorandum of understanding, 
     between the United States and a foreign country pursuant to 
     which the Secretary of Defense has prospectively waived the 
     Buy American Act for certain products in that country.
       (b) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Congress a 
     report on the amount of Department of Defense purchases from 
     foreign entities in fiscal year 2024. Such report shall 
     separately indicate the dollar value of items for which the 
     Buy American Act was waived pursuant to any agreement 
     described in subsection (a)(2), the Trade Agreements Act of 
     1979 (19 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.), or any international agreement 
     to which the United States is a party.
       (c) For purposes of this section, the term ``Buy American 
     Act'' means chapter 83 of title 41, United States Code.
       Sec. 8031.  None of the funds appropriated by this Act may 
     be used for the procurement of ball and roller bearings other 
     than those produced by a domestic source and of domestic 
     origin:  Provided, That the Secretary of the military 
     department responsible for such procurement may waive this 
     restriction on a case-by-case basis by certifying in writing 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate, that adequate domestic 
     supplies are not available to meet Department of Defense 
     requirements on a timely basis and that such an acquisition 
     must be made in order to acquire capability for national 
     security purposes:  Provided further, That this restriction 
     shall not apply to the purchase of ``commercial products'', 
     as defined by section 103 of title 41, United States Code, 
     except that the restriction shall apply to ball or roller 
     bearings purchased as end items.
       Sec. 8032.  None of the funds in this Act may be used to 
     purchase any supercomputer which is not manufactured in the 
     United States, unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to 
     the congressional defense committees that such an acquisition 
     must be made in order to acquire capability for national 
     security purposes that is not available from United States 
     manufacturers.
       Sec. 8033. (a) The Secretary of Defense may, on a case-by-
     case basis, waive with respect to a foreign country each 
     limitation on the procurement of defense items from foreign 
     sources provided in law if the Secretary determines that the 
     application of the limitation with respect to that country 
     would invalidate cooperative programs entered into between 
     the Department of Defense and the foreign country, or would 
     invalidate reciprocal trade agreements for the procurement of 
     defense items entered into under section 4851 of title 10, 
     United States Code, and the country does not discriminate 
     against the same or similar defense items produced in the 
     United States for that country.
       (b) Subsection (a) applies with respect to--
       (1) contracts and subcontracts entered into on or after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act; and
       (2) options for the procurement of items that are exercised 
     after such date under contracts that are entered into before 
     such date if the option prices are adjusted for any reason 
     other than the application of a waiver granted under 
     subsection (a).
       (c) Subsection (a) does not apply to a limitation regarding 
     construction of public vessels, ball and roller bearings, 
     food, and clothing or textile materials as defined by section 
     XI (chapters 50-65) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the 
     United States and products classified under headings 4010, 
     4202, 4203, 6401 through 6406, 6505, 7019, 7218 through 7229, 
     7304.41 through 7304.49, 7306.40, 7502 through 7508, 8105, 
     8108, 8109, 8211, 8215, and 9404.
       Sec. 8034.  None of the funds made available in this Act, 
     or any subsequent Act making appropriations for the 
     Department of Defense, may be used for the purchase or 
     manufacture of a flag of the United States unless such flags 
     are treated as covered items under section 4862(b) of title 
     10, United States Code.
       Sec. 8035.  During the current fiscal year, amounts 
     contained in the Department of Defense Overseas Military 
     Facility Investment Recovery Account shall be available until 
     expended for the payments specified by section 2687a(b)(2) of 
     title 10, United States Code.
       Sec. 8036.  During the current fiscal year, appropriations 
     which are available to the Department of Defense for 
     operation and maintenance may be used to purchase items 
     having an investment item unit cost of not more than 
     $350,000:  Provided, That upon determination by the Secretary 
     of Defense that such action is necessary to meet the 
     operational requirements of a Commander of a Combatant 
     Command engaged in a named contingency operation overseas, 
     such funds may be used to purchase items having an investment 
     item unit cost of not more than $500,000.
       Sec. 8037.  Up to $11,000,000 of the funds appropriated 
     under the heading ``Operation and Maintenance, Navy'' may be 
     made available for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative 
     Program for the purpose of enabling the United States Indo-
     Pacific Command to execute Theater Security Cooperation 
     activities such as humanitarian assistance, and payment of 
     incremental and personnel costs of training and exercising 
     with foreign security forces:  Provided, That funds made 
     available for this purpose may be used, notwithstanding any 
     other funding authorities for humanitarian assistance, 
     security assistance or combined exercise expenses:  Provided 
     further, That funds may not be obligated to provide 
     assistance to any foreign country that is otherwise 
     prohibited from receiving such type of assistance under any 
     other provision of law.
       Sec. 8038.  The Secretary of Defense shall issue 
     regulations to prohibit the sale of any tobacco or tobacco-
     related products in military resale outlets in the United 
     States, its territories and possessions at a price below the 
     most competitive price in the local community:  Provided, 
     That such regulations shall direct that the prices of tobacco 
     or tobacco-related products in overseas military retail 
     outlets shall be within the range of prices established for 
     military retail system stores located in the United States.
       Sec. 8039. (a) During the current fiscal year, none of the 
     appropriations or funds available to the Department of 
     Defense Working Capital Funds shall be used for the purchase 
     of an investment item for the purpose of acquiring a new 
     inventory item for sale or anticipated sale during the 
     current fiscal year or a subsequent fiscal year to customers 
     of the Department of Defense Working Capital Funds if such an 
     item would not have been chargeable to the Department of 
     Defense Business Operations Fund during fiscal year 1994 and 
     if the purchase of such an investment item would be 
     chargeable during the current fiscal year to appropriations 
     made to the Department of Defense for procurement.
       (b) The fiscal year 2025 budget request for the Department 
     of Defense as well as all justification material and other 
     documentation supporting the fiscal year 2025 Department of 
     Defense budget shall be prepared and submitted to the 
     Congress on the basis that any equipment which was classified 
     as an end item and funded in a procurement appropriation 
     contained in this Act shall be budgeted for in a proposed 
     fiscal year 2025 procurement appropriation and not in the 
     supply management business area or any other area or category 
     of the Department of Defense Working Capital Funds.
       Sec. 8040.  None of the funds appropriated by this Act for 
     programs of the Central Intelligence Agency shall remain 
     available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year, 
     except for funds appropriated for the Reserve for 
     Contingencies, which shall remain available until September 
     30, 2025:  Provided, That funds appropriated, transferred, or 
     otherwise credited to the Central Intelligence Agency Central 
     Services Working Capital Fund during this or any prior or 
     subsequent fiscal year shall remain available until expended: 
      Provided further, That any funds appropriated or transferred 
     to the Central Intelligence Agency for advanced research and 
     development acquisition, for agent operations, and for covert 
     action programs authorized by the President under section 503 
     of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3093) shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2025:  Provided further, 
     That any funds appropriated or transferred to the Central 
     Intelligence Agency for the construction, improvement, or 
     alteration of facilities, including leased facilities, to be 
     used primarily by personnel of the intelligence community, 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2026.
       Sec. 8041. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and 
     (c), none of the funds made available by this Act may be 
     used--
       (1) to establish a field operating agency; or
       (2) to pay the basic pay of a member of the Armed Forces or 
     civilian employee of the department who is transferred or 
     reassigned from a headquarters activity if the member or 
     employee's place of duty remains at the location of that 
     headquarters.
       (b) The Secretary of Defense or Secretary of a military 
     department may waive the limitations in subsection (a), on a 
     case-by-case basis, if the Secretary determines, and 
     certifies to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate that the granting of the 
     waiver will reduce the personnel requirements or the 
     financial requirements of the department.
       (c) This section does not apply to--
       (1) field operating agencies funded within the National 
     Intelligence Program;
       (2) an Army field operating agency established to 
     eliminate, mitigate, or counter the effects of improvised 
     explosive devices, and, as determined by the Secretary of the 
     Army, other similar threats;
       (3) an Army field operating agency established to improve 
     the effectiveness and efficiencies of biometric activities 
     and to integrate common biometric technologies throughout the 
     Department of Defense; or
       (4) an Air Force field operating agency established to 
     administer the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Program and 
     Mortuary Operations for the Department of Defense and 
     authorized Federal entities.
       Sec. 8042. (a) None of the funds appropriated by this Act 
     shall be available to convert to contractor performance an 
     activity

[[Page H4582]]

     or function of the Department of Defense that, on or after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, is performed by 
     Department of Defense civilian employees unless--
       (1) the conversion is based on the result of a public-
     private competition that includes a most efficient and cost 
     effective organization plan developed by such activity or 
     function;
       (2) the Competitive Sourcing Official determines that, over 
     all performance periods stated in the solicitation of offers 
     for performance of the activity or function, the cost of 
     performance of the activity or function by a contractor would 
     be less costly to the Department of Defense by an amount that 
     equals or exceeds the lesser of--
       (A) 10 percent of the most efficient organization's 
     personnel-related costs for performance of that activity or 
     function by Federal employees; or
       (B) $10,000,000; and
       (3) the contractor does not receive an advantage for a 
     proposal that would reduce costs for the Department of 
     Defense by--
       (A) not making an employer-sponsored health insurance plan 
     available to the workers who are to be employed in the 
     performance of that activity or function under the contract; 
     or
       (B) offering to such workers an employer-sponsored health 
     benefits plan that requires the employer to contribute less 
     towards the premium or subscription share than the amount 
     that is paid by the Department of Defense for health benefits 
     for civilian employees under chapter 89 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (b)(1) The Department of Defense, without regard to 
     subsection (a) of this section or subsection (a), (b), or (c) 
     of section 2461 of title 10, United States Code, and 
     notwithstanding any administrative regulation, requirement, 
     or policy to the contrary shall have full authority to enter 
     into a contract for the performance of any commercial or 
     industrial type function of the Department of Defense that--
       (A) is included on the procurement list established 
     pursuant to section 2 of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (section 
     8503 of title 41, United States Code);
       (B) is planned to be converted to performance by a 
     qualified nonprofit agency for the blind or by a qualified 
     nonprofit agency for other severely handicapped individuals 
     in accordance with that Act; or
       (C) is planned to be converted to performance by a 
     qualified firm under at least 51 percent ownership by an 
     Indian tribe, as defined in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     450b(e)), or a Native Hawaiian Organization, as defined in 
     section 8(a)(15) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     637(a)(15)).
       (2) This section shall not apply to depot contracts or 
     contracts for depot maintenance as provided in sections 2469 
     and 2474 of title 10, United States Code.
       (c) The conversion of any activity or function of the 
     Department of Defense under the authority provided by this 
     section shall be credited toward any competitive or 
     outsourcing goal, target, or measurement that may be 
     established by statute, regulation, or policy and is deemed 
     to be awarded under the authority of, and in compliance with, 
     subsection (h) of section 2304 of title 10, United States 
     Code, for the competition or outsourcing of commercial 
     activities.

                              (rescissions)

       Sec. 8043.  Of the funds appropriated in Department of 
     Defense Appropriations Acts, the following funds are hereby 
     rescinded from the following accounts and programs in the 
     specified amounts:  Provided, That no amounts may be 
     rescinded from amounts that were designated by the Congress 
     as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent 
     resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985:
       ``Missile Procurement, Army'', 2022/2024, $9,093,000;
       ``Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, 
     Army'', 2022/2024, $1,900,000;
       ``Other Procurement, Army'', 2022/2024, $44,681,000;
       ``Aircraft Procurement, Navy'', 2022/2024, $1,428,000;
       ``Weapons Procurement, Navy'', 2022/2024, $13,058,000;
       ``Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps'', 2022/
     2024, $1,012,000;
       ``Other Procurement, Navy'', 2022/2024, $2,975,000;
       ``Cooperative Threat Reduction Account'', 2022/2024, 
     $75,000,000;
       ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'', 2023/2024, 
     $75,000,000;
       ``Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund'', 2023/2024, 
     $50,000,000;
       ``Other Procurement, Army'', 2023/2025, $4,066,000;
       ``Aircraft Procurement, Navy'', 2023/2025, $10,033,000;
       ``Weapons Procurement, Navy'', 2023/2025, $53,139,000;
       ``Other Procurement, Navy'', 2023/2025, $1,550,000;
       ``Procurement, Marine Corps'', 2023/2025, $155,304,000;
       ``Other Procurement, Air Force'', 2023/2025, $45,000,000;
       ``Procurement, Defense-Wide'', 2023/2025, $32,148,000;
       ``Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force'', 
     2023/2024, $29,300,000;
       ``Army Working Capital Fund'', XXXX/XXXX, $100,000,000; and
       ``Navy Working Capital Fund'', XXXX/XXXX, $100,000,000.
       Sec. 8044.  None of the funds available in this Act may be 
     used to reduce the authorized positions for military 
     technicians (dual status) of the Army National Guard, Air 
     National Guard, Army Reserve and Air Force Reserve for the 
     purpose of applying any administratively imposed civilian 
     personnel ceiling, freeze, or reduction on military 
     technicians (dual status), unless such reductions are a 
     direct result of a reduction in military force structure.
       Sec. 8045.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available in this Act may be obligated or expended for 
     assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea 
     unless specifically appropriated for that purpose:  Provided, 
     That this restriction shall not apply to any activities 
     incidental to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency mission 
     to recover and identify the remains of United States Armed 
     Forces personnel from the Democratic People's Republic of 
     Korea.
       Sec. 8046.  Funds appropriated in this Act for operation 
     and maintenance of the Military Departments, Combatant 
     Commands and Defense Agencies shall be available for 
     reimbursement of pay, allowances and other expenses which 
     would otherwise be incurred against appropriations for the 
     National Guard and Reserve when members of the National Guard 
     and Reserve provide intelligence or counterintelligence 
     support to Combatant Commands, Defense Agencies and Joint 
     Intelligence Activities, including the activities and 
     programs included within the National Intelligence Program 
     and the Military Intelligence Program:  Provided, That 
     nothing in this section authorizes deviation from established 
     Reserve and National Guard personnel and training procedures.
       Sec. 8047. (a) None of the funds available to the 
     Department of Defense for any fiscal year for drug 
     interdiction or counter-drug activities may be transferred to 
     any other department or agency of the United States except as 
     specifically provided in an appropriations law.
       (b) None of the funds available to the Central Intelligence 
     Agency for any fiscal year for drug interdiction or counter-
     drug activities may be transferred to any other department or 
     agency of the United States except as specifically provided 
     in an appropriations law.
       Sec. 8048.  In addition to the amounts appropriated or 
     otherwise made available elsewhere in this Act, $49,000,000 
     is hereby appropriated to the Department of Defense:  
     Provided, That upon the determination of the Secretary of 
     Defense that it shall serve the national interest, the 
     Secretary shall make grants in the amounts specified as 
     follows: $24,000,000 to the United Service Organizations and 
     $25,000,000 to the Red Cross: Provided further, That none of 
     the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this 
     section may be used to encourage, guide, or otherwise assist 
     in migration towards the United States southwest border.
       Sec. 8049.  Notwithstanding any other provision in this 
     Act, the Small Business Innovation Research program and the 
     Small Business Technology Transfer program set-asides shall 
     be taken proportionally from all programs, projects, or 
     activities to the extent they contribute to the extramural 
     budget. The Secretary of each military department, the 
     Director of each Defense Agency, and the head of each other 
     relevant component of the Department of Defense shall submit 
     to the congressional defense committees, concurrent with 
     submission of the budget justification documents to Congress 
     pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a 
     report with a detailed accounting of the Small Business 
     Innovation Research program and the Small Business Technology 
     Transfer program set-asides taken from programs, projects, or 
     activities within such department, agency, or component 
     during the most recently completed fiscal year.
       Sec. 8050.  None of the funds available to the Department 
     of Defense under this Act shall be obligated or expended to 
     pay a contractor under a contract with the Department of 
     Defense for costs of any amount paid by the contractor to an 
     employee when--
       (1) such costs are for a bonus or otherwise in excess of 
     the normal salary paid by the contractor to the employee; and
       (2) such bonus is part of restructuring costs associated 
     with a business combination.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8051.  During the current fiscal year, no more than 
     $30,000,000 of appropriations made in this Act under the 
     heading ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'' may be 
     transferred to appropriations available for the pay of 
     military personnel, to be merged with, and to be available 
     for the same time period as the appropriations to which 
     transferred, to be used in support of such personnel in 
     connection with support and services for eligible 
     organizations and activities outside the Department of 
     Defense pursuant to section 2012 of title 10, United States 
     Code.
       Sec. 8052. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     the Chief of the National Guard Bureau may permit the use of 
     equipment of the National Guard Distance Learning Project by 
     any person or entity on a space-available, reimbursable 
     basis. The Chief of the National Guard Bureau shall establish 
     the amount of reimbursement for such use on a case-by-case 
     basis.
       (b) Amounts collected under subsection (a) shall be 
     credited to funds available for the National Guard Distance 
     Learning Project

[[Page H4583]]

     and be available to defray the costs associated with the use 
     of equipment of the project under that subsection. Such funds 
     shall be available for such purposes without fiscal year 
     limitation.
       Sec. 8053. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this or prior Acts may be obligated or 
     expended to retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage or 
     on backup aircraft inventory status any C-40 aircraft.
       (b) The limitation under subsection (a) shall not apply to 
     an individual C-40 aircraft that the Secretary of the Air 
     Force determines, on a case-by-case basis, to be no longer 
     mission capable due to a Class A mishap.
       (c) If the Secretary determines under subsection (b) that 
     an aircraft is no longer mission capable, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a 
     certification in writing that the status of such aircraft is 
     due to a Class A mishap and not due to lack of maintenance, 
     repairs, or other reasons.
       (d) 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 a report on the necessary 
     steps taken by the Department of Defense to meet the travel 
     requirements for official or representational duties of 
     members of Congress and the Cabinet in fiscal years 2024 and 
     2025.
       Sec. 8054. (a) None of the funds appropriated in title IV 
     of this Act may be used to procure end-items for delivery to 
     military forces for operational training, operational use, or 
     inventory requirements:  Provided, That this restriction does 
     not apply to end-items used in development, prototyping in 
     accordance with an approved test strategy, and test 
     activities preceding and leading to acceptance for 
     operational use.
       (b) If the number of end-items budgeted with funds 
     appropriated in title IV of this Act exceeds the number 
     required in an approved test strategy, the Under Secretary of 
     Defense (Research and Engineering) and the Under Secretary of 
     Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment), in coordination with 
     the responsible Service Acquisition Executive, shall certify 
     in writing to the congressional defense committees that there 
     is a bonafide need for the additional end-items at the time 
     of submittal to Congress of the budget of the President for 
     fiscal year 2025 pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United 
     States Code:  Provided, That this restriction does not apply 
     to programs funded within the National Intelligence Program.
       (c) The Secretary of Defense shall, at the time of the 
     submittal to Congress of the budget of the President for 
     fiscal year 2025 pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United 
     States Code, submit to the congressional defense committees a 
     report detailing the use of funds requested in research, 
     development, test and evaluation accounts for end-items used 
     in development, prototyping and test activities preceding and 
     leading to acceptance for operational use:  Provided, That 
     the report shall set forth, for each end item covered by the 
     preceding proviso, a detailed list of the statutory 
     authorities under which amounts in the accounts described in 
     that proviso were used for such item:  Provided further, That 
     the Secretary of Defense shall, at the time of the submittal 
     to Congress of the budget of the President for fiscal year 
     2025 pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States 
     Code, submit to the congressional defense committees a 
     certification that funds requested for fiscal year 2025 in 
     research, development, test and evaluation accounts are in 
     compliance with this section:  Provided further, That the 
     Secretary of Defense may waive this restriction on a case-by-
     case basis by certifying in writing to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     that it is in the national security interest to do so.
       Sec. 8055.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this or other Department of Defense 
     Appropriations Acts may be obligated or expended for the 
     purpose of performing repairs or maintenance to military 
     family housing units of the Department of Defense, including 
     areas in such military family housing units that may be used 
     for the purpose of conducting official Department of Defense 
     business.
       Sec. 8056.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     funds appropriated in this Act under the heading ``Research, 
     Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide'' for any new 
     start defense innovation acceleration or rapid prototyping 
     program demonstration project with a value of more than 
     $5,000,000 may only be obligated 15 days after a report, 
     including a description of the project, the planned 
     acquisition and transition strategy and its estimated annual 
     and total cost, has been provided in writing to the 
     congressional defense committees:  Provided, That the 
     Secretary of Defense may waive this restriction on a case-by-
     case basis by certifying to the congressional defense 
     committees that it is in the national interest to do so.
       Sec. 8057.  The Secretary of Defense shall continue to 
     provide a classified quarterly report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate, Subcommittees on Defense on certain matters as 
     directed in the classified annex accompanying this Act.
       Sec. 8058.  Notwithstanding section 12310(b) of title 10, 
     United States Code, a servicemember who is a member of the 
     National Guard serving on full-time National Guard duty under 
     section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, may perform 
     duties in support of the ground-based elements of the 
     National Ballistic Missile Defense System.
       Sec. 8059.  None of the funds provided in this Act may be 
     used to transfer to any nongovernmental entity ammunition 
     held by the Department of Defense that has a center-fire 
     cartridge and a United States military nomenclature 
     designation of ``armor penetrator'', ``armor piercing (AP)'', 
     ``armor piercing incendiary (API)'', or ``armor-piercing 
     incendiary tracer (API-T)'', except to an entity performing 
     demilitarization services for the Department of Defense under 
     a contract that requires the entity to demonstrate to the 
     satisfaction of the Department of Defense that armor piercing 
     projectiles are either: (1) rendered incapable of reuse by 
     the demilitarization process; or (2) used to manufacture 
     ammunition pursuant to a contract with the Department of 
     Defense or the manufacture of ammunition for export pursuant 
     to a License for Permanent Export of Unclassified Military 
     Articles issued by the Department of State.
       Sec. 8060.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
     Chief of the National Guard Bureau, or their designee, may 
     waive payment of all or part of the consideration that 
     otherwise would be required under section 2667 of title 10, 
     United States Code, in the case of a lease of personal 
     property for a period not in excess of 1 year to any 
     organization specified in section 508(d) of title 32, United 
     States Code, or any other youth, social, or fraternal 
     nonprofit organization as may be approved by the Chief of the 
     National Guard Bureau, or their designee, on a case-by-case 
     basis.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8061.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under 
     the heading ``Operation and Maintenance, Army'', $175,943,968 
     shall remain available until expended:  Provided, That, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of 
     Defense is authorized to transfer such funds to other 
     activities of the Federal Government:  Provided further, That 
     the Secretary of Defense is authorized to enter into and 
     carry out contracts for the acquisition of real property, 
     construction, personal services, and operations related to 
     projects carrying out the purposes of this section:  Provided 
     further, That contracts entered into under the authority of 
     this section may provide for such indemnification as the 
     Secretary determines to be necessary:  Provided further, That 
     projects authorized by this section shall comply with 
     applicable Federal, State, and local law to the maximum 
     extent consistent with the national security, as determined 
     by the Secretary of Defense.
       Sec. 8062. (a) None of the funds appropriated in this or 
     any other Act may be used to take any action to modify--
       (1) the appropriations account structure for the National 
     Intelligence Program budget, including through the creation 
     of a new appropriation or new appropriation account;
       (2) how the National Intelligence Program budget request is 
     presented in the unclassified P-1, R-1, and O-1 documents 
     supporting the Department of Defense budget request;
       (3) the process by which the National Intelligence Program 
     appropriations are apportioned to the executing agencies; or
       (4) the process by which the National Intelligence Program 
     appropriations are allotted, obligated and disbursed.
       (b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to 
     prohibit the merger of programs or changes to the National 
     Intelligence Program budget at or below the Expenditure 
     Center level, provided such change is otherwise in accordance 
     with paragraphs (1)-(3) of subsection (a).
       (c) The Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary 
     of Defense may jointly, only for the purposes of achieving 
     auditable financial statements and improving fiscal 
     reporting, study and develop detailed proposals for 
     alternative financial management processes. Such study shall 
     include a comprehensive counterintelligence risk assessment 
     to ensure that none of the alternative processes will 
     adversely affect counterintelligence.
       (d) Upon development of the detailed proposals defined 
     under subsection (c), the Director of National Intelligence 
     and the Secretary of Defense shall--
       (1) provide the proposed alternatives to all affected 
     agencies;
       (2) receive certification from all affected agencies 
     attesting that the proposed alternatives will help achieve 
     auditability, improve fiscal reporting, and will not 
     adversely affect counterintelligence; and
       (3) not later than 30 days after receiving all necessary 
     certifications under paragraph (2), present the proposed 
     alternatives and certifications to the congressional defense 
     and intelligence committees.

                      (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8063.  During the current fiscal year, not to exceed 
     $11,000,000 from each of the appropriations made in title II 
     of this Act for ``Operation and Maintenance, Army'', 
     ``Operation and Maintenance, Navy'', and ``Operation and 
     Maintenance, Air Force'' may be transferred by the military 
     department concerned to its central fund established for 
     Fisher Houses and Suites pursuant to section 2493(d) of title 
     10, United States Code.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8064.  In addition to amounts provided elsewhere in 
     this Act, $5,000,000 is hereby appropriated to the Department 
     of Defense, to remain available for obligation until 
     expended:  Provided, That notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law, that upon the determination of the Secretary of 
     Defense that it

[[Page H4584]]

     shall serve the national interest, these funds shall be 
     available only for a grant to the Fisher House Foundation, 
     Inc., only for the construction and furnishing of additional 
     Fisher Houses to meet the needs of military family members 
     when confronted with the illness or hospitalization of an 
     eligible military beneficiary.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8065.  Of the amounts appropriated for ``Operation and 
     Maintenance, Navy'', up to $1,000,000 shall be available for 
     transfer to the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service 
     Development Trust Fund established under section 116 of the 
     John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and 
     Development Act (2 U.S.C. 1105).
       Sec. 8066.  None of the funds available to the Department 
     of Defense may be obligated to modify command and control 
     relationships to give Fleet Forces Command operational and 
     administrative control of United States Navy forces assigned 
     to the Pacific fleet:  Provided, That the command and control 
     relationships which existed on October 1, 2004, shall remain 
     in force until a written modification has been proposed to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate:  Provided further, That the 
     proposed modification may be implemented 30 days after the 
     notification unless an objection is received from either the 
     House or Senate Appropriations Committees:  Provided further, 
     That any proposed modification shall not preclude the ability 
     of the commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command to 
     meet operational requirements.
       Sec. 8067.  Any notice that is required to be submitted to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate under section 3601 of title 
     10, United States Code, as added by section 804(a) of the 
     James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2023, after the date of the enactment of this Act shall 
     be submitted pursuant to that requirement concurrently to the 
     Subcommittees on Defense of the Committees on Appropriations 
     of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8068.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under 
     the headings ``Procurement, Defense-Wide'' and ``Research, 
     Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide'', 
     $500,000,000 shall be for the Israeli Cooperative Programs:  
     Provided, That of this amount, $80,000,000 shall be for the 
     Secretary of Defense to provide to the Government of Israel 
     for the procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to 
     counter short-range rocket threats, subject to the U.S.-
     Israel Iron Dome Procurement Agreement, as amended; 
     $127,000,000 shall be for the Short Range Ballistic Missile 
     Defense (SRBMD) program, including cruise missile defense 
     research and development under the SRBMD program; $40,000,000 
     shall be for co-production activities of SRBMD systems in the 
     United States and in Israel to meet Israel's defense 
     requirements consistent with each nation's laws, regulations, 
     and procedures, subject to the U.S.-Israeli co-production 
     agreement for SRBMD, as amended; $80,000,000 shall be for an 
     upper-tier component to the Israeli Missile Defense 
     Architecture, of which $80,000,000 shall be for co-production 
     activities of Arrow 3 Upper Tier systems in the United States 
     and in Israel to meet Israel's defense requirements 
     consistent with each nation's laws, regulations, and 
     procedures, subject to the U.S.-Israeli co-production 
     agreement for Arrow 3 Upper Tier, as amended; and 
     $173,000,000 shall be for the Arrow System Improvement 
     Program including development of a long range, ground and 
     airborne, detection suite:  Provided further, That the 
     transfer authority provided under this provision is in 
     addition to any other transfer authority contained in this 
     Act.
       Sec. 8069.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under 
     the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'', 
     $1,648,559,000 shall be available until September 30, 2024, 
     to fund prior year shipbuilding cost increases for the 
     following programs:
       (1) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2013/2024: Carrier Replacement Program, $624,600,000;
       (2) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2015/2024: Virginia Class Submarine Program, 
     $43,419,000;
       (3) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2016/2024: Virginia Class Submarine Program, 
     $100,115,000;
       (4) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2016/2024: DDG-51 Destroyer, $104,090,000;
       (5) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2017/2024: Virginia Class Submarine Program, 
     $24,646,000;
       (6) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2017/2024: DDG-51 Destroyer, $121,827,000;
       (7) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2017/2024: LPD-17, $16,520,000;
       (8) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2018/2024: Ship to Shore Connector Program, 
     $43,600,000;
       (9) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2019/2024: Littoral Combat Ship, $23,000,000;
       (10) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2019/2024: TAO Fleet Oiler, $27,060,000;
       (11) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2020/2024: CVN Refueling Overhauls, $42,422,000;
       (12) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2020/2024: TAO Fleet Oiler, $93,250,000;
       (13) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2020/2024: Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, 
     $1,150,000;
       (14) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2021/2024: Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, 
     $21,809,000;
       (15) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2022/2024: TAO Fleet Oiler, $2,585,000;
       (16) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2022/2024: Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, 
     $3,300,000; and
       (17) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', 2022/2024: T-AGOS Surtass Ships Program, 
     $355,166,000.
       Sec. 8070.  Funds appropriated by this Act for intelligence 
     and intelligence-related activities are deemed to be 
     specifically authorized by the Congress for purposes of 
     section 504(a)(1) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 
     U.S.C. 3094(a)(1)) until the enactment of the Intelligence 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.
       Sec. 8071.  None of the funds provided in this Act shall be 
     available for obligation or expenditure through a 
     reprogramming of funds that creates or initiates a new 
     program, project, or activity unless such program, project, 
     or activity must be undertaken immediately in the interest of 
     national security and only after written prior notification 
     to the congressional defense committees.
       Sec. 8072.  None of the funds in this Act may be used for 
     research, development, test, evaluation, procurement or 
     deployment of nuclear armed interceptors of a missile defense 
     system.
       Sec. 8073.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be obligated or expended for the purpose of 
     decommissioning any Littoral Combat Ship, the USS Germantown, 
     or the USS Tortuga.
       Sec. 8074.  For purposes of section 1553(b) of title 31, 
     United States Code, any subdivision of appropriations made in 
     this Act under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'' shall be considered to be for the same purpose as any 
     subdivision under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'' appropriations in any prior fiscal year, and the 1 
     percent limitation shall apply to the total amount of the 
     appropriation.
       Sec. 8075.  None of the funds appropriated or made 
     available in this Act shall be used to reduce or disestablish 
     the operation of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of 
     the Air Force Reserve, if such action would reduce the WC-130 
     Weather Reconnaissance mission below the levels funded in 
     this Act:  Provided, That the Air Force shall allow the 53rd 
     Weather Reconnaissance Squadron to perform other missions in 
     support of national defense requirements during the non-
     hurricane season.
       Sec. 8076. (a) None of the funds appropriated by this Act 
     may be used to transfer research and development, 
     acquisition, or other program authority relating to current 
     tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) from the Army.
       (b) The Army shall retain responsibility for and 
     operational control of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial 
     Vehicle (UAV) in order to support the Secretary of Defense in 
     matters relating to the employment of unmanned aerial 
     vehicles.
       Sec. 8077.  None of the funds provided in this Act shall be 
     available for integration of foreign intelligence information 
     unless the information has been lawfully collected and 
     processed during the conduct of authorized foreign 
     intelligence activities:  Provided, That information 
     pertaining to United States persons shall only be handled in 
     accordance with protections provided in the Fourth Amendment 
     of the United States Constitution as implemented through 
     Executive Order No. 12333.
       Sec. 8078.  None of the funds appropriated by this Act for 
     programs of the Office of the Director of National 
     Intelligence shall remain available for obligation beyond the 
     current fiscal year, except for funds appropriated for 
     research and technology, which shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2025, and except for funds appropriated for the 
     purchase of real property, which shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2026.
       Sec. 8079. (a) Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence 
     shall submit a report to the congressional intelligence 
     committees to establish the baseline for application of 
     reprogramming and transfer authorities for fiscal year 2024:  
     Provided, That the report shall include--
       (1) a table for each appropriation with a separate column 
     to display the President's budget request, adjustments made 
     by Congress, adjustments due to enacted rescissions, if 
     appropriate, and the fiscal year enacted level;
       (2) a delineation in the table for each appropriation by 
     Expenditure Center and project; and
       (3) an identification of items of special congressional 
     interest.
       (b) None of the funds provided for the National 
     Intelligence Program in this Act shall be available for 
     reprogramming or transfer until the report identified in 
     subsection (a) is submitted to the congressional intelligence 
     committees, unless the Director of National Intelligence 
     certifies in writing to the congressional intelligence 
     committees that such reprogramming or transfer is necessary 
     as an emergency requirement.
       Sec. 8080. (a) None of the funds provided for the National 
     Intelligence Program in this or any prior appropriations Act 
     shall be available for obligation or expenditure through a

[[Page H4585]]

     reprogramming or transfer of funds in accordance with section 
     102A(d) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 
     3024(d)) that--
       (1) creates a new start effort;
       (2) terminates a program with appropriated funding of 
     $10,000,000 or more;
       (3) transfers funding into or out of the National 
     Intelligence Program; or
       (4) transfers funding between appropriations, unless the 
     congressional intelligence committees are notified 30 days in 
     advance of such reprogramming of funds; this notification 
     period may be reduced for urgent national security 
     requirements.
       (b) None of the funds provided for the National 
     Intelligence Program in this or any prior appropriations Act 
     shall be available for obligation or expenditure through a 
     reprogramming or transfer of funds in accordance with section 
     102A(d) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 
     3024(d)) that results in a cumulative increase or decrease of 
     the levels specified in the classified annex accompanying the 
     Act unless the congressional intelligence committees are 
     notified 30 days in advance of such reprogramming of funds; 
     this notification period may be reduced for urgent national 
     security requirements.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8081.  Upon a determination by the Director of 
     National Intelligence that such action is necessary and in 
     the national interest, the Director may, with the approval of 
     the Office of Management and Budget, transfer not to exceed 
     $1,500,000,000 of the funds made available in this Act for 
     the National Intelligence Program:  Provided, That such 
     authority to transfer may not be used unless for higher 
     priority items, based on unforeseen intelligence 
     requirements, than those for which originally appropriated 
     and in no case where the item for which funds are requested 
     has been denied by the Congress:  Provided further, That a 
     request for multiple reprogrammings of funds using authority 
     provided in this section shall be made prior to June 30, 
     2024.
       Sec. 8082.  Any transfer of amounts appropriated to the 
     Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development 
     Account in or for fiscal year 2024 to a military department 
     or Defense Agency pursuant to section 1705(e)(1) of title 10, 
     United States Code, shall be covered by and subject to 
     section 8005 of this Act.
       Sec. 8083. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be expended for any Federal 
     contract for an amount in excess of $1,000,000, unless the 
     contractor agrees not to--
       (1) enter into any agreement with any of its employees or 
     independent contractors that requires, as a condition of 
     employment, that the employee or independent contractor agree 
     to resolve through arbitration any claim under title VII of 
     the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or any tort related to or 
     arising out of sexual assault or harassment, including 
     assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional 
     distress, false imprisonment, or negligent hiring, 
     supervision, or retention; or
       (2) take any action to enforce any provision of an existing 
     agreement with an employee or independent contractor that 
     mandates that the employee or independent contractor resolve 
     through arbitration any claim under title VII of the Civil 
     Rights Act of 1964 or any tort related to or arising out of 
     sexual assault or harassment, including assault and battery, 
     intentional infliction of emotional distress, false 
     imprisonment, or negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.
       (b) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act may be expended for any Federal 
     contract unless the contractor certifies that it requires 
     each covered subcontractor to agree not to enter into, and 
     not to take any action to enforce any provision of, any 
     agreement as described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
     subsection (a), with respect to any employee or independent 
     contractor performing work related to such subcontract. For 
     purposes of this subsection, a ``covered subcontractor'' is 
     an entity that has a subcontract in excess of $1,000,000 on a 
     contract subject to subsection (a).
       (c) The prohibitions in this section do not apply with 
     respect to a contractor's or subcontractor's agreements with 
     employees or independent contractors that may not be enforced 
     in a court of the United States.
       (d) The Secretary of Defense may waive the application of 
     subsection (a) or (b) to a particular contractor or 
     subcontractor for the purposes of a particular contract or 
     subcontract if the Secretary or the Deputy Secretary 
     personally determines that the waiver is necessary to avoid 
     harm to national security interests of the United States, and 
     that the term of the contract or subcontract is not longer 
     than necessary to avoid such harm. The determination shall 
     set forth with specificity the grounds for the waiver and for 
     the contract or subcontract term selected, and shall state 
     any alternatives considered in lieu of a waiver and the 
     reasons each such alternative would not avoid harm to 
     national security interests of the United States. The 
     Secretary of Defense shall transmit to Congress, and 
     simultaneously make public, any determination under this 
     subsection not less than 15 business days before the contract 
     or subcontract addressed in the determination may be awarded.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8084.  From within the funds appropriated for 
     operation and maintenance for the Defense Health Program in 
     this Act, up to $172,000,000, shall be available for transfer 
     to the Joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund in accordance 
     with the provisions of section 1704 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, Public Law 111-84:  
     Provided, That for purposes of section 1704(b), the facility 
     operations funded are operations of the integrated Captain 
     James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, consisting of the 
     North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Navy 
     Ambulatory Care Center, and supporting facilities designated 
     as a combined Federal medical facility as described by 
     section 706 of Public Law 110-417:  Provided further, That 
     additional funds may be transferred from funds appropriated 
     for operation and maintenance for the Defense Health Program 
     to the Joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund upon written 
     notification by the Secretary of Defense to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate.
       Sec. 8085.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used by the Department of 
     Defense or a component thereof in contravention of the 
     provisions of section 130h of title 10, United States Code.
       Sec. 8086.  Appropriations available to the Department of 
     Defense may be used for the purchase of heavy and light 
     armored vehicles for the physical security of personnel or 
     for force protection purposes up to a limit of $450,000 per 
     vehicle, notwithstanding price or other limitations 
     applicable to the purchase of passenger carrying vehicles.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 8087.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act for 
     ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'', $142,008,000, to 
     remain available for obligation until September 30, 2028, may 
     be used for the purchase of two used sealift vessels for the 
     National Defense Reserve Fleet, established under section 11 
     of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 (46 U.S.C. 57100):  
     Provided, That such amounts are available for reimbursements 
     to the Ready Reserve Force, Maritime Administration account 
     of the United States Department of Transportation for 
     programs, projects, activities, and expenses related to the 
     National Defense Reserve Fleet:  Provided further, That 
     notwithstanding section 2218 of title 10, United States Code, 
     none of these funds shall be transferred to the National 
     Defense Sealift Fund for execution.
       Sec. 8088. (a) Any agency receiving funds made available in 
     this Act, shall, subject to subsections (b) and (c), post on 
     the public Web site of that agency any report required to be 
     submitted by the Congress in this or any other Act, upon the 
     determination by the head of the agency that it shall serve 
     the national interest.
       (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to a report if--
       (1) the public posting of the report compromises national 
     security; or
       (2) the report contains proprietary information.
       (c) The head of the agency posting such report shall do so 
     only after such report has been made available to the 
     requesting Committee or Committees of Congress for no less 
     than 45 days.
       Sec. 8089.  The Secretary of Defense shall post grant 
     awards on a public website in a searchable format.
       Sec. 8090.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used by the National Security Agency to--
       (1) conduct an acquisition pursuant to section 702 of the 
     Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for the purpose 
     of targeting a United States person; or
       (2) acquire, monitor, or store the contents (as such term 
     is defined in section 2510(8) of title 18, United States 
     Code) of any electronic communication of a United States 
     person from a provider of electronic communication services 
     to the public pursuant to section 501 of the Foreign 
     Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.
       Sec. 8091.  None of the funds made available in this or any 
     other Act may be used to pay the salary of any officer or 
     employee of any agency funded by this Act who approves or 
     implements the transfer of administrative responsibilities or 
     budgetary resources of any program, project, or activity 
     financed by this Act to the jurisdiction of another Federal 
     agency not financed by this Act without the express 
     authorization of Congress:  Provided, That this limitation 
     shall not apply to transfers of funds expressly provided for 
     in Defense Appropriations Acts, or provisions of Acts 
     providing supplemental appropriations for the Department of 
     Defense.
       Sec. 8092.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act for 
     ``Operation and Maintenance, Navy'', $667,508,000, to remain 
     available until expended, may be used for any purposes 
     related to the National Defense Reserve Fleet established 
     under section 11 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 (46 
     U.S.C. 57100):  Provided, That such amounts are available for 
     reimbursements to the Ready Reserve Force, Maritime 
     Administration account of the United States Department of 
     Transportation for programs, projects, activities, and 
     expenses related to the National Defense Reserve Fleet.
       Sec. 8093. (a) None of the funds provided in this Act for 
     the TAO Fleet Oiler program shall be used to award a new 
     contract that provides for the acquisition of the following 
     components unless those components are

[[Page H4586]]

     manufactured in the United States: Auxiliary equipment 
     (including pumps) for shipboard services; propulsion 
     equipment (including engines, reduction gears, and 
     propellers); shipboard cranes; spreaders for shipboard 
     cranes; and anchor chains, specifically for the seventh and 
     subsequent ships of the fleet.
       (b) None of the funds provided in this Act for the FFG(X) 
     Frigate program shall be used to award a new contract that 
     provides for the acquisition of the following components 
     unless those components are manufactured in the United 
     States: Air circuit breakers; gyrocompasses; electronic 
     navigation chart systems; steering controls; pumps; 
     propulsion and machinery control systems; totally enclosed 
     lifeboats; auxiliary equipment pumps; shipboard cranes; 
     auxiliary chill water systems; and propulsion propellers:  
     Provided, That the Secretary of the Navy shall incorporate 
     United States manufactured propulsion engines and propulsion 
     reduction gears into the FFG(X) Frigate program beginning not 
     later than with the eleventh ship of the program.
       Sec. 8094.  None of the funds provided in this Act for 
     requirements development, performance specification 
     development, concept design and development, ship 
     configuration development, systems engineering, naval 
     architecture, marine engineering, operations research 
     analysis, industry studies, preliminary design, development 
     of the Detailed Design and Construction Request for Proposals 
     solicitation package, or related activities for the T-ARC(X) 
     Cable Laying and Repair Ship or the T-AGOS(X) Oceanographic 
     Surveillance Ship may be used to award a new contract for 
     such activities unless these contracts include specifications 
     that all auxiliary equipment, including pumps and propulsion 
     shafts, are manufactured in the United States.
       Sec. 8095.  No amounts credited or otherwise made available 
     in this or any other Act to the Department of Defense 
     Acquisition Workforce Development Account may be transferred 
     to:
       (1) the Rapid Prototyping Fund established under section 
     804(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2016 (10 U.S.C. 2302 note); or
       (2) credited to a military-department specific fund 
     established under section 804(d)(2) of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (as amended by section 
     897 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2017).
       Sec. 8096.  From funds made available in title II of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Defense may purchase for use by 
     military and civilian employees of the Department of Defense 
     in the United States Central Command area of responsibility: 
     (1) passenger motor vehicles up to a limit of $75,000 per 
     vehicle; and (2) heavy and light armored vehicles for the 
     physical security of personnel or for force protection 
     purposes up to a limit of $450,000 per vehicle, 
     notwithstanding price or other limitations applicable to the 
     purchase of passenger carrying vehicles.
       Sec. 8097.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used for Government Travel Charge Card expenses by 
     military or civilian personnel of the Department of Defense 
     for gaming, or for entertainment that includes topless or 
     nude entertainers or participants, as prohibited by 
     Department of Defense FMR, Volume 9, Chapter 3 and Department 
     of Defense Instruction 1015.10 (enclosure 3, 14a and 14b).
       Sec. 8098. (a) None of the funds made available in this Act 
     may be used to maintain or establish a computer network 
     unless such network is designed to block access to 
     pornography websites.
       (b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall limit the use of funds 
     necessary for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law 
     enforcement agency or any other entity carrying out criminal 
     investigations, prosecution, or adjudication activities, or 
     for any activity necessary for the national defense, 
     including intelligence activities.
       Sec. 8099.  None of the funds provided for, or otherwise 
     made available, in this or any other Act, may be obligated or 
     expended by the Secretary of Defense to provide motorized 
     vehicles, aviation platforms, munitions other than small arms 
     and munitions appropriate for customary ceremonial honors, 
     operational military units, or operational military platforms 
     if the Secretary determines that providing such units, 
     platforms, or equipment would undermine the readiness of such 
     units, platforms, or equipment.
       Sec. 8100. (a) None of the funds made available by this or 
     any other Act may be used to enter into a contract, 
     memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, 
     make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to any 
     corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that 
     has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative 
     remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not 
     being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with 
     the authority responsible for collecting such tax liability, 
     provided that the applicable Federal agency is aware of the 
     unpaid Federal tax liability.
       (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply if the applicable 
     Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of the 
     corporation described in such subsection and has made a 
     determination that such suspension or debarment is not 
     necessary to protect the interests of the Federal Government.
       Sec. 8101.  Amounts appropriated under title IV of this 
     Act, as detailed in budget activity eight of the 
     ``Explanation of Project Level Adjustments'' tables in the 
     explanatory statement regarding this Act, may be used for 
     expenses for the agile research, development, test and 
     evaluation, procurement, production, modification, and 
     operation and maintenance, only for the following Software 
     and Digital Technology Pilot programs--
       (1) Defensive CYBER (PE 0608041A);
       (2) Risk Management Information (PE 0608013N);
       (3) Maritime Tactical Command and Control (PE 0608231N);
       (4) Space Command and Control (PE 1208248SF);
       (5) Global Command and Control System (PE 0303150K);
       (6) Acquisition Visibility (PE 0608648D8Z); and
       (7) Defense Innovation Unit Fielding (RDTE,DW Line 281).
       Sec. 8102.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to transfer the 
     National Reconnaissance Office to the Space Force:  Provided, 
     That nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit or 
     prohibit cooperation, collaboration, and coordination between 
     the National Reconnaissance Office and the Space Force or any 
     other elements of the Department of Defense.
       Sec. 8103.  None of the funds made available in this Act 
     may be used in contravention of the following laws enacted or 
     regulations promulgated to implement the United Nations 
     Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or 
     Degrading Treatment or Punishment (done at New York on 
     December 10, 1984):
       (1) Section 2340A of title 18, United States Code.
       (2) Section 2242 of the Foreign Affairs Reform and 
     Restructuring Act of 1998 (division G of Public Law 105-277; 
     112 Stat. 2681-822; 8 U.S.C. 1231 note) and regulations 
     prescribed thereto, including regulations under part 208 of 
     title 8, Code of Federal Regulations, and part 95 of title 
     22, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (3) Sections 1002 and 1003 of the Department of Defense, 
     Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes 
     in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006 
     (Public Law 109-148).
       Sec. 8104.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under 
     the heading ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'', for 
     the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, $300,000,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2025, shall be for the 
     Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative:  Provided, That such 
     funds shall be available to the Secretary of Defense, with 
     the concurrence of the Secretary of State, to provide 
     assistance, including training; equipment; lethal assistance; 
     logistics support, supplies and services; salaries and 
     stipends; sustainment; and intelligence support to the 
     military and national security forces of Ukraine, and to 
     other forces or groups recognized by and under the authority 
     of the Government of Ukraine, including governmental entities 
     within Ukraine, engaged in resisting Russian aggression 
     against Ukraine, for replacement of any weapons or articles 
     provided to the Government of Ukraine from the inventory of 
     the United States, and to recover or dispose of equipment 
     procured using funds made available in this section in this 
     or prior Acts:  Provided further, That the Secretary of 
     Defense shall, not less than 15 days prior to obligating 
     funds made available in this section, notify the 
     congressional defense committees in writing of the details of 
     any such obligation:  Provided further, That the Secretary of 
     Defense shall, not more than 60 days after such notification 
     is made, inform such committees if such funds have not been 
     obligated and the reasons therefor:  Provided further, That 
     the Secretary of Defense shall consult with such committees 
     in advance of the provision of support provided to other 
     forces or groups recognized by and under the authority of the 
     Government of Ukraine:  Provided further, That the United 
     States may accept equipment procured using funds made 
     available in this section in this or prior Acts transferred 
     to the security forces of Ukraine and returned by such forces 
     to the United States:  Provided further, That equipment 
     procured using funds made available in this section in this 
     or prior Acts, and not yet transferred to the military or 
     national security forces of Ukraine or to other assisted 
     entities, or returned by such forces or other assisted 
     entities to the United States, may be treated as stocks of 
     the Department of Defense upon written notification to the 
     congressional defense committees: Provided further, That any 
     notification of funds made available in this section in this 
     or prior Acts shall specify whether such funds support 
     ongoing or new programs, the duration and expected cost over 
     the life of each program, a timeline for the delivery of 
     defense articles and defense services, and any equipment that 
     requires enhanced end-use monitoring:  Provided further, That 
     the Secretary of Defense shall provide quarterly reports to 
     the congressional defense committees on the use and status of 
     funds made available in this section.
       Sec. 8105.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used to provide arms, training, or other assistance to 
     the Azov Battalion.
       Sec. 8106.  During the current fiscal year, the Department 
     of Defense is authorized to incur obligations of not to 
     exceed $350,000,000 for purposes specified in section 
     2350j(c) of title 10, United States Code, in anticipation of 
     receipt of contributions, only from the Government of Kuwait, 
     under that section:  Provided, That, such contributions 
     shall,

[[Page H4587]]

     upon receipt, be credited to the appropriations or fund which 
     incurred such obligations.
       Sec. 8107.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under 
     the heading ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'', for 
     the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, $1,343,580,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2025, shall be available 
     for International Security Cooperation Programs and other 
     programs to provide support and assistance to foreign 
     security forces or other groups or individuals to conduct, 
     support or facilitate counterterrorism, crisis response, or 
     building partner capacity programs:  Provided, That the 
     Secretary of Defense shall, not less than 15 days prior to 
     obligating funds made available in this section, notify the 
     congressional defense committees in writing of the details of 
     any planned obligation:  Provided further, That the Secretary 
     of Defense shall provide quarterly reports to the Committees 
     on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate on the use and status of funds made available in this 
     section.
       Sec. 8108.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under 
     the heading ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'', for 
     the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, $410,000,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2025, shall be available 
     to reimburse Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, and Oman under 
     section 1226 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2016 (22 U.S.C. 2151 note), for enhanced border 
     security, of which not less than $150,000,000 shall be for 
     Jordan:  Provided, That the Secretary of Defense shall, not 
     less than 15 days prior to obligating funds made available in 
     this section, notify the congressional defense committees in 
     writing of the details of any planned obligation and the 
     nature of the expenses incurred:  Provided further, That the 
     Secretary of Defense shall provide quarterly reports to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate on the use and status of funds made available 
     in this section.
       Sec. 8109.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution (50 
     U.S.C. 1541 et seq.).
       Sec. 8110.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     for excess defense articles, assistance under section 333 of 
     title 10, United States Code, or peacekeeping operations for 
     the countries designated annually to be in violation of the 
     standards of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 
     (Public Law 110-457; 22 U.S.C. 2370c-1) may be used to 
     support any military training or operation that includes 
     child soldiers, as defined by the Child Soldiers Prevention 
     Act of 2008, unless such assistance is otherwise permitted 
     under section 404 of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 
     2008.
       Sec. 8111.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be made available for any member of the Taliban.
       Sec. 8112.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any 
     transfer of funds, appropriated or otherwise made available 
     by this Act, for support to friendly foreign countries in 
     connection with the conduct of operations in which the United 
     States is not participating, pursuant to section 331(d) of 
     title 10, United States Code, shall be made in accordance 
     with section 8005 of this Act.
       Sec. 8113. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this or any other Act may be used by the 
     Secretary of Defense, or any other official or officer of the 
     Department of Defense, to enter into a contract, memorandum 
     of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, or make a 
     grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to 
     Rosoboronexport or any subsidiary of Rosoboronexport.
       (b) The Secretary of Defense may waive the limitation in 
     subsection (a) if the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, 
     determines that it is in the vital national security interest 
     of the United States to do so, and certifies in writing to 
     the congressional defense committees that--
       (1) Rosoboronexport has ceased the transfer of lethal 
     military equipment to, and the maintenance of existing lethal 
     military equipment for, the Government of the Syrian Arab 
     Republic;
       (2) the armed forces of the Russian Federation have 
     withdrawn from Ukraine; and
       (3) agents of the Russian Federation have ceased taking 
     active measures to destabilize the control of the Government 
     of Ukraine over eastern Ukraine.
       (c) The Inspector General of the Department of Defense 
     shall conduct a review of any action involving 
     Rosoboronexport with respect to a waiver issued by the 
     Secretary of Defense pursuant to subsection (b), and not 
     later than 90 days after the date on which such a waiver is 
     issued by the Secretary of Defense, the Inspector General 
     shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     containing the results of the review conducted with respect 
     to such waiver.
       Sec. 8114.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under 
     the heading ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'', for 
     the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, $15,000,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2025, shall be for 
     payments to reimburse key cooperating nations for logistical, 
     military, and other support, including access, provided to 
     United States military and stability operations to counter 
     the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria:  Provided, That such 
     reimbursement payments may be made in such amounts as the 
     Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary 
     of State, and in consultation with the Director of the Office 
     of Management and Budget, may determine, based on 
     documentation determined by the Secretary of Defense to 
     adequately account for the support provided, and such 
     determination is final and conclusive upon the accounting 
     officers of the United States, and 15 days following written 
     notification to the appropriate congressional committees:  
     Provided further, That these funds may be used for the 
     purpose of providing specialized training and procuring 
     supplies and specialized equipment and providing such 
     supplies and loaning such equipment on a non-reimbursable 
     basis to coalition forces supporting United States military 
     and stability operations to counter the Islamic State of Iraq 
     and Syria, and 15 days following written notification to the 
     appropriate congressional committees:  Provided further, That 
     the Secretary of Defense shall provide quarterly reports to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate on the use and status of funds 
     made available in this section.
       Sec. 8115.  The Secretary of Defense shall notify the 
     congressional defense committees in writing not more than 30 
     days after the receipt of any contribution of funds received 
     from the government of a foreign country for any purpose 
     relating to the stationing or operations of the United States 
     Armed Forces:  Provided, That such notification shall include 
     the amount of the contribution; the purpose for which such 
     contribution was made; and the authority under which such 
     contribution was accepted by the Secretary of Defense:  
     Provided further, That not fewer than 15 days prior to 
     obligating such funds, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
     to the congressional defense committees in writing a 
     notification of the planned use of such contributions, 
     including whether such contributions would support existing 
     or new stationing or operations of the United States Armed 
     Forces.
       Sec. 8116. (a) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, in 
     coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments 
     and the Chiefs of the Armed Forces, shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees, not later than 30 days 
     after the last day of each quarter of the fiscal year, a 
     report on the use of operation and maintenance funds for 
     activities or exercises in excess of $5,000,000 that have 
     been designated by the Secretary of Defense as unplanned 
     activities for fiscal year 2024.
       (b) Each report required by subsection (a) shall also 
     include--
       (1) the title, date, and location, of each activity and 
     exercise covered by the report;
       (2) an identification of the military department and units 
     that participated in each such activity or exercise 
     (including an estimate of the number of participants);
       (3) the total cost of the activity or exercise, by budget 
     line item (with a breakdown by cost element such as 
     transportation); and
       (4) a short explanation of the objective of the activity or 
     exercise.
       (c) The report required by subsection (a) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
     annex.
       Sec. 8117.  Not later than 15 days after the date on which 
     any foreign base that involves the stationing or operations 
     of the United States Armed Forces, including a temporary 
     base, permanent base, or base owned and operated by a foreign 
     country, is opened or closed, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     notify the congressional defense committees in writing of the 
     opening or closing of such base:  Provided, That such 
     notification shall also include information on any personnel 
     changes, costs, and savings associated with the opening or 
     closing of such base.
       Sec. 8118.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used with respect to Iraq in contravention of the War 
     Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.), including for the 
     introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities 
     in Iraq, into situations in Iraq where imminent involvement 
     in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, or 
     into Iraqi territory, airspace, or waters while equipped for 
     combat, in contravention of the congressional consultation 
     and reporting requirements of sections 3 and 4 of such 
     Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1542 and 1543).
       Sec. 8119.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used with respect to Syria in contravention of the War 
     Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.), including for the 
     introduction of United States armed or military forces into 
     hostilities in Syria, into situations in Syria where imminent 
     involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the 
     circumstances, or into Syrian territory, airspace, or waters 
     while equipped for combat, in contravention of the 
     congressional consultation and reporting requirements of 
     sections 3 and 4 of that law (50 U.S.C. 1542 and 1543).
       Sec. 8120.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this or any other Act shall be obligated or 
     expended by the United States Government for a purpose as 
     follows:
       (1) To establish any military installation or base for the 
     purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United 
     States Armed Forces in Iraq.
       (2) To exercise United States control over any oil resource 
     of Iraq or Syria.
       Sec. 8121.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     under the heading ``Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund'', and 
     under the heading ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'' 
     for Department of Defense security cooperation grant 
     programs, may be used to

[[Page H4588]]

     procure or transfer man-portable air defense systems.
       Sec. 8122.  Up to $500,000,000 of funds appropriated by 
     this Act for the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in 
     ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'' may be used to 
     provide assistance to the Government of Jordan to support the 
     armed forces of Jordan and to enhance security along its 
     borders.
       Sec. 8123.  Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, United States Southern Command shall 
     assume combatant command responsibility for activities 
     related to Mexico.
       Sec. 8124.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available in this or any other Act may be used to 
     transfer, release, or assist in the transfer or release to or 
     within the United States, its territories, or possessions 
     Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee who--
       (1) is not a United States citizen or a member of the Armed 
     Forces of the United States; and
       (2) is or was held on or after June 24, 2009, at United 
     States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by the Department 
     of Defense.
       Sec. 8125.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available in this Act may be used to transfer any 
     individual detained at United States Naval Station Guantanamo 
     Bay, Cuba, to the custody or control of the individual's 
     country of origin, any other foreign country, or any other 
     foreign entity except in accordance with section 1034 of the 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 
     (Public Law 114-92) and section 1035 of the John S. McCain 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 
     (Public Law 115-232).
       Sec. 8126. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available in this or any other Act may be used to 
     construct, acquire, or modify any facility in the United 
     States, its territories, or possessions to house any 
     individual described in subsection (c) for the purposes of 
     detention or imprisonment in the custody or under the 
     effective control of the Department of Defense.
       (b) The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to 
     any modification of facilities at United States Naval 
     Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
       (c) An individual described in this subsection is any 
     individual who, as of June 24, 2009, is located at United 
     States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and who--
       (1) is not a citizen of the United States or a member of 
     the Armed Forces of the United States; and
       (2) is--
       (A) in the custody or under the effective control of the 
     Department of Defense; or
       (B) otherwise under detention at United States Naval 
     Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
       Sec. 8127.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used to carry out the closure or realignment of the 
     United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
       Sec. 8128.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
     Act, to reflect savings due to favorable foreign exchange 
     rates, the total amount appropriated in this Act is hereby 
     reduced by $950,000,000.
       Sec. 8129.  In carrying out the program described in the 
     memorandum on the subject of ``Policy for Assisted 
     Reproductive Services for the Benefit of Seriously or 
     Severely Ill/Injured (Category II or III) Active Duty Service 
     Members'' issued by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for 
     Health Affairs on April 3, 2012, and the guidance issued to 
     implement such memorandum, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     apply such policy and guidance, except that--
       (1) the limitation on periods regarding embryo 
     cryopreservation and storage set forth in part III(G) and in 
     part IV(H) of such memorandum shall not apply; and
       (2) the term ``assisted reproductive technology'' shall 
     include embryo cryopreservation and storage without 
     limitation on the duration of such cryopreservation and 
     storage.
       Sec. 8130.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be made used to support, 
     directly or indirectly, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, or 
     any laboratory owned or controlled by the governments of the 
     People's Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic 
     Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 
     the Russian Federation, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 
     under the Maduro regime, or any other country determined by 
     the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the 
     Secretary of State, to be a foreign adversary.
       Sec. 8131.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used to fund any work to be performed by EcoHealth 
     Alliance, Inc. in China on research supported by the 
     government of China unless the Secretary of Defense 
     determines that a waiver to such prohibition is in the 
     national security interests of the United States and, not 
     later than 14 days after granting such a waiver, submits to 
     the congressional defense committees a detailed justification 
     for the waiver, including--
       (1) an identification of the Department of Defense entity 
     obligating or expending the funds;
       (2) an identification of the amount of such funds;
       (3) an identification of the intended purpose of such 
     funds;
       (4) an identification of the recipient or prospective 
     recipient of such funds (including any third-party entity 
     recipient, as applicable);
       (5) an explanation for how the waiver is in the national 
     security interests of the United States; and
       (6) any other information the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       Sec. 8132.  The Secretary of the Navy shall continue to 
     provide pay and allowances to Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, 
     United States Navy, until such time as the Secretary of the 
     Navy makes a determination with respect to the separation of 
     Lieutenant Alkonis from the Navy.
       Sec. 8133.  The Secretary of Defense may obligate funds 
     made available in this Act for procurement or for research, 
     development, test and evaluation for the F-35 Joint Strike 
     Fighter to modify up to six F-35 aircraft, including up to 
     two F-35 aircraft of each variant, to a test configuration: 
     Provided, That the Secretary of Defense shall, with the 
     concurrence of the Secretary of the Air Force and the 
     Secretary of the Navy, notify the congressional defense 
     committees not fewer than 30 days prior to obligating funds 
     under this section: Provided further, That any transfer of 
     funds pursuant to the authority provided in this section 
     shall be made in accordance with section 8005 of this Act.
       Sec. 8134.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this or any other Act may be obligated to 
     integrate an alternative engine on any F-35 aircraft.
       Sec. 8135.  Funds appropriated in title III of this Act may 
     be used to enter into a contract or contracts for the 
     procurement of airframes and engines for the CH-53K heavy 
     lift helicopter program.
       Sec. 8136. (a) Within 45 days of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Defense shall allocate amounts made available 
     from the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce 
     Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Defense Fund for fiscal 
     year 2024 pursuant to the transfer authority in section 
     102(b)(1) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (division A of Public Law 
     117-167), to the account specified, in the amounts specified, 
     and for the projects and activities specified, in the table 
     titled ``Department of Defense Allocation of Funds: CHIPS and 
     Science Act Fiscal Year 2024'' in the report accompanying 
     this Act.
       (b) Neither the President nor his designee may allocate any 
     amounts that are made available for any fiscal year under 
     section 102(b)(2) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 if there is in 
     effect an Act making or continuing appropriations for part of 
     a fiscal year for the Department of Defense: Provided, That 
     in any fiscal year, the matter preceding this proviso shall 
     not apply to the allocation, apportionment, or allotment of 
     amounts for continuing administration of programs allocated 
     using funds transferred from the CHIPS for America Defense 
     Fund, which may be allocated pursuant to the transfer 
     authority in section 102(b)(1) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 only 
     in amounts that are no more than the allocation for such 
     purposes in subsection (a) of this section.
       (c) The Secretary of Defense may reallocate funds allocated 
     by subsection (a) of this section, subject to the terms and 
     conditions contained in the provisos in section 8005 of this 
     Act: Provided, That amounts may be reallocated pursuant to 
     this subsection only for those requirements necessary to 
     carry out section 9903(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 
     (Public Law 116-283).
       (d) Concurrent with the annual budget submission of the 
     President for fiscal year 2025, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     of Representatives and the Senate proposed allocations by 
     account and by program, project, or activity, with detailed 
     justifications, for amounts made available under section 
     102(b)(2) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 for fiscal year 2025.
       (e) The Department of Defense shall provide the Committees 
     on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate 
     quarterly reports on the status of balances of projects and 
     activities funded by the CHIPS for America Defense Fund for 
     amounts allocated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, 
     including all uncommitted, committed, and unobligated funds.
       Sec. 8137.  Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under 
     the heading ``Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, 
     Defense-Wide'' for the Office of Strategic Capital, 
     $99,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028, 
     shall be available for the cost of loans and loan guarantees: 
     Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying 
     such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the 
     Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
       Sec. 8138.  In addition to the amounts appropriated or 
     otherwise made available by this Act, $800,000,000 is hereby 
     appropriated to the Department of Defense to assist with 
     increasing pay for certain enlisted grades: Provided, That 
     the Secretary of Defense shall change the following cells in 
     the military monthly basic pay table that was effective as of 
     January 1, 2023 to the following: E-1 with greater than four 
     months in service to $2,600.60, E-2 to $2,799.20, E-3 with 
     less than three years of service to $2,900.90, E-3 with three 
     years of service to $2,950.60, E-3 with four years of service 
     to $3,000.60, E-3 with six or more years of service to 
     $3,050.60, E-4 with less than two years of service to 
     $3,010.50, E-4 with two years of service to $3,060.60, E-4 
     with three years of service to $3,100.10, E-4 with four years 
     of service to $3,150.80, E-4 with six years of service to 
     $3,210.30, E-4 with eight or more years of service to 
     $3,260.30, E-5 with less than two years of service to 
     $3,100.30, E-5 with two years of service to $3,150.20, E-5 
     with three years of service to $3,200.20, E-5 with four years 
     of service to

[[Page H4589]]

     $3,250.20, E-6 with less than two years of service to $3,210: 
     Provided further, That the 5.2 percent increase in pay in the 
     fiscal year 2024 budget request for all grades is in addition 
     to the changes identified in this section.
       Sec. 8139.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to release information 
     described in paragraph C4.2.2.5.2 of DoD 5400.11-R regarding 
     a current or former member of the Armed Forces to any non-
     Federal entity or person without the consent of such member 
     or former member or, if the member or former member is 
     deceased, the consent of the next of kin of such member or 
     former member or a legally authorized representative of the 
     estate of such member or former member, unless such 
     information is requested under section 552 of title 5 
     (commonly referred to as the ``Freedom of Information Act'') 
     and such information is not exempt from disclosure under such 
     section: Provided, That if such information is requested 
     under such section, the releasing authority shall notify the 
     member or former member who is the subject of the request or, 
     if the member or former member is deceased, the next of kin 
     of such member or former member, or a legally authorized 
     representative of the estate of such member or former member, 
     prior to the release of such information: Provided further, 
     That this section shall not apply to a request for such 
     information from a State or local law enforcement agency.
       Sec. 8140.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be obligated or expended for 
     acquisition, construction, installation, or leasing of 
     temporary or permanent public works, military installations, 
     facilities, and real property, or otherwise update, 
     modernize, or repair current public works, military 
     installations, and facilities, including leased structures, 
     for United States Space Command until such time as the 
     Secretary of the Air Force formally selects and publicly 
     announces the permanent location of the United States Space 
     Command Headquarters in alignment to the United States Air 
     Force Selection Process for the Permanent Location of the 
     United States Space Command Headquarters, as validated by the 
     United States Government Accountability Office Report to 
     Congress concerning United States Space Command (GAO-22-
     106055) and United States Department of Defense Inspector 
     General Report titled ``Evaluation of the Air Force Selection 
     Process for the Permanent Location of the United States Space 
     Command Headquarters'' (DODIG-2022-096).
       Sec. 8141.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to carry out sections 
     554(a) and 913 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283).
       Sec. 8142.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to implement, 
     administer, apply, enforce, or carry out the Diversity, 
     Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan of the 
     Department of Defense, or Executive Order 13985 of January 
     20, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 7009, relating to advancing racial 
     equity and support for under-served communities through the 
     Federal Government), Executive Order 14035 of June 25, 2021 
     (86 Fed. Reg. 34593, relating to diversity, equity, 
     inclusion, and accessibility in the Federal workforce), 
     Executive Order 14091 of February 16, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 
     10825, relating to further advancing racial equity and 
     support for underserved communities through the Federal 
     government), or shall be used to execute activities that 
     promote or perpetuate divisive concepts related to race or 
     sex, such as the concepts that one race or sex is inherently 
     superior to another, or that an individual's moral character 
     or worth is determined by their race or sex.
       Sec. 8143.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used for surgical procedures or hormone therapies for 
     the purposes of gender affirming care.
       Sec. 8144.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to promote, host, 
     facilitate, or support events on United States military 
     installations or as part of military recruiting programs that 
     violate the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation or 
     bring discredit upon the military, such as a drag queen story 
     hour for children or the use of drag queens as military 
     recruiters.
       Sec. 8145.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used or transferred to 
     another Federal agency, board, or commission to recruit, 
     hire, or promote any person who has been convicted of a 
     Federal or State child pornography charge, has been convicted 
     of any other Federal or State sexual assault charge, or has 
     been formally disciplined for using Federal resources to 
     access, use, or sell child pornography.
       Sec. 8146.  None of the funds appropriated by or made 
     available in this Act shall be used to implement, administer, 
     or otherwise carry out the Department of Defense memorandum 
     dated October 20, 2022, or any successor to such memorandum, 
     or to propose, promulgate, or implement any substantially 
     similar rule or policy.
       Sec. 8147.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to finalize, 
     promulgate, or implement the rule proposed by the Department 
     of Defense titled ``Federal Acquisition Regulation: 
     Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related 
     Financial Risk'' (87 Fed. Reg. 68312; November 14, 2022), or 
     to propose, promulgate, or implement any substantially 
     similar rule or policy.
       Sec. 8148.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to carry out any 
     program, project, or activity that promotes or advances 
     Critical Race Theory, any concept associated with Critical 
     Race Theory, or that teaches or trains any idea or concept 
     that condones an individual being discriminated against or 
     receiving adverse or beneficial treatment based on race or 
     sex, that condones an individual feeling discomfort, guilt, 
     anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on 
     account of that individual's race or sex, as well as any idea 
     or concept that regards one race as inherently superior to 
     another race, the United States or its institutions as being 
     systemically racist or sexist, an individual as being 
     inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive by virtue of that 
     individual's race or sex, an individual's moral character as 
     being necessarily determined by race or sex, an individual as 
     bearing responsibility for actions committed in the past by 
     other members of the same race or sex, or meritocracy being 
     racist, sexist, or having been created by a particular race 
     to oppress another race.
       Sec. 8149.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available in this Act may be used to--
       (1) classify or facilitate the classification of any 
     communications by a United States person as mis-, dis-, or 
     mal-information; or
       (2) partner with or fund nonprofit or other organizations 
     that pressure or recommend private companies to censor lawful 
     and constitutionally protected speech of United States 
     persons, including recommending the censoring or removal of 
     content on social media platforms.
       Sec. 8150.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to grant, renew, or 
     maintain a security clearance for any individual listed as a 
     signatory in the statement titled ``Public Statement on the 
     Hunter Biden Emails'' dated October 19, 2020.
       Sec. 8151. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 7 of 
     title 1, United States Code, section 1738C of title 28, 
     United States Code, or any other provision of law, none of 
     the funds provided by this Act, or previous appropriations 
     Acts, shall be used in whole or in part to take any 
     discriminatory action against a person, wholly or partially, 
     on the basis that such person speaks, or acts, in accordance 
     with a sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, 
     that marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one 
     man and one woman.
       (b) Discriminatory Action Defined.--As used in subsection 
     (a), a discriminatory action means any action taken by the 
     Federal Government to--
       (1) alter in any way the Federal tax treatment of, or cause 
     any tax, penalty, or payment to be assessed against, or deny, 
     delay, or revoke an exemption from taxation under section 
     501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 of, any person 
     referred to in subsection (a);
       (2) disallow a deduction for Federal tax purposes of any 
     charitable contribution made to or by such person;
       (3) withhold, reduce the amount or funding for, exclude, 
     terminate, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, any Federal 
     grant, contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, 
     guarantee, loan, scholarship, license, certification, 
     accreditation, employment, or other similar position or 
     status from or to such person;
       (4) withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise make 
     unavailable or deny, any entitlement or benefit under a 
     Federal benefit program, including admission to, equal 
     treatment in, or eligibility for a degree from an educational 
     program, from or to such person; or
       (5) withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise make 
     unavailable or deny access or an entitlement to Federal 
     property, facilities, educational institutions, speech fora 
     (including traditional, limited, and nonpublic fora), or 
     charitable fundraising campaigns from or to such person.
       (c) Accreditation; Licensure; Certification.--The Federal 
     Government shall consider accredited, licensed, or certified 
     for purposes of Federal law any person that would be 
     accredited, licensed, or certified, respectively, for such 
     purposes but for a determination against such person wholly 
     or partially on the basis that the person speaks, or acts, in 
     accordance with a sincerely held religious belief or moral 
     conviction described in subsection (a).
       Sec. 8152.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of 
     Defense or the Service Secretaries to fly or display a flag 
     over or within a facility of the Department of Defense other 
     than the flag of the United States; the flag of a State, 
     Territory, or District of Columbia; the flag of the 
     Department of Defense; the flag of a Military Service; the 
     flag of Flag or General Officers; the flag of Presidentially-
     appointed, Senate-confirmed civilians; the flag of Senior 
     Executive Service (SES) and Military Department-specific SES; 
     the POW/MIA flag; the flags of other countries with which the 
     United States is an ally or partner, or for official protocol 
     purposes; the flags of organizations in which the United 
     States is a member, such as the North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization; or ceremonial, command, unit, or branch flags 
     or guidons.
       Sec. 8153. (a) Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both the

[[Page H4590]]

     House of Representatives and Senate a report on excessive 
     contractor payments that exceed the Truthful Cost and Pricing 
     Act (10 U.S.C. chapter 271 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 35) 
     threshold and with respect to which none of the exceptions to 
     certified cost or pricing data requirements applies.
       (b) The report required by subsection (a) shall also 
     include the following:
       (1) The amounts collected, adjusted, or offset from 
     contractors as a result of providing defective cost and 
     pricing data.
       (2) The mechanisms used to identify violations of the 
     Truthful Cost and Pricing Act (10 U.S.C. chapter 271 and 41 
     U.S.C. chapter 35).
       (3) Disciplinary actions taken by the Department of Defense 
     when violations of the Truthful Cost and Pricing Act (10 
     U.S.C. chapter 271 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 35) are identified, 
     regardless of whether included in the System for Award 
     Management.
       (4) Any referrals made to the Department of Justice where 
     appropriate.

                       spending reduction account

       Sec. 8154.  $0.
       This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Defense 
     Appropriations Act, 2024''.

  The Acting CHAIR. All points of order against provisions in the bill 
are waived.
  No amendment to the bill shall be in order except those printed in 
part A of House Report 118-216, amendments en bloc described in section 
3 of House Resolution 723, and pro forma amendments described in 
section 13 of that resolution.
  Each amendment printed in the report 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 action thereon, shall not be subject to amendment except as 
provided by section 13 of House Resolution 723, 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 
Appropriations or her designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting 
of amendments printed in the report not earlier disposed of. Amendments 
en bloc shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes 
equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member 
of the Committee on Appropriations or their designees, shall not be 
subject to amendment, except as provided by section 13 of House 
Resolution 723, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of 
the question.
  During consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair and the 
ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their 
respective designees may offer up to ten pro forma amendments each at 
any point for the purpose of debate.


     Amendments En Bloc No. 1 Offered by Mr. Calvert of California

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 723, I offer an 
amendment en bloc.
  The Acting CHAIR. The clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 1, consisting of amendments Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 
24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 
47, 49, 51, and 65, printed in part A of House Report No. 118-216 
offered by Mr. Calvert of California:


            Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. James of Michigan

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $15,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $15,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Buchanan of Florida

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $3,000,000) (increased by $3,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Buchanan of Florida

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $1,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Carbajal of California

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $2,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 5 Offered by Ms. Jacobs of California

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 9, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 9, line 25, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 10, line 4, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000) (reduced by $5,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MR. McCORMICK OF GEORGIA

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $7,750,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,750,000)''.


           AMENDMENT NO. 8 OFFERED BY MS. STEVENS OF MICHIGAN

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


        AMENDMENT NO. 9 OFFERED BY MR. WILSON OF SOUTH CAROLINA

       Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 10 OFFERED BY MS. CARAVEO OF COLORADO

       Page 9, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


        AMENDMENT NO. 11 OFFERED BY MR. DAVIS OF NORTH CAROLINA

       Page 9, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $8,606,779)''.
       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $8,606,779)''.


            AMENDMENT NO. 12 OFFERED BY MR. FALLON OF TEXAS

       Page 9, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $55,000,000)''.
       Page 27, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $55,000,000)''.


            AMENDMENT NO. 13 OFFERED BY MR. DUNN OF FLORIDA

       Page 10, line 4, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


         AMENDMENT NO. 14 OFFERED BY MR. TONY GONZALES OF TEXAS

       Page 10, line 4, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $7,200,000) (increased by $7,200,000)''.


             AMENDMENT NO. 15 OFFERED BY MR. JOYCE OF OHIO

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $4,000,000) (increased by $4,000,000)''.


            AMENDMENT NO. 16 OFFERED BY MR. CROW OF COLORADO

       Page 10, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 17 OFFERED BY MR. EZELL OF MISSISSIPPI

       Page 10, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $8,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $8,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 18 OFFERED BY MR. KELLY OF MISSISSIPPI

       Page 10, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 24, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


          amendment no. 19 offered by mr. lamborn of colorado

       Page 10, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,500,000)''.
       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $2,500,000)''.


           amendment no. 20 offered by mr. bacon of nebraska

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


           amendment no. 21 offered by mr. bacon of nebraska

       Page 10, line 19, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


            amendment no. 22 offered by mr. banks of indiana

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 36, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


          amendment no. 23 offered by mrs. boebert of colorado

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $3,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $3,000,000)''.


          amendment no. 24 offered by mrs. boebert of colorado

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 28, line 24, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 25 OFFERED BY MRS. BOEBERT OF COLORADO

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $3,000,000)''.

[[Page H4591]]

       Page 44, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $3,000,000)''.
       Page 44, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $3,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 26 OFFERED BY MRS. BOEBERT OF COLORADO

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $3,000,000)''.
       Page 44, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $3,000,000)''.
       Page 44, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $3,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 27 OFFERED BY MR. CONNOLLY OF VIRGINIA

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000) (reduced by $5,000,000)''.


            AMENDMENT NO. 28 OFFERED BY MR. CROW OF COLORADO

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $2,500,000)''.
       Page 39, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,500,000)''.


        AMENDMENT NO. 30 OFFERED BY MR. FITZGERALD OF WISCONSIN

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $4,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $4,000,000)''.


      AMENDMENT NO. 31 OFFERED BY MR. FITZPATRICK OF PENNSYLVANIA

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


        AMENDMENT NO. 32 OFFERED BY MR. GARAMENDI OF CALIFORNIA

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $3,000,000) (increased by $3,000,000)''.


         AMENDMENT NO. 33 OFFERED BY MR. GARBARINO OF NEW YORK

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


        AMENDMENT NO. 35 OFFERED BY MS. HOULAHAN OF PENNSYLVANIA

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1 after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


           AMENDMENT NO. 36 OFFERED BY MR. ISSA OF CALIFORNIA

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.


           AMENDMENT NO. 37 OFFERED BY MR. JAMES OF MICHIGAN

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


           AMENDMENT NO. 38 OFFERED BY MR. JAMES OF MICHIGAN

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $122,600,000)''.
       Page 33, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $122,600,000)''.


         Amendment No. 39 Offered by Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $15,000,000)''.
       Page 27, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $15,000,000)''.


      Amendment No. 40 Offered by Ms. Kamlager-Dove of California

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $7,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,000,000)''.


        Amendment No. 41 Offered by Mr. Keating of Massachusetts

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 42 Offered by Mr. Kelly of Mississippi

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


            Amendment No. 46 Offered by Mrs. Luna of Florida

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 47 Offered by Mr. Luttrell of Texas

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $15,000,000)''.
       Page 24, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $15,000,000)''.


           Amendment NO. 49 Offered by Mr. Luttrell of Texas

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 43 Offered by Mrs. McClain of Michigan

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $7,500,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,500,000)''.


         AMENDMENT NO. 65 OFFERED BY MS. SHERRILL OF NEW JERSEY

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Calvert) and the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. 
McCollum) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial amendments 
supported by both sides.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I support this amendment. It contains a 
series of bipartisan amendments in support of Member priorities on both 
sides. We have no objections, and we encourage the adoption of this 
amendment, and I wish this in the spirit in which this bill had 
originally been written.
  If the gentleman from California has no other comments, I am ready to 
yield back.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered 
by the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.


     Amendments En Bloc No. 2 Offered by Mr. Calvert of California

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 723, I offer 
amendment en bloc.
  The Acting CHAIR. The clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
  En bloc No. 2, consisting of amendment Nos. 43, 44, 45, 50, 52, 53, 
54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 
83, 84, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 101, 103, 105, 
106, 107, 108, and 109, printed in part A of House Report 118-216, 
offered by Mr. Calvert of California:


        Amendment No. 43 Offered by Ms. Kuster of New Hampshire

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $12,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $12,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 44 Offered by Mr. Lieu of California

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $7,500,000)''.
       Page 39, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,500,000)''.


           Amendment No. 45 Offered by Mr. Lieu of California

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 50 Offered by Mr. Lynch of Massachusetts

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(decreased by $4,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount insert 
     ``(increased by $4,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 52 Offered by Mrs. McClain of Michigan

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 53 Offered by Mrs. McClain of Michigan

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $25,000,000)''.
       Page 27, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $25,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 54 Offered by Mr. McCORMICK of Georgia

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $4,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $4,000,000)''.


        Amendment No. 55 Offered by Mrs. MILLER of West Virginia

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.


            Amendment No. 56 Offered by Mr. MILLS of Florida

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $2,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 58 Offered by Mr. NORCROSS of New Jersey

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 59 Offered by Mr. PERRY of Pennsylvania

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.


            AMENDMENT NO. 60 OFFERED MR. RASKIN OF MARYLAND

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(reduced by $2,000,000)''.

[[Page H4592]]

       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(increased by $2,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(increased by $2,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 25, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(increased by $2,000,000)''.


        Amendment No. 61 Offered by Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $4,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $4,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 62 Offered by Mr. SESSIONS of Texas

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 63 Offered by Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


         AMENDMENT NO. 64 OFFERED BY MS. SHERRILL OF NEW JERSEY

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $2,500,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,500,000)''.


          Amendment No. 75 Offered by Mr. SORENSEN of Illinois

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 76 Offered by Mr. STRONG of Alabama

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $2,500,000)''.
       Page 36, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,500,000)''.


           Amendment No. 77 Offered by Mr. STRONG of Alabama

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


        Amendment No. 78 Offered by Mrs. TRAHAN of Massachusetts

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


        Amendment No. 79 Offered by Mrs. TRAHAN of Massachusetts

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $6,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $6,000,000)''.


             Amendment No. 80 Offered by Mr. TURNER of Ohio

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $2,500,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,500,000)''.


      Amendment No. 81 Offered by Ms. Wasserman Schultz of Florida

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


        Amendment No. 82 Offered by Mr. Wilson of South Carolina

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $16,500,000)''.
       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $16,500,000)''.


        Amendment No. 83 Offered by Mr. Wilson of South Carolina

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $6,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $6,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 84 Offered by Mr. Lamborn of Colorado

       Page 19, line 3, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $2,500,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,500,000)''.


         Amendment No. 85 Offered by Mr. Vasquez of New Mexico

       Page 21, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)(reduced by $5,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 87 Offered by Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 88 Offered by Ms. TENNEY of New York

       Page 33, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $150,000,000)(increased by $150,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 90 Offered by Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

       Page 36, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.


            Amendment No. 91 Offered by Mr. DUNN of Florida

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $7,000,000) (increased by $7,000,000)''.


        Amendment No. 92 Offered by Mrs. FISCHBACH of Minnesota

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $8,400,000)(increased by $8,400,000)''.


          Amendment No. 93 Offered by Mr. GUEST of Mississippi

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $3,000,000)(increased by $3,000,000)''.


            Amendment No. 94 Offered by Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000) (reduced by $10,000,000)''.


        AMENDMENT NO. 95 OFFERED BY MR. HUDSON OF NORTH CAROLINA

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $10,000,000) (increased by $10,000,000)''.


           AMENDMENT NO. 96 OFFERED BY MRS. LESKO OF ARIZONA

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)''.


       AMENDMENT NO. 97 OFFERED BY MR. McGOVERN OF MASSACHUSETTS

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $11,000,000) (increased by $11,000,000)''.


        AMENDMENT NO. 99 OFFERED BY MRS. MILLER OF WEST VIRGINIA

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $7,000,000) (increased by $7,000,000)''.


         AMENDMENT NO. 101 OFFERED BY MR. MOLINARO OF NEW YORK

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)''.


            AMENDMENT NO. 103 OFFERED BY MR. MOYLAN OF GUAM

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $20,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $20,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $20,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $20,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $100,000,000)''.
       Page 40, line 4, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $20,000,000)''.


       Amendment No. 105 Offered by Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 106 Offered by Mr. EZELL of Mississippi

       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $4,000,000)''.
       Page 41, line 5, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $4,000,000)''.


     Amendment No. 107 Offered by Mr. C. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida

       On page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increase by $10,000,000)(decrease by $10,000,000)''.


     Amendment No. 108 Offered by Mr. C. SCOTT FRANKLIn of Florida

       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $6,500,000)''.
       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(decreased by $6,500,000)''.


        Amendment No. 109 Offered by Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $7,000,000)(increased by $7,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Calvert) and the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. 
McCollum) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial amendments 
supported by both sides.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, our country has no greater responsibility 
than to protect and defend this Nation and its Constitution from all 
enemies, foreign and domestic, and I thank Ranking Member McCollum for 
yielding me time to speak as a member of the Subcommittee on Defense 
Appropriations.
  I am deeply disappointed, I have to say, overall by the bill that the 
majority has forced to the Floor today. America and our allies are 
grappling with an increasingly dynamic and dangerous world. Global 
challenges include real enemies, as well as the unpredictability of 
nature and climate change, and we now see artificial intelligence 
threatening to further destabilize the world that we rely on for 
liberty and prosperity.
  Russia is waging a war of aggression against a neighboring democratic 
state, while China is outpacing our

[[Page H4593]]

military development and has positioned itself as a significant 
geopolitical competitor on many levels.
  It is our responsibility and that of the annual Defense 
Appropriations legislation to ensure we are prepared to surmount these 
threats. However, the majority's legislation is distracted and consumed 
by division instead of policies that would ensure the safety of our 
Nation's most important Defense asset, our brave men and women in 
uniform.
  In another year, I could be proud of important provisions, including 
support for research, testing and manufacturing of space technologies 
that would define how our future wars might be fought, many of which, 
by the way, are being developed in my home State of Ohio.
  Instead, this legislation focuses on divisive policies never seen in 
a Defense Appropriations bill, like banning diversity and inclusion 
programs in this diverse Nation, targeting women and LGBTQ and 
servicemembers, and preventing the Department of Defense from 
addressing the very real dangers of disinformation campaigns and 
extremist rhetoric in our military.
  Enacting these proposals would have disastrous consequences for the 
morale and readiness of our Armed Forces, worsening the unprecedented 
recruitment shortfalls they already face. While the legislation 
maintains funding for many key security commitments to our crucial 
allies by fully funding key regional security initiatives, it fails to 
innovate or provide expansion of funding necessary to meet the moment, 
which is newly defined by the largest war for liberty since World War 
II, being fought as we speak in the Nation of Ukraine. I could say so 
much on this.
  The Ukrainian people and their east European neighbors----
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Might I ask for an additional 10 seconds.
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. CALVERT. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. 
Moylan).
  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Chair, I rise to speak up for the people of Guam, who 
are facing immediate danger from the Chinese and North Korean missiles. 
China's DF-26 missiles has been dubbed the Guam Killer.
  Also, North Korea repeatedly threatens my island, and our American 
defense systems cannot simultaneously track or shoot down missiles from 
two directions at once.
  Let's also be mindful of the fact that servicemembers from across the 
Nation serve on Guam and face similar peril.
  I urge my colleagues to support my amendment with the safety of your 
constituents in mind. Please vote to protect the people of Guam and 
vote in favor of my amendment to truly fund Guam missile defense.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel), a member of the Appropriations Committee.
  Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of 
Representative Wilson of South Carolina and my bipartisan amendment 
supporting efforts to modernize personal equipment for female 
servicemembers and small-statured servicemembers.
  Twenty percent of our servicemembers are women serving our Nation. It 
is alarming, Mr. Chair, that, according to a new Army report, nearly 
half of female servicemembers in the Army Special Operations Command 
have trouble accessing and acquiring equipment that is the right size 
for them.
  Imagine one of these warriors are in the battlefield, they are facing 
an enemy combatant, and their ill-fitting body armor prevents them from 
proper use of their rifle. That puts them at severe risk for harm and 
prevents them from executing their duty.
  There is no excuse for not giving these patriots the equipment and 
tools to allow them to do their job safely and effectively. Our 
military women, they leave their families, they train hard, and are 
willing to risk their lives to defend our freedom. We need to do a 
better job to stand up for theirs.
  I urge my colleagues to join me and my friend Representative Wilson 
of South Carolina in a bipartisan amendment to make sure that all our 
servicemembers have the equipment that they need to keep them safe and 
do their job effectively.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Chair, this amendment provides $11 million within 
Army Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation, Line 44, for the 
Autonomous Vehicle Mobility project to modernize combat vehicles for 
multi-domain operations.
  The development of next generation combat vehicles for multi-domain 
battle operations is one of the Army's six modernization priorities. 
These military vehicles are meant to increase the firepower, speed, and 
survivability of land forces, allowing them to maneuver into superior 
positions on the battlefield and to pair with robotic vehicles. The has 
been actively conducting basic and applied R&D of autonomous ground 
vehicles, but additional resources are needed to successfully 
transition novel technologies into functioning prototypes.
  This amendment provides funding to establish the nation's first 
national-level laboratory facility of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities 
Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center. The facility will be 
dedicated to autonomous mobility, maneuverability, and energy 
efficiency with an emphasis on complex terrains and adversarial 
environments. It will serve as a research hub and amplify collaboration 
between the U.S. military, universities, industry partners, and NATO 
nations. The results of such collaboration will enable our troops to 
have an unparalleled edge on the battlefield and in tactical 
situations.
  I urge my colleagues to support this modest investment and to vote in 
favor of En Bloc No. 2.
  Mr. SORENSEN. Mr. Chair, the annual Defense Appropriations bill is 
one of the best tools we have to strengthen our national security and 
foster innovation.
  This year's bill includes a well-deserved 5.2 percent pay raise for 
our troops and $12.5 million dollars to support the Rock Island Arsenal 
and manufacturing jobs in my district.
  Workers in Central and Northwestern Illinois take great pride in 
supplying our military with new equipment that helps service members 
safely defend and protect our nation.
  That is why I'm proud to introduce my amendment to fund novel 
technology that can 3D print high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber 
composite parts into state-of-the-art wings for Unmanned Air Vehicles.
  This new technology will produce wings roughly 10 times faster than 
traditional technologies on the market, allowing for the fabrication of 
a wing in a single day and assisting the military in meeting the demand 
for Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
  At the same time, this funding will create good-paying jobs for the 
families in my neighborhood.
  I urge Congress to pass my amendment and get this project off the 
ground for our taxpayers and for our national defense.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered 
by the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.


     Amendments En Bloc No. 3 Offered by Mr. Calvert of California

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 723, I offer an 
amendment en bloc.
  The Acting CHAIR. The clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
  En bloc No. 3, consisting of amendment Nos. 86, 89, 98, 100, 102, 
104, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 
123, 124, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 138, 
139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, and 159, printed in 
part A of House report No. 118-216, offered by Mr. Calvert of 
California:


            Amendment No. 86 Offered by Ms. Titus of Nevada

       Page 27, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $750,000)''.
       Page 36, line 22, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $750,000)''.


           Amendment No. 89 Offered by Mr. LaHood of Illinois

       Page 35, line 2, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $4,300,000) (increased by $4,300,000)''.


       Amendment No. 98 Offered by Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $8,400,000)(increased by $8,400,000)''.


           Amendment No. 100 Offered by Mr. Mills of Florida

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $3,000,000)(reduced by $3,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 102 Offered by Mr. Morelle of New York

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,600,000) (increased by $5,600,000)''.

[[Page H4594]]

  



        Amendment No. 104 Offered by Ms. Scanlon of Pennsylvania

       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $15,000,000)(increased by $15,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 110 Offered by Mr. LALOTA of New York

       Page 38, line 16, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,500,000)(increased by $5,500,000)''.


         Amendment No. 111 Offered by Mr. PETERS of California

       Page 38, line 16, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $8,000,000)(increased by $8,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 112 Offered by Mr. PETERS of California

       Page 38, line 16, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $8,500,000)(increased by $8,500,000)''.


             Amendment No. 113 Offered by Mr. SELF of Texas

       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 41, line 5, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 114 Offered by Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

       Page 38, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $4,000,000)''.
       Page 41, line 5, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $4,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 115 Offered by Mr. BILIRAKIS of Florida

       On page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $4,500,000) (increased by $4,500,000)''.


             amendment no. 116 offered by mr. carey of ohio

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,000,000) (reduced by $7,000,000)''.


             amendment no. 117 offered by mr. joyce of ohio

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $3,000,000)(increased by $3,000,000)''.


          amendment no. 118 offered by mr. lamborn of colorado

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 40, line 4, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 119 OFFERED BY MS. LETLOW OF LOUISIANA

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000) (reduced by $10,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 120 Offered by Ms. Pettersen of Colorado

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 41, line 5, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 121 Offered by Ms. Sewell of Alabama

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(decrease by $10,000,000)''.
       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increase by $10,000,000)''.


            Amendment No. 122 Offered by Mr. Soto of Florida

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $5,000,000)(increased by $5,000,000)''.


          Amendment No. 123 Offered by Ms. Tenney of New York

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $44,000,000)(increased by $44,000,000)''.


           Amendment No. 124 Offered by Mr. Wenstrup of Ohio

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $3,000,000)(increased by $3,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 126 Offered by Mr. Huizenga of Michigan

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)''.


          amendment no. 127 offered by mr. buchanan of florida

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.


             amendment no. 128 offered by mr. carey of ohio

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $20,000,000)(increased by $20,000,000)''.


        amendment no. 129 offered by mr. davis of north carolina

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $8,000,000)(increased by $8,000,000)''.


        amendment no. 130 offered by mr. deluzio of pennsylvania

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $10,000,000) (increased by $10,000,000)''.


            amendment no. 131 offered by mr. ellzey of texas

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)(reduced by $5,000,000)''.


          amendment no. 132 offered by mrs. houchin of indiana

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $6,500,000) (increased by $6,500,000)''.


       amendment no. 133 offered by mr. hudson of north carolina

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)(increased by $5,000,000)''.


         amendment no. 134 offered by mrs. kiggans of virginia

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000) (reduced by $10,000,000)''.


           amendment no. 135 offered by mr. mills of florida

       Page 39, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)''.


           amendment no. 136 offered by mr. wenstrup of ohio

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $7,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,000,000)''.


         amendment no. 138 offered by mrs. kiggans of virginia

       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000) (reduced by $1,000,000)''.


         amendment no. 139 offered by mr. molinaro of new york

       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $4,000,000) (reduced by $4,000,000)''.


       Amendment No. 140 Offered by Mr. ROUZER of North Carolina

       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,800,000) (reduced by $7,800,000)''.
       Page 42, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $7,800,000)''.
       Page 42, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $7,800,000)''.


          Amendment No. 141 Offered by Mr. COHEN of Tennessee

       Page 42, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $200,000)''.
       Page 42, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $200,000)''.


         Amendment No. 142 Offered by Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000) (reduced by $1,000,000)''.


         Amendment No. 143 Offered by Mr. FINSTAD of Minnesota

       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $3,000,000)(reduced by $3,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $3,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $3,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 144 OFFERED BY MR. BERGMAN OF MICHIGAN

       Page 42, line 25, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $842,000) (increased by $842,000)''.


         amendment no. 145 offered by mr. molinaro of new york

       Page 42, line 25, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $9,000,000) (reduced by $9,000,000)''.


         amendment no. 146 offered by mr. molinaro of new york

       Page 44, line 12, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 44, line 13, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 45, line 10, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 45, line 11, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.


         amendment no. 147 offered by mr. williams of new york

       Page 39, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by 
     $5,000,000)''.


          AMENDMENT NO. 148 OFFERED BY MR. ALFORD OF MISSOURI

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
       Page 38, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.


         amendment no. 159 offered by mr. fry of south carolina

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be used to eliminate a unit of the Senior Reserve Officers' 
     Training Corps at an institution of higher education.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Calvert) and the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. 
McCollum) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.

                              {time}  1000

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial amendments 
supported by both sides.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), in support of this en bloc, which I also 
support.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for her 
courtesies.

[[Page H4595]]

  However, I am particularly concerned as we move forward. This bill 
directly impacts the men and women who have unselfishly put on the 
uniform.
  I am grateful to the chair and ranking member for working together, 
but let me be very clear, we have an overall defense bill that is 
enormously challenging for the American people.
  First, it is important for them to know that the members of the 
United States military, women in particular--1 in 5 members of the 
military are women--will be blocked from reproductive services that are 
necessary. Those women, in particular, that live in the State of Texas 
will be blocked from achieving the reproductive health that they need.
  The LGBTQ+ community is also negatively impacted by healthcare.
  Mr. Chairman, this has nothing to do with military preparedness and 
should not be involved. In addition, the general has offered a 
commitment to electric vehicles, but yet this bill cuts $714 million.
  Mr. Chair, I rise today to say I do not want a government shutdown, 
but I would like us to do the right thing. Democrats don't want a 
government shutdown. We are obviously fighting against those who are 
getting direction from the former President who says to shut it down.
  I am very grateful that my amendment dealing with triple negative 
breast cancer is in this legislation. This is very important to me. It 
seeks to allocate $10 million to fund triple negative breast cancer 
research. This issue is extremely important, especially for the brave 
men and women in the military who are 20 to 40 percent more likely to 
develop breast cancer.
  Mr. Chair, I offer my appreciation to both the military and the Biden 
administration for making research into breast cancer a priority. This 
amendment would allow for more research so that we can one day, 
hopefully, learn a way to reduce this most devastating aspect of breast 
cancer. This has a more deadlier impact--that is why it is called 
triple negative breast cancer--that targets women.
  Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment, the Jackson 
Lee amendment, and a complete defense bill that responds to the needs 
of the United States military.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak in support of the 
Jackson Lee Amendment [#90/#233] to H.R. 4365--the Department of 
Defense Appropriations Act, 2024.
  I want to thank my colleagues on the Rules Committee for making this 
amendment in order.
  The Jackson Lee Amendment [#90/#233] is a simple and straightforward 
amendment in an unfortunate and distracting appropriations bill.
  Namely, the Jackson Lee Amendment [#90/#233] seeks to allocate $10 
million to fund triple negative breast cancer research.
  This issue is extremely important, especially for the brave men and 
women in the military, who are up to 20-40 percent more likely to 
develop breast cancer.
  I must offer my appreciation to both the military and the Biden 
administration for making research into breast cancer a priority, but 
there is still work to be done.
  The Jackson Lee Amendment [#90/#233] would allow for more research so 
we can one day hopefully learn a way to reduce the number of military 
personnel affected by breast cancer.
  Several initiatives I have designed in the past have aided active-
duty servicemen and women along with veterans, such as enforcing 
accurate reporting of maternity mortality rates among the Armed Forces, 
addressing physical and mental health concerns, and securing 
authorization for Triple Negative Breast Cancer as well as Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder.
  I am very proud of the work that I and Congress have done to address 
the health concerns of active duty and veteran servicemen and women, 
but there are still improvements to be made.
  The men and women who are on the front lines or have already 
completed their valiant service to this country have many pressing 
issues and challenges they already must face; breast cancer should not 
be one of them.
  Our service members fight and sacrifice for our freedoms.
  Now, as lawmakers, we should be working to ensure to protect their 
lives and freedoms--not trying to take their rights away.
  While the negatives of this defense appropriations bill 
disappointedly outweigh my positive amendment, I urge my colleagues to 
vote in favor of the Jackson Lee Amendment [#90/#233]--notwithstanding 
my strong opposition and encouragement to vote down the underlying 
bill.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Wisconsin, a retired Navy SEAL.
  Mr. VAN ORDEN. Mr. Chair, I rise today with deep, deep reservations 
about the provisions in this bill funding the Ukraine Security 
Assistance Initiative, a program that has been in place since 2016.
  Today, the United States has given $113 billion in security and 
humanitarian aid to Ukraine for their war against Russia. I acknowledge 
the fact that is an illegal war and Vladimir Putin should be punished. 
However, I am not happy with the level of visibility that we have given 
to this funding.
  The United States Government must be in charge of our foreign policy. 
The United States Government must be in charge of our defense policies, 
and we should not be handing these over to the Ukrainian Government.
  We are funding Ukrainians, we are paying their salaries for their 
troops and giving them stipends when we are potentially looking forward 
to shutting down our government due to Democratic intransigence, which 
means we will not be funding our own troops. This is simply 
unacceptable.
  Before any new money is dispensed to Ukraine, we need a strategic 
exit plan from the Biden administration with quantifiable metrics. 
Still, I will not allow D.C.'s dysfunction to undermine our national 
security and hurt our military families and will support the underlying 
bill, again, with great reservations.
  We must fund our military and we must pay our troops.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I just want to be clear, in this bill we 
pay for our troops and our military to equip and do training, but in 
this bill there is no funding for salaries for Ukrainian troops.
  Mr. Chair, I thank the chair for working in such a bipartisan fashion 
for these en bloc amendments, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Chair, this amendment offered by Congressman Brian 
Fitzpatrick and myself provides a modest $8.4 million within Army 
Research, Development, Evaluation and Testing, Line 59, Night Vision 
System Advanced Development, for the Micro-LED Soldier Systems Display 
Prototype.
  The funds provided by this amendment will support the design, 
development, and delivery of the U.S. Army's next generation full-color 
LED micro-display prototype, which will be specifically tailored for 
dismounted soldier applications such as the Integrated Visual 
Augmentation System Heads Up Display and the Next Generation Squad 
Weapon Sight Optic.
  The next generation of LED displays promise brightness levels that 
significantly exceed the Pentagon's most stringent requirements for 
both monochrome and full-color displays. The funds provided in this 
amendment will support the design, development, and delivery of a 
technology readiness Level 7 full-color LED micro-display prototype. In 
addition, this project will enhance the soldier's target detection 
capability and eye safety. Clearly, Mr. Chair, this is a win-win that 
provides desperately needed solutions and safeguards the health and 
security of our soldiers.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to vote in favor 
of En Bloc No. 3.
  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Chair, I want to commend the managers of the House 
Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bill for 
including my amendment No. 122 in En Bloc 3, to provide a $5 million 
increase within the Air Force RDT&E account, to the Air Force Research 
Lab (AFRL) trusted microchip manufacturing prototype program in the en 
bloc package.
  Microelectronics support nearly all DoD activities, enabling 
capabilities such as the global positioning system, radar, command and 
control, and communication. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge 
microelectronics, however, is a challenge. The pandemic exposed the 
challenges associated with the global supply chain, the changing global 
semiconductor industry, and the sophistication of U.S. adversaries. who 
might target military electronic components.
  The AFRL is working on a new modelling and simulation research 
program to advance next generation semiconductor design and 
manufacturing, called a secure digital twin. Funding for the zero-trust 
environment for semiconductor technology will help provide the 
capabilities to deliver solutions to protect against malicious function 
insertion, fraudulent products, theft of intellectual property, and 
reliability failures within DoD semiconductors.
  I believe Congress should continue to provide the resources necessary 
to update our domestic microelectronics security framework. I am proud 
of the work being undertaken in

[[Page H4596]]

my district's semiconductor technology district, known as NeoCity, to 
support domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development as 
we work to address this critical supply chain. I look forward to 
continuing to work with my colleagues to support this goal.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered 
by the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Chair understands that amendment No. 29 will 
not be offered.


                Amendment No. 34 Offered by Ms. Houlahan

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 34 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $50,000,000)''.
       Page 36, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $50,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentlewoman 
from Pennsylvania (Ms. Houlahan) and a Member opposed each will control 
5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania.
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Chairman, defense-centric, small businesses, and 
the industrial base face unique challenges in creating new advanced 
production lines, scaling, expanding manufacturing capacity, and in 
competing and leading to issues with how to best support our 
warfighters with key advanced defense capabilities.
  For many of these U.S. businesses, translating investments into 
marketable products and services remains a challenge. As job creation 
engines, start-ups are vital to the American economy, but they often 
lack the resources to bring good ideas to market or to establish a 
contract with the Department of Department.
  That is why I introduced my bipartisan bill, H.R. 3147, which 
establishes a defense industrial base advanced capabilities pilot 
program, to help small businesses bridge that gap between creating 
innovative ideas to help our servicemembers, and the time that it takes 
to get to full production capacity.
  This bill builds on the success of SBIR and STTR programs to further 
increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from 
federally funded R&D.
  I was very proud to see this bill included in this year's NDAA in 
Section 853 of the House-passed bill and in Section 831 of the Senate-
passed bill, and now we just need to fund it.
  Due to its targeted support to small businesses, it is no surprise 
that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has made this effort a top 
legislative priority, and I am very proud to have had their support 
over the years to make this much-needed change.
  What does this amendment do?
  This amendment would direct $50 million in O&M defense-wide to the 
Defense Production Act purchases account to fund the Advanced Defense 
Capabilities Pilot Program. Funding in fiscal year 2024 would 
accelerate the scaling, production, manufacturing, and acquisition of 
defense-centric advanced capabilities to bolster DIB resilience and 
modernize and increase our competition advantage versus China and other 
adversaries.
  The public-private partnership pilot funding would increase support 
and investments for domestic small, advanced defense-focused 
businesses, and stimulate key defense-centric industrial base markets, 
create new production lines, decrease defense-centric manufacturing 
supply chain vulnerabilities, provide advisory and scaling support, and 
unlock private equity capital for advanced warfighting capability 
aligned with the National Defense Strategy.
  Due to this targeted support to small businesses, it is really no 
surprise that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has made this effort a top 
legislative priority, and I am very proud to have their support.
  As a former engineer and entrepreneur, I know how urgent this 
legislation is, and we have to support our talented entrepreneurs in 
translating their innovative ideas into marketable products and cutting 
edge technologies and to make sure that many endeavors don't fail 
because they lack access to capital.
  Mr. Chair, I very much appreciate your support for this amendment, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Van Orden). The gentleman from California is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. The 
bill has a constrained top line. I cannot support directing $50 million 
to a pilot program.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman 
from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), the ranking member, in support of my 
amendment.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania 
for bringing this forward. I wholeheartedly support her amendment, and 
I hope that it will be adopted in the bill.
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Houlahan).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from 
Pennsylvania will be postponed.


                Amendment No. 48 Offered by Mr. Luttrell

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 48 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. LUTTRELL. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount insert the 
     following: ``(reduced by $15,000,000) (increased by 
     $15,000,000)''.
       Page 42, line 14, after the dollar amount insert the 
     following: ``(reduced by $15,000,000) (increased by 
     $15,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Luttrell) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. LUTTRELL. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 
4365, which would provide $15 million in funding for a plant-based or 
psychedelic clinical trial authorized in the House version of the 
fiscal year 2024 NDAA.
  Mr. Chairman, I can personally attest to the benefits in treating 
post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and chronic traumatic 
encephalopathy through the use of psychedelic substances. There is a 
stigma that exists within this body that I believe stems from a lack of 
education and experience around the clinical use of plant-based or 
psychedelic medications.
  I understand that when many of my colleagues hear the word 
psychedelics they think of mushrooms and so on. This isn't what we are 
talking about today. Unfortunately, the stigma has led to the slow or 
no adoption of medical procedures that may have saved countless lives 
of our servicemembers, veterans, and first responders.
  Mr. Chairman, it is our duty to explore all options when the lives of 
our Nation's most precious resources, our sons and daughters, mothers 
and fathers, brothers and sisters are at stake.
  Mr. Chair, I urge the adoption of my amendment, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment 
offered by the gentleman from Texas.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Texas for sharing 
his journey, and I am glad he is doing well.
  I don't oppose the study of many of these drugs, but I am going to 
lay out why, in this particular instance, I am going to oppose this.
  On this floor we have had many a debate about whether or not medical

[[Page H4597]]

marijuana should be used for post-traumatic stress for veterans and 
whether we should do research and all kinds of things, things I have 
supported. Time and time again we haven't done that, in part because it 
is a schedule I class drug.
  The Department is concerned about a study involving Active-Duty 
servicemembers. They acknowledge, and I am glad that they do, that the 
benefits are being pursued by veterans. The implementation for Active-
Duty servicemembers would be much more challenging at this time because 
it involves questions around clearances, legal hurdles, and the 
logistics that would just appear to hamper the success of a pilot 
program or study with Active-Duty servicemembers.
  As I said, schedule I--I gave the example of marijuana--under the 
Controlled Substances Act means that they have a high potential for 
abuse and there is no currently accepted medical treatment in the 
United States for this right now. There is a lack of accepted safety 
and there is no medical supervision in a way we can move forward.
  For this reason, the Defense Health Agency does not believe it could 
be implemented. I support working with the Department of Veterans 
Affairs to look at anything we can do to help welcome our servicemen 
and servicewomen home and to find the help that they need.
  Currently, with the way that this amendment is written, I reluctantly 
cannot support the gentleman's amendment. I look forward to working 
with the gentleman in the future on this.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LUTTRELL. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman and I appreciate 
that as a veteran.
  I hold degrees in psychology and applied cognizant neuroscience. I 
have spent the better part of a decade studying our servicemembers, 
Active-Duty members, veterans, and first responders in the space of 
cognitive disability and decline.
  We lose 22-plus a day in the veterans' space. We lose members in the 
active-service space as well, daily. I have traveled the country 
studying the aggressive nature of treatments in spaces like our 
cognitive decline, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and 
other modalities.
  The numbers that we are seeing are not decreasing, they are 
increasing. As we transition out of these wars that we fought for so 
many years, we have to do something more aggressive.
  I say clinical studies and clinical trials inside the DOD because it 
is applicable and it is appropriate. We have some of the most brilliant 
researchers on the planet that can study this and move this effectively 
so we can treat the men and women that serve our country.
  These medications have short-term--no long-term residual side 
effects--short-term, if anything. The effects are groundbreaking. We 
are at a preface. I hate the fact that the word psychedelic scares 
everybody. I hate that word myself. When I try to think of a creative 
term to title this, it always cycles back to the word psychedelics, and 
that is unfortunate, it is. We have to look past that.
  I have never done a drug in my entire life. As a matter of fact, I 
would tell no one to do this because the aggressiveness of it is so 
life-changing, but it is effective. That is why I continue to push 
forward, and I think it is time and its effectiveness needs to be 
implemented now.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Luttrell).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Chair understands that amendment No. 57 will 
not be offered.
  The Chair understands that amendment Nos. 66 through 74 will not be 
offered.


                Amendment No. 125 Offered by Ms. Norton

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 125 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 39, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000) (reduced by $10,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, 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. Chairman, my amendment would allocate $10 million for 
research, development, test, and evaluation for the Space Force, with 
the intent that the funds be used for the Space Force Rocket Systems 
Launch Program. This funding would continue the ongoing single-stage-
to-orbit propulsion research that we have funded over the past 3 years 
and ensure that the commercial space access provider supply chain is as 
large as possible.
  Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in reluctant opposition to this 
amendment. The amendment proposes to develop a single-stage-to-orbit 
rocket. The idea of a single-stage-to-orbit rocket is appealing, but 
the laws of physics are stubborn.
  In the early 2000s, I was the chair of the Space and Aeronautics 
Committee at the time, and NASA and industry spent more than a billion 
dollars on such a concept and concluded that it wasn't practical or 
feasible.
  I am not aware of any facts that changed that conclusion. I urge my 
colleagues to vote against this amendment, and I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from the 
District of Columbia will be postponed.


               Amendment No. 137 Offered by Mr. Crenshaw

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 137 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 42, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(reduced by $200,000) (increased by $200,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Crenshaw) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Crenshaw, I rise today to offer amendment No. 137, which takes 
the simple yet important step of directing the Defense Health Agency to 
report to Congress on options for allowing Active-Duty servicemembers 
to participate in VA psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials.
  I repeat, these clinical trials are already happening in partnership 
with the VA, and there is no reason that we should not be looking at 
the benefits of this research for our men and women that are already 
currently serving our country actively.
  Mr. Chair, I want to be really clear about why I am supporting this 
small step to research psychedelic-assisted therapy for Active-Duty 
servicemembers. This is not about legalization. This is not about 
recreational use. It is about honoring our promise to our military 
families and confronting the high incidence of suicide in the military 
and veteran community.
  There is a reason for the high rate of suicide--it is the trauma of 
serving. There are more than 20 veterans who kill themselves every day 
and 27 percent of post-9/11 veterans are diagnosed with PTSD.

[[Page H4598]]

  We have a crisis, and the idea that we wouldn't research potential 
breakthrough treatments is unacceptable. The status quo is inadequate 
and it won't stop servicemembers and veterans from committing suicide. 
I believe this research will.
  I have good reason for believing that, so let's look at the data. The 
most recent phase III clinical trials with MDMA found that 86 percent 
of the study participants had reduced PTSD symptoms and 71 percent 
didn't even qualify as having PTSD anymore.
  Most people hear the word psychedelics and think of Woodstock. This 
is not the 1960s LSD trip that many people might be imagining. Some 
groups are actively lobbying Congress--no, this is not the work of the 
devil.
  It is not the work of the devil when this treatment is actually 
saving families and keeping families together. This therapy is 
supervised by medical practitioners, and it occurs with repeat 
treatments in a very controlled setting. Oftentimes, it is a one- or 
two-time treatment and follow-up results reveal that the positive 
effects continue for years, even after just one treatment.
  These clinical trials are already changing the lives of people I 
know. I have so many close friends of mine who can say that they are 
alive today because of this treatment. Their marriages have survived 
because of this treatment. The idea that we wouldn't even research it--
that we would keep this out of the hands of people who need it is 
appalling, frankly.
  We should be listening to these stories. They have come up on Capitol 
Hill multiple times. For the Members we say: We need to learn more. We 
don't know enough. Well, why would you get in the way of more research?
  You haven't come and listened to these veterans and these 
servicemembers when they have come up and told their stories. They have 
come up many, many times. We shouldn't make them come up here and spill 
their guts anymore. We should listen to them and we should act on it.
  Mr. Chair, I unapologetically support this research. We shouldn't 
think twice about it. We owe this to our servicemembers and we owe it 
to their families. This is a really small but a positive step in the 
right direction.
  I think the VA and the Department of Defense need to coordinate on 
this research into this psychedelic-assisted therapy, and that is all 
this amendment does. I encourage my colleagues to support it, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Crenshaw).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 AMENDMENT NO. 149 OFFERED BY MR. BIGGS

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 149 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 10, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $300,000,000)''.
       Page 118, line 4, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $300,000,000)''.
       Page 146, line 24, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $300,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Arizona (Mr. Biggs) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Chair, I rise to speak in support of my amendment that 
cuts $300 million in funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance 
Initiative. I encourage all of my colleagues to support that.
  The fiscal year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill authorizes a total 
$826.45 billion in new discretionary spending. This figure is $28.71 
billion or 3.6 percent more than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level.
  Currently, the United States has committed over $113 billion in 
military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to protect Ukraine's 
border, but we can't fund our own border to protect our citizens from 
the fentanyl pouring across our southern border that is killing over 
290 Americans daily, and the trafficking that the Mexican cartels are 
engaging in.
  Mr. Chair, I find myself asking this question: How is it that we are 
willing to send over $100 billion to Ukraine, and in this bill an 
additional $300 million, but we can't spend the money or find the 
ability and will to secure our own border?
  With no end in sight, we cannot continue to blank-check fund a war 
when this administration said that we are going to stay there as long 
as it takes and spend as much as it takes. We don't really know why we 
are there, but we have morphed into a regime-change objective.
  I would ask: What does that regime change look like? How are you 
going to get there? What is going to be the extent of our 
participation?
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, Ukraine is a democracy. It is a democracy 
fighting for its life every single day, and the world is watching. The 
brave men and women of Ukraine are fighting to protect their democracy.
  Vladimir Putin violated international law with his illegal invasion 
of Ukraine. Putin and his thugs are committing war crimes on a mass 
scale in Ukraine, including the senseless murder of civilians, even 
while they are in the hospital.
  He continues to violate international laws by deliberately targeting 
marketplaces, supermarkets, daycares, and apartment buildings. Putin 
has also broken other international laws by permitting--encouraging, 
not just permitting--encouraging the abduction of Ukrainian children to 
be taken from their families and their parents.
  Democracies need to stand together, and that is what they have been 
doing. It is the responsibility of the United States, the strongest 
democracy, and all nations that respect democratically elected 
governments to support Ukraine's fight against this unlawful Russian 
aggression.
  That is exactly why we have seen such a global response to these 
atrocities. Our allies, our partners, our fellow democracies are also 
supporting Ukraine in this fight by providing tanks donated by allies 
and partners; air defense artillery rounds donated by allies and 
partners; fighter aircraft donated 100 percent by allies and partners; 
mid- to long-range air defense systems 75 percent donated by allies and 
partners; counter unmanned aerial systems 69 percent donated by allies 
and partners; 155-millimeter artillery systems 64 percent donated by 
allies and partners; Armor, personnel carriers, infantry fighting 
vehicles 63 percent donated by allies and partners; Stinger missiles 52 
percent donated by allies and partners; Javelin command launch units 52 
percent donated by allies and partners; Javelin missiles 46 percent 
donated by allies and partners.
  America is not providing support alone. The democracies are together 
on this.
  I would point out for a fact that when Ukraine decided to become a 
democracy, to engage in the free world, they gave up their nuclear 
weapons. They gave them up. What they are just asking for us right now 
is to support a fellow democracy.

                              {time}  1030

  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to strongly oppose this amendment. 
Support Ukrainians in their struggle to defend their homeland.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Chair, it is interesting to hear that. I appreciate 
those comments. Explain to me, then, how this administration and our 
allies have lost contact and cannot provide a full accounting of all of 
the money we have sent and all the materiel we have sent.
  Here is an example of that: When we talk about insufficient oversight 
of funding going towards Ukraine, the Pentagon has overestimated the 
value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion over the 
past 2 years. They have overestimated it.
  How have central African nations reported that U.S. materiel has been 
found in the hands of warlords in their areas, in their own countries, 
rebellious warlords fighting them with U.S. materiel?

[[Page H4599]]

  How is it that we have gone from supplying surplus to supplying our 
own inventory, where our own stocks are going to take in some instances 
7 to 10 years to rebuild, to put our own Nation in jeopardy?
  The democratic peace theory was debunked 20 years ago, and that is 
the argument I heard today; basically, the democratic peace theory. 
That was utterly debunked.
  This administration has also provided no explanation on what the 
objective is, what does it look like. The objective is to stay as long 
as it takes. What does that mean? Another 20-, 30-year war that we are 
participating in funding? Not only as long as it takes, but as much as 
it takes.
  We are $33 trillion in debt. Our structural deficit this year is 
going to be more than $2 trillion. It will be that next year. Our 
interest cost is $700 billion. Everything we are sending to Ukraine, we 
are borrowing. It is our children and grandchildren who are effectively 
paying for this.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I have some disagreement with some of the, I 
want to say, opinions put forward by the gentleman.
  We do have oversight at our embassy on where equipment is going. The 
chair and I have been in classified briefings asking these very tough 
questions together because, you are right, we want accountability.
  As we saw, when the President of Ukraine didn't think he was getting 
the accountability he deserved from his military leaders and people in 
his government, he very publicly removed them and said: No, this is not 
acceptable to me. The oversight is taking place, and our allies are 
also doing oversight.
  As I pointed out earlier, this is an invasion that was brought on for 
no other reason than a land grab. Putin is trying to put Russia back in 
an image that he wants to see it in the future.
  Who is watching him do this and who is watching who stands up to him? 
Well, Russia is watching as to what we do, and we know China is with 
all the chatter we are now hearing about Taiwan.
  What does that mean? That means that democracies have to stand 
together to support another democracy.
  As I mentioned earlier today, I was previously a social studies 
teacher. Take out a map and take a look at the emerging democracies in 
the area who feel under threat from Russia. Take a look at our allies 
that have suffered through World War II with aggression from Germany. 
The democracies, Germany included, have learned from that lesson: We 
cannot be silent. We have to be there for each other.
  Mr. Chair, I will also point out that the money that is being put 
forward, again, is for equipment and training, and we are doing that 
with NATO. We are doing that together. As I said, I feel very 
passionately about supporting Ukraine.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Chair, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Crane), a great American.
  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my colleague's amendment. 
As my colleague pointed out, we can't afford it. The gentlewoman just 
said that all the money that we are sending over there is for training 
and equipment. That is not true.
  ``60 Minutes'' just discovered the U.S. is financing more than 
weapons in Ukraine. The government is buying seeds and fertilizer for 
farmers, paying the salaries of 57,000 first responders, and 
subsidizing small business.
  Again, like my colleague said, we are $33 trillion in debt. It is no 
wonder we are $33 trillion in debt. This is getting out of hand, and we 
need to stop it.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Chair, in closing, our national interests are best 
rooted in solving our national debt crisis, which has been determined 
by many national security leaders as being our number one security 
threat. I urge Congress to adopt this amendment.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will 
be postponed.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas 
(Ms. Granger), I move to strike the last word.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  First, I want to address some confusion surrounding this funding. 
This is not the same funding that is included in the supplementals for 
Ukraine. This funding is not sent directly to Ukraine. Rather, it pays 
for training and procurement of U.S. equipment.
  Congress has funded this initiative in every single year since it was 
authorized in 2016 during both Democrat and Republican administrations. 
In July, the House voted to authorize this funding at the same level. 
After the invasion of Crimea by Russia, we decided to fund this 
training for the Ukrainian military.
  Not only would this amendment strike the funding, it would also 
strike the important conditions on funding. We have sent a very clear 
message to the Department, no blank checks. That is why this bill 
contains many new oversight provisions, including notification 
requirements before funds are spent, a GAO report review of the Defense 
Department's execution of Presidential drawdown authority, a reporting 
requirement on increasing burden sharing for Ukraine, and a requirement 
that the inspector general review the Department's end-use monitoring 
program. This bill also includes funding for a special inspector 
general for Ukraine, if authorized by the final NDAA.
  The funding included in this bill is not supplemental funding. It is 
not a blank check. It has broad support. I urge a ``no'' vote, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.


               Amendment No. 150 Offered by Mr. Griffith

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 150 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 132, beginning line 18, strike ``in China on research 
     supported by the government of China''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Virginia (Mr. Griffith) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Chairman, Section 8131 of this bill states: None of 
the funds made available by this Act may be used to fund any work to be 
performed by EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. in China on research supported by 
the Government of China unless the Secretary of Defense determines that 
a waiver is in the best interests of the country.
  My amendment simply strikes out ``in China on research supported by 
the Government of China.''
  EcoHealth Alliance was the agency or the private company that got a 
grant from the NIH to do research on coronavirus, and they are the ones 
that gave the money as a subcontractor to the Wuhan Institute of 
Virology. This was not research being done on behalf of China. It was 
being done on behalf of us.
  The problem is, EcoHealth Alliance didn't fulfill their contract. 
They were supposed to get regular reports from Wuhan. They did not 
follow up on that. As a result, we are missing nearly a year of data 
prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 that the American taxpayers paid to 
have. Instead of just saying EcoHealth can't do things in China that 
are supported by the Chinese Government, my amendment makes it clear, 
we are not going to fund EcoHealth Alliance at this point in time.
  To make matters worse--you think, how can it be worse?--as a part of 
our oversight, the Energy and Commerce Committee in February asked 41 
questions trying to get information from EcoHealth Alliance. As of this 
date, we have answers to only seven of those

[[Page H4600]]

questions, and they are the most general answers, like when did you get 
your contract with the NIH. It is not the tough information that we 
need to do proper oversight to make sure that we never have a situation 
again where a virus occurs where we are doing research, and we can't 
answer the questions of the American taxpayers as to whether or not it 
came out of a lab that we were funding and that we weren't getting the 
reports from. That is all it does.
  It says, no, EcoHealth for right now, at least during this fiscal 
year, isn't going to receive money through the DOD.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment to 
have a discussion with the gentleman.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, we have had this provision in the bill for 
the last 2 years to prohibit funding for the work performed by 
EcoHealth Alliance for research within China. As the gentleman is very 
aware of, because he is very knowledgeable of this, it is a global 
nonprofit organization that works to protect wildlife and public health 
from the emergence of disease.
  This is enacted in law, and we have worked in a bipartisan manner on 
the committee on this.
  The gentleman's amendment, if I understand it correctly, now seeks to 
establish a full prohibition on funding to EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., in 
this bill.
  I thank the gentleman for the fact that his amendment preserves the 
waiver option for the Secretary of Defense to make a determination that 
working with EcoHealth Alliance remains a national security interest. 
As we move forward, I would like to better understand any ramifications 
as we move to this broader exemption that the gentleman wants to do as 
we go to committee to make sure that it lives up to what I heard him 
say on the floor, to my understanding, with the waiver.
  I work a lot on the ICC, the International Conservation Caucus, so I 
want to make sure that the wildlife work that we are doing is protected 
as well as the research.
  I thank the gentleman for bringing this forward, but I have a few 
more questions, and we will work on it during conference.
  Mr. Chair, I would also just reflect on something that the gentleman 
from Arizona (Mr. Crane) said in our last debate, where he implied 
fertilizer and other materials were being supported by the United 
States Government. That is correct, but that is in the State Department 
bill. What I said about what we were supporting and not doing in this 
bill, I was factual with, and I just wanted the gentleman from Arizona 
to understand that what he was talking about, I wasn't confused, it is 
in the State and Foreign Operations bill.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Chairman, here is the bottom line: We have 
EcoHealth that breaches their contract. While they may be working on 
some wildlife things--and having once been a pole holder on a mission 
with a team of British scientists to study bats in northern Burma, I am 
all for studying wildlife, but we have to make sure that those people 
who get American taxpayer dollars are living up to their contract, 
living up to their obligations to give us the information so that if 
something happens, we can make appropriate decisions.
  Whether you believe it was a lab leak or whether you believe it came 
out of bats, we needed the information that we paid for, to try to make 
a better decision. They haven't followed through. As of this date, they 
haven't given us the information that we need for oversight. Hopefully, 
it will come forward, but until we establish that EcoHealth Alliance 
understands that if they are going to use taxpayer dollars to do 
research, we need to get the information we contracted to get, I think 
that we should not be granting them awards.
  I did leave the waiver in, that was very important to me because if 
it is in the national security interest, I wanted to make sure we 
weren't taking that power away from the Secretary, but I don't think at 
this moment in history, we should be funding EcoHealth Alliance with 
any taxpayer dollars.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith).
  The amendment was agreed to.


               Amendment No. 151 Offered by Ms. Plaskett

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 151 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Strike section 8149.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentlewoman 
from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Chair, this amendment would strike Section 8149 
from the bill, removing language banning the Department of Defense from 
classifying or facilitating the classification of any communications by 
a United States person as misinformation, disinformation, or 
malinformation, and banning the Department of Defense from partnering 
with nonpartisan, nonprofit, outside experts to identify these threats.
  As we know, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation are 
three of the most important and far-reaching weapons of America's 
adversaries in Beijing, Tehran, and particularly the Kremlin.
  According to the State Department, Russia has operationalized the 
concept of perpetual adversarial competition in the information 
environment by encouraging the development of a disinformation and 
propaganda ecosystem. This ecosystem then creates and spreads false 
narratives to strategically advance the Kremlin's policy goals. There 
is no subject off limits to this firehose of falsehoods. Everything 
from human rights and environmental policy to assassinations and 
civilian-killing bombing campaigns are fair targets in Russia's malign 
playbook.
  Only truth disarms these disinformation weapons, and the House of 
Representatives must support our government to ensure that foreign 
adversaries do not use the American people to disseminate lies with the 
goal of destroying our democracy without identifying them as 
misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation.
  Here are some truths: The Federal Government of the United States of 
America and the Department of Defense that we are working here to fund 
today are unequivocally responsible for the protection of American 
citizens from all enemies, all threats foreign or domestic. All threats 
mean all threats, whether the threat is kinetic, economic, infectious, 
in cyberspace or on Main Street. It is our job to provide the defense 
of the Nation and its people.
  We must continue to come together to seek and promote the truth, and 
I urge my colleagues to approve this amendment.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment. Under the guise of fighting misinformation, our government 
agencies have become increasingly weaponized against America's right to 
free speech.
  In the last month, a panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 
the Biden administration and the FBI likely violated the First 
Amendment by pressuring social media firms to suppress or remove posts.
  The bill addresses the case of over 50 former intelligence officials 
misusing their clearances and status to interfere in our Presidential 
election by signing the bogus Hunter Biden letter.
  The gentlewoman's amendment would facilitate this continued war on 
the First Amendment. I strongly urge a ``no'' vote and yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Chair, we all believe in the importance of the 
First

[[Page H4601]]

Amendment. We all believe in the American people's ability and their 
right to be able to speak out. What we also need to be aware of is the 
use of misinformation, disinformation by our foreign adversaries, and 
for the ability of our government to label that as such. It is not to 
stop people from saying it. It is the ability for us to tell what are 
lies and what is truth.
  I am the ranking member on the Select Subcommittee on the 
Weaponization of the Federal Government, and what the American people 
have seen thus far from that committee is the weaponization of Congress 
to be able to put forward conspiracy theories and lies to support power 
and quest for conquest over the American people.
  Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the amendment by 
the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett). We know that 
these countries are seeking to influence our way of life, to find ways 
to divide us and ultimately make us weaker. We know that China and 
Russia are very active in this. They are even working to seek to 
influence our elections and disrupt our democracy.
  This amendment is necessary to ensure that we have the tools 
necessary to fight against these nefarious actions. I support this 
amendment, and I hope my colleagues will do the same.
  Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Chair, I have nothing further, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from the Virgin 
Islands will be postponed.


               Amendment No. 152 Offered by Mrs. Boebert

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 152 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  The salary of Shawn Skelly, Assistant Secretary 
     of Defense for Readiness, shall be reduced to $1.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentlewoman 
from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Colorado.
  Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer my amendment that 
utilizes the Holman rule to reduce the salary of Shawn Skelly, 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness. That salary shall be 
reduced to $1.
  As the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Mr. Skelly is the principal 
adviser to the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense 
for Personnel and Readiness on all matters related to the readiness of 
our Armed Forces.
  In that capacity, he is supposed to develop policies and plans, 
provide advice, and make recommendations for total force readiness 
programs, reporting, and assessments of readiness to execute the 
national defense strategy.
  Like many of Biden's bureaucrats, Mr. Skelly is failing at his job 
and the basic responsibilities. On his watch, the Army missed their 
recruiting goal by 15,000 soldiers last year, and all other branches 
were forced to dig deep into their pools of delayed entry applicants to 
meet their recruitment goals.
  On top of that, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard are all 
expected to fall short of their recruitment goals this year.
  Mr. Skelly has also been with the Biden administration since the 
beginning and was appointed to the transition team--some irony there--
in November of 2020.
  As the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Mr. Skelly 
played an instrumental role in the disastrous and shameful withdrawal 
from Afghanistan that killed 13 of America's finest, 13 American heroes 
in that embarrassing surrender to the Taliban.
  As DOD's highest ranking trans official, this delusional man, 
thinking he is a woman, embodies and espouses the wokeism that is 
causing significant harm to our military readiness and troop morale.
  The military shouldn't be focused on this woke agenda and combating 
climate change. With Mr. Skelly at the helm of readiness, these 
misguided policy pursuits will continue to be at the forefront of DOD's 
priorities.
  I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to restore the focus of 
our Department of Defense to defend our Nation. Mr. Chair, I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in the strongest opposition to this 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, people deserve to be treated with dignity 
and respect when being addressed.
  Assistant Secretary Skelly has served in her role admirably, as she 
has done as her time as a naval officer. Assistant Secretary Skelly has 
been a naval fighter for over 20 years. I am a little upset because the 
lack of respect that has been shown to Secretary Skelly by the last 
speaker is surprising for me on this House floor, which we hold in such 
high esteem.
  She has been a naval flight officer for 20 years, including time 
spent in the Pacific. While we are all aware of how important this 
region is right now, there is absolutely no basis for this amendment. 
The colleague who offers this amendment provides no real substantive 
reason why Assistant Secretary Skelly should have her salary reduced.
  There is only one reason why Assistant Secretary Skelly is being 
targeted, because she is simply a woman. I have fought long and hard 
with many women before me and with our allies for pay equity. We still 
have a long way to go, but I am never going to vote to reduce a woman's 
salary. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I reserve the balance 
of my time.
  Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I guess delusion runs deep in the Democratic 
Party. I would go on the record to say that science is a friend in this 
case and, sure, if you want to call Mr. Skelly a ``her,'' his 
chromosomes are still X-Y, and we trust the science over here rather 
than delusion and playing dress-up and imaginary games with our 
military readiness.
  Our military needs to be lethal and able to defend our national 
security, not pander to the woke extremist left and make up fairy 
tales.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, when it comes to service to our country, 
there are a couple of things we ask from people: To take a loyalty 
oath, and they do that; to pass basic training and to be up and fit for 
the job that they are called upon to do, and they do that. Secretary 
Skelly qualifies in all those areas.
  As far as the conversation that my colleague is having, I am not 
going to engage in hateful rhetoric, Mr. Chair. Instead, I will focus 
on the admirable service that our transgender, gay, bisexual members do 
in an all-volunteer Army. They volunteer to put their lives on the 
line. They deserve the dignity and respect this House can give them.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I just want the Record to reflect that there 
is nothing hateful about truth. Again, I urge my colleagues to support 
my amendment to restore the focus of our Department of Defense to 
defend our Nation. I look forward to this Holman rule being utilized to 
reduce the salary of Secretary Shawn Skelly, the Assistant Secretary of 
Defense for Readiness, to $1.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I am just baffled here that we can pick and 
choose what is science and what is not science, what is human rights 
and dignity and respect and what is not human rights and dignity and 
respect. I look forward to having a discussion on climate change based 
on science

[[Page H4602]]

with the gentlewoman from Colorado at some point in time.
  Mr. Chair, I thank all our servicemen and -women for their service, 
and their families, who serve alongside them. I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado 
will be postponed.

                              {time}  1100


               Amendment No. 153 Offered by Mrs. Boebert

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 153 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  The salary of Norvel Dillard, Director of 
     Diversity and Inclusion Management at the Office for 
     Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of the Department of 
     Defense, shall be reduced to $1.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentlewoman 
from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Colorado.
  Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in favor of my amendment, which will 
reduce the salary of Norvel Dillard, director of Diversity and 
Inclusion Management at the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 
of the Department of Defense, to $1.
  Norvel ``Rock'' Dillard is a part of Joe Biden and Lloyd Austin's 
attempt to woken and weaken our military. He works in an office that 
should not exist doing a job that also should not exist.
  Our military is not a social experiment, and we definitely should not 
be treating it like one or spending taxpayer dollars to do so.
  Woke ideology undermines military readiness. It undermines 
cohesiveness by emphasizing differences based on race, ethnicity, and 
sex.
  It undermines leadership authority by introducing questions about 
whether promotion is based on merit or quota requirements. It leads to 
military personnel serving in specialty areas for which they are not 
qualified or ready. It takes time and resources away from training 
activities and weapons development to contribute to readiness.
  Unelected bureaucrats at the DOD need to be held responsible for 
their failed leadership, which has distracted from DOD's mission and 
jeopardized the United States military's ability to defend our country.
  From the botched Afghanistan withdrawal that left 13 American 
soldiers dead to the implementation of a woke agenda that has weakened 
our military and caused recruitment to suffer, bureaucrats like Norvel 
Dillard have continued to put a leftist agenda ahead of our national 
security.
  The Federal Government's obsession with diversity, equity, and 
inclusion needs to come to an end, especially at DOD, where our brave 
servicemembers volunteer to put themselves in harm's way to fight for 
freedom. They don't care about the skin color of their brothers and 
sisters in uniform. They care about completing the mission and going 
home to their families. Our Defense Department should have the same 
mindset.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to restore 
the focus of our Department of Defense to defend our Nation.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, Dr. Dillard has dedicated his life to 
service to the United States. Commissioned in the United States Army in 
1981, he served for 26 years and retired as a colonel after numerous 
command and staff positions. I thank him for his service.
  In his current position as director of diversity and inclusion, he 
provides oversight and guidance to individuals working across the 
Department of Defense on these issues, and he has the experience to 
know where improvements can be made.
  The goals of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion promote 
the Department of Defense culture of dignity and respect that values 
diversity and inclusion and readiness imperatives.
  As the Department executes the Secretary of Defense's direction to 
``take care of our people,'' it is about supporting both the 
servicemember and their family, regardless of who they are. It is about 
having their backs while they put their lives on the line in the 
defense of this country.
  The chairman and others in this room are fond of Ronald Reagan, so I 
offer a quote: ``Government's first duty is to protect the people, not 
to run their lives.''
  Rather than trying to run the lives of each servicemember into the 
ground, let us concentrate on what should be the focus of this bill--
ensuring that our military servicemembers have the tools they need to 
defend our Nation and to come home safely.
  Need I remind everyone in the room that we are in the middle of a 
recruitment crisis? The chair and I have heard why we are in the middle 
of a recruitment crisis. Many companies and private businesses are in 
the middle of a recruitment crisis. What are they doing? They are 
opening up positions for diversity and inclusion to make sure people 
know that they are welcome in their companies.
  We want to make sure that people are welcomed in the Department of 
Defense. We must find ways to attract young people to choose to serve 
this country, to know that their service will be honored.
  If they feel that serving in different branches of the Department 
will open them up to ridicule, disrespect, or worse, why would they 
volunteer to serve and put their lives on the line?
  Mr. Dillard is trying to ensure that all feel welcome. He should not 
be vilified for that. He should be applauded.
  Let's stop the attacks on building a diverse force that represents 
all of America.
  Mr. Chair, I remember as a young high school student--I am not afraid 
to admit my age with my gray hair--in 1972, all the discussions about 
women in the military academy. That was a radical idea. You know what 
the military had to do. They had to go out and recruit, and they had to 
show that they wanted the diversity. They wanted the respect.
  I am proud I do that with my military academies, where I have Hmong, 
African Americans, and people from different sexual orientations apply 
to serve our country. They put their lives on the line. It is duty 
first for them.
  Let's stop the attacks on building a diverse force.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment, and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle 
agree that there is a recruitment crisis. Why is that? I think it is 
because our brave men and women who put their lives on the line to 
serve our Nation dutifully, with honor, don't see a true Commander in 
Chief in office. They don't see true leadership that they can be proud 
to serve alongside, to serve under.

  I don't believe that our brave men and women see that they will be 
taken care of when they put their lives in harm's way to defend our 
Nation, to defend our allies throughout the world.
  Let me ask my colleagues a broad question: This Office of Diversity, 
Equity, and Inclusion, did that save our 13 servicemembers in 
Afghanistan, or did it distract from the actual mission?
  I heard from my colleagues, Mr. Chair, on the other side of the aisle 
that this was a way to ridicule and disrespect. I think it is 
ridiculing to promote someone who does not have the qualifications 
needed for a position just because of how they identify, their race.
  This is what is ridiculing. This is what is disrespectful.

[[Page H4603]]

  This woke agenda, this DEI, this movement that the left has created, 
I see it as a way to erase women. I heard my colleague on the other 
side of the aisle talk about, in the 1970s, there was a recruitment 
effort to bring more women to our military, and if that were the case 
today, if that were the mission today, to offer a more diverse military 
and recruit more women, well, my colleagues on the other side of the 
aisle would simply put men in a dress and put them in heels. Heck, I 
got some red lipstick you could borrow.
  That is not the answer. The answer is readiness. The answer is that 
we are all equal under the law, and you do not promote someone simply 
because of these qualifications.
  Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of my amendment, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to the time remaining.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota has 1\1/2\ minutes 
remaining.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, some of the remarks that my colleague made, 
I am not even going to bother to respond to because I don't think they 
are appropriate for this august Chamber which we are in.
  The military only takes people who are qualified to serve. Then after 
they have done their service for our country, they should still be 
respected. This is a very sad conversation that we are having, and I go 
back to the fact about diversity.
  I will use the example of the Hmong in my community who fought along 
with our soldiers in Vietnam and protected and rescued many of our 
pilots. They came here, and they didn't have a written language. They 
came here, and they didn't know about military academies. They wanted 
to honor and serve our country, but they weren't quite sure how to go 
about it.
  What did we do? We created opportunities for diversity and inclusion, 
and it is amazing when you put a hand out to somebody and say: We want 
you to be part of this great Nation. You are willing to put your life 
on the line, and we thank you for that.
  The chair and I know why we have a recruitment problem. I understand 
why we have a recruitment problem. I serve on the committee, and I am 
doing everything I can to address it, and part of that is this office.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado 
will be postponed.


                 Amendment No. 154 Offered by Mr. Clyde

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 154 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. ___.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used to administer, implement, or enforce--
       (1) the proposed action outlined in the Notice published by 
     the Department of Army to the Federal Register on August 4, 
     2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 51786); or
       (2) recommendations of the Naming Commission regarding any 
     monument in Arlington National Cemetery.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Georgia (Mr. Clyde) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.
  Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, my amendment to the FY24 Defense appropriations 
bill would simply prohibit the Department of Defense from using funds 
to administer, implement, or enforce the proposed action by the 
Department of the Army regarding the removal of the Reconciliation 
Monument at Arlington National Cemetery.
  Following 4 brutal years of the American Civil War, our Nation's 
great leaders, President Abraham Lincoln and future President Union 
General Ulysses S. Grant, took great measures to ensure that our Nation 
reconciled and unified after the conflict that turned fellow countryman 
against fellow countryman. These unifying actions included pardons for 
Confederate leaders that waged war as well as the restoration of 
confiscated property.
  What these great American leaders understood is that a nation divided 
against itself cannot stand.
  Then, in 1898, following the Spanish-American War, where Union and 
Confederate veterans fought side by side under one flag, the American 
flag, President McKinley declared in the heart of the South, in 
Atlanta, Georgia, the capital of my home State, that the U.S. 
Government would commit to sharing the burden of honoring and properly 
burying the Confederate dead, stating: ``Sectional feeling no longer 
holds back the love we feel for each other. The old flag waves over us 
in peace with new glories.''
  In 1900, Congress authorized Confederate remains to be buried at 
Arlington National Cemetery. In 1906, President McKinley allowed for 
the construction of a new monument honoring our country's new shared 
reconciliation from its troubled divisions.
  In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat, unveiled this new 
memorial to national unity, which was designed by a Jewish-American 
sculptor. The memorial is topped with a woman crowned by an olive 
wreath to symbolize peace.
  Beginning with the unveiling of the statue and now every year since, 
it is the tradition of the President of the United States to send a 
wreath to the memorial, honoring the dead buried in a circle around the 
monument. This tradition, which shows tremendous national unity, has 
been carried on regardless of party or politics of the sitting 
President.
  In fact, even President Obama understood the Reconciliation Monument 
in the context for which it stood, which was unity, not division, when 
he continued the Presidential tradition of sending a wreath to the 
monument.
  Despite the bipartisan support for this monument, the renaming 
commission established by the fiscal year 2021 National Defense 
Authorization Act overstepped its legislative authority and recommended 
that the Department of the Army remove the memorial from Arlington 
National Cemetery. The renaming commission's authority given to them by 
Congress empowers them to recommend the removal of ``names, symbols, 
displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the 
Confederate States of America.''
  Yet, as described previously, the Reconciliation Monument does not 
honor nor commemorate the Confederacy. It commemorates reconciliation 
and national unity.
  Furthermore, the renaming commission's authority explicitly prohibits 
the desecration of gravesites. There are hundreds of gravestones 
encircling the monument, and I do not know how in the world these 
graves will remain untouched if the Department of the Army proceeds 
with its proposal to remove the monument.
  Former Virginia Democrat Senator Jim Webb, a decorated Marine Corps 
officer who served multiple combat tours in Vietnam and later became 
the Secretary of the Navy, recently published an op-ed in The Wall 
Street Journal concerning the Reconciliation Monument at Arlington 
Cemetery.
  Senator Webb describes his own journey of reconciliation following 
his combat tours in Vietnam. He explains how he hosted a delegation of 
Vietnamese officials in Washington to encourage them to be peaceful 
toward former South Vietnamese veterans, who were labeled as traitors 
after the war and had been treated as such.
  Senator Webb described how to make his point to the delegation. He 
brought them to the Reconciliation Monument in Arlington and pointed 
across the Potomac toward the Lincoln Memorial to show that old wounds 
can be healed. Senator Webb concludes with this: If the monument is 
taken apart and removed, ``it would send a different message, one of a 
deteriorating society willing to erase the generosity of its past, in 
favor of bitterness and misunderstanding.''
  Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to take a 
stand

[[Page H4604]]

against such a divisive and history-erasing action and support my 
amendment to defund the effort to remove the Reconciliation Monument 
from the Arlington National Cemetery.
  My amendment prevents this tyrannical encroachment by legislative 
authority, ignorance of congressional intent, and disregard of national 
unity.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, in 2021, Congress passed the NDAA, creating 
a naming commission with the intent of renaming military installations 
and relocating memorials that celebrate the Confederate attempt to rip 
apart the United States for the sake of maintaining slavery.
  The NDAA was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. In fact, 
the NDAA had so much bipartisan support that it defeated President 
Trump's veto by a vote of 322-87.
  The few remaining Confederate monuments at minor installations that 
have already not been renamed or removed will happen soon.
  As required by Congress and implemented by the Secretary of Defense, 
Arlington National Cemetery is required to remove a Confederate 
memorial and has initiated the process for careful removal and 
relocation of the memorial located in section 16 of the cemetery.

  Therefore, this amendment not only attempts to defy the overwhelming 
bipartisan support and will of Congress, but it is likely too late to 
even make a difference. Congress decided in a unified fashion that it 
was time to move on from the regretful error of the Civil War and human 
rights atrocities. This amendment will do nothing to stop that.
  Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this 
amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, it would be an absolute disgrace if this 
Reconciliation Monument to our Nation's national unity is removed from 
Arlington National Cemetery and the graves that encircle it are 
desecrated.
  Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support my amendment, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia will 
be postponed.


                 Amendment No. 155 Offered by Mr. Clyde

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 155 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be 
     used to implement or enforce section 370 of Public Law 116-
     283 (10 U.S.C. 113 note).

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Georgia (Mr. Clyde) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.
  Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, my amendment prevents any funds in this year's 
Defense appropriations bill from being spent on section 370 of the 
fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, providing a 
commonsense solution to block unnecessary and frivolous efforts to 
rename military bases across the country.
  As a Navy combat veteran, an area of great concern for me is the 
inessential renaming of military bases and facilities as this issue is 
not a matter of national security nor an improvement of our military's 
combat readiness.
  The Department of Defense's focus should remain on bolstering our 
defense capabilities and ensuring that we maintain the most lethal 
fighting force in the world. Instead, the Department of Defense is 
continuing to pursue plans to rename military bases, two of which, Fort 
Benning and Fort Gordon, are in my home State of Georgia.
  The Department of Defense's renaming efforts are expected to cost 
taxpayers over $62 million and would have a detrimental economic impact 
in the surrounding communities.
  Take Fort Gordon, for example, where local small business owners who 
take great pride in our Nation's military have named their 
establishments or attractions after the local Army base. If the name of 
the base is changed, then local entrepreneurs will be forced to rename 
and rebrand businesses, replacing merchandise and creating completely 
new marketing strategies, which is not cheap. In fact, in many cases, 
you may see that rebranding of businesses actually will cause the 
businesses to fail.
  In rural communities like those in Georgia, this economic burden 
would be catastrophic, and I know communities across the country will 
be confronted with the same issues if we allow the Department of 
Defense to continue this reckless plan.
  I was disappointed that earlier this year, when I offered a similar 
amendment to the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, 
these amendments were not even considered or debated on the House 
floor. However, we have a second opportunity right now as we look to 
fund the Department of Defense.
  We must carefully examine how taxpayer dollars are being used to fund 
the Department of Defense and its policies, and I adamantly believe 
that Americans' hard-earned tax dollars should not be wasted on 
renaming military bases but should be focused on making our military 
the most lethal in the world.
  Due to President Biden's failed leadership and Big Government 
socialist agenda, our Nation is facing an ongoing economic crisis. 
Excessive Washington spending has not only ballooned our national debt, 
which just surpassed $33 trillion last week, but has also inflated the 
prices of basic goods and services for our constituents, while running 
an annual deficit of almost $2 trillion.
  It is simply unacceptable to spend millions of dollars of borrowed 
money to rename military bases and facilities only to undoubtedly 
burden hardworking Americans and small business owners already 
struggling in Joe Biden's disastrous economy.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support 
my commonsense amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, 2 years ago, we passed the NDAA, which 
established a bipartisan commission, including both civilians and 
military, to rename installations that were associated with the 
Confederate States of America. This amendment attempts to stop the 
implementation of the commission's recommendations.
  I am pleased to see that the administration has already started the 
renaming process, officially renaming seven installations with two more 
to go by the end of October. I will provide some context for these 
renamings.
  Fort Benning in Georgia was named after a Confederate general who 
strongly supported slavery and was a leader in the secession movement. 
Now that fort has been renamed Fort Moore after Army Lieutenant General 
Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Compton Moore.
  General Moore commanded the first large-scale battle of the Vietnam 
war, and Julia Compton Moore was instrumental in setting up survivor 
support networks and casualty notification teams.
  Then there is Fort Bragg in North Carolina. That was named after a 
former slave owner and one of the most hated generals in history. In 
fact, he was hated by his own Army, and some of the Confederate 
soldiers tried to end his life. He is also known to be a military 
failure. That base has now been renamed Fort Liberty.
  Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia, which was named after a failed 
Confederate general, will be renamed Fort Walker after

[[Page H4605]]

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the first woman surgeon in the Civil War and 
the only woman awarded the Medal of Honor.
  Renaming these installations helps us remember that they deserve to 
be remembered in a way that celebrates the true patriots of this Nation 
who supported this country and who have contributed to its advancement. 
Why would we continue to honor and celebrate traitors to this very 
Nation? They were also involved in horrific crimes.
  In my home State of Minnesota, we have been renaming several 
buildings and schools and other areas that were named at one time 
honoring who we thought were a great territorial Governor and State 
officials, but as history was finally taught in its entirety, we found 
out they committed atrocities. They were part of the genocide against 
Tribal nations.
  My State, my community, decided they should not be honored, and I 
believe that is also true in the case of these military installations. 
Congress and the administration set up an appropriate and fair process 
to review and rename them.

  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment, and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, renaming does nothing to make our military more 
combat-ready. In fact, it is a waste of taxpayer funds. Our military 
defense funding should be used to make our troops the most lethal in 
the entire world, the most feared in the entire world. It should be 
spent on training, not renaming, which does absolutely nothing but 
divert resources from the critical mission of our military.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, when we name something, whether it is a post 
office, whether it is a road named by a local government, we do so to 
honor something that is significant. We do that to show we are proud of 
this person. We are proud of their actions. What we are doing with the 
renaming in these commissions is saying: Let's reflect back. Why was 
this named this way? Are we proud of people who led the secession 
against this country? Should we look toward the new patriots, the 
people who have served in the past and the people who are currently 
serving to give them the honor, the privilege, of showing forward their 
courage and actions as we strive to be a more perfect Union?
  Mr. Chair, I continue to oppose this amendment. I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia will 
be postponed.


               Amendment No. 156 Offered by Mr. Connolly

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 156 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act may be used in violation of section 
     129a of title 10, United States Code.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Virginia (Mr. Connolly) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment regarding 
the Department of Defense workforce, which is particularly important as 
we face a shutdown.
  However, first, I need to address two of the biggest workforce 
challenges facing the military, both wholly manufactured by my friends 
on the other side of the aisle.
  First and foremost, to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, 
do not shut down the Federal Government. Step up to the plate and 
govern on a bipartisan basis. I know it is hard, but the country needs 
you to set aside impeachment inquiries, ideological crusades, and 
infighting to do your job.
  Second, Senator Tommy Tuberville's holds on more than 300 military 
promotions are a direct threat to our national security and undermine 
the leadership of our military.
  For the first time in the history of the Department of Defense, three 
of the five military services were operating without Senate-confirmed 
leaders. General and flag officers are being required to perform double 
duty in acting roles. Military families are having their lives put on 
hold.
  How are we going to retain talented officers if their careers face a 
graveyard in the U.S. Senate, buried under the desk of one Senator who 
cannot name the three branches of government?
  Senator Tuberville's holds, which would require more than 700 hours 
of floor time in the Senate to overcome individually, are an outrageous 
assault on our Nation's military at the altar of a far-right culture 
war.

                              {time}  1130

  I call on my colleagues to join me in condemning this reckless 
behavior. But I digress.
  My amendment would prevent Congressional Republicans from further 
compounding their attacks on the Department's workforce. The amendment 
would prevent any cuts to the Department of Defense civilian workforce 
that undermine our military and national security.
  Please follow along closely.
  Defense appropriations bills routinely include language that says: 
None of the funds appropriated by this act may be used to reduce the 
civilian workforce programmed full-time equivalent levels absent the 
appropriate analysis of the impacts of those reductions.
  This language has received broad bipartisan support. It was included 
in the 2023 omnibus. It is in the current FY24 Department of Defense 
Appropriations bill in the Senate, and it was adopted as part of other 
past fiscal year Department of Defense appropriations bills in this 
body and in the other.
  This language is derived from section 129(a) of Title 10, General 
Policy For Total Force Management, which states, ``The Secretary may 
not reduce the civilian workforce programmed full-time equivalent 
levels unless the Secretary conducts an appropriate analysis of the 
impacts of such reductions on workload, military force structure, 
lethality, readiness, operational effectiveness, stress on the military 
force, and fully burdened costs.''
  My amendment would restore that important language and legacy by 
prohibiting dangerous civilian workforce cuts that do not prioritize 
those enumerated priorities. It is helpful to understand the broader 
context to appreciate why this is essential.
  The underlying bill cuts the civilian workforce by $1.1 billion. The 
Committee Report for the bill refers vaguely to robotic process 
automation and artificial intelligence as ways to reduce the civilian 
workforce. That is a low bar for due diligence.
  Forgive me, but I prefer the previous standard Congress reiterated 
and endorsed, which was to remind the Department that any such 
reduction in the civilian workforce must first prioritize the 
lethality, readiness, and operational effectiveness of the military.
  My amendment would restore that consideration and that language.
  Mr. Chair, I include in the Record a letter from the American 
Federation of Government Employees in support of my amendment.


         American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO,

                               Washington, DC, September 21, 2023.
       Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the American 
     Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE), which 
     represents over 750,000 federal and District of Columbia 
     employees, including 250,000 Defense Department civilian 
     employees, I write to provide AFGE's views on several 
     amendments that were made in order by the House Rules 
     Committee with respect to H.R. 4365, the Department of 
     Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, that the House is expected 
     to consider today.
       Specifically, AFGE strongly urges you to oppose amendment 
     168 that will be offered by

[[Page H4606]]

     Rep. Hageman (R-AZ), amendment 167 that will be offered by 
     Rep. Greene (R-GA), amendments 155 and 156 that will be 
     offered by Rep. Boebert (R-CO), amendment 161: that will be 
     offered by Rep. Fallon (R-TX), amendment 178 that will be 
     offered by Rep. Roy (R-TX), amendment 172 that will be 
     offered by Rep. Norman (R-SC), and amendments 176 and 184 
     that will be offered by Rep. Rosendale (R-MT) during floor 
     consideration of H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense 
     Appropriations Act, 2024.
       Hageman amendment 168 would arbitrarily and without 
     justification prohibit regular telework and remote work for 
     Defense Department civilian employees and contractors. 
     Longstanding policy has, with considerable success, directed 
     DoD agency managers and personnel to collaboratively develop 
     and implement telework policies that address the specific 
     needs of agencies and further their missions. Importantly, 
     the workplace flexibility that telework enables has improved 
     DoD's capacity to maintain continuous operations in the event 
     of a natural or national security crisis. It has also helped 
     DoD agencies recruit and retain talent, be more productive, 
     and reduce traffic congestion and emissions. Not 
     insignificantly, remote work and telework are particularly 
     important for military spouses who are frequently deployed to 
     remote places with few job opportunities but can otherwise 
     contribute to the federal civilian workforce.
       Greene amendment 167, Boebert amendments 155 and 156, 
     Fallon amendment 161, and Roy amendment 178 would invoke the 
     so-called Holman Rule to either reduce to $1.00 the annual 
     salaries of various DoD officials. These cynical amendments, 
     if enacted, would do great damage to the Department's ability 
     to maintain readiness and recruit and retain personnel who 
     reflect the diversity of America.
       Rosendale amendments 176 and 184 would strip the Defense 
     Department of its authority to set policy as it pertains to 
     the prevention of COVID-19. These amendments are singularly 
     irresponsible and reckless. Enactment would risk the health 
     of tens of thousands of DoD military personnel and civilian 
     employees in the event of a future COVID-19 outbreak--all to 
     make a cynical political point. Senior Defense Department 
     officers and medical personnel are in a much better position 
     than Congress to determine appropriate measures to protect 
     the health of military personnel and civilian employees.
       Norman amendment 172 would, if enacted, reverse important 
     strides the Defense Department--one of the least diverse 
     agencies in the federal government--has made in recent years 
     to recruit and retain the best and the brightest personnel 
     from all corners of America.
       AFGE recommends that you support amendment 159 that will be 
     offered by Rep. Connolly (D-VA). This amendment would restore 
     important language included in previous Defense 
     Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from 
     reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate 
     analysis of the effects of these reductions on workload, 
     military force structure, lethality, readiness, operational 
     effectiveness, stress on the military force, and fully 
     burdened costs. By omitting the provision that Rep. 
     Connolly's amendment proposes to restore, H.R. 4365, if 
     enacted, could lead to reckless cuts in the civilian 
     workforce that the armed services depend on to protect and 
     defend our nation.
       Please vote against these amendments should recorded votes 
     be requested. For questions or more information please 
     contact Julie Tippens or Keith Abouchar.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Julie N. Tippens,
                                 Director, Legislative Department.

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I claim time in opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment. The 
amendment is unnecessary.
  Section 129(a) has long been codified in Title 10. However, I am 
compelled to point out that the section in question directs the 
Secretary of Defense to achieve a cost-efficient personnel mix.
  The administration has failed in this regard and continues to grow 
the Department civilian workforce to a fiscally unsustainable level. 
The bill before us directs the Secretary of Defense to address the 
issue by noting the unsustainable cost of civilian personnel within the 
Department over $101 billion in fiscal year 2022 alone.
  Reducing the civilian workforce request by $1.1 billion, which is 
less than 1 percent of the total request, and achievable through 
attrition, to fund a historic 30-percent pay raise for our junior 
enlisted--a 30-percent pay raise which they richly deserve--and 
directing the Secretary to reassess manpower requirements against core 
missions and adopt technology to create a cost-efficient workforce, is 
essentially directing the Secretary to abide by section 129(a).
  Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is 
remaining.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Virginia has 1 minute remaining.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I support this amendment. This amendment 
advocates for civilian personnel in the Department.
  As I pointed out earlier in my opening remarks, we tried this once 
before and we did not see substantial savings. People who work in the 
civilian part of our Department of Defense do an admirable job. They 
work very hard for all of us, and they are loyal to us.
  They are loyal to the Department of Defense. They are not loyal to a 
contractor or at the whim of a contractor if they decide they want to 
change a pay scale or to do something different, or raise the price of 
the contract and hold us hostage.
  When it comes to the Secretary to determine what is necessary for 
staffing, I am going to leave it to the Secretary at this time, and I 
encourage my colleagues to support the amendment of the gentleman from 
Virginia.
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia 
will be postponed.


                 Amendment No. 157 Offered by Mr. Crane

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 157 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the 
     following:
       Sec. _.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used to deploy United States Armed Forces to Ukraine.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Arizona (Mr. Crane) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer my amendment to the 
Department of Defense appropriations bill, which would prohibit 
American troops from being sent to fight on the ground in Ukraine.
  The United States ought to be encouraging peace talks between Russia 
and Ukraine, not giving into calls for deadly escalation that could 
turn nuclear.
  It is well past time for the United States to disentangle itself from 
this misguided war effort and start promoting a peaceful resolution to 
the conflict.
  To date, we have shipped more than 100 billion American tax dollars 
to Ukraine, a country not known for its strict commitment to 
anticorruption measures.
  Sending money is bad enough. Our men and women being sent to die over 
this conflict is unthinkable.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment to 
prevent American lives from being sacrificed.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, let me be crystal clear. The United States 
does not currently plan to deploy forces to Ukraine in the ongoing 
defense against the Russian invasion. The United States does not 
currently plan to deploy forces.
  There is no current or future year funding for the deployment of U.S. 
Armed Forces to Ukraine in this bill or any other bill that I am aware 
of. Therefore, this amendment would not impact any current or planned 
support to Ukraine. However, this amendment

[[Page H4607]]

would impede the ability of the Department to provide security aid to 
American personnel in the region. I am not talking about in Ukraine, 
just in the region, it would impede it.
  For example, this prohibition would block the Department from 
providing security forces to assist congressional or executive 
delegation travel to Ukraine. I don't think that was the gentleman's 
intention, but that is what this amendment does.
  Additionally, it would hinder the Department's ability to provide 
emergency security assistance to American personnel in the U.S. Embassy 
if there was ever a threat or a need for an evacuation.
  This amendment would not change how the U.S. is aiding Ukraine in 
their war against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, it would change the 
way we protect Americans abroad.
  We put our elected and civil service in danger by doing that, so I 
strongly oppose this amendment. I don't think this was the gentleman's 
intention, but I have to oppose this amendment.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Calvert).
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the gentleman's 
amendment. I don't support the deployment of U.S. troops into Ukraine. 
The Ukrainians are doing an able job against Russian aggression.
  They degraded the third-largest standing army in the world and taken 
out 50 percent of the Russian conventional capability. They are doing 
fine on their own. They don't need U.S. troops.
  Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' on the gentleman's amendment.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I understand what the distinguished chair of 
the Defense Subcommittee just said. He doesn't support U.S. troops in 
Ukraine. That would be a vote we would have to take here in Congress, 
but this amendment does so much more than that, and that is why I was 
clear that I don't think it was the gentleman's intention.
  This amendment would impede the ability of the Department to provide 
security and aid to American personnel in the region. It would block 
the Department from providing security forces to even assist 
congressional or executive delegation travel to Ukraine: the military 
escorts that go with us.
  Additionally, it would hinder the Department's ability to provide 
emergency security assistance to American personnel at the U.S. Embassy 
in Ukraine if there was ever a threat or a need for an urgent 
evacuation.
  I understand clearly the gentleman's intentions. This amendment does 
more than that. I would possibly ask the gentleman to consider 
withdrawing the amendment at this time and remove the things that I am 
concerned about in it, and then I would be happy to look at supporting 
not having U.S. forces go to Ukraine without Congress having a 
discussion.
  Mr. Chair, unfortunately, this amendment does so much more than what 
the gentleman's, I believe, true and honest intentions are.
  Mr. Chair, I oppose the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Gaetz).
  Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Chairman, the American people need to observe what is 
happening on this floor. My colleague from Arizona is simply saying 
that in the $886 billion we are sending across the river to the 
Pentagon, we at least don't want that to fund U.S. troops, boots on the 
ground, in Ukraine, and there seems to be no guardrail that some in 
this body would not accept so as to stop our country from inadvertently 
stumbling into world war III.
  Mr. Chair, I have amendments coming to stop security assistance, but 
this is the humblest of amendments seemingly to comport with what this 
body in a bipartisan way has expressed.
  We do not want American servicemembers dying in Ukraine. That risks 
escalation and that risks accident. It always starts with just a few 
security advisers. That is how we got entangled in the Syrian civil 
war. We ought to be disentangling ourselves from Ukraine and embracing 
the good amendment from my colleague from Arizona.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, once again, I want to be crystal clear. 
This amendment does so much more than what the gentleman from Florida 
refers to, and the gentleman from Arizona who offered it.
  When we have Members who are doing oversight, this would prohibit the 
military escorts that go on codels with us or with the executive branch 
from taking us on those missions. I don't think that was the 
gentleman's intention, and that is why I am asking for the amendment to 
be withdrawn and written in a way that truly reflects what both my 
colleagues just spoke to.
  I think you will get a lot more support on that than saying that we 
couldn't even bring troops in if we needed to do something at our 
embassy to evacuate State personnel. The Marines on post wouldn't be 
enough to do it by themselves.
  Mr. Chair, I ask the gentleman to reconsider the way this amendment 
is written so that we can have bipartisan support.
  Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CRANE. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR (Ms. Foxx). The question is on the amendment offered 
by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Crane).
  The amendment was agreed to.


  Vacating Demand for Recorded Vote on Amendment Offered by Ms. Norton

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the 
request for a recorded vote on amendment No. 125 offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) to the end that 
the amendment stands disposed of by the earlier voice vote thereon.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will redesignate the amendment.
  The Clerk redesignated the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the request for a recorded vote 
is withdrawn. Accordingly, the amendment is not adopted.
  There was no objection.


                Amendment No. 158 Offered by Mr. Fallon

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 158 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. FALLON. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  The salary of Kelisa Wing, within the Department 
     of Defense, shall be reduced to $1.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 732, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Fallon) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. FALLON. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to reduce 
the salary of Ms. Kelisa Wing to $1.
  Until recently, Ms. Wing was with the Department of Defense Education 
Activity, better known as DoDEA. She was the chief diversity, equity, 
and inclusion officer. As a self-proclaimed woke administrator, she 
used her authority to promote racist, divisive, and quite frankly, 
hateful ideology.
  In a tweet from September 23, 2020, Ms. Wing said: ``I'm so exhausted 
at these White folx in these PD [professional development] sessions. 
This lady actually had the CAUdacity to say that Black people can be 
racist too . . . I had to stop the session and give Karen the business. 
. . . ''
  If you replace the word ``White'' with any other race or minority 
group, we would have people from both sides of the aisle clamoring for 
her immediate removal.
  Instead, she continued to serve unfettered for an unbelievable 3 
additional years. Moreover, the mission of DoDEA is to provide a high-
quality education to the children of servicemembers. This is a position 
of great trust.
  Ms. Wing broke the trust of the American people, our servicemembers, 
and their children. We should be focused on providing these young minds 
with a world-class education, not indoctrinating them with divisive, 
radical, and again, hateful ideology.
  Madam Chair, let me take a moment right now to speak directly to the 
children of DoDEA, and quite frankly, the children across this country, 
to remind them of a few things.

[[Page H4608]]

  What you are isn't important. Who you are is everything. Pigmentation 
is immaterial. It is what is in your heart and what is on your mind 
that matters.
  Further, to be American, it is not an ethnicity, it is an ideal. You 
want to live your dreams in this country? Work smart, work hard, stay 
focused, persevere, delay gratification, and constantly improve. In 
2023 America, you might just get there, because the secret to your 
future is hidden in your daily routine. It is not, and nor does it have 
anything to do with what you are.
  Thankfully, I believe Ms. Wing saw the writing on the wall and 
recently resigned from her position within DoDEA. It is my earnest hope 
that this amendment sends a message to the American people that racism 
will not be tolerated.
  Madam Chair, I served in the military 30 years ago, and the idea was 
you would advance on merit and merit alone. It was a meritocracy. We 
didn't have any tolerance for any kind of isms. I wish we could get 
back to that and not be promoting Democratic generals or Republican 
generals, but rather American generals.
  In the very building where we work and stand today, the Statue of 
Freedom, right underneath it are three words: E pluribus unum. Out of 
many one.
  That is a focus that DoDEA should be promoting instead of this awful 
and, quite frankly, toxic poison.
  Madam Chair, I withdraw my amendment, and I urge support for the 
underlying bill.
  Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The amendment is withdrawn.


                 Amendment No. 160 Offered by Mr. Gaetz

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 160 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act may be made available to provide 
     security assistance to Ukraine.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 732, the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Gaetz) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, this Congress has authorized $115 billion to 
Ukraine. My amendment would ensure that this Defense appropriations 
bill sends no more.
  Madam Chair, $115 billion is an astonishing amount of money, 
especially when you consider that our Nation sits atop a $33 trillion 
debt and we are facing $2 trillion in annual deficits. It is not as if 
the $115 billion has brought this conflict any closer to an end. In 
fact, the massacres and the killings and the death continue.
  The next statement is so obvious I can't believe I have to say it out 
loud.
  It does not make the United States of America stronger to borrow 
money from China to give it to Ukraine.
  I hear a lot of the war hawks in this Congress stand up and say, 
well, we have to send a message to China by fighting for however long 
it takes at whatever cost in Ukraine. The message we are sending to 
China is that they are engaged in a leverage buyout of Russia and 
increasingly of our own country.
  We have problems here in America with our own borders. Americans are 
watching as foreign flags are being erected in the middle of the Rio 
Grande River while our Nation is being invaded by tens of thousands of 
people every month. Yet, we go spend all this money on the border of 
another country.
  I do not fear broken Russian tanks rolling through Europe. I fear 
Russia's nuclear weapons and the risk that we could be sleepwalking 
into a nuclear conflict that could end life as we know it on the 
planet, all for what? To live out some neoconservative dream in 
Ukraine? Give me a break.
  Right now, a lot of this funding that we have sent for Ukraine has 
been inflationary. Fuel and food, these are the markets that have been 
affected globally because of this crisis and because of the money we 
are spending to extend the conflict.
  At the beginning of this Congress, Speaker McCarthy said there is not 
going to be a blank check to Ukraine, but when we bring witnesses 
before us to ask them whether or not we are complying with our own laws 
regarding end-use monitoring of materiel, they cannot say we are even 
following our own laws.
  Enough is enough. I am putting my countrymen first. I don't think we 
should send another nickel to Ukraine.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, here again is an attempt to cut off any 
support for Ukraine as they fight to defend their country from an 
illegal Russian invasion.
  As I said earlier, once again, Putin is attempting to rewrite the map 
of Europe through the use of force. He is doing so in violation of 
international law. He is deliberately targeting civilians, as I 
mentioned: hospitals, daycare centers, apartment buildings.
  While he is doing that, yes, he is destroying the economy and the 
livelihood of Ukrainians in the process.
  Putin and his thugs are committing war crimes on a mass scale. The 
United States and the other democratic nations of the world must 
continue to oppose him. If we do not, then he or another authoritarian 
leader will try something like this again, yes, either in Ukraine or 
elsewhere in the world.
  Earlier, I laid out that America is not alone in the support of 
Ukraine. Our allies and our partners are donating tanks, air defense 
systems, artillery, vehicles, rockets, and infantry fighting vehicles. 
This list goes on and on.
  Let's not abandon our fellow democracies.
  Let's not abandon the EU and our NATO allies now.
  Let's not abandon Ukraine.
  Faced with daunting odds against Russian forces, they have taken up a 
mantle to defend themselves, defend their values, and our shared 
democratic principles. They deserve our continued support.
  Madam Chair, I understand my colleague has a different view than I 
do, but I thank him for a respectful engagement in this discussion, and 
I urge my colleagues at this time to oppose this amendment.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, indeed, this is a respectful policy dispute 
that we have over this matter, and I am grateful that we are taking up 
the Defense appropriations bill as a single subject bill to work 
through these things, and let the votes fall where they may, but it 
seems the full sum of the argument against my amendment is: Putin bad, 
which I concede.
  As a matter of fact, Vladimir Putin has sanctioned me personally, so 
I don't have to be sold on that argument. He is a bad guy.
  The question is whether after $115 billion, it is the $300 million in 
this bill that is going to really kick the door in. There has been no 
argument that that is the case, because of course that would not 
comport with logic and reason. When my colleagues say we cannot abandon 
the EU, that is like fingernails on a chalkboard to my fellow Americans 
who often feel like they are the ones who have been abandoned as we 
send $115 billion to Ukraine and ignore what is going on on our own 
border.
  Madam Chair, we also ignore what is going on with a lot of our first 
responders.
  In our country, there are police and firemen who do not know if their 
pension fund will be strong enough to support their benefits throughout 
their life. We do very little on that front, but we have underwritten 
the full pension of every civil servant and government employee in 
Ukraine.
  Abandon them? I just don't think we should bankroll them, and that is 
why I would encourage the adoption of my amendment.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page H4609]]

  

  Mr. WOMACK. Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word as the 
designee of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger).
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Arkansas is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. WOMACK. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment which 
prohibits security assistance for Ukraine.
  The bill contains funding and conditions for the Ukraine Security 
Assistance Initiative, which is different from the funding that has 
been included in supplementals for Ukraine. This funding is not sent 
directly to Ukraine; rather, it pays for training and procurement of 
U.S. equipment.
  Congress has funded this initiative every single year since it was 
authorized in 2016 during both Democrat and Republican administrations. 
Just last month, the House voted to authorize this funding at the same 
level.
  Madam Chair, this assistance and the partnership between Ukraine and 
the California National Guard is what enabled the Ukrainians to beat 
back the Russian invasion and greatly diminish Russia's conventional 
military forces.
  I have been very clear to the Department: No blank checks. That was 
why this bill contains many new oversight provisions and funding for a 
special inspector general for Ukraine, if authorized in the final NDAA.
  The gentleman has often noted that funds used in support of Ukraine 
should go to securing our southern border. I argue that we should 
secure the border and partner with Ukraine to degrade Russia while 
never taking our eye off China.
  We do not yet know how the war will play out, but I do know that 
voting for this amendment will send the wrong message at the wrong 
time.
  Madam Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Florida has 1 minute remaining.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, the argument my colleague made is, well, we 
have always sent this $300 million. That may be true, but we used to 
send that $300 million when we weren't sending $100 billion in 
supplementals on top of that, so I don't think that argument really 
holds water.
  When my colleague says: Well, we can do both. We can secure Ukraine's 
border and we can secure our border; my argument would be: Can we at 
least secure our own border first? How about that? How about 
prioritizing our own people first before we start going and engaging in 
misadventures throughout Europe.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1200

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, may I inquire as to how much time I have 
remaining.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota has 3 minutes 
remaining.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas who 
struck the last word and also spoke on behalf of the chair of the full 
Appropriations Committee.
  I had the pleasure of being with Mr. Womack in Poland where we did 
oversight of the very money that we are talking about right now. I have 
been in other theaters where we were supporting other troops, and what 
we saw was the enthusiasm, the commitment, and the dedication from the 
Ukrainians who were under our supervision getting ready to receive 
training, and it was outstanding. It was like nothing else I have ever 
seen before.
  We do need to do our due diligence. That is one of the reasons why I 
opposed an earlier amendment which would have actually restricted the 
military from escorting us on those types of codels into the future.
  In my years in Congress, I have worked on many international foreign 
affairs issues. When I was in Germany just before the Ukrainian 
invasion took place, I have never in my life seen the democracies so 
united to work together because they know of the threat of what is 
happening. They want to make sure--and we want to make sure--that we 
continue to give the Ukrainians the support they deserve.
  I have a friend who is returning home from just visiting, and her 
cousin is going back after taking some R&R after being wounded. The 
stories that she is sharing and the stories that I have heard from 
other people in Ukraine is everybody is participating; 60-year-olds are 
driving the tanks because they can't be out there on the frontlines. 
They are doing that, and they are able to do that because of the 
support and the equipment and the training that we have given them, not 
only to fight against Russia, but to also maintain the equipment they 
have.
  I thank the gentleman for striking the last word and speaking to 
this, and we need to do our due diligence to make sure that the 
oversight is done right.
  I do not support Mr. Gaetz's amendment as offered today, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, the United States of America is not the 
world's piggy bank, and we are not the world's policeman.
  I applaud all of the enthusiasm in Ukraine. I am rooting for them, 
but enthusiasm in this country is waning to continue to support all of 
that effort abroad.
  We want to secure our border. We want to see enthusiasm with our 
Border Patrol. We do not support continued inflationary, escalatory, 
dangerous spending in this war on Ukraine.
  Madam Chair, I appreciate the House's indulgence for considering my 
amendment. I would encourage its adoption, and I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for this respectful 
debate, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gaetz).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida will 
be postponed.


                 Amendment No. 161 Offered by Mr. Gaetz

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 161 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used to transfer cluster munitions.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Gaetz) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, this is an amendment to prohibit the transfer 
of cluster munitions pursuant to this legislation.
  Madam Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Jacobs), 
a member of the Armed Services Committee, someone who has led this 
Congress to try to stop the transfer of cluster munitions.
  Ms. JACOBS. Madam Chair, I thank Congressman Gaetz for his 
partnership on this important issue.
  Many of us have this idea of American exceptionalism--that America is 
set apart from the rest of the world.
  Well, that is certainly true when it comes to cluster munitions and 
not in the way that we want.
  America is an outlier. We are one of the few countries that hasn't 
become party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and that is a 
grave mistake.
  These weapons maim and kill indiscriminately. In 2021, the Landmine 
and Cluster Munitions Monitor found that over 97 percent of casualties 
from cluster bomb remnants were civilians; and two-thirds of those were 
children.
  That is because these bomblets are small, colorful, and interesting 
shapes, so to children they look like toys. So when kids find these 
unexploded bomblets stuck in trees or in the water or simply on the 
ground and try to pick them up and play with them, they can lose a limb 
or their life in the blink of an eye.
  Unfortunately, there is no amount of guardrails or promised 
precautions for cluster munitions that are enough.

[[Page H4610]]

These weapons are unpredictable, and the human cost is far too high to 
justify.
  Now, let's be clear. This isn't about one country. This is not about 
Ukraine. This is about protecting civilian lives and ensuring our 
national security all over the world because sending these weapons 
anywhere makes us complicit in unavoidable civilian harm and creates 
blowback that undermines our national security.
  Our partners and allies look to us and expect us to do the right 
thing to protect the marginalized, defend human rights, and strengthen 
democracy. This reputation is what allows us to build and maintain 
international coalitions that further our goals.
  If other countries don't look up to us and don't expect us to do the 
right thing, we will be alone on the world stage.
  I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to avoid all of 
these horrific consequences and support our bipartisan amendment to 
ensure that no funds can be used to transfer cluster munitions.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. 
Artillery has been a critical part of Ukrainians' fight for survival. 
Cluster munitions fill a needed gap right now until the U.S. production 
and inventory of 155 ammunition can catch up.
  The Russians have been using cluster munitions for 1\1/2\ years--from 
day one. We should not limit Ukrainians' ability to fight the Russians.
  I also note that there must be a commitment for all parties involved 
to clean up any remnants after this war ends.
  This amendment goes beyond prohibiting the transfer of cluster 
munitions to Ukraine and would tie our hands in future conflicts.
  It is not hard to imagine, unfortunately, a situation where we might 
need to transfer these munitions to our allies and partners, for 
example, during a conflict on the Korean Peninsula or over Taiwan.
  Finally, the amendment may prevent the Department from transferring 
used munitions among the military services, limiting the flexibility to 
support our war fighters. Madam Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, I would observe that we cannot have a goal of 
creating parity with the Ukrainian military and the Russian military. 
If that is the case, why not send nuclear weapons?
  These cluster bombs are indiscriminate. They have killed tens of 
thousands of people. You just heard my colleague say that when this is 
all done we will be right back here on the floor appropriating money to 
demine the cluster munitions that we are now sending, which seems 
ludicrous to me.
  Madam Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. 
McCollum), the distinguished ranking member, for her thoughts on the 
matter.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment.
  The decision by the Biden administration to transfer cluster 
munitions to the Ukraine, in my opinion, was unnecessary and a sad 
mistake.
  Congress has been clear in prohibiting the transfer of any cluster 
munitions with a dud rate greater than 1 percent.
  The legacy of U.S. cluster munitions into the battlefield in Ukraine 
undermines our moral authority and places the U.S. in a position that 
directly contradicts 23 of our NATO allies who have joined the 
Convention on Cluster Munitions.
  The legacy of cluster bombs is misery, death, and an expensive 
cleanup after generations of use, and I have been in Laos, and I have 
worked with other countries to clean up this legacy.
  As has been pointed out, the U.S. pays tens of millions of dollars 
annually to remove cluster munitions from Laos and the Vietnam area. 
These remnants of war continue to kill and maim civilians as we are 
here today.
  As a strong supporter of the Biden administration's policy in 
Ukraine, I must state in the strongest possible terms my absolute 
opposition to the U.S. transferring cluster munitions. These weapons 
should be eliminated from the stockpiles.

  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman has the only time remaining.
  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Chair, I appreciate the bipartisan support for this 
amendment. I thank Mr. Massie of Kentucky and Mr. McGovern of 
Massachusetts on the Rules Committee for having made this amendment in 
order.
  I look forward to us working together to ensure that we have humane 
policies when it comes to our munitions.
  Just to respond to the argument that there is somehow a Taiwan nexus 
here, I have studied the war games and the plans around Taiwan pretty 
extensively, and I have seen no scenario in which we believe that the 
appropriate utilization of munitions in Taiwan is going to require 
cluster munitions. It is largely going to be torpedoes, sea mining.
  We are still demining the cluster munitions in Laos. We can make a 
wiser choice now and one certainly that doesn't put any of our allies 
in jeopardy.
  Madam Chair, I encourage adoption of this bipartisan amendment, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gaetz).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida will 
be postponed.
  The Chair understands that amendment No. 162 will not be offered.
  The Chair understands that amendment No. 163 will not be offered.


           Amendment No. 164 Offered by Ms. Greene of Georgia

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 164 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  The salary of Lloyd James Austin III, the 
     Secretary of Defense, shall be reduced to $1.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentlewoman 
from Georgia (Ms. Greene) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Georgia.
  Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Madam Chair, today I will introduce an 
amendment that uses the Holman rule to slash the Secretary of Defense 
Lloyd Austin's salary to no more than $1, and $1 is too much money.
  Let's talk about the job description of the Secretary of Defense. 
That role oversees the Defense Department and acts as the principal 
defense policymaker and adviser to the President of the United States.
  The Department of Defense's mission statement states: ``With our 
military tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary times, the 
Department has grown and evolved with our Nation. Our mission is to 
provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our Nation's 
security.''
  Secretary Austin has not fulfilled his job duties. As matter of fact, 
he is destroying our military.
  During Secretary Austin's tenure, military recruitment has reached 
crisis levels of low recruitment. The numbers show that the Army 
expects to fall 15,000 recruits short of its annual recruiting goal 
this year. The Navy is expecting to be short 10,000 recruits. The Air 
Force is down another 3,000.
  This cannot stand, especially with our government funding and fueling 
a war in Ukraine that is leading us undoubtedly to world war III.
  Secretary Lloyd Austin failed America with his withdrawal from 
Afghanistan, making American forces leave in retreat and feeling like a 
failure.
  Secretary Austin also forced more than 8,000 troops to be kicked out 
of

[[Page H4611]]

the military for refusing the COVID vaccine.
  My amendment is a strong amendment, and many Americans agree. We do 
not want the United States military led by failure causing us to be 
weak. We need to pass my amendment.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, we have seen several of these amendments. 
I think, Madam Chair, you know how disappointed I am that these types 
of amendments have been proposed by the majority, but especially this 
one.
  Secretary Austin has dedicated his life to service in the United 
States. For 41 years, he served in the United States Army, which began 
as an appointment to West Point and rose to the rank of four-star 
general. He served as the 33rd vice chief of the staff of the Army and 
completed his career as the head of Central Command.
  Secretary Austin was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership in 
the Army's 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
  He didn't have to return to service for the Nation after giving 41 
years of his life, but when called by President Biden, he served again.
  You may disagree with the administration's policies as well as we 
have done over our careers with different administrations, but 
Secretary Austin has done nothing to merit this amendment.
  Upon taking the job of Secretary of Defense, Secretary Austin has 
outlined his priorities for himself and the Department:
  First, defend the Nation, which included prioritizing China as a 
pacing threat and address advanced and persistent threats.
  Second, take care of our people, this includes growing our talent, 
building our resilience and our readiness and ensuring accountable 
leadership.
  Third, and finally, succeed through teamwork. Focus on working with 
allies and partners and building unity within the Department.
  Each one of these principles should be policies and qualities that we 
support in our Secretary of Defense, no matter what administration he 
or she serves in.
  Secretary Austin has worked tirelessly to ensure that our allies and 
partners remain united.
  Secretary Austin has personally pulled together the ministers of 
defense from all over NATO to mount an unprecedented coordination of 
equipment, training, and tools that the Ukrainians need to fight 
Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion.
  Upon taking office, our relationship with the Philippines was at an 
all-time low. Secretary Austin reaffirmed our Visiting Forces 
Agreement, which led to the creation of a rotational access to nine 
total locations, strengthening our defense in the critical Indo-Pacific 
area.
  He has made historic breakthroughs through our cooperation with 
Japan, leading to Japan updating their national strategy documents, 
which increases security burden sharing in the region with a key ally.
  He has worked to cement the principles of a trilateral security pact 
between Australia, the U.K., and the United States, and that helps us 
with our U.S. military position in the Pacific.
  He has introduced programs that will help our military personnel, for 
example. As pointed out, recruitment is at an all-time low, but it is 
not because of anything Secretary Austin did.
  Here is what he is doing to keep retention and attract military 
personnel: introducing universal pre-K, which will cut daycare costs 
for our military men and women; instituting increases in basic 
allowance for housing for Active-Duty servicemembers in 28 military 
housing areas that have experienced an average cost of more than 20 
percent spike in rental housing costs; expanding military spouse 
employment opportunities, strengthening support to our families; and 
cutting the cost of food at commissaries.
  Each one of these efforts help retain our servicemen and -women in 
service to our Nation.
  There, of course, is more work to do, and there always is, but 
Secretary Austin is making the effort, and there is no need for us to 
make such a personal drastic attack by eliminating his pay.
  For these reasons, I ask you and my fellow colleagues to vote ``no'' 
on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from 
Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden), who has also proudly served in the United 
States military.
  Mr. VAN ORDEN. Madam Chair, I have multiple combat tours as a Navy 
SEAL, including two to Afghanistan, and that is why I rise today in 
support of the amendment to use the Holman rule to reduce Secretary 
Austin's salary to $1.
  To paraphrase a famous British officer's evaluation: Secretary Austin 
consistently sets low standards and then fails to meet them.
  Secretary Austin remains in charge of the Pentagon, despite the fact 
that he has been responsible for the greatest degradation of the United 
States military since the Vietnam war and the highest Active Duty and 
veteran suicide rate in our history.
  He is directly responsible for abandoning thousands of American 
citizen and our allies to terrorists in Afghanistan and the subsequent 
deaths of 13 of our brave men and women in uniform during that fiasco.
  I support applying the Holman rule to reduce his salary to $1 simply 
because we cannot reduce it to zero.
  Secretary Austin could save further controversy and redeem his honor 
by resigning immediately and publicly apologizing to all of the Gold 
Star families he is directly responsible for creating at the bombing of 
Abbey Gate.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I will be brief. The loss of our veterans 
to suicide is tragic. Coming from a family with many who have served, 
and in going to military reunions, I know how serious this issue is. To 
put this on Secretary Austin, to me, is just wrong, and it is 
disrespectful. I have had these conversations with him personally about 
this.
  I remind Members that the Trump administration started the immediate, 
quick, fast-paced withdrawal out of Afghanistan. When President Biden 
came into office, he knew we were at a critical juncture to try to get 
people out safely. He was able to negotiate a small extension, but that 
was it.
  It is a shared responsibility for what happened in Afghanistan.
  Maybe the administration could have planned it better, but the Biden 
administration's hand was forced by what the Trump administration had 
put into action.
  Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Madam Chair, there is no excuse. You can't 
blame President Trump for the failure in Afghanistan. That failure lies 
on Secretary Lloyd Austin, Joe Biden, the President of the United 
States, and his administration.
  President Trump would have never led our troops to failure in 
Afghanistan. He would have never abandoned $7 billion worth of military 
equipment. President Trump would have never left the Afghan people in 
complete ruin to be controlled by a terrorist government, the Taliban.
  That is a complete excuse. Democrats need to stop blaming President 
Trump and his administration for Joe Biden's failures.
  I urge the House to adopt my amendment, Madam Chair, to take 
Secretary Lloyd Austin's salary using the Holman rule, which is a rule 
that allows us to fire failures that are serving our government and 
serving our country.
  Lloyd Austin is not serving the United States military.
  Lloyd Austin is leading the United States into failure.
  Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                Amendment No. 165 Offered by Ms. Hageman

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 165 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Ms. HAGEMAN. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:


[[Page H4612]]


  

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act may be used to pay for the costs of 
     teleworking or remote working for any employee or contractor 
     of the Department of Defense on a regular and recurring base.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentlewoman 
from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Wyoming.
  Ms. HAGEMAN. Madam Chair, I rise today in favor of my amendment No. 
165 to H.R. 4365.
  My amendment prohibits the use of funds to pay regular remote and 
telework for the civilian and contractor workforce of the Department of 
Defense.
  Madam Chair, at the very beginning of this Congress, our majority 
brought the voice of the American people to this Chamber saying that 
enough was enough, that it was time for the Federal workforce to return 
to work.
  To this end, we passed the SHOW UP Act because our constituents were 
sick and tired of the lack of service from the Federal Government.
  While progress has been made to some extent, there are still legacy 
and recent telework and remote work agreements that keep Federal 
workers who are supposed to be delivering for the American people out 
of the office. This includes the Department of Defense workforce, which 
is allowed to work from home in varying capacities.
  In 2019, the Office of the Director of National Security found that 
across the entire Federal Government 4.2 million employees were 
eligible to access classified information. The Defense Department is 
responsible for 3.8 million of these clearances. Of these clearances 
for employees of the DOD, 20 percent are civilian workforce and 26 
percent are contractors.
  The DOD works largely in a classified setting. Its responsibilities 
are to safeguard this Nation. How this mission can be fulfilled when 
the employees are sitting at home is beyond me.
  Madam Chair, it is time for the Federal workforce, including those 
who work for the DOD, to return to work so the American people can 
receive a full and fair return on the services that they fund through 
their tax dollars.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASE. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Hawaii is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CASE. Madam Chair, I am reading the text of this amendment, and 
it says here none of the funds appropriated may be used for the 
purposes of teleworking or remote working for any employee or any 
contractor of the Department of Defense on a regular and recurring 
basis.
  That seems pretty excessive to me.
  Now, I would agree with my colleague from Wyoming that certainly 
telework presents opportunities in some cases for abuse just as regular 
work does, but we are living in a new world. We are living in a post-
COVID world.
  There is a place in our workforce for regular work, which is not so 
regular anymore, and there is a place in our world for telework.
  I can certainly envision legitimate purposes for an employee or a 
contractor of the Department of Defense to engage in telework; for 
example, particularly, a valuable contractor who does, in fact, choose 
to work at home and that contractor's services are desired by the 
Department of Defense.
  Why should we limit the Department of Defense in its ability to 
utilize telework if and as appropriate? By the way, it may be not only 
about the efficiency of the work, but it may be more cost effective. It 
may be more cost effective for that work to be engaged in from the 
telework perspective. We have the technology to do that.
  There are a lot of ways that we can provide for work. We are 
obviously in a significant recruiting and retention challenge for the 
Department of Defense, and if the Department of Defense wants to engage 
in telework or offer that as an alternative to satisfy its own needs, I 
see no reason to provide an excessive amendment that essentially rules 
out an entire option that is available really to the rest of our 
society.
  Madam Chair, for those reasons, I must oppose this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. HAGEMAN. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Calvert).
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the amendment.
  Regular telework was a necessary evil to sustain DOD operations 
during the COVID lockdown, but that time is over.
  Main Street small business went back to work in person years ago, and 
big business is steadily ending full telework policies.
  Leaders across the country have found that full-time telework drives 
more meetings, reduces productivity, and hinders the development of new 
employees.
  Further, DOD personnel must also access and work on highly classified 
national security issues.
  Madam Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

                              {time}  1230

  Mr. CASE. Madam Chair, to my friend and colleague, Mr. Calvert, Main 
Street small business is engaging in telework today. It is finding the 
opportunities to utilize telework where appropriate. Main Street 
government is engaging in telework where appropriate.
  I completely agree with the concerns for telework in a national 
security environment. Presumably, if one was exercising flexibility 
from a responsible perspective, one would not engage in telework, 
especially in the national security area.
  Obviously, we have a great part of our Federal Government that does 
not engage in national security directly. Why shouldn't the Department 
of Defense have this particular flexibility?
  Again, the excessiveness of the amendment and the no exceptions at 
all nature of the amendment, I think, advise against it.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. HAGEMAN. Madam Chair, I believe that my colleague on the other 
side misunderstands the amendment or the scope of it. The amendment 
does not prevent DOD employees from working from home if needed, such 
as for health or emergency situations. In fact, the Defense Civilian 
Personnel Advisory Service is responsible for policy oversight of the 
DOD telework and remote work programs. These programs are administered 
in accordance with DOD Instruction 1035.01.
  This amendment specifically prevents only telework and remote work on 
a regular, recurring basis. The other categories that accommodate 
health issues, emergency situations, and more would be left untouched, 
providing the necessary flexibility.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASE. Madam Chair, to my colleague, I am simply reading the 
language of the amendment, ``on a regular and recurring basis.'' There 
may well be suitable reasons why telework would be advisable on a 
regular and recurring basis which is not health related and not very 
specifically narrow as she has pointed out.
  We have belabored this point long enough. I am prepared to close, and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. HAGEMAN. Madam Chair, this should be a no-brainer that our 
Federal workers and our employees should actually go to work. In fact, 
it is actually bipartisan. President Biden called on his Cabinet 
members to aggressively execute plans for Federal employees to work 
more in their offices.
  The President and I do not see eye to eye on very much--in fact, very 
little. In this instance, putting workers back in the office is common 
sense.
  This amendment would not defund telework and remote work for 
servicemen and -women. This amendment specifically prevents funds for 
DOD employees, civilians, and contractors.
  Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASE. Madam Chair, suitable oversight of telework by the DOD is 
appropriate. It is something that we should engage in. To foreclose it 
under all circumstances, I believe, is unwise.
  Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. HAGEMAN. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this 
amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

[[Page H4613]]

  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                Amendment No. 166 Offered by Ms. Jayapal

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 166 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act may be used to carry out section 222a 
     or 222b of title 10, United States Code.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentlewoman 
from Washington (Ms. Jayapal) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Washington.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Chair, my bipartisan amendment would prevent 
funding from this bill to be used to carry out the Defense Department's 
``unfunded priorities list.'' This list that the DOD is required to 
send to Congress is simply a wish list of things that individual 
commanders and generals would like to fund and by definition have been 
determined nonessential to our national security.
  This practice does not serve the national security interests of the 
United States, and it was not mandatory until the passage of the fiscal 
2017 NDAA. Mandating these wish lists only serves special interests in 
the defense contractor industry eager to grow their profits by selling 
expensive equipment that was not important enough to make it into the 
Pentagon's own budget. This is corruption and a waste of taxpayer 
dollars.
  This practice has long been criticized by DOD officials and lawmakers 
of both parties. Bush-appointed Defense Secretary Robert Gates all but 
banned the list, strongly discouraging his generals from submitting 
wish lists to Congress during his tenure. Senator John McCain, chair of 
the Senate Armed Services Committee, publicly stated his skepticism of 
the practice.
  In fact, in response to a letter that I sent to the Department of 
Defense on this practice, Under Secretary of Defense Michael McCord 
said on behalf of Defense Secretary Austin: ``Therefore, the Department 
supports your proposal to repeal the requirement in 10 U.S.C. 222a''--
that is, to send Congress an unfunded priorities list.
  These wish lists are packed with billions of dollars of excessive 
line items, this year totaling more than $17 billion on top of the $842 
billion requested by the White House. The Space Force alone requested 
half a billion in unfunded priorities, almost all classified. 
Meanwhile, we cannot verify that the money that we authorize for DOD is 
even spent responsibly because the Department of Defense has never 
passed a budget audit.
  Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues, especially those across the aisle 
who are interested in fiscal conservatism, to vote ``yes'' on this 
bipartisan and commonsense amendment.
  I thank my Republican colleagues, Congressman McClintock and 
Congressman Davidson, as well as members of my own party, Congressman 
Garamendi and Congressman Moulton, who understand that this is wrong 
and have worked in concert with me to rein in this wasteful spending 
that has no benefit to our national security.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  Unfunded priorities lists are a critical tool to provide Congress 
with unfiltered information on what the military services and combatant 
commanders need. Access to this information is so important that the FY 
2017 National Defense Authorization Act established a statutory 
requirement.
  Unfunded priorities lists give our military services and combatant 
commanders a direct channel to Congress, which allows Congress to make 
more informed decisions.
  I would just say, for instance, USINDOPACOM obviously has challenges 
dealing with China, and unfortunately, we are constrained by our budget 
in getting the resources there that they would like to have. If, in 
fact, resources become available, we would like to take care of those 
combatant commanders to deal with the threats that they have.
  Madam Chair, I urge opposition to this amendment, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), the top Democrat on the 
Appropriations Committee's Defense Subcommittee.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is 
remaining.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Washington has 2\1/2\ minutes 
remaining.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my colleague's 
amendment. We all support funding for our national security, but should 
any department, agency, or entity really get an opportunity to request 
additional funding outside of the President's and administration's 
request?
  The service chiefs appear before the committee each year to discuss 
how their budget needs are included in the National Defense Strategy. 
Most of the combatant commanders testify before committees also. 
Congress is able to assess, with strength and oversight, what we 
believe the needs are for our country and its national security.
  With the levers that we have in place, I support my colleague's 
amendment, and I urge others to support it.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Garcia).
  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Chair, I understand that we are living in 
uncertain times. We are witnessing an unjustifiable war of aggression 
in Ukraine and a global democratic backslide. Congress can respond to 
national security needs as they arise. We don't have to spend billions 
of dollars on what-ifs.
  These risks are already built into the Pentagon's budget request. If 
military leaders want more funding for their wish lists, there is 
nothing in this amendment that will prevent the DOD from supplying an 
unfunded priorities list to Congress, but this process should be 
optional just as it was 7 years ago.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the letter from Under 
Secretary of Defense Michael McCord that I quoted from earlier.

                                   Under Secretary of Defense,

                                   Washington, DC, March 20, 2023.
     Hon. Pramila Jayapal,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Jayapal: I am responding on behalf of 
     Secretary Austin to your letter of January 31, 2023, 
     regarding the submission of unfunded priorities lists (UPLs) 
     to Congress.
       The Department appreciates your sustained commitment to our 
     service members, their families, and our entire work force. 
     We are grateful for your leadership, and we share your 
     commitment to maximizing the impact of every dollar Congress 
     appropriates.
       The practice of senior military leaders providing to 
     Congress a list of unfunded priorities was initiated by 
     Congress, first as a request and, since 2017, as a statutory 
     requirement. This process was created by Congress and we 
     agree the Congress should reconsider the merits of this 
     approach. Every Department of Defense (DoD) budget supervised 
     and submitted by Secretary Austin is built to implement his 
     National Defense Strategy and represents the Department's 
     highest priorities. The current statutory practice of having 
     multiple individual senior leaders submit priorities for 
     additional funding absent the benefit of weighing costs and 
     benefits across the Department is not an effective way to 
     illuminate our top joint priorities.
       Although Secretary Austin follows a similar practice to 
     that of former Secretary Gates by requiring that these lists 
     are submitted for his review, that process alone does not 
     effectively address the underlying issue of requiring 
     individual leaders to submit proposals with no necessary 
     connection to the Secretary's global priorities. Therefore, 
     the Department supports your proposal to repeal the 
     requirement in 10 U.S.C. 222a.
       In contrast to the UPL requirement, in November 2022, after 
     the Congress had already decided to increase the Department's 
     budget, and in response to multiple Congressional inquiries 
     as to how higher than expected inflation was impacting the 
     Department, DoD

[[Page H4614]]

     provided the congressional defense committees, as drafting 
     assistance for conference, our best assessment of the highest 
     priorities for additional funding, with a focus on addressing 
     unbudgeted inflation. This document was in lieu of, not in 
     addition to, any unfunded priority list submitted under 10 
     U.S.C. 222a.
       That list included upward adjustments for various fact-of-
     life increases including service member's Basic Allowances 
     for Housing and Subsistence rates, health care costs, 
     additional costs to complete military construction projects, 
     and fuel price impacts. The list also included other critical 
     emergent requirements such as the Civilian Harm Mitigation 
     and Response Action Plan you noted, as well as additional 
     funds to increase capacity to enable the Defense Industrial 
     Base to accelerate the replacement of defense articles being 
     drawn down and provided to Ukraine.
       I hope that this information is helpful and look forward to 
     working with you in the 118th Congress. A similar letter is 
     being sent to the other signatories of your letter.
                                                    Michael McCord

  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Chair, I close out by saying that we know that the 
Department of Defense is necessarily a hierarchical institution where 
the top leaders identify the most important priorities across a very 
vast swath of departments within the Department of Defense, and they 
are the ones who we confirm, frankly, to be in charge of that 
appropriations request and budget.
  What is happening now with this unfunded priorities list--and we have 
had testimony on this in the Budget Committee and other committees--is 
that these lists are just coming from people who simply do not have any 
authority to determine the importance.
  Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Griffith). The question is on the amendment 
offered by the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Washington 
will be postponed.


  Vacating Demand for Recorded Vote on Amendment Offered by Mr. Clyde

  Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent that the request for 
a recorded vote on amendment No. 154 be withdrawn to the end that the 
amendment stands disposed of by the earlier voice vote thereon.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will redesignate the amendment.
  The Clerk redesignated the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the request for a recorded vote 
is withdrawn. Accordingly, the amendment is agreed to.
  There was no objection.


              Amendment No. 167 Offered by Mr. D'Esposito

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 167 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk as the 
designee of Ms. Malliotakis.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. ___.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used to provide assistance to the Department of Homeland 
     Security to house persons on a military installation located 
     in the United States.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. D'Esposito) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
  Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Chair, today is September 27, 2023, and because 
of the dereliction of duty of Secretary Mayorkas and the Biden 
administration, this Nation is under siege. We have record numbers of 
migrants coming into this country, estimated at 10,000 a day that we 
know of and an unknown amount of got-aways.
  In places like New York City, where people like Mayor Eric Adams and 
Governor Kathy Hochul have celebrated sanctuary cities, we now see, in 
fact, that they had no plans to be a sanctuary. They just wanted to 
pander.
  In places like New York City, we have migrants who are coming into 
the United States of America through our points of entry. They are 
coming to the United States of America for a better way of life. They 
are leaving their homes, their families, risking their lives to cross 
this border. Instead of being given that sanctuary, they are in old 
hotels and empty warehouses at airports.
  This amendment today will ensure that no funds made available by this 
act may be used by the Department of Defense to provide assistance to 
the Department of Homeland Security to house migrants or illegal 
immigrants or illegal aliens on military installations located in the 
United States of America.
  Back in May, Governor Hochul sent a letter to President Biden, and 
cc'd members of the New York delegation, asking that he allow military 
installations to be utilized for housing migrants.
  Just recently, we have seen that there is a deal in place for 
migrants to not only be housed but buildings to be erected at Floyd 
Bennett Field, a military installation in Brooklyn, New York. Not only 
is it a military installation, but like many others throughout this 
country, Floyd Bennett Field plays host to my brothers and sisters from 
the New York City Police Department, housing our aviation team, our 
scuba team, special operations, and more.
  This simply says no funds will be utilized, given to the Department 
of Homeland Security, to house migrants and illegal aliens on military 
installations.
  Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Calvert).
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendment. The Biden 
administration is failing our country and undermining our security with 
the unmitigated crisis along our southern border.
  This policy-driven crisis affects more than just the four States that 
share a border with Mexico, mine included. Today, every city in America 
is dealing with the influx of illegal migrants because the Biden 
administration has failed to secure the border and is unwilling to 
enforce the Nation's immigration laws.
  The administration's refusal to act has created a looming crisis at 
our Nation's military installations, which should not be used to house 
migrants. They are not designed or equipped for refugee camps.
  Housing illegal immigrants on military installations negatively 
impacts our security and readiness. I understand that New York 
Democrats have created over 200 migrant camps in the gentleman's area, 
and I stand with them on the need for real solutions to the border 
crisis.
  Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Hawaii is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, I just heard my friend and chair of the 
subcommittee say something that I completely agree with, which is we 
need real solutions to immigration and the border crisis, and that is 
true. This takes a piecemeal approach that is unnecessarily broad and 
unnecessary in general.
  To our knowledge, there is no current or planned use of active 
military bases to support DHS' need for temporary or long-term 
detention of migrants crossing the southern border. Certainly, if the 
claims by my colleague from New York are correct, that is worthy of 
debate.
  However, the amendment goes much further than that particular point. 
It says that the military cannot provide any assistance to the 
Department of Homeland Security to house persons on a military 
installation. Therefore, we have to ask the question: Is that too broad 
in an amendment?
  Let's take a look at a couple of examples or at least one example in 
particular. It would apply in that case to governmentwide efforts like 
Operation Allies Welcome, which was the evacuation of Afghan refugees 
after the collapse of the government in Afghanistan in 2021. The DHS at 
the time worked with the Departments of Defense and

[[Page H4615]]

State to use military installations to temporarily house Afghan 
refugees fleeing imminent danger and persecution. This was a critical 
tool to save lives.
  There are, I am sure, other situations that we can envision in which 
we would want to access our military installations for very tailored 
purposes, with congressional oversight, that are under the control of 
the Department of Homeland Security.
  If we want to have a debate over immigration, let's have it. If we 
want to recognize that we have a real problem, I am the first to 
recognize that, as well. The amendment certainly takes a very broad 
approach to a problem that I think we can all agree is definitely a 
problem and rules out many other situations that, in all honesty, we 
would want the discretion for the DOD. It is much better for Congress 
to retain that discretion to the DOD where necessary for national 
security purposes with congressional oversight and with very tailored 
congressional restrictions.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Chair, I am glad to see that we are all looking 
for solutions to the failed policies of Joe Biden.
  What we are focused on today is the fact that military installations, 
our national parks, like Floyd Bennett Field, where military operations 
actually take place, are critical to defense. They are not equipped to 
house migrants. That is what we are focused on today, that there are no 
plans in place and that these plans, the ones that they are rushing to, 
are not the ones that we support.

  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, first of all, I think we are trying to confirm 
whether or not Floyd Bennett Field is, in fact, a military installation 
within the definition of the gentleman's amendment.
  That point aside, again, I would say that if we are trying to solve 
the particular issue that my colleague and friend from New York is 
trying to solve, let's try to solve that one. Let's not do so with a 
blunt instrument that takes away discretion across the board for 
legitimate uses of military installations under congressional 
oversight, such as the Afghan refugee situation.
  We can talk about this on the floor. Yes, it is completely necessary 
to discuss and debate this, but let's not overplay this so that the DOD 
never has the flexibility to have any military installation used for 
legitimate purposes that we would all agree with.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                Amendment No. 168 Offered by Mr. Norman

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 168 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used for any office of diversity, equity, or inclusion.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from South Carolina (Mr. Norman) and a Member opposed each will control 
5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, I cannot believe I am up here having this 
debate, particularly at this critical time for our military--$1.4 
billion in 2022 for money spent on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  A woke military is a weak military. The military's sole purpose is to 
provide for the defense of our great Nation. Our military's focus 
should be the protection of the American people and our freedoms, not 
liberal feelings.
  Therefore, my amendment would eliminate any offices of diversity, 
equity, and inclusion in the Armed Forces and the Department of 
Defense.
  Woke ideology undermines our readiness in a variety of ways. It 
undermines cohesiveness by emphasizing differences based on race, 
ethnicity, and sex.
  We recently had 160 retired flag officers write a letter to Speaker 
McCarthy and House Armed Services Committee Chair Rogers about the 
dangers of DEI and the opposition to it in the military.
  The officers wrote: ``We respectfully request that Congress, pursuant 
to its constitutional powers `to raise and support Armies' and `to 
provide and maintain a Navy,' take legislative action to remove all 
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from the Department of 
Defense.''
  Another one: ``Our military must be laser focused on one mission: 
readiness, undiminished by the culture war engulfing our country.''
  DEI is dividing, not unifying, our military and society.
  Another one: ``We have fought for our Nation and are sounding the 
alarm that DEI poses a grave danger to our military warfighting ethos 
and is degrading warfighting readiness. Social engineering, commonly 
called wokeism, has no place in our military.''
  Finally: These indoctrination programs differentiate servicemembers 
along racial and gender lines, which runs completely counter to the 
military imperative to build cohesiveness based on common loyalties, 
training, and standards.
  What is more, the Army missed its recruitment target by 25 percent in 
2022 at this critical time in the history of this great Republic. This 
is a Bud Light level of failure.
  Mr. Chair, I urge that this amendment be adopted in light of an 
administration that has completely left our Nation vulnerable.
  President Biden told a group of overseas Air Force airmen that the 
Joint Chiefs of Staff had determined that the greatest threat facing 
America was global warming, a claim that the Joint Chiefs had to walk 
back.
  He didn't mention Russia. He didn't mention China. He didn't mention 
the threat of the debt that has engulfed this country. He mentioned 
global warming.
  As I mentioned, the DOD spent $1.4 billion on their equity action 
plan. That is money we don't have, and it just adds to the national 
debt.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Hawaii is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, we have confirmed, to the prior amendment, that 
Floyd Bennett Field in New York is not a military installation.
  Do we not value diversity in our military? That is the question in 
this amendment.
  Does it matter that we have a diverse military? Does it matter or 
not?
  Do we not value equity in our military? Does it matter?
  Do we not value inclusion? Do we want a military that represents our 
society or just a slice of it? That is the question.
  If you say that you value a diverse, equal, and inclusive military, 
if you say that that is of value to you, it doesn't happen 
automatically. It takes effort.
  That is why our military leaders over a long period of time now have 
valued the investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion. They 
understand that a military that reflects the society that we live in 
values our military and accelerates, enhances, and improves the overall 
service that it provides. They understand that that military in that 
situation will be supported by the American people.
  They understand that it will be respected around the world where many 
other militaries of our partners and allies around the world do value 
diversity, equity, and inclusion. They don't have these debates in 
their parliaments and congresses. They don't face these attacks on the 
attempt to value these attributes within our military.

                              {time}  1300

  We need to back those up, and yes, that does take an investment. 
Where you think that those efforts are wrong, where you think they have 
gone too far, where you think that they are somehow affecting military 
service, then go ahead and oversee those efforts.
  Your solution is to cut the funding from all of them because you 
don't

[[Page H4616]]

value these attributes in our military. You think that valuing these 
attributes leads to a weak military. I heard you say that. I don't 
agree with that. That is fundamentally not a position that we agree 
with.
  From our perspective, again, to take a blunt instrument and wipe out 
an entire department that values efforts that will improve military 
service, and, by the way, improve military recruitment, I hope the 
author of the amendment agrees that military recruitment is a major 
challenge for our military.
  Yet, let's just say to whole parts of our society, sorry, we don't 
value you at all because we are not going to take care of trying to 
provide for diversity, equality, and inclusion. That is the wrong 
approach.
  Fundamentally, this is a difference in policy. It is a difference in 
goal. Apparently, it is a difference in assessment of what makes our 
military strong and will continue to make it strong.
  For those reasons, I have to strongly oppose this amendment. I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. Members are reminded to direct their remarks to the 
Chair.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is just more liberal gibberish. $1.4 
billion? Sir, you tell these young people behind me, you tell them 
instead of building ships, instead of building airplanes, instead of 
protecting cybersecurity, you are going to really pay for transgender 
operations. Hogwash.
  You try to make that case to anybody in this room, and they would 
laugh--well, it is so serious, they wouldn't laugh.
  Let me tell you some other things that I am sick and tired of--
feelings. Talk to the military Gold Star mothers who have lost their 
children. Tell them what you just said on this House floor.
  An Admiral told midshipmen at the Naval Academy that they need to 
read ``How to Be an Antiracist,'' a book that teaches the only remedy 
to pass discrimination.
  Another one. Military recruitment videos in recent years have touted 
the military's inclusivity to LGBT members. They use a rainbow flag.
  Enough is enough. Americans are tired of this. Why do you think there 
is a shortage of people entering the military who have to put up with 
this kind of thinking?
  For this reason, we shouldn't even be wasting our time debating this 
thing, but it is what it is. Thanks to the Biden administration and 
their anti-military and anti-readiness, it is a time in America that we 
are in severe danger economically and security-wise.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. Members are reminded to direct their remarks to the 
chair.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, obviously we have a difference of opinion here.
  I would also submit that the leadership of our military have a 
difference of opinion with the perspectives expressed by the author of 
this amendment.
  Again, they understand the values of pursuing a diverse, equitable, 
equal, and inclusive military. They understand the challenges of a 
military that is not representative of the American people. They 
understand the need to provide for that investment.
  Again, we can oversee this particular effort. We can question 
particular representations of that policy. To take a blunt instrument 
to this entire effort and defund it and say that it has no value at 
all, that is what is objectionable in this amendment.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                Amendment No. 169 Offered by Mr. Norman

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 169 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. 8155. (a) None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used, with regards to a member of the Armed Forces 
     with a minor dependent child enrolled in an EFMP--
       (1) to provide gender transition procedures, including 
     surgery or medication, to such child through such EFMP;
       (2) to provide a referral for a procedure described in 
     paragraph (1) to such child through such EFMP; or
       (3) to approve a change of duty station for such member 
     through such EFMP for the purpose of providing such child 
     with access to procedures described in paragraph (1).
       (b) In this section, the term ``EFMP'' means a program 
     under section 1781c(e) of title 10, United States Code.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from South Carolina (Mr. Norman) and a Member opposed each will control 
5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, again, like the other amendment I have, I 
cannot believe we are sitting here debating this.
  What my amendment does is prohibits provisions of gender transition 
procedures, including surgery or medication, through the Exceptional 
Family Member Program.
  Let me tell you what the Exceptional Family Member Program is. It 
provides resources to military families with special needs.
  This program is designed for military spouses, children, and other 
dependent family members who require ongoing medical educational 
services such as individuals with autism, asthma, chronic respiratory 
illnesses, Down syndrome, and many others.
  The military has tried to politicize this matter, and my amendment 
ensures that we reserve the valuable programs and the dollars for these 
programs, which would go toward the intent of what it was put in for in 
the first place, which is to help families with special needs and 
prevent the further dissolution and misguided dollars spent on 
something like gender transition procedures.
  My amendment also prohibits the change of duty station simply for the 
purpose of providing a child with easier access to these procedures.
  I urge adoption of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Hawaii is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, again, we have an amendment that would want us, 
apparently, to occupy some other state of reality as opposed to the 
world as we have it today.
  In that world, we do have transgender individuals who need help, 
children whose parents are looking for the right courses of conduct for 
them.
  This measure would say that those parents do not have the right to 
make those decisions in consultation with their doctors and with their 
children.
  Further, what this amendment says is that those parents need not 
apply to join our military because they will not be welcomed there with 
the decisions that they need to make for their families.
  This amendment that cuts gender-affirming care options for 
servicemembers' children will drive individuals out of the military, 
prevent recruitment to start with, and is, frankly, needlessly cruel. 
These decisions should be reserved for parents and their children.
  I hear all the time from the other side of the aisle talk about 
parents' rights--all the time. Parents should have the right to make 
these decisions.
  Is there an exception for military families? Parents get to make 
these decisions, but by the way, if you are a member of our military, 
you don't get to make these decisions.
  This is a very personal decision for parents to make with their 
families, with their children, and with their doctors.
  It is probably, in all honesty, unconstitutional as courts believe 
healthcare bans like this violate the equal protection clause of the 
Constitution, but let's just leave that aside and talk about the 
policy.
  Is the policy wise to say to servicemembers and their families that 
they cannot access care that is provided to them in a non-servicemember 
world?
  I think that is the wrong policy, so I oppose this amendment and 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, let me tell you the dollar amount spent for 
the past 5 years--$15 million. That is $15 million for surgery for a 
man who can't

[[Page H4617]]

decide whether he is a man, or a girl who can't decide whether she is a 
girl. Imagine that.
  You tell those families that have children with Down syndrome, you 
tell those families that have severely autistic children you are going 
to spend it for changing genders?
  I don't mind somebody questioning their gender but pay for it 
yourself when you have to have it, not on the backs of our brave 
military families.
  In the past 5 years, $15 million was spent to treat 1,892 transgender 
troops. Well, isn't that something? You want somebody who is trying to 
decide if they are a man or a woman on the firing line?
  Is that really a question to decide in the military? There was $11.5 
million spent on psychotherapy and $3.1 million for surgeries.
  The price tag for individuals getting this surgery and treatments 
after have ranged from $8,000 to $100,000. Related healthcare coverage 
is only going up.
  My point is, I think, to make this argument, particularly with 
dollars that could be spent helping meaningful children who have 
disabilities should be made. To spend this money that we don't have 
just really spits in the face of our military families.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, first of all, we can certainly debate the 
efficient use of our funds for expenses and the cost, but I strongly 
suspect that my colleague's objections in this amendment do not relate 
to cost but to a judgment about what should and shouldn't be provided 
to our military families.
  Now, we can have this debate about transgender care for our military 
servicemembers, and the debate will look something like this one, but 
this particular amendment would ban any care for minor children.
  What this amendment would do is to say to our military 
servicemembers, you cannot have the full range of recognized medical 
options for your children that are available in a nonmilitary setting.
  That is what this amendment would do. This is about children. It is 
about parents making decisions for their children.
  This is a situation where that decision should be left to the 
servicemember parents who have a choice as to whether they serve in the 
military or not, have a choice as to whether to join the military or 
not, or stay in the military.
  We should provide them the same basic rights and options as are 
available in the private sector. Otherwise, aside from not being fair 
to them, in my estimation, we also will not have a strong military 
because they will choose not to join or to stay in.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is 
remaining.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from South Carolina has 1\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, I will just say that it is this kind of 
thinking that has the military in a demoralized state.
  It is this kind of thinking, this kind of rationalization of our 
hard-earned tax money that has the military recruitment numbers way 
down.
  It is this kind of woke thinking that is penalizing families that 
want to serve this country, families who have children with these 
disabilities who need the care that they would deprive them of because 
they want to fund somebody who doesn't know what gender they are.
  It is this kind of thinking that America is sick and tired of. Ask 
any military family, and they will tell you the same thing.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 Amendment No. 170 Offered by Mr. Ogles

  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania). It is now in order to 
consider amendment No. 170 printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. OGLES. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act may be made available to remove a 
     Chinese military company from the list required by section 
     1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2021.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Tennessee (Mr. Ogles) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
  Mr. OGLES. Mr. Chairman, the section 1260H list maintained by the 
Department of Defense was created by the fiscal year 2021 National 
Defense Authorization Act and intended to identify any Chinese military 
companies operating directly or indirectly in the United States.
  Section 1260H is a part of a largely bipartisan, years-long effort to 
name and shame CCP companies operating in our Nation.
  While the Biden administration has made important additions to this 
list, including military companies such as ChemChina and China State 
Construction Engineering, the administration has still fallen short of 
a full commitment to countering the malign influences of the CCP.
  Earlier this year, we saw Secretaries Yellen, Blinken, and Raimondo 
take trips to China as part of a diplomatic overture.
  Many of my colleagues would undoubtedly agree that the CCP could care 
less about diplomacy and that these trips have very little, if any, 
bearing on how China chooses to behave on the international stage.
  One could argue that these trips only serve to demonstrate the limits 
and the lack of American resolve to confront the PRC's obviously 
petulant behavior.
  For instance, it is a daily occurrence to see the PRC infringe on 
Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone. The PRC regularly makes 
threats to wage war against Taiwan.
  They manipulate international organizations to do their bidding. They 
entrap developing countries into contracts that make them de facto 
vassal states. They construct dual-use ports across the world, and it 
goes on and on and on, Mr. Chairman.
  In the face of the CCP's belligerent escalatory actions, the gut 
reaction of the American administration ought not to be for the 
Secretary of the Treasury to fly to China and consume psychedelic 
mushrooms. Yet, that is what we saw from Janet Yellen.
  Before Secretary Raimondo's visit to China, the Department of 
Commerce, acting through the Bureau of Industry and Security, 
unilaterally removed 27 CCP entities from the bureau's so-called 
unverified list.
  Our Department of Commerce literally chose to make a concession to an 
aggressive state in order to get the CCP to meet with our Secretary of 
Commerce.
  It is clear that this President's judgment cannot be trusted. This 
administration's assessment of China has only emboldened our Nation's 
foremost enemy. Appeasement has long failed as a strategy, and it 
continues to fail today.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. OGLES. Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of my amendment. I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ogles).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 Amendment No. 171 Offered by Mr. Ogles

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 171 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. OGLES. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. __.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be made available to NewsGuard Technologies Inc.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Tennessee (Mr. Ogles) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.

[[Page H4618]]

  

  Mr. OGLES. Mr. Chairman, it would appear that many in the Democratic 
Party have taken it upon themselves to offer their talents and 
considerable abilities to help determine which information is reliable 
and which isn't. Thanks, but no thanks.
  Mr. Chairman, in September 2021, the Department of Defense offered 
NewsGuard, a self-proclaimed fact-checker, a $750,000 grant to 
effectively censor conservative viewpoints and opinions.
  Want proof of NewsGuard's censorship efforts? I am more than happy to 
provide undisputed facts.
  NewsGuard has given extremely subjective and clearly biased ratings 
to several conservative news outlets, including The Federalist, a 12\1/
2\ percent accuracy and credibility score; Newsmax, 15 percent; The 
Epoch Times, a 17\1/2\ percent score; and OAN, 17\1/2\ percent.
  I am sure these conservative news outlets have lost out on crucial ad 
revenue from these ratings. It is censorship.
  It is fundamentally pathetic that this administration thinks they can 
sideline conservative viewpoints and demonize conservative platforms 
without the American people finding out about this.
  All this is happening while Politico, NPR, and The New York Times 
have previously received a perfect 100 percent; CBS, 95 percent.
  Mr. Chairman, we are supposed to have an open and free press. There 
should be no censorship. This is the United States of America. The fact 
that we are funding an organization that is censoring viewpoints and 
news is untenable.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. NewsGuard does a service that provides tools to counter 
misinformation, and it has been around since 2018.
  It uses tools to catalog and track all of the top false narratives 
spreading online, which is effective in countering hostile 
misinformation targeting Democratic governments like our own.
  There is no doubt that China, Russia, Iran, and other bad actors are 
trying to influence our country through its
mis-, dis-, and mal-information.
  We need every tool available to determine what is real and what is 
not when it comes to what is being reported by the press.
  The amendment does nothing but weaken our ability to do that, so I 
oppose this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OGLES. Mr. Chairman, it should be noted that Newsmax TV is more 
than just online. CBS isn't just online. The New York Times isn't just 
online.
  These are news outlets with multiple platforms, so it is not about 
censoring online. It is about censorship.
  The irony here is abundant, especially when considering that these 
leftist news outlets parroted the lie promoted by 51 intelligence 
officials and our disaster of a Secretary of State that the Hunter 
Biden laptop story was a production of Russian disinformation.
  Only in America could a guy who helped steal an election and 
undermine our democracy be promoted to oversee our Nation's policy on 
Ukraine, but that is the story of Antony Blinken in a nutshell.
  The Hunter Biden laptop debacle was literally the biggest story of 
the 2021 election, and a story, if taken seriously, that might have 
resulted in a different outcome.
  Instead, our government is subsidizing a self-identified fact-checker 
who completely whiffed on the biggest story of a Presidential cycle.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, just a few facts about NewsGuard. 
Journalists are employed by NewsGuard. They have technology people that 
score websites based on their reliability and general trustworthiness.
  It is not censored. People still have the freedom to read and to 
believe whatever they choose to, but this analysis is designed to be 
transparent.
  It also includes the name of the staffer who analyzed the 
information. If somebody has a dispute with it, they know exactly who 
made the score system happen.
  Let me just tell you a couple of things, Mr. Chair, about what they 
do. They look at the frequency of publication that has inaccurate 
information, the extent of sourcing and original reporting on 
information, and the degree of demarcation between news and opinion 
journalists.
  Mr. Chair, I attended both public and private grade schools and 
colleges, and I remember the good Sister saying, you are entitled to 
your own opinion, it should be said so respectfully, but you are not 
entitled to your own facts.
  One of the things that they try to do is ferret out what is hard news 
and what is somebody's opinion. We are entitled to read people's 
opinions.
  When opinions somehow get woven in and they become fact, it becomes 
very confusing for people. What NewsGuard tries to do is kind of help 
separate that out; the accuracy of headlines, including those that are 
click-bait headlines and the degree of disclosure of the website's 
owner.
  If you are reading something and you want to know who owns it, is it 
owned by your next-door neighbor? Is it owned by an American company? 
Is it owned by a Chinese company? Is it owned by a foreign national? It 
discloses all those kinds of things.
  I am the daughter of a librarian. I am not about censorship, but I am 
about people being able to sort out in this day and age what is 
opinion, what is fact, and who is writing what, so we know what their 
bias is.
  That is why I strongly oppose this amendment and believe that 
NewsGuard is a service that provides some tools to counter 
misinformation, and they have been around since 2018.

  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OGLES. Mr. Chairman, while I appreciate my colleague's 
perspective, it should be noted that when conservative versus other 
news sources are compared with similar metrics that the more liberal-
leaning news outlets are ranked 27 points higher.
  This has a direct impact on revenue streams. To say that they are 
somehow unbiased literally defies the facts that I have laid out before 
you and that you have conservative news sites on the bottom end of the 
spectrum, whereas the more mainstream, liberal-leaning news sites are 
at the top.
  Mr. Chairman, it should also be noted that NewsGuard is known to be 
reliant on and working with the WHO, the World Health Organization, 
which is known for disinformation and lying and is unduly influenced by 
the CCP.
  This is a grant that should not be authorized, it should not be 
continued, and they should not be relied upon.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I would love to see the source for NewsGuard 
working directly with the World Health Organization.
  They might report things from the World Health Organization, but that 
is different than working directly with them because that implies 
something else.
  I am going to close this up just saying there are many people, when 
they are sorting through something, that just want to know that there 
is a fact-checker.
  I am sorry if the gentleman, Mr. Chair, feels that somehow or 
another, some of the papers or the websites or the news programs he 
wants to watch don't have as high a rating from NewsGuard. He is still 
free to watch and do that.
  For people who just want to make sure that things are fact-checked, 
they want to know who owns the site, who is operating the site, where 
they are getting their sources and cites from, that is what NewsGuard's 
function is.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ogles).
  The amendment was agreed to.


               Amendment No. 172 Offered by Mr. Rosendale

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 172 
printed in part A of House Report 118-216.
  Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the 
     following:
       Sec. 8155.  None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used to require a member

[[Page H4619]]

     of the Armed Forces or a civilian employee of the Department 
     of Defense to receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 723, the gentleman 
from Montana (Mr. Rosendale) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Montana.
  Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Chair, my amendment No. 172 would prohibit funds 
made available by this act to require a member of the Armed Forces or a 
civilian employee of the Department of Defense to receive a COVID-19 
vaccine.
  The fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act rescinded 
Secretary Austin's memorandum requiring that members of the Armed 
Forces be vaccinated against COVID-19.
  Unfortunately, the NDAA did not prohibit future mandates. The last 
mandate resulted in over 8,400 troops being kicked out of the military 
for refusing this experimental vaccine, and we lost about 60,000 
reservists. Countless individuals also decided not to enlist because of 
this mandate.
  While our military is failing dramatically to meet recruiting goals, 
it is outrageous that the Department of Defense would condition 
employment on receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
  For example, in 2022, the Army sought 60,000 recruits but only 
enlisted 45,000. For 2023, the Army is aiming to recruit 65,000 new 
members but is only expected to recruit between 50- and 55,000 Active-
Duty members.
  Additionally, young, healthy males are the least at risk of getting a 
severe case of COVID-19 while they are the most likely group to have an 
adverse reaction from the vaccine, making the mandate not just 
counterproductive but potentially dangerous.

                              {time}  1350

  The Biden administration is already urging all Americans to get a 
booster shot, despite no human-outcome data on the new shot. Congress 
must preemptively stop all COVID-19 vaccine requirements before these 
unelected bureaucrats try to take more control of our lives.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. The Department took bold and effective action to 
confront the COVID-19 pandemic, protect our personnel across the force, 
and ensure that the U.S. military can fight and win wherever they are 
needed.
  In fact, the Department of Defense lost 96 servicemembers to COVID. 
There were 96 servicemembers that died from COVID. More than 2 million 
servicemembers have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
  All the servicemembers in the Department of Defense are required to 
comply with applicable medical readiness requirements. One such 
requirement is when you go to boot camp--and a lot of us have seen the 
movies and know people who have served--all servicemembers must 
receive, if they have not already, inoculations and immunizations. They 
usually are the same ones that we have had as children. They just want 
to make sure they are up-to-date because you have to get your tetanus 
redone and things like that that are required.
  These vaccinations also include measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, 
diphtheria, pertussis, and chicken pox. In some cases, service 
personnel are required to take certain medications if they are deployed 
to an area, for example, to prevent malaria or maybe yellow fever. That 
is to make sure that they are safe.
  Applicants for military service and servicemembers may seek an 
exemption--that has always been available to them and it continues to 
be available to them. They can seek an exemption for vaccine 
requirements based on qualifying medical or religious--so they can ask 
for that, and they are often granted it.
  Members of Congress should not be directing or deciding what vaccines 
or medications are needed for our military personnel.
  Madam Chair, I would ask my colleagues to take a second and for you 
to come along with me. Just imagine you are on a submarine. My father-
in-law served on a submarine in World War II, and he would tell me how 
close those quarters are. I have been on a submarine, so I know how 
close they are. There is no place for total privacy and germs are all 
over.
  Just think what would happen if there was a COVID-19 outbreak, how 
that could possibly affect national security. All of our service 
personnel are in close quarters with one another. We must try to 
protect them from any disease that could inhibit their ability to 
execute that mission.
  At this point there are no COVID vaccine requirements. There aren't 
for any members of the total force. There aren't any requirements 
pending for this right now. The Department of Defense says, no, you 
don't have to get this one, there are other ones you have to get.
  Madam Chair, since there are no COVID-19 vaccine requirements 
pending, I don't know why we are debating this amendment. For this 
reason, I would ask my colleagues to vote against this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Chair, I am glad we are talking about the 
effectiveness and the readiness of our military. Again, 60,000 
reservists left the military because of a mandate. Fortunately, we did 
learn something from it and it was removed from the NDAA, and Austin 
went along with it.
  These are the mandatory vaccinations that all servicemembers are 
required to receive before initial entry in basic training: adenovirus, 
hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, 
meningococcal, poliovirus, tetanus-diphtheria, and varicella.
  However, the main difference is that these other vaccines are much 
different and more effective than the COVID-19 vaccine. Take measles, 
for example. One estimate found that the measles vaccine is 85 times 
more effective than the Pfizer COVID vaccine.
  Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), 
my dear friend.
  Mr. ROY. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of this amendment 
because it is extremely important. The reason there isn't a mandate at 
the Department of Defense right now is because we demanded that it end. 
That is the truth. We forced it through on that ridiculous omnibus 
spending bill last December.
  Here is the reality. We have a doctor here in the building right now 
speaking to a group of members from Johns Hopkins University talking 
about the extent to which the current iteration of the COVID vaccine 
has been tested on 10 lab rats. It hasn't gone through any human trials 
that are necessary.
  When my father had polio and the vaccine came after, it was a decade 
of testing and trials. We have stuck this vaccine out because of panic. 
We have undermined the health and well-being of our soldiers, airmen, 
and marines. We should stop it. We should prohibit it in the future, 
and we should make backpay available to our former members of the 
military that were kicked out.
  Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, at some point I would like the gentleman 
from Montana to show me his statistics. We might have had 60,000 people 
who chose not to re-up. To attribute it all to COVID, I would like to 
see that information. I am sure Chair Calvert would like to see that 
information because that would be important to see. That is a statistic 
I would like to see where it came from.
  Madam Chair, I will state again that the COVID-19 vaccine currently 
isn't required, but to ban it in such a blanket way in which we are 
doing, takes away some of the ability for the Department. You volunteer 
to be on a submarine. It takes away some of the flexibility that the 
Department or commander or someone in the height of a pandemic--should 
it come again--they should have every tool in their toolbox. Right now 
there is no current reason for it.

  Madam Chair, I am like you, talking to friends and neighbors. Some 
are deciding to get it, some are deciding not to get it, just like 
people do with the flu shot. There are certain times that the 
Department of Defense says you need to take these certain medications.
  The gentleman from Montana listed off a lot of them. We have had 
them.

[[Page H4620]]

Our kids have had them. Our servicemembers have them. COVID-19 isn't on 
a list right now of anything that is being required. This seems to me 
to be superfluous and kind of creates more friction and anxiousness 
about how we talk about medicine that is being provided. This is 
medicine that should be optional.
  Is this an option that would be available if a servicemember going in 
said, hey, I want to get the COVID vaccine? I want to have it, and I 
would like the Department of Defense to provide it to me.
  I really think we should leave it up to the medical professionals at 
the Department of Defense to say what is necessary. Right now they are 
saying this isn't a mandated vaccine.
  Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Chair, we don't have a single problem with this 
being an option. If any servicemembers want to go and get an 
experimental vaccination plugged into their arm, they are welcome to do 
so.
  What we are saying is that the dollars that are going to be issued to 
the Department of Defense should not include any mandate for this 
experimental vaccination.
  In August of 2022, The Washington Post reported that 58 percent of 
the deaths related to COVID-19 were among vaccinated or boosted 
persons. This raises serious questions about even the effectiveness of 
this vaccine.
  I would also like to state that the COVID-19 vaccine requirements 
also continue to ignore natural immunity. As renowned Dr. Marty Makary 
testified in the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic this 
year, ``Over the past 3 years, over 200 studies have shown that natural 
immunity is at least as effective than vaccinated immunity. A recent 
Lancet review . . . natural immunity is at least as effective as 
vaccinated immunity, and probably better.''
  Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR (Mrs. Houchin). The question is on the amendment 
offered by the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rosendale).
  The amendment was agreed to.

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