[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 8452-8496]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 1476. Mr. BARRASSO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1049. USE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD FOR SUPPORT OF CIVILIAN 
                   FIREFIGHTING ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Modular Airborne Firefighting System Flexibility Act''.
       (b) Operational Use Authorized.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 1 of title 32, United States Code, 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 116. Operational use: support for civilian 
       firefighting activities

       ``(a) Basis of Authority.--The authority in this section is 
     based on a recognition of the basic premises of the National 
     Incident Management System and the National Response 
     Framework that--
       ``(1) incidents are typically managed at the local level 
     first; and
       ``(2) local jurisdictions retain command, control, and 
     authority over response activities for their jurisdictional 
     areas.
       ``(b) Assistance to Civilian Firefighting Organizations 
     Authorized.--Members and units of the National Guard are 
     authorized to support firefighting operations, missions, or 
     activities, including aerial firefighting employment of the 
     Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS), undertaken in 
     support of a Federal or State agency or other civilian 
     authority.
       ``(c) Role of Governor and State Adjutant General.--For the 
     purposes of subsection (a)--
       ``(1) the Governor of a State shall be the principal 
     civilian authority; and
       ``(2) the adjutant general of the State--
       ``(A) shall be the principal military authority, when 
     acting in the adjutant general's State capacity; and
       ``(B) has the primary authority to mobilize members and 
     units of the National Guard of the State in any duty status 
     under this title the adjutant general considers appropriate 
     to employ necessary forces when funds to perform such 
     operations, missions, or activities are reimbursed.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 1 of such title is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new item:

``116. Operational use: support for civilian firefighting 
              activities.''.
       (c) Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) Support.--Section 328(b) 
     of such title is amended by inserting ``duty as specified in 
     section 116(b) of this title or may perform'' after 
     ``subsection (a) may perform''.
       (d) Federal Technician Support.--Section 709(a)(3) of such 
     is amended by inserting ``duty as specified in section 116(b) 
     of this title or'' after ``the performance of'' the first 
     place it appears.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1477. Mr. BARRASSO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 344. REIMBURSEMENT OF STATES FOR LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF 
                   PROPERTY AS A RESULT OF FIRE CAUSED BY MILITARY 
                   TRAINING OR OTHER ACTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES 
                   OF THE ARMED FORCES OR THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE.

       (a) Reimbursement Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall, upon 
     application by a State, reimburse the State for the 
     reasonable costs of the State for services provided in 
     connection with loss or destruction of property, or 
     mitigation of damage, loss, or destruction of property, 
     whether or not property of the State, and all fire 
     suppression costs, as a result of a fire caused by military 
     training or other actions in the United States of units or 
     members of the Armed Forces or employees of the Department of 
     Defense.
       (2) Services covered.--Services reimbursable under this 
     subsection shall be limited to services proximately related 
     to the fire for which reimbursement is sought under this 
     subsection.
       (b) Application.--Each application of a State for 
     reimbursement for costs under subsection (a) shall set forth 
     an itemized request of the services covered by the 
     application, including the costs of such services.
       (c) Funds.--Reimbursements under subsection (a) shall be 
     made from amounts authorized to be appropriated for the 
     Department of Defense for operation and maintenance.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1478. Mr. TILLIS (for himself, Mr. Inhofe, and Mr. Burr) submitted 
an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by 
Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for 
fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, 
for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department 
of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal 
year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 141. STATIONING OF C-130 H AIRCRAFT AVIONICS PREVIOUSLY 
                   MODIFIED BY THE AVIONICS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM 
                   (AMP) IN SUPPORT OF DAILY TRAINING AND 
                   CONTINGENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR AIRBORNE AND 
                   SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES.

       The Secretary of the Air Force shall station aircraft 
     previously modified by the C-130 Avionics Modernization 
     Program (AMP) to support United States Army Airborne and 
     United States Army Special Operations Command daily training 
     and contingency requirements by the end of fiscal year 2017, 
     and such aircraft shall not be required to deploy in the 
     normal rotation of C-130 H units. The Secretary shall provide 
     such personnel as required to maintain and operate the 
     aircraft.

     SEC. ----. FIELDING OF AMP MODIFIED C-130 H AIRCRAFT

       Section 134 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. `Buck' McKeon 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 
     (Public Law 113-291) prohibits the Air Force from canceling 
     or modifying the C-130H AMP program of record. Elsewhere in 
     this Act the committee states that it expect the Air Force to 
     continue to execute AMP and field C-130H aircraft previously 
     upgraded by the AMP program until the Air Force provides a 
     concrete plan that describes the final modification 
     configuration for a restructured AMP program, a service cost 
     position, and a procurement and installation schedule that 
     would realistically support a fleet viability requirement.
       The Air Force has resisted fielding the five previously 
     modified AMP aircraft or to install the previously purchased 
     installation kits to modify an additional four aircraft 
     because of the difficulties in training aircrews and 
     establishing logistics support, thereby negating the ability 
     to deploy these aircraft in the C-130 schedule rotation. 
     However, in order to comply with 134 of the Carl Levin and 
     Howard P. `Buck' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291) and stated 
     committee desires, the Air Force must continue fielding these 
     aircraft.
       The five current AMP-modified C-130Hs, plus aircraft 
     modified with the four previously purchased installation kits 
     would be ideal aircraft to support 18th Airborne Corps, 82nd 
     Airborne Division, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command 
     training and contingency requirements as they would primarily 
     provide training support to these units and not be required 
     to deploy in the normal rotation of C-130 units.
       The committee believes the Air Force has expended 
     significant funds on the AMP program of record and therefore 
     should use due diligence to give the American taxpayer the 
     best return on scarce funding to maximize military 
     effectiveness.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1479. Mr. TILLIS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title VIII, add the following:

[[Page 8453]]



     SEC. 884. REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF ULTRA LIGHT COMBAT 
                   VEHICLE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for 
     Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of the Army, shall submit to Congress a report 
     on the development of an Army Ultra Light Combat Vehicle 
     (ULCV) for use with light infantry brigades and with Special 
     Operations Forces.
       (b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following elements:
       (1) An assessment whether the ULCV is a suitable candidate 
     for militarized commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) purchase 
     rather than purpose-built, defense-only platforms, leveraging 
     existing global automotive supply chains to satisfy 
     requirements and performance specifications for the program.
       (2) An assessment whether fielding such a program meets the 
     requirements of the Department of Defense's Better Buying 
     Directive.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1480. Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself and Ms. Ayotte) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       Insert after section 588 the following:

     SEC. 588A. SENSE OF SENATE ON THE BEYOND THE YELLOW RIBBON 
                   PROGRAM.

       It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) programs under the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program 
     provide community-based outreach services that coordinate 
     state and local resources into a single network to offer 
     critical support to members of the Armed Forces before, 
     during, and after military service deployments;
       (2) services under the Beyond Yellow Ribbon program include 
     substance abuse treatment, mental health, suicide prevention, 
     employment services, educational assistance, military sexual 
     assault referrals, health care, marriage and financial 
     counseling and other related services;
       (3) programs under the Beyond Yellow Ribbon program have 
     helped thousands of members of the Armed Forces, veterans and 
     their family members cope with the challenges associated with 
     deployments and military service;
       (4) programs under the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program 
     have seen significant outcomes in areas including suicide 
     prevention, access to mental health care, homelessness 
     prevention, and access to employment for veterans; and
       (5) the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program has enduring 
     value; and
       (6) the Department of Defense should identify permanent 
     funding and continue its support for the Beyond the Yellow 
     Ribbon program as the needs of our men and women in the Armed 
     Forces and their families for outreach and reintegration 
     services continue to increase.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1481. Mrs. SHAHEEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In the appropriate place please insert the following:
       Sense of Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the accidental transfer of suspected bacillus 
     anthracis, also known as anthrax, from an Army laboratory to 
     28 laboratories located in 12 states and three countries 
     discovered in April 2015 represents a serious safety lapse 
     and a potential threat to public health;
       (2) the Department of Defense, in cooperation with the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal 
     Bureau of Investigation, should continue to investigate the 
     cause of this lapse and determine if protective protocols 
     should be strengthened;
       (3) the Department of Defense should reassess standards on 
     a regular basis to ensure they are current and effective to 
     prevent a reoccurrence; and
       (4) the Department of Defense should keep the relevant 
     defense committees apprised of the investigation, any 
     potential public health or safety risk, remedial actions 
     taken and plans to regularly reassess standards.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1482. Mr. McCAIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 721. PROHIBITION ON CONDUCT OF CERTAIN MEDICAL RESEARCH 
                   AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

       The Secretary of Defense and each Secretary of a military 
     department shall not fund or conduct a medical research and 
     development project unless the Secretary funding or 
     conducting the project determines that the project is 
     directly designed to protect, enhance, or restore the health 
     and safety of members of the Armed Forces through the phases 
     of deployment, combat, recovery, and rehabilitation.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1483. Mr. HOEVEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 186, line 9, insert before the period at the end 
     the following: ``, including the use of contractor facilities 
     and equipment and qualified contract pilot trainers to 
     increase near-term throughput''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1484. Mr. HOEVEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In title XVI, after subtitle A, insert the following:

  Subtitle B--Defense Intelligence and Intelligence-related Activities

     SEC. 1621. REPORT ON AIR NATIONAL GUARD CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 
                   RQ-4 GLOBAL HAWK MISSION.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air 
     Force, in coordination with the Chief of Staff of the Air 
     Force and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, shall 
     submit to Congress a report on the feasibility of using the 
     Air National Guard in association with the active duty Air 
     Force to operate and maintain the RQ-4 Global Hawk.
       (b) Contents.--The report required by (a) shall include the 
     following:
       (1) An assessment of the costs, training requirements, and 
     personnel required to create an association for the Global 
     Hawk mission consisting of members of the Air Force serving 
     on active duty and members of the Air National Guard.
       (2) The capacity of the Air National Guard to support an 
     association described in paragraph (1).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1485. Mr. HOEVEN (for himself and Mr. Tester) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. 1637. SENSE OF SENATE ON THE NUCLEAR FORCE IMPROVEMENT 
                   PROGRAM OF THE AIR FORCE.

       (a) Findings.--The Senates makes the following findings:
       (1) On February 6, 2014, Air Force Global Strike Command 
     (AFGSC) initiated a force improvement program for the 
     Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) force designed to 
     improve mission effectiveness, strengthen culture and morale, 
     and identify areas in need of investment by soliciting input 
     from airmen performing ICBM operations.
       (2) The ICBM force improvement program generated more than 
     300 recommendations to strengthen ICBM operations and served 
     as a model for subsequent force improvement

[[Page 8454]]

     programs in other mission areas, such as bomber operations 
     and sustainment.
       (3) On May 28, 2014, as part of the nuclear force 
     improvement program, the Air Force announced it would make 
     immediate improvements in the nuclear mission of the Air 
     Force, including enhancing career opportunities for airmen in 
     the nuclear career field, ensuring training activities 
     focused on performing the mission in the field, reforming the 
     personnel reliability program, establishing special pay rates 
     for positions in the nuclear career field, and creating a new 
     service medal for nuclear deterrence operations.
       (4) Chief of Staff of the Air Force Mark Welsh has said 
     that, as part of the nuclear force improvement program, the 
     Air Force will increase nuclear-manning levels and strengthen 
     professional development for the members of the Air Force 
     supporting the nuclear mission of the Air Force in order ``to 
     address shortfalls and offer our airmen more stable work 
     schedule and better quality of life''.
       (5) Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, in 
     recognition of the importance of the nuclear mission of the 
     Air Force, proposed elevating the grade of the commander of 
     the Air Force Global Strike Command from lieutenant general 
     to general, and on March 30, 2015, the Senate confirmed a 
     general as commander of that command.
       (6) The Air Force redirected more than $160,000,000 in 
     fiscal year 2014 to alleviate urgent, near-term shortfalls 
     within the nuclear mission of the Air Force as part of the 
     nuclear force improvement program.
       (7) The Air Force plans to spend more than $200,000,000 on 
     the nuclear force improvement program in fiscal year 2015, 
     and requested more than $130,000,000 for the program for 
     fiscal year 2016.
       (8) Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said on November 14, 
     2014, that ``[t]he nuclear mission plays a critical role in 
     ensuring the Nation's safety. No other enterprise we have is 
     more important''.
       (9) Secretary Hagel also said that the budget for the 
     nuclear mission of the Air Force should increase by 10 
     percent over a five-year period.
       (10) Section 1652 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' 
     McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2015 (Public Law 113-201; 128 Stat. 3654; 10 U.S.C. 491 note) 
     declares it the policy of the United States ``to ensure that 
     the members of the Armed Forces who operate the nuclear 
     deterrent of the United States have the training, resources, 
     and national support required to execute the critical 
     national security mission of the members''.
       (b) Sense of Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the nuclear mission of the Air Force should be a top 
     priority for the Department of the Air Force and for 
     Congress;
       (2) the members of the Air Force who operate and maintain 
     the Nation's nuclear deterrent perform work that is vital to 
     the security of the United States;
       (3) the nuclear force improvement program of the Air Force 
     has made significant near-term improvements for the members 
     of the Air Force in the nuclear career field of the Air 
     Force;
       (4) Congress should support long-term investments in the 
     Air Force nuclear enterprise that sustain the progress made 
     under the nuclear force improvement program;
       (5) the Air Force should--
       (A) regularly inform Congress on the progress being made 
     under the nuclear force improvement program and its efforts 
     to strengthen the nuclear enterprise; and
       (B) make Congress aware of any additional actions that 
     should be taken to optimize performance of the nuclear 
     mission of the Air Force and maximize the strength of the 
     United States strategic deterrent; and
       (6) future budgets for the Air Force should reflect the 
     importance of the nuclear mission of the Air Force and the 
     need to provide members of the Air Force assigned to the 
     nuclear mission the best possible support and quality of 
     life.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1486. Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Mr. Hoeven, and Mr. Warner) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; as follows:



       Purpose: To require reporting on energy security issues 
     involving Europe and the Russian Federation, and to express 
     the sense of Congress regarding ways the United States could 
     help vulnerable allies and partners with energy security.
       At the end of subtitle D of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 1257. REPORTING ON ENERGY SECURITY ISSUES INVOLVING 
                   EUROPE AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       (a) Additional Matters in Annual Report on Military and 
     Security Developments Involving the Russian Federation.--
     Section 1245(b) of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' 
     McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2015 (Public Law 113-291; 128 Stat. 3566) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (15) as paragraph (16); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (14) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(15) An assessment of Russia's ability to use energy 
     supplies, particularly natural gas and oil, as tools of 
     coercion or intimidation to undermine the security of NATO 
     members or other neighboring countries.''.
       (b) Report on European Energy Security and Related 
     Vulnerabilities.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Director of National 
     Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of State, 
     shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a 
     report assessing the energy security of NATO members, other 
     European nations who share a border with the Russian 
     Federation, and Moldova.
       (2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include assessments of the following issues:
       (A) The extent of reliance by these nations on the Russian 
     Federation for supplies of oil and natural gas.
       (B) Whether such reliance creates vulnerabilities that 
     negatively affect the security of those nations.
       (C) The magnitude of those vulnerabilities.
       (D) The impacts of those vulnerabilities on the national 
     security and economic interests of the United States.
       (E) Any other aspect that the Director determines to be 
     relevant to these issues.
       (3) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Select Committee 
     on Intelligence, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of 
     the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Permanent Select 
     Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Foreign 
     Affairs of the House of Representatives.

     SEC. ___. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON WAYS THE UNITED STATES COULD 
                   HELP VULNERABLE ALLIES AND PARTNERS WITH ENERGY 
                   SECURITY.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (Public 
     Law 94-163) gives the President discretion to allow crude oil 
     and natural gas exports that the President determines to be 
     consistent with the national interest;
       (2) United States allies and partners in Europe and Asia 
     have requested access to United States oil and natural gas 
     exports to limit their vulnerability and to diversify their 
     supplies, including in the face of Russian aggression and 
     Middle East volatility; and
       (3) the President should exercise existing authorities 
     related to natural gas and crude oil exports to help aid 
     vulnerable United States allies and partners, consistent with 
     the national interest.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1487. Mr. CORNYN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. EXPEDITED APPROVAL OF EXPORTATION OF NATURAL GAS TO 
                   UNITED STATES ALLIES AND PARTNERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3(c) of the Natural Gas Act (15 
     U.S.C. 717b(c)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(c) For purposes'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(c) Expedited Approval.--
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes'';
       (2) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement 
     requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas'' and 
     inserting ``foreign country described in paragraph (2)''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Foreign country described.--A foreign country 
     referred to in paragraph (1) is--
       ``(A) a nation with which there is in effect a free trade 
     agreement requiring national treatment for trade in natural 
     gas;
       ``(B) a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization; or
       ``(C) Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Finland, India, or 
     Japan.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to applications for the 
     authorization to export natural gas under section 3 of the 
     Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) that are pending on, or 
     filed on or after, the date of enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1488. Mr. SULLIVAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016

[[Page 8455]]

for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 608. SENSE OF SENATE ON MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PAY 
                   RAISES.

       (a) Finding.--The Senate finds that section 1009 of title 
     37, United States Code, specifies that the annual increase in 
     pay for members of the uniformed services shall equal the 
     employment cost index while section 5303 of title 5, United 
     States Code, provides that the amount of the annual increase 
     in pay for civilian employees of the Federal Government 
     should be equal to one half of one percent less than the 
     employment cost index.
       (b) Sense of Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the members of our uniformed services have earned a 
     higher annual increase in pay to reward them for the unique 
     challenges and hardships of their service to our country; and
       (2) the annual increase in pay for members of the uniformed 
     services should exceed that of the annual increase in pay for 
     civilian employees of the Federal Government.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1489. Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Schatz, Mr. 
Moran, and Ms. Hirono) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 832. MODIFICATIONS TO THE JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL 
                   PROCESS FOR CERTAIN SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACTS FOR 
                   SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.

       (a) Repeal of Simplified Justification and Approval 
     Process.--Section 811 of the National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 2405) 
     is repealed.
       (b) Requirements for Justification and Approval Process.--
       (1) Defense procurements.--Section 2304(f)(2)(D)(ii) of 
     title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``if 
     such procurement is for property or services in an amount 
     less than $20,000,000'' before the semicolon at the end.
       (2) Civilian procurements.--Section 3304(e)(4) of title 41, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``or section 8(a) of 
     the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)).'' and inserting 
     ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(E) the procurement is for property or services in an 
     amount less than $20,000,000 and is conducted under section 
     8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)).''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1490. Mr. VITTER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 403. MINIMUM NUMBER OF ARMY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3062 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(e)(1) Effective October 1, 2015, the Secretary of the 
     Army shall maintain a total number of brigade combat teams 
     for the regular and reserve components of the Army of not 
     fewer than 32 brigade combat teams.
       ``(2) In this subsection, the term ` brigade combat team' 
     means any unit that consists of--
       ``(A) an arms branch maneuver brigade;
       ``(B) its assigned support units; and
       ``(C) its assigned fire teams''.
       (b) Limitation on Elimination of Army Brigade Combat 
     Teams.--
       (1) Limitation.--The Secretary of the Army may not proceed 
     with any decision to reduce the number of brigade combat 
     teams for the regular Army to fewer than 32 brigade combat 
     teams.
       (2) Additional limitation on retirement.--The Secretary may 
     not eliminate any brigade combat team from the brigade combat 
     teams of the regular Army as of the date of the enactment of 
     this Act until the later of the following:
       (A) The date that is 30 days after the date on which the 
     Secretary submits the report required under paragraph (3).
       (B) The date that is 30 days after the date on which the 
     Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees 
     that--
       (i) the elimination of Army brigade combat teams will not 
     increase the operational risk of meeting the National Defense 
     Strategy; and
       (ii) the reduction of such combat teams does not reduce the 
     total number of brigade combat teams of the Army to fewer 
     than 32 brigade combat teams.
       (3) Report on elimination of brigade combat teams.--The 
     Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees a report setting forth the following:
       (A) The rationale for any proposed reduction of the total 
     strength of the Army, including the National Guard and 
     Reserves, below the strength provided in subsection (e) of 
     section 3062 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by 
     subsection (a) of this section), and an operational analysis 
     of the total strength of the Army that demonstrates 
     performance of the designated mission at an equal or greater 
     level of effectiveness as the personnel of the Army so 
     reduced.
       (B) An assessment of the implications for the Army, the 
     Army National Guard of the United States, and the Army 
     Reserve of the force mix ratio of Army troop strengths and 
     combat units after such reduction.
       (C) Such other matters relating to the reduction of the 
     total strength of the Army as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Additional Reports.--
       (1) In general.--At least 90 days before the date on which 
     the total strength of the Army, including the National Guard 
     and Reserves, is reduced below the strength provided in 
     subsection (e) of section 3062 of title 10, United States 
     Code (as amended by subsection (a) of this section), the 
     Secretary of the Army, in consultation with (where 
     applicable) the Director of the Army National Guard or Chief 
     of the Army Reserve, shall submit to the congressional 
     defense committees a report on the reduction.
       (2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) A list of each major combat unit of the Army that will 
     remain after the reduction, organized by division and 
     enumerated down to the brigade combat team-level or its 
     equivalent, including for each such brigade combat team--
       (i) the mission it is assigned to; and
       (ii) the assigned unit and military installation where it 
     is based.
       (B) A list of each brigade combat team proposed for 
     disestablishment, including for each such unit--
       (i) the mission it is assigned to; and
       (ii) the assigned unit and military installation where it 
     is based.
       (C) A list of each unit affected by a proposed 
     disestablishment listed under subparagraph (B) and a 
     description of how such unit is affected.
       (D) For each military installation and unit listed under 
     subparagraph (B)(ii), a description of changes, if any, to 
     the designed operational capability (DOC) statement of the 
     unit as a result of a proposed disestablishment.
       (E) A description of any anticipated changes in manpower 
     authorizations as a result of a proposed disestablishment 
     listed under subparagraph (B).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1491. Mr. CARDIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1005. ECONOMICAL AND EFFICIENT OPERATION OF WORKING 
                   CAPITAL FUND ACTIVITIES.

       Section 2208(e) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(e)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) The accomplishment of the most economical and 
     efficient organization and operation of working capital fund 
     activities for purposes of paragraph (1) shall include 
     actions toward the implementation of a workload plan that 
     optimizes the efficiency of the workforce operating within a 
     working capital fund activity and reduces the rate 
     structure.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1492. Mr. CORNYN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr.

[[Page 8456]]

McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 1283. AUTHORIZATION OF EXPORTATION OF CRUDE OIL TO 
                   CERTAIN ALLIES AND PARTNERS OF THE UNITED 
                   STATES.

       Section 103(b) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 6212(b)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3)(A) The President shall exempt from the rule 
     promulgated under paragraph (1) exports of crude oil from the 
     United States to countries that are allies and partners of 
     the United States and the energy security of which would be 
     enhanced by such exports, including members of the North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization, Georgia, Ukraine, Finland, 
     Japan, and India.
       ``(B) If the President receives a request for exports of 
     crude oil produced in the United States from the government 
     of a country described in subparagraph (A), the President 
     shall approve the export of such crude oil to that country 
     not later than 60 days after receiving the request if the 
     President determines that the export of such crude oil to 
     that country is in the national interest.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1493. Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, and Mr. Wicker) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Insert after section 342 the following:

     SEC. 342A. PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTS TO FACILITATE PAYMENTS 
                   FOR HONORING MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AT 
                   SPORTING EVENTS.

       (a) Sense of Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the Army National Guard has paid professional sports 
     organizations to honor members of the Armed Forces;
       (2) any organization wishing to honor members of the Armed 
     Forces should do so on a voluntary basis, and the Department 
     of Defense should take action to ensure that no payments be 
     made for such activities in the future; and
       (3) any organization, including the National Football 
     League, that has accepted taxpayer funds to honor members of 
     the Armed Forces should consider directing an equivalent 
     amount of funding in the form of a donation to a charitable 
     organization that supports members of the Armed Forces, 
     veterans, and their families.
       (b) Prohibition.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 134 of title 10, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     2241a the following new section:

     ``Sec. 2241b. Prohibition on contracts providing payments for 
       activities to honor members of the armed forces

       ``(a) Prohibition.--The Department of Defense may not enter 
     into any contract or other agreement under which payments are 
     to be made in exchange for activities by the contractor 
     intended to honor, or giving the appearance of honoring, 
     members of the armed forces (whether members of the regular 
     components or the reserve components) at any form of sporting 
     event.
       ``(b) Construction.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall be 
     construed as prohibiting the Department from taking actions 
     to facilitate activities intended to honor members of the 
     armed forces at sporting events that are provided on a pro 
     bono basis if such activities are provided and received in 
     accordance with applicable rules and regulations regarding 
     the acceptance of gifts by the military departments, the 
     armed forces, and members of the armed forces.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of subchapter I of chapter 134 of such title is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2241a 
     the following new item:

``2241b. Prohibition on contracts providing payments for activities to 
              honor members of the armed forces at sporting events.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1494. Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Brown, 
Ms. Hirono, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Peters, Mrs. 
Gillibrand, Mr. Markey, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Coons, and Mr. Wyden) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. DEFINITION OF SPOUSE FOR PURPOSES OF VETERANS 
                   BENEFITS TO REFLECT NEW STATE DEFINITIONS OF 
                   SPOUSE.

       (a) Spouse Defined.--Section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``of the opposite sex''; 
     and
       (2) by striking paragraph (31) and inserting the following 
     new paragraph:
       ``(31)(A) An individual shall be considered a `spouse' if--
       ``(i) the marriage of the individual is valid in the State 
     in which the marriage was entered into; or
       ``(ii) in the case of a marriage entered into outside any 
     State--
       ``(I) the marriage of the individual is valid in the place 
     in which the marriage was entered into; and
       ``(II) the marriage could have been entered into in a 
     State.
       ``(B) In this paragraph, the term `State' has the meaning 
     given that term in paragraph (20), except that the term also 
     includes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.''.
       (b) Marriage Determination.--Section 103(c) of such title 
     is amended by striking ``according to'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting ``in accordance 
     with section 101(31) of this title.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1495. Mrs. SHAHEEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

                           amendment no. 1495

       In the appropriate place please insert the following:
       SENSE OF SENATE.--It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the accidental transfer of suspected bacillus 
     anthracis, also known as anthrax, from an Army laboratory to 
     more than 28 laboratories located in at least 12 states and 
     three countries discovered in April 2015 represents a serious 
     safety lapse and a potential threat to public health;
       (2) the Department of Defense, in cooperation with the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal 
     Bureau of Investigation, should continue to investigate the 
     cause of this lapse and determine if protective protocols 
     should be strengthened;
       (3) the Department of Defense should reassess standards on 
     a regular basis to ensure they are current and effective to 
     prevent a reoccurrence; and
       (4) the Department of Defense should keep Congress apprised 
     of the investigation, any potential public health or safety 
     risk, remedial actions taken and plans to regularly reassess 
     standards.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1496. Mr. CORNYN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1283. AUTHORIZATION OF EXPORTATION OF NATURAL GAS TO 
                   CERTAIN ALLIES AND PARTNERS OF THE UNITED 
                   STATES.

       Section 103(b) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 6212(b)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3)(A) The President shall exempt from the rule 
     promulgated under paragraph (1) exports of natural gas from 
     the United States to countries that are allies and partners 
     of the United States and the energy security of which would 
     be enhanced by such exports, including members of the North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization, Georgia, Ukraine, Finland, 
     Japan, and India.
       ``(B) If the President receives a request for exports of 
     natural gas produced in the United States from the government 
     of a country described in subparagraph (A), the President 
     shall approve the export of such

[[Page 8457]]

     natural gas to that country not later than 60 days after 
     receiving the request if the President determines that the 
     export of such natural gas to that country is in the national 
     interest.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1497. Mr. PORTMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1257. REPORT ON SECURITY CHALLENGES OF HYBRID WARFARE 
                   TACTICS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     setting forth an assessment of the security challenges posed 
     by hybrid warfare tactics that combine conventional and 
     unconventional means, such as those used by the Russian 
     Federation in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, and their 
     implications for United States military doctrine, 
     organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, 
     and personnel and facilities.
       (b) Elements.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
     address the following:
       (1) The implications for mechanized and armored warfare.
       (2) The implications of the use of information operations 
     to gain information dominance.
       (3) The implications of the use of sophisticated electronic 
     warfare capabilities.
       (4) The applicability of lessons learned from the conflict 
     in Ukraine to security challenges faced by other United 
     States combatant commands, including the United States 
     Pacific Command and the United States Central Command.
       (5) Such other matters with respect to the security 
     challenges posed by the tactics described in subsection (a) 
     as the Secretary consider appropriate.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1498. Mr. PORTMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 236. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMMON AIRBORNE SENSE AND 
                   AVOID TECHNOLOGY ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 
                   OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

       It is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) timely integration and first article delivery of Common 
     Airborne Sense and Avoid technology on unmanned aircraft 
     systems of the Department of Defense is a key requirement to 
     ensuring greater access by the Department of Defense to the 
     airspace of the United States and sustaining United States 
     leadership in the unmanned aircraft systems industry;
       (2) the technology described in paragraph (1) plays a 
     crucial role in the development of civil standards by the 
     Federal Aviation Administration, in coordination with the 
     efforts of unmanned aircraft systems test centers and the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and
       (3) the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air 
     Force should fully support and fund continued research, 
     development, testing, integration, and first article delivery 
     of the technology described in paragraph (1) on unmanned 
     aircraft systems of the Department.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1499. Mr. PORTMAN (for himself, Mr. Heinrich, and Mr. Toomey) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 316, between lines 24 and 25, insert the following:
       (3) Recommendations on how best to implement mental health 
     screenings for individuals enlisting or accessioning into the 
     Armed Forces before enlistment or accession.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1500. Mr. PORTMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 141. BRIEFING ON RETIREMENT AND STORAGE OF AIR FORCE ONE 
                   (VC-25) AIRCRAFT.

       Not later than April 1, 2016, the Secretary of the Air 
     Force shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of 
     the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the 
     Air Force's plan to retire and subsequently place into 
     storage the current fleet of Air Force One (VC-25) aircraft. 
     The briefing shall include an overview on the plan to move 
     one or both aircraft to a museum owned by the Department of 
     the Air Force upon their retirement from active service.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1501. Mr. PORTMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 808, line 4, insert after ``level'' the following: 
     ``and an estimate of the costs of downblending that 
     uranium''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1502. Mr. MORAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1628. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON REVIEWING AND CONSIDERING 
                   FINDINGS OF COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS ON CYBER 
                   CAPABILITIES OF ARMED FORCES.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense 
     should, before reducing any cyber capabilities of an active 
     or reserve component of the Armed Forces, review and consider 
     findings from an assessment by the Council of Governors of 
     the synchronization of cyber capabilities in the active and 
     reserve components of the Armed Forces.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1503. Mr. REID submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle D of title VI, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 643. ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENT OF BOTH RETIRED PAY AND 
                   VETERANS' DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN 
                   MILITARY RETIREES WITH COMPENSABLE SERVICE-
                   CONNECTED DISABILITIES.

       (a) Extension of Concurrent Receipt Authority to Retirees 
     With Service-Connected Disabilities Rated Less Than 50 
     Percent.--Subsection (a) of section 1414 of title 10, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (2).
       (b) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) The heading of such section is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``Sec. 1414. Members eligible for retired pay who are also 
       eligible for veterans' disability compensation: concurrent 
       payment of retired pay and disability compensation''.

       (2) The item relating to such section in the table of 
     sections at the beginning of chapter 71 of such title is 
     amended to read as follows:

``1414. Members eligible for retired pay who are also eligible for 
              veterans' disability compensation: concurrent payment of 
              retired pay and disability compensation.''.

       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on

[[Page 8458]]

     July 1, 2016, and shall apply to payments for months 
     beginning on or after that date.

     SEC. 644. COORDINATION OF SERVICE ELIGIBILITY FOR COMBAT-
                   RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION AND CONCURRENT 
                   RECEIPT.

       (a) Amendments To Standardize Similar Provisions.--
       (1) Qualified retirees.--Subsection (a) of section 1414 of 
     title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 626(a) of 
     this Act, is further amended--
       (A) by striking ``a member or'' and all that follows 
     through ``retiree')'' and inserting ``a qualified retiree''; 
     and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) Qualified retirees.--For purposes of this section, a 
     qualified retiree, with respect to any month, is a member or 
     former member of the uniformed services who--
       ``(A) is entitled to retired pay (other than by reason of 
     section 12731b of this title); and
       ``(B) is also entitled for that month to veterans' 
     disability compensation.''.
       (2) Disability retirees.--Paragraph (2) of subsection (b) 
     of section 1414 of such title is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) Special rule for retirees with fewer than 20 years of 
     service.--The retired pay of a qualified retiree who is 
     retired under chapter 61 of this title with fewer than 20 
     years of creditable service is subject to reduction by the 
     lesser of--
       ``(A) the amount of the reduction under sections 5304 and 
     5305 of title 38; or
       ``(B) the amount (if any) by which the amount of the 
     member's retired pay under such chapter exceeds the amount 
     equal to 2\1/2\ percent of the member's years of creditable 
     service multiplied by the member's retired pay base under 
     section 1406(b)(1) or 1407 of this title, whichever is 
     applicable to the member.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on July 1, 2016, and shall apply to 
     payments for months beginning on or after that date.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1504. Mr. REID submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle D of title VI, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 643. ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENT OF BOTH RETIRED PAY AND 
                   VETERANS' DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR MILITARY 
                   RETIREES WITH COMPENSABLE SERVICE-CONNECTED 
                   DISABILITIES.

       (a) Restatement of Current Concurrent Payment Authority 
     With Extension of Payment Authority to Retirees With 
     Compensable Service-Connected Disabilities Rated Less Than 50 
     Percent Disabling.--Subsection (a) of section 1414 of title 
     10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) 
     and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) 
     and subsection (b), a member or former member of the 
     uniformed services who is entitled for any month to retired 
     pay and who is also entitled for that month to veterans' 
     disability compensation for a service-connected disability or 
     combination of service-connected disabilities that is 
     compensable under the laws administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs (hereinafter in this section referred to as 
     `qualified retiree') is entitled to be paid both for that 
     month without regard to sections 5304 and 5305 of title 38.
       ``(2) One-year phase-in for qualified retirees with total 
     disabilities.--During the period beginning on January 1, 
     2004, and ending on December 31, 2004, payment of retired pay 
     to a qualified retiree is subject to subsection (c) if the 
     qualified retiree is any of the following:
       ``(A) A qualified retiree receiving veterans' disability 
     compensation for a disability rated as 100 percent disabling 
     by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
       ``(B) A qualified retiree receiving veterans' disability 
     compensation at the rate payable for a disability rated as 
     100 percent disabling by reason of a determination of 
     individual unemployability.
       ``(3) 10-year phase-in for qualified retirees with 
     disabilities rated 50 percent disabling or higher.--During 
     the period beginning on January 1, 2004, and ending on 
     December 31, 2013, payment of retired pay to a qualified 
     retiree is subject to subsection (c) if the qualified retiree 
     is entitled to veterans' disability compensation for a 
     service-connected disability or combination of service-
     connected disabilities that is rated not less than 50 percent 
     disabling by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
       ``(4) 10-year phase-in for qualified retirees with 
     compensable disabilities rated less than 50 percent 
     disabling.--During the period beginning on January 1, 2016, 
     and ending on December 31, 2025, payment of retired pay to a 
     qualified retiree is subject to subsection (d) if the 
     qualified retiree is entitled to veterans' disability 
     compensation for a service-connected disability or 
     combination of service-connected disabilities that is rated 
     less than 50 percent disabling by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs but is compensable under the laws administered by the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs.''.
       (b) Phase-in for Qualified Retirees With Compensable 
     Disabilities Rated Less Than 50 Percent Disabling.--Such 
     section is further amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
     (e) and (f), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
     subsection (d):
       ``(d) Phase-in of Full Concurrent Receipt for Qualified 
     Retirees With Compensable Disabilities Rated Less Than 50 
     Percent Disabling.--During the period beginning on January 1, 
     2016, and ending on December 31, 2025, retired pay payable to 
     a qualified retiree that pursuant to subsection (a)(4) is 
     subject to this subsection shall be determined as follows:
       ``(1) Calendar year 2016.--For a month during 2016, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     amount (if any) of retired pay in excess of the current 
     baseline offset, plus $100.
       ``(2) Calendar year 2017.--For a month during 2017, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount specified in paragraph (1) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 10 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount specified in paragraph 
     (1) for that member's disability.
       ``(3) Calendar year 2018.--For a month during 2018, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount determined under paragraph (2) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 20 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount determined under 
     paragraph (2) for that qualified retiree.
       ``(4) Calendary year 2018.--For a month during 2019, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount determined under paragraph (3) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 30 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount determined under 
     paragraph (3) for that qualified retiree.
       ``(5) Calendar year 2020.--For a month during 2020, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount determined under paragraph (4) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 40 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount determined under 
     paragraph (4) for that qualified retiree.
       ``(6) Calendar year 2021.--For a month during 2021, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount determined under paragraph (5) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 50 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount determined under 
     paragraph (5) for that qualified retiree.
       ``(7) Calendar year 2022.--For a month during 2022, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount determined under paragraph (6) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 60 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount determined under 
     paragraph (6) for that qualified retiree.
       ``(8) Calendar year 2023.--For a month during 2023, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount determined under paragraph (7) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 70 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount determined under 
     paragraph (7) for that qualified retiree.
       ``(9) Calendar year 2024.--For a month during 2024, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount determined under paragraph (8) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 80 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount determined under 
     paragraph (8) for that qualified retiree.
       ``(10) Calendar year 2025.--For a month during 2025, the 
     amount of retired pay payable to a qualified retiree is the 
     sum of--
       ``(A) the amount determined under paragraph (9) for that 
     qualified retiree; and
       ``(B) 90 percent of the difference between (i) the current 
     baseline offset, and (ii) the amount determined under 
     paragraph (9) for that qualified retiree.
       ``(11) General limitation.--Retired pay determined under 
     this subsection for a qualified retiree, if greater than the 
     amount of retired pay otherwise applicable to that qualified 
     retiree, shall be reduced to the amount of retired pay 
     otherwise applicable to that qualified retiree.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments to Phase-in for Qualified 
     Retirees With Disabilities Rated 50 Percent Disabling or 
     Higher.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended--
       (1) in the subsection caption, by inserting ``for Qualified 
     Retirees With Disabilities

[[Page 8459]]

     Rated 50 Percent Disabling or Higher'' after ``Full 
     Concurrent Receipt''; and
       (2) by striking ``the second sentence of subsection 
     (a)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(3)''.
       (d) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) The heading of such section is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``Sec. 1414. Members eligible for retired pay who are also 
       eligible for veterans' disability compensation: concurrent 
       payment of retired pay and disability compensation''.

       (2) The item relating to such section in the table of 
     sections at the beginning of chapter 71 of such title is 
     amended to read as follows:

``1414. Members eligible for retired pay who are also eligible for 
              veterans' disability compensation: concurrent payment of 
              retired pay and disability compensation.''.

       (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on December 31, 2015, and shall apply to 
     payments for months beginning on or after that date.

     SEC. 644. COORDINATION OF SERVICE ELIGIBILITY FOR COMBAT-
                   RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION AND CONCURRENT 
                   RECEIPT.

       (a) Amendment To Standardize Similar Provisions.--Paragraph 
     (2) of section 1414(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) Special rule for retirees with fewer than 20 years of 
     service.--The retired pay of a qualified retiree who is 
     retired under chapter 61 of this title with fewer than 20 
     years of creditable service is subject to reduction by the 
     lesser of--
       ``(A) the amount of the reduction under sections 5304 and 
     5305 of title 38; or
       ``(B) the amount (if any) by which the amount of the 
     member's retired pay under such chapter exceeds the amount 
     equal to 2\1/2\ percent of the member's years of creditable 
     service multiplied by the member's retired pay base under 
     section 1406(b)(1) or 1407 of this title, whichever is 
     applicable to the member.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on July 1, 2015, and shall apply to 
     payments for months beginning on or after that date.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1505. Mr. REID submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle D of title VI, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 643. ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENT OF BOTH RETIRED PAY AND 
                   VETERANS' DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR MILITARY 
                   RETIREES WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES 
                   RATED 40 PERCENT DISABLING.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (a)(2) of section 1414 of title 
     10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``means'' and 
     all that follows and inserting ``means the following:
       ``(A) During the period beginning on January 1, 2004, and 
     ending on June 30, 2015, a service-connected disability or 
     combination of service-connected disabilities that is rated 
     as not less than 50 percent disabling by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       ``(B) After June 30, 2015, a service-connected disability 
     or combination of service-connected disabilities that is 
     rated as not less than 40 percent disabling by the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) The heading of such section is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``Sec. 1414. Members eligible for retired pay who are also 
       eligible for veterans' disability compensation rated 40 
       percent or higher: concurrent payment of retired pay and 
       disability compensation''.

       (2) The item relating to such section in the table of 
     sections at the beginning of chapter 71 of such title is 
     amended to read as follows:

``1414. Members eligible for retired pay who are also eligible for 
              veterans' disability compensation rated 40 percent or 
              higher: concurrent payment of retired pay and disability 
              compensation.''.

       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on July 1, 2015, and shall apply to 
     payments for months beginning on or after that date.

     SEC. 644. COORDINATION OF SERVICE ELIGIBILITY FOR COMBAT-
                   RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION AND CONCURRENT 
                   RECEIPT.

       (a) Amendment To Standardize Similar Provisions.--Paragraph 
     (2) of section 1414(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) Special rule for retirees with fewer than 20 years of 
     service.--The retired pay of a qualified retiree who is 
     retired under chapter 61 of this title with fewer than 20 
     years of creditable service is subject to reduction by the 
     lesser of--
       ``(A) the amount of the reduction under sections 5304 and 
     5305 of title 38; or
       ``(B) the amount (if any) by which the amount of the 
     member's retired pay under such chapter exceeds the amount 
     equal to 2\1/2\ percent of the member's years of creditable 
     service multiplied by the member's retired pay base under 
     section 1406(b)(1) or 1407 of this title, whichever is 
     applicable to the member.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on July 1, 2015, and shall apply to 
     payments for months beginning on or after that date.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1506. Mr. TILLIS (for himself, Mr. Inhofe, and Mr. Burr) submitted 
an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by 
Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for 
fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, 
for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department 
of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal 
year, and for other purposes; as follows:

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

     SEC. 141. STATIONING OF C-130 H AIRCRAFT AVIONICS PREVIOUSLY 
                   MODIFIED BY THE AVIONICS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM 
                   (AMP) IN SUPPORT OF DAILY TRAINING AND 
                   CONTINGENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR AIRBORNE AND 
                   SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES.

       The Secretary of the Air Force shall station aircraft 
     previously modified by the C-130 Avionics Modernization 
     Program (AMP) to support United States Army Airborne and 
     United States Army Special Operations Command daily training 
     and contingency requirements by the end of fiscal year 2017, 
     and such aircraft shall not be required to deploy in the 
     normal rotation of C-130 H units. The Secretary shall provide 
     such personnel as required to maintain and operate the 
     aircraft.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1507. Mr. PORTMAN (for himself and Mr. McCain) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 1258. APPROVAL OF EXPORT LICENCES AND LETTERS OF REQUEST 
                   TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT OF UKRAINE.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Export license applications.--The Secretary of State 
     shall provide the specified congressional committees a 
     detailed list of all export license applications, including 
     requests for marketing licenses, for the sale of defense 
     articles and defense services to Ukraine. The list shall 
     include the date when the application or request was first 
     submitted, the current status of each application or request, 
     and the estimated timeline for adjudication of such 
     applications or requests. The Secretary shall give priority 
     to processing these applications and requests.
       (2) Letters of request.--The Secretary of State shall also 
     provide the specified congressional committees a detailed 
     list of all pending Letters of Request for Foreign Military 
     Sales to Ukraine, including the date when the letter was 
     first submitted, the current status, and the estimated 
     timeline for adjudication of such letters.
       (b) Reports.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the 
     Secretary of State shall submit to the specified 
     congressional committees a report outlining the status of the 
     applications, requests for marketing licenses and Letters of 
     Request described under subsection (a). The report shall 
     terminate upon certification by the President that the 
     sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Government of 
     Ukraine has been restored or 5 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, whichever occurs first.
       (c) Specified Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``specified congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the congressional defense committees; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1508. Mr. HELLER (for himself and Mr. Casey) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the

[[Page 8460]]

Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for 
such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 515. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE 
                   COMPONENTS WHO ARE SEPARATING FROM THE ARMED 
                   FORCES.

       Section 1145 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
     (e) and (f), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
     subsection (d):
       ``(d) Physical Examinations for Members of Reserve 
     Components.--(1) The Secretary concerned shall provide a 
     physical examination pursuant to subsection (a)(5) to each 
     member of a reserve component who--
       ``(A) will not otherwise receive such an examination under 
     such subsection; and
       ``(B) elects to receive such a physical examination.
       ``(2) The Secretary concerned shall--
       ``(A) provide the physical examination under paragraph (1) 
     to a member during the 90-day period before the date on which 
     the member is scheduled to be separated from the armed 
     forces; and
       ``(B) issue orders to such a member to receive such 
     physical examination.
       ``(3) A member may not be entitled to health care benefits 
     pursuant to subsection (a), (b), or (c) solely by reason of 
     being provided a physical examination under paragraph (1).
       ``(4) In providing to a member a physical examination under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall provide to the 
     member a record of the physical examination.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1509. Mr. HELLER (for himself and Mr. Casey) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. INCREASED COOPERATION BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   TO IMPROVE PROCESSING OF CLAIMS FOR VETERANS 
                   BENEFITS.

       (a) Procedures.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the 
     Secretary of Defense shall jointly develop and implement 
     procedures to improve the timely provision to the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs of such information as the Secretary 
     requires to process claims submitted to the Secretary for 
     benefits under laws administered by the Secretary.
       (2) Timely provision.--The procedures developed and 
     implemented under paragraph (1) shall ensure that the 
     information provided to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is 
     provided to the Secretary not later than 30 days after the 
     date on which the Secretary requests the information.
       (b) Annual Reports.--Not less frequently than once each 
     year, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to 
     Congress a report on--
       (1) the requests for information made by the Secretary 
     during the most recent one-year period for information from 
     the Secretary of Defense required by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs to process claims submitted to the Secretary 
     for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; and
       (2) the timeliness of responses to such requests.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1510. Mr. HELLER (for himself and Mr. Casey) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 738. REPORT ON INTEROPERABILITY BETWEEN ELECTRONIC 
                   HEALTH RECORDS SYSTEMS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
                   AND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to Congress a report 
     that sets forth a timeline with milestones for achieving 
     interoperability between the electronic health records 
     systems of the Department of Defense and the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1511. Mr. HELLER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 265, strike line 15 and insert the following:
     result of the implementation of the plan;
       (C) an assessment whether the privatized defense commissary 
     system under the plan can sustain the current savings to 
     patrons of the defense commissary system;
       (D) an assessment of the impact that privatization of the 
     defense commissary system under the plan would have on all 
     eligible beneficiaries;
       (E) an assessment whether the privatized defense commissary 
     system under the plan can sustain the continued operation of 
     existing commissaries; and
       (F) an assessment whether privatization of the defense 
     commissary system is feasible for overseas commissaries.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1512. Mr. HELLER (for himself and Ms. Hirono) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN SERVICE IN PHILIPPINES 
                   DURING WORLD WAR II.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and such military 
     historians as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, 
     shall establish a process to determine whether a covered 
     individual served as described in subsection (a) or (b) of 
     section 107 of title 38, United States Code, for purposes of 
     determining whether such covered individual is eligible for 
     benefits described in such subsections.
       (b) Covered Individuals.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered individual is any individual who--
       (1) claims service described in subsection (a) or (b) of 
     section 107 of title 38, United States Code; and
       (2) is not included in the Approved Revised Reconstructed 
     Guerilla Roster of 1948, known as the ``Missouri List''.
       (c) Prohibition on Benefits for Disqualifying Conduct Under 
     New Process.--The process established under subsection (a) 
     shall include a mechanism to ensure that a covered individual 
     is not treated as an individual eligible for a benefit 
     described in subsection (a) or (b) of section 107 of such 
     title if such covered individual engaged in any disqualifying 
     conduct during service described in such subsections, 
     including collaboration with the enemy or criminal conduct.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1513. Mr. HELLER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 524. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCESS BY WHICH MEMBERS OF THE 
                   ARMED FORCES MAY CARRY A CONCEALED PERSONAL 
                   FIREARM ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION.

       (a) Process Required.--The Secretary of Defense, taking 
     into consideration the views of senior leadership of military 
     installations in the United States, shall establish a process 
     by which the commander of a military installation in the 
     United States may authorize a member of the Armed Forces who 
     is assigned to duty at the installation to carry a concealed 
     personal firearm on the installation if the commander 
     determines it to be necessary as a personal-protection or 
     force-protection measure.
       (b) Relation to State and Local Law.--In establishing the 
     process under subsection (a)

[[Page 8461]]

     for a military installation, the commander of the 
     installation shall consult with elected officials of the 
     State and local jurisdictions in which the installation is 
     located and take into consideration the law of the State and 
     such jurisdictions regarding carrying a concealed personal 
     firearm.
       (c) Member Qualifications.--To be eligible to be authorized 
     to carry a concealed personal firearm on a military 
     installation pursuant to the process established under 
     subsection (a), a member of the Armed Forces--
       (1) must complete any training and certification required 
     by any State in which the installation is located that would 
     permit the member to carry concealed in that State;
       (2) must not be subject to disciplinary action under the 
     Uniform Code of Military Justice for any offense that could 
     result in incarceration or separation from the Armed Forces;
       (3) must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm 
     because of conviction of a crime of domestic violence; and
       (4) must meet such service-related qualification 
     requirements for the use of firearms, as established by the 
     Secretary of the military department concerned.
       (d) State Defined.--In this section, the term ``State'' 
     includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
     Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1514. Mr. ROUNDS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. ___. REPORT ON FUTURE MIX OF AIRCRAFT PLATFORMS FOR THE 
                   ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Report on Study Required.--The Secretary of Defense 
     shall submit to Congress a report setting forth the results 
     of a study, to be performed by an organization or entity 
     independent of the Department of Defense selected by the 
     Secretary for purposes of this section, that determines the 
     following:
       (1) An optimized future mix of shorter range fighter-class 
     strike aircraft and long-range strike aircraft platforms for 
     the Armed Forces.
       (2) An appropriate future mix of manned aerial platforms 
     and unmanned aerial platforms for the Armed Forces.
       (b) Considerations in Determining Mix.--The mixes 
     determined pursuant to the study shall be determined taking 
     into account relevant portions of the defense strategy, 
     critical assumptions, priorities, force-sizing construct, and 
     cost.
       (c) Nonduplication of Effort.--If any information required 
     under subsection (a) has been included in another report or 
     notification previously submitted to Congress by law, the 
     Secretary may provide a list of such reports and 
     notifications at the time of submitting the report required 
     by subsection (a) in lieu of including such information in 
     the report required by subsection (a).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1515. Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERMENT IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES.

       (a) In General.--Section 2402(a) of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(10) Any individual--
       ``(A) who--
       ``(i) was naturalized pursuant to section 2(1) of the Hmong 
     Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-207; 8 
     U.S.C. 1423 note); and
       ``(ii) at the time of the individual's death resided in the 
     United States; or
       ``(B) who--
       ``(i) the Secretary determines served with a special 
     guerrilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in 
     Laos in support of the Armed Forces of the United States at 
     any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and 
     ending May 7, 1975; and
       ``(ii) at the time of the individual's death--

       ``(I) was a citizen of the United States or an alien 
     lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United 
     States; and
       ``(II) resided in the United States.''.

       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to an individual dying on or after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1516. Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1049. CODIFICATION IN LAW OF ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES OF 
                   THE OFFICE OF COMPLEX ADMINISTRATIVE 
                   INVESTIGATIONS IN THE NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU.

       (a) In General.--There is in the Office of the Chief of the 
     National Guard Bureau the Office of Complex Administrative 
     Investigations (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Office'').
       (b) Direction and Supervision.--The Office shall be under 
     the direction and supervision of the Chief of the National 
     Guard Bureau.
       (c) Duties.--
       (1) In general.--The duties of the Office shall be to 
     undertake complex administrative investigations of matters 
     relating to members of the National Guard when in State 
     status, including investigations of sexual assault involving 
     a member of the National Guard in such status, upon the 
     request of any of the following:
       (A) The Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
       (B) An adjutant general of a State or territory or the 
     District of Columbia.
       (C) The governor of a State or territory, or the Commanding 
     General of the National Guard of the District of Columbia.
       (2) Complex administrative investigations.--For purposes of 
     this subsection, a complex administrative investigation is 
     any investigation (as specified by the Chief of the National 
     Guard Bureau for purposes of this section) involving factors 
     giving rise to unusual complexity in investigation, including 
     the following:
       (A) Questions of jurisdiction between the United States and 
     a State or territory.
       (B) Matters requiring specialized training among 
     investigating officers.
       (C) Matters raising the need for an independent 
     investigation in order to ensure fairness and impartiality in 
     investigation.
       (3) Matters relating to members of the national guard in 
     state status.--The determination whether or not a matter 
     relates to a member of the National Guard when in State 
     status for purposes of this section shall be made by the 
     Chief of the National Guard Bureau in accordance with 
     criteria specified by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau 
     for purposes of this section.
       (d) Chief of National Guard Bureau Treatment of Final 
     Reports.--The Chief of the National Guard Bureau shall treat 
     any final report of the Office on a matter under this section 
     as if such report were the report of an Inspector General of 
     the Department of Defense or a military department on such 
     matter.
       (e) Reports to Congress.--
       (1) Submittal of final reports to congressional 
     delegations.--Upon the adoption by the Office of a final 
     report on an investigation undertaken by the Office pursuant 
     to this section, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau shall 
     submit such report (with any personally identifying 
     information appropriately redacted) to the members of 
     Congress from the State or territory concerned.
       (2) Annual reports.--The Chief of the National Guard Bureau 
     shall submit to Congress each year a report on the 
     investigations undertaken by the Office pursuant to this 
     section during the preceding year. Each report shall include, 
     for the year covered by such report, the following:
       (A) A summary description of the investigations undertaken 
     during such year, including any trends in matters subject to 
     investigation and in findings as a result of investigations.
       (B) Information, set forth by State and territory, on the 
     investigations undertaken during such year involving 
     allegations of sexual assault involving a member of the 
     National Guard.
       (C) Such other information and matters on the 
     investigations undertaken during such year as the Chief of 
     the National Guard Bureau considers appropriate.
       (f) Personnel and Other Capabilities.--The Chief of the 
     National Guard Bureau shall ensure that the Office maintains 
     the personnel and other capabilities necessary for the 
     discharge of the duties of the Office under this section.
       (g) Procedures and Instructions.--The Chief of the National 
     Guard Bureau shall issue, and may from time to time update, 
     procedures and instructions necessary for the discharge of 
     the duties of the Office under this section.

[[Page 8462]]

       (h) Repeal of Superseded Instruction.--Chief of the 
     National Guard Bureau Instruction CNGBI 0400.01, dated July 
     30, 2012, shall have no further force or effect.

     SEC. 1050. COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES REPORT ON 
                   SERIOUS MISCONDUCT WITHIN THE NATIONAL GUARD.

       Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     setting forth the following:
       (1) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the authorities 
     of the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of the National 
     Guard Bureau to investigate and respond on their own 
     initiative to allegations of serious misconduct, including 
     but not limited to sexual assault, sexual harassment, 
     violations of Federal law, retaliation, and waste, fraud, and 
     abuse arising in operations of the National Guard in Federal 
     status and in State status.
       (2) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the mechanisms 
     available to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the 
     military departments, and the Chief of the National Guard to 
     receive, process, and monitor the disposition of allegations 
     described in paragraph (1), whether first brought to the 
     attention of the Federal government or the Adjutants General.
       (3) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the process used 
     to determine whether allegations described in paragraph (1) 
     are investigated by the Department of Defense, the Inspector 
     General of the Department of Defense, the Inspector General 
     of the National Guard Bureau, the Inspectors General of the 
     military departments, the Office of Complex Administrative 
     Investigations of the National Guard Bureau, Federal military 
     or civilian law enforcement agencies, or other agencies in 
     the first instance, and the coordination of investigations 
     among such agencies
       (4) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the monitoring of 
     investigations into allegations described in paragraph (1) by 
     the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the military 
     departments, and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau which 
     are undertaken by Federal agencies and those undertaken under 
     the direction of the Adjutants General.
       (5) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the process used 
     for disposing of substantiated allegations described in 
     paragraph (1), whether by prosecution or administrative 
     action, and the consistency in the disposition of allegations 
     of a similar nature across the National Guard.
       (6) An evaluation of the effectiveness of State codes of 
     military justice in prosecuting members of the National Guard 
     for serious misconduct described in paragraph (1), and an 
     assessment whether chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code 
     (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), should be extended to 
     authorize prosecution of some or all offenses committed by 
     members of the National Guard while in State status.
       (7) An evaluation of the effectiveness of mechanisms to 
     protect the confidentiality of members of the National Guard 
     who report allegations described in paragraph (1) and to 
     prevent retaliation against such members.
       (8) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the National 
     Guard Bureau in preventing and proactively identifying 
     instances of serious misconduct described in paragraph (1), 
     including the availability and effectiveness of hotlines 
     through which members of the National Guard who are 
     uncomfortable reporting their concerns through State channels 
     may bring them to the attention of the National Guard Bureau 
     and the use of command climate surveys in identifying serious 
     misconduct.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1517. Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Insert after section 1204 the following:

     SEC. 1204A. REPORT ON EXPANSION OF NATIONAL GUARD STATE 
                   PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM TO INCLUDE NATIONS IN THE 
                   ARCTIC REGION.

       Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report setting forth an 
     assessment of the feasibility and advisability of expanding 
     the National Guard State Partnership Program to include 
     partnerships with nations in the Arctic region in order to 
     further the strategy of the Department of Defense for the 
     Arctic region.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1518. Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1005. ANNUAL REPORT ON MANNER IN WHICH THE BUDGET OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUPPORTS THE STRATEGY OF 
                   THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE ARCTIC REGION.

       (a) Annual Report Required.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     provide for the inclusion in the budget for each fiscal year 
     after fiscal year 2016 that is submitted to Congress pursuant 
     to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a report on 
     the manner in which amounts requested in the budget for the 
     fiscal year concerned for the Department of Defense support 
     implementation of the strategy of the Department and the 
     Armed Forces for the Arctic region, including the extent to 
     which such amounts will address gaps in military 
     infrastructure and capabilities in the Arctic region.
       (b) Form.--Each report under subsection (a) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
     annex.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1519. Mr. ROUNDS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1024. TREATMENT OF EACH VESSEL IN THE CVN-78 CLASS 
                   AIRCRAFT CARRIER PROGRAM AS A MAJOR SUBPROGRAM 
                   OF A MAJOR DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROGRAM.

       Each vessel in the CVN-78 class aircraft carrier program 
     shall be treated as a separate major subprogram of a major 
     defense acquisition program for purposes of chapter 144 of 
     title 10, United States Code.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1520. Mr. ROUNDS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. ___. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO 
                   SUPPORT CIVIL AUTHORITIES IN RESPONSE TO CYBER 
                   ATTACKS BY FOREIGN POWERS.

       (a) Plan Required.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     develop a comprehensive plan for the United States Cyber 
     Command to support civil authorities in responding to cyber 
     attacks by foreign powers (as defined in section 101 of the 
     Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 
     1801)) against the United States or a United States person.
       (2) Elements.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) A plan for internal Department of Defense collective 
     training activities that are integrated with exercises 
     conducted with other agencies and State and local 
     governments.
       (B) Plans for coordination with the heads of other Federal 
     agencies and State and local governments pursuant to the 
     exercises required under subparagraph (A).
       (C) Note of any historical frameworks that are used, if 
     any, in the formulation of the plan required by paragraph 
     (1), such as Operation Noble Eagle.
       (D) Descriptions of the roles, responsibilities, and 
     expectations of Federal, State, and local authorities as the 
     Secretary understands them.
       (E) Descriptions of the roles, responsibilities, and 
     expectations of the active components and reserve components 
     of the Armed Forces.
       (F) A description of such legislative and administrative 
     action as may be necessary to carry out the plan required by 
     paragraph (1).
       (b) Comptroller General of the United States Review of 
     Plan.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     review the plan developed under subsection (a)(1).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1521. Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Kaine, Ms. Hirono, Mrs. 
Gillibrand,

[[Page 8463]]

Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. 
Brown, Mr. King, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Heinrich, Ms. Baldwin, 
Mr. Reid, Mr. Tester, Mrs. McCaskill, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. 
Murphy, Mr. Markey, Mr. Casey, Mrs. Murray, and Mr. Franken) submitted 
an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by 
Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for 
fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, 
for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department 
of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal 
year, and for other purposes; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1523. LIMITATION ON THE AVAILABILITY OF OVERSEAS 
                   CONTINGENCY OPERATION FUNDING SUBJECT TO RELIEF 
                   FROM THE BUDGET CONTROL ACT.

       (a) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this title, of the total amount authorized to be appropriated 
     by this title for overseas contingency operations, not more 
     than $50,950,000,000 may be available for obligation and 
     expenditure unless--
       (1) the discretionary spending limits imposed by section 
     251(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
     Act of 1985, as amended by section 302 of the Budget Control 
     Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-25), on appropriations for the 
     revised security category and the revised nonsecurity 
     category are eliminated or increased in proportionally equal 
     amounts for fiscal year 2016 by any other Act enacted after 
     December 26, 2013; and
       (2) if the revised security and the revised nonsecurity 
     category are increased as described in paragraph (1), the 
     amount of the increase is equal to or greater than the amount 
     in excess of the $50,950,000,000 that is authorized to be 
     appropriated by this title for security category activities.
       (b) Use of Funds Available Under Satisfaction of 
     Limitation.--
       (1) Transfer.--Any amounts authorized to be appropriated by 
     this title in excess of $50,950,000,000 that are available 
     for obligation and expenditure pursuant to subsection (a) 
     shall be transferred to applicable accounts of the Department 
     of Defense providing funds for programs, projects, and 
     activities other than for overseas contingency operations. 
     Any amounts so transferred to an account shall be merged with 
     amounts in the account to which transferred and available 
     subject to the same terms and conditions as otherwise apply 
     to amounts in such account.
       (2) Construction of authority.--The authority to transfer 
     amounts under this subsection is in addition to any other 
     transfer authority in this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1522. Mr. PORTMAN (for himself, Mr. Peters, Mr. Cotton, Mr. 
Inhofe, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Sessions, and Mr. Toomey) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; as follows:

       At the end of title I, add the following:

                       Subtitle E--Army Programs

     SEC. 161. STRYKER LETHALITY UPGRADES.

       (a) Additional Amount for Procurement, Army.--
       (1) In general.--The amount authorized to be appropriated 
     for fiscal year 2016 by section 101 for procurement is hereby 
     increased by $314,000,000, with the amount of the increase to 
     be available for procurement for the Army for Wheeled and 
     Tracked Combat Vehicles for Stryker (mod) Lethality Upgrades.
       (2) Supplement not supplant.--The amount available under 
     paragraph (1) for procurement for Stryker (mod) Lethality 
     Upgrades is in addition to any other amounts available in 
     this Act for procurement for the Army for Stryker (mod) 
     Lethality Upgrades.
       (b) Additional Amount for Rdt&e, Army.--
       (1) In general.--The amount authorized to be appropriated 
     for fiscal year 2016 by section 201 for research, 
     development, test, and evaluation is hereby increased by 
     $57,000,000, with the amount of the increase to be available 
     for research, development, test, and evaluation for the Army 
     for the Combat Vehicle Improvement Program for Stryker 
     Lethality Upgrades.
       (2) Supplement not supplant.--The amount available under 
     paragraph (1) for research, development, test, and evaluation 
     for Stryker Lethality Upgrades is in addition to any other 
     amounts available in this Act for research, development, 
     test, and evaluation for the Army for Stryker Lethality 
     Upgrades.
       (c) Offset.--The aggregate amount authorized to be 
     appropriated for fiscal year 2016 by division A is hereby 
     reduced by $371,000,000, with the amount of the reduction to 
     be achieved through anticipated foreign currency gains in 
     addition to any other anticipated foreign currency gains 
     specified in the funding tables in division D.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1523. Mr. MARKEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 120. UPDATE OF COST ESTIMATES FOR SSBN(X) SUBMARINE 
                   PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES.

       (a) Report on Update Required.--
       (1) In general.--(A) Not later than March 31, 2016, the 
     Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional 
     defense committees a report setting forth an update of the 
     cost estimates prepared under subsection (a)(1) section 242 
     of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2012 (Public Law 112-81; 125 Stat. 1343) for each option 
     considered under subsection (b) of that section for purposes 
     of the report under that section on the Ohio-class 
     replacement ballistic missile submarine.
       (B) The update shall specify how the cost updates account 
     for differences in survivability, targeting responsiveness 
     and flexibility, responsiveness to future threats, and other 
     matters the Secretary considers important in comparing the 
     options.
       (2) Form.--Each updated cost estimate in the report under 
     paragraph (1) shall be submitted in an unclassified form that 
     may be made available to the public. Other information from 
     the update may be submitted in classified form.
       (b) Comptroller General Report.--Not later than 90 days 
     after the date of the submittal under subsection (a) of the 
     report required by that subsection, the Comptroller General 
     of the United States shall submit to the congressional 
     defense committees a report setting forth an assessment by 
     the Comptroller General of the accuracy of the updated cost 
     estimates in the report under subsection (a).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1524. Mr. MARKEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1637. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE REVIEW OF COST 
                   ESTIMATES FOR NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

       Section 1043(b)(1) of the National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81; 125 Stat. 1576), 
     as most recently amended by section 1643 of the Carl Levin 
     and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 128 Stat. 
     3650), is further amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and the 25-year 
     period'' after ``10-year period''; and
       (2) in subparagraphs (B) and (C), by striking ``such 
     period'' both places it appears and inserting ``such 
     periods''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1525. Mr. MARKEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1637. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR NEW AIR LAUNCHED 
                   CRUISE MISSILE.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the 
     funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise 
     made

[[Page 8464]]

     available for fiscal year 2015 or any fiscal year thereafter 
     for the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may 
     be obligated or expended for the research, development, test, 
     and evaluation or procurement of a new air-launched cruise 
     missile or for the W80 warhead life extension program.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1526. Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Mr. Franken) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       At the end of title XVI, add the following:

          Subtitle F--Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures

     SEC. 1671. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Smarter Approach to 
     Nuclear Expenditures Act''.

     SEC. 1672. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the Soviet Union no 
     longer exists, and the Cold War is over. The nature of 
     threats to the national security and military interests of 
     the United States has changed. However, the United States 
     continues to maintain an enormous arsenal of nuclear weapons 
     and delivery systems that were devised with the Cold War in 
     mind.
       (2) The current nuclear arsenal of the United States 
     includes approximately 5,000 total nuclear warheads, of which 
     approximately 2,000 are deployed with three delivery 
     components: long-range strategic bomber aircraft, land-based 
     intercontinental ballistic missiles, and submarine-launched 
     ballistic missiles. The bomber fleet of the United States 
     comprises 93 B-52 and 20 B-2 aircraft. The United States 
     maintains 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles. The United 
     States also maintains 14 Ohio-class submarines, up to 12 of 
     which are deployed at sea. Each of those submarines is armed 
     with up to 96 independently targetable nuclear warheads.
       (3) This Cold War-based approach to nuclear security comes 
     at significant cost. Over the next 10 years, the United 
     States will spend hundreds of billions of dollars maintaining 
     its nuclear force. A substantial decrease in spending on the 
     nuclear arsenal of the United States is prudent for both the 
     budget and national security.
       (4) The national security interests of the United States 
     can be well served by reducing the total number of deployed 
     nuclear warheads and their delivery systems, as stated by the 
     Department of Defense's June 2013 nuclear policy guidance 
     entitled, ``Report on Nuclear Employment Strategy of the 
     United States''. This guidance found that force levels under 
     the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and 
     Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 
     2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011, between the 
     United States and the Russian Federation (commonly known as 
     the ``New START Treaty'') ``are more than adequate for what 
     the United States needs to fulfill its national security 
     objectives'' and that the force can be reduced by up to \1/3\ 
     below levels under the New START Treaty to 1,000 to 1,100 
     warheads.
       (5) Even without additional reductions in deployed 
     strategic warheads, the United States can save tens of 
     billions of dollars by deploying those warheads more 
     efficiently on delivery systems and by deferring production 
     of new delivery systems until they are needed.
       (6) Economic security and national security are linked and 
     both will be well served by smart defense spending. Admiral 
     Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated on 
     June 24, 2010, ``Our national debt is our biggest national 
     security threat'' and on August 2, 2011, stated, ``I haven't 
     changed my view that the continually increasing debt is the 
     biggest threat we have to our national security.''.
       (7) The Government Accountability Office has found that 
     there is significant waste in the construction of the nuclear 
     facilities of the National Nuclear Security Administration of 
     the Department of Energy.

     SEC. 1673. REDUCTION IN NUCLEAR FORCES.

       (a) Prohibition on New Long-Range Penetrating Bomber 
     Aircraft.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none 
     of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made 
     available for any of fiscal years 2015 through 2024 for the 
     Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the 
     research, development, test, and evaluation or procurement of 
     a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft.
       (b) Prohibition on F-35 Nuclear Mission.--Notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law, none of the funds authorized to 
     be appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 
     2015 or any fiscal year thereafter for the Department of 
     Defense or the Department of Energy may be used to make the 
     F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying 
     nuclear weapons.
       (c) Reduction in the B61 Life Extension Program.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds 
     authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for 
     fiscal year 2015 or any fiscal year thereafter for the 
     Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may be 
     obligated or expended for the B61 life extension program 
     until the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy 
     jointly certify to Congress that the total cost of the B61 
     life extension program has been reduced to not more than 
     $4,000,000,000.
       (d) Termination of W78 Life Extension Program.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds 
     authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for 
     fiscal year 2015 or any fiscal year thereafter for the 
     Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may be 
     obligated or expended for the W78 life extension program.
       (e) Reduction of Nuclear-Armed Submarines.--Notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law, beginning in fiscal year 2021, 
     the forces of the Navy shall include not more than eight 
     ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment.
       (f) Limitation on SSBN-X Submarines.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law--
       (1) none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or 
     otherwise made available for any of fiscal years 2015 through 
     2024 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or 
     expended for the procurement of an SSBN-X submarine; and
       (2) none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or 
     otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 or any fiscal 
     year thereafter for the Department of Defense may be 
     obligated or expended for the procurement of more than eight 
     such submarines.
       (g) Prohibition on New Intercontinental Ballistic 
     Missile.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of 
     the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made 
     available for any of fiscal years 2015 through 2024 for the 
     Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the 
     research, development, test, and evaluation or procurement of 
     a new intercontinental ballistic missile.
       (h) Termination of Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility 
     Project.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of 
     the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made 
     available for fiscal year 2015 or any fiscal year thereafter 
     for the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may 
     be obligated or expended for the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication 
     Facility project.
       (i) Termination of Uranium Processing Facility.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds 
     authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for 
     fiscal year 2015 or any fiscal year thereafter for the 
     Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may be 
     obligated or expended for the Uranium Processing Facility 
     located at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, 
     Tennessee.
       (j) Prohibition on New Air Launched Cruise Missile.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds 
     authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for 
     fiscal year 2015 or any fiscal year thereafter for the 
     Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may be 
     obligated or expended for the research, development, test, 
     and evaluation or procurement of a new air-launched cruise 
     missile or for the W80 warhead life extension program.

     SEC. 1674. REPORTS REQUIRED.

       (a) Initial Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and 
     the Secretary of Energy shall jointly submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report outlining the 
     plan of each Secretary to carry out section 1673.
       (b) Annual Report.--Not later than March 1, 2016, and 
     annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Energy shall jointly submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report outlining the plan of each 
     Secretary to carry out section 1673, including any updates to 
     previously submitted reports.
       (c) Annual Nuclear Weapons Accounting.--Not later than 
     September 30, 2016, and annually thereafter, the President 
     shall transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report containing a comprehensive accounting by the Director 
     of the Office of Management and Budget of the amounts 
     obligated and expended by the Federal Government for each 
     nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during--
       (1) the fiscal year covered by the report; and
       (2) the life cycle of such weapon or program.
       (d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations, the Committee on Appropriations, and the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, the 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on 
     Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.

[[Page 8465]]


                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1527. Mr. WYDEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN TIME SPENT RECEIVING 
                   MEDICAL CARE FROM SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AS 
                   ACTIVE DUTY FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR 
                   POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) of title 38, United 
     States Code, is amended by inserting ``12301(h),'' after 
     ``12301(g),''.
       (b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by 
     subsection (a) shall apply as if such amendment were enacted 
     immediately after the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans 
     Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1528. Mr. WYDEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. REPEAL OF SUNSET RELATED TO COAST GUARD AVIATION 
                   CAPACITY.

       Section 225(b)(2) of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and 
     Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-281; 128 
     Stat. 3039) is repealed.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1529. Mr. WYDEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 352 and insert the following:

     SEC. 352. RETIREMENT OF MILITARY WORKING DOGS IN THE UNITED 
                   STATES.

       (a) In General.--Section 2583(f) of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
       (2) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``If the Secretary'';
       (3) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (2) of 
     this subsection--
       (A) by striking ``, and no suitable adoption is available 
     at the military facility where the dog is location, the 
     Secretary may'' and inserting ``the Secretary shall''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), as designated by paragraph (1) of 
     this subsection, by inserting ``within the United States'' 
     after ``to another location''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
       ``(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply if a United States 
     citizen living abroad adopts the dog at the time of 
     retirement.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     and shall apply to retirements of military working dogs 
     pursuant to section 2583 of title 10, United States Code, 
     that occur on or after that date.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1530. Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. Brown) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to 
the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 
for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE TREATMENT FOR FATHERS OF 
                   CERTAIN PERMANENTLY DISABLED OR DECEASED 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 2108(3) of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (F) and (G) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(F) the parent of an individual who lost his or her life 
     under honorable conditions while serving in the armed forces 
     during a period named by paragraph (1)(A) of this section, 
     if--
       ``(i) the spouse of that parent is totally and permanently 
     disabled; or
       ``(ii) that parent, when preference is claimed, is 
     unmarried or, if married, legally separated from his or her 
     spouse;
       ``(G) the parent of a service-connected permanently and 
     totally disabled veteran, if--
       ``(i) the spouse of that parent is totally and permanently 
     disabled; or
       ``(ii) that parent, when preference is claimed, is 
     unmarried or, if married, legally separated from his or her 
     spouse; and''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.
                                   ____
                                 
  SA 1531. Mr. WYDEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle D of title V, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 540. REQUIREMENT TO USE HUMAN-BASED METHODS FOR CERTAIN 
                   MEDICAL TRAINING.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The Department of Defense has made impressive strides 
     in the development and use of methods of medical training and 
     troop protection, such as the use of tourniquets and 
     improvements in body armor, that have led to decreased 
     battlefield fatalities.
       (2) The Department of Defense uses more than 8,500 live 
     animals each year to train physicians, medics, corpsmen, and 
     other personnel methods of responding to severe battlefield 
     injuries.
       (3) The civilian sector has almost exclusively phased in 
     the use of superior human-based training methods for numerous 
     medical procedures currently taught in military courses using 
     animals.
       (4) Human-based medical training methods such as simulators 
     replicate human anatomy and can allow for repetitive practice 
     and data collection.
       (5) According to scientific, peer-reviewed literature, 
     medical simulation increases patient safety and decreases 
     errors by healthcare providers.
       (6) The Army Research, Development and Engineering Command 
     and other entities of the Department of Defense have taken 
     significant steps to develop methods to replace live animal-
     based training.
       (7) According to the report by the Department of Defense 
     titled ``Final Report on the use of Live Animals in Medical 
     Education and Training Joint Analysis Team'', published on 
     July 12, 2009--
       (A) validated, high-fidelity simulators were to have been 
     available for nearly every high-volume or high-value 
     battlefield medical procedure by the end of 2011, and many 
     were available as of 2009; and
       (B) validated, high-fidelity simulators were to have been 
     available to teach all other procedures to respond to common 
     battlefield injuries by 2014.
       (8) The Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness 
     Skills of the Air Force exclusively uses human-based training 
     methods in its courses and does not use animals.
       (9) In 2013, the Army instituted a policy forbidding non-
     medical personnel from participating in training courses 
     involving the use of animals.
       (10) In 2013, the medical school of the Department of 
     Defense, part of the Uniformed Services University of the 
     Health Sciences, replaced animal use within its medical 
     student curriculum.
       (11) The Coast Guard announced in 2014 that it would reduce 
     by half the number of animals it uses for combat trauma 
     training courses but stated that animals would continue to be 
     used in courses designed for Department of Defense personnel.
       (12) Effective January 1, 2015, the Department of Defense 
     replaced animal use in six areas of medical training, 
     including Advanced Trauma Life Support courses and the 
     development and maintenance of surgical and critical care 
     skills for field operational surgery and field assessment and 
     skills tests for international students offered at the 
     Defense Institute of Medical Operations.
       (b) Requirement to Use Human-based Methods for Certain 
     Medical Training.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 101 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 2017. Use of human-based methods for certain medical 
       training

       ``(a) Combat Trauma Injuries.--(1) Not later than October 
     1, 2018, the Secretary of Defense shall develop, test, and 
     validate human-based training methods for the purpose of 
     training members of the armed forces in the treatment of 
     combat trauma injuries

[[Page 8466]]

     with the goal of replacing live animal-based training 
     methods.
       ``(2) Not later than October 1, 2020, the Secretary--
       ``(A) shall only use human-based training methods for the 
     purpose of training members of the armed forces in the 
     treatment of combat trauma injuries; and
       ``(B) may not use animals for such purpose.
       ``(b) Exception for Particular Commands and Training 
     Methods.--(1) The Secretary may exempt a particular command, 
     particular training method, or both, from the requirement for 
     human-based training methods under subsection (a)(2) if the 
     Secretary determines that human-based training methods will 
     not provide an educationally equivalent or superior 
     substitute for live animal-based training methods for such 
     command or training method, as the case may be.
       ``(2) Any exemption under this subsection shall be for such 
     period, not more than one year, as the Secretary shall 
     specify in granting the exemption. Any exemption may be 
     renewed (subject to the preceding sentence).
       ``(c) Annual Reports.--(1) Not later than October 1, 2016, 
     and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report on the development 
     and implementation of human-based training methods for the 
     purpose of training members of the armed forces in the 
     treatment of combat trauma injuries under this section.
       ``(2) Each report under this subsection on or after October 
     1, 2020, shall include a description of any exemption under 
     subsection (b) that is in force as the time of such report, 
     and a current justification for such exemption.
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `combat trauma injuries' means severe 
     injuries likely to occur during combat, including--
       ``(A) hemorrhage;
       ``(B) tension pneumothorax;
       ``(C) amputation resulting from blast injury;
       ``(D) compromises to the airway; and
       ``(E) other injuries.
       ``(2) The term `human-based training methods' means, with 
     respect to training individuals in medical treatment, the use 
     of systems and devices that do not use animals, including--
       ``(A) simulators;
       ``(B) partial task trainers;
       ``(C) moulage;
       ``(D) simulated combat environments;
       ``(E) human cadavers; and
       ``(F) rotations in civilian and military trauma centers.
       ``(3) The term `partial task trainers' means training aids 
     that allow individuals to learn or practice specific medical 
     procedures.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 101 of such title is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new item:

``2017. Use of human-based methods for certain medical training.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1532. Mr. DONNELLY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Beginning on page 86, strike line 4 and all that follows 
     through page 87, line 5, and insert the following:
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall direct the executive 
     agent for printed circuit board technology appointed under 
     section 256(a) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 
     10 U.S.C. 2501 note) to coordinate execution of the study 
     required by subsection (a) using capabilities of the 
     Department in effect on the day before the date of the 
     enactment of this Act to conduct technical analysis on a 
     sample of failed electronic parts in field systems.
       (2) Elements.--(A) The technical analysis required by 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (i) Selection of a representative sample of electronic 
     component types, including digital, mixed-signal, and analog 
     integrated circuits.
       (ii) An assessment of the presence of counterfeit parts, 
     including causes and attributes of failures of any identified 
     counterfeit part.
       (iii) For components found to have counterfeit parts 
     present, an assessment of the impact of the counterfeit part 
     in the failure mechanism.
       (iv) For cases with counterfeit parts contributing to the 
     failure, a determination of the failure attributes, factors, 
     and effects on subsystem and system level reliability, 
     readiness, and performance.
       (B) For any parts assessed under subparagraph (A) that 
     demonstrate unusual or suspicious failure mechanisms, the 
     federation established under section 937(a)(1) of the 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 
     (Public Law 113-66; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note) shall--
       (i) conduct a technical assessment for indications of 
     malicious tampering; and
       (ii) submit to the executive agent described in paragraph 
     (1) a report on the findings of the federation with respect 
     to the technical assessment conducted under clause (i).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1533. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 478, strike line 18 and all that follows through 
     page 492, line 20, and insert the following:
       No amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or 
     otherwise available for the Department of Defense may be used 
     to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer or release to 
     or within the United States, its territories, or possessions 
     of 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 January 20, 2009, at United 
     States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by the Department 
     of Defense.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1534. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 1034.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1535. Mr. INHOFE (for himself and Mr. Corker) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. FEDERAL PURCHASE REQUIREMENT.

       Section 203 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
     15852) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``a number equivalent to'' before ``the 
     total amount of electric energy'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Renewable energy.--The term `renewable energy' means 
     electric or, if resulting from a thermal energy project 
     placed in service after December 31, 2014, thermal energy 
     generated from, or avoided by, solar, wind, biomass, landfill 
     gas, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and thermal), 
     geothermal, municipal solid waste, or new hydroelectric 
     generation capacity achieved from increased efficiency or 
     additions of new capacity at an existing hydroelectric 
     project.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``For purposes'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Separate calculation.--
       ``(A) In general.--For purposes of determining compliance 
     with the requirements of this section, any energy consumption 
     that is avoided through the use of renewable energy shall be 
     considered to be renewable energy produced.
       ``(B) Denial of double benefit.--Avoided energy consumption 
     that is considered to be renewable energy produced under 
     subparagraph (A) shall not also be counted for purposes of 
     achieving compliance with a Federal energy efficiency goal 
     required under any other provision of law.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1536. Mr. INHOFE (for himself and Mr. Coons) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr.

[[Page 8467]]

McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN 
                   COUNTRIES.

       (a) Plan Requirements and Reporting.--Section 116 of the 
     African Growth and Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3723) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Plan Requirement.--
       ``(1) In general.--The President shall develop a plan for 
     the purpose of negotiating and entering into one or more free 
     trade agreements with all eligible sub-Saharan African 
     countries. The plan shall identify the 10 to 15 eligible sub-
     Saharan African countries or groups of such countries that 
     are most ready for a free trade agreement with the United 
     States.
       ``(2) Elements of plan.--The plan required by paragraph (1) 
     shall include, for each eligible sub-Saharan African country, 
     the following:
       ``(A) The steps each such country needs to be equipped and 
     ready to enter into a free trade agreement with the United 
     States, including the effective implementation of the WTO 
     Agreements and the development of a bilateral investment 
     treaty.
       ``(B) Milestones for accomplishing each step identified in 
     subparagraph (A) for each such country, with the goal of 
     establishing a free trade agreement with each such country 
     not later than 10 years after the date of the enactment of 
     the Trade Act of 2015.
       ``(C) A description of the resources required to assist 
     each such country in accomplishing each milestone described 
     in subparagraph (B).
       ``(D) The extent to which steps described in subparagraph 
     (A), the milestones described in subparagraph (B), and 
     resources described in subparagraph (C) may be accomplished 
     through regional or subregional organizations in sub-Saharan 
     Africa, including the East African Community, the Economic 
     Community of West African States, the Common Market for 
     Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Economic Community of 
     Central African States.
       ``(E) Procedures to ensure the following:
       ``(i) Adequate consultation with Congress and the private 
     sector during the negotiations.
       ``(ii) Consultation with Congress regarding all matters 
     relating to implementation of the agreement or agreements.
       ``(iii) Approval by Congress of the agreement or 
     agreements.
       ``(iv) Adequate consultations with the relevant African 
     governments and African regional and subregional 
     intergovernmental organizations during the negotiation of the 
     agreement or agreements.
       ``(3) Reporting requirement.--Not later than 12 months 
     after the date of the enactment of the Trade Act of 2015, and 
     every 5 years thereafter, the President shall prepare and 
     submit to Congress a report containing the plan developed 
     pursuant to paragraph (1).
       ``(4) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Eligible sub-saharan african country.--The term 
     `eligible sub-Saharan African country' means a country 
     designated as an eligible sub-Saharan African country under 
     section 104.
       ``(B) WTO.--The term `WTO' means the World Trade 
     Organization.
       ``(C) WTO agreement.--The term `WTO Agreement' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 2(9) of the Uruguay Round 
     Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3501(9)).
       ``(D) WTO agreements.--The term `WTO Agreements' means the 
     WTO Agreement and agreements annexed to that Agreement.''.
       (b) Coordination of USAID With Free Trade Agreement 
     Policy.--
       (1) Authorization of funds.--Funds made available to the 
     United States Agency for International Development under 
     section 496 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 
     2293) after the date of the enactment of this Act may be 
     used, in consultation with the United States Trade 
     Representative--
       (A) to assist eligible countries, including by deploying 
     resources to such countries, in addressing the steps and 
     milestones identified in the plan developed under subsection 
     (d) of section 116 of the African Growth and Opportunity Act 
     (19 U.S.C. 3723), as added by subsection (a); and
       (B) to assist eligible countries in the implementation of 
     the commitments of those countries under agreements with the 
     United States and the WTO Agreements (as defined in 
     subsection (d)(4) of such section 116).
       (2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Eligible country.--The term ``eligible country'' means 
     a sub-Saharan African country that receives--
       (i) benefits under for the African Growth and Opportunity 
     Act (19 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.); and
       (ii) funding from the United States Agency for 
     International Development.
       (B) Sub-saharan african country.--The term ``sub-Saharan 
     African country'' has the meaning given that term in section 
     107 of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 
     3706).
       (c) Coordination With Millennium Challenge Corporation.--
     After the date of the enactment of this Act, the United 
     States Trade Representative and the Administrator of the 
     United States Agency for International Development shall 
     consult and coordinate with the Chief Executive Officer of 
     the Millennium Challenge Corporation regarding countries that 
     have entered into a Millennium Challenge Compact pursuant to 
     section 609 of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 
     U.S.C. 7708) that have been declared eligible to enter into 
     such a Compact for the purpose of developing and carrying out 
     the plan required by subsection (d) of section 116 of the 
     African Growth and Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3723), as added 
     by subsection (a).
       (d) Millennium Challenge Corporation Concurrent Compacts.--
       (1) In general.--Section 609 of the Millennium Challenge 
     Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7708) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (k), by striking the first sentence; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) Concurrent Compacts.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), an 
     eligible country and the United States may enter into and 
     have in effect not more than 2 Compacts at any given time 
     under this section.
       ``(2) Purposes of compacts.--An eligible country and the 
     United States that have entered into and have in effect a 
     Compact under this section may enter into and have in effect 
     at the same time one additional Compact in accordance with 
     the requirements of this title if--
       ``(A) one or both of the Compacts are or will be for 
     purposes of regional economic integration, increased regional 
     trade, or cross-border collaborations; and
       ``(B) the Board determines that the country is making 
     considerable and demonstrable progress in implementing the 
     terms of the existing Compact and supplementary agreements to 
     that Compact.
       ``(m) Limitation of Use of Funds.--Amounts made available 
     to carry out this title, including amounts made available to 
     enter into a Compact under this section or to provide 
     assistance under section 616 or any other form of assistance 
     under this title to a country, may not be obligated or 
     expended for the purpose of entering into such a Compact with 
     or providing such assistance to a country that has not been 
     selected by the Board as eligible.''.
       (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 613(b)(2)(A) of such Act 
     (22 U.S.C. 7712(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``the 
     Compact'' and inserting ``any Compact''.
       (3) Applicability.--The amendments made by this subsection 
     apply with respect to Compacts entered into between the 
     United States and an eligible country under the Millennium 
     Challenge Act of 2003 before, on, or after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1537. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 
2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. RECOVERY OF EXCESS FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND PARTS 
                   GRANTED TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND TRANSFER TO 
                   CERTAIN PERSONS.

       (a) Recovery.--Subchapter II of chapter 407 of title 36, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     40728A the following new section:

     ``Sec. 40728B. Recovery of excess firearms, ammunition, and 
       parts granted to foreign countries and transfer to certain 
       persons

       ``(a) Authority To Recover.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2) 
     and subsection (b), the Secretary of the Army may acquire 
     from any person any firearm, ammunition, repair parts, or 
     other supplies described in section 40731(a) of this title 
     which were--
       ``(A) provided to any country on a grant basis under the 
     conditions imposed by section 505 of the Foreign Assistance 
     Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2314) that became excess to the needs 
     of such country; and
       ``(B) lawfully acquired by such person.
       ``(2) The Secretary of the Army may not acquire anything 
     under paragraph (1) except for transfer to a person in the 
     United States under subsection (c).
       ``(3) The Secretary of the Army may accept firearms, 
     ammunition, repair parts, or other supplies under paragraph 
     (1) notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31.
       ``(b) Cost of Recovery.--The Secretary of the Army may not 
     acquire anything under subsection (a) if the United States 
     would incur any cost for such acquisition.
       ``(c) Availability for Transfer.--Any firearms, ammunition, 
     repair parts, or supplies acquired under subsection (a) shall 
     be available for transfer in the United States to

[[Page 8468]]

     the person from whom acquired if such person--
       ``(1) is licensed as a manufacturer, importer, or dealer 
     pursuant to section 923(a) of title 18; and
       ``(2) uses an ammunition depot of the Army that is an 
     eligible facility for receipt of any firearms, ammunition, 
     repair parts, or supplies under this paragraph.
       ``(d) Contracts.--Notwithstanding subsection (k) of section 
     2304 of title 10, the Secretary may enter into such contracts 
     or cooperative agreements on a sole source basis pursuant to 
     paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection (c) of such section to 
     carry out this section.
       ``(e) Firearm Defined.--In this section, the term `firearm' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 921 of title 
     18.''.
       (b) Sale.--Section 40732 of such title is amended--
       (1) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(d) Sales by Other Persons.--A person who receives a 
     firearm or any ammunition, repair parts, or supplies under 
     section 40728B(c) of this title may sell, at fair market 
     value, such firearm, ammunition, repair parts, or 
     supplies.''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), in the heading, by inserting ``by 
     the Corporation'' after ``Limitation on Sales''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 407 of such title is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 40728A the 
     following new item:

``40728B. Recovery of excess firearms, ammunition, and parts granted to 
              foreign countries and transfer to certain persons.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1538. Mr. WICKER (for himself, Ms. Cantwell, and Mr. Hatch) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. MELVILLE HALL OF THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE 
                   ACADEMY.

       (a) Gift to the Merchant Marine Academy.--The Maritime 
     Administrator may accept a gift of money from the Foundation 
     under section 51315 of title 46, United States Code, for the 
     purpose of renovating Melville Hall on the campus of the 
     United States Merchant Marine Academy.
       (b) Covered Gifts.--A gift described in this subsection is 
     a gift under subsection (a) that the Maritime Administrator 
     determines exceeds the sum of--
       (1) the minimum amount that is sufficient to ensure the 
     renovation of Melville Hall in accordance with the capital 
     improvement plan of the United States Merchant Marine Academy 
     that was in effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and
       (2) 25 percent of the amount described in paragraph (1).
       (c) Operation Contracts.--Subject to subsection (d), in the 
     case that the Maritime Administrator accepts a gift of money 
     described in subsection (b), the Maritime Administrator may 
     enter into a contract with the Foundation for the operation 
     of Melville Hall to make available facilities for, among 
     other possible uses, official academy functions, third-party 
     catering functions, and industry events and conferences.
       (d) Contract Terms.--The contract described in subsection 
     (c) shall be for such period and on such terms as the 
     Maritime Administrator considers appropriate, including a 
     provision, mutually agreeable to the Maritime Administrator 
     and the Foundation, that--
       (1) requires the Foundation--
       (A) at the expense solely of the Foundation through the 
     term of the contract to maintain Melville Hall in a condition 
     that is as good as or better than the condition Melville Hall 
     was in on the later of--
       (i) the date that the renovation of Melville Hall was 
     completed; or
       (ii) the date that the Foundation accepted Melville Hall 
     after it was tendered to the Foundation by the Maritime 
     Administrator; and
       (B) to deposit all proceeds from the operation of Melville 
     Hall, after expenses necessary for the operation and 
     maintenance of Melville Hall, into the account of the 
     Regimental Affairs Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality or 
     successor entity, to be used solely for the morale and 
     welfare of the cadets of the United States Merchant Marine 
     Academy; and
       (2) prohibits the use of Melville Hall as lodging or an 
     office by any person for more than 4 days in any calendar 
     year other than--
       (A) by the United States; or
       (B) for the administration and operation of Melville Hall.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Contract.--The term ``contract'' includes any 
     modification, extension, or renewal of the contract.
       (2) Foundation.--In this section, the term ``Foundation'' 
     means the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni 
     Association and Foundation, Inc.
       (f) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed under section 3105 of title 41, United States Code, 
     as requiring the Maritime Administrator to award a contract 
     for the operation of Melville Hall to the Foundation.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1539. Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Flake, Mr. 
Sullivan, and Mr. Inhofe) submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 
1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military 
activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and 
for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe 
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Insert after section 342 the following:

     SEC. 342A. PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTS TO FACILITATE PAYMENTS 
                   FOR HONORING MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AT 
                   SPORTING EVENTS.

       (a) Sense of Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the Army National Guard has paid professional sports 
     organizations to honor members of the Armed Forces;
       (2) any organization wishing to honor members of the Armed 
     Forces should do so on a voluntary basis, and the Department 
     of Defense should take action to ensure that no payments be 
     made for such activities in the future; and
       (3) any organization, including the National Football 
     League, that has accepted taxpayer funds to honor members of 
     the Armed Forces should consider directing an equivalent 
     amount of funding in the form of a donation to a charitable 
     organization that supports members of the Armed Forces, 
     veterans, and their families.
       (b) Prohibition.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 134 of title 10, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     2241a the following new section:

     ``Sec. 2241b. Prohibition on contracts providing payments for 
       activities to honor members of the armed forces

       ``(a) Prohibition.--The Department of Defense may not enter 
     into any contract or other agreement under which payments are 
     to be made in exchange for activities by the contractor 
     intended to honor, or giving the appearance of honoring, 
     members of the armed forces (whether members of the regular 
     components or the reserve components) at any form of sporting 
     event.
       ``(b) Construction.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall be 
     construed as prohibiting the Department from taking actions 
     to facilitate activities intended to honor members of the 
     armed forces at sporting events that are provided on a pro 
     bono basis or otherwise funded with non-Federal funds if such 
     activities are provided and received in accordance with 
     applicable rules and regulations regarding the acceptance of 
     gifts by the military departments, the armed forces, and 
     members of the armed forces.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of subchapter I of chapter 134 of such title is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2241a 
     the following new item:

``2241b. Prohibition on contracts providing payments for activities to 
              honor members of the armed forces at sporting events.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1540. Mr. BENNET (for himself and Mr. Gardner) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. COMPTROLLER GENERAL BRIEFING AND REPORT ON MAJOR 
                   MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS OF DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall provide to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a briefing on the administration and oversight by 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs of contracts for the 
     design and construction of major medical facility projects, 
     as defined in section 8104(a)(3)(A) of title 38, United 
     States Code.

[[Page 8469]]

       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     administration and oversight described in subsection (a).
       (c) Elements.--The briefing required by subsection (a) and 
     the report required by subsection (b) shall each include an 
     examination of the following:
       (1) The processes used by the Department for overseeing and 
     assuring the performance of construction design and 
     construction contracts for major medical facility projects, 
     as so defined.
       (2) Any actions taken by the Department to improve the 
     administration of such contracts.
       (3) Such opportunities for further improvement of the 
     administration of such contracts as the Comptroller General 
     considers appropriate.
       (d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Subcommittee 
     on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related 
     Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; 
     and
       (2) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Subcommittee 
     on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related 
     Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1541. Mr. RUBIO (for himself, Mr. Vitter, and Ms. Ayotte) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

               TITLE __--VESSEL INCIDENTAL DISCHARGE ACT

     SEC. __1. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Vessel Incidental 
     Discharge Act''.

     SEC. __2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Beginning with enactment of the Act to Prevent 
     Pollution from Ships in 1980 (22 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), the 
     United States Coast Guard has been the principal Federal 
     authority charged with administering, enforcing, and 
     prescribing regulations relating to the discharge of 
     pollutants from vessels engaged in maritime commerce and 
     transportation.
       (2) The Coast Guard estimates there are approximately 
     21,560,000 State-registered recreational vessels, 75,000 
     commercial fishing vessels, and 33,000 freight and tank 
     barges operating in United States waters.
       (3) From 1973 to 2005, certain discharges incidental to the 
     normal operation of a vessel were exempted by regulation from 
     otherwise applicable permitting requirements.
       (4) Over the 32 years during which this regulatory 
     exemption was in effect, Congress enacted statutes on a 
     number of occasions dealing with the regulation of discharges 
     incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including--
       (A) the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1901 
     et seq.) in 1980;
       (B) the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and 
     Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.);
       (C) the National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 
     4073);
       (D) section 415 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     1998 (112 Stat. 3434) and section 623 of the Coast Guard and 
     Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (33 U.S.C. 1901 note), 
     which established interim and permanent requirements, 
     respectively, for the regulation of vessel discharges of 
     certain bulk cargo residue;
       (E) title XIV of division B of Appendix D of the 
     Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 (114 Stat. 2763), which 
     prohibited or limited certain vessel discharges in certain 
     areas of Alaska;
       (F) section 204 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act 
     of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 1902a), which established requirements for 
     the regulation of vessel discharges of agricultural cargo 
     residue material in the form of hold washings; and
       (G) title X of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 
     (33 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.), which provided for the 
     implementation of the International Convention on the Control 
     of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to provide for 
     the establishment of nationally uniform and environmentally 
     sound standards and requirements for the management of 
     discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel.

     SEC. __3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Administrator.--The term Administrator means the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
       (2) Aquatic nuisance species.--The term aquatic nuisance 
     species means a nonindigenous species (including a pathogen) 
     that threatens the diversity or abundance of native species 
     or the ecological stability of navigable waters or 
     commercial, agricultural, aquacultural, or recreational 
     activities dependent on such waters.
       (3) Ballast water.--
       (A) In general.--The term ballast water means any water, 
     including any sediment suspended in such water, taken aboard 
     a vessel--
       (i) to control trim, list, draught, stability, or stresses 
     of the vessel; or
       (ii) during the cleaning, maintenance, or other operation 
     of a ballast water treatment technology of the vessel.
       (B) Exclusions.--The term ballast water does not include 
     any pollutant that is added to water described in 
     subparagraph (A) that is not directly related to the 
     operation of a properly functioning ballast water treatment 
     technology under this title.
       (4) Ballast water performance standard.--The term ballast 
     water performance standard means the numerical ballast water 
     discharge standard set forth in section 151.2030 of title 33, 
     Code of Federal Regulations or section 151.1511 of title 33, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, as applicable, or a revised 
     numerical ballast water performance standard established 
     under subsection (a)(1)(B), (b), or (c) of section __5 of 
     this title.
       (5) Ballast water treatment technology or treatment 
     technology.--The term ballast water treatment technology or 
     treatment technology means any mechanical, physical, 
     chemical, or biological process used, alone or in 
     combination, to remove, render harmless, or avoid the uptake 
     or discharge of aquatic nuisance species within ballast 
     water.
       (6) Biocide.--The term biocide means a substance or 
     organism, including a virus or fungus, that is introduced 
     into or produced by a ballast water treatment technology to 
     reduce or eliminate aquatic nuisance species as part of the 
     process used to comply with a ballast water performance 
     standard under this title.
       (7) Discharge incidental to the normal operation of a 
     vessel.--
       (A) In general.--The term discharge incidental to the 
     normal operation of a vessel means--
       (i) a discharge into navigable waters from a vessel of--

       (I)(aa) ballast water, graywater, bilge water, cooling 
     water, oil water separator effluent, anti-fouling hull 
     coating leachate, boiler or economizer blowdown, byproducts 
     from cathodic protection, controllable pitch propeller and 
     thruster hydraulic fluid, distillation and reverse osmosis 
     brine, elevator pit effluent, firemain system effluent, 
     freshwater layup effluent, gas turbine wash water, motor 
     gasoline and compensating effluent, refrigeration and air 
     condensate effluent, seawater pumping biofouling prevention 
     substances, boat engine wet exhaust, sonar dome effluent, 
     exhaust gas scrubber washwater, or stern tube packing gland 
     effluent; or
       (bb) any other pollutant associated with the operation of a 
     marine propulsion system, shipboard maneuvering system, 
     habitability system, or installed major equipment, or from a 
     protective, preservative, or absorptive application to the 
     hull of a vessel;
       (II) weather deck runoff, deck wash, aqueous film forming 
     foam effluent, chain locker effluent, non-oily machinery 
     wastewater, underwater ship husbandry effluent, welldeck 
     effluent, or fish hold and fish hold cleaning effluent; or
       (III) any effluent from a properly functioning marine 
     engine; or

       (ii) a discharge of a pollutant into navigable waters in 
     connection with the testing, maintenance, or repair of a 
     system, equipment, or engine described in subclause (I)(bb) 
     or (III) of clause (i) whenever the vessel is waterborne.
       (B) Exclusions.--The term discharge incidental to the 
     normal operation of a vessel does not include--
       (i) a discharge into navigable waters from a vessel of--

       (I) rubbish, trash, garbage, incinerator ash, or other such 
     material discharged overboard;
       (II) oil or a hazardous substance as those terms are 
     defined in section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 1321);
       (III) sewage as defined in section 312(a)(6) of the Federal 
     Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1322(a)(6)); or
       (IV) graywater referred to in section 312(a)(6) of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1322(a)(6));

       (ii) an emission of an air pollutant resulting from the 
     operation onboard a vessel of a vessel propulsion system, 
     motor driven equipment, or incinerator; or
       (iii) a discharge into navigable waters from a vessel when 
     the vessel is operating in a capacity other than as a means 
     of transportation on water.
       (8) Geographically limited area.--The term geographically 
     limited area means an area--
       (A) with a physical limitation, including limitation by 
     physical size and limitation by

[[Page 8470]]

     authorized route such as the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence 
     River, that prevents a vessel from operating outside the 
     area, as determined by the Secretary; or
       (B) that is ecologically homogeneous, as determined by the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other Federal 
     departments or agencies as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (9) Manufacturer.--The term manufacturer means a person 
     engaged in the manufacture, assemblage, or importation of 
     ballast water treatment technology.
       (10) Secretary.--The term Secretary means the Secretary of 
     the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
       (11) Vessel.--The term vessel means every description of 
     watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or 
     practically or otherwise capable of being used, as a means of 
     transportation on water.

     SEC. __4. REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Administrator, shall establish and implement enforceable 
     uniform national standards and requirements for the 
     regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation 
     of a vessel. The standards and requirements shall--
       (1) be based upon the best available technology 
     economically achievable; and
       (2) supersede any permitting requirement or prohibition on 
     discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel 
     under any other provision of law.
       (b) Administration and Enforcement.--The Secretary shall 
     administer and enforce the uniform national standards and 
     requirements under this title. Each State may enforce the 
     uniform national standards and requirements under this title.

     SEC. __5. UNIFORM NATIONAL STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 
                   REGULATION OF DISCHARGES INCIDENTAL TO THE 
                   NORMAL OPERATION OF A VESSEL.

       (a) Requirements.--
       (1) Ballast water management requirements.--
       (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the requirements set forth in the final rule, Standards 
     for Living Organisms in Ships' Ballast Water Discharged in 
     U.S. Waters (77 Fed. Reg. 17254 (March 23, 2012), as 
     corrected at 77 Fed. Reg. 33969 (June 8, 2012)), shall be the 
     management requirements for a ballast water discharge 
     incidental to the normal operation of a vessel until the 
     Secretary revises the ballast water performance standard 
     under subsection (b) or adopts a more stringent State 
     standard under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
       (B) Adoption of more stringent state standard.--If the 
     Secretary makes a determination in favor of a State petition 
     under section __10, the Secretary shall adopt the more 
     stringent ballast water performance standard specified in the 
     statute or regulation that is the subject of that State 
     petition in lieu of the ballast water performance standard in 
     the final rule described under subparagraph (A).
       (2) Initial management requirements for discharges other 
     than ballast water.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this title, the Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Administrator, shall issue a final rule establishing best 
     management practices for discharges incidental to the normal 
     operation of a vessel other than ballast water.
       (b) Revised Ballast Water Performance Standard; 8-Year 
     Review.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to the feasibility review under 
     paragraph (2), not later than January 1, 2022, the Secretary, 
     in consultation with the Administrator, shall issue a final 
     rule revising the ballast water performance standard under 
     subsection (a)(1) so that a ballast water discharge 
     incidental to the normal operation of a vessel will contain--
       (A) less than 1 organism that is living or has not been 
     rendered harmless per 10 cubic meters that is 50 or more 
     micrometers in minimum dimension;
       (B) less than 1 organism that is living or has not been 
     rendered harmless per 10 milliliters that is less than 50 
     micrometers in minimum dimension and more than 10 micrometers 
     in minimum dimension;
       (C) concentrations of indicator microbes that are less 
     than--
       (i) 1 colony-forming unit of toxicogenic Vibrio cholera 
     (serotypes O1 and O139) per 100 milliliters or less than 1 
     colony-forming unit of that microbe per gram of wet weight of 
     zoological samples;
       (ii) 126 colony-forming units of Escherichia coli per 100 
     milliliters; and
       (iii) 33 colony-forming units of intestinal enterococci per 
     100 milliliters; and
       (D) concentrations of such additional indicator microbes 
     and of viruses as may be specified in regulations issued by 
     the Secretary in consultation with the Administrator and such 
     other Federal agencies as the Secretary and the Administrator 
     consider appropriate.
       (2) Feasibility review.--
       (A) In general.--Not less than 2 years before January 1, 
     2022, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, 
     shall complete a review to determine the feasibility of 
     achieving the revised ballast water performance standard 
     under paragraph (1).
       (B) Criteria for review of ballast water performance 
     standard.--In conducting a review under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall consider whether revising the ballast water 
     performance standard will result in a scientifically 
     demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of 
     introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species, 
     taking into account--
       (i) improvements in the scientific understanding of 
     biological and ecological processes that lead to the 
     introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species;
       (ii) improvements in ballast water treatment technology, 
     including--

       (I) the capability of such treatment technology to achieve 
     a revised ballast water performance standard;
       (II) the effectiveness and reliability of such treatment 
     technology in the shipboard environment;
       (III) the compatibility of such treatment technology with 
     the design and operation of a vessel by class, type, and 
     size;
       (IV) the commercial availability of such treatment 
     technology; and
       (V) the safety of such treatment technology;

       (iii) improvements in the capabilities to detect, quantify, 
     and assess the viability of aquatic nuisance species at the 
     concentrations under consideration;
       (iv) the impact of ballast water treatment technology on 
     water quality; and
       (v) the costs, cost-effectiveness, and impacts of--

       (I) a revised ballast water performance standard, including 
     the potential impacts on shipping, trade, and other uses of 
     the aquatic environment; and
       (II) maintaining the existing ballast water performance 
     standard, including the potential impacts on water-related 
     infrastructure, recreation, propagation of native fish, 
     shellfish, and wildlife, and other uses of navigable waters.

       (C) Lower revised performance standard.--
       (i) In general.--If the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Administrator, determines on the basis of the feasibility 
     review and after an opportunity for a public hearing that no 
     ballast water treatment technology can be certified under 
     section __6 to comply with the revised ballast water 
     performance standard under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
     require the use of the treatment technology that achieves the 
     performance levels of the best treatment technology 
     available.
       (ii) Implementation deadline.--If the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Administrator, determines that the 
     treatment technology under clause (i) cannot be implemented 
     before the implementation deadline under paragraph (3) with 
     respect to a class of vessels, the Secretary shall extend the 
     implementation deadline for that class of vessels for not 
     more than 36 months.
       (iii) Compliance.--If the implementation deadline under 
     paragraph (3) is extended, the Secretary shall recommend 
     action to ensure compliance with the extended implementation 
     deadline under clause (ii).
       (D) Higher revised performance standard.--
       (i) In general.--If the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Administrator, determines that ballast water treatment 
     technology exists that exceeds the revised ballast water 
     performance standard under paragraph (1) with respect to a 
     class of vessels, the Secretary shall revise the ballast 
     water performance standard for that class of vessels to 
     incorporate the higher performance standard.
       (ii) Implementation deadline.--If the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Administrator, determines that the 
     treatment technology under clause (i) can be implemented 
     before the implementation deadline under paragraph (3) with 
     respect to a class of vessels, the Secretary shall accelerate 
     the implementation deadline for that class of vessels. If the 
     implementation deadline under paragraph (3) is accelerated, 
     the Secretary shall provide not less than 24 months notice 
     before the accelerated deadline takes effect.
       (3) Implementation deadline.--The revised ballast water 
     performance standard under paragraph (1) shall apply to a 
     vessel beginning on the date of the first drydocking of the 
     vessel on or after January 1, 2022, but not later than 
     December 31, 2024.
       (4) Revised performance standard compliance deadlines.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary may establish a compliance 
     deadline for compliance by a vessel (or a class, type, or 
     size of vessel) with a revised ballast water performance 
     standard under this subsection.
       (B) Process for granting extensions.--In issuing 
     regulations under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     establish a process for an owner or operator to submit a 
     petition to the Secretary for an extension of a compliance 
     deadline with respect to the vessel of the owner or operator.
       (C) Period of extensions.--An extension issued under 
     subparagraph (B) may--
       (i) apply for a period of not to exceed 18 months from the 
     date of the applicable deadline under subparagraph (A); and
       (ii) be renewable for an additional period of not to exceed 
     18 months.
       (D) Factors.--In issuing a compliance deadline or reviewing 
     a petition under this

[[Page 8471]]

     paragraph, the Secretary shall consider, with respect to the 
     ability of an owner or operator to meet a compliance 
     deadline, the following factors:
       (i) Whether the treatment technology to be installed is 
     available in sufficient quantities to meet the compliance 
     deadline.
       (ii) Whether there is sufficient shipyard or other 
     installation facility capacity.
       (iii) Whether there is sufficient availability of 
     engineering and design resources.
       (iv) Vessel characteristics, such as engine room size, 
     layout, or a lack of installed piping.
       (v) Electric power generating capacity aboard the vessel.
       (vi) Safety of the vessel and crew.
       (E) Consideration of petitions.--
       (i) Determinations.--The Secretary shall approve or deny a 
     petition for an extension of a compliance deadline submitted 
     by an owner or operator under this paragraph.
       (ii) Deadline.--If the Secretary does not approve or deny a 
     petition referred to in clause (i) on or before the last day 
     of the 90-day period beginning on the date of submission of 
     the petition, the petition shall be deemed approved.
       (c) Future Revisions of Vessel Incidental Discharge 
     Standards; Decennial Reviews.--
       (1) Revised ballast water performance standards.--The 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall 
     complete a review, 10 years after the issuance of a final 
     rule under subsection (b) and every 10 years thereafter, to 
     determine whether further revision of the ballast water 
     performance standard would result in a scientifically 
     demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of the 
     introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species.
       (2) Revised standards for discharges other than ballast 
     water.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Administrator, may include in a decennial review under this 
     subsection best management practices for discharges covered 
     by subsection (a)(2). The Secretary shall initiate a 
     rulemaking to revise 1 or more best management practices for 
     such discharges after a decennial review if the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Administrator, determines that revising 
     1 or more of such practices would substantially reduce the 
     impacts on navigable waters of discharges incidental to the 
     normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water.
       (3) Considerations.--In conducting a review under paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary, the Administrator, and the heads of other 
     appropriate Federal agencies as determined by the Secretary, 
     shall consider the criteria under section __5(b)(2)(B).
       (4) Revision after decennial review.--The Secretary shall 
     initiate a rulemaking to revise the current ballast water 
     performance standard after a decennial review if the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, determines 
     that revising the current ballast water performance standard 
     would result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial 
     reduction in the risk of the introduction or establishment of 
     aquatic nuisance species.
       (d)  Great Lakes Requirements.--In addition to the other 
     standards and requirements imposed by this section, in the 
     case of a vessel that enters the Great Lakes through the St. 
     Lawrence River after operating outside the exclusive economic 
     zone of the United States the Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Administrator, shall establish a requirement that the 
     vessel conduct saltwater flushing of all ballast water tanks 
     onboard prior to entry.

     SEC. __6. TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATION.

       (a) Certification Required.--Beginning 1 year after the 
     date that the requirements for testing protocols are issued 
     under subsection (i), no manufacturer of a ballast water 
     treatment technology shall sell, offer for sale, or introduce 
     or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce, or 
     import into the United States for sale or resale, a ballast 
     water treatment technology for a vessel unless the treatment 
     technology has been certified under this section.
       (b) Certification Process.--
       (1) Evaluation.--Upon application of a manufacturer, the 
     Secretary shall evaluate a ballast water treatment technology 
     with respect to--
       (A) the effectiveness of the treatment technology in 
     achieving the current ballast water performance standard when 
     installed on a vessel (or a class, type, or size of vessel);
       (B) the compatibility with vessel design and operations;
       (C) the effect of the treatment technology on vessel 
     safety;
       (D) the impact on the environment;
       (E) the cost effectiveness; and
       (F) any other criteria the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Approval.--If after an evaluation under paragraph (1) 
     the Secretary determines that the treatment technology meets 
     the criteria, the Secretary may certify the treatment 
     technology for use on a vessel (or a class, type, or size of 
     vessel).
       (3) Suspension and revocation.--The Secretary shall 
     establish, by regulation, a process to suspend or revoke a 
     certification issued under this section.
       (c) Certification Conditions.--
       (1) Imposition of conditions.--In certifying a ballast 
     water treatment technology under this section, the Secretary, 
     in consultation with the Administrator, may impose any 
     condition on the subsequent installation, use, or maintenance 
     of the treatment technology onboard a vessel as is necessary 
     for--
       (A) the safety of the vessel, the crew of the vessel, and 
     any passengers aboard the vessel;
       (B) the protection of the environment; or
       (C) the effective operation of the treatment technology.
       (2) Failure to comply.--The failure of an owner or operator 
     to comply with a condition imposed under paragraph (1) shall 
     be considered a violation of this section.
       (d) Period for Use of Installed Treatment Equipment.--
     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this title or any 
     other provision of law, the Secretary shall allow a vessel on 
     which a system is installed and operated to meet a ballast 
     water performance standard under this title to continue to 
     use that system, notwithstanding any revision of a ballast 
     water performance standard occurring after the system is 
     ordered or installed until the expiration of the service life 
     of the system, as determined by the Secretary, so long as the 
     system--
       (1) is maintained in proper working condition; and
       (2) is maintained and used in accordance with the 
     manufacturer's specifications and any treatment technology 
     certification conditions imposed by the Secretary under this 
     section.
       (e) Certificates of Type Approval for the Treatment 
     Technology.--
       (1) Issuance.--If the Secretary approves a ballast water 
     treatment technology for certification under subsection (b), 
     the Secretary shall issue a certificate of type approval for 
     the treatment technology to the manufacturer in such form and 
     manner as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       (2) Certification conditions.--A certificate of type 
     approval issued under paragraph (1) shall specify each 
     condition imposed by the Secretary under subsection (c).
       (3) Owners and operators.--A manufacturer that receives a 
     certificate of type approval for the treatment technology 
     under this subsection shall provide a copy of the certificate 
     to each owner and operator of a vessel on which the treatment 
     technology is installed.
       (f) Inspections.--An owner or operator who receives a copy 
     of a certificate under subsection (e)(3) shall retain a copy 
     of the certificate onboard the vessel and make the copy of 
     the certificate available for inspection at all times while 
     the owner or operator is utilizing the treatment technology.
       (g) Biocides.--The Secretary may not approve a ballast 
     water treatment technology under subsection (b) if--
       (1) it uses a biocide or generates a biocide that is a 
     pesticide, as defined in section 2 of the Federal 
     Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136), 
     unless the biocide is registered under that Act or the 
     Secretary, in consultation with Administrator, has approved 
     the use of the biocide in such treatment technology; or
       (2) it uses or generates a biocide the discharge of which 
     causes or contributes to a violation of a water quality 
     standard under section 303 of the Federal Water Pollution 
     Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1313).
       (h) Prohibition.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     use of a ballast water treatment technology by an owner or 
     operator of a vessel shall not satisfy the requirements of 
     this title unless it has been approved by the Secretary under 
     subsection (b).
       (2) Exceptions.--
       (A) Coast guard shipboard technology evaluation program.--
     An owner or operator may use a ballast water treatment 
     technology that has not been certified by the Secretary to 
     comply with the requirements of this section if the 
     technology is being evaluated under the Coast Guard Shipboard 
     Technology Evaluation Program.
       (B) Ballast water treatment technologies certified by 
     foreign entities.--An owner or operator may use a ballast 
     water treatment technology that has not been certified by the 
     Secretary to comply with the requirements of this section if 
     the technology has been certified by a foreign entity and the 
     certification demonstrates performance and safety of the 
     treatment technology equivalent to the requirements of this 
     section, as determined by the Secretary.
       (i) Testing Protocols.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Secretary, shall issue requirements for 
     land-based and shipboard testing protocols or criteria for--
       (1) certifying the performance of each ballast water 
     treatment technology under this section; and
       (2) certifying laboratories to evaluate such treatment 
     technologies.

     SEC. __7. EXEMPTIONS.

       (a) In General.--No permit shall be required or prohibition 
     enforced under any other provision of law for, nor shall any 
     standards regarding a discharge incidental to the normal 
     operation of a vessel under this title apply to--
       (1) a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a 
     vessel if the vessel is less than

[[Page 8472]]

     79 feet in length and engaged in commercial service (as 
     defined in section 2101(5) of title 46, United States Code);
       (2) a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a 
     vessel if the vessel is a fishing vessel, including a fish 
     processing vessel and a fish tender vessel, (as defined in 
     section 2101 of title 46, United States Code);
       (3) a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a 
     vessel if the vessel is a recreational vessel (as defined in 
     section 2101(25) of title 46, United States Code);
       (4) the placement, release, or discharge of equipment, 
     devices, or other material from a vessel for the sole purpose 
     of conducting research on the aquatic environment or its 
     natural resources in accordance with generally recognized 
     scientific methods, principles, or techniques;
       (5) any discharge into navigable waters from a vessel 
     authorized by an on-scene coordinator in accordance with part 
     300 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, or part 153 of 
     title 33, Code of Federal Regulations;
       (6) any discharge into navigable waters from a vessel that 
     is necessary to secure the safety of the vessel or human 
     life, or to suppress a fire onboard the vessel or at a 
     shoreside facility; or
       (7) a vessel of the armed forces of a foreign nation when 
     engaged in noncommercial service.
       (b) Ballast Water Discharges.--No permit shall be required 
     or prohibition enforced under any other provision of law for, 
     nor shall any ballast water performance standards under this 
     title apply to--
       (1) a ballast water discharge incidental to the normal 
     operation of a vessel determined by the Secretary to--
       (A) operate exclusively within a geographically limited 
     area;
       (B) take up and discharge ballast water exclusively within 
     1 Captain of the Port Zone established by the Coast Guard 
     unless the Secretary determines such discharge poses a 
     substantial risk of introduction or establishment of an 
     aquatic nuisance species;
       (C) operate pursuant to a geographic restriction issued as 
     a condition under section 3309 of title 46, United States 
     Code, or an equivalent restriction issued by the country of 
     registration of the vessel; or
       (D) continuously take on and discharge ballast water in a 
     flow-through system that does not introduce aquatic nuisance 
     species into navigable waters;
       (2) a ballast water discharge incidental to the normal 
     operation of a vessel consisting entirely of water suitable 
     for human consumption; or
       (3) a ballast water discharge incidental to the normal 
     operation of a vessel in an alternative compliance program 
     established pursuant to section __8.
       (c) Vessels With Permanent Ballast Water.--No permit shall 
     be required or prohibition enforced under any other provision 
     of law for, nor shall any ballast water performance standard 
     under this title apply to, a vessel that carries all of its 
     permanent ballast water in sealed tanks that are not subject 
     to discharge.
       (d) Vessels of the Armed Forces.--Nothing in this title 
     shall be construed to apply to a vessel as follows:
       (1) A vessel owned or operated by the Department of Defense 
     (other than a time-chartered or voyage-chartered vessel).
       (2) A vessel of the Coast Guard, as designated by the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating.

     SEC. __8. ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Administrator, may promulgate regulations establishing 1 or 
     more compliance programs as an alternative to ballast water 
     management regulations issued under section __5 for a vessel 
     that--
       (1) has a maximum ballast water capacity of less than 8 
     cubic meters;
       (2) is less than 3 years from the end of the useful life of 
     the vessel, as determined by the Secretary; or
       (3) discharges ballast water into a facility for the 
     reception of ballast water that meets standards promulgated 
     by the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary.
       (b) Promulgation of Facility Standards.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, shall 
     promulgate standards for--
       (1) the reception of ballast water from a vessel into a 
     reception facility; and
       (2) the disposal or treatment of the ballast water under 
     paragraph (1).

     SEC. __9. JUDICIAL REVIEW.

       (a) In General.--An interested person may file a petition 
     for review of a final regulation promulgated under this title 
     in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of 
     Columbia Circuit.
       (b) Deadline.--A petition shall be filed not later than 120 
     days after the date that notice of the promulgation appears 
     in the Federal Register.
       (c) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), a petition 
     that is based solely on grounds that arise after the deadline 
     to file a petition under subsection (b) has passed may be 
     filed not later than 120 days after the date that the grounds 
     first arise.

     SEC. __10. EFFECT ON STATE AUTHORITY.

       (a) In General.--No State or political subdivision thereof 
     may adopt or enforce any statute or regulation of the State 
     or political subdivision with respect to a discharge 
     incidental to the normal operation of a vessel after the date 
     of enactment of this Act.
       (b) Savings Clause.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a 
     State or political subdivision thereof may adopt or enforce a 
     statute or regulation of the State or political subdivision 
     with respect to ballast water discharges incidental to the 
     normal operation of a vessel that specifies a ballast water 
     performance standard that is more stringent than the ballast 
     water performance standard under section __5(a)(1)(A) if the 
     Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator and any 
     other Federal department or agency the Secretary considers 
     appropriate, makes a determination that--
       (1) compliance with any performance standard specified in 
     the statute or regulation can in fact be achieved and 
     detected;
       (2) the technology and systems necessary to comply with the 
     statute or regulation are commercially available; and
       (3) the statute or regulation is consistent with 
     obligations under relevant international treaties or 
     agreements to which the United States is a party.
       (c) Petition Process.--
       (1) Submission.--The Governor of a State seeking to adopt 
     or enforce a statute or regulation under subsection (b) shall 
     submit a petition to the Secretary requesting the Secretary 
     to review the statute or regulation.
       (2) Contents; timing.--A petition shall be accompanied by 
     the scientific and technical information on which the 
     petition is based, and may be submitted within 1 year of the 
     date of enactment of this Act and every 10 years thereafter.
       (3) Determinations.--The Secretary shall make a 
     determination on a petition under this subsection not later 
     than 90 days after the date that the petition is received.

     SEC. __11. APPLICATION WITH OTHER STATUTES.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this title 
     shall be the exclusive statutory authority for regulation by 
     the Federal Government of discharges incidental to the normal 
     operation of a vessel to which this title applies. Except as 
     provided under section __5(a)(1)(A), any regulation in effect 
     on the date immediately preceding the effective date of this 
     title relating to any permitting requirement for or 
     prohibition on discharges incidental to the normal operation 
     of a vessel to which this title applies shall be deemed to be 
     a regulation issued pursuant to the authority of this title 
     and shall remain in full force and effect unless or until 
     superseded by new regulations issued hereunder.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1542. Mr. PAUL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1099. BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM.

       (a) Audit Reform and Transparency for the Board of 
     Governors of the Federal Reserve System.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 714 of title 31, 
     United States Code, or any other provision of law, an audit 
     of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and 
     the Federal reserve banks under subsection (b) of such 
     section 714 shall be completed not later than 12 months after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.
       (2) Report.--
       (A) In general.--A report on the audit required under 
     paragraph (1) shall be submitted by the Comptroller General 
     of the United States to Congress before the end of the 90-day 
     period beginning on the date on which the audit is completed 
     and made available to the majority and minority leaders of 
     the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the 
     majority and minority leaders of the House of 
     Representatives, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the 
     committee and each subcommittee of jurisdiction in the Senate 
     and the House of Representatives, and any other Member of 
     Congress who requests the report.
       (B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include a detailed description of the findings and conclusion 
     of the Comptroller General of the United States with respect 
     to the audit that is the subject of the report, together with 
     such recommendations for legislative or administrative action 
     as the Comptroller General of the United States may determine 
     to be appropriate.
       (3) Repeal of certain limitations.--Section 714(b) of title 
     31, United States Code, is amended by striking all after ``in 
     writing.''.
       (4) Technical and conforming amendment.--Section 714 of 
     title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     subsection (f).

[[Page 8473]]

       (b) Audit of Loan File Reviews Required by Enforcement 
     Actions.--
       (1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct an audit of the review of loan files of 
     homeowners in foreclosure in 2009 or 2010, required as part 
     of the enforcement actions taken by the Board of Governors of 
     the Federal Reserve System against supervised financial 
     institutions.
       (2) Content of audit.--The audit carried out pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) shall consider, at a minimum--
       (A) the guidance given by the Board of Governors of the 
     Federal Reserve System to independent consultants retained by 
     the supervised financial institutions regarding the 
     procedures to be followed in conducting the file reviews;
       (B) the factors considered by independent consultants when 
     evaluating loan files;
       (C) the results obtained by the independent consultants 
     pursuant to those reviews;
       (D) the determinations made by the independent consultants 
     regarding the nature and extent of financial injury sustained 
     by each homeowner as well as the level and type of 
     remediation offered to each homeowner; and
       (E) the specific measures taken by the independent 
     consultants to verify, confirm, or rebut the assertions and 
     representations made by supervised financial institutions 
     regarding the contents of loan files and the extent of 
     financial injury to homeowners.
       (3) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall issue a report to Congress containing all 
     findings and determinations made in carrying out the audit 
     required under paragraph (1).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1543. Mr. PAUL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title XI, add the following:

     SEC. 1116. COST SAVINGS ENHANCEMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4512 of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``or identification of surplus funds or unnecessary budget 
     authority'' after ``mismanagement'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or identification'' 
     after ``disclosure''; and
       (C) in the matter following paragraph (2), by inserting 
     ``or identification'' after ``disclosure''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) The Inspector General of an agency or other agency 
     employee designated under subsection (b) shall refer to the 
     Chief Financial Officer of the agency any potential surplus 
     funds or unnecessary budget authority identified by an 
     employee, along with any recommendations of the Inspector 
     General or other agency employee.
       ``(d)(1) If the Chief Financial Officer of an agency 
     determines that rescission of potential surplus funds or 
     unnecessary budget authority identified by an employee would 
     not hinder the effectiveness of the agency, except as 
     provided in subsection (e), the head of the agency shall 
     transfer the amount of the surplus funds or unnecessary 
     budget authority from the applicable appropriations account 
     to the general fund of the Treasury.
       ``(2) Title X of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment 
     Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 681 et seq.) shall not apply to 
     transfers under paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Any amounts transferred under paragraph (1) shall be 
     deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction, 
     except that in the case of a fiscal year for which there is 
     no Federal budget deficit, such amounts shall be used to 
     reduce the Federal debt (in such manner as the Secretary of 
     the Treasury considers appropriate).
       ``(e)(1) The head of an agency may retain not more than 10 
     percent of amounts to be transferred to the general fund of 
     the Treasury under subsection (d).
       ``(2) Amounts retained by the head of an agency under 
     paragraph (1) may be--
       ``(A) used for the purpose of paying a cash award under 
     subsection (a) to 1 or more employees who identified the 
     surplus funds or unnecessary budget authority; and
       ``(B) to the extent amounts remain after paying cash awards 
     under subsection (a), transferred or reprogrammed for use by 
     the agency, in accordance with any limitation on such a 
     transfer or reprogramming under any other provision of law.
       ``(f)(1) The head of each agency shall submit to the 
     Director of the Office of Personnel Management an annual 
     report regarding--
       ``(A) each disclosure of possible fraud, waste, or 
     mismanagement or identification of potentially surplus funds 
     or unnecessary budget authority by an employee of the agency 
     determined by the agency to have merit;
       ``(B) the total savings achieved through disclosures and 
     identifications described in subparagraph (A); and
       ``(C) the number and amount of cash awards by the agency 
     under subsection (a).
       ``(2)(A) The head of each agency shall include the 
     information described in paragraph (1) in each budget request 
     of the agency submitted to the Office of Management and 
     Budget as part of the preparation of the budget of the 
     President submitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of 
     title 31, United States Code.
       ``(B) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management 
     shall submit to the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Government Accountability Office an 
     annual report on Federal cost saving and awards based on the 
     reports submitted under subparagraph (A).
       ``(g) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management 
     shall--
       ``(1) ensure that the cash award program of each agency 
     complies with this section; and
       ``(2) submit to Congress an annual certification indicating 
     whether the cash award program of each agency complies with 
     this section.
       ``(h) Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
     this subsection, and every 3 years thereafter, the 
     Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the operation of the cost savings and 
     awards program under this section, including any 
     recommendations for legislative changes.''.
       (b) Officers Eligible for Cash Awards.--
       (1) In general.--Section 4509 of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 4509. Prohibition of cash award to certain officers

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the term `agency'--
       ``(1) has the meaning given that term under section 551(1); 
     and
       ``(2) includes an entity described in section 4501(1).
       ``(b) Prohibition.--An officer may not receive a cash award 
     under this subchapter if the officer--
       ``(1) serves in a position at level I of the Executive 
     Schedule;
       ``(2) is the head of an agency; or
       ``(3) is a commissioner, board member, or other voting 
     member of an independent establishment.''.
       (2) Technical and conforming amendment.--The table of 
     sections for chapter 45 of title 5, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking the item relating to section 4509 and 
     inserting the following:

``4509. Prohibition of cash award to certain officers.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1544. Mr. PAUL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT TO POST-
                   9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS 
                   WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER OR 
                   TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

       (a) Extended Period.--Section 3312 of title 38, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``in subsections (b) and 
     (c)'' and inserting ``in subsections (b), (c), and (d)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(d) Extended Period for Individuals With Post-traumatic 
     Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury.--Subject to 
     section 3695 of this title and except as provided in 
     subsections (b) and (c), an individual entitled to 
     educational assistance under this chapter who has a service-
     connected disability consisting of post-traumatic stress 
     disorder or traumatic brain injury is entitled to a number of 
     months of educational assistance under section 3313 of this 
     title equal to 54 months.''.
       (b) Reduced Amount.--Section 3313 of such title is amended 
     by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(j) Reduced Amount for Individuals With Extended Period 
     of Assistance.--The amount of educational assistance payable 
     under this section to an individual described in section 
     3312(d) of this title shall be 67 percent of the amount 
     otherwise payable to such individual under this section.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1545. Mr. PAUL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016

[[Page 8474]]

for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. POINT OF ORDER AGAINST FUNDING PROGRAMS THAT HAVE 
                   BEEN EXPIRED FOR MORE THAN 5 YEARS.

       (a) In General.--It shall not be in order in Senate to 
     consider any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, 
     amendment between the Houses, or conference report that 
     appropriates amounts for a program for which the authorizing 
     authority has been expired for more than 5 fiscal years.
       (b) Point of Order; Waiver and Appeal.--In the Senate, a 
     point of order under subsection (a) may be raised by a 
     Senator as provided in section 313(e) of the Congressional 
     Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 644(e)). A point of order under 
     subsection (a) may be waived in accordance with the 
     procedures under section 313(e) of the Congressional Budget 
     Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 644(e)) upon an affirmative vote of 
     three-fifths of the Members duly chosen and sworn.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1546. Mr. PAUL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. TRANSFER AUTHORITY FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FUNDS 
                   TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS ON THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE OF A SEQUESTRATION OF FUNDS.

       (a) Authority To Transfer Authorizations.--
       (1) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may transfer 
     amounts of authorizations made available to the Department of 
     Defense for a fiscal year between any such authorizations for 
     that fiscal year (or any subdivisions thereof) if the 
     Secretary determines that the transfer--
       (A) is necessary to mitigate the effects on the Department 
     of Defense of a reduction in the discretionary spending limit 
     or the sequestration of direct spending under section 251A of 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 
     (2 U.S.C. 901a) or a sequestration under section 251(a)(1) of 
     such Act (2 U.S.C. 901(a)(1)); and
       (B) is necessary in the national interest.
       (2) Limitation.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the 
     total amount of authorizations that the Secretary may 
     transfer under the authority of this section in a fiscal year 
     may not exceed $50,000,000,000.
       (3) Exception for transfers between military personnel 
     authorizations.--A transfer of funds between military 
     personnel authorizations shall not be counted toward the 
     dollar limitation in paragraph (2).
       (4) Treatment of amounts transferred.--Amounts of 
     authorizations transferred pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be 
     merged with and be available for the same purposes as the 
     authorization to which transferred.
       (b) Limitations.--The authority provided by subsection (a) 
     to transfer authorizations--
       (1) may only be used to provide authority for items that 
     have a higher priority than the items from which authority is 
     transferred;
       (2) may not be used to provide authority for an item that 
     has been denied authorization by Congress; and
       (3) may not reduce the amount authorized for the fiscal 
     year concerned for an item by an amount in excess of the 
     amount equal to 50 percent of the amount otherwise authorized 
     to be appropriated for that fiscal year for that item.
       (c) Notice to Congress.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     notify Congress of each proposed use of the transfer 
     authority in subsection (a).
       (d) Congressional Disapproval.--A transfer may not occur 
     under the authority in subsection (a) if Congress enacts a 
     joint resolution disapproving the transfer within the 30-day 
     period beginning on the notice to Congress of the transfer 
     pursuant to subsection (c).
       (e) Effect on Authorization Amounts.--A transfer made from 
     one account to another under the authority of this section 
     shall be deemed to increase the amount authorized for the 
     account to which the amount is transferred by an amount equal 
     to the amount transferred.
       (f) Construction of Authority.--The authority to transfer 
     funds under this section in addition to any other authority 
     available to the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds for 
     the Department of Defense under any other provision of law.
       (g) Sunset.--The authority to transfer funds under this 
     section shall expire on September 30, 2023.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1547. Mr. PAUL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

           Subtitle __--Bonuses for Cost-cutting Contracting

     SEC. __. PREFERENCE FOR COST-CUTTING DEFENSE CONTRACTORS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Defense Supplement to the 
     Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be revised to establish 
     a preference for the use by the Department of Defense of 
     contractors with an established record of completing 
     contracts under budget. The regulations as so revised shall 
     provide that, in the evaluation of bids for a contract, the 
     bid from a contractor that has achieved an average cost 
     savings for its last three completed Department of Defense 
     contracts within a contract cost category described under 
     subsection (b) shall be discounted as provided under 
     subsection (c) for purposes of price comparison.
       (b) Contract Cost Categories.--For purposes of this 
     section, contract cost categories for total contract awards 
     are as follows:
       (1) Under $1,000,000.
       (2) Greater than or equal to $1,000,000 and less than 
     $5,000,000.
       (3) Greater than or equal to $5,000,000 and less than 
     $10,000,000.
       (4) Greater than or equal to $10,000,000 and less than 
     $25,000,000.
       (5) Greater than or equal to $25,000,000 and less than 
     $50,000,000.
       (6) Greater than or equal to $50,000,000 and less than 
     $100,000,000
       (7) Greater than or equal to $100,000,000.
       (c) Calculation of Discount.--
       (1) Contract savings within same or higher contract cost 
     category.--A bid for a contract shall be discounted pursuant 
     to subsection (a) by an amount equal to the average 
     percentage cost savings of the last three completed 
     Department of Defense contracts within a contract cost 
     category if such contract cost category is the same as or 
     higher than the contract cost category of the contract that 
     is being bid upon.
       (2) Contract savings within lower contract cost category.--
     A bid for a contract shall be discounted pursuant to 
     subsection (a) by an amount equal to the average cost savings 
     of the last three completed Department of Defense contracts 
     within a contract cost category if such contract cost 
     category is lower than the contract cost category of the 
     contract that is being bid upon.
       (3) Special rule for contracts equal to or greater than 
     $100,000,000.--In the case of a bid for a contract in the 
     contract cost category set forth in subsection (b)(7), the 
     bid shall be discounted pursuant to subsection (a)--
       (A) by an amount equal to the average cost savings of the 
     last three completed Department of Defense contracts if--
       (i) the contract cost category for such contracts is lower 
     than such contract cost category; or
       (ii) the contract cost category for such contracts is the 
     same as the contract being bid upon, but the average value of 
     such contracts is less than the lower of--

       (I) 75 percent of the value of the contract being bid upon; 
     or
       (II) the amount equal to the value of such contract minus 
     $50,000,000; or

       (B) by an amount equal to the average percentage cost 
     savings of the last three completed Department of Defense 
     contracts within the same contract cost category if the 
     average value of such contracts is equal to or greater than--
       (i) 75 percent of the value of the contract being bid upon; 
     or
       (ii) the amount equal to the value of such contract minus 
     $50,000,000.

     SEC. __. USE OF FUNDS SAVED THROUGH CONTRACT SAVINGS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure 
     that, of the total amount saved by the Department of Defense 
     on a contract completed after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act as a result of the contract costing less than the 
     amount bid by the contractor--
       (1) 50 percent shall be awarded to the contractor; and
       (2) 50 percent shall be deposited in the Treasury and used 
     for deficit reduction.
       (b) Certification Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--The head of the agency awarding a contract 
     described under subsection (a) shall certify that the savings 
     achieved under the contract were not the result of any 
     degradation in the quality of the

[[Page 8475]]

     goods or services provided under the contract before any 
     funds are distributed under such subsection.
       (2) Head of an agency defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``head of an agency'' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 2302(1) of title 10, United States Code.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1548. Mr. PAUL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. CONSOLIDATION OF DUPLICATIVE AND OVERLAPPING 
                   AGENCIES, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES OF THE 
                   FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, in coordination 
     with the heads of other departments and agencies of the 
     Federal Government--
       (1) use available administrative authority to eliminate, 
     consolidate, or streamline Government agencies, programs, and 
     activities with duplicative and overlapping missions as 
     identified in Government Accountability Office reports on 
     duplication and overlap in Government programs;
       (2) identify and submit to Congress a report setting the 
     legislative action required to further eliminate, 
     consolidate, or streamline Government agencies, programs, and 
     activities with duplicative and overlapping missions as 
     identified in the reports referred to in paragraph (1); and
       (3) determine the total cost savings that--
       (A) will accrue to each department, agency, and office 
     effected by an action under paragraph (1) as a result of the 
     actions taken under that paragraph; and
       (B) could accrue to each department, agency, and office 
     effected by an action under paragraph (2) as a result of the 
     actions proposed to be taken under that paragraph using the 
     legislative authority set forth under that paragraph.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1549. Mrs. ERNST (for herself, Mrs. Boxer, and Mr. Graham) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of section 1229, add the following:
       (c) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States to promote a stable and unified Iraq, including by 
     directly providing the Kurdistan Regional Government military 
     and security forces associated with the Government of Iraq 
     with defense articles, defense services, and related 
     training, on an emergency and temporary basis, to more 
     effectively partner with the United States and other 
     international coalition members to defeat the Islamic State 
     of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
       (d) Authorization.--
       (1) Military assistance.--The President, in consultation 
     with the Government of Iraq, is authorized to provide defense 
     articles, defense services, and related training directly to 
     Kurdistan Regional Government military and security forces 
     associated with the Government of Iraq for the purpose of 
     supporting international coalition efforts against the 
     Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and any successor 
     group or associated forces.
       (2) Defense exports.--The President is authorized to issue 
     licenses authorizing United States exporters to export 
     defense articles, defense services, and related training 
     directly to the Kurdistan Regional Government military and 
     security forces described in paragraph (1). For purposes of 
     processing applications for such export licenses, the 
     President is authorized to accept End Use Certificates 
     approved by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
       (3) Types of assistance.--Assistance authorized under 
     paragraph (1) and exports authorized under paragraph (2) may 
     include anti-tank and anti-armor weapons, armored vehicles, 
     long-range artillery, crew-served weapons and ammunition, 
     secure command and communications equipment, body armor, 
     helmets, logistics equipment, excess defense articles and 
     other military assistance that the President determines to be 
     appropriate.
       (e) Relationship to Existing Authorities.--
       (1) Relationship to existing authorities.--Assistance 
     authorized under subsection (b)(1) and licenses for exports 
     authorized under subsection (d)(2) shall be provided pursuant 
     to the applicable provisions of the Arms Export Control Act 
     (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) and the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.), notwithstanding any 
     requirement in such applicable provisions of law that a 
     recipient of assistance of the type authorized under 
     subsection (d)(1) shall be a country or international 
     organization. In addition, any requirement in such provisions 
     of law applicable to such countries or international 
     organizations concerning the provision of end use retransfers 
     and other assurance required for transfers of such assistance 
     should be secured from the Kurdistan Regional Government.
       (2) Construction as precedent.--Nothing in this section 
     shall be construed as establishing a precedent for the future 
     provision of assistance described in subsection (d) to 
     organizations other than a country or international 
     organization.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Initial report.--Not later than 45 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to 
     the appropriate congressional committees a report that 
     includes the following:
       (A) A timeline for the provision of defense articles, 
     defense services, and related training under the authority of 
     subsections (d)(1) and (d)(2).
       (B) A description of mechanisms and procedures for end-use 
     monitoring of such defense articles, defense services, and 
     related training.
       (C) How such defense articles, defense services, and 
     related training would contribute to the foreign policy and 
     national security of the United States, as well as impact 
     security in the region.
       (2) Updates.--Not later than 180 days after the submittal 
     of the report required by paragraph (1), and every 180 days 
     thereafter through the termination pursuant to subsection (i) 
     of the authority in subsection (d), the President shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     updating the previous report submitted under this subsection. 
     In addition to any matters so updated, each report shall 
     include a description of any delays, and the circumstances 
     surrounding such delays, in the delivery of defense articles, 
     defense services, and related training to the Kurdistan 
     Regional Government pursuant to the authority in subsections 
     (d)(1) and (d)(2).
       (3) Form.--Any report under this subsection shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
     annex.
       (4) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``appropriate 
     congressional committees'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on 
     Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the 
     Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on 
     Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the 
     Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (g) Notification.--The President should provide 
     notification to the Government of Iraq, when practicable, not 
     later than 15 days before providing defense articles, defense 
     services, or related training to the Kurdistan Regional 
     Government under the authority of subsection (d)(1) or 
     (d)(2).
       (h) Additional Definitions.--In this section, the terms 
     ``defense article'', ``defense service'', and ``training'' 
     have the meanings given those terms in section 47 of the Arms 
     Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2794).
       (i) Termination.--The authority to provide defense 
     articles, defense services, and related training under 
     subsection (d)(1) and the authority to issue licenses for 
     exports authorized under subsection (d)(2) shall terminate on 
     the date that is three years after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1550. Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Blumenthal, Mrs. 
Gillibrand, Mrs. Boxer, and Mr. Murphy) submitted an amendment intended 
to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill 
H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for 
military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 721. REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE MEDICAL FACILITIES TO PERFORM 
                   ABORTIONS.

       Section 1093 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b); and
       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a) Restriction on Use 
     of Funds.--''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1551. Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself and Ms. Ayotte) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to

[[Page 8476]]

amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 622. STUDY AND REPORT ON POLICY CHANGES TO THE JOINT 
                   TRAVEL REGULATIONS.

       (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall conduct a study on the impact of the policy changes to 
     the Joint Travel Regulations for the Uniformed Service 
     Members and Department of Defense Civilian Employees related 
     to flat rate per diem for long term temporary duty travel 
     that took effect on November 1, 2014. The study shall assess 
     the following:
       (1) The impact of such changes on shipyard workers who 
     travel on long-term temporary duty assignments.
       (2) Whether such changes have discouraged employees of the 
     Department of Defense, including civilian employees at 
     shipyards and depots, from volunteering for important 
     temporary duty travel assignments.
       (b) Report.--Not later than June 1, 2016, the Comptroller 
     General shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House 
     of Representatives a report on the study required by 
     subsection (a).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1552. Mrs. SHAHEEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Insert after section 603 the following:

     SEC. 603A. ADJUSTMENTS OF BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING IN 
                   AREAS NOT ACCURATELY ASSESSED BY DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE HOUSING MARKET SURVEYS.

       Section 403(b)(7)(A) of title 37, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
       ``(iii) is located in an area in which the most recent 
     determination of costs of adequate housing for purposes of 
     this subsection does not accurately reflect the actual costs 
     of adequate housing in such area.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1553. Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mr. Grassley) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. ___. DESIGNATION OF MEDICAL FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AS HEALTH PROFESSIONAL 
                   SHORTAGE AREAS.

       (a) PHSA.--Section 332(a)(1) of the Public Health Service 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 254e(a)(1)) is amended in the second sentence 
     by inserting ``and medical facilities of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs (including State homes, as defined in 
     section 101(19) of title 38, United States Code)'' after 
     ``(42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)),''.
       (b) Concurrent Benefits.--
       (1) Scholarship program.--Section 338A(b) of the Public 
     Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l(b)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'';
       (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(5) not be participating in the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program 
     under chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code.''.
       (2) Debt reduction program.--Section 338B(b) of the Public 
     Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l-1(b)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'';
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) not be participating in the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program 
     under chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code.''.
       (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the National Health 
     Service Corps Program under subpart II of part D of title III 
     of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254d et seq.), 
     the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall consult with 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with respect to health 
     professional shortage areas that are medical facilities of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs (including State homes, as 
     defined in section 101(19) of title 38, United States Code).
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1554. Ms. KLOBUCHAR submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title XXVIII, add the following:

                       Subtitle D--Other Matters

     SEC. 2831. ELIMINATION OF STATE MATCHING REQUIREMENT FOR 
                   ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY 
                   AT NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTERS.

       Section 18236(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
       (2) by striking ``A contribution'' and inserting ``(1) 
     Subject to paragraph (2), a contribution''; and
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B), as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1), the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) If a readiness center or armory project for which a 
     contribution is made under paragraph (4) or (5) of section 
     18233(a) of this title consists of or includes an energy 
     efficiency upgrade, the Secretary of Defense shall cover--
       ``(A) 100 percent of the cost of architectural, 
     engineering, and design services related to the upgrade or 
     renewable energy (including advance architectural, 
     engineering, and design services under section 18233(e) of 
     this title), as provided in paragraph (1)(A); and
       ``(B) 100 percent of the cost of construction related to 
     the upgrade or renewable energy, notwithstanding subparagraph 
     (B) of paragraph (1), and payment of such cost shall not be 
     considered in applying the limitation in such 
     subparagraph.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1555. Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mr. Schumer) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       At the end of division A, add the following:

                        TITLE XVII--METAL THEFT

     SEC. 1701. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Metal Theft Prevention Act 
     of 2015''.

     SEC. 1702. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title--
       (1) the term ``critical infrastructure'' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 1016(e) of the USA PATRIOT Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5195c(e));
       (2) the term ``recycling agent'' means any person engaged 
     in the business of purchasing specified metal for reuse or 
     recycling, without regard to whether that person is engaged 
     in the business of recycling or otherwise processing the 
     purchased specified metal for reuse; and
       (3) the term ``specified metal'' means metal that--
       (A)(i) is marked with the name, logo, or initials of a 
     city, county, State, or Federal government entity, a 
     railroad, an electric, gas, or water company, a telephone 
     company, a cable company, a retail establishment, a beer 
     supplier or distributor, or a public utility; or
       (ii) has been altered for the purpose of removing, 
     concealing, or obliterating a name, logo, or initials 
     described in clause (i) through burning or cutting of wire 
     sheathing or other means; or
       (B) is part of--

[[Page 8477]]

       (i) a street light pole or street light fixture;
       (ii) a road or bridge guard rail;
       (iii) a highway or street sign;
       (iv) a water meter cover;
       (v) a storm water grate;
       (vi) unused or undamaged building construction or utility 
     material;
       (vii) a historical marker;
       (viii) a grave marker or cemetery urn;
       (ix) a utility access cover; or
       (x) a container used to transport or store beer with a 
     capacity of 5 gallons or more;
       (C) is a wire or cable commonly used by communications and 
     electrical utilities; or
       (D) is copper, aluminum, and other metal (including any 
     metal combined with other materials) that is valuable for 
     recycling or reuse as raw metal, except for--
       (i) aluminum cans; and
       (ii) motor vehicles, the purchases of which are reported to 
     the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System 
     (established under section 30502 of title 49, United States 
     Code).

     SEC. 1703. THEFT OF SPECIFIED METAL.

       (a) Offense.--It shall be unlawful to knowingly steal 
     specified metal--
       (1) being used in or affecting interstate or foreign 
     commerce; and
       (2) the theft of which is from and harms critical 
     infrastructure.
       (b) Penalty.--Any person who commits an offense described 
     in subsection (a) shall be fined under title 18, United 
     States Code, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

     SEC. 1704. DOCUMENTATION OF OWNERSHIP OR AUTHORITY TO SELL.

       (a) Offenses.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), it 
     shall be unlawful for a recycling agent to purchase specified 
     metal described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 
     1702(3), unless--
       (A) the seller, at the time of the transaction, provides 
     documentation of ownership of, or other proof of the 
     authority of the seller to sell, the specified metal; and
       (B) there is a reasonable basis to believe that the 
     documentation or other proof of authority provided under 
     subparagraph (A) is valid.
       (2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a 
     recycling agent that is subject to a State or local law that 
     sets forth a requirement on recycling agents to obtain 
     documentation of ownership or proof of authority to sell 
     specified metal before purchasing specified metal.
       (3) Responsibility of recycling agent.--A recycling agent 
     is not required to independently verify the validity of the 
     documentation or other proof of authority described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (4) Purchase of stolen metal.--It shall be unlawful for a 
     recycling agent to purchase any specified metal that the 
     recycling agent--
       (A) knows to be stolen; or
       (B) should know or believe, based upon commercial 
     experience and practice, to be stolen.
       (b) Civil Penalty.--A person who knowingly violates 
     subsection (a) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not 
     more than $10,000 for each violation.

     SEC. 1705. TRANSACTION REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Recording Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
     recycling agent shall maintain a written or electronic record 
     of each purchase of specified metal.
       (2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a 
     recycling agent that is subject to a State or local law that 
     sets forth recording requirements that are substantially 
     similar to the requirements described in paragraph (3) for 
     the purchase of specified metal.
       (3) Contents.--A record under paragraph (1) shall include--
       (A) the name and address of the recycling agent; and
       (B) for each purchase of specified metal--
       (i) the date of the transaction;
       (ii) a description of the specified metal purchased using 
     widely used and accepted industry terminology;
       (iii) the amount paid by the recycling agent;
       (iv) the name and address of the person to which the 
     payment was made;
       (v) the name of the person delivering the specified metal 
     to the recycling agent, including a distinctive number from a 
     Federal or State government-issued photo identification card 
     and a description of the type of the identification; and
       (vi) the license plate number and State-of-issue, make, and 
     model, if available, of the vehicle used to deliver the 
     specified metal to the recycling agent.
       (4) Repeat sellers.--A recycling agent may comply with the 
     requirements of this subsection with respect to a purchase of 
     specified metal from a person from which the recycling agent 
     has previously purchased specified metal by--
       (A) reference to the existing record relating to the 
     seller; and
       (B) recording any information for the transaction that is 
     different from the record relating to the previous purchase 
     from that person.
       (5) Record retention period.--A recycling agent shall 
     maintain any record required under this subsection for not 
     less than 2 years after the date of the transaction to which 
     the record relates.
       (6) Confidentiality.--Any information collected or retained 
     under this section may be disclosed to any Federal, State, or 
     local law enforcement authority or as otherwise directed by a 
     court of law.
       (b) Purchases in Excess of $100.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
     recycling agent may not pay cash for a single purchase of 
     specified metal of more than $100. For purposes of this 
     paragraph, more than 1 purchase in any 48-hour period from 
     the same seller shall be considered to be a single purchase.
       (2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a 
     recycling agent that is subject to a State or local law that 
     sets forth a maximum amount for cash payments for the 
     purchase of specified metal.
       (3) Payment method.--
       (A) Occasional sellers.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
     (B), for any purchase of specified metal of more than $100 a 
     recycling agent shall make payment by check that--
       (i) is payable to the seller; and
       (ii) includes the name and address of the seller.
       (B) Established commercial transactions.--A recycling agent 
     may make payments for a purchase of specified metal of more 
     than $100 from a governmental or commercial supplier of 
     specified metal with which the recycling agent has an 
     established commercial relationship by electronic funds 
     transfer or other established commercial transaction payment 
     method through a commercial bank if the recycling agent 
     maintains a written record of the payment that identifies the 
     seller, the amount paid, and the date of the purchase.
       (c) Civil Penalty.--A person who knowingly violates 
     subsection (a) or (b) shall be subject to a civil penalty of 
     not more than $5,000 for each violation, except that a person 
     who commits a minor violation shall be subject to a penalty 
     of not more than $1,000.

     SEC. 1706. ENFORCEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL.

       The Attorney General may bring an enforcement action in an 
     appropriate United States district court against any person 
     that engages in conduct that violates this title.

     SEC. 1707. ENFORCEMENT BY STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL.

       (a) In General.--An attorney general or equivalent 
     regulator of a State may bring a civil action in the name of 
     the State, as parens patriae on behalf of natural persons 
     residing in the State, in any district court of the United 
     States or other competent court having jurisdiction over the 
     defendant, to secure monetary or equitable relief for a 
     violation of this title.
       (b) Notice Required.--Not later than 30 days before the 
     date on which an action under subsection (a) is filed, the 
     attorney general or equivalent regulator of the State 
     involved shall provide to the Attorney General--
       (1) written notice of the action; and
       (2) a copy of the complaint for the action.
       (c) Attorney General Action.--Upon receiving notice under 
     subsection (b), the Attorney General shall have the right--
       (1) to intervene in the action;
       (2) upon so intervening, to be heard on all matters arising 
     therein;
       (3) to remove the action to an appropriate district court 
     of the United States; and
       (4) to file petitions for appeal.
       (d) Pending Federal Proceedings.--If a civil action has 
     been instituted by the Attorney General for a violation of 
     this title, no State may, during the pendency of the action 
     instituted by the Attorney General, institute a civil action 
     under this title against any defendant named in the complaint 
     in the civil action for any violation alleged in the 
     complaint.
       (e) Construction.--For purposes of bringing a civil action 
     under subsection (a), nothing in this section regarding 
     notification shall be construed to prevent the attorney 
     general or equivalent regulator of the State from exercising 
     any powers conferred under the laws of that State to--
       (1) conduct investigations;
       (2) administer oaths or affirmations; or
       (3) compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of 
     documentary and other evidence.

     SEC. 1708. DIRECTIVE TO SENTENCING COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--Pursuant to its authority under section 
     994 of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with 
     this section, the United States Sentencing Commission, shall 
     review and, if appropriate, amend the Federal Sentencing 
     Guidelines and policy statements applicable to a person 
     convicted of a criminal violation of section 1703 or any 
     other Federal criminal law based on the theft of specified 
     metal by such person.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Sentencing Commission shall--
       (1) ensure that the sentencing guidelines and policy 
     statements reflect the--
       (A) serious nature of the theft of specified metal; and
       (B) need for an effective deterrent and appropriate 
     punishment to prevent such theft;
       (2) consider the extent to which the guidelines and policy 
     statements appropriately account for--
       (A) the potential and actual harm to the public from the 
     offense, including any damage to critical infrastructure;

[[Page 8478]]

       (B) the amount of loss, or the costs associated with 
     replacement or repair, attributable to the offense;
       (C) the level of sophistication and planning involved in 
     the offense; and
       (D) whether the offense was intended to or had the effect 
     of creating a threat to public health or safety, injury to 
     another person, or death;
       (3) account for any additional aggravating or mitigating 
     circumstances that may justify exceptions to the generally 
     applicable sentencing ranges;
       (4) assure reasonable consistency with other relevant 
     directives and with other sentencing guidelines and policy 
     statements; and
       (5) assure that the sentencing guidelines and policy 
     statements adequately meet the purposes of sentencing as set 
     forth in section 3553(a)(2) of title 18, United States Code.

     SEC. 1709. STATE AND LOCAL LAW NOT PREEMPTED.

       Nothing in this title shall be construed to preempt any 
     State or local law regulating the sale or purchase of 
     specified metal, the reporting of such transactions, or any 
     other aspect of the metal recycling industry.

     SEC. 1710. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This title shall take effect 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1556. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. INTEREST RATE LIMITATION ON DEBT ENTERED INTO 
                   DURING MILITARY SERVICE TO CONSOLIDATE OR 
                   REFINANCE STUDENT LOANS INCURRED BEFORE 
                   MILITARY SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 207 of the 
     Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 527) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``on debt incurred 
     before service'' after ``Limitation to 6 percent'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2) Limitation to 6 percent on debt incurred during 
     service to consolidate or refinance student loans incurred 
     before service.--An obligation or liability bearing interest 
     at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year that is incurred by 
     a servicemember, or the servicemember and the servicemember's 
     spouse jointly, during military service to consolidate or 
     refinance one or more student loans incurred by the 
     servicemember before such military service shall not bear an 
     interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent during the period 
     of military service.'';
       (4) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of 
     this subsection, by inserting ``or (2)'' after ``paragraph 
     (1)''; and
       (5) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''.
       (b) Implementation of Limitation.--Subsection (b) of such 
     section is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the interest rate 
     limitation in subsection (a)'' and inserting ``an interest 
     rate limitation in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a)''; 
     and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``as of date of 
     order to active duty''; and
       (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``in the case of an obligation or liability 
     covered by subsection (a)(1), or as of the date the 
     servicemember (or servicemember and spouse jointly) incurs 
     the obligation or liability concerned under subsection 
     (a)(2)''.
       (c) Student Loan Defined.--Subsection (d) of such section 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) Student loan.--The term `student loan' means the 
     following:
       ``(A) A Federal student loan made, insured, or guaranteed 
     under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1070 et seq.).
       ``(B) A private student loan as that term is defined in 
     section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 
     1650(a)).''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1557. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 884. ARSENAL AND ORGANIC INDUSTRIAL BASE SKILLS 
                   SUSTAINMENT AND DOMESTIC PRODUCTION INITIATIVE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
     which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is 
     submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, 
     Unites States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
     the congressional defense committees a report on the 
     equipment, weapons, weapons systems, components, 
     subcomponents, and end-items purchased from foreign entities 
     and identify those items which could be manufactured in the 
     military arsenals of the United States or the military depots 
     of the United States to meet the goals of section 2464 of 
     title 10, United States Code, as well as a plan for moving 
     that workload into the military arsenals or depots.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     address the following:
       (1) Identification of items purchased by foreign 
     manufacturers meeting the definition of--
       (A) section 8302(a)(1) of title 41, United States Code, 
     with an exception granted under subparagraph (A) or (B) of 
     section 8302(a)(2) of such title;
       (B) section 2533b(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, 
     with an exception granted under section 2533(b) of such 
     title; and
       (C) section 2534(a) of title 10, United States Code, with a 
     waiver exercised under paragraph (1), (2), (4), or (5) of 
     section 2534(d) of such title.
       (2) Assessment of the skills required to manufacture the 
     items identified in paragraph (1) and comparison of those 
     skills with skills required to meet the critical capabilities 
     identified by the Army Report to Congress on Critical 
     Manufacturing Capabilities and Capacities, dated August 2013, 
     and the core logistics capabilities identified by each 
     military service pursuant to section 2464 of title 10, United 
     States Code, as of the date of enactment of this bill.
       (3) Identification of the tooling, equipment and facilities 
     upgrades necessary for a military arsenal or depot to perform 
     the manufacturing workload identified under paragraph (1).
       (4) Identification of workload identified in paragraph (1) 
     most appropriate for transfer to military arsenals or depots 
     to meet the goals of subsection (a) or requirements of 
     section 2464 of title 10, United States Code.
       (5) A plan to transfer manufacturing workload identified in 
     paragraph (4) to the military arsenals or depots within a 
     stated timeframe.
       (6) Such other information the Secretary considers 
     necessary for adherence to paragraphs (4) and (5).
       (7) An explanation of the rationale for continuing to sole-
     source manufacturing workload identified in paragraph (1) 
     from a foreign source rather than a military arsenal, depot, 
     or other organic facility.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1558. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. __. ARSENAL INSTALLATION REUTILIZATION AUTHORITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 2667 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (h), (i), and (j) as 
     subsections (i), (j), and (k), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(h) Arsenal Installation Reutilization Authority.--(1) In 
     the case of a military manufacturing arsenal, the Secretary 
     concerned may authorize leases and contracts for a term of up 
     to 25 years, notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), if the 
     Secretary determines that a lease or contract of that 
     duration will promote the national defense or be in the 
     public interest for the purpose of--
       ``(A) helping to maintain the viability of the military 
     manufacturing arsenal and any military installations on which 
     it is located;
       ``(B) eliminating, or at least reducing, the cost of 
     Government ownership of the military manufacturing arsenal, 
     including the costs of operations and maintenance, the costs 
     of environmental remediation, and other costs; and
       ``(C) leveraging private investment at the military 
     manufacturing arsenal through long-term facility use 
     contracts, property management contracts, leases, or other 
     agreements that support and advance the preceding purposes.
       ``(2)(A) The Secretary concerned may delegate the authority 
     provided by this subsection to the commander of the military 
     manufacturing arsenal or, if part of a larger military 
     installation, the installation commander.
       ``(B) The delegated authority does not include the 
     authority to enter into a lease or

[[Page 8479]]

     contract under this section to carry out any activity covered 
     by section 4544(b) of this title related to--
       ``(i) the sale of articles manufactured by a military 
     manufacturing arsenal;
       ``(ii) the sale of services performed by a military 
     manufacturing arsenal; or
       ``(iii) the performance of manufacturing work at the 
     military manufacturing arsenal.
       ``(3) In this subsection, the term `military manufacturing 
     arsenal' means a Government-owned, Government-operated 
     defense plant of the Department of the Defense that 
     manufactures weapons, weapon components, or both.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1559. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 832. PROHIBITION ON AWARDING OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
                   CONTRACTS TO INVERTED DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS.

       (a) Prohibition.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 137 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 2338. Prohibition on awarding contracts to inverted 
       domestic corporations

       ``(a) Prohibition.--
       ``(1) In general.--The head of an agency may not award a 
     contract for the procurement of property or services to--
       ``(A) any foreign incorporated entity that such head has 
     determined is an inverted domestic corporation or any 
     subsidiary of such entity; or
       ``(B) any joint venture if more than 10 percent of the 
     joint venture (by vote or value) is owned by a foreign 
     incorporated entity that such head has determined is an 
     inverted domestic corporation or any subsidiary of such 
     entity.
       ``(2) Subcontracts.--
       ``(A) In general.--The head of an executive agency shall 
     include in each contract for the procurement of property or 
     services awarded by the executive agency with a value in 
     excess of $10,000,000, other than a contract for exclusively 
     commercial items, a clause that prohibits the prime 
     contractor on such contract from--
       ``(i) awarding a first-tier subcontract with a value 
     greater than 10 percent of the total value of the prime 
     contract to an entity or joint venture described in paragraph 
     (1); or
       ``(ii) structuring subcontract tiers in a manner designed 
     to avoid the limitation in paragraph (1) by enabling an 
     entity or joint venture described in paragraph (1) to perform 
     more than 10 percent of the total value of the prime contract 
     as a lower-tier subcontractor.
       ``(B) Penalties.--The contract clause included in contracts 
     pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall provide that, in the event 
     that the prime contractor violates the contract clause--
       ``(i) the prime contract may be terminated for default; and
       ``(ii) the matter may be referred to the suspension or 
     debarment official for the appropriate agency and may be a 
     basis for suspension or debarment of the prime contractor.
       ``(b) Inverted Domestic Corporation.--
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a foreign 
     incorporated entity shall be treated as an inverted domestic 
     corporation if, pursuant to a plan (or a series of related 
     transactions)--
       ``(A) the entity completes before, on, or after May 8, 
     2014, the direct or indirect acquisition of--
       ``(i) substantially all of the properties held directly or 
     indirectly by a domestic corporation; or
       ``(ii) substantially all of the assets of, or substantially 
     all of the properties constituting a trade or business of, a 
     domestic partnership; and
       ``(B) after the acquisition, either--
       ``(i) more than 50 percent of the stock (by vote or value) 
     of the entity is held--

       ``(I) in the case of an acquisition with respect to a 
     domestic corporation, by former shareholders of the domestic 
     corporation by reason of holding stock in the domestic 
     corporation; or
       ``(II) in the case of an acquisition with respect to a 
     domestic partnership, by former partners of the domestic 
     partnership by reason of holding a capital or profits 
     interest in the domestic partnership; or

       ``(ii) the management and control of the expanded 
     affiliated group which includes the entity occurs, directly 
     or indirectly, primarily within the United States, as 
     determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the 
     Secretary of the Treasury, and such expanded affiliated group 
     has significant domestic business activities.
       ``(2) Exception for corporations with substantial business 
     activities in foreign country of organization.--
       ``(A) In general.--A foreign incorporated entity described 
     in paragraph (1) shall not be treated as an inverted domestic 
     corporation if after the acquisition the expanded affiliated 
     group which includes the entity has substantial business 
     activities in the foreign country in which or under the law 
     of which the entity is created or organized when compared to 
     the total business activities of such expanded affiliated 
     group.
       ``(B) Substantial business activities.--The Secretary of 
     the Treasury (or the Secretary's delegate) shall establish 
     regulations for determining whether an affiliated group has 
     substantial business activities for purposes of subparagraph 
     (A), except that such regulations may not treat any group as 
     having substantial business activities if such group would 
     not be considered to have substantial business activities 
     under the regulations prescribed under section 7874 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on May 8, 2014.
       ``(3) Significant domestic business activities.--
       ``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(ii), an 
     expanded affiliated group has significant domestic business 
     activities if at least 25 percent of--
       ``(i) the employees of the group are based in the United 
     States;
       ``(ii) the employee compensation incurred by the group is 
     incurred with respect to employees based in the United 
     States;
       ``(iii) the assets of the group are located in the United 
     States; or
       ``(iv) the income of the group is derived in the United 
     States.
       ``(B) Determination.--Determinations pursuant to 
     subparagraph (A) shall be made in the same manner as such 
     determinations are made for purposes of determining 
     substantial business activities under regulations referred to 
     in paragraph (2) as in effect on May 8, 2014, but applied by 
     treating all references in such regulations to `foreign 
     country' and `relevant foreign country' as references to `the 
     United States'. The Secretary of the Treasury (or the 
     Secretary's delegate) may issue regulations decreasing the 
     threshold percent in any of the tests under such regulations 
     for determining if business activities constitute significant 
     domestic business activities for purposes of this paragraph.
       ``(c) Waiver.--
       ``(1) In general.--The head of an agency may waive 
     subsection (a) with respect to any Federal Government 
     contract under the authority of such head if the head 
     determines that the waiver is required in the interest of 
     national security or is necessary for the efficient or 
     effective administration of Federal or Federally-funded 
     programs that provide health benefits to individuals.
       ``(2) Report to congress.--The head of an agency issuing a 
     waiver under paragraph (1) shall, not later than 14 days 
     after issuing such waiver, submit a written notification of 
     the waiver to the Committees on Armed Services and 
     Appropriations of the Senate and the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(d) Applicability.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     this section shall not apply to any contract entered into 
     before the date of the enactment of this section.
       ``(2) Task and delivery orders.--This section shall apply 
     to any task or delivery order issued after the date of the 
     enactment of this section pursuant to a contract entered into 
     before, on, or after such date of enactment.
       ``(3) Scope.--This section applies only to contracts 
     subject to regulation under the Federal Acquisition 
     Regulation and the Defense Supplement to the Federal 
     Acquisition Regulation.
       ``(e) Definitions and Special Rules.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `expanded 
     affiliated group', `foreign incorporated entity', `person', 
     `domestic', and `foreign' have the meaning given those terms 
     in section 835(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
     U.S.C. 395(c)).
       ``(2) Special rules.--In applying subsection (b) of this 
     section for purposes of subsection (a) of this section, the 
     rules described under 835(c)(1) of the Homeland Security Act 
     of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 395(c)(1)) shall apply.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 137 of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2337 
     the following new item:

``2338. Prohibition on awarding contracts to inverted domestic 
              corporations.''

       (b) Regulations Regarding Management and Control.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury (or the 
     Secretary's delegate) shall, for purposes of section 
     2338(b)(1)(B)(ii) of title 10, United States Code, as added 
     by subsection (a), prescribe regulations for purposes of 
     determining cases in which the management and control of an 
     expanded affiliated group is to be treated as occurring, 
     directly or indirectly, primarily within the United States. 
     The regulations prescribed under the preceding sentence shall 
     apply to periods after May 8, 2014.
       (2) Executive officers and senior management.--The 
     regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) shall provide that 
     the management and control of an expanded affiliated

[[Page 8480]]

     group shall be treated as occurring, directly or indirectly, 
     primarily within the United States if substantially all of 
     the executive officers and senior management of the expanded 
     affiliated group who exercise day-to-day responsibility for 
     making decisions involving strategic, financial, and 
     operational policies of the expanded affiliated group are 
     based or primarily located within the United States. 
     Individuals who in fact exercise such day-to-day 
     responsibilities shall be treated as executive officers and 
     senior management regardless of their title.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1560. Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and Mr. Durbin) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 721. MONITORING OF ADVERSE EVENT DATA ON DIETARY 
                   SUPPLEMENT USE BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall modify the 
     electronic health record system of the military health system 
     to include data regarding the use by members of the Armed 
     Forces of dietary supplements and adverse events with respect 
     to dietary supplements.
       (b) Requirements.--The modifications required by subsection 
     (a) shall ensure that the electronic health record system of 
     the military health system--
       (1) records adverse event report data regarding dietary 
     supplement use by members of the Armed Forces;
       (2) generates standard reports on adverse event data that 
     can be aggregated for analysis;
       (3) issues automated alerts to signal a significant change 
     in adverse event reporting or to signal a risk of interaction 
     with a medication or other treatment; and
       (4) is interoperable with the MedWatch form of the Food and 
     Drug Administration (as described in section 760(d) of the 
     Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379aa(d))).
       (c) Outreach.--The Secretary shall conduct outreach to 
     health care providers in the military health system to 
     educate such providers on the importance of entering adverse 
     event report data regarding dietary supplement use by members 
     of the Armed Forces into the electronic health record system 
     of the military health system and the MedWatch form described 
     in subsection (b)(4).
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Adverse event.--The term ``adverse event'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 761(a) of the Federal 
     Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379aa-1(a)).
       (2) Dietary supplement.--The term ``dietary supplement'' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 201(ff) of the 
     Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(ff)).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1561. Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and Mr. Durbin) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 721. REPORTING OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENT USE BY MEMBERS OF 
                   THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish a 
     minimum requirement for the Department of Defense for the 
     reporting by each member of the Armed Forces of the use by 
     such member of dietary supplements.
       (b) Other Policies of Military Departments.--Each Secretary 
     of a military department may establish a different policy, or 
     continue an existing policy, relating to the reporting of the 
     use of dietary supplements by members of the Armed Forces 
     under the jurisdiction of such Secretary only if such policy 
     meets at least the minimum requirement established under 
     subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary of Defense.
       (c) Information in Health Record System.--The Secretary of 
     Defense shall ensure that the electronic health record system 
     of the military health system--
       (1) records dietary supplement use by members of the Armed 
     Forces;
       (2) generates standard reports on dietary supplement use 
     that can be aggregated for analysis; and
       (3) issues automated alerts to signal a significant change 
     in dietary supplement use.
       (d) Dietary Supplement Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``dietary supplement'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 201(ff) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
     (21 U.S.C. 321(ff)).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1562. Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and Mr. Durbin) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 654. LIMITATION ON SALE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN 
                   COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE STORES.

       (a) Limitation.--Section 2484(c) of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(4)(A) A dietary supplement may be sold by a commissary 
     store or exchange store, or a retail establishment operating 
     on a military installation, only if--
       ``(i) the dietary supplement has been verified by an 
     independent third party for recognized public standards of 
     identity, purity, strength, and composition, and adherence to 
     related process standards; or
       ``(ii) the dietary supplement complies with Defense 
     Commissary Agency policy on inventory carried by 
     commissaries.
       ``(B) The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with 
     the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, 
     identify the third parties that may provide verification 
     under this paragraph.
       ``(C) In this paragraph, the term `dietary supplement' has 
     the meaning given that term in section 201(ff) of the Federal 
     Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(ff).''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to 
     sales that occur on or after such effective date.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1563. Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 
1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military 
activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and 
for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe 
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 738. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF DATA SECURITY AND 
                   TRANSMISSION STANDARDS FOR ELECTRONIC HEALTH 
                   RECORDS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than June 1, 2016, the Secretary 
     of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     jointly submit to Congress a report on the standards for 
     security and transmission of data to be implemented by the 
     Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     in deploying the new or updated, as the case may be, 
     electronic health record system of each such Department 
     (required to be deployed by each such Department under 
     section 713 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113-66; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note)) at 
     military installations and in field environments.
       (b) Transmission of Data.--The report required by 
     subsection (a) shall include information on standards for 
     transmission of data between the Department of Defense and 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs and standards for 
     transmission of data between each such Department and private 
     sector entities.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1564. Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 
1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military 
activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and 
for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe 
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF 
                   SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT.

       (a) In General.--Section 801(b)(3) of the Servicemembers 
     Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 597(b)(3)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$55,000'' and 
     inserting ``$110,000''; and

[[Page 8481]]

       (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$110,000'' and 
     inserting ``$220,000''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to 
     violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 
     App. 501 et seq.) that occur on or after such date.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1565. Mr. McCAIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 31, strike line 1 and all that follows through 
     ``assessment'' on line 5 and insert the following: ``A 
     Capabilities Based Assessment or equivalent report to assess 
     capability gaps and associated capability requirements and 
     risks for the upgraded Littoral Combat Ship, which is 
     proposed to commence with LCS 33. This assessment or 
     equivalent report''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1566. Mr. SESSIONS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 645, between lines 16 and 17, insert the following:
       (4) At the 2006 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit 
     in Riga, North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries 
     agreed to commit a minimum of two per cent of their national 
     income or Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to spending on 
     defense.
       (5) At the 2014 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit 
     in Wales, North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries 
     agreed that ``allies currently meeting the NATO guideline to 
     spend a minimum of 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 
     on defense will aim to continue to do so'' and that ``allies 
     whose current proportion of GDP spent on defense is below 
     this level will: halt any decline in defense expenditure; aim 
     to increase defense expenditure in real terms as GDP grows; 
     aim to move towards the two percent guideline within a decade 
     with a view to meeting their NATO Capability Targets and 
     filling NATO's capability shortfalls''.
       (6) In 2015, four out of the 28 North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization member countries, including the United States, 
     meet the two percent target.
       On page 646, strike line 16 and insert the following:
     spending; and
       (5) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries 
     are strongly urged to meet their commitment to spend two 
     percent of their Gross Domestic Product on defense.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1567. Ms. AYOTTE (for herself, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Inhofe, and Mrs. 
Fischer) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 
1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Beginning on page 728, strike line 12 and all that follows 
     through page 729, line 8, and insert the following:

     SEC. 1643. AIR DEFENSE CAPABILITY AT NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY 
                   ORGANIZATION MISSILE DEFENSE SITES.

       (a) Determination and Notification.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall--
       (1) determine whether the Aegis Ashore site in Romania and 
     the site to be deployed in the Republic of Poland are capable 
     of defending United States and allied personnel deployed at 
     such sites from air warfare threats, including cruise 
     missiles; and
       (2) submit to the congressional defense committees notice 
     of such determination.
       (b) Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), if 
     the Secretary determines pursuant to subsection (a)(1) that 
     the Aegis Ashore sites described in such subsection are not 
     capable of defending as described in such subsection, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (A) submit to the congressional defense committees, along 
     with the annual budget request submitted to Congress under 
     section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 
     2017, a plan to ensure that such sites have, by not later 
     than December 31, 2018, anti-air warfare capability that is 
     capable of defending as described in such subsection; and
       (B) ensure that, not later than December 31, 2018, both 
     sites described in such subsection have the capability 
     described in such subsection.
       (2) Elements.--The plan submitted under paragraph (1)(A) 
     shall include a descriptions of the contributions that the 
     Secretary anticipates from the North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization and members of such organization to ensure the 
     sites described in subsection (a)(1) have anti-air warfare 
     capability that is capable of defending as described in such 
     subsection.
       (3) Delay of implementation.--The Secretary may delay the 
     requirement in paragraph (1)(B) if the Director of the 
     Missile Defense Agency submits to the congressional defense 
     committees a certification in writing that such delay is 
     necessary to ensure initial operational capability of the 
     ballistic missile defense system at such sites in accordance 
     with the timeline in the 2010 Ballistic Missile Defense 
     Review.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1568. Mr. COTTON submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. UNAUTHORIZED DEALINGS IN SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL.

       Section 57b.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 
     2077(b)(2)) is amended in the first sentence in the proviso 
     by inserting ``the Director of National Intelligence,'' after 
     ``Commerce,''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1569. Mr. BURR (for himself and Mrs. Boxer) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to 
the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 
for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 565. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS OF EMPLOYEES OF THE 
                   MILITARY CHILD CARE SYSTEM AND PROVIDERS OF 
                   CHILD CARE SERVICES AND YOUTH PROGRAM SERVICES 
                   FOR MILITARY DEPENDENTS.

       (a) Employees of Military Child Care System.--Section 1792 
     of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
     subsection (d):
       ``(d) Criminal Background Check.--The criminal background 
     check of child care employees under this section that is 
     required pursuant to section 231 of the Crime Control Act of 
     1990 (42 U.S.C. 13041) shall be conducted pursuant to 
     regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in 
     accordance with the provisions of section 658H of the Child 
     Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
     9858f).''.
       (b) Providers of Child Care Services and Youth Program 
     Services.--Section 1798 of such title is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
     subsection (c):
       ``(c) Criminal Background Check.--A provider of child care 
     services or youth program services may not provide such 
     services under this section unless such provider complies 
     with the requirements for criminal background checks under 
     section 658H of the Child Care and Development Block Grant 
     Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858f) for the State in which such 
     services are provided.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1570. Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes;

[[Page 8482]]

which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1283. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE DEFENSE RELATIONSHIP 
                   BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE REPUBLIC OF 
                   INDIA.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The United States has an upgraded, strategic-plus 
     relationship with India based on regional cooperation, space 
     science cooperation, and defense cooperation.
       (2) The defense relationship between the United States and 
     the Republic of India is strengthened by the common 
     commitment of both countries to democracy.
       (3) The United States and the Republic of India share a 
     common and long-standing commitment to civilian control of 
     the military.
       (4) The United States and the Republic of India have 
     increasingly worked together on defense cooperation across a 
     range of activities, exercises, initiatives, and research.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the United States should--
       (1) continue to expand defense cooperation with the 
     Republic of India;
       (2) welcome the role of the Republic of India in providing 
     security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond;
       (3) work cooperatively with the Republic of India on 
     matters relating to our common defense;
       (4) vigorously support the implementation of the United 
     States-India Defense Framework Agreement; and
       (5) support the India Defense Trade and Technology 
     Initiative.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1571. Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 524. SENSE OF CONGRESS RECOGNIZING THE DIVERSITY OF THE 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The United States military includes individuals with a 
     variety of national, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds that 
     have roots all over the world.
       (2) In addition to diverse backgrounds, members of the 
     Armed Forces come from numerous religious traditions, 
     including Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, non-
     denominational, nonpracticing, and many more.
       (3) Members of the Armed Forces from diverse backgrounds 
     and religious traditions have lost their lives or been 
     injured defending the national security of the United States.
       (4) Diversity contributes to the strength of the Armed 
     Forces, and service members from different backgrounds and 
     religious traditions share the same goal of defending the 
     United States.
       (5) The unity of the Armed Forces reflects the strength in 
     diversity that makes the United States a great Nation.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the United States should--
       (1) continue to recognize and promote diversity in the 
     Armed Forces; and
       (2) honor those from all diverse backgrounds and religious 
     traditions who have made sacrifices in serving the United 
     States through the Armed Forces.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1572. Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Mr. Inhofe) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 1264. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE UNITED STATES ALLIANCE 
                   WITH THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the alliance between the United States and the Republic 
     of Korea has served as an anchor for stability, security, and 
     prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, in the Asia-Pacific 
     region, and around the world;
       (2) the United States and the Republic of Korea continue to 
     strengthen and adapt the bilateral, regional, and global 
     scope of the comprehensive strategic alliance between the two 
     nations, to serve as a linchpin of peace and stability in the 
     Asia-Pacific region, recognizing the shared values of 
     democracy, human rights, free and open marketS, and the rule 
     of law, as reaffirmed in the May 2013 ``Joint Declaration in 
     Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Alliance between 
     the Republic of Korea and the United States of America'';
       (3) the United States and the Republic of Korea continue to 
     broaden and deepen the alliance by strengthening the combined 
     defense posture on the Korean Peninsula, enhancing mutual 
     security based on the Republic of Korea-United States Mutual 
     Defense Treaty, and promoting cooperation for regional and 
     global security in the 21st century;
       (4) the United States and the Republic of Korea share deep 
     concerns that the nuclear, cyber, and ballistic missiles 
     programs of North Korea and its repeated provocations pose 
     grave threats to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula 
     and Northeast Asia and recognize that both nations are 
     determined to achieve the peaceful denuclearization of North 
     Korea and remain fully committed to continuing close 
     cooperation on the full range of issues related to North 
     Korea;
       (5) the United States and the Republic of Korea are 
     particularly concerned that the nuclear and ballistic missile 
     programs of North Korea, including North Korean efforts to 
     miniaturize their nuclear technology and improve the mobility 
     of their ballistic missiles, have gathered significant 
     momentum and are poised to expand in the coming years;
       (6) the Republic of Korea has made progress in enhancing 
     future warfighting and interoperability capabilities by 
     taking steps toward procuring Patriot Advanced Capability 
     missiles, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft, and RQ-4 Global 
     Hawk Surveillance Aircraft;
       (7) the United States supports the vision of a Korean 
     Peninsula free of nuclear weapons, free from the fear of war, 
     and peacefully reunited on the basis of democratic and free 
     market principles, as articulated in President Park's address 
     in Dresden, Germany; and
       (8) the United States and the Republic of Korea share the 
     future interests of both nations in securing peace and 
     stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1573. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 10__. REPORT ON UNITED STATES CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 
                   UNITED NATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
     Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit 
     to Congress a report on all assessed and voluntary 
     contributions, including in-kind, of the United States 
     Government to the United Nations and its affiliated agencies 
     and related bodies during the previous fiscal year.
       (b) Content.--The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following elements:
       (1) The total amount of all assessed and voluntary 
     contributions, including in-kind, of the United States 
     Government to the United Nations and United Nations 
     affiliated agencies and related bodies.
       (2) The approximate percentage of United States Government 
     contributions to each United Nations affiliated agency or 
     body in such fiscal year when compared with all contributions 
     to such agency or body from any source in such fiscal year.
       (3) For each such contribution--
       (A) the amount of the contribution;
       (B) a description of the contribution (including whether 
     assessed or voluntary);
       (C) the department or agency of the United States 
     Government responsible for the contribution;
       (D) the purpose of the contribution; and
       (E) the United Nations or United Nations affiliated agency 
     or related body receiving the contribution.
       (c) Scope of Initial Report.--The first report required 
     under subsection (a) shall include the information required 
     under this section for the previous five fiscal years.
       (d) Public Availability of Information.--Not later than 14 
     days after submitting a report required under subsection (a), 
     the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall 
     post a public version of the report on a text-based, 
     searchable, and publicly available Internet website.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1574. Mrs. BOXER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to

[[Page 8483]]

amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 515. PILOT PROGRAM ON JOB PLACEMENT AND RELATED 
                   EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE 
                   NATIONAL GUARD AND THE RESERVES.

       (a) Pilot Program Authorized.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may carry out a 
     pilot program to enhance the efforts of the Department of 
     Defense to provide job placement assistance and related 
     employment services directly to members of the National Guard 
     and the Reserves.
       (2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program in consultation with the Chief of the National Guard 
     Bureau.
       (b) Eligible Members.--The members of the National Guard 
     and the Reserves eligible for job placement assistance and 
     related employment services under the pilot program are such 
     categories of members as the Secretary shall specify for 
     purposes of the pilot program.
       (c) Assistance and Services.--The mechanisms assessed under 
     the pilot program shall include mechanisms as follows:
       (1) To identify unemployed and underemployed members of the 
     National Guard and the Reserves.
       (2) To provide job placement assistance and related 
     employment services to members of the National Guard and the 
     Reserves on an individualized basis, including--
       (A) resume writing and interview preparation assistance and 
     services;
       (B) cost-effective job placement services;
       (C) post-employment follow up services; and
       (D) such other assistance and services as the Secretary 
     shall specify for purposes of the pilot program.
       (d) Discharge.--
       (1) Discharge through adjutants general.--The Secretary 
     shall provide for the carrying out of the pilot program 
     through the Adjutants General of the States.
       (2) Outreach.--The Adjutants General shall take appropriate 
     actions to facilitate participation in the pilot program by 
     eligible members of the National Guard and the Reserves, 
     including through outreach to unit commanders.
       (e) State Matching Share of Funds.--In order for the pilot 
     program to be carried out in a State, the State shall agree 
     to contribute to the carrying out of the pilot program an 
     amount, derived from non-Federal sources, equal to at least 
     30 percent of the funds provided by the Secretary for 
     carrying out the pilot program in the State.
       (f) Evaluation Metrics.--The Secretary shall establish 
     metrics for purposes of evaluating the success of the pilot 
     program.
       (g) Annual Report.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees on an annual basis a report 
     on the activities, if any, under the pilot program during the 
     preceding fiscal year.
       (2) Elements.--Each report under this subsection shall 
     include the following:
       (A) A description of the activities under the pilot program 
     during the fiscal year covered by such report, set forth by 
     State in which the pilot program was carried out, including--
       (i) the number of members of the National Guard and the 
     Reserves who participated in the pilot program;
       (ii) the job placement assistance and related employment 
     services provided to such members under the pilot program; 
     and
       (iii) the number of members of the National Guard and 
     Reserves who obtained employment through participation in the 
     pilot program.
       (B) A comparison of the pilot program with other programs 
     conducted by the Department of Defense during such fiscal 
     year to provide job placement assistance and related 
     employment services to unemployed and underemployed members 
     of the National Guard and the Reserves, including the costs 
     of services per individual under such programs.
       (C) An assessment of the impact of the pilot program, and 
     increased employment among members of the National Guard and 
     the Reserves as a result of the pilot program, on the 
     readiness of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.
       (D) Such recommendations for improvement or extension of 
     the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (E) Such other matters relating to the pilot program as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (h) Limitation on Funding.--The amount obligated by the 
     Secretary in any fiscal year to carry out the pilot program 
     may not exceed $20,000,000.
       (i) Sunset.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     authority to carry out the pilot program shall expire on 
     September 30, 2019.
       (2) Two-year extension.--The Secretary may continue to 
     carry out the pilot program for a period, not in excess of 
     two years, after September 30, 2019, if the Secretary 
     considers continuation of the pilot program for such period 
     to be advisable.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1575. Mrs. BOXER (for herself, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Markey, and Mrs. 
Feinstein) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment 
SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. PILOT PROGRAM ON PROVISION OF FURNITURE, HOUSEHOLD 
                   ITEMS, AND OTHER ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS 
                   VETERANS MOVING INTO PERMANENT HOUSING.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall commence a pilot program to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of awarding grants to eligible entities to 
     provide furniture, household items, and other assistance to 
     covered veterans moving into permanent housing to facilitate 
     the settlement of such covered veterans in such housing.
       (2) Eligible entities.--For purposes of the pilot program, 
     an eligible entity is any of the following:
       (A) A veterans service agency.
       (B) A veterans service organization.
       (C) A nongovernmental organization that--
       (i) is described in paragraph (3), (4), or (19) of section 
     501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt 
     from taxation under section 501(a) of such code; and
       (ii) has an established history of providing assistance to 
     veterans or the homeless.
       (3) Covered veterans.--For purposes of the pilot program, a 
     covered veteran is any of the following:
       (A) A formerly homeless veteran who is receiving housing, 
     clinical services, and case management assistance under 
     section 8(o)(19) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 
     U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)).
       (B) A veteran who is receiving--
       (i) assistance from, or is the beneficiary of a service 
     furnished by, a program that is in receipt of a grant under 
     section 2011 of title 38, United States Code; or
       (ii) services for which per diem payment is received under 
     section 2012 of such title.
       (C) A veteran who is--
       (i) a beneficiary of the outreach program carried out under 
     section 2022(e) of such title; or
       (ii) in receipt of referral or counseling services from the 
     program carried out under section 2023 of such title.
       (D) A veteran who is receiving a service or assistance 
     under section 2031 of such title.
       (E) A veteran who is residing in therapeutic housing 
     operated under section 2032 of such title.
       (F) A veteran who is receiving domiciliary services under 
     section 2043 of such title or domiciliary care under section 
     1710(b) of such title.
       (G) A veteran who is receiving supportive services under 
     section 2044 of such title.
       (4) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program during the three-year period beginning on the date of 
     the commencement of the pilot program.
       (b) Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program through the award of grants to eligible entities for 
     the provision of furniture and other household items as 
     described in subsection (a)(1).
       (2) Maximum amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under 
     the pilot program shall not exceed $500,000.
       (c) Selection of Grant Recipients.--
       (1) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under 
     the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary an 
     application therefor in such form and in such manner as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Selection priority.--
       (A) Communities with greatest need.--Subject to 
     subparagraph (B), in accordance with regulations the 
     Secretary shall prescribe, the Secretary shall give priority 
     in the awarding of grants under the pilot program to eligible 
     entities who serve communities which the Secretary determines 
     have the greatest need of homeless services.
       (B) Geographic distribution.--The Secretary may give 
     priority in the awarding of grants under the pilot program to 
     achieve a fair distribution, as determined by the Secretary, 
     among eligible entities serving covered veterans in different 
     geographic regions, including in rural communities and tribal 
     lands.
       (d) Use of Grant Funds.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), each 
     eligible entity receiving

[[Page 8484]]

     a grant under the pilot program shall use the grant--
       (A) to coordinate with the Secretary to facilitate 
     distribution of furniture and other household items to 
     covered veterans moving into permanent housing;
       (B) to purchase, or otherwise obtain via donation, 
     furniture and household items for use by such covered 
     veterans;
       (C) to distribute such furniture and household items to 
     such covered veterans; and
       (D) to pay for background checks, provide security 
     deposits, provide funds for utilities, and provide moving 
     expenses for such covered veterans that are necessary for the 
     settlement of such covered veterans in such housing.
       (2) Maximum amount of assistance.--A recipient of a grant 
     awarded under the pilot program may not expend more than 
     $2,500 of the amount of the grant awarded for the provision 
     to a single covered veteran of assistance under the pilot 
     program.
       (3) Memorandums of understanding.--In the case of an 
     eligible entity receiving a grant under the pilot program 
     that entered into a memorandum of understanding with the 
     Secretary before the date of the enactment of this Act that 
     provides for the provision of furniture and other household 
     items to covered veterans as described in subsection (a) 
     without Federal compensation, the eligible entity may use the 
     grant in accordance with the provisions of such memorandum of 
     understanding in lieu of paragraph (1).
       (4) Full use of funds.--
       (A) In general.--A recipient of a grant awarded under the 
     pilot program shall use the full amount of the grant by not 
     later than one year after the date on which the Secretary 
     awards such grant.
       (B) Recovery.--The Secretary may recover from a recipient 
     of a grant awarded under this section all of the unused 
     amounts of the grant if all of the amounts of the grant are 
     not used--
       (i) pursuant to paragraph (1) and subparagraph (A) of this 
     paragraph; or
       (ii) in a case described in paragraph (3), pursuant to an 
     applicable memorandum of understanding.
       (e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall conduct outreach, 
     including under chapter 63 of title 38, United States Code, 
     to inform covered veterans about their eligibility to receive 
     household items, furniture, and other assistance under the 
     pilot program.
       (f) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations 
     for--
       (1) evaluating an application by an eligible entity for a 
     grant under the pilot program; and
       (2) otherwise administering the pilot program.
       (g) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than the date that is 90 days 
     after the last day of the pilot program, the Secretary shall 
     submit to Congress a report on the pilot program.
       (2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) An assessment of the pilot program.
       (B) The findings of the Secretary with respect to the 
     feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to eligible 
     entities as described in subsection (a)(1).
       (C) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for 
     legislative or administrative action to facilitate the 
     settlement of covered veterans into permanent housing.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section 
     $5,000,000 for each year of the pilot program.
       (i) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Outreach.--The term ``outreach'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 6301(b)(1) of title 38, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Veterans service agency.--The term ``veterans service 
     agency'' means a unit of a State government, or a political 
     subdivision thereof, that has primary responsibility for 
     programs and activities of such government or subdivision 
     related to veterans benefits.
       (3) Veterans service organization.--The term ``veterans 
     service organization'' means any organization recognized by 
     the Secretary for the representation of veterans under 
     section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1576. Mrs. BOXER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 355. USE OF AIR NATIONAL GUARD AND AIR FORCE RESERVE FOR 
                   INITIAL AIRBORNE RESPONSE TO FIGHTING 
                   WILDFIRES.

       (a) Interagency Agreements.--Subject to subsection (b), in 
     order to prevent the loss of life and reduce property losses 
     from wildfires, section 1535(a)(4) of title 31, United States 
     Code, shall not apply to limit the use of interagency 
     agreements with the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve 
     to procure the services of a unit of the Air National Guard 
     or Air Force Reserve to conduct Defense Support to Civil 
     Authority (DSCA) missions utilizing military fixed-wing 
     aerial firefighting aircraft, including Modular Airborne Fire 
     Fighting System (MAFFS) units, in the airborne response to 
     fighting wildfires.
       (b) Limitations.--Section 1535(a)(4) of title 31, United 
     States Code, shall not apply to interagency agreements 
     described in subsection (a) only when a requesting agency 
     determines that--
       (1) privately contracted fixed-wing aerial firefighting 
     aircraft are unavailable;
       (2) there is an unfilled request for fixed-wing aerial 
     firefighting aircraft, including MAFFS units, to perform an 
     initial airborne response; or
       (3) fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft, including 
     MAFFS units, are needed to supplement privately contracted 
     fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft.
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     interpreted as diminishing the role of contractor owned and 
     operated fixed-wing aircraft as the primary source of aerial 
     firefighting assets for the Federal wildland firefighting 
     agencies.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1577. Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mr. Grassley) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SECTION 1085. TRANSNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING ACT.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Transnational Drug Trafficking Act of 2015''.
       (b) Possession, Manufacture or Distribution for Purposes of 
     Unlawful Importations.--Section 1009 of the Controlled 
     Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 959) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
     (c) and (d), respectively; and
       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``It shall'' and all 
     that follows and inserting the following: ``It shall be 
     unlawful for any person to manufacture or distribute a 
     controlled substance in schedule I or II or flunitrazepam or 
     a listed chemical intending, knowing, or having reasonable 
     cause to believe that such substance or chemical will be 
     unlawfully imported into the United States or into waters 
     within a distance of 12 miles of the coast of the United 
     States.
       ``(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture or 
     distribute a listed chemical--
       ``(1) intending or knowing that the listed chemical will be 
     used to manufacture a controlled substance; and
       ``(2) intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to 
     believe that the controlled substance will be unlawfully 
     imported into the United States.''.
       (c) Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods or Services.--Chapter 
     113 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in section 2318(b)(2), by striking ``section 2320(e)'' 
     and inserting ``section 2320(f)''; and
       (2) in section 2320--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (4) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(4) traffics in a drug and knowingly uses a counterfeit 
     mark on or in connection with such drug,'';
       (B) in subsection (b)(3), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``counterfeit drug'' and 
     inserting ``drug that uses a counterfeit mark on or in 
     connection with the drug''; and
       (C) in subsection (f), by striking paragraph (6) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(6) the term `drug' means a drug, as defined in section 
     201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 
     321).''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1578. Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Grassley, Mr. 
Cruz, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Blumenthal, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Hirono, Mr. 
Paul, Mr. Coons, Mr. Heller, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Markey, Mr. 
Cardin, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Udall, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Schatz, 
Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Heinrich, Ms. Warren, and 
Mr. Leahy) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment 
SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the

[[Page 8485]]

Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for 
such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

       At the end of title V, add the following:

          Subtitle I--Uniform Code of Military Justice Reform

     SEC. 596. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Military Justice 
     Improvement Act of 2015''.

     SEC. 597. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE TO PROCEED 
                   TO TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL ON CHARGES ON CERTAIN 
                   OFFENSES WITH AUTHORIZED MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 
                   CONFINEMENT OF MORE THAN ONE YEAR.

       (a) Modification of Authority.--
       (1) In general.--
       (A) Military departments.--With respect to charges under 
     chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice), that allege an offense specified in 
     paragraph (2) and not excluded under paragraph (3), the 
     Secretary of Defense shall require the Secretaries of the 
     military departments to provide for the determination under 
     section 830(b) of such chapter (article 30(b) of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice) on whether to try such charges by 
     court-martial as provided in paragraph (4).
       (B) Homeland security.--With respect to charges under 
     chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice), that allege an offense specified in 
     paragraph (2) and not excluded under paragraph (3) against a 
     member of the Coast Guard (when it is not operating as a 
     service in the Navy), the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     shall provide for the determination under section 830(b) of 
     such chapter (article 30(b) of the Uniform Code of Military 
     Justice) on whether to try such charges by court-martial as 
     provided in paragraph (4).
       (2) Covered offenses.--An offense specified in this 
     paragraph is an offense as follows:
       (A) An offense under chapter 47 of title 10, United States 
     Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that is triable 
     by court-martial under that chapter for which the maximum 
     punishment authorized under that chapter includes confinement 
     for more than one year.
       (B) An offense of retaliation for reporting a crime under 
     section 893 of title 10, United States Code (article 93 of 
     the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as amended by section 
     599B of this Act, regardless of the maximum punishment 
     authorized under that chapter for such offense.
       (C) An offense under section 907a of title 10, United 
     States Code (article 107a of the Uniform Code of Military 
     Justice), as added by section 599C of this Act, regardless of 
     the maximum punishment authorized under that chapter for such 
     offense.
       (D) A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) through (C) as punishable under section 881 
     of title 10, United States Code (article 81 of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice).
       (E) A solicitation to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) through (C) as punishable under section 882 
     of title 10, United States Code (article 82 of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice).
       (F) An attempt to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (E) as punishable under section 880 
     of title 10, United States Code (article 80 of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice).
       (3) Excluded offenses.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to an 
     offense as follows:
       (A) An offense under sections 883 through 917 of title 10, 
     United States Code (articles 83 through 117 of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice).
       (B) An offense under section 933 or 934 of title 10, United 
     States Code (articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice).
       (C) A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) or (B) as punishable under section 881 of 
     title 10, United States Code (article 81 of the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice).
       (D) A solicitation to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) or (B) as punishable under section 882 of 
     title 10, United States Code (article 82 of the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice).
       (E) An attempt to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) through (D) as punishable under section 880 
     of title 10, United States Code (article 80 of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice).
       (4) Requirements and limitations.--The disposition of 
     charges pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be subject to the 
     following:
       (A) The determination whether to try such charges by court-
     martial shall be made by a commissioned officer of the Armed 
     Forces designated in accordance with regulations prescribed 
     for purposes of this subsection from among commissioned 
     officers of the Armed Forces in grade O-6 or higher who--
       (i) are available for detail as trial counsel under section 
     827 of title 10, United States Code (article 27 of the 
     Uniform Code of Military Justice);
       (ii) have significant experience in trials by general or 
     special court-martial; and
       (iii) are outside the chain of command of the member 
     subject to such charges.
       (B) Upon a determination under subparagraph (A) to try such 
     charges by court-martial, the officer making that 
     determination shall determine whether to try such charges by 
     a general court-martial convened under section 822 of title 
     10, United States Code (article 22 of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice), or a special court-martial convened under 
     section 823 of title 10, United States Code (article 23 of 
     the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
       (C) A determination under subparagraph (A) to try charges 
     by court-martial shall include a determination to try all 
     known offenses, including lesser included offenses.
       (D) The determination to try such charges by court-martial 
     under subparagraph (A), and by type of court-martial under 
     subparagraph (B), shall be binding on any applicable 
     convening authority for a trial by court-martial on such 
     charges.
       (E) The actions of an officer described in subparagraph (A) 
     in determining under that subparagraph whether or not to try 
     charges by court-martial shall be free of unlawful or 
     unauthorized influence or coercion.
       (F) The determination under subparagraph (A) not to proceed 
     to trial of such charges by general or special court-martial 
     shall not operate to terminate or otherwise alter the 
     authority of commanding officers to refer such charges for 
     trial by summary court-martial convened under section 824 of 
     title 10, United States Code (article 24 of the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice), or to impose non-judicial punishment in 
     connection with the conduct covered by such charges as 
     authorized by section 815 of title 10, United States Code 
     (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
       (5) Construction with charges on other offenses.--Nothing 
     in this subsection shall be construed to alter or affect the 
     disposition of charges under chapter 47 of title 10, United 
     States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that 
     allege an offense triable by court-martial under that chapter 
     for which the maximum punishment authorized under that 
     chapter includes confinement for one year or less.
       (6) Policies and procedures.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretaries of the military 
     departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with 
     respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a 
     service in the Navy) shall revise policies and procedures as 
     necessary to comply with this subsection.
       (B) Uniformity.--The General Counsel of the Department of 
     Defense and the General Counsel of the Department of Homeland 
     Security shall jointly review the policies and procedures 
     revised under this paragraph in order to ensure that any lack 
     of uniformity in policies and procedures, as so revised, 
     among the military departments and the Department of Homeland 
     Security does not render unconstitutional any policy or 
     procedure, as so revised.
       (7) Manual for courts-martial.--The Secretary of Defense 
     shall recommend such changes to the Manual for Courts-Martial 
     as are necessary to ensure compliance with this subsection.
       (b) Effective Date and Applicability.--Subsection (a), and 
     the revisions required by that subsection, shall take effect 
     on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, and shall apply with respect to charges 
     preferred under section 830 of title 10, United States Code 
     (article 30 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), on or 
     after such effective date.

     SEC. 598. MODIFICATION OF OFFICERS AUTHORIZED TO CONVENE 
                   GENERAL AND SPECIAL COURTS-MARTIAL.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 822 of title 10, 
     United States Code (article 22 of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice), is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs 
     (9) and (10), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following new 
     paragraph (8):
       ``(8) the officers in the offices established pursuant to 
     section 598(c) of the Military Justice Improvement Act of 
     2015 or officers in the grade of O-6 or higher who are 
     assigned such responsibility by the Chief of Staff of the 
     Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of 
     the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard, but only with respect to 
     offenses to which section 597(a)(1) of the Military Justice 
     Improvement Act of 2015 applies;''.
       (b) No Exercise by Officers in Chain of Command of Accused 
     or Victim.--Such section (article) is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) An officer specified in subsection (a)(8) may not 
     convene a court-martial under this section if the officer is 
     in the chain of command of the accused or the victim.''.
       (c) Offices of Chiefs of Staff on Courts-Martial.--
       (1) Offices required.--Each Chief of Staff of the Armed 
     Forces or Commandant specified in paragraph (8) of section 
     822(a) of title 10, United States Code (article 22(a) of the 
     Uniform Code of Military Justice), as amended by subsection 
     (a), shall establish an office to do the following:
       (A) To convene general and special courts-martial under 
     sections 822 and 823 of title 10, United States Code 
     (articles 22 and 23 of the

[[Page 8486]]

     Uniform Code of Military Justice), pursuant to paragraph (8) 
     of section 822(a) of title 10, United States Code (article 
     22(a) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as so 
     amended, with respect to offenses to which section 597(a)(1) 
     applies.
       (B) To detail under section 825 of title 10, United States 
     Code (article 25 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), 
     members of courts-martial convened as described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       (2) Personnel.--The personnel of each office established 
     under paragraph (1) shall consist of such members of the 
     Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Department of 
     Defense, or such members of the Coast Guard or civilian 
     personnel of the Department of Homeland Security, as may be 
     detailed or assigned to the office by the Chief of Staff or 
     Commandant concerned. The members and personnel so detailed 
     or assigned, as the case may be, shall be detailed or 
     assigned from personnel billets in existence on the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 599. DISCHARGE USING OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL AND 
                   RESOURCES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretaries of the military 
     departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with 
     respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a 
     service in the Navy) shall carry out sections 597 and 598 
     (and the amendments made by section 598) using personnel, 
     funds, and resources otherwise authorized by law.
       (b) No Authorization of Additional Personnel or 
     Resources.--Sections 597 and 598 (and the amendments made by 
     section 598) shall not be construed as authorizations for 
     personnel, personnel billets, or funds for the discharge of 
     the requirements in such sections.

     SEC. 599A. MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF MODIFICATION OF 
                   AUTHORITIES ON COURTS-MARTIAL BY INDEPENDENT 
                   PANEL ON REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF PROCEEDINGS 
                   UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

       Section 576(d)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239; 126 Stat. 1762) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (K); 
     and
       (2) by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following new 
     subparagraph (J):
       ``(J) Monitor and assess the implementation and efficacy of 
     sections 597 through 599 of the Military Justice Improvement 
     Act of 2015, and the amendments made by such sections.''.

     SEC. 599B. EXPLICIT CODIFICATION OF RETALIATION FOR REPORTING 
                   A CRIME AS AN OFFENSE UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF 
                   MILITARY JUSTICE.

       (a) In General.--Section 893 of title 10, United States 
     Code (article 93 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``Any person'';
       (2) in subsection (a), as so designated, by inserting ``, 
     or retaliating against any person subject to his orders for 
     reporting a criminal offense,'' after ``any person subject to 
     his orders''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(b) This section (article) is the sole section of this 
     chapter under which the offense of retaliating against any 
     person subject to a person's orders for reporting a criminal 
     offense as described in subsection (a) is punishable.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section (article) heading.--The heading of such section 
     (article) is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 893. Art. 93. Cruelty and maltreatment; retaliation 
       for reporting a crime''.

       (2) Table of sections (articles).--The table of sections at 
     the beginning of subchapter X of chapter 47 of such title is 
     amended by striking the item relating to section 893 (article 
     93) and inserting the following new item:

``893. Art. 93. Cruelty and maltreatment; retaliation for reporting a 
              crime.''.
       (c) Repeal of Superseded Prohibition.--Section 1709 of the 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 
     (Public Law 113-66; 127 Stat. 962; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 599C. ESTABLISHMENT OF OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE AS A 
                   SEPARATE OFFENCE UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF 
                   MILITARY JUSTICE.

       (a) Punitive Article.--Subchapter X of chapter 47 of title 
     10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military 
     Justice), is amended by inserting after section 907 (article 
     107) the following new section (article):

     ``Sec. 907a. Art. 107a. Obstruction of justice

       ``(a) Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully 
     does a certain act with the intent to influence, impede, or 
     otherwise obstruct the due administration of justice shall be 
     punished as a court-martial may direct, except that the 
     maximum punishment authorized for such offense may not exceed 
     dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, 
     and confinement for not more than five years.
       ``(b) This section (article) is the sole section of this 
     chapter under which an offense described in subsection (a) is 
     punishable.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of subchapter X of chapter 47 of such title, as 
     amended by section 599B(b)(2) of this Act, is further amended 
     by inserting after the item relating to section 907 (article 
     107) the following new item:

``907a. Art. 107a. Obstruction of justice.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1579. Mrs. ERNST submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1664. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING 
                   MILITARY INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT TO FORCE 
                   PROTECTION FOR INSTALLATIONS, FACILITIES, AND 
                   PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Maintaining appropriate force protection for deployed 
     personnel of the Department of Defense and their families is 
     a priority for Congress.
       (2) Installations, facilities, and personnel of the 
     Department in Europe face a rising threat from international 
     terrorist groups operating in Europe, from individuals 
     inspired by such groups, and from those traversing through 
     Europe to join or return from fighting the terrorist 
     organization known as the ``Islamic State of Iraq and the 
     Levant'' (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria.
       (3) Robust military intelligence support to force 
     protection is necessary to detect and thwart potential 
     terrorist plots that, if successful, would have strategic 
     consequences for the United States and the allies of the 
     United States in Europe.
       (4) Military intelligence support is also important for 
     detecting and addressing early indicators and warnings of 
     aggression and assertive military action by Russia, 
     particularly action by Russia to destabilize Europe with 
     hybrid or asymmetric warfare.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Secretary of Defense should maintain and enhance robust 
     military intelligence support to force protection for 
     installations, facilities, and personnel of the Department of 
     Defense and the family members of such personnel, in Europe 
     and worldwide.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1580. Mrs. ERNST submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 684, between lines 19 and 20, insert the following:
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``unless the Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following: ``unless--
       ``(A) the Secretary'';
       (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(B) the Secretary certifies to the appropriate 
     congressional committees that the Government of the Russian 
     Federation is no longer--
       ``(i) violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine; or
       ``(ii) supporting entities that have illegally seized 
     property of the Government of Ukraine or territory of 
     Ukraine.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In 
     this subsection, the term `appropriate congressional 
     committees' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
       ``(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.''; and
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1581. Mr. BURR (for himself and Mr. Tillis) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to 
the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 
for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:


[[Page 8487]]

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

     SEC. 1085. DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN WORLD WAR II CITIES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     designate at least one city in the United States each year as 
     an ``American World War II City''.
       (b) Criteria for Designation.--After the designation made 
     under subsection (c), the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Defense, shall make each designation under 
     subsection (a) based on the following criteria:
       (1) Contributions by a city to the war effort during World 
     War II, including those related to defense manufacturing, 
     bond drives, service in the Armed Forces, and the presence of 
     military facilities within the city.
       (2) Efforts by a city to preserve the history of the city's 
     contributions during World War II, including through the 
     establishment of preservation organizations or museums, 
     restoration of World War II facilities, and recognition of 
     World War II veterans.
       (c) First American World War II City.--The city of 
     Wilmington, North Carolina, is designated as an ``American 
     World War II City''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1582. Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, and Mr. Hoeven) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1___. ACTION ON APPLICATIONS; PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF LNG 
                   EXPORT DESTINATIONS.

       (a) Decision Deadline.--For proposals that must also obtain 
     authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
     or the United States Maritime Administration to site, 
     construct, expand, or operate liquefied natural gas export 
     facilities, the Secretary of Energy (referred to in this 
     section as the ``Secretary'') shall issue a final decision on 
     any application for the authorization to export natural gas 
     under section 3(a) of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b(a)) 
     not later than 45 days after the later of--
       (1) the conclusion of the review to site, construct, 
     expand, or operate the liquefied natural gas export 
     facilities required by the National Environmental Policy Act 
     of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or
       (2) the date of enactment of this Act.
       (b) Conclusion of Review.--For purposes of subsection (a), 
     review required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 
     1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall be considered concluded 
     when the lead agency--
       (1) for a project requiring an Environmental Impact 
     Statement, publishes a Final Environmental Impact Statement;
       (2) for a project for which an Environmental Assessment has 
     been prepared, publishes a Finding of No Significant Impact; 
     or
       (3) determines that an application is eligible for a 
     categorical exclusion pursuant to National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) implementing 
     regulations.
       (c) Judicial Action.--
       (1) Jurisdiction.--The United States Court of Appeals for 
     the District of Columbia Circuit or the circuit in which the 
     liquefied natural gas export facility will be located 
     pursuant to an application described in subsection (a) shall 
     have original and exclusive jurisdiction over any civil 
     action for the review of--
       (A) an order issued by the Secretary with respect to such 
     application; or
       (B) the failure of the Secretary to issue a final decision 
     on such application.
       (2) Order to issue decision.--If the Court in a civil 
     action described in paragraph (1) finds that the Secretary 
     has failed to issue a decision on the application as required 
     under subsection (a), the Court shall order the Secretary to 
     issue the decision not later than 30 days after the Court's 
     order.
       (3) Expedited consideration.--The Court shall set any civil 
     action brought under this subsection for expedited 
     consideration and shall set the matter on the docket as soon 
     as practical after the filing date of the initial pleading.
       (4) Appeals.--In the case of an application described in 
     subsection (a) for which a petition for review has been 
     filed--
       (A) upon motion by an applicant, the matter shall be 
     transferred to the United States Court of Appeals for the 
     District of Columbia Circuit or the circuit in which a 
     liquefied natural gas export facility will be located 
     pursuant to an application described in section 3(a) of the 
     Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b(a)); and
       (B) the provisions of this Act shall apply.
       (d) Public Disclosure of Export Destinations.--Section 3 of 
     the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(g) Public Disclosure of LNG Export Destinations.--
       ``(1) In general.--In the case of any authorization to 
     export liquefied natural gas, the Secretary of Energy shall 
     require the applicant to report to the Secretary of Energy 
     the names of the 1 or more countries of destination to which 
     the exported liquefied natural gas is delivered.
       ``(2) Timing.--The applicant shall file the report required 
     under paragraph (1) not later than--
       ``(A) in the case of the first export, the last day of the 
     month following the month of the first export; and
       ``(B) in the case of subsequent exports, the date that is 
     30 days after the last day of the applicable month concerning 
     the activity of the previous month.
       ``(3) Disclosure.--The Secretary of Energy shall publish 
     the information reported under this subsection on the website 
     of the Department of Energy and otherwise make the 
     information available to the public.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1583. Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 
1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military 
activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and 
for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe 
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. FINANCING OF EXPORTATION OF DEFENSE ARTICLES AND 
                   DEFENSE SERVICES BY EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE 
                   UNITED STATES.

       Section 2(b)(6)(I)(i)(I) of the Export-Import Bank Act of 
     1945 (12 U.S.C. 635(b)(6)(I)(i)(I)) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(I)(aa) the Bank determines that the end use of the 
     defense articles or services includes civilian purposes; or
       ``(bb) the President determines that the transaction is in 
     the national security interests of the United States; and''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1584. Mr. MURPHY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1049. MODIFICATION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DIRECTIVE 
                   1350.2 TO ESTABLISH SEXUAL ORIENTATION AS A 
                   PROTECTED CATEGORY UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE MILITARY EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM.

       The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness 
     shall modify Department of Defense Directive 1350.2, relating 
     to the Department of Defense Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) 
     Program, in order to establish sexual orientation as a 
     protected category under that Program.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1585. Mr. MURPHY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. METHODS FOR VALIDATING CERTAIN SERVICE CONSIDERED 
                   TO BE ACTIVE SERVICE BY THE SECRETARY OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The Merchant Marine Act, 1936 established the United 
     States Maritime Commission, and stated as a matter of policy 
     that the United States should have a merchant marine that is 
     ``capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in 
     time of war or national emergency''.
       (2) The Social Security Act Amendments of 1939 (Public Law 
     76-379) expanded the definition of employment to include 
     service ``on or in connection with an American vessel under 
     contract of service which is entered into within the United 
     States or during the performance of which the vessel touches 
     at a port in the United States, if the employee is employed 
     on and in connection with such vessel''.

[[Page 8488]]

       (3) The Joint Resolution to repeal sections 2, 3, and 6 of 
     the Neutrality Act of 1939, and for other purposes (Public 
     Law 77-294; 55 Stat. 764) repealed section 6 of the 
     Neutrality Act of 1939 (related to the arming of United 
     States vessels) and authorized the President during the 
     national emergency to arm or permit to arm any United States 
     vessel.
       (4) On February 7, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 
     through Executive Order Number 9054, established the War 
     Shipping Administration that was charged with building or 
     purchasing, and operating the civilian shipping vessels 
     needed for the war effort.
       (5) During World War II, United States merchant mariners 
     transported goods and materials through ``contested waters'' 
     to the various combat theaters.
       (6) At the conclusion of World War II, United States 
     merchant mariners were responsible for transporting several 
     million members of the United States Armed Forces back to the 
     United States.
       (7) The GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-202) 
     provided that the Secretary of Defense could determine that 
     service for the Armed Forces by organized groups of 
     civilians, or contractors, be considered ``active service'' 
     for benefits administered by the Veterans Administration.
       (8) Department of Defense Directive 1000.20 directed that 
     the determination be made by the Secretary of the Air Force, 
     and established the Civilian/Military Service Review Board 
     and Advisory Panel.
       (9) In 1987, three merchant mariners along with the AFL-CIO 
     sued Edward C. Aldridge, Secretary of the Air Force, 
     challenging the denial of their application for veterans 
     status. In Schumacher v. Aldridge (665 F. Supp. 41 (D.D.C. 
     1987)), the Court determined that Secretary Aldridge had 
     failed to ``articulate clear and intelligible criteria for 
     the administration'' of the application approval process.
       (10) During World War II, women were repeatedly denied 
     issuance of official documentation affirming their merchant 
     marine seamen status by the War Shipping Administration.
       (11) Coast Guard Information Sheet #77 (April 1992) 
     identifies the following acceptable forms of documentation 
     for eligibility meeting the requirements set forth in GI Bill 
     Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-202) and Veterans 
     Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-368):
       (A) Certificate of shipping and discharge forms.
       (B) Continuous discharge books (ship's deck or engine 
     logbooks).
       (C) Company letters showing vessel names and dates of 
     voyages.
       (12) Coast Guard Commandant Order of 20 March, 1944, 
     relieved masters of tugs, towboats, and seagoing barges of 
     the responsibility of submitting reports of seamen shipped or 
     discharged on forms, meaning certificates of shipping and 
     discharge forms are not available to all eligible individuals 
     seeking to document their eligibility.
       (13) Coast Guard Information Sheet #77 (April, 1992) states 
     that ``deck logs were traditionally considered to be the 
     property of the owners of the ships. After World War II, 
     however, the deck and engine logbooks of vessels operated by 
     the War Shipping Administration were turned over to that 
     agency by the ship owners, and were destroyed during the 
     1970s'', meaning that continuous discharge books are not 
     available to all eligible individuals seeking to document 
     their eligibility.
       (14) Coast Guard Information Sheet #77 (April, 1992) states 
     ``some World War II period log books do not name ports 
     visited during the voyage due to wartime security 
     restrictions'', meaning that company letters showing vessel 
     names and dates of voyages are not available to all eligible 
     individuals seeking to document their eligibility.
       (b) Methods.--For the purposes of verifying that an 
     individual performed service under honorable conditions that 
     satisfies the requirements of a coastwise merchant seaman who 
     is recognized pursuant to section 401 of the GI Bill 
     Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-202; 38 U.S.C. 106 
     note) as having performed active duty service for the 
     purposes described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security shall accept the following:
       (1) In the case of an individual who served on a coastwise 
     merchant vessel seeking such recognition for whom no 
     applicable Coast Guard shipping or discharge form, ship 
     logbook, merchant mariner's document or Z-card, or other 
     official employment record is available, the Secretary shall 
     provide such recognition on the basis of applicable Social 
     Security Administration records submitted for or by the 
     individual, together with validated testimony given by the 
     individual or the primary next of kin of the individual that 
     the individual performed such service during the period 
     beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 
     1946.
       (2) In the case of an individual who served on a coastwise 
     merchant vessel seeking such recognition for whom the 
     applicable Coast Guard shipping or discharge form, ship 
     logbook, merchant mariner's document or Z-card, or other 
     official employment record has been destroyed or otherwise 
     become unavailable by reason of any action committed by a 
     person responsible for the control and maintenance of such 
     form, logbook, or record, the Secretary shall accept other 
     official documentation demonstrating that the individual 
     performed such service during period beginning on December 7, 
     1941, and ending on December 31, 1946.
       (3) For the purpose of determining whether to recognize 
     service allegedly performed during the period beginning on 
     December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946, the 
     Secretary shall recognize masters of seagoing vessels or 
     other officers in command of similarly organized groups as 
     agents of the United States who were authorized to document 
     any individual for purposes of hiring the individual to 
     perform service in the merchant marine or discharging an 
     individual from such service.
       (c) Treatment of Other Documentation.--Other documentation 
     accepted by the Secretary of Homeland Security pursuant to 
     subsection (b)(2) shall satisfy all requirements for 
     eligibility of service during the period beginning on 
     December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946.
       (d) Benefits Allowed.--
       (1) Burial benefits eligibility.--Service of an individual 
     that is considered active duty pursuant to subsection (b) 
     shall be considered as active duty service with respect to 
     providing burial benefits under chapters 23 and 24 of title 
     38, United States Code, to the individual.
       (2) Medals, ribbons, and decorations.--An individual whose 
     service is recognized as active duty pursuant to subsection 
     (b) may be awarded an appropriate medal, ribbon, or other 
     military decoration based on such service.
       (3) Status of veteran.--An individual whose service is 
     recognized as active duty pursuant to subsection (b) shall be 
     honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled by reason of 
     such recognized service to any benefit that is not described 
     in this subsection.
       (e) Determination of Coastwise Merchant Seaman.--The 
     Secretary of Homeland Security shall verify that an 
     individual performed service under honorable conditions that 
     satisfies the requirements of a coastwise merchant seaman 
     pursuant to this section without regard to the sex, age, or 
     disability of the individual during the period in which the 
     individual served as such a coastwise merchant seaman.
       (f) Primary Next of Kin Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``primary next of kin'' with respect to an individual seeking 
     recognition for service under this section means the closest 
     living relative of the individual who was alive during the 
     period of such service.
       (g) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect 90 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1586. Mr. MURPHY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 832. MODIFICATION OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS FOR ITEMS 
                   FOR USE OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.

       Section 8302(a)(2)(A) of title 41, United States Code, is 
     amended, by inserting ``that are needed for national security 
     reasons on an urgent basis'' after ``use outside the United 
     States''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1587. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1084. TRANSFER OF CERTAIN ITEMS OF THE OMAR BRADLEY 
                   FOUNDATION, PENNSYLVANIA, TO A DESCENDANT OF 
                   GENERAL OMAR BRADLEY.

       (a) Transfer Authorized.--The Omar Bradley Foundation, 
     Pennsylvania, may transfer, without consideration, to the 
     child of General of the Army Omar Nelson Bradley and his 
     first wife Mary Elizabeth Quayle Bradley, namely Elizabeth 
     Bradley, such items of the Omar Bradley estate under the 
     control of the Foundation as the Secretary of the Army 
     determines to be without historic value to the Army.
       (b) Time of Submittal of Claim for Transfer.--No item may 
     be transferred under subsection (a) unless a claim for the 
     transfer of such item is submitted to the Omar Bradley 
     Foundation during the 180-day period beginning on the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.

[[Page 8489]]


                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1588. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1049. INAPPLICABILITY OF REGULATIONS LIMITING THE SALE 
                   OR DONATION OF EXCESS PROPERTY OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR STATE AND LOCAL LAW 
                   ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES UNLESS ENACTED BY 
                   CONGRESS.

       No regulation, rule, guidance, or policy issued on or after 
     May 15, 2015, that limits the sale or donation of excess 
     property of the Federal Government, including excess property 
     of the Department of Defense, to State and local agencies for 
     law enforcement activities (whether pursuant to section 2576a 
     of title 10, United States Code, or any other provision of 
     law, or as a condition on the use of Federal funds) shall 
     have any force or effect unless enacted into law by Congress.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1589. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE THREAT POSED BY VIOLENT 
                   ISLAMIC EXTREMISM.

       It is the sense of Congress that one of the greatest 
     threats to the safety of the American people is the threat of 
     violent Islamist extremism.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1590. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1065. STUDY ON RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM ATOMIC TESTING 
                   CLEANUP ON THE ENEWETAK ATOLL.

       (a) Study Required.--The Secretary of Defense, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall 
     conduct a study on radiation exposure from the atomic testing 
     cleanup that occurred on the Enewetak Atoll during the period 
     of years beginning with 1977 and ending with 1980.
       (b) Elements.--The study conducted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) A determination of the amount of radiation that members 
     of the Armed Forces and civilians were exposed to as a result 
     of the atomic testing cleanup that described in subsection 
     (a), especially with respect to those who were located on 
     Runit Island during such cleanup.
       (2) Identification of the effects of the exposure described 
     in paragraph (1).
       (3) An estimate of the number of surviving veterans and 
     other civilians who were exposed as described in paragraph 
     (1).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1591. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. IMPROVEMENTS TO ADMINISTRATION OF POST-9/11 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

       In any case in which an individual encounters a difficulty 
     in obtaining Department of Defense form DD-214 from the 
     Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     accept from such individual, for purposes of confirming such 
     individual's entitlement to educational assistance under 
     section 3311 of title 38, United States Code, pay stubs and 
     copies of military orders as indication of such individual's 
     service on active duty in the Armed Forces.

     SEC. 1086. CONSIDERATION OF MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS OF 
                   ARMED FORCES AS VETERANS FOR PURPOSES OF 
                   EMPLOYMENT EMPHASIS UNDER FEDERAL CONTRACTS.

       Section 4212(a)(3)(A) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
       ``(v) Members of the reserve components of the Armed 
     Forces.''.

     SEC. 1087. MODIFICATION OF DEFINITION OF VETERAN FOR PURPOSES 
                   OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

       (a) In General.--Section 2108(1) of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``a period of more 
     than 180 consecutive days'' and inserting ``more than a total 
     of 180 days''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``a period of more 
     than 180 consecutive days'' and inserting ``more than a total 
     of 180 days''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to--
       (1) examinations for entrance into the competitive service 
     held after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
       (2) certificates furnished under section 3317 of title 5, 
     United States Code, after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1592. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 417. CHIEF OF THE NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU AUTHORITY 
                   RELATING TO ALLOCATIONS TO STATES OF AUTHORIZED 
                   NUMBERS OF MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD.

       (a) Mandatory Review and Authorized Reduction.--
       (1) In general.--The Chief of the National Guard Bureau--
       (A) shall review each fiscal year the number of members of 
     the Army National Guard of the United States and the Air 
     National Guard of the United States serving in each State; 
     and
       (B) if the Chief of the National Guard Bureau makes the 
     determination described in paragraph (2) with respect to a 
     State in a fiscal year, may reduce the number of members of 
     the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air 
     National Guard of the United States, as applicable, to be 
     allocated to serve in such State during the succeeding fiscal 
     year.
       (2) Determination.--A determination described in this 
     paragraph is a determination with respect to a State that, 
     during any three of the five fiscal years ending in the 
     fiscal year in which such determination is made, the number 
     of members of the Army National Guard of the United States or 
     the Air National Guard of the United States serving in such 
     State is or was fewer than the number authorized for the 
     applicable fiscal year
       (b) Administration of Reductions.--In administering 
     reductions under subsection (a)(1)(B), the Chief of the 
     National Guard Bureau shall seek to ensure that--
       (1) the number of members of the Army National Guard of the 
     United States and the Air National Guard of the United States 
     serving in each State each fiscal year is commensurate with 
     the National Guard force structure in such State during such 
     fiscal year; and
       (2) the number of members of the National Guard serving on 
     full-time duty for the purpose of organizing, administering, 
     recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard 
     serving in each State during each fiscal year is commensurate 
     with the National Guard force structure in such State during 
     such fiscal year.
       (c) Sense of Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that 
     whenever the Chief of the National Guard Bureau considers 
     changes to force structure or unit location for the National 
     Guard, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau should focus 
     solely on readiness, capability, efficiencies, and costs, 
     rather than attempting to ensure equality among the States.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1593. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe

[[Page 8490]]

military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 524. IMPROVEMENTS TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FORM DD 214, 
                   THE CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE OR DISCHARGE FROM 
                   ACTIVE DUTY.

       (a) Improvements Required.--The Secretary of Defense shall, 
     in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and in 
     consultation with the Governors of the States, make 
     improvements to Department of Defense Form DD 214, the 
     Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, in 
     order to ensure that the Form better provides correct and 
     useful contact information for individuals undergoing release 
     or discharge from the Armed Forces.
       (b) Scope of Improvements.--The improvements made pursuant 
     to subsection (a) may include the inclusion in Department of 
     Defense Form DD 214 of the following:
       (1) A non-military electronic mail address.
       (2) A personal cellular phone number.
       (3) Applicable diagnostic codes in connection with receipt 
     of disability severance pay.
       (4) Such other information as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     and State and local veterans agencies can contact and assist 
     individuals undergoing release or discharge from the Armed 
     Forces, while also protecting the privacy of such 
     individuals.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
     to Congress a report setting forth a description of the 
     improvements made to Department of Defense Form DD 214 
     pursuant to this section.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1594. Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Ms. Heitkamp, Mr. Hoeven, and 
Mr. Lankford) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. CRUDE OIL AND CONDENSATE REPORT REQUIRED.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees and leadership of 
     Congress an unclassified report assessing--
       (1) the ability of crude oil and condensate produced in 
     Iran and the United States to access and supply the global 
     crude oil and condensate market; and
       (2) the extent to which future action involving any measure 
     of statutory sanctions relief by the United States will 
     result in greater exports of Iranian petroleum to the global 
     market than permitted as of the date of the report.
       (b) Removal of Export Restrictions.--Beginning on the date 
     that is 30 calendar days after the date of submission of the 
     report required under subsection (a), notwithstanding any 
     provision of law, any domestic United States crude oil and 
     condensate may be exported on the same basis that petroleum 
     products may be exported on the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall limit 
     the authority of the President under the Constitution, the 
     International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 
     et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et 
     seq.), or part B of title II of the Energy Policy and 
     Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6271 et seq.) to prohibit 
     exports.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1595. Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Ms. Heitkamp, and Mr. Hoeven) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING PRESIDENTIAL AUTHORITY 
                   TO ALLOW SALE OF DOMESTIC CRUDE OIL TO UNITED 
                   STATES ALLIES AND TRADING PARTNERS.

       It is the sense of Congress that the President may lawfully 
     exercise statutory authorities to allow the sale of 
     domestically produced crude oil to allies and trading 
     partners of the United States, consistent with the call of 
     the National Security Strategy of the President to ``promote 
     diversification of energy fuels, sources, and routes''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1596. Mr. REID submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. CREDITABLE SERVICE FOR FEDERAL RETIREMENT FOR 
                   CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section--
       (1) the term ``annuity'' includes a survivor annuity; and
       (2) the terms ``survivor'', ``survivor annuitant'', and 
     ``unfunded liability'' have the meanings given those terms 
     under section 8331 of title 5, United States Code.
       (b) Amendments.--
       (1) In general.--Section 8332(b) of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (16), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (17), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and'';
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (17) the following:
       ``(18) any period of service performed--
       ``(A) not later than December 31, 1977;
       ``(B) while a citizen of the United States;
       ``(C) in the employ of--
       ``(i) Air America, Inc.; or
       ``(ii) any entity associated with, predecessor to, or 
     subsidiary to Air America, Inc., including Air Asia Company 
     Limited, CAT Incorporated, Civil Air Transport Company 
     Limited, and the Pacific Division of Southern Air Transport; 
     and
       ``(D) during the period that Air America, Inc. or such 
     other entity described in subparagraph (C) was owned and 
     controlled by the United States Government.''; and
       (D) in the second undesignated paragraph following 
     paragraph (18) (as added by subparagraph (C)), by adding at 
     the end the following: ``For purposes of this subchapter, 
     service of the type described in paragraph (18) of this 
     subsection shall be considered to have been service as an 
     employee.''.
       (2) Exemption from deposit requirement.--Section 8334(g) of 
     title 5, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting `` ; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) any period of service for which credit is allowed 
     under section 8332(b)(18) of this title.''.
       (c) Applicability.--
       (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply 
     with respect to annuities commencing on or after the 
     effective date of this section.
       (2) Provisions relating to current annuitants.--
       (A) Election.--Any individual who is entitled to an annuity 
     for the month in which this section becomes effective may 
     elect to have the amount of such annuity recomputed as if the 
     amendments made by this section had been in effect throughout 
     all periods of service on the basis of which the annuity is 
     or may be based.
       (B) Submission of election.--An individual shall make an 
     election under subparagraph (A) by submitting an appropriate 
     application to the Office of Personnel Management not later 
     than 2 years after the effective date of this section.
       (C) Effective date of recomputation; retroactive pay as 
     lump-sum payment.--
       (i) Effective date.--A recomputation under subparagraph (A) 
     shall be effective as of the commencement date of the 
     annuity.
       (ii) Retroactive pay as lump-sum payment.--Any additional 
     amounts becoming payable, due to a recomputation under 
     subparagraph (A), for periods before the first month for 
     which the recomputation is reflected in the regular monthly 
     annuity payments of an individual shall be payable to the 
     individual in the form of a lump-sum payment.
       (3) Provisions relating to individuals eligible for (but 
     not currently receiving) an annuity.--
       (A) In general.--
       (i) Election.--An individual not described in paragraph (2) 
     who becomes eligible for an annuity or an increased annuity 
     as a result of the enactment of this section may elect to 
     have the rights of the individual under subchapter III of 
     chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, determined as if 
     the amendments made by this section had been in effect 
     throughout all periods of service on the basis of which the 
     annuity is or would be based.
       (ii) Submission of election.--An individual shall make an 
     election under clause

[[Page 8491]]

     (i) by submitting an appropriate application to the Office of 
     Personnel Management not later than 2 years after the later 
     of--

       (I) the effective date of this section; or
       (II) the date on which the individual separates from 
     service.

       (B) Effective date of entitlement; retroactivity.--
       (i) Effective date.--

       (I) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), any entitlement to 
     an annuity or an increased annuity resulting from an election 
     under subparagraph (A) shall be effective as of the 
     commencement date of the annuity.
       (II) Retroactive pay as lump-sum payment.--Any amounts 
     becoming payable for periods before the first month for which 
     regular monthly annuity payments begin to be made in 
     accordance with the amendments made by this section shall be 
     payable to the individual in the form of a lump-sum payment.

       (ii) Retroactivity.--Any determination of the amount, or of 
     the commencement date, of any annuity, all the requirements 
     for entitlement to which (including separation, but not 
     including any application requirement) would have been 
     satisfied before the effective date of this section if this 
     section had been in effect (but would not then otherwise have 
     been satisfied absent this section) shall be made as if 
     application for the annuity had been submitted as of the 
     earliest date that would have been allowable, after the date 
     on which the individual separated from service, if the 
     amendments made by this section had been in effect throughout 
     the periods of service referred to in subparagraph (A)(i).
       (4) Right to file on behalf of a decedent.--
       (A) In general.--The regulations promulgated under 
     subsection (e)(1) shall include provisions, in accordance 
     with the order of precedence under section 8342(c) of title 
     5, United States Code, under which a survivor of an 
     individual who performed service described in section 
     8332(b)(18) of such title (as added by subsection (b)(1)(C)) 
     shall be allowed to submit an application on behalf of and to 
     receive any lump-sum payment that would otherwise have been 
     payable to the decedent under paragraph (2)(C)(ii) or 
     (3)(B)(i)(II) of this subsection.
       (B) Submission of application.--An application under this 
     paragraph shall not be valid unless it is filed not later 
     than the later of--
       (i) 2 years after the effective date of this section; or
       (ii) 1 year after the date of the decedent's death.
       (d) Funding.--
       (1) Lump-sum payments.--Any lump-sum payment under 
     paragraph (2)(C)(ii) or (3)(B)(i)(II) of subsection (c) shall 
     be payable out of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability 
     Fund.
       (2) Unfunded liability.--Any increase in the unfunded 
     liability of the Civil Service Retirement System attributable 
     to the enactment of this section shall be financed in 
     accordance with section 8348(f) of title 5, United States 
     Code.
       (e) Regulations and Special Rule.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the Office of Personnel 
     Management shall promulgate any regulations necessary to 
     carry out this section, which shall include provisions under 
     which rules similar to those established under the amendments 
     made by section 201 of the Federal Employees' Retirement 
     System Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-335; 100 Stat. 588) shall 
     be applied with respect to any service described in section 
     8332(b)(18) of title 5, United States Code (as added by 
     subsection (b)(1)(C)) that was subject to title II of the 
     Social Security Act.
       (2) Special rule.--For purposes of any application for any 
     benefit which is computed or recomputed taking into account 
     any service described in section 8332(b)(18) of title 5, 
     United States Code (as added by subsection (b)(1)(C)), 
     section 8345(i)(2) of such title shall be applied by deeming 
     the reference to the date of the ``other event which gives 
     rise to title to the benefit'' to refer to the effective date 
     of this section, if later than the date of the event that 
     would otherwise apply.
       (f) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made 
     by this section shall take effect on the first day of the 
     first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of 
     this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1597. Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and Mr. Booker) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 141. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE 
                   DIVESTMENT OR TRANSFER OF KC-10 AIRCRAFT.

       None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act 
     or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2016 for the Air 
     Force may be obligated or expended during such fiscal year to 
     divest or transfer, or prepare to divest or transfer, KC-10 
     aircraft.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1598. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. CLARIFICATION REGARDING THE CHILDREN TO WHOM 
                   ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE 
                   TRANSFERRED UNDER POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 
                   ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 3319 of title 
     38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Eligible Dependents.--
       ``(1) Transfer.--An individual approved to transfer an 
     entitlement to educational assistance under this section may 
     transfer the individual's entitlement as follows:
       ``(A) To the individual's spouse.
       ``(B) To one or more of the individual's children.
       ``(C) To a combination of the individuals referred to in 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B).
       ``(2) Definition of children.--For purposes of this 
     subsection, the term `children' includes dependents described 
     in section 1072(2)(I) of title 10.''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to educational assistance payable 
     under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, before, on, 
     or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1599. Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. Murphy) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT.

       (a) Grants Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     award grants to eligible institutions to enable the eligible 
     institutions--
       (A) to establish a master's degree program in orthotics and 
     prosthetics; or
       (B) to expand upon an existing master's degree program in 
     orthotics and prosthetics, including by admitting more 
     students, further training faculty, expanding facilities, or 
     increasing cooperation with the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs and the Department of Defense.
       (2) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority in the 
     award of grants under this section to eligible institutions 
     that have entered into a partnership with a medical center or 
     clinic administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or 
     a facility administered by the Department of Defense, 
     including by providing clinical rotations at such medical 
     center, clinic, or facility.
       (3) Grant amounts.--Grants awarded under this section shall 
     be in amounts of not less than $1,000,000 and not more than 
     $1,500,000.
       (b) Requests for Proposals.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than 
     annually thereafter for two years, the Secretary shall issue 
     a request for proposals from eligible institutions for grants 
     under this section.
       (2) Proposals.--An eligible institution that seeks the 
     award of a grant under this section shall submit an 
     application therefor to the Secretary at such time, in such 
     manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary 
     may require, including--
       (A) demonstration of a willingness and ability to 
     participate in a partnership described in subsection (a)(2); 
     and
       (B) a commitment, and demonstration of an ability, to 
     maintain an accredited orthotics and prosthetics education 
     program after the end of the grant period.
       (c) Grant Uses.--
       (1) In general.--An eligible institution awarded a grant 
     under this section shall use grant amounts to carry out any 
     of the following:
       (A) Building new or expanding existing orthotics and 
     prosthetics master's degree programs.

[[Page 8492]]

       (B) Training doctoral candidates in fields related to 
     orthotics and prosthetics to prepare them to instruct in 
     orthotics and prosthetics programs.
       (C) Training faculty in orthotics and prosthetics education 
     or related fields for the purpose of instruction in orthotics 
     and prosthetics programs.
       (D) Salary supplementation for faculty in orthotics and 
     prosthetics education.
       (E) Financial aid that allows eligible institutions to 
     admit additional students to study orthotics and prosthetics.
       (F) Funding faculty research projects or faculty time to 
     undertake research in the areas of orthotics and prosthetics 
     for the purpose of furthering their teaching abilities.
       (G) Renovation of buildings or minor construction to house 
     orthotics and prosthetics education programs.
       (H) Purchasing equipment for orthotics and prosthetics 
     education.
       (2) Limitation on construction.--An eligible institution 
     awarded a grant under this section may use not more than 50 
     percent of the grant amount to carry out paragraph (1)(G).
       (3) Admissions preference.--An eligible institution awarded 
     a grant under this section shall give preference in admission 
     to the orthotics and prosthetics master's degree programs to 
     veterans, to the extent practicable.
       (4) Period of use of funds.--An eligible institution 
     awarded a grant under this section may use the grant funds 
     for a period of three years after the award of the grant.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``eligible institution'' means an educational 
     institution that offers an orthotics and prosthetics 
     education program that--
       (A) is accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic 
     and Prosthetic Education in cooperation with the Commission 
     on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; or
       (B) demonstrates an ability to meet the accreditation 
     requirements for orthotic and prosthetic education from the 
     National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education in 
     cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied 
     Health Education Programs if the institution receives a grant 
     under this section.
       (2) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated for 
     fiscal year 2016 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
     $15,000,000 to carry out this section. The amount so 
     authorized to be appropriated shall remain available for 
     obligation until September 30, 2018.
       (2) Unobligated amounts to be returned to the treasury.--
     Any amounts authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) 
     that are not obligated by the Secretary as of September 30, 
     2018, shall be returned to the Treasury of the United States.

     SEC. 1086. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC 
                   EDUCATION.

       (a) Grant for Establishment of Center.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     award a grant to an eligible institution to enable the 
     eligible institution--
       (A) to establish the Center of Excellence in Orthotic and 
     Prosthetic Education (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Center''); and
       (B) to enable the eligible institution to improve orthotic 
     and prosthetic outcomes for veterans, members of the Armed 
     Forces, and civilians by conducting evidence-based research 
     on--
       (i) the knowledge, skills, and training most needed by 
     clinical professionals in the field of orthotics and 
     prosthetics; and
       (ii) how to most effectively prepare clinical professionals 
     to provide effective, high-quality orthotic and prosthetic 
     care.
       (2) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority in the 
     award of a grant under this section to an eligible 
     institution that has in force, or demonstrates the 
     willingness and ability to enter into, a memoranda of 
     understanding with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the 
     Department of Defense, or other appropriate Government 
     agency, or a cooperative agreement with an appropriate 
     private sector entity, which memorandum of understanding or 
     cooperative agreement provides for either, or both, of the 
     following:
       (A) The provision of resources, whether in cash or in kind, 
     to the Center.
       (B) Assistance to the Center in conducting research and 
     disseminating the results of such research.
       (3) Grant amount.--The grant awarded under this section 
     shall be in the amount of $5,000,000.
       (b) Requests for Proposals.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a 
     request for proposals from eligible institutions for the 
     grant under this section.
       (2) Proposals.--An eligible institution that seeks the 
     award of the grant under this section shall submit an 
     application therefor to the Secretary at such time, in such 
     manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary 
     may require.
       (c) Grant Uses.--
       (1) In general.--The eligible institution awarded the grant 
     under this section shall use the grant amount as follows:
       (A) To develop an agenda for orthotics and prosthetics 
     education research.
       (B) To fund research in the area of orthotics and 
     prosthetics education.
       (C) To publish or otherwise disseminate research findings 
     relating to orthotics and prosthetics education.
       (2) Period of use of funds.--The eligible institution 
     awarded the grant under this section may use the grant amount 
     for a period of five years after the award of the grant.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``eligible institution'' means an educational 
     institution that--
       (A) has a robust research program;
       (B) offers an orthotics and prosthetics education program 
     that is accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and 
     Prosthetic Education in cooperation with the Commission on 
     Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs;
       (C) is well recognized in the field of orthotics and 
     prosthetics education; and
       (D) has an established association with--
       (i) a medical center or clinic of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs; and
       (ii) a local rehabilitation hospital.
       (2) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated for fiscal year 2016 for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, $5,000,000 to carry out this section.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1600. Mr. WHITEHOUSE submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 
1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military 
activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and 
for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe 
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. MAKING PERMANENT EXTENDED PERIOD OF PROTECTIONS 
                   FOR MEMBERS OF UNIFORMED SERVICES RELATING TO 
                   MORTGAGES, MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE, AND EVICTION.

       Section 710(d) of the Honoring America's Veterans and 
     Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-
     154) is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (3).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1601. Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mr. Blunt, Mrs. Capito, Mr. 
Menendez, and Mr. Markey) submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 
1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military 
activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and 
for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe 
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 706. PROVISION OF CARE PLANNING SESSIONS FOR ALZHEIMER'S 
                   DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS UNDER THE TRICARE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall provide to 
     eligible individuals described in subsection (b) a care 
     planning session with respect to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's 
     disease or a related dementia that includes the following:
       (1) A comprehensive care plan.
       (2) Information on the particular diagnosis of the eligible 
     individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related 
     dementia.
       (3) Information on possible treatment options and how to 
     access those options.
       (4) Information on relevant medical and community services 
     that are available.
       (5) Such other information as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (b) Eligible Individuals.--An eligible individual described 
     in this subsection is one of the following:
       (1) A covered beneficiary (as defined in section 1072 of 
     title 10, United States Code) who was first diagnosed with 
     Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia on or after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (2) A family member of a covered beneficiary described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) A caregiver of a covered beneficiary described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (c) Limitation.--The care planning session provided under 
     subsection (a) may by provided only once with respect to each 
     eligible individual.
       (d) Follow-up.--The Secretary may provide a follow-up 
     appointment or appointments to an eligible individual 
     described in subsection (b) relating to the care planning 
     session provided under subsection (a) if the

[[Page 8493]]

     Secretary determines that the provision of such appointment 
     or appointments is appropriate to maintain a proper level of 
     care for the eligible individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's 
     disease or a related dementia and the family members and 
     caregivers of that individual in order to improve the 
     provision of health care by the Department of Defense and 
     reduce health care costs.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1602. Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. Peters) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 1065. REPORT ON PLANS FOR THE USE OF DOMESTIC AIRFIELDS 
                   FOR HOMELAND DEFENSE AND DISASTER RESPONSE.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security and the Secretary of Transportation, submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth an 
     assessment of the plans for airfields in the United States 
     that are required to support homeland defense and local 
     disaster response missions.
       (b) Considerations.--The report shall include the following 
     items:
       (1) The criteria used to determine the capabilities and 
     locations of airfields in the United States needed to support 
     safe operations of military aircraft in the execution of 
     homeland defense and local disaster response missions.
       (2) A description of the processes and procedures in place 
     to ensure that contingency plans for the use of airfields in 
     the United States that support both military and civilian air 
     operations are coordinated among the Department of Defense 
     and other Federal agencies with jurisdiction over those 
     airfields.
       (3) An assessment of the impact to logistics and resource 
     planning as a result of the reduction of certain capabilities 
     of airfields in the United States that support both military 
     and civilian air operations.
       (4) A review of the existing agreements and authorities 
     between the Commander of the United States Northern Command 
     and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     that allow for consultation on decisions that impact the 
     capabilities of airfields in the United States that support 
     both military and civilian air operations.
       (c) Form.--The report under subsection (a) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified 
     annex.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Homeland Security and Government Affairs of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Homeland Security, and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
       (2) Capabilities of airfields.--The term ``capabilities of 
     airfields'' means the length and width of runways, taxiways, 
     and aprons, the operation of navigation aids and lighting, 
     the operation of fuel storage, distribution, and refueling 
     system, and the availability of air operations facilities.
       (3) Airfields in the united states that support both 
     military and civilian air operations.--The term ``airfields 
     in the United States that support both military and civilian 
     air operations'' means the following:
       (A) Airports that are designated as joint use facilities 
     pursuant to section 47175 of title 49, United States Code, in 
     which both the military and civil aviation have shared use of 
     the airfield.
       (B) Airports used by the military that have a permanent 
     military aviation presence at the airport pursuant to a 
     memorandum of agreement or tenant lease with the airport 
     owner that is in effect on the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1603. Mr. MARKEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 1085. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING EXPORTS OF CRUDE OIL.

       It is the sense of Congress that exports of crude oil to 
     allies and partners of the United States shall not be 
     determined to be consistent with the national interest and 
     the purposes of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 
     U.S.C. 6201 et seq.) if those exports would increase energy 
     prices in the United States for American consumers or 
     businesses or increase the reliance of the United States on 
     imported oil.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1604. Mr. MARKEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1486 submitted by Mr. Cornyn (for himself, Mr. Hoeven, and 
Mr. Warner) to the amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill 
H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for 
military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 4, strike lines 15 and 16 and insert the following:
       (3) exports of crude oil to allies and partners of the 
     United States shall not be determined to be consistent with 
     the national interest and the purposes of the Energy Policy 
     and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.) if those 
     exports would increase energy prices in the United States for 
     American consumers or businesses or increase the reliance of 
     the United States on imported oil; and
       (4) the President should exercise existing au-
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1605. Mr. COTTON submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 3124. LIMITATION ON ACCELERATION OF DISMANTLEMENT OF 
                   RETIRED NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

       (a) Limitation.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and 
     (c), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this 
     Act or otherwise made available for any of fiscal years 2016 
     through 2020 for the National Nuclear Security Administration 
     may be obligated or expended to accelerate the dismantlement 
     of the nuclear weapons of the United States to a rate faster 
     than the rate mandated by the total projected dismantlement 
     schedule included in table 2-7 of the annex to the stockpile 
     stewardship and management plan for fiscal year 2016 
     submitted to Congress in March 2015 under section 4203 of the 
     Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2523).
       (b) Exception for Compliance With Certain Commitments.--
       (1) Certification.--The limitation under subsection (a) 
     shall not apply with respect to a fiscal year if the 
     President submits to the appropriate congressional committees 
     a certification that the President has--
       (A) requested, in the budget of the President for that 
     fiscal year submitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of 
     title 31, United States Code, sufficient amounts to fulfill 
     for that fiscal year all commitments related to nuclear 
     modernization funding, capabilities, and schedules that the 
     President made to the Senate during the consideration by the 
     Senate of the resolution of advice and consent to 
     ratification of the New START Treaty, as described in--
       (i) the document entitled, ``Message from the President on 
     the New START Treaty'', dated February 2, 2011; and
       (ii) the fiscal year 2012 update to the report required by 
     section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 2549), 
     submitted to Congress in February 2011; and
       (B) except as provided in paragraph (2), fulfilled all such 
     commitments.
       (2) Exception.--If, for any fiscal year covered by the 
     limitation under subsection (a), an appropriations Act is 
     enacted that appropriates amounts that are insufficient for 
     the President to fulfill the commitments described in 
     paragraph (1)(A), the President may certify under paragraph 
     (1)(B) that the President has fulfilled such commitments to 
     the extent possible with available funds.
       (c) Exception for Certain Stockpile Management 
     Activities.--The limitation under subsection (a) shall not 
     apply to activities necessary to conduct maintenance or 
     surveillance of the nuclear weapons stockpile or activities 
     to ensure the safety or reliability of the stockpile.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
       (A) the congressional defense committees;

[[Page 8494]]

       (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Select 
     Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
       (C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent 
     Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (2) New start treaty.--The term ``New START Treaty'' means 
     the Treaty between the United States of America and the 
     Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and 
     Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 
     2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1606. Ms. AYOTTE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle D of title VI, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 643. BENEFITS FOR DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
                   FORCES WHO LOSE THEIR RIGHT TO RETIRED PAY FOR 
                   REASONS OTHER THAN DEPENDENT ABUSE.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Families Serve, Too, Military Justice Reform Act of 2015''.
       (b) In General.--Section 1408 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (i), (j), and (k) as 
     subsections (j), (k), and (l), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following new 
     subsection (i):
       ``(i) Benefits for Dependents of Members Losing Right to 
     Retired Pay for Misconduct Other Than Dependent Abuse.--
     (1)(A) If, in the case of a member or former member of the 
     armed forces referred to in paragraph (2)(A), a court order 
     provides (in the manner applicable to a division of property) 
     for the payment of an amount from the disposable retired pay 
     of that member or former member (as certified under paragraph 
     (4)) to an eligible spouse or former spouse of that member or 
     former member, the Secretary concerned, beginning upon 
     effective service of such court order, shall pay that amount 
     in accordance with this subsection to such spouse or former 
     spouse.
       ``(B) If, in the case of a member or former member of the 
     armed forces referred to in paragraph (2)(A), a court order 
     provides for the payment as child support of an amount from 
     the disposable retired pay of that member or former member 
     (as certified under paragraph (4)) to an eligible dependent 
     child of the member or former member, the Secretary 
     concerned, beginning upon effective service of such court 
     order, shall pay that amount in accordance with this 
     subsection to such dependent child.
       ``(2) A spouse or former spouse, or a dependent child, of a 
     member or former member of the armed forces is eligible to 
     receive payment under this subsection if--
       ``(A) the member or former member, while a member of the 
     armed forces and after becoming eligible to be retired from 
     the armed forces on the basis of years of service, has 
     eligibility to receive retired pay terminated as a result of 
     misconduct while a member (other than misconduct described in 
     subsection (h)(2)(A));
       ``(B) in the case of eligibility of a spouse or former 
     spouse under paragraph (1)(A), the spouse or former spouse--
       ``(i) either--
       ``(I) was married to the member or former member at the 
     time of the misconduct that resulted in the termination of 
     retired pay; or
       ``(II) was is receipt of marital support, alimony, or child 
     support from the member or former member as of the time of 
     the misconduct pursuant to a court order; and
       ``(ii) was not, based on the evidence adduced at trial, an 
     aider, abettor, accomplice, or co-conspirator in the 
     misconduct that resulted in the termination of retired pay, 
     as certified in writing to the convening authority by--
       ``(I) the military judge of the court-martial that resulted 
     in the termination of retired pay; or
       ``(II) the staff judge advocate of the convening authority; 
     and
       ``(C) in the case of eligibility of a dependent child under 
     paragraph (1)(B), the dependent child--
       ``(i) had not reached the age of 16 years at the time of 
     the misconduct that resulted in the termination of retired 
     pay; or
       ``(ii) had reached the age of 16 years at the time of the 
     misconduct and was not, based on the evidence adduced at 
     trial, an aider, abettor, accomplice, or co-conspirator in 
     the misconduct that resulted in the termination of retired 
     pay, as certified in writing to the convening authority by--
       ``(I) the military judge of the court-martial that resulted 
     in the termination of retired pay; or
       ``(II) the staff judge advocate of the convening authority.
       ``(3) The amount certified by the Secretary concerned under 
     paragraph (4) with respect to a member or former member of 
     the armed forces referred to in paragraph (2)(A) shall be 
     deemed to be the disposable retired pay of that member or 
     former member for the purposes of this subsection.
       ``(4) Upon the request of a court or an eligible spouse or 
     former spouse, or an eligible dependent child, of a member or 
     former member of the armed forces referred to in paragraph 
     (2)(A) in connection with a civil action for the issuance of 
     a court order in the case of that member or former member, 
     the Secretary concerned shall determine and certify the 
     amount of the monthly retired pay that the member or former 
     member would have been entitled to receive as of the date of 
     the certification--
       ``(A) if the member or former member's eligibility for 
     retired pay had not been terminated as described in paragraph 
     (2)(A); and
       ``(B) if, in the case of a member or former member not in 
     receipt of retired pay immediately before that termination of 
     eligibility for retired pay, the member or former member had 
     retired on the effective date of that termination of 
     eligibility.
       ``(5)(A) Paragraphs (5) through (8) and (10) of subsection 
     (h) shall apply to eligibility of former spouses to payments 
     under this subsection, court orders for the payment of 
     disposable retired pay under this subsection, amounts payable 
     under this subsection, and payments under this subsection in 
     the same manner as such paragraphs apply to such matters 
     under subsection (h).
       ``(B) If a spouse or former spouse or a dependent child 
     eligible or entitled to receive payments under this 
     subsection is eligible or entitled to receive benefits under 
     subsection (h), the eligibility or entitlement of that spouse 
     or former spouse or dependent child to such benefits shall be 
     determined under subsection (h) instead of this subsection.
       ``(6)(A) A spouse or former spouse of a member or former 
     member of the armed forces referred to in paragraph (2)(A), 
     while receiving payments in accordance with this subsection, 
     shall be entitled to receive medical and dental care, to use 
     commissary and exchange stores, and to receive any other 
     benefit that a spouse or a former spouse of a retired member 
     of the armed forces is entitled to receive on the basis of 
     being a spouse or former spouse, as the case may be, of a 
     retired member of the armed forces in the same manner as if 
     the member or former member referred to in paragraph (2)(A) 
     was entitled to retired pay.
       ``(B) A dependent child of a member or former member 
     referred to in paragraph (2)(A) who was a member of the 
     household of the member or former member at the time of the 
     misconduct described in paragraph (2)(A) shall be entitled to 
     receive medical and dental care, to use commissary and 
     exchange stores, and to have other benefits provided to 
     dependents of retired members of the armed forces in the same 
     manner as if the member or former member referred to in 
     paragraph (2)(A) was entitled to retired pay.
       ``(C) If a spouse or former spouse or a dependent child 
     eligible or entitled to receive a particular benefit under 
     this paragraph is eligible or entitled to receive that 
     benefit under another provision of law, the eligibility or 
     entitlement of that spouse or former spouse or dependent 
     child to such benefit shall be determined under such other 
     provision of law instead of this paragraph.
       ``(7) In this subsection, the term `dependent child', with 
     respect to a member or former member of the armed forces 
     referred to in paragraph (2)(A), has the meaning given that 
     term in subsection (h)(11).''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (f) of such section 
     is amended by striking ``subsection (i)'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``subsection (j)''.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     and shall apply to a spouse or former spouse, or a dependent 
     child of a member or former member of the Armed Forces whose 
     eligibility to receive retired pay is terminated on or after 
     that date as a result of misconduct while a member.
       (e) Offset.--$57,000,000 of the National Defense Function 
     (050) of unobligated balances from fees collected to defray 
     expenses for the automation of fingerprint identification and 
     criminal justice information services and associated costs of 
     the Federal Bureau of Investigation is hereby cancelled.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1607. Mr. JOHNSON submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

[[Page 8495]]



     SEC. ___. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO REMOVE SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR PERFORMANCE 
                   OR MISCONDUCT TO INCLUDE CERTAIN OTHER 
                   EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 713 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter before subparagraph (A), in the first 
     sentence, by striking ``senior executive position'' both 
     places it appears and inserting ``covered position''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``in paragraph (2)'' 
     and inserting ``in paragraph (3) employed in a senior 
     executive position at the Department'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2) For purposes of this section, a covered position is--
       ``(A) a senior executive position; or
       ``(B) a position listed in section 7401 of this title that 
     is not a senior executive position.'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``under subsection 
     (a)(2)'' and inserting ``under subsection (a)(1)(B)'';
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``senior executive 
     position'' and inserting ``covered position'';
       (4) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``The procedures 
     under section 7543(b) of title 5'' and inserting ``Sections 
     7461(b) and 7462 of this title and sections 7503, 7513, and 
     7543(b) of title 5''; and
       (5) in subsection (g)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) an employee of the Department employed on a full-time 
     basis under a permanent appointment in a position listed in 
     section 7401 of this title (other than interns and residents 
     appointed pursuant to section 7406 of this title) who is not 
     in a senior executive position.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Subchapter V of chapter 74 of 
     such title is amended--
       (1) in section 7461(b)(1), by striking ``If the'' and 
     inserting ``Except as provided in sections 713 of this title, 
     if the''; and
       (2) in section 7462--
       (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``Disciplinary'' and 
     inserting ``Except as provided in section 713 of this title, 
     the Disciplinary''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``In any case'' and 
     inserting ``Except as provided in section 713 of this title, 
     in any case''.
       (c) Technical Corrections.--Section 713 of such title is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), in the first sentence, by 
     striking ``of Veterans Affairs''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``Committees on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
     Representatives'' and inserting ``Committee on Veterans' 
     Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     of the House of Representatives''.
       (d) Clerical Amendment.--
       (1) Section heading.--The heading for section 713 of such 
     title is amended by striking ``Senior executives: removal 
     based on performance or misconduct'' and inserting ``Removal 
     of senior executives and certain other employees based on 
     performance or misconduct''.
       (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 7 of such title is amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 713 and inserting the following 
     new item:

``713. Removal of senior executives and certain other employees based 
              on performance or misconduct.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1608. Mrs. ERNST submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 686, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:
       ``(e) Certification Required for Waiver or Exception.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may not exercise the 
     waiver authority under subsection (b), and the exception 
     under subsection (c)(1) shall not apply, unless the Secretary 
     certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that 
     the Government of the Russian Federation is no longer--
       ``(A) violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine; or
       ``(B) supporting entities that have illegally seized 
     property of the Government of Ukraine or territory of 
     Ukraine.
       ``(2) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In 
     this subsection, the term `appropriate congressional 
     committees' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
       ``(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1609. Mr. MERKLEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle D of title V, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 540. ELIGIBILITY OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMY FOR TUITION 
                   ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
                   EFFECTIVE UPON COMPLETION OF INITIAL ENTRY 
                   TRAINING IN THE ARMY.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any individual 
     who is enlisted, inducted, or appointed as a member of the 
     Army, including the Army National Guard of the United States 
     and the Army Reserve, after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, shall be eligible for tuition assistance through the 
     Department of Defense for members of the Armed Forces upon 
     completion of initial entry training.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1610. Mr. SCHATZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle D of title V, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 540. RECEIPT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH PRIMARY 
                   MARINER DUTIES OF TRAINING THAT COMPLIES WITH 
                   NATIONAL STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 2105 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
     (c) and (d), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
     subsection (b):
       ``(b) Members With Primary Mariner Duties.--(1) For 
     purposes of the program under this section, the Secretary of 
     Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall each 
     ensure that members of the armed forces with primary mariner 
     duties receive training that complies with national standards 
     and requirements under the International Convention on 
     Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping 
     (STCW).
       ``(2) The following shall comply with basic training 
     standards under national requirements and the International 
     Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and 
     Watchkeeping:
       ``(A) The recruit training provided to each member of the 
     armed forces.
       ``(B) The training provided to each member of the armed 
     forces who is assigned to a vessel.
       ``(3) Under the program, each member of the armed forces 
     who is assigned to a vessel of at least 100 gross tons (GRT) 
     in a deck or engineering career field shall be provided the 
     following:
       ``(A) A designated path to applicable credentials under the 
     national requirements and the International Convention on 
     Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping 
     consistent with the responsibilities of the position to which 
     assigned.
       ``(B) The opportunity, at Government expense, to attend 
     credentialing programs that provide merchant mariner training 
     not offered by the armed forces.
       ``(4)(A) For purposes of the program, the material 
     specified in subparagraph (B) shall be submitted to the 
     National Maritime Center of the Coast Guard for assessment of 
     the compliance of such material with national requirements 
     and the International Convention on Standards of Training, 
     Certification, and Watchkeeping.
       ``(B) The material specified in this subparagraph is as 
     follows:
       ``(i) The course material of each unclassified course for 
     members of the armed forces in marine navigation, leadership, 
     and operation and maintenance.
       ``(ii) The unclassified qualifications for assignment for 
     deck or engineering positions on waterborne vessels.
       ``(C) The National Maritime Center shall conduct 
     assessments of material for purposes of this paragraph. Such 
     assessments shall evaluate the suitability of material for 
     the

[[Page 8496]]

     service at sea addressed by such material and without regard 
     to the military pay grade of the intended beneficiaries of 
     such material.
       ``(D) If material submitted to the National Maritime Center 
     pursuant to this paragraphs is determined not to comply as 
     described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary offering such 
     material to members of the armed forces shall submit to the 
     Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
     Representatives a report setting forth the actions to be 
     taken by such Secretary to bring such material into 
     compliance.''.
       (b) Additional Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--Each Secretary concerned shall establish, 
     for members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of 
     such Secretary, procedures as follows:
       (A) Procedures by which members identify qualification gaps 
     in training and proficiency assessments and complete training 
     or assessments approved by the Coast Guard in addressing such 
     gaps.
       (B) Procedures by which members obtain service records of 
     any service at sea.
       (C) Procedures by which members may submit service records 
     of service at sea and other military qualifications to the 
     National Maritime Center for evaluation and issuance of a 
     Merchant Marine Credential.
       (D) Procedures by which members may obtain a medical 
     certificate for use in applications for Merchant Marine 
     Credentials.
       (2) Use of military drug test results in merchant marine 
     credential applications.--The Secretaries of the military 
     departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall 
     jointly establish procedures by which the results of 
     appropriate drug tests administered to members of the Armed 
     Forces by the military departments may be used for purposes 
     of applications for Merchant Marine Credentials.
       (3) Secretary concerned defined.--In this subsection, the 
     term ``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given that term 
     in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1611. Ms. AYOTTE (for herself and Mrs. Shaheen) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. 
McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for 
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of 
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

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

     SEC. 221. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF FUNDS FOR THE MEADS 
                   PROGRAM.

       None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act 
     or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2016 for the 
     Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the 
     medium extended air defense system.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1612. Ms. AYOTTE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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

     SEC. 141. HEI PGU-13/B ROUND 30MILIMETER AMMUNITION.

       (a) Additional Amount for Procurement of Ammunition, Air 
     Force.--
       (1) In general.--The amount authorized to be appropriated 
     for fiscal year 2016 by section 101 is hereby increased by 
     $1,096,000, with the amount of the increase to be available 
     for procurement of ammunition, Air Force, for the purpose of 
     the procurement of HEI PGU-13/B Round 30milimeter ammunition.
       (2) Supplement not supplant.--The amount available under 
     paragraph (1) for the procurement of ammunition specified in 
     that paragraph is in addition to any other amounts available 
     in this Act for procurement of such ammunition.
       (b) Offset.--The amount authorized to be appropriated for 
     fiscal year 2016 by section 301 is hereby decreased by 
     $1,096,000, with the amount of the decrease to be applied 
     against amounts available for operation and maintenance, Air 
     Force, for Base Support for golf.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1613. Mr. JOHNSON (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, and Ms. Baldwin) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 
proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle H of title V, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 593. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO JAMES 
                   MEGELLAS FOR ACTS OF VALOR DURING BATTLE OF THE 
                   BULGE.

       (a) Authorization.--The President may award the Medal of 
     Honor under section 3741 of title 10, United States Code, to 
     James Megellas, formerly of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and 
     currently of Colleyville, Texas, for the acts of valor 
     described in subsection (b).
       (b) Action Described.--The acts of valor referred to in 
     subsection (a) are the actions of James Megellas on January 
     28, 1945, in Herresbach, Belgium, during the Battle of the 
     Bulge, during World War II, when, as a first lieutenant in 
     the 82d Airborne Division, he led a surprise and devastating 
     attack on a much larger advancing enemy force, killing and 
     capturing a large number and causing others to flee, single-
     handedly destroying an attacking German Mark V tank with two 
     hand-held grenades, and then leading his men in clearing and 
     seizing Herresbach.
       (c) Waiver of Time Limitations.--The award under subsection 
     (a) may be made without regard to the time limitations 
     specified in section 3744(b) of title 10, United States Code, 
     or any other time limitation established by law or regulation 
     with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who 
     served in the Army.

                          ____________________