Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 This bill authorizes for FY2025 and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE), the Maritime Administration, and the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the federal government. It also authorizes the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and the Naval Petroleum Reserves and sets policy for certain other agencies, including the Department of State and the Department of the Interior. The bill authorizes appropriations but it does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation. For additional information on the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see CRS In Focus IF10516,  Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA , CRS In Focus IF10515,  Defense Primer: The NDAA Process , and  CRS Insight IN12405,  FY2025 NDAA: Status of Legislative Activity . DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE I--PROCUREMENT This title authorizes acquiring or modifying various military items (such as aircraft, ships, tracked combat vehicles, missiles, and ammunition) and sets policy for certain procurement programs. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 101) This section authorizes FY2025 procurement for the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Space Force, and DOD-wide activities. (Sec. 112) This section requires the Department of the Army to carry out a pilot program that incorporates moving robotic target systems into live fire training for select National Guard and Army Reserve infantry units at no fewer than three military installations. (Sec. 126) This section authorizes the Department of the Navy to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for CH-53K aircraft (King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters) and T408 engines for such aircraft, as well as advance procurement contracts (i.e., contracts to procure components needed for an item long before the item itself is purchased) for associated material and equipment. (Sec. 129) This section bars the use of FY2025 DOD funds for the construction of a Constellation-class frigate beyond the basic and functional design phase until DOD certifies to Congress that the technical authority for the program has given final approval to 95% of all basic and functional design drawings. Upon such certification, the Government Accountability Office shall submit an assessment to Congress of the completeness of such design drawings and DOD’s compliance with this section. (Sec.143) This section allows the Department of the Air Force, through the end of FY2025, to decrease the total quantity of fighter aircraft in the Air Force’s primary mission aircraft inventory to not fewer than 1,101 aircraft. This section also reduces the minimum quantity of A-10 aircraft required in the Air Force’s primary mission aircraft inventory from 135 to 96 until 90 days after the Air Force submits certain reports related to the F-35 and the A-10 to Congress. (Sec. 145) This section extends a requirement for the Department of the Air Force to maintain a total inventory of not less than 271 C-130 aircraft through FY2025. This section also extends through FY2025 a requirement prohibiting the Department of the Air Force from reducing the number of C-130 aircraft assigned to the National Guard below the number assigned on December 23, 2022. (The Air Force may drop below the specified number in either case if aircraft are no longer mission capable due to damage.) (Sec. 149) This section bars the use of FY2025 Air Force funds to reduce the number of KC-135 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory within the Air Force reserve components. (Sec. 150) This section prohibits the Department of the Air Force from retiring, preparing to retire, placing in storage, or placing on backup aircraft inventory status any F-15E aircraft until September 30, 2027, except in the case of aircraft that are no longer mission capable or uneconomical to repair. (Sec. 152) This section requires the Air Force to develop and implement a plan to support the fielding of air base air defense sites at Air Force installations and other priority sites. (Sec. 165) This section prohibits DOD from accepting deliveries of F-35 aircraft in excess of specified maximums until DOD makes various certifications to Congress. The specified maximums are 30 F-35As, 9 F-35Bs, and 9 F-35Cs. Required certifications include DOD certifying that it has submitted to Congress and is implementing plans to (1) develop and field F-35 aircraft and mission systems digital-twin models across the F-35 enterprise; (2) procure and construct a new F-35 mission software integration laboratory to enable concurrent testing of specified mission system hardware, software, and any existing or new F-35 capabilities; and (3) resolve all deficiencies and recommendations identified in the 2024 F-35 Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation report. TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION This title authorizes research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) and sets policy for certain RDT&E activities. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 201) This section authorizes FY2025 for DOD RDT&E. (Sec. 227) This section extends DOD’s Directed Energy Working Group through January 1, 2030, and expands the topics the working group must periodically brief Congress on, including information on cost data, associated program elements, and certain enabling work that supports directed energy capabilities. (Sec. 231) This section requires the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to establish a Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to rapidly expand and support the development of a utility-scale quantum computing capability available to DOD. (Sec. 237) This section requires DOD to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using artificial intelligence (AI) enabled software to optimize the workflow and operations for (1) depots, shipyards, and other DOD manufacturing facilities; and (2) DOD contract administration. (Sec. 238) This section bars the use of FY2025 DOD funds to award a grant or contract to an institution of higher education for the specific purpose of conducting fundamental research in collaboration with an academic institution from China, Russia, or certain other countries (for example, countries that have a history of improper technology transfer or intellectual property theft). The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology may waive this restriction on a case-by-case basis if such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States. TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE This title authorizes operation and maintenance (O&M) and sets policy for certain O&M programs. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 301) This section authorizes FY2025 O&M for the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of DOD. (Sec. 319) This section prohibits the use of FY2025 DOD funds to finalize or implement any rule based on the October 2021 proposed rule titled Federal Acquisition Regulation: Minimizing the Risk of Climate Change in Federal Acquisitions . (Sec. 333) This section requires the Departments of the Air Force and the Navy to each develop a plan to improve inspection procedures of their respective pre-positioned stockpiles to ensure such stockpiles are mission capable. The Navy must also analyze the readiness of Navy and Marine Corps ships that hold or facilitate the off-loading of pre-positioned stockpiles and recommend inspection procedure improvements. (Sec. 352) This section authorizes DOD to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with a qualified individual or entity to augment National Guard personnel in carrying out the FireGuard program. (FireGuard uses National Guard personnel to aggregate, analyze, and assess remote sensing information in the detection and monitoring of wildfires and to support emergency response to wildfires.) (Sec. 356) This section requires the Department of the Navy to establish an advanced manufacturing facility on or near a military installation within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. The purpose of the facility includes (1) meeting flexible manufacturing requirements to support the submarine, shipbuilding, and other defense industry industrial bases; (2) fostering partnerships to develop a capable workforce in the vicinity of the facility; and (3) providing for the manufacture of unmanned vehicles and developing ship maintenance capabilities. TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS This title authorizes military personnel and sets active component and reserve component end-strength levels. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 401) This section authorizes the maximum number of active-duty personnel as of September 30, 2025, for each of the armed forces as follows: Army, 442,300; Navy, 332,300; Marine Corps, 172,300; Air Force, 320,000; and  Space Force, 9,800. (Sec. 411) This section authorizes the maximum number of Selected Reserve personnel as of September 30, 2025, for each of the reserve components as follows: Army National Guard, 325,000; Army Reserve, 175,800; Navy Reserve, 57,700; Marine Corps Reserve, 32,500; Air National Guard, 108,300; Air Force Reserve, 67,000; and  Coast Guard Reserve, 7,000. TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY This title sets policy regarding officer personnel, reserve component management, military records, awards and decorations, recruitment, servicemember training and education, military justice and other legal matters, transition programs, family programs and child care, dependent education, and other military personnel matters. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 511) This section authorizes the Departments of the Army and the Air Force to defer mandatory separation, whether due to a mandatory removal date or a maximum years of service limitation, of dual status military technicians (DSMTs) who continue to meet dual status requirements from age 60 to 62. This section also increases from 60 to 62 the age at which DSMTs who are majors, lieutenant colonels, colonels, and brigadier generals may no longer be retained on the reserve active status list. (DSMTs are federal civilian employees who provide full-time support to units of the Army and Air Force reserve components and who are generally required to maintain membership in the Selected Reserve as a condition of their employment. The reserve active status list is a seniority-based list of reserve officers; among other purposes, it determines eligibility for promotion.) (Sec. 514) This section requires the Department of the Air Force to transfer the space-related functions of certain Air National Guard units to the Space Force. The Department of the Air Force may transfer into the Space Force those Air National Guard members who hold Air Force specialty codes for a specialty held by Space Force members, provided the member consents to such transfer. (Sec. 539A) This section requires the Department of the Navy to seek to enter into a contract with a reputable marketing, recruiting, and public relations firm to establish a campaign to educate and recruit potential workers in the maritime sector, including by promoting careers in the United States Merchant Marine, Military Sealift Command, and the U.S. shipbuilding industry. (Sec. 545) This section increases the minimum number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units from 3,400 to 3,500 and the maximum number of such units from 4,000 to 4,100. The effective date for such increase is October 1, 2026. (Sec. 582) This section requires DOD to carry out a paid fellowship program for military spouses with employers in various industries. TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS This title sets policy regarding various aspects of military compensation, including basic pay, retired pay, leave, allowances, bonuses, and incentive pays. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 601) This section increases basic pay for enlisted personnel in pay grades E-1 to E-4 by 10% effective April 1, 2025. This section also provides smaller increases for certain enlisted personnel in pay grade E-5. (These changes are in addition to the 4.5% increase in basic pay for all members of the armed forces effective January 1, 2025.) (Sec. 611) This section extends by one year (through December 31, 2025) a variety of compensation authorities for the uniformed services, including bonuses for enlisted and officer personnel, hazardous duty pay, special duty pay, and skill incentive pay. (Sec. 613) This section increases the maximum annual amount for a skill proficiency bonus from $12,000 to $55,000. (Sec. 621) This section expands eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance by raising the maximum gross household income that qualifies for the allowance from not more than 150% of the federal poverty guideline to not more than 200% of the federal poverty guideline. TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS This title sets policy regarding military health care, including TRICARE, the medical and dental care program for members and former members of the uniformed services and their dependents. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 708) This section prohibits TRICARE coverage of medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization to a child under the age of 18. (Sec. 722) This section requires DOD to establish an intensive comprehensive brain health and trauma program to (1) provide multidisciplinary specialist evaluations, treatment initiation, and aftercare for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents; and (2) make evidence-based improvements in such evaluations, treatment, and aftercare. (Sec. 735) This section requires DOD to establish a medical readiness program with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to (1) gain access to foreign medical facilities in peacetime and wartime, and (2) maintain military-wide strategies for medical readiness in the Indo-Pacific. (Sec. 737) This section requires DOD to study COVID-19 vaccines, infections, and effects. The study shall review and analyze existing scientific data on (1) the immune response to the most prevalent COVID-19 vaccines; (2) the efficacy of each such vaccine, including in comparison to infection-acquired immunity; and (3) adverse events occurring in individuals in response to COVID-19 vaccines. In specified circumstances, DOD may also conduct a research study analyzing blood samples from research volunteers on these same topics. TITLE VIII--ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS This title sets policy regarding various acquisition matters, including acquisition policy and management, general contracting authorities, supply chains and domestic sourcing requirements, industrial base matters, and small businesses. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 806) This section reduces or eliminates certain requirements that must be met before Milestone A approval may be granted for a major defense acquisition program (MDAP) or major subprogram. For example, the milestone decision authority (MDA) is no longer required to consult with or gain concurrences from certain individuals or offices. Additionally, certain factors the MDA must consider before granting Milestone A approval have been eliminated or reduced in scope. (Milestone A approves program entry into the technology maturation and risk reduction phase, the program acquisition strategy, and release of the final request for proposals for the activities of this phase.) (Sec. 807) This section reduces or eliminates certain requirements that must be met before Milestone B approval may be granted for an MDAP or major subprogram. For example, certain factors the MDA must consider before granting Milestone B approval have been eliminated or reduced in scope. (Milestone B authorizes a program to enter into the engineering and manufacturing development phase and commit the required investment resources to support the award of contracts for this phase.) (Sec. 815) This section allows nontraditional defense contractors that are required to submit cost or pricing data (i.e., all facts that a prudent buyer or seller would reasonably expect to significantly affect price negotiations) with respect to certain subcontracts to instead submit prices paid towards the goods and services provided under the subcontract if a DOD contracting officer determines such submitted prices are fair and reasonable. (Sec. 821) This section adds Japan and South Korea to the designated nations considered under a DOD contested logistics demonstration and prototyping program. The purpose of this program is to identify, develop, demonstrate, and field capabilities for product support (i.e., the package of support functions required to field and maintain the readiness and operational capability of covered systems, subsystems, and components) in order to reduce or mitigate the risks associated with operations in a contested logistics environment. The program must consider various aspects (such as platforms, information systems, and product support requirements) of designated nations in carrying out this program. (Sec. 823) This section limits the number of ships associated with a major defense acquisition program that may be procured under a fixed-price contract to two if the scope of work of such contract includes the detail design and construction of items for such program. (Sec. 839) This section expands a requirement for entities bidding on certain DOD contracts or subcontracts to disclose to DOD those employees who will work on the contract in China. This section expands the requirement to include disclosing employees who will work on the contract for China or are subject to the laws or control of China. This section also removes the minimum value of contracts or subcontracts subject to this disclosure requirement and specifies that the requirement applies to any contract or subcontract for, or including, any information or communications technology. Additionally, with regards to contracts or subcontracts for services dealing with computer software, the disclosure requirement is expanded to require that the entity must provide DOD with any information regarding a cybersecurity vulnerability that has been reported to China by individuals or entities performing work on the contract in China. (Sec. 845) This section limits an exemption to a prohibition on (1) DOD or a DOD prime contractor acquiring specialty metals that are not melted or produced in the United States; or (2) DOD acquiring military platforms and weapons systems, or components thereof, that contain a specialty metal not melted or produced in the United States. (Specialty metals include titanium, zirconium, and certain alloys.) This section limits an existing exemption that allows such acquisitions from other countries in furtherance of certain trade agreements with a foreign government, specifying that the exemption shall apply only if such foreign government has a reciprocal defense procurement agreement or memorandum of understanding with the United States. (Sec. 853) This section prohibits DOD from entering into or renewing a procurement contract for semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, or semiconductor design tools with any entity that knowingly provides such products or services to Huawei Technologies Company or any entity affiliated with or controlled by it. (Sec. 861) This section makes permanent a competitive, merit-based DOD program to accelerate the procurement and fielding of innovative technologies. (Sec. 866) This section requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)) to submit a strategy to Congress for ensuring that the U.S. defense industrial base can meet the requirements for programs of record related to solid rocket motors. (Sec. 873) This section requires the Small Business Administration to carry out a Boots to Business Program to provide entrepreneurship training to (1) members of the armed forces who are separating from active duty and the spouses of such members, (2) members of the National Guard and Reserve not on active duty, and (3) those who served on active duty in any branch of the armed forces and were discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable. (Sec. 888) This section requires OUSD(A&S) to establish a process to track the number and value of awards made through other transaction authority to small businesses and nontraditional defense contractors. (Agreements under other transaction authority are exempt from many federal procurement laws and regulations, unlike traditional procurement contracts.) TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT This title sets policy regarding the Office of the Secretary of Defense and DOD organization and management. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 904) This section increases the maximum number of Deputy Assistant Secretaries of Defense from 60 to 62. (Sec. 907) This section requires DOD to make various changes with regards to the role of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (ASD(SO/LIC)), such as updating relevant policies, processes, and policy guidance to ensure that the ASD(SO/LIC) exercises authority, direction, and control of all special-operations-peculiar administrative matters relating to the organization, training, and equipping of special operations forces, including budgeting and programming. (Sec. 925) This section requires DOD to establish, or designate from existing DOD organizations and personnel, a counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS) task force. Such task force shall review all existing DOD memoranda and directives related to the countering of UAS in U.S. airspace and issue updated guidance to provide commanders with clarity and expedited decision-making processes related to UAS incursions on U.S. military installations. (Sec. 926) This section prohibits the expenditure of DOD funds to complete a previously announced reduction in special operations force structure until the Army and the Office of the ASD(SO/LIC) provide a report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of establishing affiliate relationships between Army special operations force units and Army general purpose force units for the purpose of enhancing military readiness and effectiveness. TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS This title sets policy in various areas, including financial matters, counterdrug activity, naval vessels and shipyards, and counterterrorism. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 1005) This section requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to revise the DOD Financial Management Regulation to ensure that regulation is consistent and clear, includes updated guidance with respect to legislative and regulatory requirements, and does not include outdated guidance or guidance subject to annual change in appropriations acts. (Sec. 1007) This section requires the Departments of Defense, Army, Navy, and Air Force to encourage, to the greatest extent practicable, the use of AI or machine learning for the purpose of facilitating DOD financial statement audits. (Sec. 1012) This section authorizes Joint Interagency Task Force South (a subordinate command of U.S. Southern Command, this organization detects and monitors illicit trafficking in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern Pacific) to conduct detection and monitoring of vessels and aircraft transporting illegal drugs in the air and maritime domains within the task force’s established joint operating area without regard to the destination of such illegal drugs. (Sec. 1025) This section prohibits DOD from entering into a contract or other agreement with a shipyard determined to be under the ownership, control, or influence of a foreign adversary country (i.e., China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran). (Sec. 1028) This section authorizes the Department of the Navy to use certain funds to enter into an incrementally funded contract for the construction of a Virginia class submarine. (Sec. 1029) This section authorizes the Department of the Navy to use certain funds to enter into an incrementally funded contract for the construction of an Arleigh Burke class destroyer. (Sec. 1055) This section prohibits DOD FY2025 funds from being made available to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, EcoHealth Alliance, any subsidiary of EcoHealth Alliance, any organization directly controlled by EcoHealth Alliance, or any subgrantee or subcontractor of EcoHealth Alliance. (Sec. 1090) This section requires DOD to develop a strategy for countering UAS technology and the threats this technology poses to DOD facilities, personnel, and assets in the United States. TITLE XI--CIVILIAN PERSONNEL This title sets policy for various matters related to DOD civilian employees. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 1108) This section provides an exemption to a federal law that bars individuals from employment by a federal agency if they were required to register with the Selective Service System and failed to do so. The exemption applies to veterans who are no longer eligible to register due to age and who can provide proof of active duty service to the employing federal agency. (Sec. 1109) This section increases from 15 to 20 the number of days of paid military leave provided to federal employees who are members of the military reserve components, including the National Guard, or are members of the Space Force in active status but not on sustained duty. (Sec. 1111) This section extends through FY2030 DOD’s direct hire authority for qualified candidates at defense industrial base facilities or in the Major Range and Test Facilities Base. (Sec. 1115) This section prohibits DOD from establishing any new positions or filling any vacant positions within DOD that have responsibility for matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This prohibition expires one year after enactment, or upon the date that the Government Accountability Office submits to Congress a specified report on DOD’s DEI workforce, whichever is earlier. TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS This title sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations. It addresses security assistance and training, matters related to Israel, and matters related to the Near and Middle East. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 1213) This section requires U.S. Central Command or other relevant military units to conduct military exercises in 2025 that include, if available resources permit, specified activities related to subterranean warfare. Such exercises must occur at least once in the calendar year and the armed forces of Israel shall be invited. The armed forces of other allied and partner nations may also be invited. (Sec. 1214) This section requires DOD to seek to establish a partnership between DOD’s Defense Innovation Unit and appropriate Israeli counterparts for certain purposes, including (1) enhancing market opportunities for U.S.-based and Israeli-based defense technology companies, and (2) increasing interoperability through dual-use and emerging technologies. (Sec. 1231) This section extends through December 31, 2025, authority for DOD to provide assistance to military and other security forces associated with the government of Iraq to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). TITLE XIII--OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS This title sets policy for various matters related to (1) Europe and Russia, (2) the Indo-Pacific region, (3) Taiwan, and (4) East Asia. It also sets policy for coordinating AUKUS (Australia-United Kingdom-United States) engagement with Japan. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 1313) This section extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (an initiative to enhance the U.S. deterrence and defense posture, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region) through FY2025 and extends requirements for related reports through FY2027. (Sec. 1322) This section authorizes DOD to establish a joint military trauma care program with the Taiwanese military that includes training, support, and best practice discussions on trauma care, amputation, and amputee care. (Sec. 1323) This section authorizes DOD to provide assistance to the Taiwanese military, security forces, and security agencies. Assistance that may be provided under this authority includes anti-armor capabilities, radars, manned and unmanned aerial capabilities, long-range precision fires, and anti-ship missiles. Assistance of more limited scope may also be provided to certain Taiwanese civilian government entities that provide support to the Taiwanese military and security forces. (Sec. 1343) This section requires DOD to submit a plan to Congress to reconstitute U.S. Forces Japan as a joint force headquarters, including information on the operational relationship between such headquarters and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Operations Command. TITLE XIV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS This title authorizes specified working capital and revolving funds and other programs, including chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counterdrug activities, and the defense health program. It also sets policy regarding National Defense Stockpile (NDS) requirements and the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH). Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 1401) This section authorizes working capital and revolving funds for FY2025. (Sec. 1402) This section authorizes DOD chemical agents and munitions destruction programs for FY2025. (Sec. 1403) This section authorizes DOD drug interdiction and counter-drug activities for FY2025. (Sec. 1404) This section authorizes the DOD Office of Inspector General for FY2025. (Sec. 1405) This section authorizes the Defense Health Program for FY2025. (Sec. 1411) This section requires DOD to submit a report to Congress identifying shortfalls of strategic and critical minerals in the National Defense Stockpile (NDS), providing a plan to resolve such shortfalls and avoid any future shortfalls, and specifying the additional funds needed to resolve existing shortfalls if the NDS were required to meet U.S. national defense needs for specified periods of time in a national emergency. (The NDS was established by Congress in 1939 to acquire and retain strategic and critical materials to reduce or eliminate U.S. dependence on foreign or unreliable sources for materials vital to national defense.) (Sec. 1423) This section replaces a requirement for the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) to have a physician and a dentist available at the facility during business hours, and on-call at other times, with a requirement for the AFRH to have appropriate licensed practitioners available during business hours and on-call at other times. TITLE XV--CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS This title sets policy on cyberspace-related matters such as cyber operations, cybersecurity, and AI. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 1502) This section requires DOD to designate the Joint Force Headquarters–Department of Defense Information Network as a subordinate unified command under U.S. Cyber Command. (Sec. 1503) This section requires DOD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to establish a DOD hackathon program under which the military departments and combatant commands shall carry out at least four hackathons each year. (Such hackathons are events at which employees across DOD collaboratively attempt to develop functional software or hardware solutions to solve a critical, technical challenge.) (Sec. 1515) This section requires DOD to conduct a detailed evaluation of cybersecurity products and services for mobile devices (such as on-device virtual private networks and protected domain name server infrastructure) to identify those that may improve the cybersecurity of DOD mobile devices, including mitigating the risk to DOD from cyberattacks against mobile devices. (Sec. 1531) This section requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to establish the Artificial Intelligence Human Factors Integration Initiative to (1) improve the human usability of AI systems and the information derived from such systems using specified techniques, and (2) ensure that human factors considerations are included in DOD AI systems to improve their human usability and cognitive effectiveness. (Sec. 1532) This section requires DOD to establish a program, or designate an existing program, to meet the testing and processing requirements for next generation advanced AI capabilities. Under this program, DOD must (1) expand DOD infrastructure for development and deployment of military applications of high-performance computing and AI capabilities, and (2) ensure that a portion of such infrastructure is dedicated to providing access to AI accelerators to support large AI systems configured in accordance with industry best practices. DOD must use this infrastructure to develop advanced AI systems that have general purpose military applications for multiple data formats, including text, audio, and graphics. (Sec. 1543) This section bars the Army from taking any action to disestablish or merge the Cyber Warfare Officer and Cyber Electromagnetic Warfare Officer career branches within the Cyber Branch of the Army until 270 days after the Army provides Congress with a notification, explanation, cost assessment, and timeline of such action. TITLE XVI--SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND INTELLIGENCE MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to space activities, defense intelligence, nuclear forces, and missile defense. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 1605) This section extends through FY2029 a requirement that DOD and the National Reconnaissance Office (1) use the National Security Space Launch program to the extent practical to procure launch services only from launch service providers that can meet certain federal requirements for payload delivery, and (2) maximize continuous competition for launch services for certain technology areas. (Sec. 1615) This section provides statutory authority for DOD and the Defense Intelligence Agency, to the extent practicable and consistent with U.S. objectives, to continue cooperating with Israel on defense intelligence, advice, and support with regards to Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas. (Sec. 1630) This section prohibits the use of FY2025 funds to (1) reduce or prepare to reduce the responsiveness or alert level of U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), or (2) reduce or prepare to reduce the quantity of deployed ICBMs below 400. This prohibition does not apply to certain activities, such as ICBM maintenance or ensuring ICBM safety, security, or reliability. (Sec. 1641) This section expands a prohibition on the use of DOD funds to provide certain missile defense technology or information to Russia to include China as well. (Sec. 1642) This section requires the Missile Defense Agency, subject to the availability of appropriations, to establish a fully operational third continental United States interceptor site on the East Coast of the United States no later than December 31, 2030. (Sec. 1643) This section authorizes DOD to seek to advise and assist Jordan in enhancing capabilities to counter air and missile threats from Iran and groups linked to Iran. This section also requires DOD to assess the feasibility of including Jordan in a multi-national integrated air and missile defense architecture to protect Jordan from such air and missile threats. TITLE XVII--OTHER DEFENSE MATTERS This title sets policy on various defense-related matters. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec.1703) This section permits the U.S. flag to be carried flat or horizontally in limited circumstances if done in a respectful manner as part of a military or patriotic observance. This section also directs DOD to rescind a 2023 policy memorandum titled Clarification of Department of Defense Community Engagement Policy on Showing Proper Respect to the United States Flag . (This memorandum prohibited members of the uniformed services from participating in the unfurling, holding, or carrying of giant U.S. flags that are sometimes displayed at community outreach events, such as sporting events.) (Sec. 1709) This section requires an appropriate national security agency to determine if certain communications or video surveillance equipment or services (for example, communications or video surveillance equipment produced by Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovation Sciences and Technologies Company Limited, also known as DJI Technologies) pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons. Unless such equipment or services are determined not to pose an unacceptable risk, they must be placed on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) list that indicates such risk. (Items or services on the list are not eligible for certain subsidies. The FCC may reimburse certain communications providers to replace such equipment or services.) DIVISION B--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Sec. 2002) This section specifies that the authorizations for military construction projects, land acquisition, family housing projects and facilities, and contributions to NATO contained in Titles XXI through XXVII shall expire on the later of (1) October 1, 2027, or (2) the date of enactment of an act authorizing funds for military construction for FY2028. (Sec. 2003) This section specifies that Titles XXI through XXVII shall take effect on the later of (1) October 1, 2024, or (2) the date of enactment of this act. TITLE XXI--ARMY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes (1) Army construction and land acquisition projects; and (2) construction, acquisition, improvements, design, and planning of Army family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 2101) This section authorizes various Army land acquisition and military construction projects including projects at Letterkenny Army Depot, Pennsylvania; Joint Region Marianas, Guam; and Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany. (Sec. 2102) This section authorizes (1) Army family housing projects at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium and Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; (2) improvements to Army family housing units; and (3) planning and design for the construction or improvement of Army family housing units. (Sec. 2103) This section authorizes Army military construction, land acquisition, and family housing functions. (Sec. 2104) This section extends an FY2018 project authorization for an unmanned aerial vehicle hangar at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. (Sec. 2106) This section extends FY2020 project authorizations for an air traffic control tower and terminal at Kwajalein Atoll, Kwajalein, and a reception complex at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. (Sec. 2108) This section extends various FY2022 project authorizations, including authorizations for a joint operations center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, and barracks at Fort Stewart, Georgia. TITLE XXII--NAVY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes (1) Navy construction and land acquisition projects; and (2) construction, acquisition, improvements, design, and planning of Navy family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 2201) This section authorizes various Navy land acquisition and military construction projects, including projects at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina; Port of Malakal, Palau; and Yap International Airport, Federated States of Micronesia. (Sec. 2202) This section authorizes (1) a Navy family housing project at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; (2) improvements to Navy family housing units; and (3) planning and design for the construction or improvement of Navy family housing units. (Sec. 2203) This section authorizes Navy military construction, land acquisition, and family housing functions. (Sec. 2205) This section extends an FY2020 project authorization for bachelor enlisted quarters at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. (Sec. 2207) This section extends various FY2022 project authorizations, including authorizations for an MQ-25 aircraft maintenance hangar at Naval Base Ventura County, California, and a lighterage and small craft facility at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida. TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes (1) Air Force construction and land acquisition projects; and (2) construction, acquisition, improvements, design, and planning of Air Force family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 2301) This section authorizes various Air Force land acquisition and military construction projects, including projects at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Oregon; and Yap International Airport, Federated States of Micronesia. (Sec. 2302) This section authorizes (1) an Air Force family housing project at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany; (2) improvements to Air Force family housing units; and (3) planning and design for the construction or improvement of Air Force family housing units. (Sec. 2303) This section authorizes Air Force military construction, land acquisition, and family housing functions. (Sec. 2305) This section extends various FY2018 project authorizations, including airfield upgrades at Kecskemet Air Base in Hungary. (Sec. 2307) This section extends various FY2020 project authorizations, including a basic military training recruit dormitory at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. (Sec. 2309) This section extends various FY2022 project authorizations, including a nuclear command, control, and communications acquisition management facility at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, and an F-35A weapons load training facility at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes (1) specified construction and land acquisition projects involving various DOD agencies, and (2) specified energy conservation and utility system improvement projects. This title also extends or modifies the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 2401) This section authorizes specified DOD agency land acquisition and military construction projects, including projects at Joint Region Marianas, Guam; Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Japan; and Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. (Sec. 2402) This section authorizes specified energy resilience and conservation investment program (ERCIP) projects, including projects at Naval Base Kitsap, Washington; Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois; and Anniston Army Depot, Alabama. (Sec. 2403) This section authorizes DOD agency military construction, land acquisition, and ERCIP projects. (Sec. 2405) This section extends an FY2019 project authorization for a fuel pier in Iwakuni, Japan. (Sec. 2407) This section extends various FY2021 project authorizations, including a fuel wharf at Defense Fuel Support Point Tsurumi, Japan, and battery energy storage at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. (Sec. 2409) This section extends various FY2022 project authorizations, including a gas-fired microturbine generation system at Camp Grayling, Michigan, and electrical distribution infrastructure undergrounding and hardening at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. TITLE XXV--INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS This title authorizes DOD to make specified contributions to NATO for construction and land acquisition projects, and to accept specified military construction projects from South Korea and Poland as in-kind contributions. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 2501) This section authorizes DOD to make contributions for authorized NATO military construction projects. (Sec. 2511) This section authorizes DOD to accept specified military construction projects in South Korea as in-kind contributions from the South Korean government, including (1) a general support aviation battalion hangar at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, (2) a tactical equipment maintenance facility at Camp Carroll, and (3) an elementary school at Camp Walker. (Sec. 2512) This section authorizes DOD to accept specified military construction projects in Poland as in-kind contributions from the Polish government, including (1) a maintenance hangar at Lask Air Base, (2) anti-terrorism/force protection upgrades at Wroclaw Air Base, and (3) connecting taxiways at Lask Air Base. TITLE XXVI--GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES This title authorizes specified construction and land acquisition projects for the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. This title also extends or modifies the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 2601) This section authorizes specified Army National Guard land acquisition and military construction projects, including projects at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Camp Murray, Washington; and Lafayette Readiness Center, Louisiana. (Sec. 2602) This section authorizes specified Army Reserve land acquisition and military construction projects, including projects at Fort Knox, Kentucky; Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia; and Camp Parks, California. (Sec. 2603) This section authorizes Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve land acquisition and military construction projects at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. (Sec. 2604) This section authorizes specified Air National Guard land acquisition and military construction projects, including projects at Bangor International Airport, Maine; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and Jacksonville International Airport, Florida. (Sec. 2605) This section authorizes specified Air Force Reserve land acquisition and military construction projects, including projects at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. (Sec. 2607) This section extends an FY2018 project authorization for a small arms range at Hulman Regional Airport, Indiana. (Sec. 2610) This section extends various FY2022 project authorizations, including (1) a logistics readiness complex at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana; (2) a transient training officer barracks at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin; and (3) a National Guard readiness center at Huntsville Readiness Center, Alabama. TITLE XXVII--BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES (Sec. 2701) This section authorizes base realignment and closure (BRAC) activities as authorized by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. TITLE XXVIII--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS This title sets policy in such areas as military construction, military housing management, and administration of real property and facilities. This title also authorizes specified land acquisition and conveyances. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 2808) This section extends through September 30, 2028, a prohibition on the Department of the Air Force entering into joint use agreements that permit civil aviation at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. (Sec. 2812) This section requires the Department of the Navy to submit to Congress a plan for repair or replacement of facilities at Naval Air Station Pensacola that Hurricane Sally damaged. (Sec. 2826) This section expands a requirement for DOD to issue rules related to the maintenance work order management process for military unaccompanied housing. The processes required under such rules must now include a digital system through which residents may submit maintenance work orders. (Sec. 2828) This section requires DOD to revise a housing management manual to require suitable housing availability analysis for civilian personnel and contractors who provide critical operational support to rural military installations. (Sec. 2850) This section requires DOD to reduce expenditures on leased facilities by 25% within five years. (Sec. 2853) This section authorizes the Department of the Army to convey, for fair market value, a parcel of property formerly known as the Boyle Memorial Army Reserve Center to Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas. (Sec. 2859) This section authorizes the Department of the Navy to convey, for fair market value, parcels of property in San Pedro, California, to the City of Los Angeles, California, or to the City of Lomita, California. The parcels shall be used for park and recreational activities or for law enforcement affiliated purposes. (Sec. 2872) This section authorizes the Department of the Navy to enter into an agreement with one or more eligible nonprofit organizations for the design, construction, and maintenance of a multipurpose facility to be known as the Naval Innovation Center and located at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. This center shall be used (1) to bring together interested persons to advance new and innovative technologies and practices for the benefit of DOD; and (2) to support the Naval Postgraduate School and DOD with education, research, training, and other activities. DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE XXXI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS This title authorizes the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), defense environmental cleanup, nuclear energy, and other defense activities. This title also sets policy for certain nuclear related matters and authorizes new plant projects for the NNSA at specified locations. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 3101) This section authorizes NNSA activities for FY2025. This section also authorizes three new plant projects. (Sec. 3102) This section authorizes Department of Energy (DOE) defense environmental cleanup activities for FY2025. (Sec. 3103) This section authorizes DOE other defense activities for FY2025. (Sec. 3104) This section authorizes DOE nuclear energy activities for FY2025. (Sec. 3112) This section establishes a statutory prohibition on DOE and the NNSA allowing any citizen or agent of China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran to access nonpublic areas of certain NNSA facilities located at a national security laboratory, nuclear weapons production facility, or a site related to specified aspects of U.S. naval vessel nuclear propulsion prior to completing a background review on such individuals. DOE may waive this requirement in the interests of national security under certain conditions. Certain exemptions also apply, such as individuals involved in an International Atomic Energy Agency inspection. (Sec. 3114) This section authorizes the NNSA to modify or develop the B61-13 nuclear weapon (a variant of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb). (Sec. 3117) This section prohibits the use of NNSA funds to reconvert or retire the W76-2 warhead (a low-yield version of the W76 nuclear warhead for the Trident D5 long-range submarine-launched ballistic missile). (Sec. 3123) This section requires the NNSA to evaluate two to four geographically disparate U.S. locations that would be best suited to host a modular, scalable facility for the domestic enrichment of unencumbered uranium, including highly-enriched uranium suitable for defense applications. ( Unencumbered , in this context, means that the United States has no obligation to foreign governments to use such uranium only for peaceful purposes.) TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD This title authorizes the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for FY2025. TITLE XXXIV--NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVES This title authorizes the Naval Petroleum Reserves for FY2025. TITLE XXXV--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION This title authorizes the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and sets policy related to certain maritime matters. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 3501) This section authorizes FY2025 Department of Transportation (DOT) programs associated with maintaining the U. S. Merchant Marine, including the Merchant Marine Academy, state maritime academies, and MARAD operations and programs. (Sec 3533) This section transfers responsibility from the Department of the Navy to the Department of Transportation to (1) complete the design of a sealift vessel for the National Defense Reserve Fleet, and (2) seek to enter into an agreement with a vessel construction manager who shall enter into a contract for the construction of 10 such vessels. (Sec. 3534) This section authorizes state maritime academies to offer merchant marine officer preparation programs that meet the requirements for issuance of a license in less than three years to individuals who already have a baccalaureate degree and who are either (1) former members of the Armed Forces whose discharge or release was under honorable conditions, or (2) members of the National Guard or Reserves who have served therein for at least six years. DIVISION D--FUNDING TABLES This division sets forth funding tables that authorize amounts for various projects, programs, and activities. TITLE XLI--PROCUREMENT (Sec. 4101) This section sets forth amounts requested and authorized for procurement. TITLE XLII--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION (Sec. 4201) This section sets forth amounts requested and authorized for research, development, test, and evaluation. TITLE XLIII--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE (Sec. 4301) This section sets forth amounts requested and authorized for operation and maintenance. TITLE XLIV--MILITARY PERSONNEL (Sec. 4401) This section sets forth amounts requested and authorized for military personnel. TITLE XLV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS (Sec. 4501) This section sets forth amounts requested and authorized for various working capital funds, the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counterdrug activities, the Office of Inspector General, and the defense health program. TITLE XLVI--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION (Sec. 4601) This section sets forth amounts requested and authorized for military construction. TITLE XLVII--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS (Sec. 4701) This section sets forth amounts requested and authorized for DOE national security programs. DIVISION E--OTHER MATTERS TITLE L--VETERANS AFFAIRS MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to veterans. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 5001) This section prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from setting conditions on veterans’ cemeteries grants to state, county, or tribal organizations that restrict those organizations from allowing the internment of certain groups eligible for burial in a national cemetery under the control of the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. Specified groups include certain individuals who served in the Philippine Scouts or who were part of irregular forces operating from Laos in support of U.S. armed forces. (Sec. 5002) This section requires VA to maintain a toll-free telephone helpline to allow veterans and certain other individuals to (1) obtain information about VA services and benefits, and (2) be directed to the appropriate VA office regarding such services and benefits. TITLE LI--FOREIGN AFFAIRS MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to relations with foreign countries. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 5102) This section requires the Department of State to establish the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation as a charitable, nonprofit corporation to promote international conservation efforts. The purpose of the foundation includes providing grants for the responsible management of designated priority primarily protected or conserved areas in eligible countries that have a high degree of biodiversity of species and ecosystems of significant ecological value. (Sec. 5106) The foundation's grants shall consider countries that (1) have low-income, lower middle-income, or upper-middle-income economies; (2) have a high degree of threatened or at-risk biological diversity or important species or ecosystems; and (3) have demonstrated a commitment to conservation through their actions. Projects must be cost-matched from sources other than the U.S. government. (Sec. 5107) The foundation may not provide support for any government, or any entity owned or controlled by a government, that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, has engaged in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations, or within the past three years failed the control of corruption indicator of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Additionally, the foundation may not engage in any dealing prohibited under U.S. sanctions laws or regulations. Western Hemisphere Partnership Act (Section 5113) This section states that the State Department should collaborate with democratic partners to improve security conditions and the rule of law in the Western Hemisphere (not including Cuba, Nicaragua, or Venezuela), including by (1) enhancing the institutional capacity and technical capabilities of defense and security institutions, (2) providing technical assistance and material support to security forces to disrupt drug trafficking and other illicit activities, and (3) fostering mechanisms for cooperation on emergency preparedness and disaster recovery. (Sec. 5114) This section states that the State Department should promote digitalization and cybersecurity in the Western Hemisphere. (Sec. 5115) This section states that the State Department should collaborate with democratic partners to improve economic conditions in the Western Hemisphere, including by (1) reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers in the region, (2) establishing a dedicated program of trade missions and reverse trade missions, and (3) strengthening labor and environmental standards in the region. (Sec. 5116) This section states that the State Department should support transparent, accountable, and democratic governance in the Western Hemisphere. (Sec. 5119) This section requires the State Department to report to Congress on efforts by the Maduro regime of Venezuela to detain U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Building Options for the Lasting Security of Taiwan through European Resolve Act or the BOLSTER Act (Sec. 5121) This section requires the State Department’s Office of Sanctions Coordination to consult with certain European officials to develop coordinated plans and share independent plans to impose sanctions on China if China takes certain actions against Taiwan. Millennium Challenge Corporation Candidate Country Reform Act (Sec. 5122) This section modifies eligibility for Millennium Challenge assistance, including by removing criteria based on whether a country is among the 75 lowest per capita income countries. TITLE LII--JUDICIARY MATTERS This title sets policy for various judicial matters, including those related to child sexual exploitation and fraud committed against the federal government. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. Law Enforcement And Victim Support Act of 2024 (Sec. 5202) This section  modifies and reauthorizes through FY2028 the Project Safe Childhood Program within the Department of Justice. The program coordinates child sexual exploitation investigations and prosecutions across federal, state, and local law enforcement; provides training to law enforcement; and supports public education programs. (Sec. 5203) This section increases from $150,000 to $1 million the maximum amount of a claim of fraud committed against the federal government that may be handled administratively, and provides that such maximum amount shall be adjusted for inflation. This section also allows any amount collected administratively for such false claims be credited first to reimburse the federal entity that investigated or prosecuted the fraud. TITLE LIII--NATURAL RESOURCES MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to wildlife and conservation. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Reauthorization Act or the WILD Act (Sec. 5302) This section reauthorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, which provides technical and financial assistance to improve the habitat of certain fish and wildlife, through FY2029. (Sec. 5303) The title reauthorizes assistance for conservation of African elephants, Asian elephants, rhinoceroses and tigers, apes, and turtles and tortoises through FY2029 and authorizes the Department of the Interior to award multiyear grants of up to five years to a person that can demonstrate an effective long-term conservation strategy for these animals and their habitats. TITLE LIV--TELECOMMUNICATIONS-RELATED MATTERS This title sets policy for various telecommunications matters. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. Spectrum and Secure Technology and Innovation Act of 2024 (Sec. 5403) This section requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate an auction of available Advanced Wireless Services radio frequencies in the AWS-3 band within 18 months on enactment. (AWS-3 frequencies include the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, and 2155-2180 MHz bands.) (Sec. 5404) This section establishes a Spectrum Auction Trust Fund within the U.S. Treasury to receive the proceeds of any AWS-3 auction. This section also authorizes the FCC to borrow from the Treasury $3.08 billion for a program to remove untrusted equipment from the networks of small U.S. telecommunications providers and the Department of Commerce to borrow $220 million from the Treasury for regional technology hubs. A specified portion of the proceeds from the AWS-3 auction shall be used to repay these loans. This section also authorizes an additional $280 million of auction proceeds to support regional technology hubs and the remainder to reduce the federal deficit. TITLE LV--TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS (Sec. 5501) This section requires the GAO to report to Congress on the vulnerability of the national airspace system to disruption by adversaries exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum and security vulnerabilities in aircraft communications systems. (Sec. 5502) This section designates the campus and grounds of the Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, as the Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus. TITLE LVI--HOMELAND SECURITY-RELATED MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to homeland security. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act of 2023 (Sec. 5603) This section requires an interagency study to help agencies produce a security assessment process for space adjacent to space to be leased for high-security federal activities. Specifically, the bill directs the General Services Administration (GSA), in coordination with the Federal Protective Service, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Office of Management and Budget, and any other relevant entities, to carry out a governmentwide study examining options to assist agencies to produce a process to assess the security of adjacent space before entering into a lease or novation agreement for high-security space. The GSA, in coordination with such entities, shall (1) establish a working group to assist in carrying out the study, and (2) report to Congress. (Sec. 5611) This section requires DHS to establish a mission center along the northern border to support domain awareness, information sharing, intelligence, training, and partner engagement. TITLE LVII--MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 5704) This section extends eligibility of persons employed for at least two years by a lead Inspector General for an overseas contingency operation for appointment to a position in the competitive service for which the individual is qualified to include persons first employed not later than December 19, 2029. (Sec. 5705) This section expands the legal protection for those serving on active duty in the Armed Forces to be readmitted to an institution of higher learning. Specifically, it removes a requirement that such active-duty service must have been for a period of more than 30 days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 days. DIVISION F--INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 TITLE LXI--INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES This title authorizes various intelligence related activities. (Sec. 6101) This section authorizes intelligence and intelligence-related activities for FY2025. (Sec. 6102) This section specifies that amounts authorized for intelligence activities are specified in a classified schedule of authorizations and that this schedule shall be made available to the Committees on Appropriations and the President. (Sec. 6103) This section authorizes the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2025. (Sec. 6104) This section authorizes FY2025 increases as necessary to pay for increases in federal employee compensation and benefits authorized by law. (Sec. 6105) This section specifies that this division’s authorizations do not constitute authority for the conduct of intelligence activities not otherwise authorized by law or the Constitution. TITLE LXII--CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM (Sec. 6201) This section authorizes the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund for FY2025. TITLE LXIII--INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to the intelligence community (IC). Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 6305) This section authorizes the National Intelligence University to accept research grants awarded on a competitive basis for research projects with a scientific, literary, or educational purpose from certain entities. Specifically, grants may be accepted from a federal agency or from entities that are organized and operated primarily for scientific, literary, or educational purposes. (Sec 6306) This section authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to use up to 1% of the amounts available for the National Intelligence Program for Coast Guard intelligence and counterintelligence activities relating to objects of a confidential, extraordinary, or emergency nature. (Sec. 6307) This section provides statutory authority for the National Intelligence Management Council within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Members of the council serve as mission managers to ensure integration across the IC elements and across intelligence functions, disciplines, and activities. (There are 18 component organizations within the IC.) (Sec. 6322) This section requires each element of the IC to submit summaries of all budget information related to open-source intelligence activities to ODNI and ODNI to send Congress a compilation of such information. (Open-source intelligence is intelligence derived exclusively from publicly or commercially available information.) TITLE LXIV--COUNTERING FOREIGN THREATS This title sets policy for various matters related to foreign threats, including threats from China and Russia. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 6401) This section requires ODNI to submit a report to Congress assessing the current status of China’s biotechnology capability, including how China supports the biotechnology sector. (Sec. 6402) This section requires ODNI to report to Congress on the economic outlook of China, including alternative analyses of China’s economic projections. Such report shall also include the potential effects of debt, demographics, and international relationships on China’s economy, along with potential challenges for China to sustain economic growth. (Sec. 6412) This section requires ODNI to submit an assessment to Congress of the likely course of the war in Ukraine through December 31, 2025, including an assessment of how the continuation or discontinuation of U.S. assistance to Ukraine would affect the ability of the Ukrainian military to defend itself against Russian aggression. (Sec. 6431) This section requires ODNI to submit an assessment to Congress on national security impacts caused by visa-free travel to and within countries in the western hemisphere by nationals of Russia, China, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, and any other country ODNI deems appropriate. (Sec. 6433) This section requires ODNI to submit an assessment to Congress on the lessons learned from the Israel-Hamas war, including lessons related to the use of tunnels, rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial systems. This section also requires a separate assessment to the congressional intelligence committees on lessons learned from this war related to certain aspects of intelligence cooperation, including U.S. intelligence cooperation with Israel and other regional partners. TITLE LXV--EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES This title sets policy for various matters related to emerging technologies, including AI and biotechnology. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec, 6503) This section requires ODNI to designate IC experts to assess how best to standardize the IC’s use of biological data and the ability of the IC to detect foreign adversary threats relating to biological data. (Biological data means information derived from the structure, function, or process of a biological system that is either measured, collected, or aggregated for analysis.) The designated experts must brief Congress on this assessment. (Sec. 6504) This section requires the National Security Agency (NSA) to establish an AI security center. The center’s functions include (1) developing guidance to prevent or mitigate counter-AI techniques, and (2) promoting secure AI adoption practices for managers of national security systems and elements of the defense industrial base. (Sec. 6506) This section expands a program that facilitates personnel exchanges between the IC and the private sector, increasing the duration of rotations under the program from a maximum of three years to a maximum of five years. This section also directs that exchanges under the program relate to intelligence or counterintelligence with a focus on specified fields, such as finance, acquisition, materials and manufacturing, biotechnology, or artificial intelligence. TITLE LXVI--SECURITY CLEARANCES AND INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY WORKFORCE IMPROVEMENTS This title sets policy for various matters related to security clearances and the IC workforce. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 6602) This section prohibits National Intelligence Program funds from being used for any controlled access program, or a compartment or subcompartment therein, until the head of the IC element responsible for such program, compartment, or subcompartment submits specified congressional notifications. (Sec. 6612) This section expands an authority for agency heads to noncompetitively appoint certain DOD-affiliated spouses to include certain other spouses. Under this section, an agency head may noncompetitively appoint to a remote work position an individual married to someone who is (1) an employee of the Department of State, an employee of an element of the IC, or a member of the Armed Forces assigned to an element of the IC; and (2) permanently transferred in the interest of the government from one official station within the applicable agency to another within the agency that is outside of normal commuting distance. (Sec. 6616) This section requires the IC Chief Human Capital Officer to develop a strategy for enhancing the recruitment into the IC of military members with current top-secret clearances transitioning out of the Armed Forces. TITLE LXVII--WHISTLEBLOWERS This title sets policy on matters related to IC whistleblowers (generally, federal employees or contractors who disclose their reasonable belief of a violation of law, gross mismanagement, waste of resources, abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health and safety). Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 6702) This section specifies that individuals may disclose classified information to the inspector general of the IC and to the inspector general of an element of the IC. Such disclosures may be made even if the individual making the disclosure does not have the appropriate clearance or authority to access such classified information at the time of disclosure. (Sec. 6703) This section expands a provision of law prohibiting reprisals against whistleblowers in specified IC elements to include disclosures made to the inspectors general of such IC elements. TITLE LXVIII--UNIDENTIFIED ANOMALOUS PHENOMENA This title sets policy on matters related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). (Sec. 6801) This section requires GAO to conduct a review of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, including the process for reporting UAP and coordination with federal government agencies and non-government entities. GAO must report to Congress on its findings. (Sec. 6802) This section terminates a requirement for GAO to provide audit findings to Congress with regards to reports from the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office on the historical record of the United States relating to UAP once 90 days have passed after the delivery of the final volume of such historical record report. A related GAO briefing requirement shall terminate 180 days after the report’s delivery. TITLE LXIX--OTHER MATTERS This title modifies or repeals certain reporting requirements and makes technical corrections to various laws, such as the National Security Act of 1947 and the National Security Agency Act of 1959. DIVISION G--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 TITLE LXXI--WORKFORCE MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to the State Department’s workforce, including recruiting, assignments, and pay and benefits. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 7106) This section authorizes the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to extend coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program for up to three years to employees participating in pre-approved leave without pay. After the first year of such coverage, employees must pay 100% of the premium. (Sec. 7107) This section requires the State Department to revise its bidding process for Foreign Service assignments. This section also specifies that the process should consider incorporating certain elements, such as mechanisms to ensure transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and flexibility in the assignment process, while maintaining equal opportunity for all Foreign Service employees. (Sec. 7109) This section requires payment of a per diem allowance to newly hired Foreign Service employees who are in initial orientation training or any other training expected to last less than six months in the Washington, DC, area before transferring to their first assignment outside the Washington, DC, area. Such employees shall not receive the lodging expense portion of the allowance if they have and occupy a permanent residence in the Washington, DC, area. (Sec. 7115) This section authorizes the State Department and USAID to pay for or reimburse for appropriate security services (such as security cameras or removing personally identifiable information from the internet) to mitigate employment-related risks for certain employees or their household members. TITLE LXXII--ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS This title sets policy for various matters related to the State Department’s organization and operations, including facilities, special envoys, and overseas crisis response. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 7203) This section requires the State Department Office of Inspector General to conduct management reviews of chiefs of mission, charge d’affaires, and other principal officers assigned overseas during inspection visits when such officers have been at a post more than 180 days. Substantiated concerns of serious mismanagement shall be included as part of the performance evaluation process for such officer. The Office of Inspector General shall notify the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary of State, and Congress in certain circumstances. (Sec. 7204) This section requires the President to appoint a special envoy for Sudan who reports directly to the Secretary of State. The envoy’s duties shall include (1) leading U.S. diplomatic efforts to support negotiations and humanitarian response efforts related to the crisis in Sudan, and (2) coordinating policy development and execution related to ending the conflict and developing a path to national recovery and democratic transition in Sudan. (Sec. 7209) This section requires the State Department and USAID to substantively respond to any inquiry or request from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) or the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) within specified time frames. This section also prohibits the State Department and USAID from refusing to provide sensitive but unclassified information to CRS and CBO. (Sec. 7216) This section requires the State Department to designate a senior official with significant experience in crisis management and response to support the department’s response and management of international crises (i.e., any overseas situation that requires a change in operating status of U.S. diplomatic facilities, including ordered departures and noncombatant evacuation operations). The State Department must also conduct a tabletop exercise or simulation annually on international crises with participation by relevant senior leaders and staff. The Foreign Service Institute must include crisis management in the curriculum of the ambassadorial seminar and the deputy chief of mission course. TITLE LXXIII--INFORMATION SECURITY AND CYBER DIPLOMACY This title sets policy for various matters related to State Department information technology and information security. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 7302) This section requires the State Department to issue standards, guidance, best practices, and policies for State Department and USAID personnel to protect official mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and laptops) from being compromised by foreign commercial spyware. The State Department must also (1) survey the processes used to identify and catalog instances in the past two years where such devices were compromised by foreign commercial spyware and it is reasonably expected to have resulted in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, and (2) report to Congress on measures in place to identify and catalog such instances. Additionally, the State Department must notify Congress within 60 days of becoming aware of any such device becoming seriously compromised by foreign commercial spyware. (Sec. 7304) This section requires the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Technology to consider piloting at least three information technology systems, prioritizing those with a high potential to accelerate the passport renewal process, reduce processing times, and reduce dependency on legacy systems. TITLE LXXIV--PUBLIC DIPLOMACY This title sets policy for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and State Department public diplomacy initiatives. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 7401) This section prohibits USAGM grantees (e.g., Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia) from being suspended or debarred without consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and a three-fourths majority vote of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. This section also specifies the causes for which a grantee may be suspended or debarred. (Sec. 7402) This section extends the authorization for U.S. participation in international fairs and expositions abroad through FY2027. TITLE LXXV--DIPLOMATIC SECURITY AND CONSULAR AFFAIRS This title sets policy for various matters related to State Department diplomatic security and consular affairs, including investigations, U.S. passports, and certain personnel matters. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 7501) This section authorizes the State Department to investigate transnational violations of specified federal laws related to debt servitude, slavery, and human trafficking in which part of the offense was committed outside the United States or involved one or more foreign nationals. (Sec. 7504) This section allows the State Department to suspend without pay members of the Foreign Service who have their security clearances suspended once they have been provided a final written decision of suspension from duty. (Sec. 7507) This section expands who the State Department may designate as a passport acceptance agent to include U.S. citizens who are (1) authorized to perform notarizations by the laws of a state, district, or territorial government; and (2) employed by and provide services through a reputable, established company or institution. This section also requires the State Department to take such steps as a necessary to increase the number of companies certified to provide hand-carry courier services for passports and passport applications, increase the number of applications such companies may submit, and improve citizen awareness of how to locate such companies. (Sec. 7508) This section requires the State Department to evaluate the performance of the passport issuance process against specified criteria, including (1) ensuring world-class technical, security, and cybersecurity standards for U.S. passports and the passport issuance process; and (2) providing a streamlined customer experience for passport applicants. This section also specifies that the State Department shall seek to implement certain technology solutions to improve the passport issuance process, such as establishing and maintaining a mobile application to allow applicant communication with the department, including document submission, application status tracking, and application error notifications. TITLE LXXVI--UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT This title sets policy for various matters related to USAID, including crisis operations and compensation. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 7602) This section authorizes USAID to appoint personnel in the excepted service to prevent or respond to foreign crises using specified funds. (The excepted service consists of those civil service positions that are not in the competitive service or the senior executive service. These positions are not subject to competitive examination.) (Sec. 7603) This section extends eligibility for an educational allowance, available to State Department employees on leave for duty in the uniformed services if the employee is otherwise eligible for such allowance, to similarly situated USAID employees. TITLE LXXVII--DETERRING AND PREVENTING UNLAWFUL OR WRONGFUL DETENTION This title sets policy related to U.S. nationals being unlawfully or wrongfully detained or taken hostage. Below are some examples of provisions in this title. (Sec. 7705) This section requires the State Department to develop messaging and informational guidance warning U.S. nationals of the risks of wrongful or unlawful detention or hostage taking in those countries which the State Department has travel advisories indicating such risks. The State Department shall deliver such messaging and information at all U.S. international airports and on relevant U.S. government websites. (Sec. 7707) This section requires the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs and the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to (1) review cases where there is potential credible information that any U.S. national is being wrongfully detained, (2) submit a classified report to Congress identifying U.S. nationals identified by such reviews as detained overseas who have not been determined by the State Department to be unlawfully or wrongly detained, and (3) notify a family member or legal representative of the U.S. nationals referred to in such report. Upon receiving an assessment from the Office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs or the head of any relevant State Department bureau that credible information exists indicating a U.S. national is being unlawfully or wrongfully detained, this section also requires the State Department to make a determination within 180 days as to whether such U.S. national is in fact being unlawfully or wrongfully detained. (Sec. 7708) Upon the release and return of a U.S. national determined to be unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, this section requires the President to provide that national with a letter officially declaring the detention as invalid for the purpose of completing any documentation related to background investigations or reviews of prior offenses. TITLE LXXVIII--OTHER MATTERS This title sets policy for various State Department activities, including reward payments, destruction of certain chemicals used to manufacture controlled substances, and Afghan relocation efforts. (Sec. 7802) This section expands a State Department program that pays rewards to individuals who provide information related to certain criminal acts (for example, information leading to the arrest or conviction of an individual who commits an act of international terrorism against a U.S. person or U.S. property). This section expands the program by authorizing rewards to individuals who furnish information leading to the restraining, seizing, forfeiting, or repatriation of stolen assets linked to foreign government corruption and the proceeds of such corruption. (Sec. 7805) This section extends to December 31, 2030, an exception to a statute prohibiting certain payments to the Russian Aviation and Space Agency that are related to the International Space Station unless the President makes specified determinations about Russia’s commitment to preventing proliferation of missile systems and weapons of mass destruction to Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Under this exception, the U.S. government may make cash or in-kind payments for work performed or services rendered prior to December 31, 2030, if needed to meet U.S. obligations under the 1998 Agreement Concerning Cooperation on the Civil International Space Station or related agreements. (Sec. 7807) This section authorizes the State Department to carry out a Precursor Chemical Destruction Initiative in Colombia, Mexico, and Peru to destroy certain chemicals used to manufacture controlled substances and to safely dispose of hazardous waste generated by illicit drug trafficking. (Sec. 7810) This section requires the State Department to appoint a coordinator for Afghan relocation efforts. The coordinator shall be responsible for (1) relocating and resettling eligible Afghan allies, (2) facilitating the departure from Afghanistan of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who request assistance to leave, and (3) coordinating across the State Department and other relevant federal agencies to ensure integrated U.S. support for such efforts.