REFORM AND REBUILD NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT · PDF file1 HASC COMMUNICATIONS: 52539...
Transcript of REFORM AND REBUILD NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT · PDF file1 HASC COMMUNICATIONS: 52539...
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HASCCOMMUNICATIONS:52539
REFORMANDREBUILD:NATIONALDEFENSEAUTHORIZATIONACTFORFY18
For56years,theNationalDefenseAuthorizationAct(NDAA)hasbeentheprimarywayinwhichCongressexecutesitsArticle1constitutionalobligationto“provideforthecommondefense.”TheNDAAequips,supplies,andtrainsourtroops;caresforthemandtheirfamilies;andsetsnationalsecuritypolicyinadangerousworld.TheFiscalYear2018(FY18)NDAAmeetsallofthesecommitments,whilealsocontinuingtoreformthewaytheDepartmentofDefenseoperatesandorganizes,equipsourtroops,andbuysgoodsandservices.Itbeginsamuch-neededrebuildingafterahalf-decadeofcutsslashednearlyaquarterofthedefensebudgetwhilethemilitaryremainedinsteadycombat.Thesecuts,combinedwiththepaceofoperations,havedrivenmilitaryreadinesstoalevelthatDefenseSecretaryMattissaid“shocked”him.Today,wehavetoomanyplanesthatcannotfly,toomanyshipsthatcannotsail,toomanySoldierswhocannotdeploy,whiletoomanythreatsaregathering.Wehavecometoakeydecisionpoint.Forsixyears,wehavebeenjustgettingby--cuttingresourcesastheworldbecomesmoredangerous,askingmoreandmoreofthosewhoserve,andputtingofftoughchoices.ChairmanThornberryandtheConfereesbelievethatwecannotkeeppilingmissionsonourServicememberswithoutensuringtheyhavealltheyneedtosucceed.TheFY18NDAAConferenceReportsupportsfundsforbasebudgetrequirementsof$634.2billion,a$26.4billionincreaseforessentialreadinessrecoveryabovethePresident’scombinedinitialandamendedbudgetrequests.Thislevelisinformedbyin-depthcommitteeoversight,aswellasadditionalrequirementsidentifiedbythemilitaryservicesandvalidatedbySecretaryMattis.CommitteeoversightindicatesthattheDepartmentcanefficientlyspendtheseadditionalfundsinFY18.TheseriesoftragicaccidentsthatstruckacrossthemilitaryhighlightConferees’concernsaboutthereadinessoftheForce.ThoseconcernsarefurtherreinforcedbyextensiveArmedServicesCommitteeOversight.TheNDAAaddressesimportantreadinessshortfallsincluding:increasedendstrength,AviationReadiness,increasedNavalpresence,GroundForces,facilitiesmaintenance,MissileDefense,andcriticalmunitions.
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TABLE1:FY18DiscretionaryFundingLevelsPurpose(amountsinbillions)
NDAALevels
NationalDefense(050)*
DODDiscretionaryBaseBudget $605.5 $605.5
DOEDiscretionaryBaseBudget $20.6 $20.7
Defense-RelatedActivities $0.3 $7.9
FY18BaseBudgetNDAATopline $626.4 $634.2
OverseasContingencyOperations $65.7 $65.7
FY18DiscretionaryTopline $692.1 $699.9* For comparison purposes. Includes National Defense Budget Function (050) authorizations not within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services
TABLE2:FY18DiscretionaryandMandatoryFundingLevelsPurpose(amountsinbillions)
NDAALevels
NationalDefense(050)*
FY18DiscretionaryTopline $692.1 $699.9
FY18MandatorySpending $7.5 $8.1
FY18DiscretionaryandMandatorySpendingLevels $699.6 $708.0* For comparison purposes. Includes National Defense Budget Function (050) authorizations not within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services
REFORM
Repairingandrebuildingourmilitaryiskeytodefendingthecountry,andsoisreformingthewaythePentagondoesbusiness.ChairmanThornberryhascommittedtomakingdefensereformakeypriorityduringhistenure.Overthepasttwoyears,Congresshasenactedsignificantdefensereformswithstrongbipartisansupport.Theyincludeanupdatedretirementsystem,animprovedmilitaryhealthcaresystem,amoreefficientandsustainablecommissarybenefit,acomprehensiveoverhauloftheUniformCodeofMilitaryJustice,majorreorganizationoftheDefensebureaucracy,andreformstothewaythePentagonbuysgoodsandservices.Thesereformsalsoincreasecongressionaloversight,improvetransparency,andpromoteaccountabilityacrosstheDepartment.Anyoneenteringmilitaryservicetodaywillwitnessthesereforms,overthecourseoftheircareer,improveagility,cutbureaucracy,promotejustice,providebetterbenefits,andsavethetaxpayerbillions.
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AcquisitionReform:ChangingthewaythePentagondoesbusinessTheFY18NDAAincludesthethirdinstallmentofthisreforminitiative,whichwillfurtherstreamlinebureaucracy,driveefficiencythroughcompetition,andgivethePentagonthetoolsitneedstomakebetterbusinessdecisions.Thefirstofthemajorreformelementsistoaddoversighttoservicecontracts.Infiscalyear2015,thePentagonspent$274billionthroughcontracts,includingbig-ticketweaponsystemsliketheFordClassaircraftcarrierandtheF-35fighterjet.But,53percent($144billion)ofthissumwasactuallyspentonservices–everythingfromlawnmowingonmilitarybasestomaintainingequipmenttohiringspecializedexpertsandadministrativesupport.Unfortunately,DOD–andCongress–havelimitedinsightintohowandwherethismoneyisspent.Thebillrequiresmorespecificityinfundingrequestsforservicecontracts,whichwillnowbesubmittedthroughtheDODbudgetprocess,forcingthePentagontoanalyzeactualneedsandspendingpatternsmuchliketheydoforweapons.ThosewithintheDODwhoneedtocontractforaservicewillhavetospecifytheirrequirementsearlyenoughtohavethemvalidated,thecontractsawarded,andthefundingsecured.Congresswillhaveabetterideaofwhatkindsofservicesarebeingcontractedandtheircost,improvingoversightandenablingefficiencies.ThesecondreformwouldimprovethewaythePentagonbuyscommercial-off-the-shelfgoods,rangingfrombottledwatertotreadmillsorevenforklifts.Today,theDepartmenthastwooptionsforpurchases:throughtheDODcontractingprocessorfromtheGeneralServicesAdministration(GSA)atpricessetbythatagency.ThebottomlineisthattheDepartmentisrarelyabletobuyoff-the-shelfitemsquicklyandatareasonableprice.Thesolutionisobvioustomostconsumers–allowthegovernmenttouseonlinecommercialsiteslikeAmazon,Grainger,Staples,orWalmartjustasbusinessesdo.Theseportalsfunctionlikemini-marketplaces,ensuringthatthebuyergetsthebestpricewithoutalotofredtape.UsingtheseportalshastheaddedbenefitofallowingDODtotrackandanalyzeprocurementdata.Anybusinesswilltellyouthatthis“spendanalysis”iscriticaltoefficientoperations.Forthegovernment,thatkindoftransparencyandaccountabilitywouldberevolutionary.Finally,theNDAAwillreformcontractauditingbyfocusingitwhereitcandothemostgoodforthetaxpayers.Currently,theDefenseContractAuditAgency(DCAA)primarilyfocusesontwotypesofaudits:forward-pricingandincurredcost.Forwardpricingauditsreviewthecostoflabor,supplies,andoverheadtoinformtheappropriatepricerangeforacontractbeingnegotiated.Theyproviderealvaluetothetaxpayer.Theincurredcostauditslookatwhetherpastcostschargedtothegovernmentwerereasonableandpermissibleunderthecontract.
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AccordingtoDCAA’sowndata,incurredcostauditsprovidethelowestreturnoninvestmenttothetaxpayerofanyofDCAA'saudits.DatashowsthatDCAAmayactuallyloseupto13centsforeverydollarinvestedinconductingthesetypesofaudits.Further,ittookanaverageofover880daystocompletetheincurredcostauditsconcludedlastyear,slowingtheabilityofDODtorecoupmoneyandimposingaddedcostsonthecompaniesbeingaudited.Increasingly,companiesaredecidingthatitisjustnotworthdoingbusinesswiththePentagon.Tohelpreducetheauditbacklogandgetbettervalueforourdefensedollars,theHouseArmedServicesCommitteelookedattheexperienceofotheragencies,anumberofwhichhavehiredprivateaccountingfirmstoconductincurredcostaudits.Withoutcostingextramoney,qualifiedprivatesectorauditorsaregettingthesameworkdonefaster.TheNDAAwilldirectDODtomoveasufficientnumberofincurredcostauditstotheprivatesectortoensurethatDCAAeliminatesitsauditbacklog,allauditsarecompletedwithinayear,andDCAAcanfocusitsexperienceandexpertiseonforward-pricingauditswherethetaxpayerreapsrealbenefits.SlimmingtheAcquisitionCodeTheConfereesstronglysupporttheongoingeffortsofthe“Section809Panel”onStreamliningandCodifyingAcquisitionRegulations,whichwasestablishedintheNationalDefenseAuthorizationActforFiscalYear2016(PublicLaw114-92).ThePanelproducedaninterimreportinMay2017recommendingseveralrevisionstoacquisitionstatutesandregulations.InadditiontothePanel'srecommendations,theConfereesareconcernedthatprocessrequirementshavebuiltupinacquisitionstatutesovertimeandmaynowimpaireffectiveprocurementpractices.TheNDAAincludesprovisionsintendedtosignalalonger-termefforttoremoveunnecessarilyprescriptiveandobsoleterequirementsfromU.S.Code,whichcreateacultureofcompliancewithintheacquisitioncommunity,ratherthanempoweringsmart,agile,decision-making.DefenseDataTransparencyTheConfereeshaveobservedthatmanyofthemanagementchallengescurrentlyfacedbyDODaredrivenbythelackofaccessible,sharedinformationanduncleardatagovernancepoliciesbetweencomponents.Moreover,theConfereesareconcernedthattheDepartmentlagswellbehindtheprivatesectorineffectivelyincorporatingenterprise-widedataanalysesintodecisionmakingandoversight.Therefore,theFY18NDAAestablishesastatutoryrequirementthattheOfficeoftheSecretaryofDefense,theJointStaff,andthemilitarydepartmentsbegivenaccesstobusinessmanagementrelateddatainordertoovercomeinstitutionalandculturalbarrierstoinformationsharing.FundamentalReformofNationalSecuritySpaceAsthreatstoourassetsinspaceincrease,theNDAAsupportstheAirForce’srecognitionthatspace--justlikeland,air,andseas--isnowawarfightingdomain.TheNDAAincorporatestheworkofStrategicForcesChairmanMikeRogers(R-AL)andRankingMemberJimCooper(D-TN)tobeginfixing
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thebrokennationalsecurityspaceenterprisebystreamliningAirForceacquisitionauthorities,eliminatingburdensomeredtape,empoweringasingleaccountableorganizationforspaceforceswithintheAirForce,placingrenewedemphasisontheorganizationandmanagementofspaceintheDoD,andholdingtheDeputySecretaryofDefenseresponsibleforthefullandfaithfulexecutionoftheseimprovements.Followingtheforward-lookinginitiativesonspacereformundertakenintheHousethisyear,theNDAAempowersAirForceSpaceCommandasthesoleauthorityfororganizing,training,andequippingallU.S.AirForcespaceforces.ThisidentifiesAirForceSpaceCommandasthefocalpointforaspaceservicewithintheAirForceresponsibleforacquisition,resourcesandrequirements,cadredevelopment,andwarfightingtobeginfixingthesystemicproblemsCongressidentifiedinthenationalsecurityspaceenterprise.Further,theNDAAreducesburdensomebureaucracyandineffectivebureaucracyinthenationalsecurityspaceenterpriseincluding:
● EliminatesthePrincipalDefenseSpaceAdvisor(PDSA),whichhadnodecision-makingauthorityandcreatedunnecessarybureaucracy;
● EliminatestheDefenseSpaceCouncil(DSC),whichwasabureaucraticforumwithoutintegrationintotherealdecision-makingbodiesoftheDepartmentofDefense;
● EliminatestheDeputyChiefofStaffoftheAirForceforSpaceOperations(A-11),ahastily-developedhalf-measureinstitutedbytheAirForce,whichatbestonlyaddedaboxontheorganizationalchart;and
● RequirestheDeputySecretaryofDefensetodetermineanofficialtoberesponsibleforspacebudgetprioritization,butsuchofficialcannotbetheSecretaryoftheAirForce.
Toensurethefullandfaithfulexecutionofthisreorganization,theNDAAalsorequirestheDeputySecretaryofDefensetoenterinacontractwithaFederally-fundedResearchandDevelopmentCorporation,withoutaffiliationwiththeU.S.AirForce,toprovideCongresswitharoadmaptoestablishaseparatemilitarydepartmentresponsiblefornationalsecurityspaceactivitiesoftheDoD,whichmayberequiredasCongressevaluateshowsupportiveDoDisaboutthisreorganization.
CongressionalOversightofCyberOperationsTheNDAAenhancescongressionaloversightofsensitivemilitarycyberoperationsandcyberweaponsbypromotinggreatertransparencyandaccountabilitytoCongressforsomeofthemostclassifiedelementsofournationaldefense.Asoffensiveanddefensivecybercapabilitiesevolve,itisimperativetoestablishclearstandards,processes,andproceduresfornotificationtoCongressofsensitiveoperationstoassuretheappropriateoversight.TheNDAArequirestheSecretaryofDefensetoconductaCyberPostureReviewwiththepurposeofclarifyingU.S.cyberdeterrencepolicyandstrategy.
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ReviewofRegularandReserveOfficerCareerManagementTherecruiting,retention,andeffectivemanagementoftheofficercorpsisamajorcomponentofmilitaryreadiness.Overthelastseveralyears,theDepartmentofDefensehasexpressedconcernsthatsomemilitaryofficercareermanagementlawswereoverlyrestrictiveandoutdated.TheNDAArequirestheDepartmentofDefensetoconductacomprehensivereviewoftheDefenseOfficerPersonnelManagementAct(DOPMA)andReserveOfficerPersonnelManagementAct(ROPMA)toidentifydeficienciesinthelawandwhatstepstheDepartmentofDefensecantakewithinexistingauthoritiestoimproveofficercareermanagement.TheimportantanalysisrequiredbythisreportwillhelpinformCongressastowhetherDOPMAandROPMAreformisneeded.FinancialauditFormorethan20years,theComptrollerGeneraloftheUnitedStateshasconsistentlyidentifiedthefinancialmanagementoftheDepartmentofDefenseasahigh-riskarea.TheDepartment’sinabilitytotrackandaccountforbillionsofdollarsinfundingandtangibleassetscontinuestoundermineitsmanagementapproach.Italsocreatesalackoftransparencythatsignificantlylimitscongressionaloversight.TheDepartment’sinabilitytoproduceauditablefinancialstatementsunderminesitseffortstoreformdefenseacquisitionandtorealizeefficiencies.IncompliancewiththeSeptember30,2017deadlineestablishedbytheNationalDefenseAuthorizationActforFiscalYear2010(PublicLaw111-84),theDepartmenthascertifiedthattheyarereadytoundergoafullfinancialaudit.AstheDepartmentundergoestheirfirstfullfinancialstatementauditin2018,theConfereesturntheiroversightfromauditreadinesstotheremediationofdiscrepanciesfoundinupcomingfullfinancialstatementaudits.TheDepartment’smovetoundergoafullfinancialstatementauditwillrequirenewreportingrequirementsthanthosepreviouslyaimedatauditreadiness.Accordingly,theNDAAhasestablishedtheFinancialImprovementandAuditRemediationplan,supportingtheDepartment'sfocusonundergoingafullfinancialauditgoingforwardbutenforcingtheimportanceofthoroughoversightoftheDepartment’sactivities.ThebillstreamlinesexistingreportingrequirementsintoanewsectionofU.S.CodetoremainrelevantastheDepartmentundergoesfuturefinancialstatementaudits.CreatingadedicatedsectionofU.S.CodewillclarifytheDepartment’sreportingrequirementsforfutureyears.
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REPAIRINGTHEMILITARY&RESTORINGREADINESSTroopsandTheirFamiliesWhiletheworldhasgrownmoredangerous,ourmilitaryhasgrownsmaller.America’smilitaryleaderscontinuetowarnthatourpersonnelandtheirequipmentarestretchedthinafteryearsofwar,billionsinbudgetcuts,downsizing,andcontinuedfundinguncertainty.Tohelpalleviatethestressontheforce,theNDAAauthorizesincreasestothesizeoftheArmy,Navy,Marines,AirForce,ArmyGuardandReserve,NavalandAirReserve,andAirGuardcommensuratewiththethreatsweface.ChairmanThornberryandmembersoftheConferenceCommitteeagreethatourpersonnelareourcountry’smostvaluableasset.Thebillfullyfundsthe2.4%payraiseourtroopsareentitledtounderlawwhileblockingthePresident’sabilitytoreducetrooppay.UndertheConferenceAgreement,authorizedReserveComponentmembersactivatedunder12304aor12304borderswillreceivepre-mobilizationandtransitionalTRICAREhealthcare.Membersremainconcernedaboutthewidow’staxandthefinancialburdenitplacesonfamiliesoflostServicemembers.Tohelpsupportsurvivors,theConferenceReportpermanentlypreservesSpecialSurvivorIndemnityAllowance(SSIA)paymentstosurvivingmilitaryspouses.Themorethan60,000Americanswhosespousesdiedeitheronactivedutyorduringretirementwillcontinuetoreceive$310permonthplusCOLAindefinitely.EnsuringthecountrykeepsfaithwiththosewhoserveandtheirfamiliesisakeypriorityfortheConferees.TheNDAAtakesstepstoprotectthebenefitsservicemembershaveearnedanddeserve,includingqualityhealthcare.Tothatend,theConferenceReportcontinuestoprovideforthosemilitaryfamilymembersinthegreatestneedbyauthorizinghospicecareservicesforeligiblebeneficiariesundertheageof21thatmaybeusingotherhealthcareservicesorhospitalizationforthesamemedicalcondition.Additionally,thisyear’sNDAAincludesadditionalphysicalexaminations,mentalhealthassessmentsandastudyonsafeopioidprescribingpractices.ItcontinuestheimportantMilitaryHealthSystemsreformbyfurtherclarifyingtherolesofCommandersorDirectorsofMilitaryMedicalTreatmentFacilitiesandtheServiceSurgeonsGeneral.ThereportalsoprohibitsthereductionofinpatientcareformilitaryMedicalTreatmentfacilitieslocatedoutsidetheUnitedStates,untilacertificationiscompletedensuringnooperationalimpactfortheGeographicCombatantCommanderorimpactonabeneficiary'saccesstothesamequalityhealthcarecurrentlyprovidedthroughouttheMilitaryHealthSystem.Inaddition,theNDAAalsoprovidescommonsenseresourcestohelpfamiliesmanagechallengeslikerelocations,permittingtheServicestoreimburseaservicememberupto$500foraspouse’sexpensesrelatedtoobtaininglicensingorcertificationinanotherStatebecauseofamilitarymove.TheNDAAalsorequirestheSecretaryoftheNavytoprovidequarterlyupdatesontheprogressoftheNavy’sPhysiologicalEpisodeTeamanditseffortstocombatphysiologicalepisodesinF/A-18HornetsandSuperHornets,EA-18Growlers,andT-45Goshawks.TheNDAAaddsadditionalmeasurestoprotectvictimsofsexualassaultandprosecuteperpetrators.First,theConferenceReportenhancesthetoolsavailabletoprosecuteperpetratorsofnon-
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consensualsharingofintimateimagesbyaddinganewprovisiontotheUniformCodeofMilitaryJusticespecificallyprohibitingthesecrimes.Inaddition,theNDAAexpandstheSexualAssaultPreventionandResponseProgram,requiringthoseinthedelayedentryprogramtoreceivesexualassaultpreventiontraining;expandingsexualtraumacounselingandtreatmentformembersofthereservecomponents;andrequiringspecialvictimscounseltoreceivetrainingontheuniquechallengesfacedbymalevictimsofsexualassault.Italsoexpandsreportingrequirements,includinganewrequirementtoincludereportsofsexualassaultscommittedbyservicemembersagainsttheirspousesandotherdependentsintheannualSexualAssaultPreventionandResponseReport,aswellasrequiringanewreportonsexualassaultvictimrecoveryintheCoastGuard.Finally,theNDAAincludesmultipleprovisionsdesignedtoaddresssexualharassmentandassaultattheU.S.MerchantMarineAcademy.
IncreasedEndStrengthOverFY17Levels
ENDSTRENGTH FY17Authorized ConferenceReportProvides
Change
ARMYENDSTRENGTH 476,000Active343,000Guard199,000Reserve
483,500Active343,500Guard199,500Reserve
+7,500Active+500Guard+500Reserve
NAVYENDSTRENGTH 323,900Active58,000Reserve
327,900Active59,000Reserve
+4,000Active+1,000Reserve
MARINECORPSENDSTRENGTH
185,000Active38,500Reserve
186,000Active38,500Active
+1,000Active+0Reserve
AIRFORCEENDSTRENGTH
321,000Active105,700Guard69,000Reserve
325,100Active106,600Guard69,800Reserve
+4,100Active+900Guard+800Reserve
RebuildingFromtheReadinessCrisisThereadinesscrisisfacingourmilitarytodayisrealanddangerous.Alloftheserviceshavenotedtheseriousconsequencesofyearsofunder-fundingandhighoperationaltempo:theAirForcetestifiedthatlessthan50percentofitsplaneswerecombatready,whiletheNavyandMarineCorpshadjustover50percentoftheaircraftnecessaryfortheirtrainingandoperations.Intotal,onlyfiveoftheArmy’s58BrigadeCombatTeamsarereadyto“fighttonight”.Toaddressthiscrisis,theNDAAmakeskeyinvestmentsnotprovidedforinthePresident’sinitialBudgetRequest.Whilereadinessshortfallswilltakemanyyearstocorrect,theseinitiativeswillbegintorecoverlostreadinessandrebuildtheForce.
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MaintenanceMuchofourequipmentissimplytoobrokentorepairanddeliveryofnewequipmentisessential.Inthemeantime,CongressmustmakevitalmaintenanceinvestmentsnotincludedinthePresident’sbudgettoensurethatnext-to-deployunitsaremissioncapable.TheNDAAincreasesNavyShipandAircraftdepotmaintenanceandafloatreadiness,whilealsoincludingadditionalfundsfortheArmy,Navy,MarineCorps,andAirForceoperationandmaintenanceaccountstofulfilltheirunfundedrequestsfornecessarymaintenanceandincreasedtrainingopportunities.EachoftheseinvestmentswasidentifiedasacriticalrequirementbythemilitaryservicesandvalidatedbySecretaryMattis;noneofthemwerefullyfundedinthePresident'sinitialbudgetrequest.FacilitiesMilitaryinstallationsandtrainingrangesarethefoundationofmilitaryreadiness.Unfortunately,whileglobaldemandsonthetotalforcearebecomingincreasinglydiverseandunpredictable,the21stcenturywarfighterisstilloperatingfromrapidlyagingandpoorlyconfiguredinstallationinfrastructure.Cutstooverallfundinghave,inturn,forcedtheServicestomakeoutsizedcutstotheinfrastructurebudgetinrecentyearstofundotherurgentpriorities.Consequently,ourmilitaryinfrastructureisfailing,whilenewrequirementsremainunexecutedaspartofagrowingmulti-billion-dollarbacklogofmaintenance,repairandconstruction.Tocounterthesetrends,theNDAAcontinuesinstallationmanagementreformstartedintheFY2017NDAA,enablingmoreresilientandsustainablefacilities,whileacceleratingreadinessrecoveryinthemosteffectiveandaffordablemannerpossible.TheNDAA:
● Makesiteasiertocompletesmallprojectsandreuseolderfacilities:Doublestheauthorizedcostthresholdforunspecifiedminorconstructionprojects,enablinginstallationcommandersanddefenseagenciestomeetemergentfacilityrequirementswhileacceleratingthedivestitureorrecapitalizationofantiquatedandpoorlyconfiguredinfrastructure.
● IncreasesfundingtosupportmilitaryfacilitiesabovethePresident'sinitialbudgetrequest.Insodoing,itsupports90percentofrequirementsforfacilitiessustainmentandasignificantincreaseforfacilitiesrestorationandmodernization.Additionally,thebillincreasesfundingforfacilitiesrestorationandmodernizationby$1.4billion.Theincreasedfundingwillrestoreandmaintaininfrastructure,rangingfrombarrackstohospitalsandrunwaystohangers.EachoftheseinvestmentswasidentifiedasacriticalrequirementbythemilitaryservicesandvalidatedbySecretaryMattis.
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ComparisonofPresident'sinitialbudgetrequesttoFY18NDAA
PRESIDENT'SINITIALBUDGETREQUEST
SERVICE/COCOMIDENTIFIEDSHORTFALL
CONFERENCEREPORTPROVIDES
MILITARYPAYRAISE Requested2.1%increase,0.3%belowECI
Committeeaction Funds2.4%increase,matchingECIasrequiredbylaw
F-35 70aircraftrequested 24aircraft 90aircraftF/A18 14aircraftrequested 10aircraft 24aircraftV-22 6aircraftrequested 6aircraft 12aircraftAH-64E 61aircraftrequested 11aircraft 71aircraftCH-47 6aircraftrequested 13aircraft 14aircraftCH-53K 4aircraftrequested 2aircraft 4aircraftUH-60M 48aircraftrequested 15aircraft 53aircraftAH-1Z 22aircraftrequested 7aircraft 29aircraftHC-130J 2aircraftrequested 1aircraft 3aircraftMC-130J 5aircraftrequested 6aircraft 11aircraftKC-130J 2aircraftrequested 4aircraft 6aircraftKC-46A 15aircraftrequested 2aircraft 17aircraftE-2D 5aircraftrequested 0aircraft 5aircraftP-8A 7aircraftrequested 3aircraft 10aircraftMQ-1EXTENDEDRANGEGRAYEAGLES
11aircraftrequested 10aircraft 17aircraft
MQ-9REAPER 16aircraftrequested N/A 16aircraftRQ/MQ-4 3aircraftrequested $39.6million 3/$57.9millionJSTARSRECAP $417.2million
requestedN/A $417.2million
NAVYAVIATIONSPARESANDREPAIRPARTS
$1.7billionrequested $168.0million $1.9billion
DDG-51 2destroyersrequested Committeeactiontospeedthefleet
3destroyers
LITTORALCOMBATSHIP
1LCSrequested Committeeactiontospeedthefleet
3LCS
LPD-30ORLX(R) Nofundsrequested Committeeactiontospeedthefleet
1LPD-30orLX(R)
ESD Nofundsrequested Committeeactiontospeedthefleet
1ESD
SHIPTOSHORECONNECTOR
3SSCrequested 5SSC 8SSC
ABRAMSTANKUPGRADES
56requested 29tanks 85tanks
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BRADLEYFIGHTINGVEHICLES
60requested 33vehicles 93vehicles
HERCULESIMPROVEDRECOVERYVEHICLES
16requested 35vehicles 51vehicles
STRYKERDOUBLEV-HULL
$97.6millionrequested 116vehicles 116vehicles
STRYKERLETHALITY Nofundsrequested $354.0million $177millionJOINTLIGHTTACTICALVEHICLE
2,777requested N/A 2,777vehicles
AMPHIBIOUSCOMBATVEHICLE
26requested N/A 26vehicles
ARMOREDMULTIPURPOSEVEHICLE
107requested N/A 107vehicles
AMMOINDUSTRIALBASE
$329.3millionrequested
$100.0million $429.3million
ATACMS 121ATACMs 75ATACMs 196ATACMsRAMBLOCKII 60missilesrequested 60missiles 120missilesSTINGERMISSILES 1,100requested 576 1,676StingermissilesJAVELINS 794requested 373Javelinmissiles 1,167JavelinmissilesJOINTDIRECTATTACKMUNITION
34,529requested N/A 34,529JDAMs
SMALLDIAMETERBOMBS
7,312requested N/A 7,312bombs
GUIDEDMULTIPLELAUNCHROCKETSYSTEMS
6,000requested $14.5million(toolingforincreasedcapacity)
6,000systems/$14.5million(toolingforincreasedcapacity)
AMRAAM 325requested $12.0million(guidancesectionupgrades)
325AMRAAMs/$12.0million(guidancesectionupgrades)
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CONFRONTINGAGGRESSION&ADDRESSINGTHREATSEnhancingMissileDefenseTheNDAAadds$4.4billionabovethePresident'sinitialbudgetrequesttomeetcriticalmissiledefenseneeds.Italsorecognizestheincreasingquantitativeandqualitativenatureoftheballisticmissilethreatswefaceasanation.Giventheincreasedthreatsagainstourhomeland,particularlyfromNorthKorea,theNDAAauthorizesupto28additionalGround-BasedInterceptorsandrequirestheSecretaryofDefensetodevelopaplanforincreasingtheoverallnumberfrom44to104interceptors.ThebillalsoauthorizesfundingtoprocureadditionalSM-3IB,THAAD,andPatriotMSEinterceptors,alongwithadditionalinvestmentsintheGround-basedMidcourseDefenseSystem,andboostphasemissiledefense.Toensureweremainfaraheadofthethreat,theNDAArequirestheMissileDefenseAgencytodevelopaspace-basedsensorlayerforballisticmissiledefense.Tocombatincreasingthreatsandenablecriticalmodernizationasquicklyaspossible,thebillgivestheArmyonefinalchancetoproposeanacquisitionscheduleandmodernizationprogramfortheArmy’sAirandMissileDefenseSensorProgram.Otherwise,theprogramwillbetransferredtotheMissileDefenseAgency.TheNDAAalsoprovidesIsraeltheresourcesithasrequested,approximately$705million,forco-production,includingintheUnitedStates,andco-developmentofIsraelimissiledefensesystems,includingIronDome,David’sSling,andArrow.Indo-Asia-PacificRegionTheNDAAmakeskeyinvestmentsincriticalcapabilitiestosupportU.S.militaryreadiness,deteraggression,andtorespondtocrisesintheIndo-Asia-PacificRegion.Itseekstopositionsufficientforcesforwardandinvestsincriticalmunitionsandjointtrainingexercises.ItreaffirmsU.S.extendeddeterrencecommitmentstoourallies,condemnsanyassertionthatlimitstherightoffreedomofnavigationandoverflight,andbolstersourstrongalliancesandpartnershipsintheIndo-Asia-Pacificregion.Thisyear,theNDAAauthorizestheSecretaryofDefensetoestablishthe“Indo-Asia-PacificStabilityInitiative”tohelppreservepeace,stability,andsecurityintheregionbydevelopingandcarryingoutaprogramofactivitiestoincreasethepresence,capabilities,andpostureoftheUSMilitaryintheregionandtoenhancemilitarytrainingandexerciseswithalliesandpartnernations.TheNDAAalsorequirestheDepartmentofDefensetoprovidestrategiesandplansthatwouldprioritizeUnitedStatesdefenseinterestsintheregion,assessUnitedStatesforcepostureandbasingneeds,assesstheUnitedStatesdefenseimplicationsofChina’sexpandingglobalaccess.CongressrecognizesthatNorthKorea’ssuccessfultestofanintercontinentalballisticmissileandnuclearexplosivetestsconstituteagraveandimminentthreattotheUnitedStatessecurityandtothesecurityofU.S.alliesandpartners.ToaddresstheNorthKoreanthreat,theNDAArequiresthePresidenttoclarifyU.S.strategyandobjectivesonNorthKoreaandbolstersourMissileDefenseresources(seeMissileDefensesectionbelow).ItalsoreaffirmsU.S.securitycommitmentstothe
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GovernmentsofJapanandSouthKorea,supportseffortstodeepentrilateralcooperation,andcallsforaplantoenhancetheextendeddeterrenceandassurancecapabilitiesoftheUnitedStatesintheIndo-Asia-Pacificregion.TheNDAAalsoseekstoadvancedefensecooperationbetweentheUnitedStatesandIndiaandtostrengthenthedefensepartnershipbetweentheUnitedStatesandTaiwan,toincludenormalizingthearmssalesprocesswithTaiwanandtakingstepstoenhancetrainingandexercisesandpromoteseniorofficialexchanges.ThebillalsoapprovesofanagreementsupplementaltotheCompactReviewAgreementwiththeRepublicofPalau.AfghanistanInsupportofthePresident’sSouthAsiaStrategy,theNDAAprovidesforarobustAfghanistanSecurityForcesFundtosupportourAfghanallieswhohavesufferedsignificantlossesinthefightagainsttheTalibanandotherterroristorganizations.ThefundprovidesforenhancementsforthemostsuccessfulelementsoftheAfghanArmedForces,andincludesfundsfortheAfghanAirForce’sfixedandrotarywingfleetandfundstheexpansionoftheAfghanistanSpecialSecurityForces.Atthesametime,thebillalsoprovidestoolstosupportPresidentGhani’santi-corruptionefforts.ItalsodirectstheSecretaryofDefensetoprovideanAfghanistanstrategythatwilllookbeyondthenextfiveyearstodescribethetrajectoryofU.S.effortsinAfghanistanandassessthetimelineandtotalresourcesnecessarytoachieveU.S.objectives.Syria&IraqTheNDAAprovidesforU.S.supporttopartnerforcesengagedincombatingtheISISthroughOperationINHERENTRESOLVE.ThissupporthasbeencriticaltocreatingthemomentumnecessarytocurtailISISexpansion,recoverterritoryinIraqandSyria,andrefitpartnerforcesafterdifficultcombatmissions.TheNDAAalsodirectstheDepartmentofDefenseprovideacomprehensive,regionalstrategyforSyriathatdescribesU.S.long-termobjectivesinthewakeofactivecombatagainstISIS.UkraineTheConfereesremaincommittedtoprovidedefensivelethalassistancetoUkrainetoallowittobetterdefenditselfagainstRussianaggression.TheNDAAbuildsonthelasttwoyears’authorizationsandappropriationsbyproviding$350millionfortheUkraineSecurityAssistanceInitiativetohelptrain,equip,andassisttheUkrainianmilitary,NationalGuard,andsecurityservices.RussiaOverthepastyear,RussiahasmaintaineditsgainsinUkraine,continuedsupportfortheAssadregimeinSyria,interferedinU.S.elections,violatedlandmarkdisarmamenttreaties,andcontinuedtotakeunprecedentedprovocativeactionsagainstU.S.,NATO-allied,andpartnershipsandplanes.These
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eventsallpointtotheimportanceofensuringtheU.S.Militaryhasthecapabilityneededtoprotectthecountryandourinterests,andtoassureAmerica’salliesandpartners.RussiahasemployedconventionalandunconventionalwarfaremethodstocounterU.S.andwesterninterests.TheNDAAincludesanew2-yearauthorityexpresslyforSpecialOperationForcestocounterirregularandunconventionalwarfarethreatssuchasthosebeingposedbyRussiaandotheradversaries.Also,tohelpaddressthisaggression,CongressauthorizedtheEuropeanDeterrenceInitiative(EDI),beginningin2015.Thisyear,theNDAAsupportsanothersignificantincreasetoEDIfunding.ThisfundingcontinuesthetransitionfromanassuranceposturetodeterrenceagainstRussianaggression.Theseresourcesareallocatedtospecificrequirements,includingheel-to-toerotationsofU.S.combatunitsintotheregion,thepre-positioningofuptoadivisionset’sworthofequipmentinEurope,vitalinfrastructureimprovementsfortheU.S.AirForce,andadditionaltrainingandexercises.TheNDAArequirestheDepartmentofDefensetostopfurtherconsolidationofEuropean-basedU.S.militaryfacilitiesandinfrastructure,undertheEuropeanInfrastructureConsolidation,untiltheDepartmentevaluatesandreportstotheCongressontheplantoadjustthepostureofrotationalandpermanentU.S.ForcesinEuropetodeterRussia.TheNDAAprovides$100millionfortheBalticnationstodevelopjointdefenseprogramstoincreasetheirstrengthandresiliencyagainstRussianaggression.TheNDAAprovidesincreasedfundingforU.S.intelligenceandwarningcapabilities,technologiessupportingU.S.informationoperations,andstrategiccommunicationsactivities.ItalsoprovidesincreasedfundingforadditionalmodernizedgroundcombatvehiclestoincludeAbramstanksandBradleyfightingvehicles,shortrangeairdefensecapabilities,Javelinanti-tankmissiles,conventionalandpreferredmunitions,vehicleactiveprotectionsystemsandaircraftsurvivabilityequipment.TofurtheraddressRussianaggression,theNDAArestrictsspendingontheOpenSkiesTreatytoprotectU.S.nationalsecurityandwouldimposenewprocesseswithrespecttooverflightsasaresultofRussianviolationofthistreaty.ItalsotakessignificantactionsconcerningRussia’sviolationoftheINFtreaty,including$58milliontodevelopmilitaryoptionstorespondtoRussiancapabilitiesdeployedinviolationoftheTreaty,andestablishinganewprogramofrecordtofacilitatetreatycompliantresearchanddevelopmentofaU.S.ground-launchedcruisemissilesystem.Additionally,theNDAArequiresimplementationofsanctionsonRussiaenactedintheFY17NationalDefenseAuthorization,whichpenalizeRussiaforitsbroad-spectrumviolationsofarmscontroltreatiesandagreements.Lastly,itrequiresthePresidenttoidentifyinapublicdocumentRussiansinvolvedinviolationoftheINFtreatyandotherseniorRussianpoliticalandmilitaryleaders,andtodevelopdraftregulationsthatwillbethebasisoffuturesanctionslegislationagainstRussia,includingassetseizuresandtravelbans.AstheCommanderofU.S.PacificCommand,AdmiralHarryHarrisrecentlytestified,“thereareonlytwocountriesthatsignedontoandoneofthemdoesn’tfollowit.Thatbecomesaunilaterallimitationonus.”
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AfricaTheConfereesremainconcernedaboutthreatstoU.S.nationalsecurityinAfrica.TheNDAAfocusesontheDepartmentofDefense'sabilitytorespondtocrisesontheAfricancontinentandtoaddresscurrentandevolvingthreats,andrequiresthePresidenttoclarifyU.S.strategicobjectivesinSomaliaandNigeria.CounterterrorismTheNDAAprovidestheresourcesnecessaryfortheDepartmentofDefensetocontinuetoprotectU.S.interestsfromterroristgroupsacrosstheglobe.TheNDAAfullyresourcesandauthorizescounterterrorismeffortsandU.S.SpecialOperationsForces,programs,andactivities,includingongoingoperationsinIraq,Syria,Afghanistan,Yemen,Somalia,andelsewhere.Thebillprovidesadditionalresourcesforunfundedrequirementstocounterglobalterrorismthreats,includingthreatsemanatingfromtheMiddleEast.Additionalresourcesareprovidedtoacceleratedevelopmentanddeploymentofanalyticalcapabilitiestosupportcounterterrorismanalysesandanalytictools.TheNDAAstrengthenscongressionaloversightofongoingcounterterrorismandunconventionalwarfareoperationsandprograms,includingvariousIntelligenceactivities.Thereisalsoathree-yearextensionoftheauthoritytosupporttheunifiedcounterdrugandcounterterrorismcampaigninColombia.Additionally,theNDAAmandatesareviewandassessmentforpersonnelrecoveryandnon-conventionalrecoveryassistedrecoverymechanismsandcapabilities,toensurethatourmilitarypersonnelhavesufficientresourcesavailablewhenoperatinginremote,difficult,anddangerousenvironments.Intelligence,Counterintelligence,andSecurityTheNDAAprovidespolicyguidanceandresourcestoimprovetheabilityofthedepartmenttodefeatcriticalthreatstoDODpersonnel,equipment,installationsandcriticaltechnologydevelopments.ItalsotakesstepstoaddressthebacklogofnationalsecurityclearancesbyprovidingauthoritiestotheSecretaryofDefensetoaddresshigh-prioritybackgroundinvestigations.TheNDAAdirectschangestoprocessesgoverningtheapprovalofclassifiedinformationprocessingfacilitiesforcompaniesseekingtodobusinesswiththeDepartmentofDefense,makingiteasierforsmallbusinessesandnon-traditionaldefensecontractorstoprovideinnovativeideastotheDepartmentinaclassifiedenvironment.TheCommitteehasreceivedmultiplebriefingsonthreatstotheUnitedStatestechnologicaladvantagesfrominvestmentsfromforeignstateownedorstatecontrolledentities.ThesebriefingshavemadeitclearseveraladversarialnationsareseekingtoexploitregulatoryprocessestogainaccesstosensitiveU.S.defensetechnologies.TheNDAAdirectstheSecretaryofDefensetodevelopaplantostrengthenDoDinputintotheinteragencyapprovalprocess,andprovideCongresswith
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recommendationstoimprovethegovernmentwidecoordinationandcollaborationtoidentifyandpreventforeigninvestmentsthatcouldimpairthenationalsecurityoftheUnitedStates.CounteringThreatsPosedbyUnmannedAircraftSystemsTheNDAAbuildsuponlastyear’scounter-unmannedaircraftsystems(CUAS)authoritytoaddressemergingunmannedaircraftthreatsfromoperatorsremotelypilotingunmannedaircraftinarecklessorunauthorizedmannernearoroverDepartmentofDefensefacilitiesandassetslocatedintheUnitedStates,itsterritories,andpossessions.TheNDAAauthorizessixadditionalmissionareas,inadditiontothethree-authorizedlastyear,thatDODmaydeployandemployCUAScapabilitiesafterclosecoordinationwiththeSecretaryofTransportationtodeconflictCUASoperations,ifnecessary,toensuresafetyandsecurityofoperationsforothersoperatingwithintheNationalAirspaceSystem.TheNDAAsupportsresponsibleandaccountableintegrationofunmannedaircraftintotheNationalAirspaceSystemforbothcivilianandmilitaryoperations,butprospectivelyprovidesnecessaryauthoritytoprotecthigh-priorityDODfacilitiesandassetsfromanynefarioususeofunmannedaircraft,whilepreservingessentialrightsaffordedU.S.citizensunderArticle4oftheConstitution.ForeignMilitarySales(FMS)TheNDAAbuildsupontheworkconductedbytheHASCOversight&InvestigationsSubcommitteetocontinuetoimprovetheForeignMilitarySalesprocesstoensureourpartnerscanprocureU.S.defenseproductsthatsupportourstrategicobjectivesandindustry.Amongotherprovisions,itwouldestablishspecificmilestonesandstandardtimelineswithDODforforeignmilitarysales.DefenseSecurityCooperationTheDepartmentofDefensetrainsandequipssomeofourforeignpartnersthroughDefenseSecurityCooperationarrangementssoouralliescanmeettheirownsecurityneedsinsupportofU.S.strategicobjectives,andreducethelikelihoodthatU.S.Forceswillneedtobeemployed.TheNDAAcontinuestoadvancetheprogressmadeinlastyear'sNDAAtoreformdefensesecuritycooperationinordertoensuretrainingandequipmentisprovidedeffectivelyandefficiently.AssuredAccesstoSpaceTheCommitteecontinuestoviewthenation’sassuredaccesstospaceasanationalsecuritypriority.ThisincludesacontinuedfocusonthedevelopmentofanewU.S.rocketenginetoreplacetheRussianRD-180enginecurrentlyinuse.AU.S.engineensureswedonotloseexistingandhighly-capablelaunchvehicles,andprioritizingnationalsecurity-specificrequirementsovernewlaunchvehiclestoprotectassuredaccesstospaceandendrelianceonRussianengines.TheCommitteealsoseestheneedtoensurethatDoDfundsauthorizedforthedevelopmentofexistingandplannedcommerciallaunchvehiclesthatareprimarilyfornationalsecurityspacemissionstomeettheassuredaccesstospacerequirements.
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StrengtheningourNuclearDeterrentTheNDAAauthorizesthefullbudgetrequestforDepartmentofDefensenuclearforcesandfortheNationalNuclearSecurityAdministration’s(NNSA)nuclearweaponsactivitiesanddefensenuclearnonproliferationprogram.Thisincludescriticaleffortstomaintainandmodernizeournation’snuclearbombers,ballisticmissiles,andsubmarinesaswellthenation’snuclearweaponsstockpile.TheNDAAprovidesNNSAenhancedauthorityandadditionalfundingtomoreeffectivelyandmorequicklycorrectthedecrepitstateofournuclearweaponsproductioninfrastructure.TheNDAAcreatesstrongoversightprocessesandintelligenceanalysisfunctionstoensurethenation’snuclearcommand,control,andcommunicationssystemremainsrobustandsecureduringongoingrecapitalizationefforts.CyberWarfareandCyberOperationsTheNDAAfullyfunds$8billionforcyberoperations,anincreaseof$1.7billion,andfullysupportstheDepartment’sdefensiveandoffensivecyberspacecapabilitiesandstrategies.Itprovides$647millionforU.S.CyberCommand,anincreaseof16percent.TheNDAAcontinuestobuildandenhanceU.S.cyberwarfareactivitiesandcapabilitieswithinCYBERCOM,acrosstheServices,andwithintheIntelligenceCommunity,includingresiliencyofDODnetworks,weaponssystems,andsupplychains.ItalsoclarifiesthefunctionsofU.S.CyberCommandandrefinescommandandcontrolresponsibilitiesofthecommander.TheU.S.CyberCommandandtheU.S.StrategicCommandcommandersarealsorequiredtojointlyassessthecyberresiliencyofthenuclearcommandandcontrolsystem.TheNDAAaddressesmilitaryservices’unfundedrequirementsbyprovidingadditionalfundingtoclosecriticalcybergaps.ItincreasescongressionaloversightofcyberoperationsbyensuringCongressiskeptfullyinformedofsensitivemilitarycyberoperations.ItalsobolstersinternationalpartnershipsforcyberwarfaretocounteraggressiveadversariessuchasRussia,China,andNorthKorea.Importantly,reportingisrequiredonmaliciouscyberactivitiesspecificallyfromRussiaandotheradversaries.SupportisincludedforthosewithintheIndo-Asia-PacificregionandourNATOpartnerstonotonlyenhancepartneredcybercapabilitiesandinformationsharing,butalsotocounterandmitigateadversarialpropagandaeffortsandinformationwarfarecampaigns.TheNDAAincreasescyberandinformationoperations,deterrence,anddefense.Astrongemphasisisplacedontheneedtodevelopacomprehensivecyberdeterrencestrategy.TheConferenceReportdirectsthearticulationofacomprehensivenationalpolicyoncyberthattheUnitedStatesshouldemployallinstrumentsofnationalpowertodeterandrespondtoanyandallcyber-attacksormaliciousactivitiesthattargetU.S.interestswiththeintenttocauseharmorchaostoindividuals,ourdemocraticsociety,orinfrastructure.
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DetentionFacilityatGuantanamoBay
TheNDAAcarriestheannualrestrictionsagainsttransferringdetaineesfromthedetentionfacilityatGuantanamoBaytotheUnitedStates,buildingormodifyingfacilitiesintheUnitedStatesforhousingdetainees,andtransferringdetaineestocertaincountries.ThebillalsoprohibitsDODfromusinganyfundstoreturncontrolovertheU.S.NavalBaseatGuantanamoBaytoCuba.
REBUILDINGEquipmentModernizationEightyearsofconstrainedbudgetsandconsistenthigh-operationaltempohasforcedthemilitaryservicestodeferbuyingmoremodernandcapableequipment,insteadrelyingonrepairingexistingequipment.Today,muchofthatequipmentcannolongerbesafelyrepaired,orthecostofdoingsoishigherthanbringingmoremodernplatformsintoservice.TheNDAAauthorizeskeyinvestmentstoacceleratefieldingofnew,moreeffective,lethal,andreliableandcost-effectiveplatforms.Italsoprovidesadditionalcapacityforhigh-demandassetstoreducethestressontheforce,rebuildthedepth-of-benchincriticalcapabilityareas,andbeginsapathtorestoringfull-spectrumreadiness.ArmoredBrigadeCombatTeamModernizationTheArmy’smodernizationfundinghasdeclined74percentfrom2008-2015becauseofsequestrationandContinuingResolutions.Asaresult,GeneralDanAllyn,theViceChiefofStaffoftheArmytestified,today’sArmyis“out-ranged,outgunned,andoutdated;andonourpresentcourse,theU.S.Armywillnotbesufficientlymoderntodeteranddefeatpotentialenemies.”UnderthePresident’sbudget,theArmywillnotcompletemodernizingtheirAbramstanksuntil2035.TheNDAAprovidesadditionalfundingtoaddressunfundedrequirementstoacceleratearmoredbrigadecombatteammodernizationandworkstorestoreneededcapabilitytoArmyArmoredBrigadeCombatTeams(ABCTs)toensurecontinuedgroundcombatovermatch.Specifically,theNDAA:● Authorizesover$1.1billionfor85M1A2SEPv3Abramstanks,themostmodernizedversionofthe
Abramstank.Thisrepresentsanincreaseof$375.0millionabovethePresident’sinitialbudgetrequestandaddressesapreviouslyunfundedrequirement.
● Authorizes$311millionfor93M2A4Bradleyfightingvehicles,themostmodernizedversionofthe
Bradley,aswellasothermodifications.Thisrepresentsanincreaseof$111.0millionabovethePresident’sinitialrequestandfullysupportsanotherpreviouslyunfundedrequirement.
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● Authorizes$194.4millionfor51HERCULESimprovedrecoveryvehicles,theprimarysinglerecoveryvehicleinABCTs.Thisrepresentsanincreaseof$122.0millionovertheinitialbudgetrequestandfullysupportsanunfundedrequirement.
● FullysupportsthePresident'sinitialbudgetrequestfortheArmoredMultipurposeVehicle
program. ● FullysupportsthePresident'sinitialbudgetrequestfortheJointLightTacticalVehicleprogram. ● DirectstheSecretaryoftheArmytoprovidealong-terminvestmentstrategythatsufficientlyfunds
improvementsandneededmodernizationforArmyAmmunitionPlantstohelpimprovesafetyandcapacity.
● DirectstheSecretaryoftheArmytodevelopacomprehensivemodernizationstrategyforthe
totalArmytoincludeadetaileddescriptionofitscombatvehiclemodernizationprioritiesoverthenext5and10years.ThisstrategywillexplicitlyaddresstheArmy'svision,endstate,keyobjectives,warfightingchallenges,andrisks.
MaintainingAirDominanceTestimonyfromseniorNavyandMarineCorpsleadersthisyearhaveindicatedthatover60percentofDepartmentofNavyF-18scannotfly.Worse,thetwoservicesareshortover100aircraft.SeniorAirForceofficialshavealsostatedthat“wehavebecomeoneofthesmallest,oldest-equipped,andleastreadyforcesacrossthefull-spectrumofoperations,intheAirForce’shistory…”TheNDAAprovidestheauthorityfortheprocurementofEconomicOrderQuantitiesforF-35JointStrikeFighterstoreducecoststothetaxpayerbyauthorizingbulkprocurementofcommonmanufacturingmaterialswhilealsorequiringcontinuedoversightthroughDODcertificationsregardingdesignstabilityandcostsavingsestimates.ItalsodirectsareportontheextensionoftheSystemDesignandDevelopment(SDD)phaseoftheF-35JointStrikeFighterprogram,whichisexpectedtofinishinFY18.TheNDAAfullyfundsresearch,development,testandevaluationoftheMQ-25Aunmannedaerialtanker.Primarily,thisnewcarrier-basedassetwillenablethecarrierairwing(CVW)toincreaseitsstrikingrangebyhundredsofmiles,thusenablingCVWaircrafttopenetratedeeperintocontestedairspace.Secondarily,theMQ-25Awillbecapableofcollectingandsharingintelligence,surveillanceandreconnaissanceinformation.Ineffect,theMQ-25AwillactasaforcemultiplierbyincreasingsituationalawarenessofemployedforceswhileincreasingthenumberofF-18savailableforcombatmissionsbyeliminatingthecurrentrequirementfortheseassetstoprovideairrefuelingsupport.TogeneratebettercostsavingsforthetaxpayerandprovideneededcapabilitytotheNavyandMarineCorps,theNDAAauthorizesmultiyearprocurementauthoritiesforV-22Ospreytiltrotoraircraft.
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Itprovidesanadditional$522.0millionfor6V-22aircraftsupportingNavyandMarineCorpsunfundedrequirements;anadditional$103.0millionforA-10wingupgradestoaddressanAirForceunfundedrequirement;andanadditional$220.5millionfor7AH-1ZattackhelicopterstohelpaddressanunfundedrequirementfortheMarineCorps.EachoftheseinvestmentswasidentifiedasacriticalrequirementbythemilitaryservicesandvalidatedbySecretaryMattis.StrikeFighterShortfallTohelpaddressstrike-fightercapabilityandcapacityshortfalls,theNDAAincludesover$2.5billioninadditionalfundingtoprocureadditionalF-35As,F-35BsandF-35Cstoaddressunfundedrequirementsandhelpaccelerateneeded5thgenerationstrike-fightercapabilitytotheAirForce,NavyandMarineCorps.Thebillalsoprovidesanadditional$739.0milliontoprocure10additionalF/A-18E/FSuperHornetstosupportaNavyunfundedrequirement.ArmyAviationToaddressunfundedrequirementsandtoacceleratemodernizationofArmyrotorcraftfortheActiveandReserveComponents,theNDAAprovidesadditionalfundingforUH-60MBlackhawks,AH-64EApaches,andCH-47FChinookhelicopters,specifically:● $108.0millionfor5UH-60MsfortheArmyNationalGuard ● $273.7millionfor8AH-64Es ● $108.0millionfor4CH-47FBlockIs ● $246.5millionfor4MH-47Gs ● $16.7millionfor3UH-60Vs CriticalMunitionsTheConfereesremainconcernedaboutshortfallsincriticalmunitions.Toaddressthisgap,theNDAAauthorizesadditionalfundingforcriticalmunitionsinwarreserves,improvesthemanufacturingcapacityofthemunitionsindustrialbase,andaccelerateslongrangeprecisionfiresprograms.TheNDAA:● Providesadditionalfundingforcriticalmunitionstoaddressshortfallsinwarreserves,improve
themanufacturingcapacityofthemunitionsindustrialbase,andacceleratelong-rangeprecisionfiresprograms.
● SupportsthePresident’srequestforJointDirectAttackMunitionsandSmallDiameterBombs,
criticalmunitionsbeingusedinOperationINHERENTRESOLVEtomaximizecurrentproductioncapacityforthesemunitions.
● Authorizesanadditional$100milliontoaddressanunfundedrequirementforcriticallyneeded
modernizationeffortsrequiredtoimprovecapacityandsafetyatArmyAmmunitionPlants,and
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directsabriefingfromtheSecretaryoftheArmyonthelong-terminvestmentstrategyformodernizationoftheseplants.
● Authorizesanadditional147lowertierairandmissiledefenseinterceptorstofullymeetthe
Army’srequirement. ● SupportsthebudgetrequestforArmyandMarineCorpsGuidedMultipleLaunchedRocket
Systems(GMLRS),ahighprioritymunitionforgroundforces.TheNDAAmaximizescurrentproductioncapacityforGMLRSbyprovidinganadditional$14.5milliontoaddressanArmyunfundedrequirementthatwouldprovidethetoolingnecessarytoincreasemaximumproductionratesforGMLRSrockets.
● Authorizesanadditional$69.4millionforArmyTacticalMissiles,acriticallyneededsurface-to-
surfacemunitionforfullspectrumoperationsandlong-rangefires. ● Authorizesanadditional$183.5milliontoaddressanArmyunfundedrequirement
tomaximizeproductioncapacityofExcalibur155mmprecisionguidedartilleryrounds. ISRIntelligence,Surveillance,andReconnaissance(ISR)isacriticalcapabilityofourmilitarythatenableswarfighterstoeffectivelybuildsituationalawarenesstomitigateoperationalriskwhileaccomplishingtheirmissions.RepeatedtestimonyfromseniormilitaryleadersindicatesasignificantISRshortfallwithinmultipleintelligencedisciplines.TheNDAAmakesprogressonaddressingthisshortfallbystrengtheningandimprovingISRinvestmentstrategiesinordertobettermeetcombatantcommanderISRrequirements.Italso:prohibitstheretirementoftheU-2andRQ-4GlobalHawk,supportsanimprovedandacceleratedacquisitionstrategytorecapitalizeE-8CJointSurveillanceTargetingandReconnaissanceSystemplatforms;authorizesanadditional$60millionfor6ExtendedRange(ER)ImprovedGrayEagle(IGE)AirVehicles;supportsincreasedfundingfordevelopmentofISRsensorssupportingtheU-2,MQ-4,andwide-areamotionimagerycapabilities;and,addressesadministrativedeficienciesrelatedtoNationalGuardaccesstoDOD-ownedandallocatedunmannedaircraftsystemsthatsupportindividualState’sdisaster-responseandotheroperationalandtrainingmissions.TheNDAAalsoappointstheChairmanoftheJointChiefsofStaffastheISRfunctionalmanagerforintegration,synchronization,andallocationoftheDepartment’sairborneISRcapabilitiestoefficientlyandeffectivelysupportISRrequirementsofthecombatantcommanders.StrykerCombatVehicles TheNDAAauthorizesanadditional$348.0millionfor116doubleV-hullStrykercombatvehiclesinordertocompletethe4thStrykerBrigadeCombatTeamvehiclesetofthesehighlysurvivablecombatvehicles.ThisinvestmentwasidentifiedasacriticalrequirementbythemilitaryservicesandvalidatedbySecretaryMattis.
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Italsoauthorizesanadditional$177milliontobeginequippingasecondSBCTwitha30mmcannonlethalityupgrade,whichaddressanotherArmyunfundedrequirement.MarineCorpsCombatVehiclesTheNDAAsupportsthePresident'sinitialbudgetrequestfortheAmphibiousCombatVehicleIncrement1.1program,authorizing$161.5millionfor26lowrateproductionvehicles.Short-RangeAirDefenseTheArmyhasidentifiedsignificantcapabilityandcapacityshortfallsinshort-rangeairdefenseartillery(SHORAD)forcestructureandposture.Givencurrentandemergingthreats,toincludetheproliferationofsmall,unmannedaircraftaswellasnear-peerandpeercompetitor'santi-accessandareadenialcapability,thiswasahighpriorityforthecommittee.TheNDAAprovidesanadditional$632.0milliontofullysupportArmyunfundedrequirementsforSHORAD.ElectronicWarfareToenhancecapabilitiesacrossanarrayofelectronicwarfaresystems,theNDAAsupportsprogrammaticincreasesrelatedtogroundandairborneunfundedrequirementsofover$60.0million.
FORCEPROJECTION&STRATEGICPRESENCE
TheNDAAprioritizesforceprojectionoftheU.S.Militaryanditsabilitytomaintainastrategicpresence.InordertoadvancetheChiefofNavalOperationsvisionofa355-shipNavy,theConfereesbelievethatlong-termcontractswiththeshipbuildingindustryareessentialtoreducingcostsanddeliveringtheshipsweneed.TheNDAAprovidesauthorityfortheDepartmentoftheNavytoenterintolongtermcontractsforArleighBurkeclassdestroyersandVirginiaclasssubmarines.Thesefive-yearcontractsareprojectedtosavealmost15percentoveratypicalprocurementthatordersshipsonanannualbasis.NationalSea-BasedDeterrenceFundTheDepartmentoftheNavy’shighestpriorityforthefutureisthetimelyprocurementof12Columbia-classballisticmissilesubmarines.Manyofthecomponentsassociatedwiththesesubmarinesarecommonacrosstheunderseaindustrialbase.TheConfereesbelievethatefficienciescanbeobtainedbyprocuringcommonequipmentwithothersimilarplatformssuchastheVirginia-classattacksubmarinesandFordclassaircraftcarriers.ThebillexpandstheNavy’sabilitytoefficientlyprocure
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additionalequipment,savingseveralhundredmilliondollarswitheachsubmarineandaircraftcarrier.AcceleratingtheFutureNavyFleetInkeepingwiththePresident’spledgetogrowthefleet,theNDAAaddsanadditionalfivebattleforceshipsincludinganArleighBurkeclassdestroyer,twoLittoralCombatShips,aPuller-classExpeditionarySupportBase,andaSanAntonioclassAmphibiousLandingPlatform.Italsosupportsadvanceprocurementforattacksubmarines.ThisisinadditiontotheeightshipsthatwererequestedbytheAdministrationandtakesadvantageofhotproductionlinestodelivertherightcapabilitiesatthelowestcosttothetaxpayers.LongRangeStrikeTheabilityofAirForcebomberstoholdtargetsatriskaroundtheglobewithconventionalornuclearweaponsisdiminishingasadversarycountriesaddhighlysophisticatedairdefenseweaponssystemstotheirarsenals.TheNDAArecognizesthiscriticalchallengetoairpowerandfullysupportsthedevelopmentoftheadvancedstealthB-21program,whichisintendedtorecapitalizetheagingbomberfleetsstartinginthemid-2020s.Airlift,SpecialMissionandAirRefuelingTankersAirliftandairrefuelingaircraftextendthereachofthemilitaryenablingittoconductoperationsonaglobalscale.Theseassetsmustalsooperatethroughoutincreasinglycontestedairspace.TheNDAAboostsAirForceprocurementbyaddingfundsforanadditional2KC-46Aairrefuelingaircraft,6MC-130Jand1HC-130Jspecialmissionaircraft.Italsoprovidesfundstoupgradethepropulsionsystemsof20C-130HtacticalairliftaircraftandfundsupgradedLargeAircraftInfraredCountermeasuresdefensivesystemsforC-5,C-17,andC130aircraftidentifiedontheservice’sunfundedrequirementslist.Inaddition,thebillprovidesfundstoprocureanadditional3P-8A,and4KC-130JaircraftfortheNavyandMarineCorps.ArcticOperationsTheUnitedStateshasfallensignificantlybehindothernationstomaintainassuredoperationsintheArctic.WhiletheHouseArmedServicesCommitteebelievesthattheseoperationsarebestmanagedbytheUnitedStatesCoastGuard,theNDAAprovidestheauthorityforthefirstpolaricebreakertobegintherecapitalizationofexistingCoastGuardfleet.ItalsoprovidesaprocesstoensureastreamlinedacquisitiondecisionprocessthatbetweentheUnitedStatesCoastGuardandtheUnitedStatesNavytoensurethisicebreakercapabilityisdeliveredontimeandwithinbudget.Finally,theNDAArequirestheSecretaryoftheNavytoprovideareporttoCongressonexistingArcticcapabilitiesandanygapsthatexistwiththeoverallArcticrequirements.
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ExpandingtheMerchantMarineWithanaverageageofalmost40years,shipsintheReadyReserveForcearequicklybecomingoutdatedandunabletomeetthesurgesealiftmission.TheNDAAendorsestheAdministration’splanofextendingthecurrentfleet,procuringusedvesselsandsupportingstepstobeginaconstructionprogram.TheNDAAspecificallyauthorizestheprocurementoftwousedsealiftvessels,acableship,andrequestsacomprehensiveplantodeveloptheoverallReadyReserveForce.Furthermore,theNDAAexpandssupportfortheMaritimeSecurityProgramandauthorizes$300milliontoretaincommercialassetsformilitaryuse.Finally,thebillauthorizes$35millionforsmallshipyardgrantstoexpandthecapabilitiesofourexistingmaritimeindustry.