An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

This provision grants the Secretary of the Army authority to enter into multiyear contracts, starting in fiscal year 2027, for the procurement of Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISV), including associated components and support equipment. This authority is subject to existing legal requirements for multiyear procurement and aims to achieve cost savings compared to annual contracting.

This section mandates the full integration of the Army National Guard into the Army's Arctic strategy. It requires identifying specific National Guard units with cold-weather capabilities, establishing a modernization roadmap for Arctic missions, and expanding their participation in Arctic exercises to validate interoperability.

This section prohibits the Department of Defense from destroying, dismantling, scrapping, cannibalizing, or rendering permanently inoperable any aircraft manufactured before December 31, 1945, that is in Navy custody. Such aircraft may only be retained, transferred to eligible entities (museums, federal agencies with preservation capabilities), or deaccessioned under a preservation plan. A waiver is possible only if the aircraft is beyond practical restoration and no eligible entity expresses interest.

This section modifies the inventory requirements for Air Force fighter aircraft. It mandates a total fighter aircraft inventory of not less than 1,800 aircraft from October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2035, and a combat-coded fighter aircraft inventory of not less than 1,369 by December 31, 2030. It also explicitly excludes collaborative combat aircraft from the 'fighter aircraft' definition.

This section directs the Secretary of Defense to develop, test, evaluate, demonstrate, and transition to production a portfolio of alternative, affordable, low-cost weapon systems across eight categories, including hypersonic strike systems, cruise missiles, and various interceptors. The programs must prioritize innovative acquisition strategies, expendable designs, and scalability for high-volume employment, with transition to production by fiscal year 2030.

This section codifies the DoD Research Security Program, aimed at protecting intellectual property and critical technologies at institutions of higher education performing defense research. It establishes a list of 'foreign entities of concern' and 'foreign talent programs' that pose national security threats. Beginning January 1, 2028, covered institutions are prohibited from entering contracts with these entities or nations, with limited waiver provisions and strict reporting requirements for existing contracts.

This section amends Title 10, U.S. Code, to authorize the Secretary of Defense to procure sustainable aviation fuel for operational or training purposes at a cost that exceeds the cost of conventional petroleum-based aviation fuel. This allows the DoD to prioritize environmental goals even if it means higher immediate costs.

This section mandates that the Secretary of Defense initiate interim remedial actions for PFAS contamination at no fewer than 50 covered sites within two years of enactment, consistent with environmental law. Covered sites are those with delayed remedial investigation or feasibility study end dates compared to previous DoD publications. The Secretary must also ensure timely completion of ongoing remedial actions.

This section implements a two-phase prohibition on connected vehicles of concern on military installations. Phase I, starting July 1, 2027, bans vehicles prohibited under 15 CFR part 791. Phase II, starting January 1, 2029, bans additional vehicles determined by the Secretary of Defense to be designed, manufactured, or supplied by foreign entities of concern and posing national security risks. The Secretary must publish a list of banned vehicles and develop an implementation plan, with waivers possible for operational or national security reasons.

This section authorizes the maximum number of active duty personnel for each branch of the Armed Forces as of September 30, 2027. The authorized end strengths are: Army (469,000), Navy (356,600), Marine Corps (173,700), Air Force (330,400), and Space Force (13,200).

This section mandates that all Department of Defense military personnel actions, including promotions, assignments, and schooling selections, be based exclusively on individual merit, fitness, capability, and performance. It explicitly prohibits the consideration of an individual's sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin in these actions, with a limited exception for specific, unconventional missions in foreign countries requiring combatant commander approval.

This section prohibits individuals whose sex is male from participating in athletic programs or activities designated for women or girls at military service academies and DoD schools. It also mandates that multi-occupancy restrooms and changing rooms be designated for exclusive use by males or females, and that permanent sleeping quarters be sex-segregated. Exceptions are provided for training/practice (if no female is deprived of opportunity) and certain emergency/custodial situations.

This section establishes a joint pilot program between the DoD and VA to expand reciprocal access to healthcare facilities, personnel, and services. Its goals include improving access, continuity of care for transitioning service members and veterans, reducing duplication, and enhancing medical readiness. The program will designate 5-10 pilot sites, prioritize transitioning members and those in underserved areas, and allow waivers of administrative requirements. It builds on existing sharing agreements but aims to go further.

This section authorizes the head of an agency to enter into multi-year contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for the procurement of 19 specific munitions systems, including Joint Strike Missiles, Tomahawk Cruise Missiles, Javelin systems, and various bombs and rockets. This authority aims to achieve cost efficiencies and stabilize the industrial base for these critical items.

This section significantly modifies technical data rights for DoD contracts. It establishes 'default government purpose rights' for noncommercial products or services unless contractors provide clear evidence for more restrictive rights. It also introduces provisions for deeming data as government purpose rights if contractors fail to comply with marking requirements and allows for clawback of excessive payments if improper restrictive markings lead to unjustified sole-source environments. It also expands government purpose rights for detailed manufacturing data needed for wartime or contingency operations.

Beginning June 15, 2027, this section prohibits the Secretary of Defense from entering into contracts for goods or services unless the contractor agrees not to purchase its own equity securities or pay dividends/make other capital distributions. A waiver is possible if the contractor commits to a 'qualifying defense investment plan' approved by the Secretary. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, including suspension of payments or contract termination. This authority sunsets on January 1, 2031.

This section establishes an Economic Defense Unit (EDU) within the Department of Defense, led by a Director reporting directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. The EDU is responsible for coordinating economic competition activities, developing requirements and campaign plans for economic competition, conducting analyses, directing execution, and advising on integration into interagency planning. It also leads DoD outreach to private actors in economic competition and sponsors tabletop exercises.

This section redesignates the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness as the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Health Affairs. It also reorganizes Assistant Secretary positions: the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment is redesignated as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment and Readiness (reporting to Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics), and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness is eliminated, with its functions transferred. A new Assistant Secretary of Defense for Housing, Personnel Movement, and Travel Policy is established under the new Under Secretary for Personnel and Health Affairs.

This section establishes a new Under Secretary of Defense for Cyber, Information, and Networks, appointed from civilian life with extensive background in cyber operations or IT. This new Under Secretary will serve as the Principal Cyber Advisor and Chief Information Officer for the DoD, overseeing policy, strategy, and investment priorities for AI, data, cybersecurity, and IT enterprise. The section also establishes a Deputy Under Secretary and Assistant Secretaries for Networks, Cyber Policy, and Resources, and codifies the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer and Chief Information Security Officer under this new role.

This section authorizes the President to establish a new unified combatant command, RASCOM, for robotic and autonomous systems. RASCOM's mission would include force generation, joint training, interoperability, doctrine development, and operational employment through other combatant commands. It would have limited acquisition authority for experimental and rapid prototyping, and a separate major force program category in budget documents. Each service would establish a component command under RASCOM with dedicated career paths.

This section modifies existing law to allow the Secretary of Defense to construct up to two vessels for each class of 'covered vessels' (bulk fuel and strategic sealift) in foreign shipyards, if it's in the national security interest, the foreign country is a treaty ally with capacity, and concurrent direct capital investments are made in the U.S. maritime industrial base to onshore construction of subsequent vessels. It requires a report and certification before funds are obligated, and mandates that critical mission systems are installed in the U.S. or secure allied facilities.

This section mandates a symbolic and administrative change, redesignating the 'Department of Defense' as the 'Department of War' and the 'Secretary of Defense' as the 'Secretary of War' throughout Titles 10, 32, and 37 of the U.S. Code. It includes conforming changes for related terms like 'OSD' to 'Office of the Secretary of War' and 'DoD' to 'Department of War'.

This section makes it unlawful for any person to place, accept, or facilitate a wager regarding a military operation, including contingency operations, sensitive military operations, or wars. It defines 'wager' broadly to include financial instruments tied to event outcomes, but excludes lawful insurance. The provision also includes civil action enforcement by the Attorney General and amends existing federal laws related to illegal gambling to include this prohibition.

This section prohibits the Secretary of Defense from employing a manned platform with offensive lethal weapons capabilities to conduct an attack if it does not include markings to signify its affiliation with the United States Armed Forces and distinguish itself from the civilian population, equipment, or platforms. This requirement does not apply to platforms with purely defensive weapon capabilities.

This section establishes the 'United States-Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Initiative' to bolster defense cooperation between the U.S. and Abraham Accords countries. Its objectives include deterring Iranian aggression, coordinating with the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, and enhancing regional planning and cooperation on capabilities like counter-UAS, air defenses, intelligence, and joint military exercises. The Secretary of Defense must submit a strategy and seek matching funds from participating countries.

This section authorizes up to $36 million in assistance (training, equipment, logistics) to vetted divisions of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to counter Hezbollah, ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups, and to bolster LAF capacity to disarm Hezbollah. Funds are contingent on the Secretary of Defense certifying that the Government of Lebanon has declared Hezbollah's military activities illegal and that the LAF is actively working to disarm Hezbollah and prevent Iranian support. Quarterly reports are required.

This section establishes a U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Defense Innovation Working Group to explore co-development, co-production, acquisition, and transfer of 'covered systems' (expendable, low-cost unmanned systems and counter-UAS capabilities). The group will analyze lessons learned from Ukraine's battlefield, identify high-utility Ukraine-designed systems, develop mutual technology transfer frameworks, and assess the feasibility of testing U.S.-manufactured systems in Ukraine. It aims to accelerate fielding of innovative defense technologies.

This section authorizes the President to transfer humanitarian, medical, armor, artillery, ammunition, and missile supplies from DoD inventory to Taiwan, specifically for use as reserve stocks located in Taiwan. This is an exception to existing foreign assistance law. A congressional notification is required 30 days before any transfer, identifying items and concessions received, and an annual report summarizing transfers.

This section establishes DoD policy to maximize autonomy and AI while ensuring human oversight, accountability, and accuracy. It mandates that autonomous weapon systems (AWS) and AI capabilities maintain human judgment, allow intervention, include fail-safes, and provide sufficient information for operators. It sets two levels of human judgment for AWS and AI capabilities (Level 1: low/no risk, Level 2: moderate/high risk) and requires review and verification before prototyping/development and fielding. It prohibits certain AI uses (e.g., nuclear launch, targeting U.S. persons without legal authority).

This title authorizes specific appropriations for procurement across the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Defense-Wide activities for fiscal year 2027. It details funding for aircraft, missiles, weapons, ammunition, shipbuilding, and other equipment, including significant investments in programs like the F-35, CH-53K, Virginia Class Submarine, B-21 Raider, and Ground Based Strategic Deterrent.

This title authorizes appropriations for RDT&E activities across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Defense-Wide programs for fiscal year 2027. It includes funding for basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, advanced component development and prototypes, system development and demonstration, and management support, with a strong emphasis on areas like artificial intelligence, hypersonics, cyber, and space technologies.

This title authorizes appropriations for Operation and Maintenance activities across all military services and Defense-Wide for fiscal year 2027. It covers a wide range of activities including operating forces, mobilization, training and recruiting, and administration and servicewide activities. Key areas include depot maintenance, flying hour programs, base support, cyberspace sustainment, and medical readiness, with significant transfers of Facilities Sustainment, Restoration & Modernization (FSRM) funds to Division B (Military Construction).

This title authorizes appropriations for military personnel across all services for fiscal year 2027, totaling $188,652,405,000. It also includes $14,349,269,000 for Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund Contributions. The appropriations cover basic pay, various incentive and special pays for enlisted members and officers, and adjustments related to force structure changes.

This title authorizes appropriations for various other defense-related activities for fiscal year 2027. It includes funding for Working Capital Funds (Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense-Wide, DECA), Chemical Agents & Munitions Destruction, Drug Interdiction & Counter-Drug Activities (including National Guard programs), the Office of the Inspector General, the Defense Health Program (O&M, RDT&E, Procurement, Private Sector Care), and the Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Train and Equip Fund (CTEF).

This title authorizes appropriations for military construction projects, land acquisition, facilities sustainment, and family housing functions for all military services and Defense-Wide activities for fiscal year 2027. It includes significant investments in new construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure activities, with notable projects in Guam, Hawaii, and various overseas locations, reflecting a focus on Indo-Pacific posture and infrastructure modernization.

This title authorizes appropriations for Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2027, totaling $41,143,582,000. This includes significant funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for Weapons Activities (stockpile management, production modernization, R&D), Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, and Naval Reactors. It also funds Defense Environmental Cleanup and Other Defense Activities, ensuring the maintenance and modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent and related security programs.