David McCormick
Senator for Pennsylvania · Republican · United States
“(d) Annual Update.--For a period of five years following submission of the final report under subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees, as part of the annual budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the Department (as submitted with the budget of the Preside…”
“(5) Tactical adaptability and field-level flexibility, including-- (A) an assessment of the mechanisms within each framework reviewed that enable tactical-level operators and commanders to modify, adapt, or extend command and control functionality without depending on centralized software updates or acquisition processes, drawing on docum…”
“(6) Classification and technology transfer, including-- [[Page S3802]] (A) an assessment of the classification implications of a Department unmanned system command and control framework, including recommendations for which components may operate at unclassified levels to maximize interoperability with allied and commercial systems, and wh…”
“(e) Regulations.--In establishing the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary, in consultation with the Committee, shall prescribe regulations in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, that-- (1) establish the scope of the pilot program; (2) define relevant terms, including ``greenfield investment'', a…”
“This subtitle may be cited as the ``Unmanned System Command and Control Integration Assessment Act of 2026''. SEC. __2. ASSESSMENT OF UNMANNED SYSTEM COMMAND AND CONTROL FRAMEWORKS.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3799-S3801] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6608. Mr. McCORMICK (for himself and Ms.”
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“(b) Avoidance of Duplication.--In developing recommendations under section __2, the Secretary shall assess whether existing programs of record identified under subsection (a) can be extended or adapted to provide the unmanned system command and control capability described in this Act without developing a wholly new system and shall include in the final report a determination as to whether such extension or adaptation is technically feasible and operationally preferable. (c) Domestic Unmanned Aircraft Systems Industrial Base Compatibility.--The Secretary shall ensure that the assessment and any recommended framework account for the domestic small unmanned aircraft systems industrial base remediation efforts undertaken pursuant to section 914 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (10 U.S.C.”
“(a) Required Coordination.--In conducting the assessment required under section __2, the Secretary shall ensure that the unmanned system command and control framework under consideration is assessed for compatibility with all current Department command and control modernization programs of record, as designated by the Secretary at the time of the assessment. The Secretary shall update this assessment as the portfolio of such programs evolves, ensuring that recommendations remain current with the Department's command and control modernization activities regardless of changes in program names, structures, or priorities.”
“(c) Living Standards Process.--The Secretary shall, in coordination with the Director of the National Security Agency, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Chief Information Officer of the Department, establish a process for reviewing and updating the cybersecurity standards applicable to a framework developed pursuant to this Act on a recurring basis of not less than once every 18 months, to ensure such standards remain current with the evolving threat environment and applicable Federal standards without requiring legislative action. SEC. __6. COORDINATION WITH EXISTING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS.”
“(b) Exclusion of Covered Foreign Entities.--No software, hardware, or service produced, provided, or operated by an entity on the Federal Communications Commission Covered List established under section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 1601), or on the Department of Defense Covered Foreign Entity list maintained pursuant to section 4872 of title 10, United States Code, may be incorporated into any unmanned system command and control framework developed, procured, or fielded pursuant to this Act.”
“SEC. __5. CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS FOR ANY RECOMMENDED FRAMEWORK. (a) Requirements.--Any unmanned system command and control framework recommended in the final report required under section __4(b), and any system developed or procured pursuant to such a recommendation, shall-- (1) employ a modular open systems architecture that permits individual software and hardware components to be updated, replaced, or patched in response to identified cybersecurity vulnerabilities without requiring redesign of the system as a whole; (2) apply a supply chain risk management framework throughout the asset's and component's lifecycles; (3) comply with the most current version of the Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and applicable special publications of the Institute, as updated from time to time, without requiring amendment of this Act to conform to new guidance; (4) include a documented vulnerability disclosure policy and a process for receiving, triaging, and patching reported vulnerabilities within defined response time standards established by the Secretary; and (5) undergo penetration testing by a National Security Agency-certified red team not less frequently than once every two years following initial fielding, with findings reported to the Principal Cyber Advisor and, in summary form, to the congressional defense committees.”
“(d) Annual Update.--For a period of five years following submission of the final report under subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees, as part of the annual budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the Department (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code), an update describing-- (1) actions taken by the Department in response to the recommendations of the Secretary contained in the final report; (2) material changes in allied or partner country unmanned systems command and control frameworks or practices relevant to the assessment's conclusions; (3) emerging unmanned systems technologies or cybersecurity threats that would materially affect the recommended framework architecture; and (4) the status of any pilot programs, exercises, or acquisition activities initiated pursuant to the recommendations of the Secretary contained in the final report.”
“[[Page S2968]] (c) Form.--Reports required under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. Unclassified portions shall be made publicly available on the Department public website not later than 30 days after submission.”
“The final report shall include-- (1) a determination as to whether the development of a Department unmanned system command and control framework based on open-architecture principles is feasible, operationally necessary, and cost-effective; (2) if the determination under paragraph (1) is affirmative, a recommended framework architecture, phased implementation roadmap, and legislative or regulatory actions required to proceed; (3) if the determination under paragraph (1) is negative or qualified, a description of the specific barriers identified and recommendations for addressing them; and (4) a classified annex, as appropriate, containing any elements that the Secretary determines must be protected from public disclosure for national security reasons.”
“(b) Final Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a final report containing the complete findings and recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the assessment required under section __2.”
“REPORTS TO CONGRESS.-- (a) Interim Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an interim report on the status of the assessment required under section __2, which shall include-- (1) an identification of any additional allied and partner country frameworks selected for review and analysis beyond those specified in section __2(b); (2) a summary of findings from the architectural analysis required under section __2(c)(1); (3) a preliminary assessment of interoperability requirements under section __2(c)(3); and (4) any significant findings or challenges identified to date.”
“(f) Compensation.--Members of the Panel who are not full- time officers or employees of the United States Government shall be compensated at a daily rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day they are engaged in the performance of Panel duties and shall be allowed travel expenses as authorized under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. __ __4.”
“(c) Limit on Active Government Employees.--Not more than two-thirds of the members of the Panel may be a full-time officer or employee of the United States Government. (d) Duties.--The Panel shall provide written assessments and recommendations on each element of the assessment described in section __2(c) and shall have the opportunity to review and comment on draft findings before finalization. (e) Termination.--The Panel shall terminate on the date that is 90 days after the date of the submittal of the final report required under section __4(b).”
“(b) Composition.--The Panel shall consist of not fewer than 10 and not more than 15 members appointed by the Secretary, including-- (1) not fewer than two individuals who have direct operational experience in unmanned aircraft systems employment in a joint or combined military environment; (2) not fewer than two individuals who have technical expertise in open-architecture software systems, modular systems design, or command and control software architecture; (3) not fewer than two individuals who have expertise in cybersecurity, including experience with operational technology cybersecurity in contested environments; (4) at least three individuals who have expertise in unmanned aircraft systems command and control operations, doctrine, or command and control from an allied or partner country with significant unmanned aircraft systems operational experience, appointed in coordination with relevant allied or partner country authorities; (5) at least one individual with experience in unmanned aircraft system (UAS) traffic management in the National Airspace System; and (6) such additional members as the Secretary determines appropriate, which may include representatives from the defense industrial base, federally funded research and development centers, academic institutions with relevant expertise, and the Department of Defense test and evaluation community to ensure early consideration to interoperability, testability, and certification requirements.”
“(a) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an independent advisory panel (in this section referred to as the ``Panel'') to provide independent review and technical guidance to the assessment required under section __2.”
“(7) Implementation roadmap, including-- (A) a recommended phased implementation approach for developing and fielding a Department unmanned system command and control framework, including recommended near-term pilot programs or exercises that could demonstrate technical feasibility and operational utility; (B) an estimate of the resources, including funding, personnel, and acquisition authorities, required to develop and field the recommended framework; and (C) an identification of existing Department programs, platforms, and acquisition vehicles that could serve as the basis for or be accelerated by an unmanned system command and control capability. SEC. __3. INDEPENDENT ADVISORY PANEL.”
“(6) Classification and technology transfer, including-- (A) an assessment of the classification implications of a Department unmanned system command and control framework, including recommendations for which components may operate at unclassified levels to maximize interoperability with allied and commercial systems, and which must be classified; (B) an assessment of the technology transfer and foreign military sales implications of the frameworks reviewed, including intellectual property and national security considerations associated with adopting or adapting systems developed by or with foreign partners; and (C) recommendations for information-sharing arrangements with other United States Government organizations, allies, and partner nations that would facilitate ongoing exchange of unmanned systems command and control lessons learned and technical standards.”
“(5) Tactical adaptability and field-level flexibility, including-- (A) an assessment of the mechanisms within each framework reviewed that enable tactical-level operators and commanders to modify, adapt, or extend command and control functionality without depending on centralized software updates or acquisition processes, drawing on documented examples from the conflict in Ukraine where unmanned aircraft systems tactics evolved within weeks in response to adversary countermeasures; (B) a recommended design approach for a Department framework that preserves appropriate security and safety controls while enabling tactical-level customization, including through the use of application programming interfaces, modular software components, and operator- accessible configuration tools; and (C) an assessment of the doctrinal, training, and organizational changes required to enable and sustain field- level innovation within a structured command and control architecture.”
“(4) Cybersecurity and future-proofing, including-- (A) an assessment of the cybersecurity posture of each framework reviewed, including its resilience to electronic warfare, Global Positioning System denial, communications jamming, and software-based cyber attack in active contested environments; (B) a recommendation for a cybersecurity standards framework or updates to the Risk Management Framework of the National Institute of Standards and Technology applicable to a Department unmanned system command and control system that-- (i) is based on the Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and applicable special publications of the Institute, and is designed to incorporate updated guidance from the Institute without requiring legislative action; (ii) incorporates a comprehensive supply chain risk management strategy; (iii) implements robust data-centric security controls, including end-to-end data encryption, data tagging for automated policy enforcement, and accredited cross-domain solutions to prevent compromise between classification levels and to enable secure data interoperability with mission partners; (iv) establishes vulnerability disclosure and patch management standards enabling timely response to newly identified threats without requiring system-wide redesign; and (v) specifies a recurring review cycle of not less than once every 18 months to update cybersecurity standards as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and other relevant standards bodies publish new guidance, without requiring legislative action; and (vi) mandates alignment with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), ensuring all data, applications, assets, and services are managed with the assumption that the network is already compromised; (C) an assessment of how the architecture of the framework can accommodate future unmanned systems technologies, including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence-enabled targeting and deconfliction, swarming capabilities, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, without requiring full system replacement; and (D) a recommended technology refresh cycle and associated governance process for keeping a Department unmanned system command and control framework current with advancing technology and evolving threats.”
“(3) Interoperability with existing Department systems, including-- (A) a detailed assessment of the compatibility and interoperability requirements for [[Page S2967]] integrating an open-architecture unmanned system command and control framework with current and future Department command and control modernization, as designated by the Secretary at the time of the assessment; (B) an identification of the interface standards, data translation requirements, and technical integration pathways that would be necessary to achieve such interoperability; and (C) an assessment of the risks associated with integration, including cybersecurity risks arising from connecting an open-architecture system to existing classified networks.”
“(2) Unmanned systems tier compatibility, including-- (A) an evaluation of each framework's capacity to manage all unmanned systems within a single integrated command and control environment; (B) an identification of the technical and doctrinal barriers to command and control interoperability across unmanned systems s within a single framework; and (C) a recommendation for the minimum capability requirements a Department unmanned systems command and control framework must meet to support effective employment of unmanned systems across all in a joint operational environment.”
“(c) Elements of Assessment.--The assessment commenced under subsection (a) shall address, at a minimum, each of the following elements: (1) Architectural analysis, including-- (A) a comparative analysis of the technical architectures of the unmanned systems command and control frameworks reviewed, including data formats, communication protocols, interface standards, and software design approaches; (B) an evaluation of the degree to which each framework employs open-architecture and modular open-systems architecture principles; and (C) an identification of the architectural characteristics most associated with operational effectiveness, adaptability, and resilience in contested environments.”
“(2) Israel's Multiple Drone Operating System, including an analysis of its technical architecture, its demonstrated operational effectiveness in managing simultaneous civilian, commercial, and military unmanned aircraft systems operations, the interoperability and integration lessons learned from its deployment that are applicable to United States Armed Forces unmanned aircraft systems command and control operations, and its cybersecurity and emergency prioritization mechanisms.”
“(b) Scope of Allied and Partner System Review.--The assessment commenced under subsection (a) shall review each of the following allied and partner country unmanned systems command and control frameworks and may include such additional frameworks as the Secretary determines appropriate: (1) Ukraine's Delta battlefield management and unmanned aircraft systems coordination system, including an analysis of its technical architecture, its operational effectiveness in contested environments, the interoperability and integration lessons learned from its deployment that are applicable to United States Armed Forces unmanned aircraft systems command and control operations, and its cybersecurity resilience under active electronic warfare and cyber attack.”
“SHORT TITLE. This subtitle may be cited as the ``Unmanned System Command and Control Integration Assessment Act of 2026''. SEC. __2. ASSESSMENT OF UNMANNED SYSTEM COMMAND AND CONTROL FRAMEWORKS. (a) Assessment Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Chief Information Officer, Joint Interagency Task Force 401, the Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, the Commander of Joint Interoperability Test Command, and the Secretaries of the military departments, commence a comprehensive assessment of open-architecture, unmanned system command and control frameworks with demonstrated operational effectiveness.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2966-S2968] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 5876. Mr. McCORMICK (for himself and Ms. Rosen) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: Subtitle __--Unmanned System Command and Control Integration Assessment SEC. __1.”
“(E) Mechanical devices that are capable of locomotion, navigation, or movement on the ground, and operate at a distance from one or more operators or supervisors based on commands or in response to sensor data, or through any combination thereof, and that may also be referred to as ``unmanned ground vehicle systems''. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce. ______”
“(B) Programmed actuated mechanisms with a degree of autonomy to perform locomotion, manipulation, or positioning. (C) Automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multipurpose manipulators, programmable in three or more axes, which can be either fixed in place or fixed to a mobile platform for use in automation applications in an industrial environment. (D) Machines that-- (i) can sense their environment; (ii) have the capacity to process the information they sense; and (iii) are organized to act directly upon their environment.”
“(q) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 18 months after the date on which the Commission submits the final report required under subsection (f)(2). (r) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (2) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department of Commerce. (3) Robotics.--The term ``robotics'' includes each of the following: (A) Programmable multifunctional mechanical devices designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through variable programmed motions to perform a variety of tasks.”
“(2) Lease.--If the Administrator is not able to make suitable excess space available within the 30-day period under paragraph (1), the Commission may lease space to the extent funds are available. (p) Removal of Members.-- (1) In general.--A member may be removed from the Commission for cause by the individual serving in the position responsible for the original appointment of such member under subsection (b)(1), if notice has first been provided to such member of the cause for such removal and such removal is voted and agreed upon by \3/4\ of the members serving. (2) Vacancy.--A vacancy created by removal under paragraph (1) shall not affect the powers of the Commission, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.”
“Upon such request of the Chair of the Commission, the head of such Federal department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission. (n) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as Federal departments and agencies. (o) Space for Use of Commission.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Commission is established under subsection (a), the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the Commission, shall identify and make available suitable excess space within the Federal space inventory to house the operations of the Commission.”
“(4) Application of rules.--Subject to the authority in this section, members of the Commission shall otherwise comply with rules set forth by the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics of the House of Representatives governing employees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively. (k) Legislative Advisory Committee.--The Commission shall operate as a legislative advisory committee. (l) Contracting Authority.--The Commission may acquire such administrative supplies and equipment as necessary for Commission use to the extent funds are available. (m) Use of Federal Government Information.--The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to discharge its duties.”
“(2) Maximum daily pay rates.--The daily rate paid an expert or consultant procured pursuant to paragraph (1) may not exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. (j) Authority To Accept Gifts.-- (1) In general.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services, goods, and property from non-Federal entities for the purposes of aiding and facilitating the work of the Commission. (2) Exclusion of money.--The authority under paragraph (1) does not extend to gifts of money. (3) Documentation and conflicts.--Gifts accepted under the authority under paragraph (1) shall be documented, and conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest shall be avoided.”
“(3) Pay.--The Executive Director, with the approval of the Commission, may appoint and fix the rate of basic pay for additional personnel as staff of the Commission in accordance with section 3161(d) of title 5, United States Code. (i) Personal Services.-- (1) Authority to procure.--The Commission may-- (A) procure the services of experts or consultants (or of organizations of experts or consultants) in accordance with the provisions of section 3109 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) pay in connection with such services travel expenses of individuals, including transportation and per diem in lieu of subsistence, while such individuals are traveling from their homes or places of business to duty stations.”
“(B) Other agencies.--In addition to any support provided under subparagraph (A), the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies may provide to the Commission such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support as such heads determine advisable and as may be authorized by law. (h) Staff.-- (1) Status as federal employees.--Notwithstanding the requirements of section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, including the required supervision under subsection [[Page S2966]] (a)(3) of such section, a member of the Commission shall be considered to be a Federal employee. (2) Executive director.--The Commission shall appoint and fix the rate of basic pay for an Executive Director in accordance with section 3161(d) of title 5, United States Code.”
“(B) Federally funded research and development center.--On request of the Commission, the Secretary shall make available to the Commission the services of a federally funded research and development center that is covered by a sponsoring agreement of the Department in order to enhance the efforts of the Commission to discharge its duties under this section. (5) Other services.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary may provide to the Commission, on a nonreimbursable basis, such administrative services, funds, staff, facilities, and other support services as are necessary for the discharge of the duties of the Commission under this section.”
“(4) Facilitation of certain services.-- (A) Independent, nongovernmental institute.--Not later than 45 days after the date on which the Commission is established under subsection (a), the Secretary may make available to the Commission the services of an independent, nongovernmental institute described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code, that has recognized credentials and expertise in economic competitiveness and technology in order to facilitate the discharge of the duties of the Commission under this section.”
“(g) Government Cooperation.-- (1) Cooperation.--In carrying out its duties under this section, the Commission shall receive the full and timely cooperation of the Secretary and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies in providing the Commission with analysis, briefings, and other information necessary for the fulfillment of such duties. (2) Liaison.--The Secretary shall designate at least one officer or employee of the Department to serve as a liaison officer between the Secretary and the Commission. (3) Detailees authorized.--The Secretary and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies may provide, and the Commission may accept and employ, personnel detailed from the Department and such other Federal departments and agencies, as the case may be, without reimbursement.”
“(f) Commission Report and Recommendations.-- (1) Interim report.--Not later than one year after the date on which the Commission is established under subsection (a), the Commission shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the President an interim report on the status of the review by the Commission under subsection (e), including a discussion of any interim recommendations. (2) Final report.--Not later than two years after the date on which the Commission is established under subsection (a), the Commission shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the President a final report on the findings of the Commission and such recommendations as the Commission may have for action by Congress and the Federal Government.”
“(D) Means by which to foster greater emphasis and investments in robotics to stimulate strategic partnerships in robotics with industry, the public, and academic institutions, to the extent that such efforts have material application related to economic competitiveness and manufacturing. (E) Workforce incentives and programs to attract and recruit leading talent in robotics, including in associated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, to the extent that such efforts relate to economic competitiveness in robotics. (F) The global and domestic supply chain for robotics, including any supply chain risks or dependencies, and policies to increase the manufacturing of robotics in the United States. (G) Any other matters the Commission determines appropriate related to robotics.”
“(3) Scope of the review.--In conducting the review under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider the following: (A) The competitiveness of the United States in robotics, including matters related to the domestic marketplace for robotics and private sector and public sector applications of robotics in the United States. (B) Means and methods for the United States to assert and maintain a technological advantage in robotics, specifically in the deployment of robotics in industrial, retail, and commercial sectors in the United States. (C) International developments and trends, including foreign actions and policies to advance robotics.”
“(d) Period of Appointment and Vacancies.-- (1) Period of appointment.--Members shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. (e) Scope and Duties.-- (1) In general.--The Commission shall carry out a review of advances in robotics. (2) Considerations.--In carrying out the review under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider the methods, means, and policies necessary to advance the development of robotics by the United States to comprehensively address the economic competitiveness and national security needs of the United States.”
“(4) Qualifications.--Members of the Commission shall be individuals who are recognized experts and have appropriate professional experience in matters relating to any of the following: (A) Robotics. (B) Applications, or potential applications, of robotics by the private sector or public sector. (C) Impacts of robotics on economic competitiveness, including economics, international trade, or supply chain analysis. (c) Chair and Vice Chair.-- (1) Chair.--The Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall jointly designate one member of the Commission to serve as Chair of the Commission. (2) Vice chair.--The Minority Leader of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives shall jointly designate one member of the Commission to serve as Vice Chair of the Commission.”
“(C) Three members appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate. (D) Three members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate. (E) Six members appointed by the President of the United States. (2) Deadline for appointment.--Members shall be appointed to the Commission by not later than 45 days after the date on which the Commission is established under subsection (a). (3) Effect of lack of appointment by appointment date.--If one or more appointments under paragraph (1) are not made by the appointment date specified in paragraph (2), the authority to make such appointment or appointments shall expire, and the number of members of the Commission shall be reduced to the number of appointments made to the Commission as of that date.”
“(a) Establishment.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an independent commission to be known as the ``Commission on American Leadership in Robotics'' (in this section referred to as the ``Commission''). (2) Purpose.--The Commission shall-- (A) examine robotics as it pertains to interstate and foreign commerce, economic competitiveness, and national security; and (B) make recommendations relating thereto to the appropriate congressional committees. (b) Membership.-- (1) Number and appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 18 members appointed as follows: (A) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (B) Three members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2965-S2966] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 5875. Mr. McCORMICK (for himself and Mr. Hickenlooper) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place in title X, insert the following: SEC. 10__. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ROBOTICS.”
“(C) A non-Department health care provider with expertise in neurorehabilitative therapies. (D) An entity the Secretary determines appropriate for an award of a grant under this section. (2) Treatment.--The term ``treatment'', with respect to traumatic brain injury, means clinical interventions, therapeutic devices, or rehabilitation care provided directly to a veteran with traumatic brain injury. (3) Veteran.--The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. ______”
“(j) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, [[Page S2965]] the Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. (k) Funding.-- (1) Available amounts.--The Secretary may carry out the grant program under this section using amounts available to the Secretary for general mental health care programs. (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $30,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 to carry out the grant program under this section, which shall remain available until expended. (l) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means any of the following: (A) A nonprofit organization. (B) An academic institution engaged in research with respect to traumatic brain injury.”
“(h) Annual Review.--Not less frequently than annually during the duration of the grant program under this section, the Secretary shall review the effectiveness of such program to determine the potential of such program for continuation or expansion. (i) Reports to Congress.--Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes-- (1) the findings of the activities reported under subsection (f)(2); and (2) the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to policy and programmatic improvements to services of the Department to treat traumatic brain injuries among veterans.”
“(g) Coordination With Mental Health Services of Department of Veterans Affairs.--The Secretary shall ensure that the grant program under this section aligns with the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program of the Department under section 201 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-171; 38 U.S.C. 1720F note)-- (1) to provide for cohesive and comprehensive support for veterans with mTBI and associated mental health conditions; and (2) to increase research and development on integrated mTBI and mental health interventions outside of the scope of traditional pathways, interventions, programs, procedures, and pharmaceuticals of the Department.”
“(2) Periodic reports.--An eligible entity in receipt of a grant under this section shall, not less frequently than annually, submit to the Secretary a report that includes, with respect to the period covered by the report-- (A) a description of how the eligible entity used amounts provided under such grant; (B) a summary of the progress of activities funded with such amounts; and (C) measured outcomes relating to such activities. (3) Oversight; annual evaluations.--The Secretary shall-- (A) ensure rigorous oversight with respect to the grant program under this section; and (B) on an annual basis during the period in which the authority to carry out the grant program is effective, evaluate the efficacy of activities funded with amounts provided under a grant awarded under such grant program.”