Mike D. Rogers
Representative for Alabama · Republican · United States
“(8) An assessment of NATO's deterrence efforts in Romania, including a description and evaluation of-- (A) United States force posture in Romania, including any new rotations to Romania intended to enhance deterrence following the 2025 decision to end the rotational presence of a United States brigade; (B) consultations with NATO allies r…”
“(8) An assessment of NATO's deterrence efforts in Romania, including a description and evaluation of-- (A) United States force posture in Romania, including any new rotations to Romania intended to enhance deterrence following the 2025 decision to end the rotational presence of a United States brigade; (B) consultations with NATO allies r…”
“(a) Requirement for Risk-based Approach.--Section 3843 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3843. Contractor business systems: monitoring and surveillance standards ``(a) Requirement for Risk-based Approach.--The Secretary shall implement an agile, streamlined risk-based approach to surveillance of contra…”
“(a) Requirement for Risk-based Approach.--Section 3843 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3843. Contractor business systems: monitoring and surveillance standards ``(a) Requirement for Risk-based Approach.--The Secretary shall implement an agile, streamlined risk-based approach to surveillance of contra…”
“(b) Modification of Certain Certifications and Assessments.-- (1) Certifications.--Section 1249(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60) is amended-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``The certification described'' and inserting following: ``(1) In general.--Except as prov…”
“(b) Objectives.--The Commander shall ensure that the Cognitive Performance Enhancement Program-- (1) improves readiness, resilience, and recovery, using evidence-based holistic and proactive high-performance brain training that has a validated ability to scale cost- effectively across the special operations forces enterprise; [[Page H4842…”
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“The second and final assessment shall be completed not later than September 30, 2033. The Secretary shall submit to the covered congressional committees a copy of each assessment within 30 days after receiving the assessment. (f) Covered Congressional Committees.--In this section, the term ``covered congressional committees'' means-- (1) the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; (2) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and (3) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives. (g) Termination of Authority.--The authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.”
“(G) A description of the processes for-- (i) ensuring ongoing performance feedback and dialogue among supervisors, managers, and employees throughout the performance appraisal period; and (ii) setting timetables for performance appraisals. (H) The project's impact on career progression. (I) The project's appropriateness or inappropriateness in light of the complexities of the workforce affected. (J) The adequacy of the training, policy guidelines, and other preparations afforded in connection with using the project. (K) Whether there is a process for ensuring employee involvement in the development and improvement of the project. (L) Five year plan. (3) Schedule.--The first assessment under this subsection shall be completed not later than September 30, 2028.”
“(B) An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to appoint individuals to the Navy workforce participating in the demonstration project and whether those appointments are based on competitive procedures and recognized veteran's preferences. (C) An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to develop a performance appraisal system that recognizes excellence in performance and offers opportunities for improvement. (D) The steps taken to ensure that such system is fair and transparent for all employees in the project. (E) An explanation of how the project allows the organization to better meet mission needs. (F) An analysis of how the flexibilities in subparagraphs (B) and (C) are used, and what barriers have been encountered that inhibit their use.”
“(4) A performance management system that emphasizes desired mission outcomes and workforce alignment to Navy priorities. (5) Pay flexibilities that promote opportunities for greater recruitment and retention of shipyard employees. (d) Effect of Reorganizations.--The applicability of this section to an organization or team shall not terminate as a result of a reorganization, restructuring, realignment, consolidation, or other organizational change. (e) Assessments.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall designate an independent organization to conduct two assessments of this demonstration project described in subsection (a). (2) Requirements.--Each such assessment shall include the following: (A) A description of the workforce included in the project.”
“(2) Prevailing rate employees.--The demonstration project under this section shall only apply to prevailing rate employees. (c) Terms and Conditions.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any demonstration project described in subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) Pay band structures that provide maximum flexibility to attract and retain employees with critical skills, including into apprentice programs. [[Page H4852]] (2) Trades, technical, and leadership career paths that provide advancement opportunities for employees to progress through the bands based on performance and contribution to the mission. (3) Broad classification authority not otherwise subject to current government classification and job grading standards.”
“(a) Commencement.--The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Navy, is authorized to carry out a demonstration project, the purpose of which is to determine the feasibility or desirability of one or more proposals for improving the personnel management policies or procedures that apply with respect to the maintenance and sustainment of ships, submarines, and their associated systems at shipyards, regional maintenance centers, and trident refit facilities of the Department of the Navy. (b) Application.-- (1) Title 5.--Section 4703 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the demonstration project under this section, except that-- (A) subsection (d)(1)(A) of such section 4703 shall be applied by substituting ``60,000'' for ``5,000''; and (B) subsection (d)(1)(B) of such section 4703 shall not apply.”
“(g) Termination of Authority.--The authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (h) Conversion.--Not later than 6 months after the authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section is terminated under subsection (g), employees in the project shall convert to the civilian personnel system created pursuant to section 9902 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 1119. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT RELATING TO PAY AND PERSONNEL POLICIES FOR EMPLOYEES AT NAVAL SHIPYARDS, NAVY REGIONAL MAINTENANCE CENTERS, AND NAVY TRIDENT REFIT FACILITIES.”
“(3) Schedule.--The first assessment under this subsection shall be completed not later than September 30, 2028. The second and final assessment shall be completed not later than 2 years after the date the first assessment is completed. The Secretary shall submit to the covered congressional committees a copy of each assessment within 30 days after receiving the assessment. (f) Covered Congressional Committees.--In this section, the term ``covered congressional committees'' means-- (1) the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; (2) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and (3) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.”
“(F) An analysis of how the flexibilities in subparagraphs (B) and (C) are used, and what barriers have been encountered that inhibit their use. (G) A description of the processes for-- (i) ensuring ongoing performance feedback and dialogue among supervisors, managers, and employees throughout the performance appraisal period; and (ii) setting timetables for performance appraisals. (H) The project's impact on career progression. (I) The project's appropriateness or inappropriateness in light of the complexities of the workforce affected. (J) The adequacy of the training, policy guidelines, and other preparations afforded in connection with using the project. (K) Whether there is a process for ensuring employee involvement in the development and improvement of the project. (L) Five year plan.”
“(2) Requirements.--Each such assessment shall include the following: (A) A description of the workforce included in the project. (B) An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to appoint individuals to the Air Force workforce participating in the demonstration project and whether those appointments are based on competitive procedures and recognized veteran's preferences. (C) An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to develop a performance appraisal system that recognizes excellence in performance and offers opportunities for improvement. (D) The steps taken to ensure that such system is fair and transparent for all employees in the project. (E) An explanation of how the project allows the organization to better meet mission needs.”
“(3) Broad classification authority not otherwise subject to current government classification and job grading standards. (4) A performance management system that emphasizes desired mission outcomes and workforce alignment to Air Force priorities. (5) Pay flexibilities that promote opportunities for greater recruitment and retention of employees at intercontinental ballistic missile facilities. (d) Effect of Reorganizations.--The applicability of this section to an organization or team shall not terminate as a result of a reorganization, restructuring, realignment, consolidation, or other organizational change. (e) Assessments.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall designate an independent organization to conduct two assessments of this demonstration project described in subsection (a).”
“(b) Application.--Section 4703 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the demonstration project under this section, except that-- (1) subsection (d)(1)(A) of such section 4703 shall be applied by substituting ``15,000'' for ``5,000''; and (2) subsection (d)(1)(B) of such section 4703 shall not apply. (c) Terms and Conditions.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any demonstration project described in subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) Pay band structures that provide maximum flexibility to attract and retain employees with critical skills, including into apprentice programs. (2) Trades, technical, and leadership career paths that provide advancement opportunities for employees to progress through the bands based on performance and contribution to the mission.”
“(a) Commencement.--The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Air Force, is authorized to carry out a demonstration project, the purpose of which is to determine the feasibility or desirability of one or more proposals for improving the personnel management policies or procedures that apply with respect to the maintenance, modernization, and sustainment of ground-based intercontinental ballistic missile systems at operational missile wings, sustainment facilities, and contractor facilities of the Department of the Air Force.”
“None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to terminate employees of Military Child Development Programs, employees of the Department of Defense 9 Education Activity, or employees of the Defense Health Agencies or the healthcare workforce within the Department regardless of whether such positions are funded by appropriated or nonappropriated funds, unless the employee was documented as not performing or engaging in misconduct. SEC. 1118. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT RELATING TO PAY AND PERSONNEL POLICIES FOR EMPLOYEES AT GROUND- BASED INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES.”
“(4) Positions at depots, shipyards, arsenals, and maintenance facilities. (5) Positions at United States Military Entrance Processing Command. (6) Positions at military medical treatment facilities that perform patient care or are essential to hospital operations. (7) Child and Youth Programs staff. (8) Instructors or facility support staff at Department of Defense schools or child care centers. (9) Installation positions that support fire, life, and safety functions. SEC. 1117. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF DODEA, CHILDCARE, AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS.”
“None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 may be used to implement Executive Order 14251, issued on March 27, 2025, relating to Exclusions from Federal labor management relations programs, or any following policy or guidance. SEC. 1116. HIRING FREEZE EXCEPTIONS. None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 may be used to implement a hiring freeze on the following categories: (1) Positions essential to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety. (2) Positions funded by nonappropriated funds in Department of Defense NAF instrumentalities. (3) Civilian Mariner positions.”
“(f) Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees regarding-- (1) actions taken to implement this section; (2) efforts to improve awareness of Family Child Care opportunities among military spouses and families; (3) barriers identified in the establishment of Family Child Care homes; and (4) recommendations for legislative or administrative action to improve military child care capacity. SEC. 1114. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR NONAPPROPRIATED FUND EMPLOYEES IN CASES OF COMPLAINT OF REPRISAL. Section 1587(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the second sentence. SEC. 1115. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS TO LIMIT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.”
“(2) Contents.--A service-specific appendix under paragraph (1) may include-- (A) service-specific policies or procedures; (B) installation-level best practices; (C) information regarding unique operational requirements or child care demands within the military department concerned; (D) guidance regarding military housing considerations related to Family Child Care homes; and (E) points of contact and resources specific to the military department concerned.”
“(d) Public Availability.--The Secretary shall make the guide required under subsection (a) publicly available on an internet website of the Department of Defense in a searchable and accessible format for military families. (e) Service-specific Appendices.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall encourage the Secretaries of the military departments to publish and maintain service-specific appendices accompanying the guide required under subsection (a).”
“(c) Required Elements.--The guide required under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum-- (1) an overview of the process for becoming a certified Family Child Care provider; (2) standardized information regarding training, inspections, background checks, licensing, and certification requirements; (3) guidance regarding available financial assistance, startup support, subsidies, grants, and reimbursement opportunities; (4) information on liability coverage, safety standards, and emergency preparedness requirements; [[Page H4851]] (5) recommendations for reducing administrative barriers to establishing Family Child Care homes; and (6) any additional information the Secretary determines appropriate to support prospective Family Child Care providers.”
“(b) Consultation Requirement.--In developing the guide required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall consult with military departments, military installations, Family Child Care program administrators, and established Family Child Care providers operating under successful Family Child Care programs across the Department of Defense to identify and incorporate best practices, lessons learned, and approaches that have demonstrated success in expanding participation and reducing barriers to establishing and operating Family Child Care homes.”
“(3) Briefing.--The Secretary shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the Team, a description of how the Team tracks financial management functions performed by civilian employees and contractors, and the Department's audit readiness. SEC. 1113. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BEST PRACTICES GUIDE FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES. (a) Department-wide Family Child Care Guide Required.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall publish a Department-wide best practices guide for individuals seeking to establish and operate a Family Child Care home on a military installation.”
“(b) Financial Management Skills Assessment Integrated Product Team.-- (1) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), shall establish a Financial Management Skills Assessment Integrated Product Team (in this subsection referred to as the ``Team'') to develop a strategy to identify functions performed by civilian employees and contractors supporting financial management within the Department. (2) Process.--The Team shall establish and implement a repeatable process for timely reporting on financial management functions performed by civilian employees and contractors across the Department.”
“(a) In General.--The planning policies and associated processes, practices, and activities of the financial management civilian workforce within the Department of Defense shall be consistent with the following principles: (1) Involving top management, staff members, and other stakeholders in developing, communicating, and implementing the strategic workforce plan. (2) Supporting workforce planning strategies that use existing human capital flexibilities. (3) Monitoring and evaluating progress toward human capital goals. (4) Determining needed critical skills. (5) Developing strategies to address gaps in critical skills.”
“(e) Intermediary Organization Defined.--In this section, the term ``intermediary organization'' means-- (1) a nonprofit registered under section 501(c)(3) of title 26, United States Code; and (2) an organization having demonstrated expertise in-- (A) streamlining recruitment and pre-screening for early- career tech talent; (B) carrying out public-private talent exchanges through a proven track record, including managing rotations between private and public sector entities and reducing governmental administrative burden in the process; (C) skills development and mentorship programming that ensures program participants remain on the cutting edge of their technical and management skills; and SEC. 1112. CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE AND CONTRACTOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WORKFORCE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.”
“(c) Program Administration.--For the purposes of carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense may-- (1) waive any requirement for a permanent billet to be required to support hiring of talent; (2) make selections based on needs and available budget; and (3) direct legal counsel of the Department to provide guidance that-- (A) enables post-employment opportunities by avoiding government assignments that preclude hiring outside the Federal Government following the term appointment; and (B) requires ethics officials to provide guidance that aligns with the temporary nature of the appointment and design protocols to minimize post-employment restrictions. (d) Sunset.--The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date such program is established.”
“(b) Assessment Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter until the pilot program sunsets, the Secretary of Defense shall provide an assessment to the congressional defense committees on the effectiveness of the pilot program. Each such assessment shall include-- (1) an evaluation of the efficacy in matching the pre- vetted pools of candidates to the requirements of the Department of Defense; and (2) the effectiveness of partnering with intermediary organizations for the purposes of carrying out activities in support of developing qualified pools of talent with the skills and expertise necessary to meet the purposes of the pilot program.”
“In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall-- (1) use the authorities under section 213.3102(r) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, to appoint individuals in support of establishing fellowships; (2) develop and implement a process for identifying, sourcing, and training a pool of qualified candidates; (3) establish a professional development structure for pilot program participants; and (4) partner with a nonprofit intermediary organization that have a proven track record in delivering efficient recruitment and screening processes and have demonstrated expertise in navigating the Federal security clearance procedures to support the development of qualified talent pools with the necessary skills and expertise.”
“(e) Sunset.--The authority under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 1111. PILOT PROGRAM ON TECH TALENT COMPETITIVENESS. (a) Pilot Program.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program that expedites and scales the sourcing and placement of early-career talent across the Department of Defense in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math and functional areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, materials and manufacturing, and business process innovation.”
“Such study shall include information with respect to the following: (1) How the authority under this section is being used, including-- (A) how many instances such authority has been used and where the authority is being used; (B) time to hire; and (C) the hiring incentives, recruitment bonuses, and special pay authorities used under this section (2) The total number of-- (A) vacant instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions filled using such authority; and (B) vacant instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions remaining. (3) Any additional authorities necessary to ensure the Secretary is able to hire and retain instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors.”
“(c) Recruitment and Retention Authority.--The Secretary may use the authority provided under sections 5373 and section of title 5, United States Code, for the payment of recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives to instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors or applicants to such positions. (d) Study and Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study on the hiring authorities issued under this section and submit a report on such study to the congressional defense committees.”
“(a) Direct Hire.--The Secretary of Defense may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, (other than sections 3303, 3307, and 3328 of such chapter), qualified candidates to instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions. (b) Rates of Pay.--The Secretary may set annual rates of pay for such positions without regard to the provisions chapters 51 and 53 (relating to classification and pay rates) of such title 5. Such rates shall be equal to the annual rate of pay for positions in private industry comparable to instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions, as determined by the Secretary.”
“(c) Reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the effectiveness of using commercial skills-based platforms to integrate the United States Tech Force with Department of Defense hiring authorities. (d) Sunset.--The authority to carry out the pilot program under this section shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 1110. ENHANCED HIRING AUTHORITY FOR INSTRUCTOR PILOTS AND CIVILIAN SIMULATOR INSTRUCTORS.”
“(b) Use of Commercial Technology for Skills Verification.-- In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall use commercially available, interoperable technology platforms to-- (1) create a ``Digital Skills Passport'' for members of the United States Tech Force and Department of Defense civilian employees, documenting verified competencies rather than solely degrees or tenure; (2) automatically map the skills possessed by United States Tech Force participants to gaps identified in the Department of Defense cyber and digital workforce; and (3) track the mobility of talent across the Department based on skills proficiency, consistent with the removal of time-in-grade restrictions.”
“PILOT PROGRAM ON INTEGRATION OF UNITED STATES TECH FORCE WITH SKILLS-BASED HIRING AUTHORITIES. (a) Program Required.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to integrate the United States Tech Force into the implementation of the hiring and promotion reforms authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60). (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the pilot is to use the United States Tech Force to develop, validate, and deploy the skills-based assessments required to modernize the defense workforce.”
“4616) and as most recently amended by section 1106 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 139 Stat. 1074), is further amended by striking ``2027'' and inserting ``2028''. SEC. 1108. LIVING QUARTER ALLOWANCE FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES WITH PERMANENT DUTY STATION IN GUAM. Section 1102 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``rent'' and inserting ``rent or mortgage payments''; (2) by striking subsection (d) (relating to sunset date 3 years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026); and [[Page H4850]] (3) by redesignating subsection (c) (relating to sunset date of January 1, 2034) at the end as subsection (d). SEC. 1109.”
“Subsection (a) of section 1101 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417), as most recently amended by section 1105 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 139 Stat. 1074), is further amended by striking ``through 2026'' and inserting ``through 2027''. SEC. 1107. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO GRANT ALLOWANCES, BENEFITS, AND GRATUITIES TO CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ON OFFICIAL DUTY IN A COMBAT ZONE. Paragraph (2) of section 1603(a) of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109-234; 120 Stat. 443), as added by section 1102 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat.”
“(g) Hiring Freeze.--Beginning on October 1, 2028, no individual may be newly hired or employed, or rehired or reemployed, as a military technician (dual status) under section 709 of title 32, United States Code. (h) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``military technician (dual status)'' has the meaning given such term in section 10216 of title 10, United States Code; and (2) the term ``State'' has the meaning given such term in section 901 of title 32, United States Code. SEC. 1106. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO WAIVE ANNUAL LIMITATION ON PREMIUM PAY AND AGGREGATE LIMITATION ON PAY FOR FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES WORKING OVERSEAS.”
“(f) Automatic Adjustment to End Strength Requirements.-- Whenever a military technician (dual status) position is converted pursuant to subsection (b)(2)-- (1) the applicable statutory annual end strength limitation for Active Guard and Reserve personnel within the Army and Air National Guards of the United States, in accordance with section 115 of title 10, United States Code, shall be increased accordingly. (2) the applicable statutory annual minimum end strength required for National Guard military technician (dual status) within the Army and Air National Guards of the United States, in accordance with section 115 of title 10, United States Code, shall be decreased accordingly.”
“(d) Consent of Employee to Conversion or Transfer.--The Secretary of Defense may convert, pursuant to subsection (b), or transfer, pursuant to subsection (c), a filled position only with the written consent of the individual filling such position. (e) Reemployment.--An individual filling a military technician (dual status) position that is converted to Active Guard and Reserve duty pursuant to subsection (b)(2), waives any reemployment entitlement under section 4314 of title 38, United States Code, to another military technician (dual status) position but may assert reemployment rights to a civilian position employed under section 3101 of title 5, United States Code, or section 1601, 1762, or 10508 of title 10, United States Code if a similar position is reasonably available.”
“(2) A position filled by an individual who is performing Active Guard and Reserve duty under section 328 of title 32, United States Code, unless such duty is performed as a general or flag officer. (c) Transfer Authority.--In addition to the conversion authority under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense may, with the consent of the Governor of the State concerned, for the purpose of reducing the number of National Guard military technician (dual status) positions, provide a State with funding for a non-Federal position for an individual employed in such position. Any such funding shall be provided through a cooperative agreement entered into with the State Governor under section 6305 of title 31, United States Code.”
“(B) National guard bureau personnel.--Section 10508(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``sections 1601 and 1762 of title 10,'' before ``or section 328 of title 32,''. (C) Maintenance and repair duties.--Section 328(b) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``maintaining and repairing supplies issued to the National Guard or the Armed Forces,'' before ``and training the reserve components''. (b) Conversion Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may convert a military technician (dual status) position filled by an individual employed under section 709 of title 32, United States Code, to either of the following: (1) A position filled by an individual employed under-- (A) section 3101 of title 5, United States Code; or (B) section 1601, 1762, or 10508 of title 10, United States Code.”
“MILITARY TECHNICIAN (DUAL STATUS): ELIMINATION OF TITLE 32 AUTHORITY; CONVERSIONS OF EXISTING POSITIONS. (a) Termination of Title 32 Authority.-- (1) In general.--Section 709 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following subsection: ``(k) This section shall cease to be effective on October 1, 2038.''. (2) Technical and conforming amendments.-- (A) In general.--Effective October 1, 2038-- (i) section 115(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``each reserve component of the Army and Air Force'' and inserting ``the Army Reserve and the Air Force Reserve''; and (ii) section 10216(a)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``or section 709(b) of title 32''.”
“(a) Eligible Educational Programs.--Section 4093(b)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``is pursuing an associates degree, undergraduate degree, or advanced degree in a critical skill or discipline described in subsection (a) at an accredited institution of higher education'' and inserting ``is pursuing an associates degree, undergraduate degree, or advanced degree in a critical skill or discipline described in subsection (a) at an accredited institution of higher education or career and technical education, vocational education, apprenticeship preparation, or workforce credentialing program''. (b) Service Agreement Requirements.--Section 4093(c)(1)(B)(ii)(I) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``and'' and inserting ``or''. SEC. 1105.”
“``(f) Definition of Institution of Higher Education.--In this section, the term `institution of higher education' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).''. SEC. 1104. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBLE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS UNDER THE SMART DEFENSE EDUCATION PROGRAM.”
“``(d) Authorization of Certain Expenses.--The Secretary may pay the following expenses incurred in the course of an intern's participation in the internship program: ``(1) Lodging expenses. ``(2) Subsistence expenses. ``(3) Incidental expenses. ``(4) Transportation expenses for transportation between the residence of the intern and the military installation where the intern performs duties under the internship program. ``(e) Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into agreements with one or more institutions of higher education so an intern may receive appropriate levels credit towards a graduate or undergraduate degree for duties performed under the internship program.”
“``(b) Eligible Individuals.--An individual eligible to be an intern participating in the internship program under this section is an individual who-- ``(1) is a student in good standing at an institution of higher education; and ``(2) the Secretary determines-- ``(A) to be qualified and talented; and ``(B) has passed appropriate screening and background checks. ``(c) Program Requirements.--Requirements of the internship program shall include the following: ``(1) An intern may perform duties only in a military child development center under the supervision of a child care employee. ``(2) Pursuant to section 1588(a)(3)(B) of this title, a student intern shall perform their duties on a voluntary basis. ``(3) A student intern may not work more than eight hours a day or a total of 40 hours per week.”
“ESTABLISHMENT OF A STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR MILITARY CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS. Subchapter II of chapter 88 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1792 the following new section: ``Sec. 1792a. Internship program for military child and youth programs ``(a) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out an internship program through which an individual described in subsection (b) may perform duties as an intern in a military child and youth program to prepare the individual for possible future employment in a military child and youth program.”
“(d) Annual Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report on the authority under section 1599k(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act. The report shall include the following: (1) Identification of any occupational series or position for which the authority under such section is exercised. (2) The service, agency, or component to which such position is assigned. (3) The justification for exercising such section for each such occupational series or position. (e) Applicability.--Section 1599k of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to job opportunity announcements issued on or after the date that is 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 1103.”
“(c) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for implementing this section, including-- [[Page H4849]] (1) a timeline for implementation of this section; (2) a strategy for training hiring managers and human resources professionals on skills-based assessment methods; (3) a description of validated assessment tools the Department plans to develop or adopt; and (4) metrics for evaluating the impacts of this section on time-to-hire, quality of hire, and retention rates.”