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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“(c) Report on Implementation.--Not later than two years after the date of the submission of the plan required under subsection (b), the Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of the plan, including-- (1) the percentage of produce sold in commissaries located in Guam that is locally sourced; (2) a description of progress made toward achieving the goal described in subsection (b)(2)(D); (3) any challenges encountered in implementing the plan; and (4) recommendations for legislative or administrative action to further increase procurement from producers in Guam. SEC. 594. SUBMISSION OF REVIEW OF OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF ARMY AND MARINE CORPS GROUND COMBAT UNITS.”
“(2) Elements.--The plan required under paragraph (1) shall-- (A) identify barriers to procuring locally grown produce from producers in Guam; (B) describe steps the Defense Commissary Agency will take to improve outreach, contracting, distribution, and procurement opportunities for producers in Guam; (C) establish measurable benchmarks and timelines for increasing the amount of locally grown produce sold in commissaries located in Guam; and (D) include a goal that not less than 15 percent of all produce sold in commissaries located in Guam be locally sourced from Guam producers.”
“(a) Designation of Liaison.--The Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall designate an official within the Defense Commissary Agency responsible for liaising with farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food producers in Guam for the purpose of assisting those persons in doing business with the Defense Commissary Agency and increasing the availability of locally produced food products in commissaries located in Guam. (b) Plan to Increase Local Procurement.-- (1) Plan required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to increase the volume of locally grown produce sold in commissaries located in Guam.”
“Section 2564a of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a)(1)(B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``, during the one-year period following the veteran's date of separation,''. SEC. 592. EXPANDED GOALS OF AUTHORIZED PROGRAM REGARDING THE NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM. The Secretary of Defense shall seek to amend any agreement entered into by the Secretary pursuant to section 539 of the Servicemember [[Page H4793]] Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159) to include promoting security at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. SEC. 593. LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PROCUREMENT IN GUAM COMMISSARIES.”
“It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Secretary of Defense should review the acts of valor of Philip J. Conran on October 6, 1969, as a member of the Air Force, during a combat mission in the Savannakhet Province of Laos to determine whether to recommend to the President to award Philip J. Conran the Medal of Honor for such acts of valor; and (2) subject to the enactment of legislation to waive the time limitations specified in section 9274 of title 10, United States Code, the President should award the Medal of Honor to Philip J. Conran for such acts of valor if the Secretary so recommends. Subtitle J--Other Matters and Miscellaneous Reports SEC. 591. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS FOR CERTAIN MILITARY ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM.”
“SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO THOMAS J. GRASSO FOR ACTS OF VALOR DURING OPERATION FREEDOM'S SENTINEL. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Secretary of Defense should review the acts of valor of Thomas J. Grasso as a Sergeant First Class in the Army during Operation Freedom's Sentinel to determine whether to recommend to the President to award Thomas J. Grasso the Medal of Honor for such acts of valor; and (2) subject to the enactment of legislation to waive the time limitations in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, the President should award the Medal of Honor to Thomas J. Grasso for such acts of valor if the Secretary so recommends. SEC. 589A. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO RETIRED COLONEL PHILIP J. CONRAN FOR ACTS OF VALOR IN LAOS DURING THE VIETNAM WAR.”
“AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD THE DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE CROSS TO JOSEPH P. LYNCH FOR ACTS OF VALOR AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMY DURING THE VIETNAM WAR. (a) Waiver of Time Limitations.--Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of the Army may award the Distinguished-Service Cross under section 7272 of such title to Joseph P. Lynch for the acts of valor in described in subsection (b). (b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Joseph P. Lynch on April 17, 1968, as a member of the Army, during a combat mission near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, for which he was previously awarded the Silver Star. SEC. 589.”
“Lodge as a Major in the Air Force on May 10, 1972. SEC. 587. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED- SERVICE CROSS FOR JAMES O. RATLIFF FOR ACTS OF VALOR DURING THE VIETNAM WAR. (a) Waiver of Time Limitations.--Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award a Distinguished-Service Cross under section 7272 of such title to James O. Ratliff for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). (b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of James O. Ratliff on June 18, 1968, as a member of the Army during a combat mission near the village of Ap Go Cong during the Vietnam War. SEC. 588.”
“(b) Acts of Valor Described.-- The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Rafael Peralta as a member of the Marine Corps on November 15, 2004, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross. SEC. 586. AUTHORIZATION FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO ROBERT A. LODGE FOR ACTS OF VALOR. (a) Authorization.--Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 9274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award the Medal of Honor under section 9271 of such title to Robert A. Lodge for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). (b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Robert A.”
“The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable. SEC. 585. AUTHORIZATION FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO RAFAEL PERALTA FOR ACTS OF VALOR. (a) Authorization.--Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 8291 of such title, to Rafael Peralta for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).”
“(a) Ribbon Authorized.--The Secretary of the military department concerned may award a service ribbon to a member of the National Guard who performs duty in support of a homeland defense activity, as such term is defined in section 901 of title 32, United States Code. (b) Design.--The ribbon shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense. (c) Issuance to Next-of-kin.--If the member is deceased, the Secretary of the military department concerned may issue such a ribbon to the next-of-kin of the member. (d) Regulations.--The award of a ribbon under this section shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries of the military departments concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section.”
“``(c) MOH Recipient Defined.--In this section, the term `MOH recipient' means a person whose name is entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll under section 1134a of this title.''. SEC. 583. TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD THE DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE CROSS TO ISAAC ``IKE'' CAMACHO. Section 592 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60) is amended, in the section heading, by striking the third word. SEC. 584. AUTHORIZATION OF SERVICE RIBBON FOR A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD WHO PERFORMS HOMELAND DEFENSE DUTY.”
“``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Medal of Honor Liaison include the following: ``(1) To serve as a primary point of contact in the Department for MOH recipients and their families. ``(2) To coordinate efforts within the Department, across the armed forces, and with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and other Federal entities regarding MOH recipients. ``(3) To coordinate replacement of military decorations under section 1135 of this title for MOH recipients. ``(4) To standardize protocol regarding MOH recipients across the armed forces. ``(5) To perform public affairs outreach regarding MOH recipients. ``(6) To make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense regarding service on active duty by MOH recipients, including in combat.”
“MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS: ACCESS TO ANY MILITARY INSTALLATION; LIAISON. (a) Access.--Section 1134a of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) Access.--A person whose name is entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll shall be issued a common access card (or successor identification) that grants such person unaccompanied access to any military installation and the Pentagon.''. (b) Liaison.--Chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1134a the following new section: ``Sec. 1134b. Medal of honor liaison ``(a) Establishment.--There is in the Department of Defense a Medal of Honor Liaison, appointed by the Secretary of Defense, who shall serve as liaison to MOH recipients.”
“(b) Reference.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Under regulations''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2)(A) An individual eligible for a gold star lapel button under paragraph (1) may be referred to as a `gold star survivor', `member of a gold star family', or `gold star family member'. ``(B) All of the individuals eligible for a gold star lapel button under paragraph (1) because of the loss of the life of one member under any circumstances prescribed in subsection (a) may be referred to as a `gold star family'.''. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 626 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended by striking subsection (c). SEC. 582.”
“(e) Termination.--The pilot program shall terminate on the day that is three years after the date on which the pilot program is established. Subtitle I--Decorations and Awards SEC. 581. GOLD STAR SURVIVOR: DEFINITION PRESCRIBED BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE. (a) Definition Prescribed by Secretary of Defense.--Section 1126 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``as the Secretaries concerned shall jointly specify in regulations for purposes of this section'' and inserting ``as the Secretary of Defense prescribes in regulations''.”
“(d) Report.--Not later than October 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the pilot program. Such report shall include-- [[Page H4792]] (1) a description of how the pilot program was implemented, including the timeline, execution plan, and the official managing the pilot program; (2) data on participation and usage, including the number of individuals who elected to participate, the rates of enrollment and disenrollment, and the frequency and types of messages transmitted; (3) any observed benefits or outcomes of the pilot program, including feedback from participants; (4) an analysis of the costs of operating the pilot program and any cost savings or efficiencies achieved by consolidating or scaling back other outreach efforts with respect to issues addressed by the pilot program; and (5) the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the feasibility and advisability of continuing or expanding the pilot program to the entire Department of Defense, including any proposed modifications to the program and an assessment of the anticipated costs, resource requirements, and potential benefits of Department-wide implementation.”
“(c) Covered Information.--Text messages transmitted under the pilot program shall include-- (1) information on employment opportunities for military spouses, career counseling, and related support programs; (2) updates with respect to child care services available both on and off the installation, availability of child care, and child care fee assistance programs; (3) information regarding general TRICARE program benefits, enrollment deadlines, and other health-related resources; (4) notifications of changes in Department of Defense policies, regulations, or Federal laws that affect members or dependents of members; and (5) any other information or resources that the Secretary considers relevant to the well-being of members and dependents of members.”
“(b) Implementation.--Under the pilot program-- (1) a member of the Armed Forces assigned to a location participating in the pilot program, or the dependent of such a member, may elect to receive such information using all available text messaging contact information provided by such a member or dependent; and (2) a member or dependent who elects to receive information under paragraph (1) may opt out of receiving text messages under the pilot program at any time.”
“SEC. 578. PILOT PROGRAM FOR PUSH-TEXT NOTIFICATIONS TO MEMBERS AND DEPENDENTS. (a) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to be known as the ``Push-Text Initiative'' (in this section referred to as the ``pilot program'') to provide members of the Armed Forces, assigned to one or more military installations located outside of the United States, and the adult dependents of such members, with timely and relevant information via text message.”
“Such report shall include the recommendation of the Secretary whether such authority should be extended or made permanent. (g) Termination.--The authority under this section shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (h) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``appropriate congressional committee'' means the following: (A) The Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. (B) The Committee on Armed Services of the Senate. (C) The Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives. (2) The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002). (3) The term ``special education teacher'' has the meaning given such term in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).”
“(d) Service Obligation.--As a condition of receiving assistance under subsection (c), a military spouse who participates in such a pilot program shall agree to serve as a special education teacher in a school operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity for a period of three years. (e) State Agreements.--The Secretary may seek to enter into an agreement with a State government (or licensing body sanctioned by a State government) to expedite certification described in subsection (c). (f) Report.--Not later than one year before the termination under subsection (g) of the authority to carry out a pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report regarding such pilot program.”
“(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program under which certain military spouses may become special education teachers in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity. (b) Eligibility.--A military spouse eligible to participate in such a pilot program is a military spouse who-- (1) is eligible for assistance under section 1784a of title 10, United States Code; and (2) has a bachelor's or graduate degree from an institution of higher education. (c) Assistance.--Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall provide assistance under section 1784a of title 10, United States Code, to a participating military spouse to seek a certification or other credential as a special education teacher in the State in which the military spouse resides.”
“(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the policy required under subsection (a). The report shall include-- (1) a summary of the policy; (2) the Secretary's plan for implementation of the policy; and (3) an explanation of how policy meets the requirements of subsection (a) and otherwise promotes family stability among members of the Armed Forces. (c) Secretary Concerned Defined.--In this section, the term ``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given that term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code. SEC. 577. AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN MILITARY SPOUSES TO BECOME SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN DODEA SCHOOLS.”
“(a) Policies Required.--Beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall maintain a policy pursuant to which a member of an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary who is a party to a court-ordered child custody arrangement may, at the discretion of the Secretary, receive-- (1) an exemption from orders for a permanent change of station or similar orders for a period of up to 24 months to enable that member to remain in geographic proximity to their child; and (2) such other accommodations as the Secretary determines appropriate to promote family stability.”
“(3) Briefing.--Not later than March 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the Department of Defense's evaluation of each local educational agency with higher concentrations of military children with severe disabilities and subsequent determination of the amounts of impact aid each such agency shall receive. SEC. 576. POLICIES TO SUPPORT MILITARY FAMILIES SUBJECT TO COURT-ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS.”
“(2) Additional amount.--Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $10,000,000 shall be available for use by the Secretary of Defense to make payments to local educational agencies determined by the Secretary to have higher concentrations of military children with severe disabilities.”
“(2) Local educational agency defined.--In this subsection, the term ``local educational agency'' has the meaning given that term in section 7013(9) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7713(9)). (b) Impact Aid for Children With Severe Disabilities.-- (1) In general.--Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $10,000,000 shall be available for payments under section 363 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106-398; 114 Stat. 1654A-77; 20 U.S.C. 7703a).”
“CERTAIN ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES THAT BENEFIT DEPENDENTS OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL. (a) Continuation of Authority to Assist Local Educational Agencies That Benefit Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense Civilian Employees.-- (1) Assistance to schools with significant numbers of military dependent students.--Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 by section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $50,000,000 shall be available only for the purpose of providing assistance to local educational agencies under subsection (a) of section 572 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163; 20 U.S.C. 7703b).”
“(b) Implementation Date.--The requirements of subsection (c) of section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, as added by subsection (a) of this section-- (1) except as provided in paragraph (2), shall apply to financial assistance under the pilot program established pursuant to such section provided on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) shall not apply to financial assistance under such pilot program provided to an in-home child care provider pursuant to an agreement between the Secretary of Defense until the end of the term of such agreement if-- (A) the agreement is in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) the agreement provides that the Secretary will make direct payments to such provider. SEC. 575.”
“1791 note) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: ``(c) Direct Payments.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall provide financial assistance under the pilot program required by subsection (a) to members of the Armed Forces through monthly pay, direct deposit, or other form of direct payment to such members. ``(2) Payment to eligible providers.--The Secretary of Defense may provide financial assistance under the pilot program required by subsection (a) directly to an in-home child care provider with the written consent of the member of the Armed Forces receiving such financial assistance.''.”
“``(2) No State or local government may enact or enforce a law, regulation, rule, or requirement related to such Au Pair program that would impose an additional or different term or condition on a military family that is the host family for an au pair.''. SEC. 574. MODIFICATIONS TO PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR IN-HOME CHILD CARE. (a) In General.--Section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C.”
“PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR IN-HOME CHILD CARE: INCLUSION OF AU PAIRS. Section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 1791 note) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``subsection (b)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)''; (2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as subsections (c) through (f), respectively; and [[Page H4791]] (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b): ``(b) Au Pairs.--(1) The Secretary shall treat an au pair who is participating in the Au Pair program of the Department of State as an in-home child care provider who meets qualifications determined under subsection (a)(3)(B).”
“``(5) Not later than 90 days after the date of the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes-- ``(A) the elements specified in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of paragraph (4); and ``(B) the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether to make the pilot program permanent. ``(6) The pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date on which such program is established. ``(7) In this subsection, the term `appropriate congressional committees' means-- ``(A) the congressional defense committees; ``(B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and ``(C) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.''. SEC. 573.”
“``(4) Not later than one year after the establishment of the pilot program under this subsection, and semiannually thereafter until the date of the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program that includes-- ``(A) the number of eligible providers participating in the pilot program, disaggregated by location; ``(B) the number of additional infant and toddler enrollments at eligible providers made available under the pilot program, disaggregated by loacation; ``(C) the determination of the Secretary as to whether grants provided under the pilot program-- ``(i) helped reduce child care costs for applicable military families; ``(ii) increased child care provider participation in the financial assistance available under this section; and ``(iii) increased access to infant and toddler care for military families; ``(D) the determination of the Secretary with respect to the feasibility of expanding the pilot program to all communities; ``(E) any challenges identified by the Secretary in carrying out the pilot program; ``(F) legislation or administrative action that the Secretary determines necessary to make the pilot program permanent; and ``(G) any other information the Secretary determines appropriate.”
“``(3) The Secretary-- ``(A) shall award grants under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) to not less than 10 eligible providers located in areas with high child care services costs or a significant lack of accessible child care services, as determined by the Secretary; and ``(B) may award grants under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) to eligible providers located in other areas as the Secretary considers appropriate.”
“``(2) A grant awarded under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) shall-- ``(A) be in an amount determined by the Secretary, but in no case more than 75 percent of the estimated cost of the expansion for which the grant is provided; and ``(B) require the recipient of a grant to-- ``(i) make available not less than half of any additional capacity for infants and toddlers to children of members of the armed forces that results from the expansion for which a grant is awarded for the 10-year period that begins on the date on which such expansion is completed; and ``(ii) certify that the recipient will not displace children enrolled on the date described in clause (i) who are not children of members of the armed forces to meet the requirement of clause (i).”
“EXTENSION OF NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING SERVICES PROGRAM FOR MILITARY FAMILIES. Section 1781(d)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``three years after the date of the enactment of this subsection'' and inserting ``December 22, 2029''. SEC. 572. PILOT PROGRAM TO INCREASE PAYMENTS FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES IN HIGH-COST AREAS. Section 1798 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsection (d) and (e), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: ``(c) Pilot Program for Grants to Increase Infant and Toddler Capacity in High-cost Areas.--(1) The Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot program to provide grants to eligible providers seeking to expand the capacity of such providers to provide care for infants and toddlers.”
“(d) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``covered dependent'' means a dependent of an individual who-- (A) is a covered individual; (B) initiated a transfer of education benefits to such dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code; and (C) did not complete the years of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such dependent to commence use of such benefits in accordance with such section. (2) The term ``covered individual'' means an individual who, during the period beginning on August 24, 2021, and ending on January 10, 2023, was involuntarily or voluntarily separated from an Armed Force solely on the basis of the refusal of such individual to receive a vaccination against COVID-19. Subtitle H--Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education SEC. 571.”
“(2) Disaggregation.--The Secretary of Defense shall disaggregate the elements of the report required by paragraph (1) that are described in subparagraphs (A) through (J) of such paragraph by-- (A) Armed Force in which the covered individual served; (B) whether the covered individual served in an active component or a reserve component; (C) the grade of the covered individual; (D) the years of service in the Armed Forces of the covered individual at the time of separation; and (E) the characterization of the discharge of the covered individual. (c) Public Availability.--Not later than 60 days after the Secretary of Defense submits the report required by subsection (b), the Secretary shall make such report publicly available on the website of the Department of Defense.”
“Such report shall include-- (A) the number of covered individuals; (B) the number of covered individuals who initiated a transfer of education benefits to a dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, before separation; (C) the number of covered individuals who initiated such a transfer and did not complete the years of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such dependent to commence use of such education benefits in accordance with such section before separation; (D) the number of members of the Armed Forces who were denied a religious exemption from the mandate to receive the COVID-19 vaccine during the period beginning on August 24, 2021, and ending on January 10, 2023; (E) the number of covered individuals who were denied such a religious exemption; (F) the number of covered individuals who returned to service in accordance with the terms of Executive Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members discharged under the military's COVID-19 vaccination mandate); (G) the number of covered individuals who returned to service in accordance with the terms of Executive Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members discharged under the military's COVID-19 vaccination mandate) who initiated a transfer of education benefits to a dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, before separation and return to service; (H) the number of covered individuals who returned to service in accordance with the terms of Executive Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members discharged under the military's COVID-19 vaccination mandate) who initiated a transfer of education benefits to a dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, before separation and return to service and completed the years of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such dependent to commence use of such education benefits; (I) the number of covered dependents; (J) an analysis of the budgetary impact of allowing each covered dependent to commence use of education benefits that were transferred to such covered dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, without regard to whether the covered individual who transferred such education benefits to such covered dependent completed the years of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such covered dependent to commence such use; and (K) any recommendations of the Secretary to address the separation of covered individuals and to ensure covered individuals receive appropriate benefits as veterans of the Armed Forces.”
“(4) The term ``STEM'' means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. SEC. 564. STUDY ON SEPARATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES DUE TO THE MANDATE TO RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE AND THE TRANSFER OF EDUCATION BENEFITS BY SUCH MEMBERS. (a) Study.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on covered individuals and the transfer of education benefits by covered individuals to covered dependents. (b) Report.-- (1) Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing the results of the study required by subsection (a).”
“(d) Termination.--This section shall cease to have any effect on the day that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``covered member'' means a member-- (A) separating from a covered Armed Force; and (B) who wishes to obtain employment as a teacher in an elementary or secondary school. (2) The term ``appropriate congressional committee'' means-- (A) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; (B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives; or (D) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. (3) The term ``covered Armed Force'' means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.”
“(2) The number of covered members who obtain such employment under the pilot program, disaggregated by covered Armed Force and rank. (3) The locations of participating schools. (4) The percentages of participating covered members who teach in subjects described in subsection (b). (5) The number and percentages of participating covered members who-- (A) obtain required teaching credentials by expedited means; or (B) receive exemptions from such requirements. (6) The results of a satisfaction survey of participating schools. (7) A summary of interviews with participating covered members who obtain such employment, including such covered members who [[Page H4790]] do not complete an academic year of such employment.”
“(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program to refer covered members for employment as teachers in elementary and secondary schools that elect to participate in the pilot program. (b) Priority.--Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall give priority to participating schools that need teachers of subjects in greater demand, including special education and STEM. (c) Report.--Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an annual report regarding such a pilot program. Elements of such a report include the following: (1) The number of covered members who apply for the pilot program, disaggregated by covered Armed Force and rank.”
“(b) Implementation and Briefing.-- (1) Implementation.--The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall designate a senior official under section 1156(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on-- (A) the status of the designation of the official under subsection (a); and (B) the implementation of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the official under subsection (b). SEC. 563. AUTHORIZATION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP MEMBERS SEPARATING FROM CERTAIN ARMED FORCES OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT AS TEACHERS.”
“``(2) The roles, responsibilities, and authorities prescribed under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the transition of members of the armed forces from active duty to civilian life and reserve components and the families of such members experiencing such transition-- ``(A) serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on policies, operations, and programs and activities relating to the transition of members; ``(B) assisting the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness with policies, operations, and programs and activities relating to the transition of members; ``(C) working, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Education, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all activities relating to the transition of members; ``(D) serving as the chief transition officer of the Department of Defense, with the mission of coordinating and overseeing the effectiveness of transition programs of the Department of Defense and ensuring all members of the armed forces are well equipped for civilian life or the reserve components, as the case may be; ``(E) overseeing the implementation of transition programs in the Department of Defense; ``(F) conducting a review and assessment of all transition programs and services offered by the Department of Defense, including the programs under this chapter, and proposing legislative or administrative action-- ``(i) to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the programs; and ``(ii) to ensure compliance with all legal requirements related to transition assistance; and ``(G) working with Federal agencies, State and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve the delivery of transition support services to members and families of members.''.”
“Senior official for military-to-civilian transition ``(a) Designation.--The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall designate a senior official of the Department of Defense to oversee policy and programs related to the transition of members of the armed forces from active duty to civilian life or reserve components. ``(b) Qualifications.--The official designated under paragraph (1) shall be designated from among individuals with extensive experience with veterans services and knowledge of the transition from active duty to civilian life and reserve components.. ``(c) Role, Responsibility, and Authority.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall prescribe the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the official designated under subsection (a).”
“I take this oath freely and without purpose of evasion, so help me God.' ''. (c) Clerical Amendments.-- (1) Section heading.--The heading of section 502 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 502. Enlistment oath and separation oath: who may administer''. (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 31 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 502 and inserting the following new item: ``502. Enlistment oath and separation oath: who may administer.''. SEC. 562. DESIGNATION OF SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR MILITARY-TO- CIVILIAN TRANSITION. (a) In General.--Chapter 58 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 1156.”
“(6) Most members of the Armed Forces view this oath not as an imposition, but as a promise that they are bound to fulfill. (b) Establishment of Separation Oath.--Section 502 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``The oath'' and inserting ``An oath established by this section''; (2) by redesignating subsection (b), as amended, as subsection (c); and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b): ``(b) Separation Oath.--Prior to retirement or other separation from the armed forces, other than separation pursuant to the sentence of a court-martial, a member of an armed force may take the following oath: `` `I, __________, recognizing that my oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, has involved me and my fellow members in experiences that few persons, other than our peers, can understand, do solemnly swear (or affirm) to continue to be the keeper of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms and protector of the United States and the Constitution; to preserve the values I have learned; to maintain my body and my mind; to give help to, and seek help from, my fellow veterans; and to not bring harm to myself or others.”