The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TEXT OF AMENDMENTS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S4110-S4115 on June 11, 2015.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TEXT OF AMENDMENTS
SA 1997. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle C of title II, add the following:
SEC. 236. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT OF BETTER BUYING POWER 3.0
INITIATIVE ON INDEPENDENT RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Assessment of Better Buying Power 3.0.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of the Better Buying Power 3.0 initiative and its management of independent research and development activities by contractors of the Department of Defense.
(b) Elements.--The assessment required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) An assessment of the implementation of Better Buying Power 3.0 and how it balances the need for management of reimbursement of Department contractor independent research and development costs with the need to preserve the independence of a contractor to choose which technologies to pursue in its independent research and development program.
(2) An assessment of the costs, risks and benefits of proposed changes to the current guidelines of the Department for authorizing independent research and development by contractors and reimbursing such contractors for expenses relating to such independent research and development.
(3) Recommendations for legislative or administrative action to improve the ways in which the Department authorizes independent research and development by contractors of the Department and reimburses such contractors for expenses relating to such independent research and development.
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SA 1998. Mr. McCONNELL (for Mr. Rubio) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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:
On page 475, beginning on line 17, strike ``2035; and'' and all that follows through ``(E) Implications'' on line 18 and insert the following: ``2035;
(D) options to address ship classes that begin decommissioning prior to 2035, including Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers; and
(E) implications
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SA 1999. Mr. CASSIDY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle G of title X, add the following:
SEC. 1085. RETENTION OF RECORDS OF REPRIMANDS AND
ADMONISHMENTS RECEIVED BY EMPLOYEES OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 7 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 714. Record of reprimands and admonishments
``If any employee of the Department receives a reprimand or admonishment, the Secretary shall retain a copy of such reprimand or admonishment in the permanent record of the employee as long as the employee is employed by the Department.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``714. Record of reprimands and admonishments.''.
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SA 2000. Mr. McCAIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle A of title XVI, add the following:
SEC. 1614. POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CERTAIN LEGISLATION
MODIFYING RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF ROCKET
ENGINES FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION FOR THE
EVOLVED EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE PROGRAM.
(a) Point of Order.--It shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, amendment between the Houses, or conference report if the bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, amendment between the Houses, or conference report--
(1) would not authorize appropriations for a fiscal year for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy; and
(2) would modify, amend, or supersede restrictions on the use of rocket engines designed or manufactured in the Russian Federation for the evolved expendable launch vehicle program.
(b) Waiver and Appeal.--Subsection (a) may be waived or suspended in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under subsection (a).
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SA 2001. Mr. PETERS (for himself, Mr. Daines, and Mr. Tillis) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle C of title V, add the following:
SEC. 524. REVIEW OF CHARACTERIZATION OR TERMS OF DISCHARGE
FROM THE ARMED FORCES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS ALLEGED TO AFFECT TERMS
OF DISCHARGE.
Section 1553(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3)(A) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2), in the case of a former member described in subparagraph (B), the board shall--
``(i) review medical evidence of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or a civilian health care provider that is presented by the former member; and
``(ii) review the case with a rebuttable presumption in favor of the former member that post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury materially contributed to the circumstances resulting in the discharge of a lesser characterization.
``(B) A former member described in this subparagraph is a former member described in paragraph (1) or a former member whose application for relief is based in whole or in part on matters relating to post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury as supporting rationale or as justification for priority consideration whose post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury is related to combat or military sexual trauma, as determined by the Secretary concerned.''.
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SA 2002. Mr. McCain submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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:
Strike section 1273 and insert the following:
SEC. 1273. SENSE OF CONGRESS AND REPORT ON QATAR FIGHTER
AIRCRAFT CAPABILITY CONTRIBUTION TO REGIONAL
SAFETY.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) the United States should consider, in a timely manner, the July 2013 Letter of Request from the Government of Qatar for fighter aircraft;
(2) the approval of such a sale, if found to be in the national interests of the United States, could contribute to the self-defense of Qatar, deter the regional ambitions of Iran, reassure partners and allies of the United States commitment to regional security, and enhance the strike capability of fighter aircraft of the Qatar air force;
(3) the ability of our regional partners to respond to threatening Iranian military actions in the Gulf, such as closing the Strait of Hormuz or launching a ballistic missile attack, is a critical element of deterring Iranian aggression and to maintaining security and stability in the region;
(4) the maintenance by Israel of a Qualitative Military Edge (QME) is vital, and due diligence is essential in thoroughly evaluating the impact of such a sale as it relates to the military capabilities of Israel; and
(5) the Department of State should prioritize its consideration of whether to issue a Letter of Offer and Acceptance, to advance the sale of fighter aircraft to the Government of Qatar so that key decisions can be taken regarding the way forward for capabilities that are critical for security and stability in the Middle East.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the risks and benefits of the sale of fighter aircraft to Qatar as described in subsection (a).
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the followings:
(A) A description of the assumptions regarding the increase to Qatar air force capabilities as a result of the sale.
(B) A description of the assumptions regarding items described in subparagraph (A) as they may impact the preservation by Israel of a Qualitative Military Edge.
(C) An estimated timeline for final adjudication of the decision to approve the sale.
(3) Form.--The report required by paragraph (1) may be submitted in classified or unclassified form.
(4) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
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SA 2003. Mrs. FISCHER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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:
SEC. __. SBIR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE FEE EXTENSION.
Section 9(mm)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(mm)(1)) is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``for the 3 fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this subsection'' and inserting ``until September 30, 2017''.
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SA 2004. Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. Portman) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle G of title X, add the following:
SEC. 1084. SENSE OF SENATE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE AIR FORCE
MINORITY LEADERS PROGRAM.
(a) Findings.--The Senate makes the following findings:
(1) The Air Force Minority Leaders Program facilitates the development of relationships between the Department of the Air Force and students, teachers, and professors from historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions (HBCU/MI) to contribute to the performance of research tasks for the Department.
(2) The Air Force Minority Leaders Program promotes valuable research for the Department, increases the pipeline of minority scientific talent for professions within the Air Force, and strengthens the scientific and educational infrastructure in the minority community.
(b) Sense of Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate to encourage the Department of the Air Force and the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue to invest in the Air Force Minority Leaders Program by devoting time, personnel, and resources to the Program in order to meet the critical objectives of the Department with respect to defense capabilities, science and technology, the future workforce, and other technical matters.
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SA 2005. Mr. COTTON submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1569 proposed by Mr. Burr (for himself and Mrs. Boxer) to the amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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:
On page 29, strike line 9 and insert the following:authority regarding a cybersecurity threat; and
(iii) communications between a Federal law enforcement entity and a private entity regarding a cybersecurity threat;
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SA 2006. Mr. SCHATZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle C of title VI , add the following:
SEC. 622. POLICIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ON TRAVEL OF
NEXT OF KIN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DIGNIFIED
TRANSFER OF REMAINS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED
FORCES AND CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE WHO DIE OVERSEAS.
(a) Review of Policies.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a review of the current policies of the Department of Defense on the travel for next of kin to participate in the dignified transfer of remains of members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department who die overseas.
(2) Elements.--The review required by this subsection shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of the changes to Department instructions and Federal regulations necessary to provide Government funded travel to the next of kin to participate in the dignified transfer of remains of members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department who die overseas, regardless whether the death occurred in a combat area or a non-combat area.
(B) An action plan and timeline for making the changes described in subparagraph (A).
(b) Modification of Policies.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), not later than February 1, 2016, the Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to modify the policies of the Department in order to provide Government funded travel for the next of kin to participate in the dignified transfer of remains of members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense who die overseas, regardless whether the death occurs in a combat area or a non-combat area.
(2) Exception.--The Secretary is not required to modify the policies of the Department as described in paragraph (1) if, by not later than March, 1, 2016, the Secretary certifies, in writing, to the congressional defense committees that such action is not in the best interest of the United States. The certification shall include the following:
(A) An assessment and reevaluation by the Secretary of the rational for excluding the next of kin from Government funded travel if the death of a member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of the Department overseas occurs in a non-combat area.
(B) Recommendations for alternative plans to ensure that the next of kin of members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department who die overseas in a non-combat area may participate in the dignified transfer of the remains of the deceased at Dover Port Mortuary, including through the actions of appropriate non-governmental organizations.
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SA 2007. Mr. GRAHAM submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle G of title X, add the following:
SEC. 1085. MILITARY COMPENSATION AND RETIREMENT MODERNIZATION
COMMISSION.
(a) Extension of Commission.--Section 679 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239; 126 Stat. 1795), as amended by section 1095(b)(6) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014
(Public Law 113-66; 127 Stat. 880), is further amended by striking ``not later than 35 months after the Commission establishment date'' and inserting ``on October 1, 2016''.
(b) Funding.--Section 680 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (126 Stat. 1795), as amended by section 1095(b)(7) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (127 Stat. 880), is further amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by inserting ``(a) In General.--
'' before ``Of the amounts'';
(2) in the third sentence, by striking ``under this section'' and inserting ``under this subsection''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Additional Funding.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2016 for the Department of Defense by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, $1,800,000 shall be made available to the Commission to carry out its duties under this subtitle. Funds made available to the Commission under the preceding sentence shall remain available until expended.''.
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SA 2008. Mr. GRAHAM submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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:
Strike section 1645 and insert the following:
SEC. 1645. ISRAELI COOPERATIVE MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAM
CODEVELOPMENT AND POTENTIAL COPRODUCTION.
(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2016 for Procurement, Defense-wide, and available for the Missile Defense Agency, $150,000,000 may be provided to the Government of Israel to procure the David's Sling Weapon System and $15,000,000 for the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program, including for co-production of parts and components in the United States by United States industry.
(b) Disbursement.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), following successful completion of milestones that inform production decisions and production readiness reviews in the research, development, and technology agreements for the David's Sling Weapon System and the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Development Program, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency may disburse amounts available pursuant to subsection
(a) on the basis of what is mutually agreed to by the United States and Israel, on or after the date that the United States enters into a bilateral agreement with the Government of Israel that, as determined by the Director, accomplishes the following:
(A) Establishes the terms of co-production of parts and components of the respective systems--
(i) in a manner that will minimize non-recurring engineering and facilitization expenses; and
(ii) that ensures that an optimal production share is carried out by United States persons.
(B) Ensures that, in the case of coproduction of the David's Sling Weapon System, a study is jointly conduced by the Israel Missile Defense Organization and the Missile Defense Agency of the United States as follows:
(i) The purpose of the study shall be to determine the most effective and efficient ways to reach a target of 50 percent production in the United States by the end of the multi-year coproduction plan.
(ii) The study shall identify and assess, with respect to the process of moving production to the United States--
(I) the best opportunities for United States contractors;
(II) cost, schedule, and operational risks; and
(III) imports required.
(iii) The study shall be carried out so that the results will inform future negotiations on the amendments to the bilateral agreement with regard to United States work share.
(C) Establishes a plan for procurement, using amounts disbursed under this subsection and based on the Israeli requirement for the number of interceptors and batteries of the respective systems that will be procured.
(D) Allows the Director of the Missile Defense Agency and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to establish technical milestones for co-production and procurement of the respective systems.
(E) Establishes joint approval processes for third party sales of such systems.
(2) Exception for long lead time and critical items.--(A) The Director may make a disbursement under paragraph (1) before the date that the United States enters into a bilateral agreement described in such paragraph for long lead time and critical procurement items and activities, not to exceed $90,000,000 for the David's Sling Weapon System and
$15,000,000 for the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program.
(B) Amounts disbursed under subparagraph (A) shall be considered amounts disbursed under a bilateral agreement described in paragraph (1).
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SA 2009. Ms. MIKULSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle A of title XIV, add the following:
SEC. 1409. ADDITIONAL AMOUNT FOR OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS,
WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS, FOR THE DEFENSE
COMMISSARY AGENCY.
(a) Additional Amount.--The amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2016 by section 1401 is hereby increased by $322,000,000, with the amount of the increase to be available for working capital funds, Defense Commissary Agency, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
(b) Offset.--
(1) O&M, army.--The amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2016 by section 301 is hereby decreased by
$53,666,667, with the amount of the decrease to be applied to amounts available for operation and maintenance, Army, as specified in the funding table in section 4301 and achieved by limiting excessive and redundant purchases of spare parts.
(2) O&M, navy.--The amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2016 by section 301 is hereby decreased by
$53,666,667, with the amount of the decrease to be applied to amounts available for operation and maintenance, Navy, as specified in the funding table in section 4301 and achieved by limiting excessive and redundant purchases of spare parts.
(3) O&M, air force.--The amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2016 by section 301 is hereby decreased by $53,666,666, with the amount of the decrease to be applied to amounts available for operation and maintenance, Air Force, as specified in the funding table in section 4301 and achieved by limiting excessive and redundant purchases of spare parts.
(4) Generally.--The aggregate amount available for fiscal year 2016 under this division due to foreign currency fluctuations is reduced from the aggregate amount otherwise specified in the funding tables in division D by
$151,000,000.
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SA 2010. Mr. SANDERS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle E of title VIII, add the following:
SEC. 884. REPORT ON DEFENSE CONTRACTING FRAUD.
(a) In General.--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 report on defense contracting fraud.
(b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1) A summary of fraud-related criminal convictions and civil judgements or settlements over the previous five fiscal years.
(2) A listing of contractors that within the previous five fiscal years performed contracts for the Department of Defense and were debarred or suspended from Federal contracting based on a criminal conviction for fraud.
(3) An assessment of the total value of Department of Defense contracts entered into during the previous five fiscal years with contractors that have been indicted for, settled charges of, been fined by any Federal department or agency for, or been convicted of fraud in connection with any contract or other transaction entered into with the Federal Government.
(4) Recommendations by the Inspector General of the Department of Defense or other appropriate Department of Defense official regarding how to penalize contractors repeatedly involved in fraud in connection with contracts or other transactions entered into with the Federal Government, including an update on implementation by the Department of any previous such recommendations.
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SA 2011. Ms. AYOTTE (for herself, Mr. Peters, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Graham, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Nelson, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Hatch, and Mr. Kirk) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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:
Strike section 1272 and insert the following:
SEC. 1272. UNITED STATES-ISRAEL ANTI-TUNNEL COOPERATION.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Tunnels can be used for criminal purposes, such as smuggling drugs, weapons, or humans, or for terrorist or military purposes, such as launching surprise attacks or detonating explosives underneath civilian or military infrastructure.
(2) Tunnels have been a growing threat on the southern border of the United States for years.
(3) In the conflict in Gaza in 2014, terrorists used tunnels to conduct attacks against Israel.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) it is in the national security interests of the United States to develop technology to detect and counter tunnels, and the best way to do this is to partner with other affected countries;
(2) the Administration should, on a joint basis with Israel, carry out research, development, test, and evaluation of anti-tunnel capabilities to detect, map, and neutralize underground tunnels that threaten the United States or Israel; and
(3) the Administration should use developed anti-tunnel capabilities to better protect the United States and deployed United States military personnel.
(c) Authority To Establish Anti-tunnel Capabilities Program With Israel.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, upon request of the Ministry of Defense of Israel and in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, is authorized to carry out research, development, test, and evaluation, on a joint basis with Israel, to establish anti-tunnel capabilities to detect, map, and neutralize underground tunnels that threaten the United States or Israel. Such authority includes authority to construct facilities and install equipment necessary to carry out research, development, test, and evaluation so authorized. Any activities carried out pursuant to such authority shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information and United States and Israel national security interests.
(2) Report.--The activities described in paragraph (1) and subsection (d) may be carried out after the Secretary of Defense submits to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth the following:
(A) A memorandum of agreement between the United States and Israel regarding sharing of research and development costs for the capabilities described in paragraph (1), and any supporting documents.
(B) A certification that the memorandum of agreement--
(i) requires sharing of costs of projects, including in-kind support, between the United States and Israel;
(ii) establishes a framework to negotiate the rights to any intellectual property developed under the memorandum of agreement; and
(iii) requires the United States Government to receive quarterly reports on expenditure of funds, if any, by the Government of Israel, including a description of what the funds have been used for, when funds were expended, and an identification of entities that expended the funds.
(d) Assistance in Connection With Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense is authorized to provide procurement, maintenance, and sustainment assistance to Israel in support of the anti-tunnel capabilities research, development, test, and evaluation activities authorized in subsection (c)(1).
(2) Report.--Assistance may not be provided under paragraph
(1) until 15 days after the Secretary submits to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth a detailed description of the assistance to be provided.
(3) Matching contribution.--Assistance may not be provided under this subsection unless the Government of Israel contributes an amount not less than the amount of assistance to be so provided to the program, project, or activity for which the assistance is to be so provided.
(e) Quarterly Reports.--The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress on a quarterly basis a report that contains a copy of the most recent quarterly report provided by the Government of Israel to the Department of Defense pursuant to subsection
(c)(2)(B)(iii).
(f) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(g) Sunset.--The authority in this section to carry out activities described in subsection (c), and to provide assistance described in subsection (d), shall expire on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
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SA 2012. Mr. McCAIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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:
SEC. __. BORDER SECURITY ON FEDERAL LANDS ALONG THE SOUTHERN
BORDER.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Federal lands.--The term ``Federal lands'' includes all land under the control of the Secretary concerned that is located--
(A) within 100 miles of the international border between the United States and Mexico; and
(B) within the Tucson and Yuma sectors of United States Border Patrol.
(2) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned'' means--
(A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Support for Border Security Needs.--
(1) In general.--To achieve border security on Federal lands--
(A) notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary concerned shall provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel with immediate access to Federal lands for border security activities, including--
(i) routine motorized patrols; and
(ii) the deployment of communications, surveillance, and detection equipment;
(B) the Secretary concerned may provide education and training to U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel on the natural and cultural resources present on individual Federal land units; and
(C) the security activities described in subparagraph (A) shall be conducted, to the maximum extent practicable, in a manner that the Secretary of Homeland Security determines will best protect the natural and cultural resources on Federal lands.
(2) Intermingled state and private land.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any private or State-owned land within the boundaries of Federal lands.
(3) Sunset.--The requirements under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days before the date on which the requirements under subsection (b) are scheduled to terminate, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes--
(1) an analysis of the effectiveness of the actions taken pursuant to such subsection, including the impact of such actions on--
(A) border security activities; and
(B) the natural and cultural resources on impacted Federal lands;
(2) an assessment of the 2006 Memos of Understanding between the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Interior regarding access to Federal and Indian lands for border security activities, including--
(A) how such memoranda, as in force on the date of the enactment of this Act, impacted border security activities;
(B) the best way to improve such memoranda and their application;
(C) specific ways in which such memoranda could be used to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security receives timely access to Federal lands for critical border security activities; and
(D) the number of agency personnel required to effectively and efficiently execute such memoranda;
(3) a sector-by-sector analysis of the expected impact of applying the requirements under subsection (b) to the entire land border of the United States, including--
(A) an assessment of--
(i) how border security activities and natural, cultural, and historic resources on Federal and Indian lands would be impacted, including the potential impact on wildlife, including endangered species;
(ii) any actions the Department of Homeland Security would need to take to mitigate the impact of border security activities, including the estimated costs of such actions; and
(iii) whether lack of access hinders border security; and
(B) an examination of the impact of providing the Department of Homeland Security with increased access to Federal and Indian lands located within--
(i) 25 miles of the United States border;
(ii) 50 miles of the United States border, or
(iii) 100 miles of the United States border; and
(4) a sector-by-sector analysis of--
(A) the costs incurred by each Secretary concerned relating to managing and mitigating for illegal border activity on Federal lands, including the cost of restoring natural resources that were damaged by illegal border activity;
(B) the impact of illegal traffic on wildlife, including endangered species and critical habitat; and
(C) the impact of illegal traffic on natural, cultural, and historic resources on Federal lands.
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SA 2013. Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle G of title X, add the following:
SEC. 1085. ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO USED POST-9/11
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO PURSUE A PROGRAM OF
EDUCATION AT AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING
THAT CLOSED WHILE PURSUING THE PROGRAM.
(a) Assistance.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3318 the following new section:
``Sec. 3318A. Assistance for individuals who pursue programs of education at institutions of higher learning that unexpectedly close
``(a) Covered Individuals.--(1) For purposes of this section, a covered individual is any individual who--
``(A)(i) pursued a program of education at an institution of higher learning with educational assistance under this chapter and stopped pursuing such program of education because the institution of higher learning closed before such individual could complete such program of education or because the individual anticipated that such institution of higher learning would close and withdrew from such program not more than 120 days before the date on which such institution of higher learning actually closed; and
``(ii) did not complete such program of education pursuant to a teach-out plan (as defined in section 487(f)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1094(f)(2))); or
``(B) pursued a program of education with educational assistance under this chapter at an institution of higher learning that the Secretary determines caused such harm to the individual as the Secretary determines equity requires that the individual receive relief under this section.
``(2) For purposes of this subsection and in the case of the closing of an institution of higher learning, the Secretary may increase the 120-day period specified in paragraph (1)(A)(i) if the Secretary determines that exceptional circumstances regarding such closing justify the increase.
``(b) Restoration of Entitlement to Educational Assistance.--The Secretary shall restore to each covered individual who used educational assistance under this chapter to pursue a program of education at an institution of higher learning--
``(1) as described in subparagraph (A) of subsection (a)(1) such individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter in an amount equal to one month for each month of educational assistance used by the individual to pursue such program of education at such institution of higher learning; and
``(2) as described in subparagraph (B) of such subsection such individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter in such amount as the Secretary determines equity requires.
``(c) Restoration of Entitlement to Tutorial Assistance.--In the case of a covered individual described in subsection
(a)(1) who received benefits under section 3314 of this title to correct a deficiency of the covered individual in a course that was part of the program of education pursued by the covered individual as described in such subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(1) in a case described in subparagraph (A) of such subsection, restore to such covered individual such covered individual's entitlement to benefits under such section in an amount equal to the amount paid under such section for such correction; and
``(2) in a case described in subparagraph (B) of such subsection, restore to such covered individual such amount of such covered individual's entitlement to benefits under such section as the Secretary determines equity requires.
``(d) Continued Payment of Monthly Housing Stipends.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of a covered individual described in subsection (a)(1) who in the case described in subparagraph (A) of such subsection was receiving a monthly housing stipend under this chapter while pursuing the program of education at the institution of higher learning that closed or who in a case described in subparagraph (B) of such subsection in which the covered individual was receiving a monthly housing stipend under this chapter while pursuing the program of education and stopped pursuing the program of education because of the harm caused by the institution of higher learning, the Secretary shall continue to pay to such covered individual such monthly housing stipend for the first month beginning after the covered individual stopped pursuing such program of education and for each month thereafter until the covered individual begins pursuing a program of education at a new institution of higher learning with educational assistance under this chapter.
``(2) No individual may receive more than three months of monthly stipend under this subsection.
``(e) National Tests.--In the case of a covered individual who pursued a program of education at an institution of higher education as described in subsection (a)(1) and received educational assistance under section 3315A of this title for a national test for admission to such program of education or institution of higher learning or for course credit at such institution of higher learning, the Secretary shall restore to such covered individual the months of entitlement charged such covered individual pursuant to subsection (c) of such section for such educational assistance.
``(f) Relocation and Travel Assistance.--A payment under section 3318 of this title for pursuit of a program of education at an institution of higher learning as described in subsection (a)(1) of this section shall not be considered a payment of additional assistance under section 3318 of this title for purposes of subsection (d) of such section.
``(g) Recovery.--In a case of a covered individual who pursued a program of education at an institution of higher learning as described in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall seek to recover from the institution of higher learning the value of--
``(1) the entitlement to educational assistance restored to the covered individual under subsections (b) and (e), if any;
``(2) the entitlement to tutorial assistance restored to the covered individual under subsection (c), if any;
``(3) the amount of monthly housing stipend paid to the covered individual under subsection (d)(1), if any; and
``(4) the additional assistance provided to the covered individual under section 3318 of this title for such pursuit, if any.
``(h) Institution of Higher Learning Defined.--In this section, the term `institution of higher learning' has the meaning given that term in section 3452 of this title.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 33 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3318 the following new item:
``3318A. Assistance for individuals who pursue programs of education at institutions of higher learning that unexpectedly close.''.
(b) Construction.--Nothing in section 3318A of such title, as added by subsection (a)(1), or any other provision of law, shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from restoring entitlement or continuing payment under such section before promulgating regulations to carry out such section.
(c) Retroactive Effective Date.--Section 3318A of such title, as added by subsection (a), shall apply as if it were enacted on the date of the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252).
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SA 2014. Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle E of title X, add the following:
SEC. 1049. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FURTHER CUTS TO THE NUMBER OF
BRIGADE COMBAT TEAMS OF THE ARMY.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) both the quantity and complexity of national security threats facing the United States have grown in recent years, particularly the threat posed by the terrorists of the self-declared Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and continuing aggression by the Russian Federation;
(2) the National Commission on the Future of the Army is currently assessing the appropriate force structure for the Army in light of these threats, and is required to report to Congress on that assessment by February 1, 2016; and
(3) in light of these growing threats and that assessment, the Department of Defense should not make further reductions in the number of brigade combat teams in the regular and reserve components of the Army, including the Army National Guard, which would be difficult and costly to reverse and would have an adverse impact on the ability of the Army to respond to global threats.
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SA 2015. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1463 proposed by Mr. McCain to the bill H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 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 end of subtitle B of title VII, add the following:
SEC. 832. APPLICABILITY OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 13673 ``FAIR PAY
AND SAFE WORKPLACES'' TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
CONTRACTORS.
(a) Limitation.--The Secretary of Defense shall limit the application of any acquisition regulations promulgated pursuant to Executive Order 13673 to contractors or subcontractors who have been suspended or debarred under the laws and regulations in effect on May 28, 2015, as a result of a Federal labor law violations covered by Executive Order 13673.
(b) Compliance Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that Department of Defense contractors or subcontractors who are not described under subsection (a) are not compelled or required to comply with the conditions for contracting eligibility as stated in any acquisition regulations promulgated to implement Executive Order 13673.
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