May 21 2013

Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee Mark Released

H.R. 1960 – National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014

WASHINGTON- The House Armed Services Committee today released legislative language scheduled to be considered by the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities at their markup tomorrow. By releasing the legislative language, Chairman McKeon is complying with House disclosure rules and overseeing the most transparent process in Congress for composing national security legislation. >>View the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities Mark. (Link corrected)

Led by subcommittee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), the proposal is a vital portion of the larger National Defense Authorization Act, and is responsible for overseeing counter-terrorism programs and initiatives and counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as defense intelligence activities, U.S. Special Operations Forces, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), information technology and programs, and force protection policy and oversight. Specifically, the Chairman’s Mark will:

• Limit funding for Air Force logistics information technology pending submission of a modernization strategy after the failure of Expeditionary Combat Support System.
• Require the Secretary of Defense to create a policy that governs defense intelligence priorities.
• Require an assessment by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding DOD input into the National Intelligence Priorities Framework.
• Limit funding for the Defense Clandestine Service (DCS) until the Secretary of Defense certifies that the program primarily fulfills Department of Defense requirements. Also requires quarterly DCS briefings to Congress.
• Require the Secretary of Defense to submit a plan related to the drawdown of defense intelligence assets in Afghanistan.
• Require the Department to conduct a mission analysis for cyber operations and examine the proper balance of cyber capabilities across national security organizations.
• Require a report from the Department of Defense that addresses coordination of cyber and electronic warfare activities and creates standards for cyber operations training.
• Require creation of a Cryptographic Modernization advisory board to review and assess DoD efforts for cryptographic modernization.
• Extend authorities to provide for the exchange of Information Technology personnel between private industry and the Department of Defense.
• Fully fund and supports U.S. Special Operations Command, and supports efforts in Afghanistan and other areas. 
• Reauthorize Department of Defense personnel recovery programs and capabilities.Fully funds Department-wide Science and Technology investments, including provisions supporting workforce development for the defense labs, and defense-wide directed energy programs.
• Direct the Secretary of Defense to review the future role of Special Operations Forces and requires a report that would inform the congressional defense committees in preparation for fiscal year 2015.
• Direct the Comptroller to review and assess Department of Defense capabilities with respect to non-traditional chemical agents and bio-terrorism threats.
• Direct additional reporting requirements for humanitarian mine action to also include Counter-Improvised Explosive Device technology.

The legislative text, descriptive section-by-section analysis, and directive report language can be found on the Committee Repository or on the NDAA Subcommittee Marks page.

Permalink: http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/2013/5/intelligence-emerging-threats-and-capabilities-subcommittee-mark-released