Conrad

@Vesica

@Avner

@Jack

@Sovereign

On 1/18/2024 at 4:31 PM, Starnes said:

Mr. President,

 

I move to invite the National Security Advisor, the Secretary of Defense and the designee of the current commander of US Southern Command to join us here for questioning. It is my hope that they will accede to this friendly invitation and we will not be required to consider issuing subpoenas.

 

I yield.

The motion is agreed to. 

The National Security Advisor, the Secretary of Defense and the designee of the current commander of US Southern Command is invited to testify before the Senate. The questioning will last for 72 hours. 

5 minutes ago, Starnes said:

Mr. President,

 

I ask that the amendment be considered separately by section.

 

I yield.

The proposer of the amendment has not specified that the question should be divided. I will give the gentleman some time to rise to consider your request. @Storm

The yeas are 47, the nays are 41. The motion is agreed to.

Cloture has not been invoked. Debate will continue.

The point of order by the Minority Leader is well taken. 

The debate shall be reopened. 

The vote is as follows: 

Cloture is not invoked. The clerk will be directed to update the record.

The yeas are 67, the nays are 33. The motion is agreed to. Cloture is invoked.

Cloture has been invoked. 

Cloture has been invoked. 

The Senate will come to order to vote on the final passage on the U.S. Military Aid and Support for Guyana Act as amended. This will be a 48 hour vote. The yeas and nays have been ordered and the clerk will call the roll. 

Quote

 

IN THE SENATE

 

        Mr.Storm (for himself, and for others on behalf of the President of the United States) introduce 

---

A BILL

U.S. Military Aid and Support for Guyana Act

 

Section 1: Purpose and Findings

(a) Purpose: This Act aims to authorize and allocate $550 million in military aid to the Republic of Guyana to bolster its capabilities in addressing the conflict with Venezuela.

 

(b) Findings: The United States Congress finds that the conflict between Guyana and Venezuela poses a threat to regional stability and security. The shelling of Essequibo and the kidnapping of two American pilots by Venezuela are actions that warrant condemnation.

 

Section 2: Military Aid Authorization

(a) Authorization: The President of the United States is hereby authorized to provide military aid to the Republic of Guyana in the amount of $550 million. The aid shall be allocated for the enhancement of Guyana's defense capabilities and to support its efforts in resolving the conflict with Venezuela.

 

(b) Allocation: The military aid provided under this Act may include, but is not limited to, equipment, training, intelligence, and logistical support deemed necessary for Guyana's defense and security.

 

(c) Consultation: The President shall consult with relevant congressional committees and notify Congress before the disbursement of military aid under this Act.

 

(d) Nothing under Sec. 2 of this Act shall be misconstrued as a declaration of war. Authorization of military aid under this act will sunset two years after enactment of this act. The Senate may elect to extend this sunset at any time if the Administration presents Congress with necessary cause or new information that requires additional time or support.

 

Section 3. Humanitarian Aid Authorization

(a) Authorization: The State Department is hereby authorized to provide humanitarian aid to the Republic of Guyana in the amount of $300 million. The aid shall be allocated for the dispersal of humanitarian aid, essential supplies, and medical equipment.

 

(b) Allocation: The humanitarian aid provided under this Act may include, but is not limited to, equipment, medical supplies, transportation, food rations, and logistical support for humanitarian coordination deemed necessary for the health and wellbeing of the Guyanese people.

 

(c) Consultation: The State Department shall consult with relevant congressional committees and notify Congress before the disbursement of military aid under this Act.

 

(d) NGO Cooperation: The State Department is encouraged to work with regional and international non-governmental organizations with the promotion of humanitarian aid and dispersal of aid.

 

Section 4. Reaffirmation of Guyanese Territorial Claim to Essequibo Region

(a) Reaffirmation: The United States of America reaffirms the territorial claim to the Essequibo Region by the Republic of Guyana.

 

Section 5: Condemnation of Venezuela's Actions

(a) Condemnation: The United States Congresscondemns the actions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including the shelling of Essequibo and the kidnapping of two American pilots. These actions are inconsistent with international norms and principles.

 

(b) Diplomatic Measures: The President is urged to take diplomatic measures, including working with international partners, to address and resolve the conflict between Guyana and Venezuela peacefully.

 

Section 6: Reporting Requirement

(a) The President shall submit a report to Congress within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, detailing the use and impact of the military aid provided to Guyana and the progress in addressing the conflict with Venezuela.

 

Section 7: Funding

Funding The funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be appropriated from the relevant budgetary accounts.

 

Section 8: Severability

If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of the Act or the application of the provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.

 

Section 9: Enactment

This Act shall take effect immediately upon its enactment into law.

 

Cloture has been invoked.

DonVinachelli I has been incorporated to the main bill.

The vote passes and the amendment is adopted.

Aye

*bangs gavel*

The Senate will come to order to vote on the final passage S.93 New Collar Jobs Act of 2025 as amended. This will be a 48 hour vote. The yeas and nays have been ordered and the clerk will call the roll. 

Quote

 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Mr. Storm of Ohio, for himself, and with thanks to Mr. Lieu of California, introduces the following bill:

 

To increase cybersecurity education and job growth, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

 

(a) Short Title.—This Act may be cited as the “New Collar Jobs Act of 2025”.

 

(b) Table Of Contents.—The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Employee cybersecurity education.
Sec. 4. Student loan repayment for certain cybersecurity employees.
Sec. 5. CyberCorps scholarship-for-service program.
Sec. 6. Increased funding for Advanced Technology Education program.
Sec. 7. Cybersecurity training incentive for Government contracts.

Sec. 8. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Apprenticeship Program.

Sec 9. Pilot Program on Cyber Training for Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces Transitioning to Civilian Life.

Sec. 10. Federal Workforce Assessment Extension.

SEC. 11. SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY.

 

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress find the following:

 

(1) Domestic factory output has increased by 21 percent since June 2009, but manufacturing employment has only increased 5 percent during that time, and has been flat since late 2014.

 

(2) As manufacturers leverage new technologies from robotics to distributed control systems to create modern factories and industrial plants, different employment requirements have emerged including the need for cybersecurity talent.

 

(3) Leading cybersecurity experts have reported a spike of 250 percent in industrial automation and control system cyber-incidents occurring during the period between 2011 and 2015 and as a result are seeking personnel with knowledge of their industry coupled with knowledge of security technology to prevent their organization from becoming victims of cyber-attacks.

 

SEC. 3. EMPLOYEE CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION.

 

(a) In General.—Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

 

45U. EMPLOYEE CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION.

 

“(a) In General.—For purposes of section 38, the employee cybersecurity education credit determined under this section for the taxable year is an amount equal to 50 percent of the aggregate qualified employee cybersecurity education expenses paid or incurred by the employer during such taxable year.

 

“(b) Limitation.—The amount allowed as a credit under subsection (a) for the taxable year with respect to an employee shall not exceed $5,000.

 

“(c) Qualified Employee Cybersecurity Education Expenses.—For purposes of this section, the term ‘qualified employee cybersecurity education expenses’ means amounts paid or incurred for each employee who earns a certificate or degree at the undergraduate or graduate level or industry-recognized certification relating to those specialty areas and work roles that are listed in NCWF Work Roles in the document entitled, ‘NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NCWF)’, published by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

 

“(d) Certain Rules To Apply.—Rules similar to the rules of subsections (i)(1) and (k) of section 51 shall apply for purposes of this section.”.

 

(b) Credit Made Part Of General Business Credit.—Subsection (b) of section 38 of such Code is amended by striking “plus” at the end of paragraph (37), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (38) and inserting “, plus”, and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 

“(39) the employee cybersecurity education credit determined under section 45U(a).”.

 

(c) Denial Of Double Benefit.—Subsection (a) of section 280C of such Code is amended by inserting “45U(a),” after “45S(a),” .

 

(d) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

“Sec. 45U. Employee cybersecurity education.”.

(e) Effective Date.—The amendments made by this section shall apply to individuals commencing apprenticeship programs after the date of the enactment of this Act.

 

SEC. 4. STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT FOR CERTAIN CYBERSECURITY EMPLOYEES.

Section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 

“(r) Loan Repayment For Cybersecurity Workers In Economically Distressed Area.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall cancel the amount described in paragraph (2) of the balance of interest and principal due, in accordance with such paragraph, on any eligible Federal Direct Loan not in default for a borrower who—

“(A) makes 36 consecutive monthly payments on the eligible Federal Direct Loan after the date of the enactment of this section pursuant to any one or a combination of the following—

“(i) payments under an income-based repayment plan under section 493C;

 

“(ii) payments under a standard repayment plan under subsection (d)(1)(A), based on a 10-year repayment period;

 

“(iii) monthly payments under a repayment plan under subsection (d)(1) or (g) of not less than the monthly amount calculated under subsection (d)(1)(A), based on a 10-year repayment period; or

 

“(iv) payments under an income contingent repayment plan under subsection (d)(1)(D); and

 

“(B) during the period in which the borrower makes each of the 36 consecutive monthly payments described in subparagraph (A), has been employed in a cybersecurity job—

“(i) located in an area that, for at least 12 of such consecutive monthly payments is an economically distressed area; and

 

“(ii) that requires that the borrower work in the economically distressed area no less than 60 percent of total work hours.

 

“(2) CANCELLATION AMOUNT.—After the conclusion of the employment period described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall cancel the lesser of the following:

“(A) The obligation to repay the balance of principal and interest due as of the time of such cancellation, on the eligible Federal Direct Loans made to the borrower under this part.

 

“(B) $25,000.

 

“(3) INELIGIBILITY OF DOUBLE BENEFITS.—No borrower may, for the same service, receive a reduction of loan obligations under both this subsection and—

“(A) subsection (m); or

 

“(B) section 428J, 428K, 428L, or 460.

 

“(4) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:

“(A) CYBERSECURITY JOB.—The term ‘cybersecurity job’ means—

“(i) a skill role as defined in the NCWF Work Roles by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NCWF) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Publication 800–181, or any successor document; or

 

“(ii) teaching a cybersecurity course for a skill role described in clause (i).

 

“(B) ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED AREA.—The term ‘economically distressed area’ means an area that meets one or more criteria under section 301(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3161(a)).”.

 

SEC. 5. CYBERCORPS SCHOLARSHIP-FOR-SERVICE PROGRAM.

 

(a) Funding Increase.—It is the sense of the Congress that the number of scholarships awarded by the National Science Foundation for scholarships awarded under the Federal cyber scholarship-for-service program established by section 302 of the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 for fiscal year 2019 and each succeeding fiscal year should be not less than double the number of such scholarships awarded for fiscal year 2018.

 

(b) Cybersecurity Course Instruction.—Section 302 of the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 (15 U.S.C. 7442) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “and security managers” and inserting “security managers, and cybersecurity course instructors,”; and

 

(2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following: “Such work may include teaching a cybersecurity course for a skill role as defined in the NCWF Work Roles by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NCWF) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Publication 800–181, or any successor document.”.

 

(c) Elimination Of Priority For Federal Government Employment Placements.—Section 302(b) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 7442(b)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (2), by adding “and” at the end;

 

(2) by striking paragraph (3); and

 

(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).

 

SEC. 6. INCREASED FUNDING FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAM.

It is the sense of the Congress that the amount expended for the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Division of the Advanced Technological Education program of the National Science Foundation established by section 3(a) of the Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–476) for fiscal year 2019 2026 should be an amount equal to not less than 110 percent of the amount expended for such division for fiscal year 2026 2019.

 

SEC. 7. CYBERSECURITY TRAINING INCENTIVE FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.

 

(a) In General.—Subpart 15.3 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be revised to require, in the evaluation of a competitive proposal received in response to a solicitation for a contract valued in excess of $5,000,000, that the head of an executive agency award a five percent score increase to each competitive proposal submitted by a qualified offeror.

 

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) EXECUTIVE AGENCY.—The term “executive agency” has the meaning given that term in section 102 of title 40, United States Code.

 

(2) QUALIFIED OFFEROR.—The term “qualified offeror” means a business that has claimed the employee cybersecurity education credit under section 45U of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 3, at least once within the three-year period preceding the date on which the business submits a competitive proposal for a contract valued in excess of $5,000,000.

SEC. 8. CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.

(a) In General.—Subtitle A of title XXII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by adding at the end the following:

“SEC. 2220F. APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.

“(a) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) AREA CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION SCHOOL.—The term ‘area career and technical education school’ has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

“(2) COMMUNITY COLLEGE.—The term ‘community college’ means a public institution of higher education at which the highest degree that is predominantly awarded to students is an associate’s degree, including—

“(A) a 2-year Tribal College or University, as defined in section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965; and 

“(B) a public 2-year State institution of higher education. 

“(3) CYBERSECURITY WORK ROLES.—The term ‘cybersecurity work roles’ means the work roles outlined in the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NIST Special Publication 800–181), or any successor framework. 

“(4) EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDER.—The term ‘education and training provider’ means—

“(A) an area career and technical education school;

“(B) an early college high school;

“(C) an educational service agency;

“(D) a high school;

“(E) a local educational agency or State educational agency;

“(F) a Tribal educational agency, Tribally controlled college or university, or Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution;

“(G) a postsecondary educational institution;

“(H) a minority-serving institution;

“(I) a provider of adult education and literacy activities under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act;

“(J) a local agency administering plans under title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, other than section 112 or part C of that title;

“(K) a related instruction provider, including a qualified intermediary acting as a related instruction provider as approved by a registration agency;

“(L) a Job Corps center, as defined in section 142 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; or

“(M) a consortium of entities described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (L).

“(5) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘eligible entity’ means—

“(i) a program sponsor;

“(ii) a State workforce development board or State workforce agency, or a local workforce development board or local workforce development agency;

“(iii) an education and training provider;

“(iv) if the applicant is in a State with a State apprenticeship agency, such State apprenticeship agency;

“(v) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization;

“(vi) an industry or sector partnership, a group of employers, a trade association, or a professional association that sponsors or participates in a program under the national apprenticeship system;

“(vii) a Governor of a State;

“(viii) a labor organization or joint labor-management organization; or

“(ix) a qualified intermediary.

“(B) SPONSOR REQUIREMENT.—Not fewer than 1 entity described in subparagraph (A) shall be the sponsor of a program under the national apprenticeship system. 

“(6) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The term ‘institution of higher education’ has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).

“(7) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY; SECONDARY SCHOOL.—The terms ‘local educational agency’ and ‘secondary school’ have the meanings given those terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. 

“(8) LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD.—The term ‘local workforce development board’ has the meaning given the term ‘local board’ in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

“(9) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘nonprofit organization’ means an organization that is described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.

“(10) PROVIDER OF ADULT EDUCATION.—The term ‘provider of adult education’ has the meaning given the term ‘eligible provider’ in section 203 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.

“(11) RELATED INSTRUCTION.—The term ‘related instruction’ means an organized and systematic form of instruction designed to provide an individual in an apprenticeship program with the knowledge of the technical subjects related to the intended occupation of the individual after completion of the program.

“(12) SPONSOR.—The term ‘sponsor’ means any person, association, committee, or organization operating an apprenticeship program and in whose name the program is, or is to be, registered or approved.

“(13) STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY.—The term ‘State apprenticeship agency’ has the meaning given the term in section 29.2 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling.

“(14) STATE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD.—The term ‘State workforce development board’ has the meaning given the term ‘State board’ in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

“(15) WIOA TERMS.—The terms ‘career planning’, ‘community-based organization’, ‘economic development agency’, ‘industry or sector partnership’, ‘on-the-job training’, ‘recognized postsecondary credential’, and ‘workplace learning advisor’ have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. 

“(16) QUALIFIED INTERMEDIARY.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘qualified intermediary’ means an entity that demonstrates expertise in building, connecting, sustaining, and measuring the performance of partnerships described in subparagraph (B) and serves program participants and employers by—

“(i) connecting employers to programs under the national apprenticeship system;

“(ii) assisting in the design and implementation of such programs, including curriculum development and delivery for related instruction;

“(iii) supporting entities, sponsors, or program administrators in meeting the registration and reporting requirements of this Act;

“(iv) providing professional development activities such as training to mentors;

“(v) supporting the recruitment, retention, and completion of potential program participants, including nontraditional apprenticeship populations and individuals with barriers to employment;

“(vi) developing and providing personalized program participant supports, including by partnering with organizations to provide access to or referrals for supportive services and financial advising;

“(vii) providing services, resources, and supports for development, delivery, expansion, or improvement of programs under the national apprenticeship system; or

“(viii) serving as a program sponsor.

“(B) PARTNERSHIPS.—The term ‘partnerships described in subparagraph (B)’ means partnerships among entities involved in, or applying to participate in, programs under the national apprenticeship system, including—

“(i) industry or sector partnerships;

“(ii) partnerships among employers, joint labor-management organizations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, industry associations, State or local workforce development boards, education and training providers, social service organizations, economic development organizations, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, one-stop operators, one-stop partners, or veterans service organizations in the State workforce development system; or

“(iii) partnerships among 1 or more of the entities described in clauses (i) and (ii). 

“(b) Establishment Of Apprenticeship Programs.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Director may establish 1 or more apprenticeship programs as described in subsection (c).

“(c) Apprenticeship Programs Described.—An apprenticeship program described in this subsection is an apprenticeship program that—

“(1) leads directly to employment in—

“(A) a cybersecurity work role with the Agency; or

“(B) a position with a company or other entity provided that the position is—

“(i) certified by the Director as contributing to the national cybersecurity of the United States; and

“(ii) funded at least in majority part through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with the Agency;

“(2) is focused on competencies and related learning necessary, as determined by the Director, to meet the immediate and ongoing needs of cybersecurity work roles at the Agency; and

“(3) is registered with and approved by the Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor or a State apprenticeship agency pursuant to the Act of August 16, 1937.

“(d) Coordination.—In the development of an apprenticeships program under this section, the Director shall consult with the Secretary of Labor, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to leverage existing resources, research, communities of practice, and frameworks for developing cybersecurity apprenticeship programs.

“(e) Optional Use Of Grants Or Cooperative Agreements.—An apprenticeship program under this section may include entering into a contract or cooperative agreement with or making a grant to an eligible entity if determined appropriate by the Director based on the eligible entity—

“(1) demonstrating experience in implementing and providing career planning and career pathways toward apprenticeship programs;

“(2) having knowledge of cybersecurity workforce development;

“(3) being eligible to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with or receive grant funds from the Agency as described in this section;

“(4) providing students who complete the apprenticeship program with a recognized postsecondary credential;

“(5) using related instruction that is specifically aligned with the needs of the Agency and utilizes workplace learning advisors and on-the-job training to the greatest extent possible; and

“(6) demonstrating successful outcomes connecting graduates of the apprenticeship program to careers relevant to the program.

“(f) Applications.—If the Director enters into an arrangement as described in subsection (e), an eligible entity seeking a contract, cooperative agreement, or grant under the program shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.

“(g) Priority.—In selecting eligible entities to receive a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement under this section, the Director may prioritize an eligible entity that—

“(1) is a member of an industry or sector partnership;

“(2) provides related instruction for an apprenticeship program through—

“(A) a local educational agency, a secondary school, a provider of adult education, an area career and technical education school, or an institution of higher education; or

“(B) an apprenticeship program that was registered with the Department of Labor or a State apprenticeship agency before the date on which the eligible entity applies for the grant under subsection (g);

“(3) works with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or veterans organizations to transition members of the Armed Forces and veterans to apprenticeship programs in a relevant sector; or

“(4) plans to use the grant to carry out the apprenticeship program with an entity that receives State funding or is operated by a State agency.

“(h) Technical Assistance.—The Director shall provide technical assistance to eligible entities to leverage the existing job training and education programs of the Agency and other relevant programs at appropriate Federal agencies.

“(i) Excepted Service.—Participants in the program may be entered into cybersecurity-specific excepted service positions as determined appropriate by the Director and authorized by section 2208.

“(j) Report.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less than once every 2 years after the establishment of an apprenticeship program under this section, the Director shall submit to Congress a report on the program, including—

“(A) a description of—

“(i) any activity carried out by the Agency under this section; 

“(ii) any entity that enters into a contract or agreement with or receives a grant from the Agency under subsection (e);

“(iii) any activity carried out using a contract, agreement, or grant under this section as described in subsection (e); and

“(iv) best practices used to leverage the investment of the Federal Government under this section; and

“(B) an assessment of the results achieved by the program, including the rate of continued employment at the Agency for participants after completing an apprenticeship program carried out under this section.

“(k) Performance Reports.—Not later than 1 year after the establishment of an apprenticeship program under this section, and annually thereafter, the Director shall submit to Congress and the Secretary of Labor a report on the effectiveness of the program based on the accountability measures described in clauses (i) and (ii) of section 116(b)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

“(l) Authorization Of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Agency such sums as necessary to carry out this section.”.

(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2220E the following new item:
“Sec. 2220F. Apprenticeship program.”.

 

SEC. 9. PILOT PROGRAM ON CYBER TRAINING FOR VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES TRANSITIONING TO CIVILIAN LIFE.

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL.—The term “eligible individual” means an individual who is—

(A) a member of the Armed Forces transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life; or

(B) a veteran.

(2) PORTABLE CREDENTIAL.—The term “portable credential”—

(A) means a documented award by a responsible and authorized entity that has determined that an individual has achieved specific learning outcomes relative to a given standard; and

(B) includes a degree, diploma, license, certificate, badge, and professional or industry certification that—

(i) has value locally and nationally in labor markets, educational systems, or other contexts;

(ii) is defined publicly in such a way that allows educators, employers, and other individuals and entities to understand and verify the full set of skills represented by the credential; and

(iii) enables a holder of the credential to move vertically and horizontally within and across training and education systems for the attainment of other credentials.

(3) VETERAN.—The term “veteran” has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 31, United States Code.

(4) WORK-BASED LEARNING.—The term “work-based learning” has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

(b) Establishment.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide cyber-specific training for eligible individuals.

(c) Elements.—The pilot program established under subsection (b) shall incorporate—

(1) virtual platforms for coursework and training;

(2) hands-on skills labs and assessments;

(3) Federal work-based learning opportunities and programs; and

(4) the provision of portable credentials to eligible individuals who graduate from the pilot program.

(d) Alignment With NICE Workforce Framework For Cybersecurity.—The pilot program established under subsection (b) shall align with the taxonomy, including work roles and associated tasks, knowledge, and skills, from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NIST Special Publication 800–181), or any successor framework.

(e) Coordination.—

(1) TRAINING, PLATFORMS, AND FRAMEWORKS.—In developing the pilot program under subsection (b), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Labor, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to evaluate and, where possible, leverage existing training, platforms, and frameworks of the Federal Government for providing cyber education and training to prevent duplication of efforts.

(2) FEDERAL WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND PROGRAMS.—In developing the Federal work-based learning opportunities and programs required under subsection (c)(3), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Labor, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies to identify or create interagency opportunities that will enable the pilot program established under subsection (b) to—

(A) bridge the gap between knowledge acquisition and skills application for participants; and

(B) give participants the experience necessary to pursue Federal employment.

(f) Resources.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—In any case in which the pilot program established under subsection (b)—

(A) uses a program of the Department of Veterans Affairs or platforms and frameworks described in subsection (e)(1), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that those programs, platforms, and frameworks are expanded and resourced to accommodate usage by eligible individuals participating in the pilot program; or

(B) does not use a program of the Department of Veterans Affairs or platforms and frameworks described in subsection (e)(1), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take such actions as may be necessary to develop or procure programs, platforms, and frameworks necessary to carry out the requirements of subsection (c) and accommodate the usage by eligible individuals participating in the pilot program.

(2) ACTIONS.—Actions described in paragraph (1) may include providing additional funding, staff, or other resources to—

(A) provide administrative support for basic functions of the pilot program;

(B) ensure the success and ongoing engagement of eligible individuals participating in the pilot program;

(C) connect graduates of the pilot program to job opportunities within the Federal Government; and

(D) allocate dedicated positions for term employment to enable Federal work-based learning opportunities and programs for participants to gain the experience necessary to pursue permanent Federal employment.

 

SEC. 10. FEDERAL WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT EXTENSION.

Section 304(a) of the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act of 2015 is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “2022” and inserting “2029”.

 

SEC. 11. SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY.

(a) In General.—The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended—

 

(1) by redesignating section 49 (15 U.S.C. 631 note) as section 52; and

 

(2) by inserting after section 48 (15 U.S.C. 657u) the following:

 

“SEC. 49. SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY.

“(a) Definitions.—In this section:

 

“(1) CYBERSECURITY RISK; CYBER THREAT INDICATOR; DEFENSIVE MEASURE; INCIDENT.—The terms ‘cybersecurity risk’, ‘cyber threat indicator’, ‘defense measure’, and ‘incident’ have the meanings given those terms in section 2200 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650).

 

“(2) RESOURCE PARTNER.—The term ‘resource partner’ means—

 

“(A) a small business development center;

 

“(B) a women’s business center described in section 29; and

 

“(C) a chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives described in section 8(a)(1)(A).

 

“(b) Interagency Agreement.—The Administration shall enter into an interagency agreement with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to collaborate and increase information sharing with the Administration to improve cybersecurity resources and defenses for small business concerns, including cybersecurity products tailored to the needs of small business concerns.

 

“(c) Assistance Through Resource Partners.—

 

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The Department of Homeland Security, and any other Federal agency in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, shall leverage resource partners to provide assistance to small business concerns with cybersecurity tools, such as the Cyber Security Evaluation Tool and the Cyber Resilience Review, and by disseminating information relating to cybersecurity risks and other homeland security matters to help small business concerns in developing or enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, awareness of cyber threat indicators, cybersecurity incident response planning, and cyber training programs for employees.

 

“(2) ANNUAL PUBLICATION.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Small Business Cyber Resiliency Act and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall publish on the website of the Administration the number of small business concerns that resource partners assisted in providing assistance described in paragraph (1) during the year covered by the publication.

 

“(d) Central Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Unit.—

 

“(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, and in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, shall establish a central small business cybersecurity assistance unit within the Administration, which shall serve as a central clearinghouse for cybersecurity resources for small business concerns across the Federal Government, such as those developed by the Department of Homeland Security.

 

“(2) DUTIES.—The central small business cybersecurity assistance unit established under paragraph (1) shall—

 

“(A) coordinate internal cybersecurity efforts within the Administration to reduce duplication of effort and resources;

 

“(B) establish and maintain a publicly available website that is a clearinghouse of cybersecurity information for small business concerns, including information on—

 

“(i) how to find guidance material on best cyber hygiene practices;

 

“(ii) where to report cybersecurity breaches or incidents;

 

“(iii) how to respond to cybersecurity breaches or incidents;

 

“(iv) the cybersecurity efforts of the Administration;

 

“(v) how to contact the certified employees described in section 21(o); and

 

“(vi) standard incident response procedures for leading cyber crimes;

 

“(C) work with the certified employees described in section 21(o) to provide cybersecurity assistance to small business concerns;

 

“(D) coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security and any other Federal agency as the Administrator determines appropriate to identify and disseminate cybersecurity information and resources to small business concerns in a form that is accessible and actionable by small business concerns;

 

“(E) redirect small business cybersecurity inquiries, such as reporting of cyber threat indicators and defensive measures, to the appropriate Federal agencies;

 

“(F) coordinate with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to identify and disseminate information to small business concerns on the most cost-effective methods for implementing elements of the cybersecurity framework of the National Institute of Standards and Technology applicable to improving the cybersecurity posture of small business concerns;

 

“(G) coordinate with the Department of Defense to identify and disseminate information to small business concerns on satisfying the applicable requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification of the Department of Defense or any other successor cybersecurity requirements as established by the Department of Defense; and

 

“(H) seek input from the Office of Advocacy of the Administration to identify any policies or procedures adopted by any department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government that will hamper the improvement of the cybersecurity posture of those small business concerns.

 

“(3) ENHANCED CYBERSECURITY PROTECTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.—

 

“(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no cause of action shall lie or be maintained in any court against any small business concern, and such action shall be promptly dismissed, if such action is related to or arises out of—

 

“(i) any activity authorized under this paragraph or the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.); or

 

“(ii) any action or inaction in response to any cyber threat indicator, defensive measure, or other information shared or received pursuant to this paragraph or the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).

 

“(B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to affect the applicability or merits of any defense, motion, or argument in any cause of action in a court brought against an entity that is not a small business concern.

 

“(e) Report.—

 

“(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Small Business Cyber Resiliency Act, and every year thereafter, the Administrator and the head of each Federal agency that collects or shares information under this section shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a joint report on actions taken by the Administration and relevant Federal agencies to protect personally identifiable information, business identifiable information, sensitive financial information, and cybersecurity information received by those Federal agencies as a result of the requirements under this section.

 

“(2) FORM.—Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be unclassified, but may include a classified annex.”.

 

(b) Prohibition On New Appropriations.—

 

(1) IN GENERAL.—No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section.

 

(2) EXISTING FUNDING.—This section and the amendments made by this section shall be carried out using amounts made available to the Small Business Administration under the heading “Entrepreneurial Development Programs”.

 

(c) Implementation.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall implement this section and the amendments made by this section.

SEC. 3. STUDY AND REPORT ON CYBERSECURITY RISKS OF SMALL BUSINESSES.

 

(d) Study And Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Administration and the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

 

(1) conduct a joint study assessing the impact of small business concerns turning to online marketplaces as a result of shutdowns imposed by the COVID–19 pandemic, specifically in regards to the cybersecurity of those small business concerns; and

 

(2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and make publicly available a report on—

 

(A) how identified cybersecurity risks specifically impact small business concerns that established an online presence during the period beginning on February 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2021;

 

(B) the challenges that the small business concerns described in subparagraph (A) face in—

 

(i) securing updated information systems;

 

(ii) implementing cybersecurity protocols; and

 

(iii) responding to data breaches or cyber attacks;

 

(C) the Federal resources that the small business concerns described in subparagraph (A) used in establishing the online presence described in that paragraph;

 

(D) as of the date of the report, the cybersecurity status of the small business concerns described in subparagraph (A) based on a representative sample of those small business concerns;

 

(E) how the Department of Homeland Security and the Administration can improve their existing partnership to better train small business concerns regarding cybersecurity threats; and

 

(F) as of the date of the report—

 

(i) the frequency of each type of cyber attack suffered by small business concerns described in subparagraph (A); and

 

(ii) an estimated average cost to those small business concerns of each type of cyber attack.

 

(d) Definitions.—In section (c):

 

(1) ADMINISTRATION.—The term “Administration” means the Small Business Administration.

 

(2) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS.—The term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

 

(A) the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate;

 

(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;

 

(C) the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives; and

 

(D) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives.

 

(3) CYBERSECURITY RISK.—The term “cybersecurity risk” has the meaning given the term in section 2200 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650).

 

(4) INFORMATION SYSTEM.—The term “information system” has the meaning given the term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code.

 

(5) RURAL AREA.—The term “rural area” means any county or other political subdivision of a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States that is designated as a rural area by the Bureau of the Census.

 

(6) SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN.—The term “small business concern” has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).'

 

Plain English Summary

 

Creating jobs in economically-distressed regions supporting the infrastructure and industrial sectors;  Educating workers in early to mid-career stages to be qualified for higher paying, sustainable jobs;  Addressing a critical shortage of specialized workers with operations technology and cybersecurity knowledge; Establishing a workforce to provide information security for critical infrastructure and manufacturing organizations making our nation safer.

 

The Senate has invoked cloture. The bill proceeds to a final vote.

Cloture has been achieved.

DonVinachelli I & II have been incorporated.

Amendments pass

The amendment is accepted as friendly.

James "Jim" Fealty (MS)

The Senate will come to order to commence debate on the PROSPER Act. Debate will continue until such time that cloture is invoked.

Quote

 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Mr. Storm of Ohio (for themselves, on behalf of the President of the United States) introduced the following bill:

 

A BILL

 

To combat inflation and invest in America’s future and for other purposes;

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS

(a) This Act may be cited as the “Promoting Recovery and Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity and Economic Resurgence” or the “PROSPER Act”.

DIVISION A - HEALTH

 

SEC. 10101. SHORT TITLE.

This division may be cited as the “Sustainable and Viable Economic Measures for Enhanced Medicare and Decreased Insurance Costs Act” or the “SAVEMEDIC Act”.

 

SEC. 10102. EFFECTIVE DATE. 

Except as otherwise provided, this division and the amendments made by this division take effect 180 days after the enactment of this bill.

 

TITLE I - MEDICARE EFFICIENCY, DEDUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENT OF CARE AND RESOURCES ENHANCEMENT

 

SUBTITLE A - UNIFIED POST-ACUTE CARE PAYMENT SYSTEM

 

SEC. 11101. ESTABLISHMENT OF A UNIFIED POST-ACUTE CARE PAYMENT SYSTEM.

(a) Unified System — Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this bill, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement a unified post-acute care payment system under the Medicare program for services provided in long-term care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.

 

(b) Patient-Centered Payments — The unified payment system shall base payments on patient characteristics, including medical complexity and resource needs, to ensure equitable and adequate compensation for services provided.

 

(c) Quality Assurance and Cost Efficiency — The system shall incorporate mechanisms for quality assurance and cost-efficiency, ensuring that reductions in payment updates do not compromise the quality of care.

 

(d) Data and Analysis — The Secretary shall use up-to-date data and analysis, reflecting recent healthcare delivery system changes, including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, to inform the payment model.

 

SUBTITLE B - COMMERCIAL INSURANCE SITE-NEUTRAL PAYMENT

 

SEC. 11201. DEFINITIONS.

(a) "HOPD" refers to Hospital Outpatient Department.

(b) "Off-campus HOPD" means an HOPD located outside the main campus of a hospital.

(c) "On-campus HOPD" refers to an HOPD located on the hospital's primary facility.

(d) "Site-neutral payment" refers to the policy of reimbursing healthcare services at the same rate, regardless of the location where the services are provided.

 

SEC. 11202. ADJUSTMENTS TO FEES AT OFF-CAMPUS HOPDs

(a) PROHIBITION OF ADD-ON FEES AT OFF-CAMPUS HOPDs - To limit patient exposure to unexpected costs and enhance price transparency, off-campus HOPDs:

(1) Shall be prohibited from billing additional fees associated with their affiliated hospital;

(2) May only bill a single fee for a given service; and

(3) Are forbidden from charging patients out-of-pocket for separate facility fees.

 

(b) FEE LIMITATIONS AT OFF-CAMPUS HOPDs - 

(1) The total fee charged at off-campus HOPDs for services shall be capped at the median fee reimbursed for those services in a physician’s office;

(A) The median fee will be calculated based on national or regional averages, considering a rolling three-year period.

 

SEC. 11203. EXTENSION OF PAYMENT CAPS TO ON-CAMPUS HOPDs.

(a) Payment caps shall be extended to include selected services at on-campus HOPDs.

 

(b) These services will be limited to low-complexity procedures typically performed in physician offices.

 

(c) This aims to ensure that payment rates are justified by resource costs and do not incentivize unnecessary care location shifts.

 

SEC. 11204. IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING.

(a) The Department of Health and Human Services shall conduct a biennial assessment of the impact of these site-neutral payment policies on healthcare costs and quality.

 

(b) A report of these findings shall be submitted to Congress, along with any recommendations for policy 

adjustments.

 

SUBTITLE C - FREEING MEDICARE FROM BAD DEBT

 

SEC.11301. REDUCTION IN ALLOWABLE BAD DEBT.

(a) Amendment — Section 1861(v)(1)(T) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(v)(1)(T)) is amended by striking “percent” and inserting “25 percent”.

 

(b) Phase-In Period — The reduction in the percentage of allowable bad debt shall be phased in evenly over a five-year period, beginning in the fiscal year following the enactment of this Act, as follows:

(1) In fiscal year 2026, the allowable percentage shall be reduced to 58 percent.

(2) In fiscal year 2027, the allowable percentage shall be reduced to 50 percent.

(3) In fiscal year 2028, the allowable percentage shall be reduced to 42 percent.

(4) In fiscal year 2029, the allowable percentage shall be reduced to 33 percent.

(3) In fiscal year 2030, the allowable percentage shall be 25 percent.

 

(c) Implementation — The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue regulations and guidance necessary for the implementation of this phased reduction.

 

SUBTITLE D - MEDICARE INPATIENT AND POST-ACUTE CARE BUNDLED PAYMENT

 

SEC.11401. ESTABLISHMENT OF BUNDLED PAYMENT SYSTEM.

(a) Bundled Payment System — The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement a bundled payment system for inpatient and postacute care services under the Medicare program. The bundled payment shall cover services provided by hospitals and physicians during a patient's initial hospital stay, as well as any postacute care delivered within 90 days of discharge.

 

(b) Exclusions — The bundled payment will exclude other services provided after discharge, including physician visits and lab tests, which may be unrelated to the initial treatment.

 

(c) Payment Rate and Withholding — Medicare claims shall be paid on a fee-for-service basis, withholding 10 percent pending reconciliation of actual payments with the spending targets, which will be set 5 percent lower than Medicare’s projected average payments per episode under current law.

 

SEC.11402. IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION.

(a) Regulations — The Secretary shall promulgate regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act, including defining the scope and duration of services covered by the bundled payment.

 

(b) Monitoring and Adjustment — The Secretary shall monitor the implementation of the bundled payment system and make adjustments as necessary to ensure its effectiveness and fairness.

 

(c) Quality Assurance — The Secretary shall establish mechanisms for monitoring the quality of patient care under the bundled payment system, to ensure that the reduction in service use does not compromise patient health outcomes.

 

SUBTITLE E  - MEDICARE ADVANTAGE INTEGRITY CODING

 

SEC. 11501. DEFINITIONS.

For the purposes of this Act:

(1) "MA" refers to Medicare Advantage.

(2) "CMS" refers to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

(3) "CMS-HCC" refers to the CMS Hierarchical Condition Categories model.

(4) "AAPCC" refers to the Adjusted Average Per Capita Cost system.

 

SEC. 11502. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECI METHOD.

(a) The CMS shall implement the DECI method for calculating coding intensity adjustments for MA plans, following the steps outlined below:

(1) Calculate the average MA risk score divided by the average FFS (Fee-For-Service) risk score using the CMS-HCC system;

(2) Calculate the average MA risk score divided by the average FFS risk score using demographic data under the AAPCC system; and 

(3) Determine the coding intensity adjustment by dividing the MA relative risk using the CMS-HCC system by the MA relative risk using the AAPCC system and subtracting 1.0 from the quotient.

 

(b) The CMS shall annually adjust the coding intensity based on the DECI method's estimations, starting with a 15.4 percent adjustment for the year 2025 and adjusting thereafter based on the trends outlined in the DECI analysis.

 

SEC. 11503. FISCAL IMPACT AND SAVINGS ESTIMATION. 

(a) The CMS, in coordination with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), shall conduct an annual analysis to estimate the fiscal impact of the DECI method, including its effects on Medicare Part A and Part B spending, and on beneficiary premiums.

 

(b) The CMS shall report these findings to Congress annually, including any recommendations for adjustments or improvements to the DECI method.

 

SEC. 11504. OVERSIGHT AND REVIEW.

(a) The CMS is directed to conduct a biennial review of the DECI method to ensure its accuracy and effectiveness in adjusting for coding intensity in MA plans.

 

(b) The CMS shall report the findings of each review to Congress, including any necessary modifications to enhance the method's accuracy and fairness.

 

SUBTITLE F - DRUG PRICING

(with thanks to Mr. Pallone of New Jersey)

 

SEC.11601. ENACTING DRUG PRICING REFORM.

The following sections of “Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act”(with updated dates)  are hereby enacted:
(1) Title I;

(2) Title II;

(3) Title III;

(4) Title IV; and

(5) Title VI.

 

SUBTITLE G  - ENDING TAX SCAMS

 

SEC.11701.. DEFINITIONS.

In this Title-

(a) "Medicaid" refers to the joint federal-state program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

(b) "Provider tax revenue" means taxes imposed by states on healthcare providers, often used as a means to secure funding for the state’s share of Medicaid.

 

SEC.11702. ELIMINATION OF THRESHOLD ALLOWANCE FOR PROVIDER TAX REVENUE. 

(a) The existing threshold allowance rules that permit states to use provider tax revenue to fund the state’s share of Medicaid are hereby eliminated.

(b) States shall no longer use provider tax revenue as a means to meet their financial obligations for Medicaid.

Section 5. Transition Provisions

 

SEC.11703. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

(a) The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall provide guidance to states for transitioning from the current system of using provider tax revenue to alternative financing mechanisms.

(b) HHS shall establish a transition period, not to exceed [specify number of years], during which states can adjust to the new financing requirements.

 

SEC.11704. STATE COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING.

(a) States are required to submit a detailed plan to HHS outlining their proposed methods for funding their share of Medicaid without the use of provider tax revenue.

(b) States must comply with the new financing requirements by the end of the transition period to continue receiving federal Medicaid funds.

 

SEC.11705. OVERSIGHT AND ENFORCEMENT. 

(a) HHS is tasked with monitoring state compliance with the new Medicaid financing requirements.

(b) HHS is authorized to take appropriate enforcement actions against states that fail to comply with these requirements.

 

DIVISION B - DISCRETIONARY SPENDING

 

SEC. 20101. SHORT TITLE

This division may be cited as the “Discretionary Spending Growth Control Act”.

 

SEC. 20102. EFFECTIVE DATE. 

Except as otherwise provided, this division and the amendments made by this division take effect immediately after the enactment of this bill.

 

SEC. 20103.  LIMITATION ON DISCRETIONARY SPENDING INCREASES.

(a) Limitation for Current Fiscal Year — The increase in discretionary spending for the current fiscal year shall be limited to no more than 5 percent above the previous fiscal year's level.

(b) Spending Freeze Option — For the five fiscal years following the current fiscal year, discretionary spending shall be frozen at the level set in the current fiscal year.

(c) Alternative Gradual Growth Option — As an alternative to the spending freeze outlined in subsection (b), discretionary spending may be allowed to grow by no more than 1.3 percent annually over the next ten fiscal years.

 

SEC. 20104. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING.

(a) Responsibility of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) — The OMB shall oversee the implementation of these spending limits, ensuring compliance with the growth restrictions set forth in this Act.

(b) Reporting — The OMB shall provide annual reports to Congress on the implementation of the spending limits, including any challenges and recommendations for adjustments to achieve the fiscal savings goal.

 

SEC. 20105. ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS.

In the event of non-compliance with the spending limits established in this Act, the OMB is authorized to institute appropriate corrective measures to bring spending in line with the stipulated limits.

 

SEC. 20106. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a) Amendment to the Internal Revenue Code — Section 164 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsection (b) which allows for a deduction for certain state and local taxes.

(b) Effective Date — The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.

(c) The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2030.

 

DIVISION C - GAIN AMERICA

 

SEC. 30101. SHORT TITLE

This division may be cited as the “Growth, Advancement, and Innovation for the Nation Act”, or the “GAIN America Act”.

 

SEC. 30102. EFFECTIVE DATE. 

Except as otherwise provided, this division and the amendments made by this division take effect on January 1st of the following fiscal year after the enactment of this bill.

 

SUBTITLE A - AMERICAN INNOVATION AND R&D COMPETITIVENESS

(with thanks to Mr. Estes of Kansas)

 

SEC. 31101. INCREASING INNOVATION AND R&D

The American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act is hereby passed with updated dates and figures.

 

SUBTITLE B - ACCELERATE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT GROWTH NOW

(with thanks to Mr. Lankford of Oklahoma)

 

SEC. 32101. INVESTING IN AMERICA LONG-TERM.

The Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act) is hereby passed with updated dates and figures.

 

SUBTITLE C - EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

 

SEC. 33101. URGING EMPLOYMENT, ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, AND APPRENTICESHIPS FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICANS IN REBUILDING THE NATION’S CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTURE.

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Labor shall strongly and urgently encourage those labor unions, general contractors, and businesses, who will rebuild the Nation’s crumbling infrastructure, transportation systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution systems, to actively recruit, hire, train, and provide apprentice programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) to American citizens ages 18 to 39 through their existing jobs and through apprenticeships and earn-while-you-learn programs, registered under such Act. The Secretary shall provide assistance to such labor unions, general contractors, and businesses through every means available under existing law to help coordinate the recruitment of such individuals for such jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships.

(b) Coordination.—The jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships made available by labor unions, general contractors, and businesses described in subsection (a) shall be conducted in conjunction with the Secretary of Labor and the labor unions and other associations which the Secretary has identified as those primarily involved in the infrastructure rebuilding described in such subsection. Such coordination shall also be done in conjunction with the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.

(c) Recruitment.—The Secretary shall coordinate with labor unions, general contractors, and businesses described in subsections (a) and (b) to recruit American citizens for the jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships described in subsection (a) by reaching out and seeking assistance from within various communities, churches, and civil rights organizations that can offer valuable assistance to the Secretary of Labor, the labor unions, general contractors, and businesses with identifying, locating, and contacting unemployed young American citizens who want jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships.

 

SUBTITLE D - CRITICAL MINERAL MINING

(with special thanks to Tuna) 

 

SEC. 34101. AMERICAN CRITICAL MINERAL EXPLORATION AND INNOVATION ACT.

The American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act is hereby enacted, with dates with dates amended to reflect correct IG and RL proposal dates. 

 

SEC. 34102. ACCESSING AMERICA'S CRITICAL MINERALS ACT.

The Accessing America’s Critical Minerals Act is hereby enacted, with dates amended to reflect correct IG and RL proposal dates. 

 

SUBTITLE E - FAMILY SECURITY

(with thanks to Tuna, Romney, and Recks)

 

SEC. 35101. CHILD BENEFITS ESTABLISHED.

(a) There is hereby established the “Child Benefit,” to be administered by the Social Security Administration (Administration) and to replace the Child Tax Credit.

(b) Child Benefits shall be paid by the Administration to a legal and physical custodial parent on the basis of a claimed child.

(1) A claimed child who is between zero years old and five years old shall entitle the legal and physical custodial parent to a Child Benefit of $350 per month.

(2) A claimed child who is between six years old and seventeen years old shall entitle the legal and physical custodial parent to a Child Benefit of $250 per month.

(c) A family may opt to receive the Child Benefit on a monthly or annual basis.

(d) A family may have up to six claimed children in a calendar year.

 

SEC. 35102. PREBORN CHILD BENEFITS.

In General.--Parents are eligible to apply to the Administration to receive a Child Benefit four months prior to an unborn child’s due date with monthly payments of $700 and a maximum amount of $2,800 per child during pregnancy.

 

SEC. 35103. INCOME REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Minimum Income.--To be eligible for the full benefit outlined in Sections 35101 and 35102 of this Act, a family must report a total income of $10,000 in the preceding tax year. The minimum income is to be annually indexed by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers, or its successor measure produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Families earning less than the full minimum income are entitled to a proportional share of the total Child Benefit that they would otherwise be entitled to, based on the share of their income compared to the minimum income. 

(b) Maximum Income.--To be eligible for the full benefit outlined in Sections 35101 and 35102 of this Act, a family may not report a total income greater than $400,000 (for joint filers) or $200,000 (for single filers). For every $1,000 over the maximum income, the annual child benefit is reduced by $50 per claimed child.

 

SEC. 35104. CHILD BENEFIT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIREMENT.

(a) In order to be eligible to receive the Child Benefit, the legal and physical custodial parent must have a valid Social Security Number.

(b) In order to be eligible to receive the Child Benefit, each claimed child must have a valid Social Security Number.

 

SEC. 35105. EITC SINGLE FILERS.

(a) Childless.--The existing Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for childless single filers is hereby amended as follows:

(1) The credit rate is 12.50% up to an earned income of $8,000;

(2) The maximum credit is $1,000, with a phaseout threshold of $10,000;

(3) The phaseout rate is 14.29%, with the credit fully phased out at an income of $17,000.

 

(b) FAMILY.--The existing EITC for single filers with any children is hereby amended as follows:

(1) The credit rate is 16.67% up to an earned income of $12,000;

(2) The maximum credit is $2,000, with a phaseout threshold of $23,000;

(3) The phaseout rate is 14.29%, with the credit fully phased out at an income of $37,000.

 

SEC. 35106. EITC JOINT FILERS.

(a) Childless.--The existing Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for childless joint filers is hereby amended as follows:

(1) The credit rate is 12.50% up to an earned income of $16,000;

(2) The maximum credit is $2,000, with a phaseout threshold of $20,000;

(3) The phaseout rate is 14.29%, with the credit fully phased out at an income of $34,000.

(b) Family.--The existing EITC for joint filers with any children is hereby amended as follows:

(1) The credit rate is 16.67% up to an earned income of $18,000;

(2) The maximum credit is $3,000, with a phaseout threshold of $33,000;

(3) The phaseout rate is 14.29%, with the credit fully phased out at an income of $54,000.

 

SEC. 35107. CUSTODY AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. 

(a) In order to claim a family EITC, the tax filer must have legal and physical custody of the claimed child.

(b) In order to claim EITC, the tax filer must have a Social Security Number that is valid for employment, saving an estimated $3.7 billion per year.

 

SEC. 35108. COST OFFSETS.

(a) Head of Household Filing Status.- Effective in the following fiscal year following the enactment of this bill, the Head of Household filing status is hereby repealed, saving an estimated $16.5 billion annually. 

 

(b) Streamlining Dependent Care Credit.- Effective in the following fiscal year following the enactment of this bill, the Child and Dependent Care Credit is hereby redefined as the Dependent Care Credit, with the child portion of the credit being repealed, saving an estimated $4.7 billion annually.

 

SUBTITLE F - AMERICA'S COLLEGE PROMISE

(with thanks to Mr. Levin of Michigan)

 

SEC. 36101. AMERICA'S COLLEGE PROMISE ACT.

The America's College Promise Act is hereby enacted, with dates amended to reflect correct IG and RL proposal dates. 

 

DIVISION D - INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF AMERICA

 

 

SEC. 40101. SHORT TITLE

This division may be cited as the “Investing in the Future of America Act”.

 

SEC. 40102. EFFECTIVE DATE. 

Except as otherwise provided, this division and the amendments made by this division take effect immediately after enactment. 

 

SUBTITLE A - ACCELERATE AIR FORCE MODERNIZATION AND PILOT PRODUCTION ENHANCEMENT

 

SEC. 41101. PURPOSE.

This Act aims to modernize the United States Air Force's aircraft fleet and enhance pilot production to ensure readiness for potential conflicts with peer competitors.

SEC. 41102. REBALANCING THE AIR FORCE TOWARD INCREASED RELEVANT CAPABILITIES.

(a) Termination of F-15EX Procurement: The United States Air Force shall cease the procurement of the fourth-generation F-15EX aircraft immediately.

 

(b) Acceleration of F-35A Procurement:

(1) In Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the Air Force shall procure 60 F-35A aircraft.

(2) In FY 2027, the Air Force shall procure 70 F-35A aircraft.

(3) In FY 2028, the Air Force shall procure 80 F-35A aircraft.

 

(c) Acceleration of KC-46A Tanker Procurement:

(1) In FY 2026, the Air Force shall procure 16 KC-46A tankers.

(2) In FY 2027, the Air Force shall procure 18 KC-46A tankers.

(3) In FY 2028, the Air Force shall procure 20 KC-46A tankers.

(4) In FY 2029, the Air Force shall procure 15 KC-46A tankers to complete the program.

 

(d) Enhancement of Pilot Production:

(1) The Air Force shall increase its pilot production pipelines.

(2) The Air Force shall raise the standards within the pilot training system.

 

SEC. 41103. APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) The sum of $38.789 billion is hereby appropriated to the United States Air Force for the period of FY 2026 through FY 2035.

(b) These funds shall be allocated for the procurement of F-35A and KC-46A aircraft, operations, support, and pilot production enhancements as outlined in SectioN 41102.

 

SUBTITLE B - ARMY FORCE EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION

 

SEC. 42101. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this Act is to enhance the capacity, capability, and readiness of the United States Army, thereby ensuring its preparedness for great power competition and addressing the current recruiting challenges.

 

SEC. 42102. INCREASED FUNDING FOR ARMY RECRUITING AND ENLISTMENT INCENTIVES. 

(a) Increased Recruiting Budget – The amount authorized to be appropriated for Army recruiting is hereby increased from $691 million to $800 million for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 and for each fiscal year thereafter.

(b) Enlistment Bonus Budget Enhancement – The amount authorized to be appropriated for the Army's enlistment bonus budget is increased from $206 million to $300 million for FY 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter.

 

SEC. 42103. EXPANSION OF ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAMS.

(a) Additional Armored Brigade Combat Teams – The Army shall establish additional Armored Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) in FY 2026 through FY 2031.

(b) Additional Stryker Brigade Combat Teams – The Army shall establish additional Stryker BCTs in FY 2026 through FY 2031.

 

SEC. 42104. ENHANCEMENT OF VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT. 

(a) Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Acquisition – The procurement rate for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is increased to 3,056 units for FY 2026 and to 5,000 units per year for FY 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter until completion.

(b) Armored Multipurpose Vehicle Procurement – The procurement rate for the Armored Multipurpose Vehicle is increased to 200 units for FY 2026, and to 300 units per year for FY 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter until completion.

(c) Paladin Integrated Management Howitzer Procurement – The procurement rate for the Paladin Integrated Management Howitzer is increased to 40 units for FY 2026, and to 50 units per year for FY 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter until completion.

(d) Joint Assault Bridge Procurement – The procurement rate for the Joint Assault Bridge is increased to 12 units for FY 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter.

 

SEC. 42105. FISCAL IMPACT.

(a) Budget Authority – These actions will cumulatively increase procurement and operations and support budget authority for the Army by an estimated $84.675 billion over the FY 2026–FY 2034 period.

(b) Appropriations – There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, not to exceed the estimated budget authority specified in subsection (a).

 

SUBTITLE C - NAVY FLEET EXPANSION AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT

 

SEC. 43101. INCREASE IN SHIP PROCUREMENT.

(a) The Secretary of the Navy shall increase the annual ship procurement to an average of 27 ships, including unmanned vessels, over the decade of FY 2026–FY 2036.

 

SEC. 43102. EXPANSION OF NAVAL FORCE.

(a) The Secretary of the Navy shall implement measures to increase the number of sailors in the naval force to adequately staff the expanded fleet.

 

SEC. 43103. SHIPYARD INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT.

(a) The Secretary of the Navy shall initiate programs to build and re-build key shipyard infrastructure to support the increased fleet size.

 

SEC. 43104. FUNDING.

(a) For the purpose of carrying out sections 43101, 43102, and 43103, the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated:

(1) For the Navy Procurement budget, an increase of $55.895 billion for the period FY 2026–FY 2035.

(2) For the Operations and Support budget, an increase of $38.19 billion for the period FY 2026–FY 2035.

(3) For shipyard maintenance capacities, up to $2 billion per year.

(4) For recruiting mariners, skilled workers, and naval architects, $1 billion per year.

 

(b) These funds are in addition to the FY 2024 actual budget levels, adjusted for inflation.

 

SUBTITLE D - AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT

 

SEC. 44101. SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING AND RESEARCH INVESTMENT.

(a) The sum of $100 billion is hereby appropriated for investment in semiconductor manufacturing and research equally apportioned for fiscal years 2026 through 2035. 

(b) The Secretary of Commerce shall administer these funds to support semiconductor manufacturing production facilities and research initiatives in the United States.

 

SEC. 44102. OIL AND NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY INVESTMENT AND PERMITTING REFORM.

(a) The sum of $100 billion is hereby appropriated for investment in the oil and natural gas industry equally apportioned for fiscal years 2026 through 2035. 

(b) The Secretary of Energy shall administer these funds to support the development and expansion of oil and gas companies in the United States.

(c) The Act mandates reform in the permitting process to streamline and expedite the establishment and expansion of oil and gas companies.

 

SEC. 44103. MANUFACTURING SECTOR INVESTMENT.

(a) The sum of $250 billion is hereby appropriated for investment in the manufacturing sector, focusing on research and development equally apportioned for fiscal years 2026 through 2035. 

(b) The Secretary of Commerce shall administer these funds to incentivize companies to open or reshore manufacturing facilities in the United States, prioritizing the hiring of American workers.

 

SEC. 44104. REPORTING AND OVERSIGHT.

(a) The Secretaries of Commerce and Energy shall provide annual reports to Congress detailing the allocation, impact, and progress of the funds appropriated under Sections 44101, 44102, and 44103. 

 

PLAIN ENGLISH SUMMARY

DIVISION A

TITLE I - Saves $1.38T from 2026-2035

Subtitle A (-$80B), a unified post-acute care payment system is established, consolidating payments for various post-acute care services like rehabilitation and home health care. This system aims to make payments fairer by basing them on patient needs, which could lead to more personalized and efficient care for Medicare recipients.

Subtitle B (-$217B) introduces site-neutral payment policies in commercial insurance, ensuring consistent reimbursement rates for medical services regardless of where they are provided, be it a hospital outpatient department or a physician’s office. This change is expected to reduce unexpected costs for patients and make healthcare pricing more transparent and predictable.

Subtitle C (-$45B) focuses on reducing Medicare's allowable bad debt to 25% over five years. This gradual reduction is designed to make Medicare more cost-efficient without sacrificing the quality of care, ultimately ensuring a more sustainable system for beneficiaries.

Subtitle D (-$45B)  implements a bundled payment system for inpatient and post-acute care services under Medicare. This system covers hospital and physician services during a hospital stay and post-discharge care, aiming to streamline payments and reduce unnecessary expenses, which could lead to more coordinated care and potentially lower out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Subtitle E (-$372B) introduces the DECI method for Medicare Advantage plans, aiming to more accurately adjust for coding intensity. This method is expected to ensure fairer reimbursement rates, potentially leading to more accurate and efficient use of Medicare funds and benefiting beneficiaries through better resource allocation and possibly lower premiums.

Subtitle F (-$125B)

Subtitle G (-$497B) introduces significant reforms in Medicaid financing. It eliminates the allowance for states to use provider tax revenue to fund Medicaid, urging states to adopt more transparent and direct financing methods. The Department of Health and Human Services will guide states through this transition, ensuring they comply within a set period. This move towards more straightforward financing mechanisms is expected to enhance the sustainability of Medicaid. It promotes fiscal responsibility and transparency at the state level, leading to potentially more effective use of Medicaid funds. This reform benefits the country by ensuring a more robust, equitable health coverage system for low-income individuals.

DIVISION B - Saves $1.5T

Division B of the legislation, named the “Discretionary Spending Growth Control Act,” puts into place measures to control the growth of discretionary spending in the United States federal budget.

The Act becomes effective immediately after it is passed. It sets a cap on the increase in discretionary spending for the current fiscal year to a maximum of 5 percent more than the previous year's level. Additionally, it offers two options for managing spending in the following years. The first option is a spending freeze, which keeps discretionary spending at the level of the current fiscal year for the next five years. The second option allows for a more gradual increase, limiting spending growth to no more than 1.3 percent per year for the next ten years.

The responsibility for implementing and monitoring these spending limits is given to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB is required to ensure that these limits are followed and to report annually to Congress about the progress, challenges, and any recommendations for adjustments needed to meet the fiscal savings goals.

If there are instances where these spending limits are not adhered to, the OMB has the authority to enforce corrective measures to align spending with the established limits. This Act aims to achieve more controlled and sustainable growth in federal discretionary spending.

Eliminates the SALT tax deduction until January 1, 2031. - Saves $1.1T

DIVISION C

SUBTITLE A - This bill eliminates the five-year amortization requirement for research and experimental expenditures, thus allowing continued expensing of such expenditures in the taxable years in which they are incurred.

SUBTITLE B - This bill makes permanent the expensing of certain new business equipment. Expensing allows the deduction of the full amount of an expense item in the same taxable year.

SUBTITLE C - This bill requires the Department of Labor to encourage labor unions, general contractors, and businesses that will rebuild infrastructure, transportation systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution systems to actively recruit, hire, train, and provide apprenticeships to American citizens ages 18 to 39 through existing jobs, apprenticeships, and programs. Labor must help coordinate such recruitment. The jobs, training, and apprenticeships must be conducted in conjunction with Labor, labor unions and associations involved in infrastructure rebuilding, and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Labor unions, contractors, and businesses involved with such infrastructure or systems must recruit by seeking assistance from the various communities, churches, and civil rights organizations.

SUBTITLE D - Requires the Interior Department to maintain a list of critical minerals and conduct a national assessment of their location, quantity, and exploration history. Directs the Department of Energy to conduct R&D on the “efficient production, use, and recycling” of critical minerals and potential alternatives. Requires the Department of Labor and National Science Foundation to conduct an assessment of the domestic technical workforce available for critical minerals research, production, and assessment. Directs DOL to commission a study on curriculum design for critical minerals-related occupations Creates a grant program within DOE and DOL that would support critical minerals education programs at universities. Recommends $50 million be appropriated annually from fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2035 to carry out the legislation" -AIP Summary, and "Directs Agencies to complete permitting process within 30 months or 2.5 years. Directs Agencies to create and adhere to timely schedules established with stakeholders. Directs Agencies to develop performance metrics and publish an annual report on performance. Directs Small Business Administration to report to Congress on Federal agency performance in permitting. Disallows agencies from taking public comments outside of the public comment period. Removes duplication of federal agencies performing identical reviews of state agencies." -Stauber Office summary

SUBTITLE E - "Establishes the Family Security Benefit, to replace the Child Tax Credit. The Child Benefit ranges from $4,200/year for children 0-5 to $3,000/year for children 6-17, within a minimum and maximum income range. Benefits may be claimed monthly or annually for up to six children. Allows up to $2,800 per preborn child. Requires a SSN for the parent and the child. Simplifies EITC by consolidating the family portion to not vary by number of dependents. Eliminates EITC marriage “penalty,” while maintaining the adult dependent component of EITC. Requires tax filer to have legal and physical custody of the claimed child and a valid SSN. Total savings: $50 billion annually. Caps the State and Local Tax deduction at 2% of AGI. Repeals Head of Household filing status and the child portion of the Child and Dependent Care Credit." - Recks summary
Analysis 1

One Pager

SUBTITLE F - This bill provides funding and establishes grant programs to expand access to higher education, including by providing free community college to students. Specifically, the bill establishes a program to waive resident tuition and fees for community college students. The Department of Education (ED) must award grants to states and Indian tribes to pay the federal share (75% of the average resident community college tuition and fees per student) of the program. As a condition of receiving such a grant, a state must (1) submit a plan to align the requirements for receiving a regular high school diploma with the requirements for entering credit-bearing coursework at community colleges; and (2) submit a plan to improve transfer pathways between institutions of higher education (IHEs), including by ensuring that associate degrees awarded by community colleges are fully transferable to four-year IHEs. Next, the bill directs ED to award grants to states and Indian tribes for implementing evidence-based institutional reforms and innovative practices to improve student outcomes. In addition, ED must award grants to participating historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, and minority-serving institutions to waive or significantly reduce the first 60 credits of tuition and fees for low-income students.

DIVISION D - Spends $680.549B over 10 years

SUBTITLE A (+$38.789B): This bill aims to modernize the U.S. Air Force's aircraft fleet and improve pilot training. It stops the purchase of older F-15EX jets and speeds up buying more advanced F-35A jets and new KC-46A tankers over the next few years. The bill also calls for increasing and improving the training of Air Force pilots. To support these changes, it allocates $38.789 billion to the Air Force from 2023 to 2032. 

SUBTITLE B (+$84.675B): Increase Army Recruiting Budget: Raise the budget for Army recruiting from $691 million to $800 million starting in 2026 and for future years. Boost Enlistment Bonuses: Increase the money set aside for enlistment bonuses from $206 million to $300 million starting in 2026 and for future years. Add More Combat Teams: Create additional armored and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) in specific years between 2026 and 2031. Accelerate Vehicle and Equipment Procurement: Increase the number of various military vehicles and equipment, like the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, the Armored Multipurpose Vehicle, Paladin Integrated Management howitzers, and Joint Assault Bridges, that the Army will purchase in the coming years. Financial Implications: The bill authorizes additional spending, increasing the Army’s budget by approximately $84.675 billion over the period from 2026 to 2034. 

The Act is designed to make the Army larger, better equipped, and more ready for future challenges.

SUBTITLE C (+$107.085B): Increasing Ship Procurement: The Navy is directed to increase its yearly ship purchases to an average of 27 ships, including unmanned vessels, over the next decade (FY 2026–FY 2035). Expanding the Naval Force: The bill calls for an increase in the number of sailors to ensure the expanded fleet is adequately staffed. Enhancing Shipyard Infrastructure: The Navy will undertake projects to build and renovate key shipyard facilities, enhancing their capacity to support the larger fleet. Funding: The bill outlines specific funding increases to support these initiatives: An additional $55.895 billion for the Navy's Procurement budget over ten years. An increase of $38.19 billion for the Operations and Support budget over the same period. Up to $2 billion per year for shipyard maintenance. $1 billion per year to recruit and train more mariners, skilled workers, and naval architects.

The bill, if passed, would go into effect immediately and seeks to bolster the United States' naval strength and infrastructure over the coming decade.

SUBTITLE D (+$450B) - Aimed at significantly boosting various sectors of the U.S. economy over the next 10 years. It plans to invest $100 billion in semiconductor manufacturing and research to enhance the country's capabilities in this critical tech industry. Additionally, the bill proposes a $100 billion investment in the oil and natural gas sector, coupled with reforms to make it easier and quicker for companies in this field to get started or expand. The largest portion of the funding, $250 billion, is earmarked for the broader manufacturing sector. This investment is designed to encourage companies to start new manufacturing operations in the U.S. or move existing ones back to the country, with a focus on employing American workers. The bill mandates regular reporting to Congress to track the progress and impact of these investments. If passed, this legislation would take immediate effect, aiming to bolster the U.S. economy and technological standing.

 

27 minutes ago, DMH said:

Mr. President,

 

I second the amendment.

 

I yield.

Is the lady from Hawaii seconding both amendments?