Sec. 1531. Matters relating to the Golden Dome missile defense system
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Section 5501 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by striking paragraphs
(1)and (2); and by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: to provide for the common defense of citizens of the United States and the United States by deploying and maintaining a next-generation missile defense shield; to deter and defend the United States, citizens of the United States, and critical infrastructure of the United States, against the threat of foreign attack by increasingly complex ballistic, hypersonic glide, and cruise missiles, and other advanced aerial threats; to guarantee the viability of an effective nuclear response capability and support the continued deterrence of strategic attacks against the homeland of the United States; and to cooperate on missile defense capabilities and technologies with allies and partners of the United States to aid in the defense of allied and partner populations and forward-deployed armed forces of the United States. . Concurrent with the first submission to Congress of a budget pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, after the date of the enactment of this Act, and with each submission of a budget to Congress pursuant to such section until the Secretary of Defense determines that the Golden Dome missile defense system achieves full operational capability, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the development and deployment of the Golden Dome missile defense system. Each briefing under paragraph
(1)shall cover the following: The current architecture of the Golden Dome missile defense system as compared to the prior year. A consolidated list of funds estimated within the most recent future-years defense program under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, for the Golden Dome missile defense system as compared to the prior fiscal year, including with respect to— missile defense and defeat systems; missile defense interceptors; missile warning and tracking systems; network and communications systems; research, development, test, and evaluation; software development; military construction; operations and maintenance, including advanced planning and infrastructure sustainment, renovation, and maintenance funds; civilian and military personnel; and such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. Each briefing under paragraph
(1)shall include notable highlights and changes affecting the progress towards initial and full operational capability of the Golden Dome missile defense system. Beginning not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall initiate such actions as are necessary to establish and ensure the validation of requirements for two replacement missile instrumentation range safety vessels for the National Defense Reserve Fleet to allow for the construction of such vessels to begin no later than September 30, 2026. The Director shall, in coordination with such Department of Defense officials as the Director considers necessary to carry out subparagraph (A), consult with the Maritime Administrator regarding options to enter into an agreement with a vessel construction manager, or other appropriate entity, to contract for the construction of the vessels under subparagraph (A). A vessel constructed pursuant to this subsection shall be available for use by other Federal agencies on a reimbursable basis, provided such usage does not— interfere with or delay Department of Defense testing requirements; impede activities to maintain the operational availability of such vessel or any instrumentation onboard; or result in deferment of any modifications, maintenance, or upgrades to such vessel or onboard instrumentation the Director determines necessary to meet current or future Department requirements. The Director shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure a vessel constructed pursuant to this section meets the requirements for and be issued a certificate of documentation and a coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code. Subject to paragraph (3), the Director shall take such steps as necessary to ensure a vessel constructed pursuant to this section shall be constructed using commercial design standards and commercial construction practices that are consistent with the best interests of the Federal Government. The Director may consult and coordinate with other Federal entities regarding the vessels described in paragraph
(1)and activities associated with such vessels, including requirements for additional, similar vessels. In assessing options for amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for use by the Director to carry out this section may not be used for the procurement of any used vessel. The provisions of the Secretary of Defense memorandum titled Direct Reporting Program Manager Appointment for Golden Dome for America and dated May 27, 2025, shall remain in force until changed by law.