326 
‘‘§ 651a. Members: nondiscrimination 
‘‘(a) STANDARDS FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICE.— 
Any qualifications established or applied for eligibility for 
service in an armed force shall take into account only the 
ability of an individual to meet gender-neutral occupa-
tional standards for military service generally and the 
military occupational specialty concerned in particular, 
and may not include any criteria relating to the race, 
color, national origin, religion, or sex (including gender 
identity or sexual orientation) of an individual. 
‘‘(b) EQUALITY OF TREATMENT IN SERVICE.—Any 
personnel policy developed or implemented by the Depart-
ment of Defense with respect to members of the armed 
forces shall ensure equality of treatment and opportunity 
for all persons in the armed forces, without regard to race, 
color, national origin, religion, and sex (including gender 
identity and sexual orientation). 
‘‘(c) GENDER IDENTITY DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘gender identity’ means the gender-related iden-
tity, appearance, mannerisms, or other gender-related 
characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individ-
ual’s designated sex at birth.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of chapter 37 of such title is amended
327 
by inserting after the item relating to section 651 the fol-
lowing new item: 
‘‘651a. Members: nondiscrimination.’’. 
SEC. 530C. STUDY REGARDING SCREENING INDIVIDUALS 
WHO 
SEEK 
TO 
ENLIST 
IN 
THE 
ARMED 
FORCES. 
(a) STUDY.—The Secretary of Defense shall study 
the feasibility of, in background investigations and secu-
rity and suitability screenings of individuals who seek to 
enlist in the Armed Forces— 
(1) screening for white nationalists and individ-
uals with ties to white nationalist organizations; and 
(2) using the following resources of the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation: 
(A) The Tattoo and Graffiti Identification 
Program. 
(B) The National Gang Intelligence Cen-
ter. 
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall submit an unclassified report in writing to the con-
gressional defense committees containing conclusions of 
the Secretary regarding the study under subsection (a).
328 
SEC. 530D. ADVICE AND COUNSEL OF TRAUMA EXPERTS IN 
REVIEW BY BOARDS FOR CORRECTION OF 
MILITARY RECORDS AND DISCHARGE RE-
VIEW BOARDS OF CERTAIN CLAIMS. 
(a) BOARDS
FOR
CORRECTION
OF
MILITARY 
RECORDS.—Section 1552(g) of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(g)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(2) If a board established under subsection (a)(1) 
is reviewing a claim described in subsection (h), the board 
shall seek advice and counsel in the review from a psychia-
trist, psychologist, or social worker with training on men-
tal health issues associated with post-traumatic stress dis-
order or traumatic brain injury or other trauma as speci-
fied in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical 
Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American 
Psychiatric Association. 
‘‘(3) If a board established under subsection (a)(1) 
is reviewing a claim in which sexual trauma, intimate part-
ner violence, or spousal abuse is claimed, the board shall 
seek advice and counsel in the review from an expert in 
trauma specific to sexual assault, intimate partner vio-
lence, or spousal abuse, as applicable.’’.
329 
(b) 
DISCHARGE
REVIEW
BOARDS.—Section 
1553(d)(1) of such title is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ after ‘‘(1)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
paragraph; 
‘‘(B) In the case of a former member described in 
paragraph (3)(B) who claims that the former member’s 
post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury 
as described in that paragraph in based in whole or in 
part on sexual trauma, intimate partner violence, or 
spousal abuse, a board established under this section to 
review the former member’s discharge or dismissal shall 
seek advice and counsel in the review from a psychiatrist, 
psychologist, or social worker with training on mental 
health issues associated with post-traumatic stress dis-
order or traumatic brain injury or other trauma as speci-
fied in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical 
Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American 
Psychiatric Association.’’.
330 
SEC. 530E. TRAINING OF MEMBERS OF BOARDS FOR COR-
RECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS AND DIS-
CHARGE REVIEW BOARDS ON SEXUAL TRAU-
MA, INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, SPOUSAL 
ABUSE, AND RELATED MATTERS. 
(a) BOARDS
FOR
CORRECTION
OF
MILITARY 
RECORDS.—The curriculum of training for members of 
boards for the correction of military records under section 
534(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fis-
cal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 1552 note) shall include train-
ing on each of the following: 
(1) Sexual trauma. 
(2) Intimate partner violence. 
(3) Spousal abuse. 
(4) The various responses of individuals to 
trauma. 
(b) DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARDS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Each Secretary concerned 
shall develop and provide training for members of 
discharge review boards under section 1553 of title 
10, United States Code, that are under the jurisdic-
tion of such Secretary on each of the following: 
(A) Sexual trauma. 
(B) Intimate partner violence. 
(C) Spousal abuse.
331 
(D) The various responses of individuals to 
trauma. 
(2) UNIFORMITY OF TRAINING.—The Secretary 
of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security 
shall jointly ensure that the training developed and 
provided pursuant to this subsection is, to the extent 
practicable, uniform. 
(3) SECRETARY CONCERNED DEFINED.—In this 
subsection, the term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 101(a)(9) of title 
10, United States Code. 
SEC. 530F. NOTIFICATION TO SECRETARY OF HOMELAND 
SECURITY OF HONORABLE DISCHARGES OF 
NON-CITIZENS. 
(a) NOTICE REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with a 
copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active 
Duty (DD Form 214) for each individual who is not a 
citizen of the United States who is honorably discharged 
from the Armed Forces so the Secretary of Homeland Se-
curity may note such discharge in an I–213 Record of De-
portable/Inadmissible Alien for that individual. 
(b) DEADLINE.—The Secretary of Defense shall pro-
vide each notice under this section not later than 30 days 
after the date of such discharge.
332 
SEC. 530G. PROHIBITION ON INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION 
OR DEPORTATION OF MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES WHO ARE DACA RECIPIENTS 
OR HAVE TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS. 
(a) DACA.—No covered person who has received de-
ferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Ar-
rivals program of the Department of Homeland Security, 
established pursuant to the memorandum of the Secretary 
of Homeland Security dated June 15, 2012, may, solely 
on the basis of such deferred action, be— 
(1) involuntarily separated from the Armed 
Forces; 
(2) placed into removal proceedings; or 
(3) removed from the United States. 
(b) TPS.—No covered person who has temporary 
protected status under section 244 of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a), may, solely on the basis 
of such status, be— 
(1) involuntarily separated from the Armed 
Forces; 
(2) placed into removal proceedings; or 
(3) removed from the United States. 
(c) COVERED PERSON DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘covered person’’ means— 
(1) a member of the Armed Forces; or
333 
(2) an individual who was discharged from the 
Armed Forces under honorable conditions. 
SEC. 530H. REVIEW OF DISCHARGE CHARACTERIZATION. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may cited as the 
‘‘Restore Honor to Service Members Act’’. 
(b) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with this section, 
and in a manner that is consistent across the entire De-
partment of Defense, the appropriate discharge boards 
shall review the discharge characterization of covered 
members at the request of a covered member, and shall 
change the discharge characterization of a covered mem-
ber to honorable if such change is determined to be appro-
priate after a review is conducted. 
(c) APPEAL.—A covered member, or the representa-
tive of the member, may appeal a decision by the appro-
priate discharge board to not change the discharge charac-
terization by using the regular appeals process of the 
board. 
(d) CHANGE OF RECORDS.—For each covered mem-
ber whose discharge characterization is changed under 
subsection (a), or for each covered member who was hon-
orably discharged but whose DD–214 form reflects the 
sexual orientation of the member, the Secretary of Defense 
shall reissue to the member or their representative a re-
334 
vised DD–214 form that does not reflect the sexual ori-
entation of the member or reason for initial discharge. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate discharge board’’ 
means the boards for correction of military records 
under section 1552 of title 10, United States Code, 
or the discharge review boards under section 1553 
of such title, as the case may be. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered member’’ means any 
former member of the Armed Forces who was dis-
charged from the Armed Forces because of the sex-
ual orientation of the member. 
(3) The term ‘‘discharge characterization’’ 
means the characterization under which a member 
of the Armed forces is discharged or released, in-
cluding ‘‘dishonorable’’, ‘‘general’’, ‘‘other than hon-
orable’’, and ‘‘honorable’’. 
(4) The term ‘‘representative’’ means the sur-
viving spouse, next of kin, or legal representative of 
a covered member. 
Subtitle D—Military Justice 
SEC. 531. COMMAND INFLUENCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 837 of title 10, United 
States Code (article 37 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice), is amended—
335 
(1) by striking ‘‘Unlawfully influencing 
action of court’’ and inserting ‘‘Command in-
fluence’’; 
(2) by amending subsection (a) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(a)(1) No court-martial convening authority, nor 
any other commanding officer, may censure, reprimand, 
or admonish the court or any member, military judge, or 
counsel thereof, with respect to the findings or sentence 
adjudged by the court, or with respect to any other exer-
cise of its or his functions in the conduct of the pro-
ceeding. 
‘‘(2) No court-martial convening authority, nor any 
other commanding officer, may deter or attempt to deter 
a potential witness from participating in the investigatory 
process or testifying at a court-martial. The denial of a 
request to travel at government expense or refusal to make 
a witness available shall not by itself constitute unlawful 
command influence. 
‘‘(3) No person subject to this chapter may attempt 
to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, attempt to influ-
ence the action of a court-martial or any other military 
tribunal or any member thereof, in reaching the findings 
or sentence in any case, or the action of any convening, 
approving, or reviewing authority or preliminary hearing
336 
officer with respect to such acts taken pursuant to this 
chapter as prescribed by the President. 
‘‘(4) Paragraphs (1) through (3) shall not apply with 
respect to— 
‘‘(A) general instructional or informational 
courses in military justice if such courses are de-
signed solely for the purpose of instructing members 
of a command in the substantive and procedural as-
pects of courts-martial; 
‘‘(B) statements regarding criminal activity or a 
particular criminal offense that do not advocate a 
particular disposition, or a particular court-martial 
finding, or sentence; or 
‘‘(C) statements and instructions given in open 
court by the military judge or counsel. 
‘‘(5)(A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (3), 
but subject to subparagraph (B)— 
‘‘(i) a superior convening authority or officer 
may generally discuss matters to consider regarding 
the disposition of alleged violations of this chapter 
with a subordinate convening authority or officer; 
and 
‘‘(ii) a subordinate convening authority or offi-
cer may seek advice from a superior convening au-
337 
thority or officer regarding the disposition of an al-
leged offense under this chapter. 
‘‘(B) No superior convening authority or officer may 
direct a subordinate convening authority or officer to 
make a particular disposition in a specific case or other-
wise substitute the discretion of such authority or such 
officer for that of the subordinate convening authority or 
officer.’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘advanced, in grade’’ and 
inserting ‘‘advanced in grade’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘accused before a court- 
martial’’ and inserting ‘‘person in a court-mar-
tial proceeding’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following new sub-
sections: 
‘‘(c) No finding or sentence of a court-martial may 
be held incorrect on the ground of a violation of this sec-
tion unless the violation materially prejudices the substan-
tial rights of the accused. 
‘‘(d)(1) A superior convening authority or com-
manding officer may withhold the authority of a subordi-
nate convening authority or officer to dispose of offenses 
in individual cases, types of cases, or generally.
338 
‘‘(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) or as other-
wise authorized by this chapter, a superior convening au-
thority or commanding officer may not limit the discretion 
of a subordinate convening authority or officer to act with 
respect to a case for which the subordinate convening au-
thority or officer has authority to dispose of the offenses.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
at the beginning subchapter VII of chapter 47 of title 10, 
United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice), is amended by striking the item relating to section 
837 (article 37) and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘837. Art. 37. Command influence.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date of 
the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to 
violations of section 837 of title 10, United States Code 
(article 37 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), com-
mitted on or after such date. 
SEC. 532. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN OF-
FENSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 843 of title 10, United 
States Code (article 43 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice), is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘maiming of 
a child, kidnapping of a child,’’ after ‘‘sexual assault 
of a child,’’; and
339 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(B)— 
(A) by striking clauses (ii) and (iv); and 
(B) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause 
(ii). 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enact-
ment of this Act and shall apply with respect to the pros-
ecution of offenses committed before, on, or after the date 
of the enactment of this Act if the applicable limitation 
period has not yet expired. 
SEC. 533. GUIDELINES ON SENTENCES FOR OFFENSES 
COMMITTED UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF 
MILITARY JUSTICE. 
(a) GUIDELINES REQUIRED.—Not later than the 
date specified in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense 
shall establish nonbinding guidelines on sentences for of-
fenses under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code 
(the Uniform Code of Military Justice). The guidelines 
shall provide the sentencing authority with a suggested 
range of punishments, including suggested ranges of con-
finement, that will generally be appropriate for a violation 
of each offense under such chapter. 
(b) SENTENCING DATA.—In developing the guide-
lines for sentences under subsection (a), the Secretary of 
Defense shall take into account the sentencing data col-
340 
lected by the Military Justice Review Panel pursuant to 
section 946(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code (article 
146(f)(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
(c) DATE SPECIFIED.—The date specified in this 
subsection is the date that is not later than one year after 
the date on the which the first report of the Military Jus-
tice Review Panel is submitted to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Represent-
atives pursuant to section 946(f)(5) of title 10, United 
States Code (article 146(f)(5) of the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice). 
SEC. 534. EXPANSION OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF COM-
MANDERS FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT 
COMMITTED BY ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE 
ARMED FORCES. 
(a) NOTIFICATION OF VICTIMS OF EVENTS IN MILI-
TARY JUSTICE PROCESS.— 
(1) 
NOTIFICATION
REQUIRED.—The 
com-
mander of a member of the Armed Forces who is 
the alleged victim of sexual assault committed by an-
other member of the Armed Forces shall provide no-
tification to such alleged victim of every key or other 
significant event in the military justice process in 
connection with the investigation, prosecution, and
341 
confinement of such other member for sexual as-
sault. 
(2) DOCUMENTATION.—Each commander de-
scribed in paragraph (1) shall create and maintain 
appropriate documentation on any notification pro-
vided as described in that paragraph. 
(b) DOCUMETATION OF VICTIM’S PREFERENCE ON 
JURISDICTION IN PROSECUTION.—In the case of a mem-
ber of the Armed Forces who is the alleged victim of sex-
ual assault committed by another member of the Armed 
Forces who is subject to prosecution for such offense both 
by court-martial under chapter 47 of title 10, United 
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), and 
by a civilian court under State law, the commander of such 
alleged victim shall create and maintain appropriate docu-
mentation of the expressed preference, if any, of such al-
leged victim for prosecution of such offense by court-mar-
tial or by a civilian court as provided for by Rule 306(e) 
of the Rules for Court-Martial. 
(c) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
prescribe in regulations the requirements applicable to 
each of the following: 
(1) Notifications under subsection (a)(1). 
(2) Documentation under subsection (a)(2). 
(3) Documentation under subsection (b).
342 
SEC. 535. INCREASE IN INVESTIGATIVE PERSONNEL AND 
VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LI-
AISONS. 
(a) MILITARY
CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATIVE
SERV-
ICES.— 
(1) MINIMUM
STAFFING
LEVEL.—Not later 
than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of each military department shall 
ensure that the number of personnel assigned to the 
military criminal investigative services of the depart-
ment is sufficient to ensure, to the extent prac-
ticable, that the investigation of any sex-related of-
fense is completed not later than six months after 
the date on which the investigation is initiated. 
(2) STATUS
REPORTS
REQUIRED.—Not later 
than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, Secretary of each military department shall 
issue guidance requiring that any criminal investi-
gator of the department who is assigned to inves-
tigate a sex-related offense submits a status report 
to the direct supervisor of such investigator in the 
event that the investigation of such offense exceeds 
90 days in duration. Each status report shall in-
clude— 
(A) a detailed explanation of the status of 
the investigation;
343 
(B) identification of any information that 
has not yet been obtained but is necessary to 
complete the investigation; and 
(C) identification of any barriers pre-
venting the investigator from accessing such in-
formation. 
(b) VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LIAI-
SONS.—Not later than one year after the date of the en-
actment of this Act, the Secretary of each military depart-
ment shall increase the number of personnel serving as 
Victim Witness Assistance Program liaisons to address 
personnel shortages in the Victim Witness Assistance Pro-
gram. 
SEC. 536. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF DIGITAL FORENSIC EX-
AMINERS FOR THE MILITARY CRIMINAL IN-
VESTIGATION ORGANIZATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Each Secretary of a military de-
partment shall take appropriate actions to increase the 
number of digital forensic examiners in each military 
criminal investigation organization (MCIO) under the ju-
risdiction of such Secretary by not fewer than 10 from 
the authorized number of such examiners for such organi-
zation as of September 30, 2019.
344 
(b) MILITARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION ORGANIZA-
TIONS.—For purposes of this section, the military criminal 
investigation organizations are the following: 
(1) The Army Criminal Investigation Com-
mand. 
(2) The Naval Criminal Investigative Service. 
(3) The Air Force Office of Special Investiga-
tions. 
(4) The Marine Corps. Criminal Investigation 
Division. 
(c) FUNDING.—Funds for additional digital forensic 
examiners as required by subsection (a) for fiscal year 
2020, including for compensation, initial training, and 
equipment, shall be derived from amounts authorized to 
be appropriated for that fiscal year for the Armed Force 
concerned for operation and maintenance. 
SEC. 537. PILOT PROGRAMS ON DEFENSE INVESTIGATORS 
IN THE MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Each Secretary of a military de-
partment shall carry out a pilot program on defense inves-
tigators within the military justice system under the juris-
diction of such Secretary in order to do the following: 
(1) Determine whether the presence of defense 
investigators within such military justice system 
will—
345 
(A) make such military justice system 
more effective in providing an effective defense 
for the accused; and 
(B) make such military justice system 
more fair and efficient. 
(2) Otherwise assess the feasibility and advis-
ability of defense investigators as an element of such 
military justice system. 
(b) ELEMENTS.— 
(1) INTERVIEW OF VICTIM.—A defense investi-
gator may question a victim under a pilot program 
only upon a request made through the Special Vic-
tims’ Counsel or other counsel if the victim does not 
have such counsel. 
(2) UNIFORMITY
ACROSS
MILITARY
JUSTICE 
SYSTEMS.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure 
that the personnel and activities of defense inves-
tigators under the pilot programs are, to the extent 
practicable, uniform across the military justice sys-
tems of the military departments. 
(c) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than three years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Sec-
retaries of the military departments, submit to the
346 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and 
the House of Representatives a report on the pilot 
programs under subsection (a). 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by para-
graph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) A description of each pilot program, 
including the personnel and activities of defense 
investigators under such pilot program. 
(B) An assessment of the feasibility and 
advisability of establishing and maintaining de-
fense investigators as an element of the military 
justice systems of the military departments. 
(C) If the assessment under subparagraph 
(B) is that the establishment and maintenance 
of defense investigators as an element of the 
military justice systems of the military depart-
ments is feasible and advisable, such rec-
ommendations for legislative and administrative 
action as the Secretary of Defense considers ap-
propriate to establish and maintain defense in-
vestigators as an element of the military justice 
systems. 
(D) Any other matters the Secretary of 
Defense considers appropriate.
347 
SEC. 538. PILOT PROGRAM ON PROSECUTION OF SPECIAL 
VICTIM 
OFFENSES 
COMMITTED 
BY 
ATTENDEES OF MILITARY SERVICE ACAD-
EMIES. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—Beginning not later than Jan-
uary 1, 2020, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a 
pilot program (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Pilot 
Program’’) under which the Secretary shall establish, in 
accordance with this section, an independent authority 
to— 
(1) review each covered special victim offense; 
and 
(2) determine whether such offense shall be re-
ferred to trial by an appropriate court-martial con-
vening authority. 
(b) OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROSECUTOR.— 
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—As part of the Pilot 
Program, the Secretary shall establish, within the 
Office of the Secretary of Defense, an Office of the 
Chief Prosecutor. 
(2) HEAD OF OFFICE.—The head of the Office 
shall be known as the Chief Prosecutor. The Sec-
retary shall appoint as the Chief Prosecutor a com-
missioned officer in the grade of O–7 or above 
who—
348 
(A) has significant experience prosecuting 
sexual assault trials by court-martial; and 
(B) is outside the chain of command of 
any cadet or midshipman described in sub-
section (f)(2). 
(3) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Chief Prosecutor 
shall exercise the authorities described in subsection 
(c) but only with respect to covered special victim of-
fenses. 
(4) SPECIAL RULE.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the military service from which the 
Chief Prosecutor is appointed is authorized an addi-
tional billet for a general officer or a flag officer for 
each year in the two year period beginning with the 
year in which the appointment is made. 
(5) TERMINATION.—The Office of the Chief 
Prosecutor shall terminate on the date on which the 
Pilot Program terminates under subsection (e). 
(c) REFERRAL TO OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROS-
ECUTOR.— 
(1) INVESTIGATION PHASE.— 
(A) NOTICE AND INFORMATION.—A mili-
tary criminal investigative organization that re-
ceives an allegation of a covered special victim 
offense shall provide to the Chief Prosecutor
349 
and the commander of the military service 
academy concerned— 
(i) timely notice of such allegation; 
and 
(ii) any information and evidence ob-
tained as the result a subsequent investiga-
tion into the allegation. 
(B) TRIAL COUNSEL.—A trial counsel as-
signed to a case involving a covered special vic-
tim offense shall, during the investigative phase 
of such case, provide the Chief Prosecutor with 
the information necessary to enable the Chief 
Prosecutor to make the determination required 
under paragraph (3). 
(2) REFERRAL TO CHIEF PROSECUTOR.—In the 
case of a charge relating to a covered special victim 
offense, in addition to referring the charge to the 
staff judge advocate under subsection (a) or (b) of 
section 834 of title 10, United States Code (article 
34 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), the 
convening authority of the Armed Force of which 
the accused is a member shall refer, as soon as rea-
sonably practicable, the charge to the Chief Pros-
ecutor to make the determination required by para-
graph (3).
350 
(3) 
PROSECUTORIAL
DETERMINATION.—The 
Chief Prosecutor shall make a determination regard-
ing whether a charge relating to a covered special 
victim offense shall be referred to trial. If the Chief 
Prosecutor makes a determination that the charge 
shall be tried by court-martial, the Chief Prosecutor 
also shall determine whether the charge shall be 
tried by a general court-martial convened under sec-
tion 822 of title 10, United States Code (article 22 
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) or a special 
court-martial convened under section 823 of such 
title (article 23 of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice). The determination of whether to try a charge 
relating to a covered special victim offense by court- 
martial shall include a determination of whether to 
try any known offenses, including any lesser in-
cluded offenses. 
(4) EFFECT OF DETERMINATION AND APPEALS 
PROCESS.— 
(A) DETERMINATION
TO
PROCEED
TO 
TRIAL.—Subject to subparagraph (C) deter-
mination to try a charge relating to a covered 
special victim offense by court-martial under 
paragraph (3), and the determination as to the 
type of court-martial, shall be binding on any
351 
convening authority under chapter 47 of title 
10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice) for a trial by court-martial on 
the charge. 
(B) DETERMINATION NOT TO PROCEED TO 
TRIAL.—Subject to subparagraph (C) deter-
mination under paragraph (3) not to proceed to 
trial on a charge relating to a covered special 
victim offense by general or special court-mar-
tial shall be binding on any convening authority 
under chapter 47 of title 10, United States 
Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice) ex-
cept that such determination shall not operate 
to terminate or otherwise alter the authority of 
the convening authority— 
(i) to proceed to trial by court-martial 
on charges of collateral misconducted re-
lated to the special victim offense; or 
(ii) to impose non-judicial punishment 
in connection with the conduct covered by 
the charge as authorized by section 815 of 
such title (article 15 of the Uniform Code 
of Military Justice). 
(C) APPEAL.—In a case in which a con-
vening authority and the staff judge advocate
352 
advising such authority disagree with the deter-
mination of the Chief Prosecutor under para-
graph (3), the convening authority and staff 
judge advocate may jointly appeal the deter-
mination to the General Counsel of the Depart-
ment of Defense. The determination of the Gen-
eral Counsel with respect to such appeal shall 
be binding on the Chief Prosecutor and the con-
vening authority concerned. 
(5) TRIAL BY RANDOMIZED JURY.—After the 
Chief Prosecutor makes a determination under para-
graph (3) to proceed to trial on a charge relating to 
a covered special victim offense, the matter shall be 
tried by a court-martial convened within the Armed 
Force of which the accused is a member in accord-
ance with the applicable provisions of chapter 47 of 
title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice) except that, when convening a 
court-martial that is a general or special court-mar-
tial involving a covered special victim offense in 
which the accused elects a jury trial, the convening 
authority shall detail members of the Armed Forces 
as 
members 
thereof 
at 
random 
unless 
the 
obtainability of members of the Armed Forces for
353 
such court-martial prevents the convening authority 
from detailing such members at random. 
(6) UNLAWFUL
INFLUENCE
OR
COERCION.— 
The actions of the Chief Prosecutor under this sub-
section whether or not to try charges by court-mar-
tial shall be free of unlawful or unauthorized influ-
ence or coercion. 
(d) EFFECT ON OTHER LAW.—This section shall su-
persede any provision of chapter 47 of title 10, United 
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that 
is inconsistent with this section, but only to the extent of 
the inconsistency. 
(e) TERMINATION AND TRANSITION.— 
(1) TERMINATION.—The authority of the Sec-
retary to carry out the Pilot Program shall termi-
nate four years after the date on which the Pilot 
Program is initiated. 
(2) TRANSITION.—The Secretary shall take 
such actions as are necessary to ensure that, on the 
date on which the Pilot Program terminates under 
paragraph (1), any matter referred to the Chief 
Prosecutor under subsection (c)(2), but with respect 
to which the Chief Prosecutor has not made a deter-
mination under subsection (c)(3), shall be trans-
354 
ferred to the appropriate convening authority for 
consideration. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘Armed Force’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 101(a)(4) of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered special victim offense’’ 
means a special victim offense— 
(A) alleged to have been committed on or 
after the date of the enactment of this Act by 
a cadet of the United States Military Academy, 
the United States Air Force Academy, or the 
United States Coast Guard Academy, without 
regard to the location at which the offense was 
committed; or 
(B) alleged to have been committed on or 
after the date of the enactment of this Act by 
a midshipman of the United States Naval Acad-
emy, without regard to the location at which 
the offense was committed. 
(3) The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary 
of Defense. 
(4) The term ‘‘special victim offense’’ means 
any of the following:
355 
(A) An offense under section 917a, 920, 
920b, 920c, or 930 of title 10, United States 
Code (article 117a, 120, 120b, 120c, or 130 of 
the Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
(B) A conspiracy to commit an offense 
specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable 
under section 881 of such title (article 81 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
(C) A solicitation to commit an offense 
specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable 
under section 882 of such title (article 82 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
(D) An attempt to commit an offense spec-
ified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under 
section 880 of such title (article 80 of the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice). 
SEC. 539. TIMELY DISPOSITION OF NONPROSECUTABLE 
SEX-RELATED OFFENSES. 
(a) POLICY REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
of Defense shall develop and implement a policy to ensure 
the timely disposition of nonprosecutable sex-related of-
fenses in accordance with subsection (b). 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The policy developed under sub-
section (a) shall require the following:
356 
(1) Not later than seven days after the date on 
which a court-martial convening authority declines 
to refer a nonprosecutable sex-related offense for 
trial by general or special court-martial under chap-
ter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform 
Code of Military Justice), the convening authority 
will forward the investigation to the commander of 
the accused. 
(2) Not later than 90 days after the date on 
which the commander of the accused receives the in-
vestigation under paragraph (1)— 
(A) the commander will determine whether 
or not to take other judicial, nonjudicial, or ad-
ministrative action in connection with the con-
duct covered by the investigation, including any 
lesser included offenses, as authorized under 
section 815 of title 10, United States Code (ar-
ticle 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice); and 
(B) in a case in which the commander of 
the accused decides to take additional action 
under subparagraph (A), the commander take 
such actions as appropriate. 
(c) NONPROSECUTABLE
SEX-RELATED
OFFENSE 
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘nonprosecutable
357 
sex-related offense’’ means an alleged sex-related offense 
(as that term is defined in section 1044e(g) of title 10, 
United States Code) that a court-martial convening au-
thority has declined to refer for trial by a general or spe-
cial court-martial under chapter 47 of title 10, United 
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice) due 
to a determination that there is insufficient evidence to 
support prosecution of the sex-related offense. 
SEC. 540. TRAINING FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT INITIAL DIS-
POSITION AUTHORITIES ON EXERCISE OF 
DISPOSITION AUTHORITY FOR SEXUAL AS-
SAULT AND COLLATERAL OFFENSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The training for sexual assault 
initial Disposition authorities on the exercise of disposition 
authority under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code 
(the Uniform Code of Military Justice), with respect to 
cases for which disposition authority is withheld to such 
authorities by the April 20, 2012, memorandum of the 
Secretary of Defense, or any successor memorandum, shall 
include comprehensive training on the exercise by such au-
thorities of such authority with respect to such cases in 
order to enhance the capabilities of such Authorities in 
the exercise of such authority and thereby promote con-
fidence and trust in the military justice process with re-
spect to such cases.
358 
(b) MEMORANDUM OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.— 
The April 20, 2012, memorandum of the Secretary of De-
fense referred to in subsection (a) is the memorandum of 
the Secretary of Defense entitled ‘‘Withholding Initial Dis-
position Authority Under the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice in Certain Sexual Assault Cases’’ and dated April 
20, 2012. 
SEC. 540A. ASSESSMENT OF RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND GENDER 
DISPARITIES IN THE MILITARY JUSTICE SYS-
TEM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall carry out the activities described in subsection (b) 
to improve the ability of the Department of Defense to 
detect and address racial, ethnic, and gender disparities 
in the military justice system. 
(b) ACTIVITIES
DESCRIBED.—The activities de-
scribed in this subsection are the following: 
(1) For each court-martial carried out by an 
Armed Force after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Defense shall require the head 
of the Armed Force concerned— 
(A) to record the race, ethnicity, and gen-
der of the victim and the accused, and such 
other demographic information about the victim
359 
and the accused as the Secretary considers ap-
propriate; 
(B) to include data based on the informa-
tion described in subparagraph (A) in the an-
nual military justice reports of the Armed 
Force. 
(2) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation 
with the Secretaries of the military departments and 
the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall issue 
guidance that— 
(A) establishes criteria to determine when 
data indicating possible racial, ethnic, or gender 
disparities in the military justice process should 
be further reviewed; and 
(B) describes how such a review should be 
conducted. 
(3) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation 
with the Secretaries of the military departments and 
the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall— 
(A) conduct an evaluation to identify the 
causes of any racial, ethnic, or gender dispari-
ties in the military justice system; 
(B) take steps to address the causes of 
such disparities, as appropriate.
360 
SEC. 540B. EXPANSION OF PRE-REFERRAL MATTERS RE-
VIEWABLE BY MILITARY JUDGES AND MILI-
TARY MAGISTRATES IN THE INTEREST OF EF-
FICIENCY IN MILITARY JUSTICE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 830a of 
title 10, United States Code (article 30a of the Uniform 
Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking para-
graphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new para-
graphs: 
(1) The President shall prescribe regulations 
for matters relating to proceedings conducted before 
referral of charges and specifications to court-mar-
tial for trial, including the following: 
(A) Pre-referral investigative subpoenas. 
(B) Pre-referral warrants or orders for 
electronic communications. 
(C) Pre-referral matters referred by an ap-
pellate court. 
(D) Pre-referral matters under subsection 
(c) or (e) of section 806b of this title (article 
6b). 
(E) Pre-referral matters relating to the fol-
lowing: 
(i) Pre-trial confinement of an ac-
cused. 
(ii) The accused’s mental capacity.
361 
(iii) A request for an individual mili-
tary counsel. 
(2) In addition to the matters specified in para-
graph (1), the regulations prescribed under that 
paragraph shall— 
(A) set forth the matters that a military 
judge may rule upon in such proceedings; 
(B) include procedures for the review of 
such rulings; and 
(C) include appropriate limitations to en-
sure that proceedings under this section extend 
only to matters that would be subject to consid-
eration by a military judge in a general or spe-
cial court-martial. 
(b) CONFORMING AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) HEADING
AMENDMENT.—The heading of 
such section is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 830A. Art. 30a. proceedings conducted before refer-
ral’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions at the beginning of subchapter VI of chapter 
47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform 
Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking the 
item relating to section 830 (article 30a) and insert-
ing the following new item: 
‘‘830a. 30a. Proceedings conducted before referral.’’.
362 
SEC. 540C. TRAINING FOR COMMANDERS IN THE ARMED 
FORCES ON THEIR ROLE IN ALL STAGES OF 
MILITARY JUSTICE IN CONNECTION WITH 
SEXUAL ASSAULT. 
(a) IN
GENERAL.—The training provided com-
manders in the Armed Forces shall include comprehensive 
training on the role of commanders in all stages of mili-
tary justice in connection with sexual assaults by members 
of the Armed Forces against other members of the Armed 
Forces. 
(b) ELEMENTS TO BE COVERED.—The training pro-
vided pursuant to subsection (a) shall include training on 
the following: 
(1) The role of commanders in each stage of 
the military justice process in connection with sexual 
assault committed by a member of the Armed 
Forces against another member, including investiga-
tion and prosecution. 
(2) The role of commanders in assuring that 
victims in sexual assault described in paragraph (1) 
are informed of, and have the opportunity to obtain, 
assistance available for victims of sexual assault by 
law. 
(3) The role of commanders in assuring that 
victims in sexual assault described in paragraph (1)
363 
are afforded the due process rights and protections 
available to victims by law. 
(4) The role of commanders in preventing retal-
iation against victims, their family members, wit-
nesses, first responders, and bystanders for their 
complaints, statements, testimony, and status in 
connection with sexual assault described in para-
graph (1), including the role of commanders in en-
suring that subordinates in the command are aware 
of their responsibilities in preventing such retalia-
tion. 
(5) The role of commanders in establishing and 
maintaining a healthy command climate in connec-
tion with reporting on sexual assault described in 
paragraph (1) and in the response of the com-
mander, subordinates in the command, and other 
personnel in the command to such sexual assault, 
such reporting, and the military justice process in 
connection with such sexual assault. 
(6) Any other matters on the role of com-
manders in connection with sexual assault described 
in paragraph (1) that the Secretary of Defense con-
siders appropriate for purposes of this section. 
(c) INCORPORATION OF BEST PRACTICES.—
364 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The training provided pur-
suant to subsection (a) shall incorporate best prac-
tices on all matters covered by the training. 
(2) IDENTIFICATION OF BEST PRACTICES.—The 
Secretaries of the military departments shall, acting 
through the training and doctrine commands of the 
Armed Forces, undertake from time to time surveys 
and other reviews of the matters covered by the 
training provided pursuant to subsection (a) in order 
to identify and incorporate into such training the 
most current practicable best practices on such mat-
ters. 
(d) UNIFORMITY.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that the training provided pursuant to subsection 
(a) is, to the extent practicable, uniform across the Armed 
Forces. 
Subtitle E—Other Legal Matters 
SEC. 541. STANDARD OF EVIDENCE APPLICABLE TO INVES-
TIGATIONS AND REVIEWS RELATED TO PRO-
TECTED COMMUNICATIONS OF MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES AND PROHIBITED RE-
TALIATORY ACTIONS. 
(a) STANDARD OF EVIDENCE.—Section 1034 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended—
365 
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii), by striking ‘‘as 
defined in subsection (i)’’ and inserting ‘‘as defined 
in subsection (k)’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as 
subsections (j) and (k), respectively; and 
(3) by inserting after subsection (h) the fol-
lowing new subsection (i): 
‘‘(i) STANDARD OF EVIDENCE.—A finding or other 
determination made under any of subsections (c), (d), (g), 
or (h) may be based on the standards of evidence specified 
in section 1221(e) of title 5.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by sub-
section (a) shall not apply to members of the Coast Guard. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 30 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply 
with respect to allegations pending or submitted under 
section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, on or after 
that date. 
SEC. 542. EXPANSION OF SPECIAL VICTIMS’ COUNSEL FOR 
VICTIMS OF SEX-RELATED OR DOMESTIC VIO-
LENCE OFFENSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1044e of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended—
366 
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘sex-re-
lated’’ and inserting ‘‘sex-related or domestic 
violence’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘alleged sex-related offense’’ 
each place it appears and inserting ‘‘alleged sex-re-
lated offense or alleged domestic violence offense’’; 
(3) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘an indi-
vidual described in paragraph (2)’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘an individual described in paragraph (3)’’; 
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as 
paragraph (3); and 
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the 
following new paragraph (2): 
‘‘(2) The Secretary concerned shall designate para-
legals (to be known as ‘Special Victims’ Counsel Para-
legals’) for the purpose of providing paralegal assistance 
to Special Victims’ Counsel.’’; 
(4) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ‘‘or the 
Family Advocacy Program’’ after ‘‘Victim Witness 
Assistance Program’’; 
(5) in subsection (d)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘Special Victims’ Coun-
sel’’ and inserting ‘‘Special Victims’ Coun-
367 
sel and a Special Victims’ Counsel Para-
legal’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘Spe-
cial Victims’ Counsel.’’ and inserting ‘‘and a 
Special Victims’ Counsel Paralegal; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(C) ensure that a Special Victims’ Counsel re-
ceives the training necessary to meet the needs of a 
victim of an alleged sex-related offense or an alleged 
domestic violence offense.’’; 
(6) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting ‘‘a rep-
resentative of the Family Advocacy Program,’’ after 
‘‘Sexual Assault Victim Advocate,’’; 
(7) by amending subsection (g) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘alleged sex-related offense’ 
means any allegation of— 
‘‘(A) a violation of section 920, 920b, 
920c, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 
120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice); or
368 
‘‘(B) an attempt to commit an offense 
specified in a subparagraph (A) as punishable 
under section 880 of this title (article 80 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
‘‘(2) The term ‘alleged domestic violence of-
fense’ means any allegation of— 
‘‘(A) a violation of section 928b of this 
title (article 128b of the Uniform Code of Mili-
tary Justice); or 
‘‘(B) an attempt to commit such an offense 
as punishable under section 880 of this title 
(article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice).’’; and 
(8) by adding at the end the following new sub-
sections: 
‘‘(i) MINIMUM STAFFING LEVEL.—Not later than 
two years after the date of enactment of this subsection, 
the Secretaries concerned shall ensure that the number 
Special Victims’ Counsel serving in each military depart-
ment is sufficient to ensure that the average caseload of 
a Special Victims’ Counsel does not exceed 25 cases at 
any given time. 
‘‘(j) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than December 
1, 2022, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with 
the Secretaries concerned, shall submit to the Committees
369 
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Rep-
resentatives a report that includes— 
‘‘(1) an analysis of the caseloads of Special Vic-
tims’ Counsel and Special Victims’ Counsel Para-
legals, respectively; 
‘‘(2) an assessment of the ability of the military 
departments to fill additional authorized billets for 
the Special Victims’ Counsel program to meet mis-
sion requirements; and 
‘‘(3) a description of how the training require-
ments for the Special Victims’ Counsel program 
have been expanded to meet the needs of victims of 
alleged domestic violence offenses.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of chapter 53 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
1044e and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘1044e. Special Victims’ Counsel for victims of sex-related or domestic violence 
offenses.’’. 
SEC. 543. NOTIFICATION OF ISSUANCE OF MILITARY PRO-
TECTIVE ORDER TO CIVILIAN LAW ENFORCE-
MENT. 
(a) NOTIFICATION OF ISSUANCE.—Section 1567a of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘and any indi-
vidual involved in the order does not reside on a
370 
military installation at any time during the duration 
of the military protective order, the commander of 
the military installation shall notify’’ and inserting 
‘‘, the commander of the unit to which the member 
is assigned shall, not later than seven days after the 
date of the issuance of the order, notify’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as sub-
section (c); 
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the fol-
lowing new subsection (b); 
‘‘(b) NOTIFICATION IN EVENT OF TRANSFER.—In 
the event that a member of the armed forces against whom 
a military protective order is issued is transferred to an-
other unit— 
‘‘(1) not later than the date of the transfer, the 
commander of the unit from which the member is 
transferred shall notify the commander of the unit 
to which the member is transferred of— 
‘‘(A) the issuance of the protective order; 
and 
‘‘(B) the individuals involved in the order; 
and 
‘‘(2) not later than seven days after receiving 
the notice under paragraph (1), the commander of 
the unit to which the member is transferred shall
371 
provide notice of the order to the appropriate civilian 
authorities in accordance with subsection (a).’’; and 
(4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘commander of the military installation’’ 
and inserting ‘‘commander of the unit to which the 
member is assigned’’. 
(b) ANNUAL REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 
March 1, 2020, and each year thereafter through 2024, 
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report that identifies— 
(1) the number of military protective orders 
issued in the calendar year preceding the year in 
which the report is submitted; and 
(2) the number of such orders that were re-
ported to appropriate civilian authorities in accord-
ance with section 1567a(a) of title 10, United States 
Code, in such preceding year. 
SEC. 544. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ON REGISTRATION 
AT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS OF CIVIL PRO-
TECTION ORDERS APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS 
OF THE ARMED FORCES ASSIGNED TO SUCH 
INSTALLATIONS AND CERTAIN OTHER INDI-
VIDUALS. 
(a) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REQUIRED.—Not 
later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
372 
Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with 
the Secretaries of the military departments, establish poli-
cies and procedures for the registration at military instal-
lations of any civil protection orders described in sub-
section (b), including the duties and responsibilities of 
commanders of installations in the registration process. 
(b) CIVIL PROTECTION ORDERS.—A civil protection 
order described in this subsection is any civil protective 
order as follows: 
(1) A civil protection order against a member of 
the Armed Forces assigned to the installation con-
cerned. 
(2) A civil protection order against a civilian 
employee employed at the installation concerned. 
(3) A civil protection order against the civilian 
spouse or intimate partner of a member of the 
Armed Forces on active duty and assigned to the in-
stallation concerned, or of a civilian employee de-
scribed in paragraph (2), which order provides for 
the protection of such member or employee. 
(c) PARTICULAR ELEMENTS.—The policies and pro-
cedures required by subsection (a) shall include the fol-
lowing: 
(1) A requirement for notice between and 
among the commander, military law enforcement ele-
373 
ments, and military criminal investigative elements 
of an installation when a member of the Armed 
Forces assigned to such installation, a civilian em-
ployee employed at such installation, a civilian 
spouse or intimate partner of a member assigned to 
such installation, or a civilian spouse or intimate 
partner of a civilian employee employed at such in-
stallation becomes subject to a civil protection order. 
(2) A statement of policy that failure to register 
a civil protection order may not be a justification for 
the lack of enforcement of such order by military 
law enforcement and other applicable personnel who 
have knowledge of such order. 
(d) LETTER.—As soon as practicable after estab-
lishing the policies and procedures required by subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Represent-
atives a letter that includes the following: 
(1) A detailed description of the policies and 
procedures. 
(2) A certification by the Secretary that the 
policies and procedures have been implemented on 
each military installation.
374 
SEC. 545. CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING SCOPE OF EMPLOY-
MENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEM-
BERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES. 
(a) CLARIFICATION
REGARDING
DEFINITION
OF 
RIGHTS AND BENEFITS.—Section 4303(2) of title 38, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘The term’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
paragraph: 
‘‘(B) Any procedural protections or provisions 
set forth in this chapter shall also be considered a 
right or benefit subject to the protection of this 
chapter.’’. 
(b) CLARIFICATION
REGARDING
RELATION
TO 
OTHER LAW AND PLANS FOR AGREEMENTS.—Section 
4302 of such title is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(c)(1) Pursuant to this section and the procedural 
rights afforded by subchapter III of this chapter, any 
agreement to arbitrate a claim under this chapter is unen-
forceable, unless all parties consent to arbitration after a 
complaint on the specific claim has been filed in court or 
with the Merit Systems Protection Board and all parties 
knowingly and voluntarily consent to have that particular 
claim subjected to arbitration.
375 
‘‘(2) For purposes of this subsection, consent shall 
not be considered voluntary when a person is required to 
agree to arbitrate an action, complaint, or claim alleging 
a violation of this chapter as a condition of future or con-
tinued employment, advancement in employment, or re-
ceipt of any right or benefit of employment.’’. 
SEC. 546. MILITARY ORDERS REQUIRED FOR TERMINATION 
OF 
LEASES 
PURSUANT 
TO 
THE 
SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT. 
Section 305(i) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
(50 U.S.C. 3955) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘(including 
orders for separation or retirement)’’ after ‘‘official 
military orders’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(3) PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION.—The 
term ‘permanent change of station’ includes separa-
tion or retirement from military service.’’. 
SEC. 547. CONSULTATION REGARDING VICTIM’S PREF-
ERENCE IN PROSECUTION JURISDICTION. 
Section 534(b) of the Carl Levin and Howard P. 
‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 10 U.S.C. 1044e 
note) is amended by—
376 
(1) redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as 
paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol-
lowing new paragraph (2): 
‘‘(2) RECORD OF CONSULTATION AND VICTIM 
PREFERENCE.—The Secretary of Defense, acting 
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Per-
sonnel and Readiness, shall issue guidance to ensure 
that the consultation under paragraph (1) is pro-
vided to each victim of an alleged sex-related offense 
described in such paragraph. Such guidance shall re-
quire that the following information about each con-
sultation is recorded and preserved in written or 
electronic format: 
‘‘(A) The time and date of the consulta-
tion. 
‘‘(B) The name of the individual who con-
sulted with the victim. 
‘‘(C) The result of the consultation, includ-
ing— 
‘‘(i) whether the victim expressed a 
preference under paragraph (1); and 
‘‘(ii) if the victim expressed a pref-
erence, whether the victim preferred that
377 
the offense be prosecuted by court-martial 
or in a civilian court.’’. 
SEC. 548. EXTENSION AND EXPANSION OF DEFENSE ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATION, PROS-
ECUTION, AND DEFENSE OF SEXUAL AS-
SAULT IN THE ARMED FORCES. 
Section 546 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. 
‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2015 (10 U.S.C. 1561 note) is amended— 
(1) by amending paragraph (2) of subsection 
(c) to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) BASIS FOR PROVISION OF ADVICE.—For 
purposes of providing advice to the Secretary pursu-
ant to this subsection, the Advisory Committee 
shall— 
‘‘(A) review, on an ongoing basis, cases in-
volving allegations of sexual misconduct de-
scribed in paragraph (1); 
‘‘(B) study the feasibility of incorporating 
restorative justice models into the Uniform 
Code of Military Justice; and 
‘‘(C) 
review 
Rule 
for 
Courts-Martial 
1001(c) (as set forth in the Manual for Courts- 
Martial, 2019 edition, or any successor rule) to
378 
determine whether, and to what extent, the in-
terpretation of that rule by military courts— 
‘‘(i) limits the ability of sexual assault 
victims 
to 
make 
statements 
during 
presentencing proceedings; and 
‘‘(ii) limits the content of such state-
ments.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ‘‘five years’’ 
and inserting ‘‘ten years’’. 
SEC. 549. DEFENSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE PRE-
VENTION OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT REQUIRED.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall establish and maintain within the Department 
of Defense an advisory committee to be known as 
the ‘‘Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention 
of Sexual Misconduct’’ (in this section referred to as 
the ‘‘Advisory Committee’’). 
(2) DEADLINE
FOR
ESTABLISHMENT.—The 
Secretary shall establish the Advisory Committee not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee 
shall consist of not more than 20 members, ap-
379 
pointed by the Secretary from among individuals 
who have an expertise appropriate for the work of 
the Advisory Committee, including at least one indi-
vidual with each expertise as follows: 
(A) Expertise in the prevention of sexual 
assault and behaviors on the sexual assault con-
tinuum of harm. 
(B) Expertise in the prevention of suicide. 
(C) Expertise in trauma and trauma symp-
toms. 
(D) Expertise in the change of culture of 
large organizations. 
(E) Expertise in implementation science. 
(2) BACKGROUND
OF
INDIVIDUALS.—Individ-
uals appointed to the Advisory Committee may in-
clude individuals with expertise in sexual assault 
prevention efforts of institutions of higher education, 
public health officials, and such other individuals as 
the Secretary considers appropriate. 
(3) PROHIBITION
ON
MEMBERSHIP
OF
MEM-
BERS
OF
ARMED
FORCES
ON
ACTIVE
DUTY.—A 
member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty 
may not serve as a member of the Advisory Com-
mittee. 
(c) DUTIES.—
380 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee 
shall advise the Secretary on the following: 
(A) The prevention of sexual assault (in-
cluding rape, forcible sodomy, other sexual as-
sault, and other sexual misconduct (including 
behaviors on the sexual assault continuum of 
harm)) involving members of the Armed Forces. 
(B) The policies, programs, and practices 
of each military department, each Armed Force, 
and each military service academy for the pre-
vention of sexual assault as described in sub-
paragraph (A). 
(2) BASIS
FOR
PROVISION
OF
ADVICE.—For 
purposes of providing advice to the Secretary pursu-
ant to this subsection, the Advisory Committee shall 
review, on an ongoing basis, the following: 
(A) Closed cases involving allegations of 
sexual assault described in paragraph (1). 
(B) Efforts of institutions of higher edu-
cation to prevent sexual assault among stu-
dents. 
(C) Any other information or matters that 
the Advisory Committee or the Secretary con-
siders appropriate.
381 
(3) COORDINATION OF EFFORTS.—In addition 
to the reviews required by paragraph (2), for pur-
poses of providing advice to the Secretary the Advi-
sory Committee shall also consult and coordinate 
with the Defense Advisory Committee on Investiga-
tion, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in 
the Armed Forces (DAC-IPAD) on matters of joint 
interest to the two Advisory Committees. 
(d) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than March 30 
each year, the Advisory Committee shall submit to the 
Secretary and the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the 
activities of the Advisory Committee pursuant to this sec-
tion during the preceding year. 
(e) SEXUAL ASSAULT CONTINUUM OF HARM.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘sexual assault continuum of harm’’ 
includes— 
(1) inappropriate actions (such as sexist jokes), 
sexual harassment, gender discrimination, hazing, 
cyber bullying, or other behavior that contributes to 
a culture that is tolerant of, or increases risk for, 
sexual assault; and 
(2) maltreatment or ostracism of a victim for a 
report of sexual misconduct. 
(f) TERMINATION.—
382 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the Advisory Committee shall terminate 
on the date that is five years after the date of the 
establishment of the Advisory Committee pursuant 
to subsection (a). 
(2) CONTINUATION.—The Secretary of Defense 
may continue the Advisory Committee after the ter-
mination date applicable under paragraph (1) if the 
Secretary determines that continuation of the Advi-
sory Committee after that date is advisable and ap-
propriate. If the Secretary determines to continue 
the Advisory Committee after that date, the Sec-
retary shall notify the Committees on the Armed 
Services of the Senate and House of Representa-
tives. 
SEC. 550. SAFE TO REPORT POLICY APPLICABLE ACROSS 
THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall, 
in consultation with the Secretaries of the military depart-
ments, prescribe in regulations a safe to report policy de-
scribed in subsection (b) that applies with respect to all 
members of the Armed Forces (including members of the 
reserve components of the Armed Forces) and cadets and 
midshipmen at the military service academies.
383 
(b) SAFE TO REPORT POLICY.—The safe to report 
policy described in this subsection is a policy under which 
a member of the Armed Forces who is the alleged victim 
of sexual assault, but who may have committed minor col-
lateral misconduct at or about the time of such sexual as-
sault, or whose minor collateral misconduct is discovered 
only as a result of the investigation into such sexual as-
sault, may report such sexual assault to proper authorities 
without fear or receipt of discipline in connection with 
such minor collateral misconduct absent aggravating cir-
cumstances that increase the gravity of the minor collat-
eral misconduct or its impact on good order and discipline. 
(c) MINOR COLLATERAL MISCONDUCT.—For pur-
poses of the safe to report policy, minor collateral mis-
conduct shall include any of the following: 
(1) Improper use or possession of alcohol. 
(2) Consensual intimate behavior (including 
adultery) or fraternization. 
(3) Presence in an off-limits area. 
(4) Such other misconduct as the Secretary of 
Defense shall specify in the regulations under sub-
section (a). 
(d) AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES.—The regula-
tions under subsection (a) shall specify aggravating cir-
cumstances that increase the gravity of minor collateral
384 
misconduct or its impact on good order and discipline for 
purposes of the safe to report policy. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘Armed Forces’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 101(a)(4) of title 10, 
United States Code, except such term does not in-
clude the Coast Guard. 
(2) The term ‘‘military service academy’’ means 
the following: 
(A) The United States Military Academy. 
(B) The United States Naval Academy. 
(C) The United States Air Force Academy. 
SEC. 550A. AVAILABILITY OF SPECIAL VICTIMS’ COUNSEL 
AND SPECIAL VICTIM PROSECUTORS AT MILI-
TARY INSTALLATIONS. 
(a) DEADLINE FOR AVAILABILITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—If an individual specified in 
paragraph (2) is not available at a military installa-
tion for access by a member of the Armed Forces 
who requests access to such an individual, such an 
individual shall be made available at such installa-
tion for access by such member by not later than 48 
hours after such request. 
(2) INDIVIDUALS.—The individuals specified in 
this paragraph are the following:
385 
(A) Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC). 
(B) Special Victim Prosecutor (SPC). 
(b) REPORT ON CIVILIAN SUPPORT OF SVCS.—Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, each Secretary of a military department shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Sen-
ate and the House of Representatives a report setting 
forth the assessment of such Secretary of the feasibility 
and advisability of establishing and maintaining at each 
installation under the jurisdiction of such Secretary with 
a Special Victims’ Counsel one or more civilian positions 
for the purpose of— 
(1) providing support to such Special Victims’ 
Counsel; and 
(2) ensuring continuity and the preservation of 
institutional knowledge in transitions between the 
service of individuals as Special Victims’ Counsel at 
such installation. 
SEC. 550B. NOTICE TO VICTIMS OF ALLEGED SEXUAL AS-
SAULT OF PENDENCY OF FURTHER ADMINIS-
TRATIVE ACTION FOLLOWING A DETERMINA-
TION NOT TO REFER TO TRIAL BY COURT- 
MARTIAL. 
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of De-
fense, upon a determination not to refer a case of alleged
386 
sexual assault for trial by court-martial under chapter 47 
of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Mili-
tary Justice), the commander making such determination 
shall periodically notify the victim of the status of a final 
determination on further action on such case, whether 
non-judicial punishment under section 815 of such title 
(article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), other 
administrative action, or no further action. Such notifica-
tions shall continue not less frequently than monthly until 
such final determination. 
SEC. 550C. TRAINING FOR SPECIAL VICTIMS’ COUNSEL ON 
CIVILIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE MATTERS IN 
THE STATES OF THE MILITARY INSTALLA-
TIONS TO WHICH ASSIGNED. 
(a) TRAINING.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub-
section (c), upon the assignment of a Special Vic-
tims’ Counsel (including a Victim Legal Counsel of 
the Navy) to a military installation in the United 
States, such Counsel shall be provided appropriate 
training on the law and policies of the State or 
States in which such military installation is located 
with respect to the criminal justice matters specified 
in paragraph (2). The purpose of the training is to 
assist such Counsel in providing victims of alleged
387 
sex-related offenses with information necessary to 
make an informed decision regarding preference as 
to the jurisdiction (whether court-martial or State 
court) in which such offenses will be prosecuted. 
(2) CRIMINAL JUSTICE MATTERS.—The crimi-
nal justice matters specified in this paragraph, with 
respect to a State, are the following: 
(A) Victim rights. 
(B) Prosecution of criminal offenses. 
(C) Sentencing for conviction of criminal 
offenses. 
(b) ALLEGED SEX-RELATED OFFENSE DEFINED.— 
In this section, the term ‘‘alleged sex-related offense’’ 
means any allegation of— 
(1) a violation of section 920, 920b, 920c, or 
930 of title 10, United States Code (article 120, 
120b, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice); or 
(2) an attempt to commit an offense specified 
in a paragraph (1) as punishable under section 880 
of title 10, United States Code (article 80 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
(c) EXCEPTION.—The requirements of this section do 
not apply to a Special Victims’ Counsel of the Coast 
Guard.
388 
SEC. 550D. COPYRIGHT PROTECTION FOR CIVILIAN FAC-
ULTY OF ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 108 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new section: 
‘‘§ 2169a. Copyright of works created by civilian fac-
ulty members 
‘‘(a) COPYRIGHT OF WORKS.—Subject to subsection 
(b), for purposes of sections 101 and 105 of title 17, a 
work produced by a civilian member of the faculty of a 
covered institution is only a work of the United States 
Government if the work is created in direct support of a 
lecture, instruction, curriculum development, or special 
duty assigned to such civilian member at the covered insti-
tution. 
‘‘(b) USE BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.—The Sec-
retary concerned may require a civilian member of the fac-
ulty of a covered institution who becomes the owner of 
a copyright in a work that would be considered a work 
of the United States Government but for the applicability 
of subsection (a) to— 
‘‘(1) provide the Federal Government with an 
irrevocable, royalty-free, world-wide, nonexclusive li-
cense to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, 
display, or disclose such work for United States Gov-
ernment purposes; and
390 
SEC. 550E. PRELIMINARY INQUIRY ON ARLINGTON NA-
TIONAL CEMETERY BURIAL. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) The Department of Defense must ensure 
that only individuals who have served honorably are 
interred or inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. 
(2) Recent news reports have alleged that Army 
Sergeant Jack Edward Dunlap, who was buried at 
Arlington National Cemetery in 1963, may have 
been the past subject of an espionage investigation 
by the National Security Agency, the results of 
which have not been made public. 
(b) INQUIRY REQUIRED.—The General Counsel of 
the Department of the Army shall, pursuant to the terms 
of section 553.21 of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, 
carry out a preliminary inquiry to investigate the Arling-
ton National Cemetery burial of Jack Edward Dunlap due 
to accusations that he supplied the Soviet Union with valu-
able intelligence during the Cold War. 
SEC. 550F. AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS FOR NATIONAL IN-
STANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYS-
TEM. 
(a) NICS RECORDS.—Section 101(b) of the NICS 
Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (34 U.S.C. 
40911(b)) is amended—
391 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as para-
graph (3); and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1), the fol-
lowing new paragraph (2): 
‘‘(2) DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE.—Not later 
than three business days after the final disposition 
of a judicial proceeding conducted within the De-
partment of Defense, the Secretary of Defense shall 
make available to the Attorney General records 
which are relevant to a determination of whether a 
member of the Armed Forces involved in such pro-
ceeding is disqualified from possessing or receiving a 
firearm under subsection (g) or (n) of section 922 
of title 18, United States Code, for use in back-
ground checks performed by the National Instant 
Criminal Background Check System.’’. 
(b) STUDY AND REPORT ON MPO DATABASE.— 
(1) STUDY.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a 
database of military protective orders issued by mili-
tary commanders against individuals suspected of 
having committed an offense of domestic violence 
under section 928b of title 10, United States Code 
(article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
392 
tice). The study shall include an examination of each 
of the following: 
(A) The feasibility of creating a database 
to record, track, and report such military pro-
tective orders to the National Instant Criminal 
Background Check System. 
(B) The feasibility of establishing a proc-
ess by which a military judge or magistrate 
may issue a protective order against an indi-
vidual suspected of having committed such an 
offense. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later then 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on the results of the study con-
ducted under paragraph (1). 
SEC. 550G. TERMINATION OF LEASES OF PREMISES AND 
MOTOR 
VEHICLES 
OF 
SERVICEMEMBERS 
WHO INCUR CATASTROPHIC INJURY OR ILL-
NESS OR DIE WHILE IN MILITARY SERVICE. 
(a) CATASTROPHIC INJURIES AND ILLNESSES.—Sub-
section (a) of section 305 of the Servicemembers Civil Re-
lief Act (50 U.S.C. 3955), as amended by section 301 of 
the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public
393 
Law 115–407), is further amended by adding at the end 
the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(4) CATASTROPHIC
INJURY
OR
ILLNESS
OF 
LESSEE.—The spouse of the lessee on a lease de-
scribed in subsection (b) may terminate the lease 
during the one-year period beginning on the date on 
which the lessee incurs a catastrophic injury or ill-
ness (as that term is defined in section 439(g) of 
title 37, United States Code), if the lessee incurs the 
catastrophic injury or illness during a period of mili-
tary service or while performing full-time National 
Guard duty, active Guard and Reserve duty, or inac-
tive-duty training (as such terms are defined in sec-
tion 101(d) of title 10, United States Code).’’. 
(b) DEATHS.—Paragraph (3) of such subsection is 
amended by striking ‘‘in subsection (b)(1)’’ and inserting 
‘‘in subsection (b)’’. 
SEC. 
550H. 
TO 
RESOLVE 
CONTROVERSIES 
UNDER 
SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT. 
(a) 
IN
GENERAL.—Section 
102 
of 
the 
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 512) is 
amended by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(d) WRITTEN CONSENT REQUIRED FOR ARBITRA-
TION.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when-
394 
ever a contract with a servicemember, or a servicemember 
and the servicemember’s spouse jointly, provides for the 
use of arbitration to resolve a controversy subject to a pro-
vision of this Act and arising out of or relating to such 
contract, arbitration may be used to settle such con-
troversy only if, after such controversy arises, all parties 
to such controversy consent in writing to use arbitration 
to settle such controversy.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—Subsection (d) of such section, 
as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to con-
tracts entered into, amended, altered, modified, renewed, 
or extended after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 550I. LIMITATION ON WAIVER OF RIGHTS AND PRO-
TECTIONS UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL 
RELIEF ACT. 
(a) 
IN
GENERAL.—Section 
107(a) 
of 
the 
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 517(a)) 
is amended— 
(1) in the second sentence, by inserting ‘‘and if 
it is made after a specific dispute has arisen and the 
dispute is identified in the waiver’’ after ‘‘to which 
it applies’’; and 
(2) in the third sentence, by inserting ‘‘and if 
it is made after a specific dispute has arisen and the
395 
dispute is identified in the waiver’’ after ‘‘period of 
military service’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendment made by sub-
section (a) shall apply with respect to waivers made on 
or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 550J. PRESERVATION OF RIGHT TO BRING CLASS AC-
TION UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RE-
LIEF ACT. 
(a) 
IN
GENERAL.—Section 
802(a) 
of 
the 
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 597a(a)) 
is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(3) be a representative party on behalf of 
members of a class or be a member of a class, in 
accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Proce-
dure, notwithstanding any previous agreement to the 
contrary.’’. 
(b) CONSTRUCTION.—The amendments made by sub-
section (a) shall not be construed to imply that a person 
aggrieved by a violation of such Act did not have a right
396 
to bring a civil action as a representative party on behalf 
of members of a class or be a member of a class in a 
civil action before the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 550K. EFFECTIVE DATE OF RULE REGARDING PAYDAY 
LENDING PROTECTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Sections 1041.4 through 1041.6, 
1041.10, and 1041.12(b)(1) through (3) in the final rule 
published on November 17, 2017 by the Bureau of Con-
sumer Financial Protection (82 Fed. Reg. 54472) related 
to Mandatory Underwriting Provisions shall go into effect 
on August 19, 2019, with regards to servicemembers, vet-
erans and surviving spouses. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘servicemember’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 101 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(2) The terms ‘‘veteran’’ and ‘‘surviving 
spouse’’ have the meanings given those terms in sec-
tion 101 of title 38, United States Code. 
SEC. 550L. STRENGTHENING CIVILIAN AND MILITARY 
PARTNERSHIPS TO RESPOND TO DOMESTIC 
AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE. 
(a) STUDY.—Not later than one year after the enact-
ment of this legislation, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall submit to Congress a report on part-
397 
nerships between military installations and civilian domes-
tic and sexual violence response organizations, including— 
(1) a review of memoranda of understanding 
between such installations and such response organi-
zations; 
(2) descriptions of the services provided pursu-
ant to such partnerships; 
(3) a review of the central plan, if any, of each 
service regarding such partnerships; and 
(4) recommendations on increasing and improv-
ing such partnerships. 
(b) CIVILIAN DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE RE-
SPONSE ORGANIZATION.—In this section, the term ‘‘civil-
ian domestic and sexual violence response organization’’ 
includes a rape crisis center, domestic violence shelter, ci-
vilian law enforcement, local government group, civilian 
sexual assault nurse examiner, civilian medical service pro-
vider, veterans service organization, faith-based organiza-
tion, or Federally qualified health center. 
SEC. 550M. INFORMATION ON LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED 
TO 
MEMBERS 
OF 
THE 
ARMED 
FORCES 
HARMED BY HEALTH OR ENVIRONMENTAL 
HAZARDS AT MILITARY HOUSING. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
398 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a re-
port on the legal services that the Secretary may provide 
to members of the Armed Forces who have been harmed 
by a health or environmental hazard while living in mili-
tary housing. 
(b) AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION.—The Secretary 
of the military department concerned shall make the infor-
mation contained in the report submitted under subsection 
(a) available to members of the Armed Forces at all instal-
lations of the Department of Defense in the United States. 
SEC. 550N. INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE THE CAPACITY OF 
MILITARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE ORGA-
NIZATIONS TO PREVENT CHILD SEXUAL EX-
PLOITATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall establish an initiative on improving the capacity of 
military criminal investigative organizations to prevent 
child sexual exploitation. Under the initiative, the Sec-
retary shall work with an external partner to train military 
criminal investigative organization officials at Department 
of Defense installations from all military departments re-
garding— 
(1) online investigative technology, tools, and 
techniques;
399 
(2) computer forensics; 
(3) complex evidentiary issues; 
(4) child victim identification; 
(5) child victim referral for comprehensive in-
vestigation and treatment services; and 
(6) related instruction. 
(b) PARTNERSHIPS AND AGREEMENTS.—Under the 
initiative, the Secretary shall develop partnerships and es-
tablish collaborative agreements with the following: 
(1) The Department of Justice, Office of the 
Attorney General, in better coordinating the inves-
tigative jurisdictions and law enforcement authori-
ties of the military criminal investigative organiza-
tions, and in improving the justice community’s un-
derstanding of those law enforcement authorities to 
enforce Federal criminal statutes. 
(2) Federal criminal investigative organizations 
responsible for enforcement of Federal criminal stat-
utes related to combatting child sexual exploitation, 
in order to ensure a streamlined process for trans-
ferring criminal investigations into child exploitation 
to other jurisdictions, while maintaining the integrity 
of the evidence already collected. 
(3) A highly qualified national child protection 
organization or law enforcement training center with
400 
demonstrated expertise in the delivery of law en-
forcement training— 
(A) to detect, identify, investigate, and 
prosecute individuals engaged in the trading or 
production of child pornography and the online 
solicitation of children; and 
(B) to train military criminal investigative 
organization officials at Department of Defense 
installations from all military departments. 
(4) A highly qualified national child protection 
organization with demonstrated expertise in the de-
velopment and delivery of multidisciplinary interven-
tion training including evidence-based forensic inter-
viewing, victim advocacy, trauma-informed mental 
health services, medical services, and multidisci-
plinary coordination between the Department of De-
fense and civilian experts to improve outcomes for 
victims of child sexual exploitation. 
(5) Children’s Advocacy Centers located in the 
same communities as military installations that co-
ordinate the multidisciplinary team response and 
child-friendly approach to identifying, investigating, 
prosecuting, and intervening in child sexual exploi-
tation cases that can partner with military installa-
tions on law enforcement, child protection, prosecu-
401 
tion, mental health, medical, and victim advocacy to 
investigate sexual exploitation, help children heal 
from sexual exploitation, and hold offenders account-
able. 
(6) State and local authorities to address law 
enforcement capacity in communities where military 
installations are located, and to prevent lapses in ju-
risdiction that would undercut the Department’s ef-
forts to prevent child sexual exploitation. 
(7) The National Association to Protect Chil-
dren and the United States Special Operations Com-
mand Care Coalition to replicate successful outcomes 
of the Human Exploitation Rescue Operative 
(HERO) Child Rescue Corps, as established by sec-
tion 890A of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
U.S.C. 473), within military criminal investigative 
organizations and other Department components to 
combat child sexual exploitation. 
(c) LOCATIONS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall carry 
out the initiative— 
(A) in at least two States where there is a 
high density of Department network users in 
comparison to the overall population of the 
States;
402 
(B) in at least two States where there is 
a high population of Department network users; 
(C) in at least two States where there is a 
large percentage of Indian children, including 
children who are Alaska Native or Native Ha-
waiian; 
(D) in at least one State with a population 
with fewer than 2,000,000 people; 
(E) in at least one State with a population 
with fewer than 5,000,000 people, but not fewer 
than 2,000,000 people; 
(F) in at least one State with a population 
with fewer than 10,000,000 people, but not 
fewer than 5,000,000; and 
(G) in at least one State with a population 
with 10,000,000 or more people. 
(2) GEOGRAPHIC
DISTRIBUTION.—The Sec-
retary shall ensure that the locations at which the 
initiative is carried out are distributed across dif-
ferent regions. 
(d) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out 
the initiative, the Secretary shall— 
(1) participate in multi-jurisdictional task 
forces;
403 
(2) establish cooperative agreements to facili-
tate co-training and collaboration with Federal, 
State, and local law enforcement; and 
(3) develop a streamlined process to refer child 
sexual abuse cases to other jurisdictions. 
SEC. 550O. TREATMENT OF INFORMATION IN CATCH A SE-
RIAL OFFENDER PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN 
PURPOSES. 
(a) EXCLUSION FROM FOIA.—Section 552 of title 
5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the 
‘‘Freedom of Information Act’’), shall not apply to any 
report for purposes of the Catch a Serial Offender Pro-
gram. 
(b) PRESERVATION OF RESTRICTED REPORT.—The 
transmittal or receipt in connection with the Catch a Se-
rial Offender Program of a report on a sexual assault that 
is treated as a restricted report shall not operate to termi-
nate its treatment or status as a restricted report. 
SEC. 550P. PRESERVATION OF RECOURSE TO RESTRICTED 
REPORT ON SEXUAL ASSAULT FOR VICTIMS 
OF SEXUAL ASSAULT BEING INVESTIGATED 
FOLLOWING CERTAIN VICTIM OR THIRD- 
PARTY COMMUNICATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall es-
tablish a policy that allows a member of the Armed Forces
404 
who is the victim of a sexual assault that is or may be 
investigated as a result of a communication described in 
subsection (b) to elect to have the member’s reporting on 
such sexual assault be treated as a Restricted Report with-
out regard to the party initiating or receiving such com-
munication. 
(b) COMMUNICATION.—A communication described 
in this subsection is a communication on a sexual assault 
as follows: 
(1) By the member concerned to a member of 
the Armed Forces in the chain of command of such 
member, whether a commissioned officer or a non- 
commissioned officer. 
(2) By the member concerned to military law 
enforcement personnel or personnel of a military 
criminal investigation organization (MCIO). 
(3) By any individual other than the member 
concerned. 
Subtitle F—Member Education 
SEC. 551. AUTHORITY FOR DETAIL OF CERTAIN ENLISTED 
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AS STU-
DENTS AT LAW SCHOOLS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 101 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended—
405 
(1) by redesignating sections 2004a and 2004b 
as sections 2004b and 2004c, respectively; 
(2) by inserting after section 2004 the following 
new section: 
‘‘§ 2004a. Detail as students at law schools: certain 
enlisted members 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of each military 
department may, under regulations prescribed by the Sec-
retary of Defense, detail enlisted members of the armed 
forces as students at accredited law schools, located in the 
United States, for a period of training leading to the de-
gree of bachelor of laws or juris doctor. No more than 
twenty-five officers from each military department may 
commence such training in any single fiscal year. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY FOR DETAIL.—To be eligible for 
detail under subsection (a), a member must be a citizen 
of the United States and must— 
‘‘(1) as of the time training is to begin— 
‘‘(A) have served on active duty for a pe-
riod of not less than four years nor more than 
eight years; 
‘‘(B) be in pay grade E–5 or E–6; and 
‘‘(C) meet all requirements for acceptance 
of a commission as a commissioned officer in 
the armed forces; and
406 
‘‘(2) sign an agreement that, unless sooner sep-
arated, the member will— 
‘‘(A) complete the educational course of 
legal training; 
‘‘(B) upon completion of the educational 
course of legal training— 
‘‘(i) accept a commission as a commis-
sioned officer in the armed forces; and 
‘‘(ii) accept transfer or detail as a 
judge advocate or law specialist within the 
department concerned; and 
‘‘(C) agree to serve on active duty fol-
lowing completion or other termination of the 
educational course of legal training for a period 
of two years for each year or part thereof of 
such training. 
‘‘(c) SELECTION.—Members detailed for legal train-
ing under subsection (a) shall be selected on a competitive 
basis by the Secretary of the military department con-
cerned, under the regulations required by subsection (a). 
‘‘(d) SERVICE AND SERVICE OBLIGATIONS.—(1) Ex-
cept as provided in paragraph (2), any service obligation 
incurred by a member under an agreement entered into 
under subsection (b) shall be in addition to any service
407 
obligation incurred by the member under any other provi-
sion of law or agreement. 
‘‘(2)(A) A member who does not successfully com-
plete a course of legal training to which detailed pursuant 
to this section shall cease such detail and return to the 
armed force concerned as an enlisted member. 
‘‘(B) Any time of a member described by subpara-
graph (A) in a course of legal training described in that 
subparagraph shall not count toward satisfaction of any 
period of service required under the current contract or 
agreement of the member for enlistment in the armed 
forces. 
‘‘(e) LIMITATION ON NUMBER DETAILABLE.—The 
aggregate number of enlisted members detailed under this 
section and commissioned officers detailed under section 
2004 of this title in any fiscal year by a Secretary of a 
military department may not exceed 25. 
‘‘(f) 
OTHER
ADMINISTRATIVE
MATTERS.—Sub-
sections (d) and (f) of section 2004 of this title shall apply 
to the detail of members under this section, except that 
any reference in such section to an ‘officer’ shall be 
deemed to be a reference to an ‘enlisted member’ for such 
purposes.’’.
410 
information and instruction under the program under this 
section in connection with an event specified in subsection 
(c) in a year may elect not to undergo additional receipt 
of information and instruction under the program in con-
nection with another such event in the year, unless such 
other event is arrival at a new duty station.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions at the beginning of chapter 101 of such title 
is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 2015 the following new item: 
‘‘2015a. Education of members on career readiness and professional develop-
ment.’’. 
(b) REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the program of 
education required by section 2015a of title 10, 
United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), in-
cluding the following: 
(A) A comprehensive description of the ac-
tions taken to implement the program of edu-
cation. 
(B) A comprehensive description of the 
program of education.
411 
(2) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS 
DEFINED.—In this subsection, the term ‘‘appro-
priate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Armed Services and 
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Sen-
ate; and 
(B) the Committee on Armed Services and 
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the 
House of Representatives. 
SEC. 553. DEFENSE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE FOREIGN LAN-
GUAGE CENTER. 
(a) AUTHORITY
TO
AWARD
BACHELOR’S
DE-
GREES.—Section 2168 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘Asso-
ciate’’ and inserting ‘‘Associate or Bachelor’’; 
and 
(2) by amending subsection (a) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(a) Subject to subsection (b), the Commandant of 
the Defense Language Institute may confer— 
‘‘(1) an Associate of Arts degree in a foreign 
language upon any graduate of the Foreign Lan-
guage Center of the Institute who fulfills the re-
quirements for that degree; or
412 
‘‘(2) a Bachelor of Arts degree in a foreign lan-
guage upon any graduate of the Foreign Language 
Center of the Institute who fulfills the requirements 
for that degree.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of chapter 108 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
2168 and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘2168. Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center: degree of Asso-
ciate or Bachelor of Arts in foreign language.’’. 
SEC. 554. EXPANSION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
STARBASE PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2193b of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in the section heading, by striking 
‘‘science, mathematics, and technology’’ 
and inserting ‘‘science, technology, engineer-
ing, art and design, and mathematics’’; 
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘science, 
mathematics, 
and 
technology’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘science, technology, engineering, art and design, 
and mathematics’’; and 
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘mathematics, 
science, and technology’’ and inserting ‘‘science, 
technology, engineering, art and design, and mathe-
matics’’;
413 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of chapter 111 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
2193b and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘2193b. Improvement of education in technical fields: program for support of 
elementary and secondary education in science, technology, en-
gineering, art and design, and mathematics.’’. 
SEC. 555. INCLUSION OF COAST GUARD IN DEPARTMENT 
OF DEFENSE STARBASE PROGRAM. 
Section 2193b of title 10, United States Code, is fur-
ther amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘and the Sec-
retary of the Department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating’’ after ‘‘military departments’’; and 
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘and the Sec-
retaries of the military departments’’ and inserting 
‘‘, the Secretaries of the military departments, and 
the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating’’. 
SEC. 556. DEGREE GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR UNITED 
STATES 
ARMY 
ARMAMENT 
GRADUATE 
SCHOOL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 751 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new section:
414 
‘‘§ 7422. Degree granting authority for United States 
Army Armament Graduate School 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—Under regulations prescribed by 
the Secretary of the Army, the Chancellor of the United 
States Army Armament Graduate School may, upon the 
recommendation of the faculty and provost of the college, 
confer appropriate degrees upon graduates who meet the 
degree requirements. 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—A degree may not be conferred 
under this section unless— 
‘‘(1) the Secretary of Education has rec-
ommended approval of the degree in accordance with 
the Federal Policy Governing Granting of Academic 
Degrees by Federal Agencies; and 
‘‘(2) the United States Army Armament Grad-
uate School is accredited by the appropriate civilian 
academic accrediting agency or organization to 
award the degree, as determined by the Secretary of 
Education. 
‘‘(c) 
CONGRESSIONAL
NOTIFICATION
REQUIRE-
MENTS.—(1) When seeking to establish degree granting 
authority under this section, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives— 
‘‘(A) a copy of the self-assessment questionnaire 
required by the Federal Policy Governing Granting
415 
of Academic Degrees by Federal Agencies, at the 
time the assessment is submitted to the Department 
of Education’s National Advisory Committee on In-
stitutional Quality and Integrity; and 
‘‘(B) the subsequent recommendations and ra-
tionale of the Secretary of Education regarding the 
establishment of the degree granting authority. 
‘‘(2) Upon any modification or redesignation of exist-
ing degree granting authority, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and House of Representatives a report containing 
the rationale for the proposed modification or redesigna-
tion and any subsequent recommendation of the Secretary 
of Education on the proposed modification or redesigna-
tion. 
‘‘(3) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House 
of Representatives a report containing an explanation of 
any action by the appropriate academic accrediting agency 
or organization not to accredit the United States Army 
Armament Graduate School to award any new or existing 
degree.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding 
at the end the following new item:
416 
‘‘7422. Degree granting authority for United States Army Armament Graduate 
School.’’. 
SEC. 557. CONGRESSIONAL NOMINATIONS FOR SENIOR RE-
SERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS SCHOL-
ARSHIPS. 
Section 7442 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(k) Any candidate not nominated under paragraphs 
(3) through (10) of subsection (a) may be considered by 
the Secretary of the Army in order of merit for appoint-
ment as a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadet 
under section 2107 of this title.’’. 
SEC. 558. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR TRANS-
FER FOR A STUDENT OF A MILITARY SERV-
ICE ACADEMY WHO IS THE VICTIM OF A SEX-
UAL ASSAULT OR RELATED OFFENSE. 
(a) MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 7461 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection: 
‘‘(e) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR TRANS-
FER FOR A CADET WHO IS THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL 
ASSAULT OR RELATED OFFENSE.—(1) The Secretary of 
the Army shall provide for timely determination and action 
on an application for consideration of a transfer to an-
other military service academy submitted by a cadet who
417 
was a victim of a sexual assault or other offense covered 
by section 920, 920a, or 920c of this title (article 120, 
120a, or 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) 
so as to reduce the possibility of retaliation against the 
cadet for reporting the sexual assault or other offense. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of the Army shall prescribe regu-
lations to carry out this subsection, within guidelines pro-
vided by the Secretary of Defense that direct the Super-
intendent of the Military Academy, in coordination with 
the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the cadet wishes to transfer— 
‘‘(A) to approve or deny an application under 
this subsection not later than 72 hours after the 
submission of the application; and 
‘‘(B) to approve such application unless there 
are exceptional circumstances that require denial of 
the application. 
‘‘(3) If the Superintendent of the Military Academy 
or the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the cadet wishes to transfer denies an application 
under this subsection, the cadet may request review of the 
denial by the Secretary concerned, who shall grant or deny 
review not later than 72 hours after submission of the re-
quest for review.
418 
‘‘(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that all 
records of any request, determination, or action under this 
subsection remain confidential. 
‘‘(5) A cadet who transfers under this subsection may 
retain the cadet’s appointment to the Military Academy 
or may be appointed to the military service academy to 
which the cadet transfers without regard to the limitations 
and requirements set forth in sections 7442, 8454, and 
9442 of this title.’’. 
(b) NAVAL ACADEMY.—Section 8480 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection: 
‘‘(e) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR TRANS-
FER FOR A MIDSHIPMAN WHO IS THE VICTIM OF A SEX-
UAL ASSAULT
OR RELATED OFFENSE.—(1) The Sec-
retary of the Navy shall provide for timely determination 
and action on an application for consideration of a trans-
fer to another military service academy submitted by a 
midshipman who was a victim of a sexual assault or other 
offense covered by section 920, 920a, or 920c of this title 
(article 120, 120a, or 120c of the Uniform Code of Mili-
tary Justice) so as to reduce the possibility of retaliation 
against the midshipman for reporting the sexual assault 
or other offense.
419 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of the Navy shall prescribe regu-
lations to carry out this subsection, within guidelines pro-
vided by the Secretary of Defense that direct the Super-
intendent of the Naval Academy, in coordination with the 
Superintendent of the military service academy to which 
the midshipman wishes to transfer— 
‘‘(A) to approve or deny an application under 
this subsection not later than 72 hours after the 
submission of the application; and 
‘‘(B) to approve such application unless there 
are exceptional circumstances that require denial of 
the application. 
‘‘(3) If the Superintendent of the Naval Academy or 
the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the midshipman wishes to transfer denies an appli-
cation under this subsection, the midshipman may request 
review of the denial by the Secretary concerned, who shall 
grant or deny review not later than 72 hours after submis-
sion of the request for review. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that all 
records of any request, determination, or action under this 
subsection remain confidential. 
‘‘(5) A midshipman who transfers under this sub-
section may retain the midshipman’s appointment to the 
Naval Academy or may be appointed to the military serv-
420 
ice academy to which the midshipman transfers without 
regard to the limitations and requirements set forth in sec-
tions 7442, 8454, and 9442 of this title.’’. 
(c) AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 9461 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection: 
‘‘(e) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR TRANS-
FER FOR A CADET WHO IS THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL 
ASSAULT OR RELATED OFFENSE.—(1) The Secretary of 
the Air Force shall provide for timely determination and 
action on an application for consideration of a transfer 
to another military service academy submitted by a cadet 
who was a victim of a sexual assault or other offense cov-
ered by section 920, 920a, or 920c of this title (article 
120, 120a, or 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice) so as to reduce the possibility of retaliation against 
the cadet for reporting the sexual assault or other offense. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of the Air Force shall prescribe 
regulations to carry out this subsection, within guidelines 
provided by the Secretary of Defense that direct the Su-
perintendent of the Air Force Academy, in coordination 
with the Superintendent of the military service academy 
to which the cadet wishes to transfer—
421 
‘‘(A) to approve or deny an application under 
this subsection not later than 72 hours after the 
submission of the application; and 
‘‘(B) to approve such application unless there 
are exceptional circumstances that require denial of 
the application. 
‘‘(3) If the Superintendent of the Air Force Academy 
or the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the cadet wishes to transfer denies an application 
under this subsection, the cadet may request review of the 
denial by the Secretary concerned, who shall grant or deny 
review not later than 72 hours after submission of the re-
quest for review. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that all 
records of any request, determination, or action under this 
subsection remain confidential. 
‘‘(5) A cadet who transfers under this subsection may 
retain the cadet’s appointment to the Air Force Academy 
or may be appointed to the military service academy to 
which the cadet transfers without regard to the limitations 
and requirements set forth in sections 7442, 8454, and 
9442 of this title.’’.
422 
SEC. 559. REDESIGNATION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE 
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF 
TECHNOLOGY AS THE DIRECTOR AND CHAN-
CELLOR OF SUCH INSTITUTE. 
(a) REDESIGNATION.—Section 9414b(a) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking 
‘‘COMMANDANT’’ and inserting ‘‘DIRECTOR
AND 
CHANCELLOR’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘Commandant’’ each place it ap-
pears and inserting ‘‘Director and Chancellor’’; and 
(3) in the heading of paragraph (3), by striking 
‘‘Commandant’’ and inserting ‘‘Director and Chan-
cellor’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 9414 of 
such title is amended by striking ‘‘Commandant’’ both 
places it appears and inserting ‘‘Director and Chancellor’’. 
(c) REFERENCES.—Any reference in any law, regula-
tion, map, document, paper, or other record of the United 
States to the Commandant of the United States Air Force 
Institute of Technology shall be deemed to be a reference 
to the Director and Chancellor of the United States Air 
Force Institute of Technology.
423 
SEC. 560. ELIGIBILITY OF ADDITIONAL ENLISTED MEM-
BERS FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS 
OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR 
FORCE. 
Section 9415(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(3) Enlisted members of the armed forces 
other than the Air Force who are participating in 
Community College of the Air Force affiliated joint- 
service training and education courses.’’. 
SEC. 560A. SAFE-TO-REPORT POLICY APPLICABLE TO MILI-
TARY SERVICE ACADEMIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in con-
sultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, 
shall prescribe in regulations a safe-to-report policy de-
scribed in subsection (b) that applies with respect to ca-
dets and midshipmen at the military service academies. 
(b) SAFE-TO-REPORT POLICY.—The safe-to-report 
policy described in this subsection is a policy under which 
a cadet or midshipman at a military service academy who 
is the alleged victim of sexual assault, but who may have 
committed minor collateral misconduct at or about the 
time of such sexual assault, or whose minor collateral mis-
conduct is discovered only as a result of the investigation 
into such sexual assault, may report such sexual assault
424 
to proper authorities without fear or receipt of discipline 
in connection with such minor collateral misconduct. 
(c) MINOR COLLATERAL MISCONDUCT.—For pur-
poses of the safe-to-report policy, minor collateral mis-
conduct shall include any of the following: 
(1) Improper use or possession of alcohol. 
(2) Consensual intimate behavior or fraterniza-
tion with another cadet or midshipman. 
(3) Presence in an off-limits area. 
(4) Such other misconduct as the Secretary of 
Defense shall specify in the regulations under sub-
section (a). 
(d) MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘military service academy’’ means the 
following: 
(1) The United States Military Academy. 
(2) The United States Naval Academy. 
(3) The United States Air Force Academy. 
(4) The United States Coast Guard Academy. 
SEC. 560B. RECOUPMENT OF FUNDS FROM CADETS AND 
MIDSHIPMEN 
SEPARATED 
FOR 
CRIMINAL 
MISCONDUCT. 
Not later than September 30, 2020, each Secretary 
of a military department shall prescribe regulations by 
which the Superintendent of a military service academy
425 
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary shall, pursuant to 
section 303a(e) of title 37, United States Code, recoup 
the cost of advanced education received by a cadet or mid-
shipman who is separated from that military service acad-
emy— 
(1) at any time before the cadet or midshipman 
graduates from the military service academy; and 
(2) for criminal misconduct by the cadet or 
midshipman. 
SEC. 560C. COMMISSION OF GRADUATES OF THE MILITARY 
SERVICE ACADEMIES AS OFFICERS. 
(a) MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 7453(b) of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘may’’ 
and inserting ‘‘shall’’. 
(b) NAVAL ACADEMY.—Section 8467 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking the heading and inserting 
‘‘Midshipmen: degree and commission on 
graduation’’; 
(2) by inserting ‘‘(a)’’ before ‘‘Under’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a 
midshipman who completes the prescribed course of in-
struction shall, upon graduation, be appointed an ensign
426 
in the Regular Navy or a second lieutenant in the Marine 
Corps under section 531 of this title.’’. 
(c) AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 9453(b) of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘may’’ 
and inserting ‘‘shall’’. 
SEC. 560D. SUPPORT OF MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY 
FOUNDATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 155 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new section: 
‘‘§ 2616. Support of military service academy founda-
tions 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—Subject to subsection (b), the 
Secretary concerned may provide the following support to 
a covered foundation: 
‘‘(1) Participation in fundraising or a member-
ship drive for the covered foundation by any— 
‘‘(A) general or flag officer; 
‘‘(B) Senior Executive Service employee 
assigned to the service academy supported by 
that covered foundation; or 
‘‘(C) official designated by the Secretary 
concerned. 
‘‘(2) Endorsement by an individual described in 
paragraph (1) of—
427 
‘‘(A) the covered foundation; 
‘‘(B) an event of the covered foundation; 
or 
‘‘(C) an activity of the covered foundation. 
‘‘(b) LIMITATIONS.—Support under subsection (a) 
may be provided only if such support— 
‘‘(1) is without any liability of the United 
States to the covered foundation; 
‘‘(2) does not affect the ability of any official or 
employee of the Department of Defense or the De-
partment of Homeland Security, or any member of 
the armed forces, to carry out any responsibility or 
duty in a fair and objective manner; 
‘‘(3) does not compromise the integrity or ap-
pearance of integrity of any program of the Depart-
ment of Defense or the Department of Homeland 
Security, or any individual involved in such a pro-
gram; and 
‘‘(4) does not include the participation of any 
cadet or midshipman. 
‘‘(c) BRIEFING.—In any fiscal year during which sup-
port is provided under subsection (a), the Secretary con-
cerned shall provide a briefing not later than the last day 
of that fiscal year to the congressional defense committees 
regarding the following:
428 
‘‘(1) The number of events, activities, or fund-
raising or membership drives of a covered founda-
tion in which an individual described in subsection 
(a)(1) participated during such fiscal year. 
‘‘(2) The amount of funds raised for each cov-
ered foundation during each such event, activity, or 
drive. 
‘‘(3) Each designated purpose of funds de-
scribed in paragraph (2). 
‘‘(d) COVERED FOUNDATION DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘covered foundation’ means a charitable, 
educational, or civic nonprofit organization under section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that the 
Secretary concerned determines operates exclusively to 
support, with respect to a military service academy, any 
of the following: 
‘‘(1) Recruiting. 
‘‘(2) Parent or alumni development. 
‘‘(3) Academic, leadership, or character develop-
ment. 
‘‘(4) Institutional development. 
‘‘(5) Athletics.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding 
at the end the following new item: 
‘‘2616. Support of military service academy foundations.’’.
429 
SEC. 560E. REQUIREMENT TO CONTINUE PROVISION OF 
TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES. 
The Secretary of each military department shall carry 
out tuition assistance programs for members of an Armed 
Force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary during fis-
cal year 2020 using an amount not less than the sum of 
any amounts appropriated for tuition assistance for mem-
bers of that Armed Force for fiscal year 2020. 
SEC. 560F. REVIEW OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDU-
CATION PARTICIPATING IN THE DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE TUITION ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAM. 
(a) LIST OF PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall make available, on a publicly accessible website 
of the Department of Defense, a list that identi-
fies— 
(A) each institution of higher education 
that receives funds under the Department of 
Defense Tuition Assistance Program; and 
(B) the amount of such funds received by 
the institution. 
(2) ANNUAL UPDATES.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall update the list described in paragraph 
(1) not less frequently than once annually.
430 
(b) AUDIT OF CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall audit the eligibility a proprietary institution of 
higher education to participate in the Department of 
Defense Tuition Assistance Program if the institu-
tion does not meet the financial responsibility stand-
ards under section 498 of the Higher Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099c). 
(2) PUBLICATION REQUIRED.—The results of 
each audit conducted under paragraph (1) shall be 
made available on a publicly accessible website of the 
Department of Defense not later than 30 days after 
the date on which the audit is complete. 
SEC. 560G. INCLUSION OF INFORMATION ON FREE CREDIT 
MONITORING IN ANNUAL FINANCIAL LIT-
ERACY BRIEFING. 
The Secretary of each military department shall en-
sure that the annual financial literacy education briefing 
provided to servicemembers includes information on the 
availability of free credit monitoring services pursuant to 
section 605A(k) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 
U.S.C. 1681c–1(k)).
431 
SEC. 560H. SPEECH DISORDERS OF CADETS AND MID-
SHIPMEN. 
(a) TESTING.—The Superintendent of a military 
service academy shall provide testing for speech disorders 
to incoming cadets or midshipmen under the jurisdiction 
of that Superintendent. 
(b) NO EFFECT ON ADMISSION.—The testing under 
subsection (a) may not have any affect on admission to 
a military service academy. 
(c) RESULTS.—The Superintendent shall provide 
each cadet or midshipman under the jurisdiction of that 
Superintendent the result of the testing under subsection 
(a) and a list of warfare unrestricted line officer positions 
and occupation specialists that require successful perform-
ance on the speech test. 
(d) THERAPY.—The Superintendent shall furnish 
speech therapy to a cadet or midshipman under the juris-
diction of that Superintendent at the election of the cadet 
or midshipman. 
(e) RETAKING.—A cadet or midshipman whose test-
ing indicate a speech disorder or impediment may elect 
to retake the testing once each academic year while en-
rolled at the military service academy.
432 
Subtitle G—Member Training and 
Transition 
SEC. 561. PROHIBITION ON GENDER-SEGREGATED TRAIN-
ING AT MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOTS. 
(a) PARRIS ISLAND.— 
(1) PROHIBITION.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris 
Island, South Carolina, may not be segregated based 
on gender. 
(2) DEADLINE.—The Commandant of the Ma-
rine Corps shall carry out this subsection not later 
than five years after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
(b) SAN DIEGO.— 
(1) PROHIBITION.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San 
Diego, California, may not be segregated based on 
gender. 
(2) DEADLINE.—The Commandant of the Ma-
rine Corps shall carry out this subsection not later 
than eight years after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.
433 
SEC. 562. MEDICAL PERSONNEL AT MARINE CORPS RE-
CRUIT DEPOTS. 
Not later than September 30, 2020, the Secretary of 
the Navy, in coordination with the Navy Medical Depart-
ment, shall— 
(1) assign personnel to the Marine Recruit 
Training Regiment at each Marine Corps Recruit 
Depot who— 
(A) possess sufficient medical training and 
equipment to evaluate sick recruits; and 
(B) is capable of determining whether a re-
cruit requires emergent care; and 
(2) ensure such personnel is available after 
business hours in order to advise personnel regard-
ing the course of action for managing a sick recruit. 
SEC. 563. ASSESSMENT OF DEATHS OF RECRUITS UNDER 
THE JURISDICTION OF THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Inspector General of the De-
partment of Defense shall conduct an assessment of the 
deaths of recruits at facilities under the jurisdiction of the 
Secretary of the Navy, and the effectiveness of the current 
medical protocols on the training bases. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than September 30, 2020, 
the Inspector General shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Represent-
434 
ative a report containing the results of the assessment con-
ducted under subsection (a). The report shall include the 
following: 
(1) The number of recruits who died during 
basic training in the five years preceding the date of 
the report. 
(2) The causes of deaths described in para-
graph (1). 
(3) The types of medical treatment that was 
provided to recruits described in paragraph (1). 
(4) Whether any of the deaths identified under 
paragraph (1) were found to be a result of medical 
negligence. 
(5) A description of medical capabilities and 
personnel available to the recruits at each facility. 
(6) A description of medical resources accessible 
to the recruits at the company level at each facility. 
(7) A description of 24-hour medical resources 
available to recruits at each facility. 
(8) An evaluation of the guidelines and re-
sources in place to monitor sick recruits. 
(9) An evaluation of how supervisors evaluate 
and determine whether a sick recruit should con-
tinue training or further seek medical assistance.
435 
(10) An evaluation of how the Secretary of the 
Navy can increase visibility of the comprehensive 
medical status of a sick recruit to instructors and 
supervisors in order to provide better situational 
awareness of the such medical status. 
(11) An evaluation of how to improve and med-
ical care for recruits. 
SEC. 564. INCLUSION OF SPECIFIC EMAIL ADDRESS BLOCK 
ON 
CERTIFICATE 
OF 
RELEASE 
OR 
DIS-
CHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY (DD FORM 214). 
(a) MODIFICATION REQUIRED.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall modify the Certificate of Release or Dis-
charge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) to include a spe-
cific block explicitly identified as the location in which a 
member of the Armed Forces may provide one or more 
email addresses by which the member may be contacted 
after discharge or release from active duty in the Armed 
Forces. 
(b) DEADLINE FOR MODIFICATION.—The Secretary 
of Defense shall release a revised Certificate of Release 
or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), modified 
as required by subsection (a), not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act.
436 
SEC. 
565. 
MACHINE 
READABILITY 
AND 
ELECTRONIC 
TRANSFERABILITY OF CERTIFICATE OF RE-
LEASE OR DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY 
(DD FORM 214). 
(a) MODIFICATION REQUIRED.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall modify the Certificate of Release or Dis-
charge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) to be machine 
readable and electronically transferable. 
(b) DEADLINE FOR MODIFICATION.—The Secretary 
of Defense shall release a revised Certificate of Release 
or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), modified 
pursuant to subsection (a), not later than four years after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit a report to Congress regarding the following: 
(1) What systems of the Department of De-
fense require an individual to manually enter infor-
mation from DD Form 214. 
(2) What activities of the Department of De-
fense require a veteran or former member of the 
Armed Forces to provide a physical copy of DD 
Form 214. 
(3) The order of priority for modernizing items 
identified under paragraphs (1) and (2) as deter-
mined by the Secretary.
437 
(4) The estimated cost, as determined by the 
Secretary, to automate items identified under para-
graphs (1) and (2). 
SEC. 566. RECORDS OF SERVICE FOR RESERVES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than September 30, 
2020, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and imple-
ment a standard record of service for members of the re-
serve components of the Armed Forces, similar to DD 
Form 214, that summarizes the record of service of each 
such member, including dates of active duty service. 
(b) COORDINATION.—In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs to ensure that the record established 
under this section is acceptable as proof of service for 
former members of the reserve components of the Armed 
Forces who are eligible for benefits under laws adminis-
tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to receive such 
benefits. 
SEC. 567. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION RE-
GARDING BENEFITS CLAIMS TO MEMBERS 
DURING TAP COUNSELING. 
Section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new para-
graph:
438 
‘‘(19) Information regarding how to file claims 
for benefits available to the member under laws ad-
ministered by the Secretaries of Defense and Vet-
erans Affairs.’’. 
SEC. 568. EXPANSION AND RENAMING OF THE TROOPS-TO- 
TEACHERS PROGRAM. 
(a) TROOPS-TO-SUPPORT-EDUCATION PROGRAM.— 
Section 1154 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in the section heading, by striking: ‘‘em-
ployment as teachers: Troops-to-Teachers 
Program’’ and inserting ‘‘employment in 
schools: 
Troops-to-Support-Education 
Program’’; 
(2) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ‘‘Troops- 
to-Teachers’’ and inserting ‘‘Troops-to-Support- 
Education’’; 
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and 
(8) as paragraphs (9) and (10), respectively; 
(C) by inserting after paragraph (6) the 
following new paragraphs: 
‘‘(7) QUALIFYING POSITION.— 
‘‘(A) Except as provided in subparagraph 
(B), the term ‘qualifying position’ means any
439 
full-time position in an eligible school, including 
a position as: 
‘‘(i) a teacher, including an elemen-
tary school teacher, a secondary school 
teacher, or a career or technical education 
teacher; 
‘‘(ii) a school resource officer; 
‘‘(iii) a school leader; 
‘‘(iv) specialized instructional support 
personnel; 
‘‘(v) a paraprofessional; or 
‘‘(vi) other staff. 
‘‘(B) Such term does not include a position 
that is— 
‘‘(i) performed primarily at a location 
outside the grounds of an eligible school; 
or 
‘‘(ii) held by an individual who is em-
ployed by a contractor. 
‘‘(8) SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER.—The term 
‘school resource officer’ has the meaning given that 
term in section 1709(4) of the Omnibus Crime Con-
trol and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 
10389(4)).’’; and
440 
(D) by amending paragraph (10), as so re-
designated, to read as follows: 
‘‘(10) ADDITIONAL
TERMS.—The terms ‘ele-
mentary school’, ‘local educational agency’, ‘other 
staff’, ‘paraprofessional’, ‘school leader’, ‘secondary 
school’, ‘specialized instructional support personnel’, 
and ‘State’ have the meanings given those terms in 
section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), 
by striking ‘‘Troops-to-Teachers’’ and inserting 
‘‘Troops-to-Support-Education’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘become 
a teacher’’ and inserting ‘‘obtain a qualifying 
position’’; 
(C) in paragraph (2)(A)— 
(i) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘or’’ at 
the end; 
(ii) in cluase (ii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end and inserting ‘‘or’’; and 
(iii) by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new clause:
441 
‘‘(iii) experiencing a shortage of 
personnel to fill qualifying positions; 
and’’; 
(4) in subsection (d)(3)— 
(A) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as 
subparagraph (E); and 
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) 
the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(D) If a member of the armed forces is apply-
ing for the Program to receive assistance for place-
ment in a qualifying position other than a position 
as a teacher described in subparagraph (B) or sub-
paragraph (C), the Secretary shall require the mem-
ber to obtain the professional credentials that are re-
quired by the State for the position involved.’’; 
(5) in subsection (e)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)— 
(i) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘become 
a teacher’’ and inserting ‘‘obtain a quali-
fying position’’; and 
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘as an 
elementary school teacher’’ and all that fol-
lows through the period at the end and in-
serting ‘‘in a qualifying position for not 
less than three school years in an eligible
442 
school to begin the school year after the 
member obtains the professional creden-
tials required for the position involved’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2)(E), by striking ‘‘as a 
teacher in an eligible elementary school or sec-
ondary school or as a career or technical teach-
er’’ and inserting ‘‘in a qualifying position’’; 
and 
(C) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
‘‘educational level, certification, or licens-
ing’’ and inserting ‘‘educational level, cer-
tification, licensing, or other professional 
credentials’’; 
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by strik-
ing ‘‘as an elementary school teacher, sec-
ondary school teacher, or career or tech-
nical teacher’’ and inserting ‘‘in a quali-
fying position’’; and 
(iii) in subparagraph (C)— 
(I) in clause (i), by striking 
‘‘5,000’’ and inserting ‘‘7500’’; and 
(II) in clause (ii), by striking 
‘‘3,000’’ and inserting ‘‘4500’’; 
(6) in subsection (f)(1)—
443 
(A) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘become a teacher’’ 
and inserting ‘‘obtain a qualifying posi-
tion’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘as an elementary 
school teacher, secondary school teacher, or 
career or technical teacher’’ and insert ‘‘in 
a qualifying position’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘, 
employment as an elementary school teacher, 
secondary school teacher, or career or technical 
teacher’’ and inserting ‘‘employment in a quali-
fying position’’; 
(7) in subsection (h)(2)(A) by striking ‘‘as ele-
mentary school teachers, secondary school teachers, 
and career or technical teachers’’ and inserting ‘‘in 
qualifying positions’’; 
(8) in subsection (i), by striking ‘‘$15,000,000’’ 
and inserting ‘‘$20,000,000’’; and 
(9) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(j) PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may enter 
into one or more partnerships with nonprofit enti-
ties, including veterans service organizations, to as-
444 
sist with the placement of participants in eligible 
schools in accordance with this section. 
‘‘(2) NONPROFIT
ENTITY
DEFINED.—In this 
subsection, the term ‘nonprofit entity’ means an en-
tity qualifying as an exempt organization under sec-
tion 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT AND REFERENCES.— 
(1) TABLE OF SECTIONS.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of chapter 58 of such title is 
amended by striking the item relating to section 
1154 and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘1154. Assistance to eligible members and former members to obtain employ-
ment in schools: Troops-to-Support-Education Program.’’. 
(2) REFERENCES.—Any reference in Federal 
law (other than this Act), regulations, guidance, in-
structions, or other documents of the Federal Gov-
ernment to the Troops-to-Teachers Program shall be 
deemed to be a reference to the Troops-to-Support- 
Education Program. 
SEC. 569. TRANSITION OUTREACH PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 90 days after 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in 
coordination with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, 
Labor, Education, and Homeland Security, and the Ad-
ministrator of the Small Business Administration, shall
445 
establish a pilot program through the Transition to Vet-
erans Program Office that fosters contact between vet-
erans and the Department of Defense. 
(b) CONTACT.—The Secretary of Defense, and with 
respect to members of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of 
the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, shall 
direct the Military Transition Assistance Teams of the De-
partment of Defense to contact each veteran from the 
Armed Forces at least twice during each of the first three 
months after the veteran separates from the Armed 
Forces to— 
(1) inquire about the transition of the separated 
member to civilian life, including— 
(A) employment; 
(B) veterans benefits; 
(C) education; 
(D) family life; and 
(2) hear concerns of the veteran regarding tran-
sition. 
(c) TERMINATION.—The Secretary shall complete op-
eration of the pilot program under this section not later 
than September 30, 2020. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after termi-
nation of the pilot program under this section, the Sec-
446 
retary of Defense shall submit a report to Congress re-
garding such pilot program, including the following, 
disaggregated by armed force: 
(1) The number of veterans contacted, includ-
ing how many times such veterans were contacted. 
(2) Information regarding the age, sex, and ge-
ographic region of contacted veterans. 
(3) Concerns most frequently raised by the vet-
erans. 
(4) What benefits the contacted veterans have 
received, and an estimate of the cost to the Federal 
Government for such benefits. 
(5) How many contacted veterans are employed 
or have sought employment, including what fields of 
employment. 
(6) How many contacted veterans are enrolled 
or have sought to enroll in a course of education, in-
cluding what fields of study. 
(7) Recommendations for legislation to improve 
the long-term effectiveness of TAP and the well- 
being of veterans. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘armed force’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 101 of title 10, United 
States Code.
447 
(2) The term ‘‘TAP’’ means the Transition As-
sistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of 
title 10, United States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘veteran’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 101 of title 38, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 
570. 
TRAINING 
PROGRAM 
REGARDING 
DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than September 30, 
2020, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a program 
for training members of the Armed Forces and employees 
of the Department of Defense regarding the threat of 
disinformation campaigns specifically targeted at such in-
dividuals and the families of such individuals. 
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than October 30, 
2020, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to 
the congressional defense committees regarding the pro-
gram under subsection (a). 
SEC. 570A. ASSESSMENT AND STUDY OF TRANSITION AS-
SISTANCE PROGRAM. 
(a) ONE-YEAR INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE 
EFFECTIVENESS OF TAP.— 
(1) INDEPENDENT
ASSESSMENT.—Not later 
than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consulta-
448 
tion with the covered officials, shall enter into an 
agreement with an appropriate entity with experi-
ence in adult education to carry out a 1-year inde-
pendent assessment of TAP, including— 
(A) the effectiveness of TAP for members 
of each military department during the entire 
military life cycle; 
(B) the appropriateness of the TAP career 
readiness standards; 
(C) a review of information that is pro-
vided to the Department of Veterans Affairs 
under TAP, including mental health data; 
(D) whether TAP effectively addresses the 
challenges veterans face entering the civilian 
workforce and in translating experience and 
skills from military service to the job market; 
(E) whether TAP effectively addresses the 
challenges faced by the families of veterans 
making the transition to civilian life; 
(F) appropriate metrics regarding TAP 
outcomes for members of the Armed Forces one 
year after separation, retirement, or discharge 
from the Armed Forces; 
(G) what the Secretary, in consultation 
with the covered officials and veterans service
449 
organizations determine to be successful out-
comes for TAP; 
(H) whether members of the Armed Forces 
achieve successful outcomes for TAP, as deter-
mined under subparagraph (G); 
(I) how the Secretary and the covered offi-
cials provide feedback to each other regarding 
such outcomes; 
(J) recommendations for the Secretaries of 
the military departments regarding how to im-
prove outcomes for members of the Armed 
Forces after separation, retirement, and dis-
charge; and 
(K) other topics the Secretary and the cov-
ered officials determine would aid members of 
the Armed Forces as they transition to civilian 
life. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the 
completion of the independent assessment under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary and the covered offi-
cials, shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ 
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives 
and the Committees on Armed Services of the Sen-
ate and House of Representatives—
450 
(A) the findings and recommendations (in-
cluding recommended legislation) of the inde-
pendent assessment prepared by the entity de-
scribed in paragraph (1); and 
(B) responses of the Secretary and the 
covered officials to the findings and rec-
ommendations described in subparagraph (G). 
(3) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(A) The term ‘‘covered officials’’ is com-
prised of— 
(i) the Secretary of Defense; 
(ii) the Secretary of Labor; 
(iii) the Administrator of the Small 
Business Administration; and 
(iv) the Secretaries of the military de-
partments. 
(B) The term ‘‘military department’’ has 
the meaning given that term in section 101 of 
title 10, United States Code. 
(b) LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON CHANGES TO TAP.— 
(1) STUDY.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secre-
taries of Defense and Labor and the Administrator 
of the Small Business Administration, shall conduct
451 
a five-year longitudinal study regarding TAP on 
three separate cohorts of members of the Armed 
Forces who have separated from the Armed Forces, 
including— 
(A) a cohort that has attended TAP coun-
seling as implemented on the date of the enact-
ment of this Act; 
(B) a cohort that attends TAP counseling 
after the Secretaries of Defense and Labor im-
plement changes recommended in the report 
under subsection a(2); and 
(C) a cohort that has not attended TAP 
counseling. 
(2) PROGRESS REPORTS.—Not later than 90 
days after the day that is one year after the date of 
the initiation of the study under paragraph (1) and 
annually thereafter for the three subsequent years, 
the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, Defense, and 
Labor, and the Administrator of the Small Business 
Administration, shall submit to the Committees on 
Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committees on Armed Services 
of the Senate and House of Representatives a 
progress report of activities under the study during 
the immediately preceding year.
452 
(3) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 180 days 
after the completion of the study under paragraph 
(1), the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, Defense, 
and Labor, and the Administrator of the Small 
Business Administration, shall submit to the Com-
mittees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and 
House of Representatives and the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives a report of final findings and rec-
ommendations based on the study. 
(4) ELEMENTS.—The final report under para-
graph (3) shall include information regarding the 
following: 
(A) The percentage of each cohort that re-
ceived unemployment benefits during the study. 
(B) The numbers of months members of 
each cohort were employed during the study. 
(C) Annual starting and ending salaries of 
members of each cohort who were employed 
during the study. 
(D) How many members of each cohort en-
rolled in an institution of higher learning, as 
that term is defined in section 3452(f) of title 
38, United States Code.
453 
(E) The academic credit hours, degrees, 
and certificates obtained by members of each 
cohort during the study. 
(F) The annual income of members of each 
cohort. 
(G) The total household income of mem-
bers of each cohort. 
(H) How many members of each cohort 
own their principal residences. 
(I) How many dependents that members of 
each cohort have. 
(J) The percentage of each cohort that 
achieves a successful outcome for TAP, as de-
termined under subsection (1)(G). 
(K) Other criteria the Secretaries and the 
Administrator of the Small Business Adminis-
tration determine appropriate. 
SEC. 570B. INFORMATION REGARDING COUNTY VETERANS 
SERVICE OFFICERS. 
(a) PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall ensure that a member of the Armed Forces 
who is separating or retiring from the Armed Forces may 
elect to have the Department of Defense form DD–214 
of the member transmitted to the appropriate county vet-
454 
erans service officer based on the mailing address provided 
by the member. 
(b) DATABASE.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordi-
nation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall main-
tain a database of all county veterans service officers. 
(c) COUNTY
VETERANS
SERVICE
OFFICER
DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘county veterans service 
officer’’ means an employee of a county government, local 
government, or Tribal government who is covered by sec-
tion 14.629(a)(2) of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations. 
SEC. 570C. PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE INFORMATION 
SHARING BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF DE-
FENSE AND DESIGNATED RELATIVES AND 
FRIENDS 
OF 
MEMBERS 
OF 
THE 
ARMED 
FORCES REGARDING THE EXPERIENCES AND 
CHALLENGES OF MILITARY SERVICE. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM DESCRIBED.— 
(1) PURPOSE.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement 
with the American Red Cross to carry out a pilot 
program under which the American Red Cross— 
(A) encourages a member of the Armed 
Forces, upon the enlistment or appointment of 
such member, to designate up to 10 persons to
456 
(E) a toll-free telephone number through 
which such persons who elect to receive infor-
mation under the pilot program may request in-
formation regarding the program; and 
(F) such other information as the Sec-
retary of Defense determines to be appropriate. 
(3) PRIVACY
OF
INFORMATION.—In carrying 
out the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Sec-
retary of Defense may not disseminate information 
under paragraph (2) in violation of laws and regula-
tions pertaining to the privacy of members of the 
Armed Forces, including requirements pursuant 
to— 
(A) section 552a of title 5, United States 
Code; and 
(B) the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104– 
191). 
(4) NOTICE AND MODIFICATIONS.—In carrying 
out the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Sec-
retary of Defense shall, with respect to a member of 
the Armed Forces— 
(A) ensure that such member is notified of 
the ability to modify designations made by the 
member under paragraph (1)(A); and
457 
(B) upon the request of a member, author-
ize the member to modify such designations at 
any time. 
(5) CONTACT INFORMATION.—In making a des-
ignation under the pilot program, a member of the 
Armed Forces shall provide necessary contact infor-
mation, specifically including an email address, to 
facilitate the dissemination of information regarding 
the military service of the member. 
(6) OPT-OUT
OF
PROGRAM.—In carrying out 
the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Sec-
retary of Defense shall, with respect to a person who 
has elected to receive information under such pilot 
program, cease disseminating such information to 
that person upon request of such person. 
(b) SURVEY AND REPORT ON PILOT PROGRAM.— 
(1) SURVEY.—Not later than two years after 
the date on which the pilot program commences, the 
Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Amer-
ican Red Cross, shall administer a survey to persons 
who elected to receive information under the pilot 
program, for the purpose of receiving feedback re-
garding the quality of information disseminated 
under this section, including whether such informa-
458 
tion appropriately reflects the military career pro-
gression of members of the Armed Forces. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than three years after 
the date on which the pilot program commences, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a final report on the pilot 
program which includes— 
(A) the results of the survey administered 
under paragraph (1); 
(B) a determination as to whether the pilot 
program should be made permanent; and 
(C) recommendations as to modifications 
necessary to improve the program if made per-
manent. 
(3) CONGRESSIONAL
DEFENSE
COMMITTEES 
DEFINED.—The term ‘‘congressional defense com-
mittees’’ has the meaning given that term in section 
101 of title 10, United States Code. 
(c) TERMINATION OF PILOT PROGRAM.—The pilot 
program shall terminate upon submission of the report re-
quired by subsection (b)(2).
459 
SEC. 570D. REPORT REGARDING EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAN-
SITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR FEMALE 
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
Section 552(b)(4) of the John S. McCain National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public 
Law 115–232) is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(E) The evaluation of the Secretary re-
garding the effectiveness of the Transition As-
sistance Program for female members of the 
Armed Forces.’’. 
SEC. 570E. NOTICE TO SEPARATING SERVICEMEMBERS OF 
RIGHTS UNDER THE SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL 
RELIEF ACT. 
Section 105 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
(50 U.S.C. 3915) is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(a) INITIAL NOTICE.—’’ be-
fore ‘‘The Secretary concerned’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(b) NOTICE AFTER PERIOD OF MILITARY SERV-
ICE.—The Secretary concerned shall ensure that a notice 
described in subsection (a) is provided in writing to each 
person not sooner than 150 days after and not later than 
180 days after the date of the termination of a period of 
military service of that person.’’.
460 
SEC. 570F. PILOT PROGRAM REGARDING ONLINE APPLICA-
TION FOR THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Defense, the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Labor 
should jointly carry out a pilot program that creates a one- 
stop source for online applications for the purposes of as-
sisting members of the Armed Forces and Veterans par-
ticipating in the Transition Assistance Program (in this 
section referred to as ‘‘TAP’’). 
(b) DATA SOURCES.—The online application shall, in 
part, aggregate existing data from government resources 
and private sector under one uniform resource locator for 
the purpose of assisting members of the Armed Forces 
and veterans participating in TAP. 
(c) ELEMENTS FOR VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES.— 
(1) The online application shall be available as 
a mobile online application available on multiple de-
vices (including smartphones and tablets), with re-
sponsive design, updated no less than once per year, 
and downloadable from the two online application 
stores most commonly used in the United States. 
(2) The version of the online application acces-
sible through a desktop or laptop computer shall be
461 
compatible with the most current versions of popular 
web browsers identified by the Secretaries. 
(3) The online application shall by accessible to 
individuals with disabilities in accordance with sec-
tion 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
U.S.C. 794d). 
(4) The online application shall generate, for 
each individual who uses the online application, a 
personalized transition data dashboard that includes 
the following information with regards to the loca-
tion in which the individual resides or intends to re-
side after separation from the Armed Forces: 
(A) A current list of employment opportu-
nities collected from employers. 
(B) A current list of educational institu-
tions. 
(C) A current list of facilities of the De-
partment of Veterans Affairs. 
(D) A current list of local veterans service 
organizations. 
(5) The dashboard under paragraph (4) shall 
include a list of benefits for which an individual as 
a veteran or separated member of the Armed Forces 
is eligible under the laws administered by the Secre-
taries, including educational assistance benefits.
462 
(6) The dashboard under paragraph (4) shall 
keep track of the time remaining before the expira-
tion of the following: 
(A) Any civilian career certification waiver 
based on the military occupational specialty of 
the individual. 
(B) Any active security clearance of the in-
dividual. 
(7) The online application shall, to the extent 
practicable, match all current military occupational 
specialties, cross-referenced by grade, to current in-
dustries and jobs. 
(8) The online application shall permit an indi-
vidual to search jobs described in paragraph (4)(A) 
that match jobs described in paragraph (7). 
(9) The online application shall alert individuals 
of new job opportunities relevant to the individual, 
based on military occupational specialty, interest, 
and search criteria used by the individual under 
paragraph (8). 
(10) The online application shall permit an in-
dividual to maintain a history of job searches and 
submitted job applications.
463 
(11) The online application shall include a re-
sume generator that is compliant with industry- 
standard applicant tracking systems. 
(12) The online application shall provide for ca-
reer training through the use of learning manage-
ment software, including training courses with a 
minimum of 100 soft skills and business courses. 
(13) The online application shall include a ca-
reer mentorship system, allowing individuals to com-
municate through text, chat, video calling, and 
email, with mentors who can use the online applica-
tion to track the jobs mentees have applied for, the 
training mentees have undertaken, and any other 
appropriate mentorship matters. 
(c) ELEMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS.— 
(1) The online application shall include a mech-
anism (to be known as a ‘‘military skills translator’’) 
with which employers may identify military occupa-
tional specialties that align with jobs offered by the 
employers. 
(2) The online application shall include a mech-
anism with which employers may search for individ-
uals seeking employment, based criteria including 
military occupational specialty, grade, education, ci-
vilian career category, and location.
464 
(3) The online application shall provide online 
training for employers regarding what military occu-
pational specialties relate to what jobs. 
(d) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) CYBERSECURITY.—To ensure the informa-
tion of individuals and employers is protected from 
breaches, the Secretaries shall implement cybersecu-
rity measures for the online application. These meas-
ures shall include the following: 
(A) A security certificate produced by the 
online application that is updated each year of 
the pilot program. 
(B) The online application shall be hosted 
by a provider the Secretaries determine to be 
secure and reputable. 
(C) Ensuring that the online application 
has a live development team of dedicated engi-
neers to address immediate concerns. No more 
than half of such team may be based outside 
the United States. 
(D) Regular scans of the online applica-
tion, host, and server for vulnerabilities. 
(E) The system must not have had a secu-
rity breach within the last 3 years.
465 
(2) SYSTEM STABILITY.—To ensure system sta-
bility and continuity, all elements of the online appli-
cation must pass testing no less than 1 year before 
the online application is made available for use by 
individuals and employers. 
(3) PRIOR PROVIDERS BARRED.—No entity that 
applies to become the provider of the online applica-
tion may have served as a contractor providing data-
base management for TAP during the 5 years pre-
ceding such online application. 
(e) ASSESSMENTS.— 
(1) INTERIM
ASSESSMENTS.—Not later than 
the dates that are one and two years after the date 
of the commencement of the pilot program, the Sec-
retaries shall jointly assess the pilot program. 
(2) FINAL ASSESSMENT.—Not later than the 
date that is three years after the date of the com-
mencement of the pilot program, the Secretaries 
shall jointly carry out a final assessment of the pilot 
program. 
(3) PURPOSE.—The general objective of each 
assessment under this subsection shall be to deter-
mine if the online application under the pilot pro-
gram assists participants in TAP accomplish the 
goals of TAP, accounting for the individual profiles
466 
of participants, including military experience and ge-
ographic location. 
(4) ELEMENTS.—Each assessment shall include 
the following: 
(A) The aggregate number of profiles cre-
ated on the online application since the com-
mencement of the pilot program. 
(B) Demographic information on individ-
uals who use the online application. 
(C) The average amount time individuals, 
employers, and community-based services pro-
viders, use the online application each month, 
since the commencement of the pilot program. 
(D) A ranking of most frequently-used fea-
tures of the online application. 
(E) A satisfaction survey of individuals 
who use the online application during the peri-
ods of 30 days and 180 days after separation 
from the Armed Forces. 
(F) A report regarding the attendance of 
members of the Armed Forces at online and in- 
person TAP classes. 
(f) REPORT.—Not later than six months after com-
pleting the final assessment under subsection (e)(2), the 
Secretaries shall submit a report to Congress on its find-
467 
ings regarding the pilot program, including recommenda-
tions for legislation. 
SEC. 570G. INCLUSION OF QUESTION REGARDING IMMI-
GRATION STATUS ON PRESEPARATION COUN-
SELING CHECKLIST (DD FORM 2648). 
Not later than September 30, 2020, the Secretary of 
Defense shall modify the preseparation counseling check-
list for active component, active guard reserve, active re-
serve, full time support, and reserve program adminis-
trator service members (DD Form 2648) to include a spe-
cific block wherein a member of the Armed Forces may 
indicate that the member would like to receive information 
regarding the immigration status of that member and ex-
pedited naturalization. 
SEC. 570H. COUNSELING TO MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT CITI-
ZENS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary concerned shall 
furnish to covered individuals under the jurisdiction of 
that Secretary counseling regarding how to apply for natu-
ralization. 
(b) COVERED INDIVIDUAL DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘covered individual’’ means a member of 
the Armed Forces who is not a citizen of the United 
States.
468 
Subtitle H—Military Family Readi-
ness and Dependents’ Education 
SEC. 571. AUTHORIZING MEMBERS TO TAKE LEAVE FOR A 
BIRTH OR ADOPTION IN MORE THAN ONE IN-
CREMENT. 
Section 701(i) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by striking paragraph (5). 
SEC. 572. DEFERRED DEPLOYMENT FOR MEMBERS WHO 
GIVE BIRTH. 
Section 701 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(l) A member of the armed forces who gives birth 
may not be deployed during the period of 12 months be-
ginning on the date of such birth except— 
‘‘(1) at the election of such member; and 
‘‘(2) with the approval of a health care provider 
employed at a military medical treatment facility.’’. 
SEC. 573. AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY CONCERNED TO 
TRANSPORT REMAINS OF A COVERED DECE-
DENT TO NO MORE THAN TWO PLACES SE-
LECTED BY THE PERSON DESIGNATED TO DI-
RECT DISPOSITION OF THE REMAINS. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Section 1482(a)(8) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
469 
‘‘(8)(A) Transportation of the remains, and 
travel and transportation allowances as specified in 
regulations prescribed under section 464 of title 37 
for an escort of one person, to the place, subject to 
subparagraph (B), selected by the person designated 
to direct disposition of the remains or, if such a se-
lection is not made, to a national or other cemetery 
which is selected by the Secretary and in which bur-
ial of the decedent is authorized. 
‘‘(B) The person designated to direct disposi-
tion of the remains may select two places under sub-
paragraph (A) if the second place is a national cem-
etery. If that person selects two places, the Sec-
retary concerned may pay for transportation to the 
second place only by means of reimbursement under 
to subsection (b). 
‘‘(C) When transportation of the remains in-
cludes transportation by aircraft under section 562 
of the John Warner National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109–364; 10 
U.S.C. 1482 note), the Secretary concerned shall 
provide, to the maximum extent practicable, for de-
livery of the remains by air to the commercial, gen-
eral aviation, or military airport nearest to the place 
selected by the designee.’’.
470 
(b) MILITARY ESCORT AND HONOR GUARD ONLY TO 
FIRST LOCATION.—Section 562(b) of the John Warner 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 
(Public Law 109–364; 10 U.S.C. 1482 note) is amended 
by adding at the end the following: ‘‘If the person des-
ignated to direct disposition of the remains selects two 
places under such section, the term means only the first 
of those two places.’’. 
SEC. 574. CLARIFICATION REGARDING ELIGIBILITY TO 
TRANSFER ENTITLEMENT UNDER POST-9/11 
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 
Section 3319(j) of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(3) The Secretary of Defense may not prescribe any 
regulation that would provide for a limitation on eligibility 
to transfer unused education benefits to family members 
based on a maximum number of years of service in the 
Armed Forces.’’. 
SEC. 575. ABSENTEE BALLOT TRACKING PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT
AND
OPERATION
OF
PRO-
GRAM.—Section 102(h) of the Uniformed and Overseas 
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (52 U.S.C. 20302(h)) is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(h) ABSENTEE BALLOT TRACKING PROGRAM.—
471 
‘‘(1) REQUIRING ESTABLISHMENT AND OPER-
ATION OF PROGRAM.—The chief State election offi-
cial, in coordination with local election jurisdictions, 
shall establish and operate an absentee ballot track-
ing program described in paragraph (2) for the use 
of absent uniformed services voters and overseas vot-
ers. 
‘‘(2) PROGRAM DESCRIBED.— 
‘‘(A) INFORMATION ON TRANSMISSION AND 
RECEIPT OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS.—An absentee 
ballot tracking program described in this para-
graph is a program under which— 
‘‘(i) the State or local election official 
responsible for the transmission of absen-
tee ballots in an election for Federal office 
operates procedures to track and confirm 
the transmission of such ballots and to 
make information on the transmission of 
such a ballot available by means of online 
access using the internet site of the offi-
cial’s office; and 
‘‘(ii) the State or local election official 
responsible for the receipt of absentee bal-
lots in an election for Federal office oper-
ates procedures to track and confirm the
472 
receipt of such ballots and (subject to sub-
paragraph (B)) to make information on 
the receipt of such a ballot available by 
means of online access using the internet 
site of the official’s office. 
‘‘(B) SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON RECEIPT 
OF VOTED ABSENTEE BALLOTS.—The informa-
tion required to be made available under clause 
(ii) of subparagraph (A) with respect to the re-
ceipt of a voted absentee ballot in an election 
for Federal office shall include information re-
garding whether the vote cast on the ballot was 
counted, and, in the case of a vote which was 
not counted, the reasons therefor. The appro-
priate State or local election official shall make 
the information described in the previous sen-
tence available during the 30-day period that 
begins on the date on which the results of the 
election are certified, or during such earlier 30- 
day period as the official may provide. 
‘‘(3) USE OF TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER 
BY OFFICIALS WITHOUT INTERNET SITE.—A pro-
gram established and operated by a State or local 
election official whose office does not have an inter-
net site may meet the requirements of paragraph (2)
473 
if the official has established and operates a toll-free 
telephone number that may be used to obtain the in-
formation on the transmission or receipt of the ab-
sentee ballot which is required under such para-
graph.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by 
subsection (a) shall apply with respect to elections held 
during 2020 or any succeeding year. 
SEC. 576. ANNUAL STATE REPORT CARD. 
Section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the Elementary and Sec-
ondary 
Education 
Act 
of 
1965 
(20 
U.S.C. 
6311(h)(1)(C)(ii)) is amended by striking ‘‘on active duty 
(as defined in section 101(d)(5) of such title)’’. 
SEC. 577. TRANSPORTATION OF REMAINS OF CASUALTIES; 
TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR NEXT OF KIN. 
(a) TRANSPORTATION FOR REMAINS OF A MEMBER 
WHO DIES NOT
IN
A THEATER
OF COMBAT OPER-
ATIONS.—Section 562 of the John Warner National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 
109–364; 10 U.S.C. 1482 note) is amended— 
(1) in the heading, by striking ‘‘DYING IN A 
THEATER OF COMBAT OPERATIONS’’; and 
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘in a combat 
theater of operations’’ and inserting ‘‘outside of the 
United States’’.
474 
(b) TRANSPORTATION FOR FAMILY.—The Secretary 
of Defense shall revise Department of Defense Instruction 
1300.18 to extend travel privileges via Invitational Travel 
Authorization to family members of members of the 
Armed Forces who die outside of the United States and 
whose remains are returned to the United States through 
the mortuary facility at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. 
SEC. 578. MEETINGS OF OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARTMENT 
OF DEFENSE WITH SURVIVORS OF DECEASED 
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) CHIEFS OF THE ARMED FORCES.—The Secretary 
of Defense shall direct the chiefs of the Armed Forces to 
meet periodically with survivors of deceased members of 
the Armed Forces to receive feedback from those survivors 
regarding issues affecting such survivors. The Chief of the 
National Guard Bureau shall meet with survivors of de-
ceased members of the Air National Guard and the Army 
National Guard. 
(b) UNDER SECRETARY
OF DEFENSE
FOR PER-
SONNEL AND READINESS.—The Under Secretary of De-
fense for Personnel and Readiness shall meet periodically 
with survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces 
to discuss policies of the Department of Defense regarding 
military casualties and Gold Star families.
475 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than April 1, 2020, the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness 
shall brief the Committee on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives regarding policies established and the 
results of the meetings under subsection (b). 
SEC. 579. DIRECT EMPLOYMENT PILOT PROGRAM FOR 
MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RE-
SERVE, VETERANS, THEIR SPOUSES AND DE-
PENDENTS, AND MEMBERS OF GOLD STAR 
FAMILIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense may 
carry out a pilot program to enhance the efforts of the 
Department of Defense to provide job placement assist-
ance and related employment services directly to the fol-
lowing: 
(1) Members of the National Guard and Re-
serves in reserve active status. 
(2) Veterans of the Armed Forces. 
(3) Spouses and other dependents of individuals 
referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2). 
(4) Members of Gold Star Families. 
(5) Spouses and other dependents of members 
of the Armed Forces on active duty. 
(b) ADMINISTRATION.—The pilot program shall be 
offered to, and administered by, the adjutants general ap-
476 
pointed under section 314 of title 32, United States Code, 
or other officials in the States concerned designated by 
the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program. 
(c) COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT.—As a condition 
on the provision of funds under this section to a State 
to support the operation of the pilot program in the State, 
the State must agree to contribute an amount, derived 
from non-Federal sources, equal to at least 50 percent of 
the funds provided by the Secretary to the State under 
this section. 
(d) DIRECT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM MODEL.—The 
pilot program should follow a job placement program 
model that focuses on working one-on-one with individuals 
specified in subsection (a) to cost-effectively provide job 
placement services, including services such as identifying 
unemployed and underemployed individuals, job matching 
services, resume editing, interview preparation, and post- 
employment follow up. Development of the pilot program 
should be informed by existing State direct employment 
programs for members of the reserve components and vet-
erans. 
(e) TRAINING.—The pilot program should draw on 
the resources provided to transitioning members of the 
Armed Forces with civilian training opportunities through
477 
the SkillBridge trainsition training program administered 
by the Department of Defense. 
(f) EVALUATION.—The Secretary shall develop out-
come measurements to evaluate the success of the pilot 
program. 
(g) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than March 
1, 2021, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the congressional defense committees a report de-
scribing the results of the pilot program. The Sec-
retary shall prepare the report in coordination with 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Chief of 
the National Guard Bureau. 
(2) ELEMENTS OF REPORT.—A report under 
paragraph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) A description and assessment of the ef-
fectiveness and achievements of the pilot pro-
gram, including the number of members of the 
reserve components and veterans of the Armed 
Forces hired and the cost-per-placement of par-
ticipating members and veterans. 
(B) An assessment of the impact of the 
pilot program and increased reserve component 
employment levels on the readiness of members
478 
of the reserve components and on the retention 
of members of the Armed Forces. 
(C) A comparison of the pilot program to 
other programs conducted by the Department 
of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs 
to provide unemployment and underemployment 
support to members of the reserve components 
and veterans of the Armed Forces, including 
the best practices developed through and used 
in such programs. 
(D) An assessment of the pilot program’s 
minority outreach efforts, participation out-
comes, and participation rates for individuals 
specified under subsection (a). 
(E) Any other matters considered appro-
priate by the Secretary of Defense. 
(h) DURATION OF AUTHORITY.—The authority to 
carry out the pilot program expires on September 30, 
2023, except that the Secretary may, at the Secretary’s 
discretion, extend the pilot program for not more than two 
additional fiscal years.
479 
SEC. 580. CONTINUED ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS WITH SIG-
NIFICANT NUMBERS OF MILITARY DEPEND-
ENT STUDENTS. 
(a) ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS WITH SIGNIFICANT 
NUMBERS OF MILITARY DEPENDENT STUDENTS.—Of the 
amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2020 
in Division D of this Act and available for operation and 
maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the 
funding table in Section 4301 of this Act, $40,000,000 
shall be available only for the purpose of providing assist-
ance to local educational agencies under subsection (a) of 
section 572 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 20 U.S.C. 
7703b). 
(b) IMPACT AID FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DIS-
ABILITIES.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated 
for fiscal year 2020 in Division D of this Act and available 
for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities 
as specified in the funding table in Section 4301 of this 
Act, $10,000,000 shall be available for payments under 
section 363 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106– 
398; 20 U.S.C. 7703a). 
(c) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY DEFINED.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘local educational agency’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 7013(9) of the Ele-
480 
mentary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
7713(9)). 
SEC. 580A. PILOT PROGRAM TO FUND NON-PROFIT ORGANI-
ZATIONS THAT SUPPORT MILITARY FAMI-
LIES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall establish a two-year pilot program to provide grants 
to eligible nonprofit organizations. 
(b) INCREASE.—Notwithstanding the amounts set 
forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount au-
thorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operations 
and Maintenance, Defense Wide, as specified in the cor-
responding funding table in section 4301, line 460 for the 
Office of the Secretary of Defense is hereby increased by 
$1,000,000. 
(c) OFFSET.—Notwithstanding the amounts set forth 
in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized 
to be appropriated in section 101 for Procurement of 
Wheeled and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army, as specified 
in the corresponding funding table in section 4101, for 
Bradley Program (Mod) is hereby reduced by $1,000,000. 
(d) DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.—The Secretary may 
operate the pilot program under this section on not more 
than eight covered military installations in a fiscal year,
481 
expending not more than $125,000 per such covered mili-
tary installation. 
(e) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the Sec-
retary disburses the last of the funds appropriated for the 
pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
report regarding— 
(1) the efficacy of the pilot program; and 
(2) any recommendation of the Secretary to ex-
pand, extend, or make permanent the pilot program. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘eligible organization’’ means an 
organization that— 
(A) is a nonprofit organization under sec-
tion 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986; 
(B) on the date of the enactment of this 
Act, is providing food, clothing, or other assist-
ance to families on a covered military installa-
tion; and 
(C) proves, to the satisfaction of the Sec-
retary, that the organization has received fund-
ing commitments that match each dollar re-
quested from the Secretary by the organization 
under the pilot program under this section.
482 
(2) The term ‘‘covered military installation’’ 
means a military installation— 
(A) on which not more than 5,000 mem-
bers of the Armed Forces serve on active duty; 
and 
(B) located in a county for which the Sec-
retary determines the cost of living exceeds the 
national average. 
SEC. 580B. EXPANSION OF THE MY CAREER ADVANCEMENT 
ACCOUNT PROGRAM FOR MILITARY SPOUSES 
TO NONPORTABLE CAREER FIELDS AND OC-
CUPATIONS. 
The Secretary of Defense shall modify the My Career 
Advancement Account program of the Department of De-
fense to ensure that military spouses participating in the 
program may receive financial assistance for the pursuit 
of a license, certification, or Associate’s degree in any ca-
reer field or occupation, including both portable and non-
portable career fields and occupations. 
SEC. 580C. EXPANSION OF THE MY CAREER ADVANCEMENT 
ACCOUNT 
PROGRAM 
FOR 
MILITARY 
SPOUSES. 
(a) COAST GUARD.—The spouse of a member of the 
Coast Guard may participate in the My Career Advance-
ment Account program of the Department of Defense.
483 
(b) ALL ENLISTED GRADES.—The spouse of an en-
listed member of the Armed Forces may participate in the 
My Career Advancement Account program of the Depart-
ment of Defense. 
SEC. 580D. REPORT ON TRAINING AND SUPPORT AVAIL-
ABLE TO MILITARY SPOUSES. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
that includes a description of the following: 
(1) Financial literacy programs currently de-
signed specifically for military spouses. 
(2) Programs designed to educate spouses and 
service members about the risks of multi-level mar-
keting. 
(3) Efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of fi-
nancial literacy programs. 
(4) The number of counseling sessions re-
quested by military spouses at Family Support Cen-
ters in the previous 5 years. 
(b) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The report submitted 
under subsection (a) shall be made available on a publicly 
accessible website of the Department of Defense.
484 
SEC. 580E. FULL MILITARY HONORS CEREMONY FOR CER-
TAIN VETERANS. 
Section 1491(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) The Secretary concerned shall provide full mili-
tary honors (as determined by the Secretary concerned) 
for the funeral of a veteran who— 
‘‘(A) is first interred or first inurned in Arling-
ton National Cemetery on or after the date of the 
enactment of this paragraph; 
‘‘(B) was awarded the medal of honor or the 
prisoner-of-war medal; and 
‘‘(C) is not entitled to full military honors by 
the grade of that veteran.’’. 
SEC. 580F. INCREASE IN ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN LOCAL 
EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES. 
(a) INCREASE.—Notwithstanding the amounts set 
forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount au-
thorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation 
and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, as specified in the cor-
responding funding table in section 4301, for Department 
of Defense Education Activity, line 410 is hereby in-
creased by $10,000,000 (with the amount of such increase 
to be made available for support to local educational agen-
cies that serve military communities and families).
485 
(b) OFFSET.—Notwithstanding the amounts set forth 
in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized 
to be appropriated in section 101 for procurement, as 
specified in the corresponding funding table in section 
4101, for shipbuilding and conversion, Navy, ship to shore 
connector, line 024 is hereby reduced by $10,000,000. 
SEC. 580G. ASSISTANCE FOR DEPLOYMENT-RELATED SUP-
PORT OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
UNDERGOING DEPLOYMENT AND THEIR FAM-
ILIES BEYOND THE YELLOW RIBBON RE-
INTEGRATION PROGRAM. 
Section 582 of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (10 U.S.C. 10101 note) is 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsections (k) and (l) as 
subsections (l) and (m), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (j) the fol-
lowing new subsection (k): 
‘‘(k) SUPPORT BEYOND PROGRAM.—The Secretary 
of Defense shall provide funds to States, Territories, and 
government entities to carry out programs, and other ac-
tivities as the Secretary considers appropriate, that pro-
vide deployment cycle information, services, and referrals 
to members of the armed forces, and their families, 
throughout the deployment cycle. Such programs may in-
486 
clude the provision of access to outreach services, includ-
ing the following: 
‘‘(1) Employment counseling. 
‘‘(2) Behavioral health counseling. 
‘‘(3) Suicide prevention. 
‘‘(4) Housing advocacy. 
‘‘(5) Financial counseling. 
‘‘(6) Referrals for the receipt of other related 
services.’’. 
Subtitle I—Decorations and 
Awards 
SEC. 581. EXPANSION OF GOLD STAR LAPEL BUTTON ELIGI-
BILITY TO STEPSIBLINGS; FREE REPLACE-
MENT. 
(a) ELIGIBILITY
OF
STEPSIBLINGS.—Subsection 
(d)(3) of section 1126 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘and half sisters’’ and inserting ‘‘half 
sisters, stepbrothers, and stepsisters’’. 
(b) FREE REPLACEMENT.—Subsection (c) of such 
section is amended by striking ‘‘and payment of an 
amount sufficient to cover the cost of manufacture and 
distribution’’ and inserting ‘‘at no cost to that person’’.
487 
SEC. 582. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ATOMIC VETERANS 
SERVICE MEDAL. 
(a) SERVICE MEDAL REQUIRED.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall design and produce a military service medal, 
to be known as the ‘‘Atomic Veterans Service Medal’’, to 
honor retired and former members of the Armed Forces 
who are radiation-exposed veterans (as such term is de-
fined in section 1112(c)(3) of title 38, United States 
Code). 
(b) DISTRIBUTION OF MEDAL.— 
(1) ISSUANCE TO RETIRED AND FORMER MEM-
BERS.—At the request of a radiation-exposed vet-
eran, the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Atom-
ic Veterans Service Medal to the veteran. 
(2) ISSUANCE TO NEXT-OF-KIN.—In the case of 
a radiation-exposed veteran who is deceased, the 
Secretary may provide for issuance of the Atomic 
Veterans Service Medal to the next-of-kin of the per-
son. 
(3) APPLICATION.—The Secretary shall prepare 
and disseminate as appropriate an application by 
which radiation-exposed veterans and their next-of- 
kin may apply to receive the Atomic Veterans Serv-
ice Medal.
488 
SEC. 583. REVIEW OF WORLD WAR I VALOR MEDALS. 
(a) REVIEW REQUIRED.—Each Secretary concerned 
shall review the service records of each World War I vet-
eran described in subsection (b) under the jurisdiction of 
such Secretary who is recommended for such review by 
the Valor Medals Review Task Force referred to in sub-
section (c), or another veterans service organization, in 
order to determine whether such veteran should be award-
ed the Medal of Honor for valor during World War I. 
(b) COVERED
WORLD
WAR
I VETERANS.—The 
World War I veterans whose service records are to be re-
viewed under subsection (a) are the following: 
(1) Any African American war veteran, Asian 
American war veteran, Hispanic American war vet-
eran, Jewish American war veteran, or Native Amer-
ican war veteran who was awarded the Distinguished 
Service Cross or the Navy Cross for an action that 
occurred between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 
1918. 
(2) Any African American war veteran, Asian 
American war veteran, Hispanic American war vet-
eran, Jewish American war veteran, or Native Amer-
ican war veteran who was awarded the Croix de 
Guerre with Palm (that is, awarded at the Army 
level or above) by the Government of France for an
489 
action that occurred between April 6, 1917, and No-
vember 11, 1918. 
(3) Any African American war veteran, Asian 
American war veteran, Hispanic American war vet-
eran, Jewish American war veteran, or Native Amer-
ican war veteran who was recommended for a Medal 
of Honor for an action that occurred from April 6, 
1917, to November 11, 1918, if the Department of 
Defense possesses or receives records relating to 
such recommendation. 
(c) CONSULTATIONS.—In carrying out the review 
under subsection (a), each Secretary concerned may con-
sult with the Valor Medals Review Task Force, jointly es-
tablished by the United States Foundation for the Com-
memoration of the World Wars (in consultation with the 
United States World War One Centennial Commission) 
and the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great 
War, and with such other veterans service organizations 
as such Secretary determines appropriate, until the con-
clusion of the review. 
(d) RECOMMENDATION BASED ON REVIEW.—If a 
Secretary concerned determines, based upon the review 
under subsection (a), that the award of the Medal of 
Honor to a covered World War I veteran is warranted, 
such Secretary shall submit to the President a rec-
490 
ommendation that the President award the Medal of 
Honor to that veteran. 
(e) AUTHORITY TO AWARD MEDAL OF HONOR.—The 
Medal of Honor may be awarded to a World War I veteran 
in accordance with a recommendation of a Secretary con-
cerned under subsection (d). 
(f) WAIVER OF TIME LIMITATIONS.—An award of 
the Medal of Honor may be made under subsection (e) 
without regard to— 
(1) section 7274 or 8298 of title 10, United 
States Code, as applicable; and 
(2) any regulation or other administrative re-
striction on— 
(A) the time for awarding the Medal of 
Honor; or 
(B) the awarding of the Medal of Honor 
for service for which a Distinguished Service 
Cross or Navy Cross has been awarded. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In this section: 
(A) AFRICAN AMERICAN WAR VETERAN.— 
The term ‘‘African American war veteran’’ 
means any person who served in the United 
States Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, 
and November 11, 1918, and who identified
491 
himself as of African descent on his military 
personnel records. 
(B) ASIAN
AMERICAN
WAR
VETERAN.— 
The term ‘‘Asian American war veteran’’ means 
any person who served in the United States 
Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, and No-
vember 11, 1918, and who identified himself ra-
cially, nationally, or ethnically as originating 
from a country in Asia on his military per-
sonnel records. 
(C) HISPANIC AMERICAN WAR VETERAN.— 
The term ‘‘Hispanic American war veteran’’ 
means any person who served in the United 
States Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, 
and November 11, 1918, and who identified 
himself racially, nationally, or ethnically as 
originating from a country where Spanish is an 
official language on his military personnel 
records. 
(D) JEWISH AMERICAN WAR VETERAN.— 
The term ‘‘Jewish American war veteran’’ mean 
any person who served in the United States 
Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, and No-
vember 11, 1918, and who identified himself as 
Jewish on his military personnel records.
492 
(E) NATIVE AMERICAN WAR VETERAN.— 
The term ‘‘Native American war veteran’’ 
means any person who served in the United 
States Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, 
and November 11, 1918, and who identified 
himself as a member of a federally recognized 
tribe within the modern territory of the United 
States on his military personnel records. 
(F) SECRETARY
CONCERNED.—The term 
‘‘Secretary concerned’’ means— 
(i) the Secretary of the Army, in the 
case of members of the Armed Forces who 
served in the Army between April 6, 1917, 
and November 11, 1918; and 
(ii) the Secretary of the Navy, in the 
case of members of the Armed Forces who 
served in the Navy or the Marine Corps 
between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 
1918. 
(2) APPLICATION
OF
DEFINITIONS
OF
ORI-
GIN.—If the military personnel records of a person 
do not reflect the person’s membership in one of the 
groups identified in subparagraphs (B) through (F) 
of paragraph (1) but historical evidence exists that 
demonstrates the person’s Jewish faith held at the
493 
time of service, or that the person identified himself 
as of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American 
descent, the person may be treated as being a mem-
ber of the applicable group by the Secretary con-
cerned (in consultation with the organizations re-
ferred to in subsection (c)) for purposes of this sec-
tion. 
SEC. 584. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF THE MEDAL OF 
HONOR TO ALWYN CASHE FOR ACTS OF 
VALOR DURING OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. 
(a) WAIVER
OF
TIME
LIMITATIONS.—Notwith-
standing the time limitations specified in section 7271 of 
title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation 
with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons 
who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award 
the Medal of Honor under section 7271 of such title to 
Alwyn C. Cashe for the acts of valor during Operation 
Iraqi Freedom described in subsection (b). 
(b) ACTS OF VALOR DESCRIBED.—The acts of valor 
referred to in subsection (a) are the actions of Alwyn 
Cashe on October 17, 2005, in Samarra, Iraq, during Op-
eration Iraqi Freedom, when, as a Sergeant First Class 
in Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 
3rd Infantry Division, with no regard to his own safety 
or wellbeing, he repeatedly entered a burning Bradley
494 
Fighting Vehicle after it struck an improvised explosive 
device. While receiving small arms fire, he made his first 
evacuation of his Soldiers. On his second evacuation of 
Soldiers, his own fuel-soaked uniform caught on fire, yet 
he returned to the burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle for 
a third evacuation. Cashe, injured the worst of all in-
volved, with second- and third- degree burns over 72 per-
cent of his body, still led recovery efforts and refused med-
ical evacuation until his men were evacuated to safety and 
treatment. Cashe’s actions saved the lives of six of his Sol-
diers. Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe succumbed from 
his wounds on November 8, 2005 at Brooks Army Medical 
Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. He was 
posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his heroism. 
SEC. 585. ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS OF OPERATION END 
SWEEP FOR VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL. 
The Secretary of the military department concerned 
may, upon the application of an individual who is a vet-
eran who participated in Operation End Sweep, award 
that individual the Vietnam Service Medal.
496 
(5) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘or assault’’ and inserting ‘‘assault, or un-
wanted sexual contact’’. 
(b) SURVEYS OF CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE DE-
PARTMENT
OF DEFENSE.—Section 481a of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘and dis-
crimination’’ and inserting ‘‘discrimination, and un-
wanted sexual contact’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) 
by 
redesignating 
paragraphs 
(3) 
through (5) as paragraphs (4) through (6), re-
spectively; 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
following new paragraph (3): 
‘‘(3) The specific types of unwanted sexual con-
tact that civilian employees of the Department were 
subjected to by other personnel of the Department 
(including contractor personnel), and the number of 
times each respondent has been subjected to un-
wanted sexual contact during the preceding fiscal 
year.’’; 
(C) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, 
by striking ‘‘and discrimination’’ and inserting
497 
‘‘discrimination, and unwanted sexual contact’’; 
and 
(D) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, 
by striking ‘‘or discrimination’’ and inserting 
‘‘discrimination, or unwanted sexual contact’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date of 
the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to 
surveys under sections 481 and 481a of title 10, United 
States Code, that are initiated after such date. 
SEC. 593. MODIFICATION OF ELEMENTS OF REPORTS ON 
THE 
IMPROVED 
TRANSITION 
ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAM. 
Section 552(b)(4) of the John S. McCain National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public 
Law 115–232) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through 
(D) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; 
(2) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as re-
designated by paragraph (1), the following new sub-
paragraph (A): 
‘‘(A) The total number of members eligible 
to attend Transition Assistance Program coun-
seling.’’; and
498 
(3) by adding at the end the following new sub-
paragraphs: 
‘‘(F) The number of members who partici-
pated in programs under section 1143(e) of 
title 10, United States Code (commonly re-
ferred to as ‘Job Training, Employment Skills, 
Apprenticeships and Internships (JTEST-AI)’ 
or ‘Skill Bridge’). 
‘‘(G) Such other information as is required 
to provide Congress with a comprehensive de-
scription of the participation of the members in 
the Transition Assistance Program and pro-
grams described in subparagraph (F).’’. 
SEC. 594. QUESTIONS IN WORKPLACE SURVEYS REGARD-
ING SUPREMACIST, EXTREMIST, AND RACIST 
ACTIVITY. 
The Secretary of Defense shall include, in the work-
place and equal opportunity, command climate, and work-
place and gender relations surveys administered by the Of-
fice of People Analytics of the Department of Defense, 
questions regarding whether respondents have ever— 
(1) experienced or witnessed in the workplace— 
(A) supremacist activity; 
(B) extremist activity; 
(C) racism; or
499 
(D) anti-Semitism; and 
(2) reported activity described in paragraph (1). 
SEC. 595. COMMAND MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH 
TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. 
(a) INCLUSION OF SUPPORT FOR PARTICIPATION IN 
PROGRAMS IN COMMAND CLIMATE ASSESSMENTS.—Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, each command climate assessment for the com-
mander of a military installation shall include an assess-
ment of the extent to which the commander and other 
command personnel at the installation encourage and sup-
port the participation in covered transition assistance pro-
grams of members of the Armed Forces at the installation 
who are eligible for participation in such programs. 
(b) TRAINING ON PROGRAMS.—The training provided 
a commander of a military installation in connection with 
the commencement of assignment to the installation shall 
include a module on the covered transition assistance pro-
grams available for members of the Armed Forces as-
signed to the installation. 
(c) COVERED TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘covered transition 
assistance programs’’ means the following: 
(1) The Transition Assistance Program.
500 
(2) The programs under section 1143(e) of title 
10, United States Code (commonly referred to as 
‘‘Job Training, Employment Skills, Apprenticeships 
and Internships (JTEST–AI)’’ or ‘‘Skill Bridge’’). 
(3) Any program of apprenticeship, on-the-job- 
training, internship, education, or transition assist-
ance offered (whether by public or private entities) 
in the vicinity of the military installation concerned 
in which members of the Armed Forces at the instal-
lation are eligible to participate. 
(4) Any other program of apprenticeship, on- 
the-job training, internship, education, or transition 
assistance specified by the Secretary of Defense for 
purposes of this section. 
SEC. 596. EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION 
OF A ‘‘GOLD STAR FAMILIES REMEMBRANCE 
DAY’’. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) March 2, 2020, marked the 91st anniver-
sary of President Calvin Coolidge signing an Act of 
Congress that approved and funded the first Gold 
Star pilgrimage to enable Gold Star families to trav-
el to the gravesites of their loved ones who died dur-
ing World War I.
501 
(2) The members of the Armed Forces of the 
United States bear the burden of protecting the 
freedom of the people of the United States. 
(3) The sacrifices of the families of the fallen 
members of the Armed Forces of the United States 
should never be forgotten. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress to— 
(1) support the designation of a ‘‘Gold Star 
Families Remembrance Day’’; 
(2) honor and recognize the sacrifices made by 
the families of members of the Armed Forces of the 
United States who gave their lives to defend freedom 
and protect America; and 
(3) encourage the people of the United States 
to observe ‘‘Gold Star Families Remembrance Day’’ 
by— 
(A) performing acts of service and good 
will in their communities; and 
(B) celebrating the lives of those who have 
made the ultimate sacrifice so that others could 
continue to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit 
of happiness.
502 
SEC. 597. REPORT ON CERTAIN WAIVERS RECEIVED BY 
TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter 
during the two subsequent calendar years, the Secretary 
of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the House of Representatives and the Senate a re-
port identifying the number of individuals (disaggregated 
by the status of the individuals as exempt individuals or 
nonexempt individuals) to whom the following applied dur-
ing the reporting period for such report: 
(1) Diagnosed with a covered medical condi-
tion— 
(A) prior to accession into the Armed 
Forces; or 
(B) as a member of the Armed Forces. 
(2) Presumptively denied accession into the 
Armed Forces as a result of a covered medical con-
dition. 
(3) Applied for a service waiver as a result of 
a covered medical condition. 
(4) Received a service waiver for a covered med-
ical condition. 
(5) Denied a service waiver for a covered med-
ical condition.
503 
(6) Separated from the Armed Forces as a re-
sult of a covered medical condition. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) EXEMPT AND NONEXEMPT INDIVIDUALS.— 
The terms ‘‘exempt individuals’’ and ‘‘nonexempt in-
dividuals’’ have the meanings given those terms in 
attachment 3 of the memorandum— 
(A) issued by the Office of the Deputy Sec-
retary of Defense; 
(B) dated March 12, 2019; and 
(C) with the subject heading ‘‘Directive- 
type 
Memorandum 
(DTM)–19–004–Military 
Service by Transgender Persons and Persons 
with Gender Dysphoria’’. 
(2) COVERED MEDICAL CONDITION.—The term 
‘‘covered medical condition’’ means— 
(A) gender dysphoria; 
(B) gender transition treatment; or 
(C) any other condition related to gender 
dysphoria or gender transition treatment. 
(3) REPORTING PERIOD.—The term ‘‘reporting 
period’’ means, with respect to a report submitted 
under subsection (a), the calendar year most re-
cently completed before the date on which such re-
port is to be submitted.
504 
(4) SERVICE WAIVER.—The term ‘‘service waiv-
er’’ includes a waiver— 
(A) for accession into the Armed Forces; 
(B) to continue service in the Armed 
Forces; or 
(C) to otherwise permit service in the 
Armed Forces. 
SEC. 598. STUDY ON BEST PRACTICES FOR PROVIDING FI-
NANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION FOR VET-
ERANS. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense 
and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and with respect 
to members of the Coast Guard, in coordination with the 
Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating when it is not operating as a service in the 
Navy, shall conduct a study on the best practices to pro-
vide financial literacy education for separating members 
of the Armed Forces and veterans. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study required by subsection 
(a) shall include— 
(1) an examination, recommendations, and re-
porting on best practices for providing financial lit-
eracy education to veterans and separating members 
of the Armed Forces;
505 
(2) detailed current financial literacy programs 
for separating members of the Armed Forces, and 
an examination of linkages between these programs 
and those for veterans provided by the Department 
of Veterans Affairs; and 
(3) steps to improve coordination between the 
Department of Defense and Department of Veterans 
Affairs for the provision of these services. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the study re-
quired by subsection (a), the Secretaries shall consult with 
the Financial Literacy and Education Commission of the 
Department of the Treasury. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees 
a report on the study under subsection (a). 
(e) DEFINITION.— In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘financial literacy’’ means edu-
cation of personal finance including the insurance, 
credit, loan, banking, career training and education 
benefits available to veterans. 
(2) The term ‘‘appropriate congressional com-
mittees’’ means the Committees on Armed Services 
of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the
506 
Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and 
House of Representatives. 
SEC. 599. HONORARY PROMOTION OF COLONEL CHARLES 
E. MCGEE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL IN THE 
AIR FORCE. 
The President is authorized to issue an honorary 
commission promoting, to brigadier general in the Air 
Force, Colonel Charles E. McGee, United States Air Force 
(retired), a distinguished Tuskegee Airman whose hon-
orary promotion has the recommendation of the Secretary 
of the Air Force under section 1563 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 599A. RECOMMENDING THAT THE PRESIDENT GRANT 
LIEUTENANT 
COLONEL 
RICHARD 
COLE, 
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (RET.), AN HON-
ORARY AND POSTHUMOUS PROMOTION TO 
THE GRADE OF COLONEL. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) Richard E. Cole (in this section referred to 
as ‘‘Cole’’) graduated from Steele High School in 
Dayton, Ohio, and completed two years at Ohio Uni-
versity before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in No-
vember, 1940. 
(2) Cole completed pilot training and was com-
missioned as a Second Lieutenant in July, 1941.
507 
(3) On April 18, 1942, the United States con-
ducted air raids on Tokyo led by Lieutenant Colonel 
James ‘‘Jimmy’’ Doolittle, which later became 
known as ‘‘the Doolittle Raid’’. 
(4) Cole flew in the Doolittle Raid as Lieuten-
ant Colonel Doolittle’s co-pilot in aircraft number 1. 
(5) For their outstanding heroism, valor, skill, 
and service to the United States, the Doolittle Raid-
ers, including Cole, were awarded the Congressional 
Gold Medal in 2014. 
(b) RECOMMENDATION OF HONORARY PROMOTION 
FOR RICHARD E. COLE.—Pursuant to section 1563 of 
title 10, United States Code, Congress recommends that 
the President grant Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole, 
United States Air Force (retired), an honorary and post-
humous promotion to the grade of colonel. 
(c) ADDITIONAL BENEFITS NOT TO ACCRUE.—The 
advancement of Richard E. Cole on the retired list of the 
Air Force under subsection (b) shall not affect the retired 
pay or other benefits from the United States to which 
Richard E. Cole would have been entitled based upon his 
military service, or affect any benefits to which any other 
person may become entitled based on such military service.
508 
SEC. 599B. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN VETERANS ON TEM-
PORARY DISABILITY OR PERMANENT DIS-
ABLED 
RETIREMENT 
LISTS 
IN 
MILITARY 
ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS. 
(a) INCLUSION OF CERTAIN VETERANS.—Subsection 
(a)(1) of section 2564a of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ‘‘for members of the armed forces 
who’’ and all that follows through the period at the end 
and inserting the following: ‘‘for— 
‘‘(A) any member of the armed forces who 
is eligible to participate in adaptive sports be-
cause of an injury, illness, or wound incurred in 
the line of duty in the armed forces; and 
‘‘(B) any veteran (as defined in section 
101 of title 38), during the one-year period fol-
lowing the veteran’s date of separation, who— 
‘‘(i) is on the Temporary Disability 
Retirement List or Permanently Disabled 
Retirement List; 
‘‘(ii) is eligible to participate in adapt-
ive sports because of an injury, illness, or 
wound incurred in the line of duty in the 
armed forces; and 
‘‘(iii) was enrolled in the program au-
thorized under this section prior to the vet-
eran’s date of separation.’’.
509 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Subsection (b) of 
such section is amended by inserting ‘‘and veterans’’ after 
‘‘members’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) HEADING
AMENDMENT.—The heading of 
such section is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 2564a. Provision of assistance for adaptive sports 
programs: members of the armed forces; 
certain veterans’’. 
(2) TABLE OF SECTIONS.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of chapter 152 of such title is 
amended by striking the item relating to section 
2564a and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘2564a. Provision of assistance for adaptive sports programs: members of the 
armed forces; certain veterans.’’. 
SEC. 599C. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING THE HIGH-AL-
TITUDE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AVIATION 
TRAINING SITE. 
(a) FINDING.—Congress finds that the High-Altitude 
Army National Guard Aviation Training Site is the lone 
school of the Department of Defense where rotary-wing 
aviators in the Armed Forces and the militaries of foreign 
allies learn how to safely fly rotary-wing aircraft in moun-
tainous, high-altitude environments. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that military aviation training in Colorado, including
510 
the training conducted at the High-Altitude Army Na-
tional Guard Aviation Training Site, is critical to the na-
tional security of the United States and the readiness of 
the Armed Forces. 
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND 
OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS 
Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances 
SEC. 601. CLARIFICATION OF CONTINUATION OF PAYS DUR-
ING HOSPITALIZATION AND REHABILITATION 
RESULTING FROM WOUNDS, INJURY, OR ILL-
NESS INCURRED WHILE ON DUTY IN A HOS-
TILE FIRE AREA OR EXPOSED TO AN EVENT 
OF HOSTILE FIRE OR OTHER HOSTILE AC-
TION. 
Section 372(b)(1) of title 37, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(1) The date on which the member is returned 
for assignment to other than a medical or patient 
unit for duty; however, in the case of a member 
under the jurisdiction of a Secretary of a military 
department, the date on which the member is deter-
mined fit for duty.’’.
511 
SEC. 602. BASIC NEEDS ALLOWANCE FOR LOW-INCOME 
REGULAR MEMBERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 37, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 402a 
the following new section: 
‘‘§ 402b. Basic needs allowance for low-income reg-
ular members 
‘‘(a) ALLOWANCE REQUIRED.—(1) Subject to para-
graph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall pay to each cov-
ered member a basic needs allowance in the amount deter-
mined for such member under subsection (b). 
‘‘(2) In the event a household contains two or more 
covered members entitled to receive the allowance under 
this section in a given year, only one allowance may be 
paid for that year to a covered member among such cov-
ered members whom such covered members shall jointly 
elect. 
‘‘(b) AMOUNT
OF ALLOWANCE
FOR
A COVERED 
MEMBER.—(1) The amount of the monthly allowance pay-
able to a covered member under subsection (a) for a year 
shall be the aggregate amount equal to— 
‘‘(A) the aggregate amount equal to— 
‘‘(i) 130 percent of the Federal poverty guide-
lines of the Department of Health and Human Serv-
ices for the location and number of persons in the
512 
household of the covered member for such year; 
minus 
‘‘(ii) the gross household income of the covered 
member during the preceding year; and 
‘‘(B) divided by 12. 
‘‘(2) The monthly allowance payable to a covered 
member for a year shall be payable for each of the 12 
months following March of such year. 
‘‘(c) NOTICE OF ELIGIBILITY.—(1)(A) Not later than 
December 31 each year, the Director of the Defense Fi-
nance and Accounting Service shall notify, in writing, each 
individual whom the Director estimates will be a covered 
member during the following year of the potential entitle-
ment of that individual to the allowance described in sub-
section (a) for that following year. 
‘‘(B) The preliminary notice under subparagraph (A) 
shall include information regarding financial management 
and assistance programs administered by the Secretary of 
Defense for which a covered member is eligible. 
‘‘(2) Not later than January 31 each year, each indi-
vidual who seeks to receive the allowance for such year 
(whether or not subject to a notice for such year under 
paragraph (1)) shall submit to the Director such informa-
tion as the Director shall require for purposes of this sec-